California Air Resources Board

PORTABLE EQUIPMENT REGISTRATION
PROGRAM ADVISORY

The Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) was established by California regulation and became effective on September 17, 1997. The PERP regulation has since been revised and the amendments took effect on September 1, 2005. PERP is a voluntary program that provides an alternative permitting mechanism to obtaining individual air pollution control and air quality management district permits in those areas where they are required.

Beginning January 1, 2007, the applicable requirements will limit the new registration of portable diesel engines rated between 100 bhp and 174 bhp to those meeting Tier 3 certification. Prior to that date, the requirement is for portable diesel engines in this horsepower range to be certified to Tier 2. The PERP regulation requires new applications for registration of portable diesel engines to meet the certification requirements in federal regulation 40 CFR Part 89 which are in effect at the time of application.

ARB staff is aware that some manufacturers and distributors of portable equipment that is powered by diesel engines require lengthy lead times for the purpose of ordering and delivery of the new equipment. Recognizing this issue and to ensure the registration of new Tier 2 diesel engines rated between 100 bhp and 174 bhp, ARB is strongly recommending applications for newly ordered or purchased portable engines and/or equipment falling into this horsepower range be submitted as follows:

1. Application packages may be submitted prior to the above-listed date with order documentation (i.e., purchase order, etc.) and preliminary engine information on Form 2. In cases where engine information is not available, items such as engine serial number, model number, brake horsepower rating, and certified engine family may be indicated as "to be determined" on the Form 2. Fees should not be submitted with this preliminary application.

2. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. Once the engine information is available or the engine/equipment is delivered, complete applications, purchase documentation, application fees, and the original application package should be immediately submitted to ARB for processing.

After the date listed above, ARB will no longer accept applications for portable engines in this horsepower range that do not meet the applicable certification requirements. Finally, this process does not exempt any owner or operator of portable engines or equipment from the responsibility to obtain an air pollution control or air quality management district permit to operate or a PERP registration when operating in districts where permits are required.

If you need application forms or have any questions regarding this advisory, please call the PERP Hotline at (916) 324-5869 or visit our website. For a copy of the regulation, please contact ARB's Public Information Office at 1-800-END-SMOG. You may also view this advisory and all other Enforcement Advisories.