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204 De s i g n
multinational corporations also implement environmental performance standards for
any project undertaken by the organization, even if a local government agency does not
consider environmental impacts or establish standards for a project.
Issuance of a permit or qualification for funding is likely to depend upon the review
of an application package. This chapter offers guidance on drafting an application pack-
age that adequately discusses the types of environmental impacts that are typical of
most CHP projects, including degradation of air quality (including global warming),
excess noise, and the risks associated with the transport and storage of hazardous mate-
rials. Project size and location can also lead to concerns about impacts not only from
CHP operation, but also from the construction of the CHP facility. This chapter also
provides an overview of the manner in which environmental impacts are typically
managed or regulated by local, provincial (state), and national governments. By under-
standing the concerns of environmental regulators, the project owner, project engineer,
and/or developer can more effectively navigate the application process. This will help
ensure timely issuance of necessary construction permits, and in some cases, secure
project funding.
Building an Effective Application
The process of obtaining environmental permits or the authorization to construct a
CHP system can be time consuming. Prior to approving an application and autho-
rizing construction of a CHP system, the permitting agency will have to answer the
following questions:
• Will the project violate any existing laws, ordinances, or regulations?
• Will the project result in unacceptable environmental impacts?
• Will the project result in unacceptable hazards or health risk?
• Will the project create a nuisance to local communities?
• Are adequate steps proposed to mitigate adverse project impacts?
If the goal is to quickly obtain authorization to construct a CHP system, then the
project developer must take steps to ensure that the permitting authority has the neces-
sary information to easily answer these questions. Preparing an effective application
package will help the permitting authority better understand the project and to issue
permits that are structured to ensure operating flexibility. Such a package must also be
structured in a way that allows for efficient processing by the permitting authority. It
should include official forms accompanied by a report containing an adequate assess-
ment of pertinent environmental impacts. Generally, an application report should
provide an overview of existing environmental conditions, summarize the proposed
project, review applicable regulations, quantify environmental impacts, demonstrate
compliance with applicable regulations, and may include suggested permit language.
Each of these components of the application package is summarized in this chapter.
Overview of Existing Conditions
The project engineer or developer should identify the conditions surrounding the
proposed project. This includes area land-use characteristics and an overview of the
potential receptors who live and work near the proposed project. The application should