Portable Generator Sets / Equipment

For more information about purchasing, permitting, particulate filters and other issues:
Contact Miranda Monge at EH&S (mirandam17@berkeley.edu).

Specifications

It is crucial that you contact EH&S before purchasing your portable generator / equipment to ensure that it meets current emission requirements. If a generator / equipment is purchased that does not meet emissions criteria, it cannot be permitted and installed.

If your portable generator set is

  • larger than 50 horsepower (hp), you are required to register the engine to comply with air quality regulations.
  • less than or equal to 50 horsepower (hp), you are not required to register the engine.

Registration Process

The permit process can take up to 4 months to complete. A general timeline of the process is as follows:

Steps Timeline

Step 1: Begin the permit process
EH&S prepares the documents. However, detailed information required for  the permit application must be provided to EH&S by the Project in order to have a comprehensive submittal.
Step 2: EH&S will prepare the registration forms

1 to 2 weeks
Step 3: EH&S submits registration forms
Step 4: Review by Governing Agency (either Air District or Air Board)

1 week to 2 months
Step 5: Receive invoice; Project pays invoice

30 days
Step 6: Review by Governing Agency (either Air District or Air Board)

1 week to 2 months

Step 7: Governing Agency sends registration / permit.

Step 8: Start Up Notification*
If agency requires a notification, the Project must alert EH&S (at least three days prior) to the start-up date of the emergency generator. This start-up could be for initial testing or general operation. EH&S will then submit this start-up date to BAAQMD.

Recordkeeping

The owning department should keep a log that indicates:

  • Date
  • Hours of operation for reliability-related activities (maintenance and testing)
  • Hours of operation for emission testing
  • Hours of operation for emergency
  • For each emergency, the nature of the emergency condition
  • Receipts of fuel purchased
  • Location where engine was ran (portable engines must be moved every year to meet portability requirement)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who prepares the submittal for registration?

UC Berkeley’s Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) prepares the documents. However, detailed information required for the permit application must be provided to EH&S by the Project in order to have a comprehensive submittal.

What is the timeline for the registration process

See Registration Process.

Topics

Environmental Protection topic page