California, renowned for its stringent emissions regulations, stands at the forefront of the clean-air movement. For decades the state has imposed rigorous emissions limits, especially on stationary equipment like boilers and fired heaters, and this commitment to cleaner air continues to shape its policies today.
Achieving single-digit, ultra-low NOx emissions is not just a possibility—it's a necessity. At Nationwide Boiler, we bring a wealth of experience to the table, offering a comprehensive array of compliance methods:
- Flue Gas Recirculation: A proven technique that significantly reduces NOx emissions while enhancing combustion efficiency.
- CataStak Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Our advanced SCR systems are engineered to deliver remarkable NOx reduction, ensuring you meet and exceed emissions standards. The CataStak is proven in over 200 installations to perform at sub 2.5 ppm NOx levels.
- Ultra Low NOx Burners: Precision-engineered burners that optimize combustion while dramatically lowering NOx emissions to as low as 2.5 ppm NOx.
- Electric Boilers for Zero NOx Emissions: Embrace the future with electric boilers that produce zero NOx emissions, ideal for eco-conscious operations.
Nationwide Boiler has been at the forefront of delivering reliable, ultra-low NOx solutions to boiler owners in California since the state's pioneering emissions requirements emerged in the early 1980s. Our team boasts the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through the intricacies of emissions compliance, tailored to your region and equipment type.
Explore the detailed information below to learn more about the diverse emissions regulations across the state of California, and reach out to us at
Reclaim Compliance For South Coast AQMD
REgional CLean Air Incentives Market (RECLAIM)
The South Coast's implementation of RECLAIM, the world's first comprehensive market program for reducing air pollution, was established to help clean up our air more effectively than traditional regulations. To do this, the program calls for more stringent emissions regulations on NOx and other harmful air pollutants, while providing trading credits and other incentives to companies in order to meet these new limits.
The program has transitioned to a command-and-control regulatory structure, which is an ongoing process that will modify existing rules established specifically for RECLAIM facilities. A revision to Rule 1146 has now been adopted:
| Group I Units ≥ 75 MMBtu/hr |
5 ppm NOx Limit |
| Group II Units 20 - 75 MMBtu/hr |
5 ppm NOx Limit (if existing limit is > 12 ppm) |
Does your facility fall into the RECLAIM bubble? If so, Nationwide Boiler can assist with bringing your stationary equipment up to current standards and in compliance with the latest rules and regulations. With over 150 successful installations, our CataStak SCR system is proven to reduce NOx emissions to as low as 2.5 ppm on boilers, fired heaters, and other demanding applications.
Plus, to address urgent rental boiler requirements, Nationwide Boiler manages a fleet of pre-permitted rental boilers for users located in the the SCAQMD. We recognize the critical need for swift restoration of your operations, and our expedited approach ensures minimal downtime.
San Joaquin Valley APCD Compliance
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) has recently amended Rules 4306 and 4320 which apply to gaseous or liquid fuel fired boilers, steam generators, and process heaters with a total rated heat input greater than 5 MMBtu/hr. Rule 4306 establishes a maximum NOx limit that units must meet in order to operate within the district, and Rule 4320 establishes more strict NOx limits for units that fall within the category, which are generally technology advancing / forcing. With Rule 4320, operators are given three options to comply:
1. Meet specified emissions limit 
2. Pay emissions fee annually to the District
3. Comply with low-use provision (fuel limit of ≤ 1.8 billion Btu/yr)
The primary compliance option, whether governed by Rule 4306 or 4320, is to meet a limit of 2½ ppm NOx by 2023. If compliance is proven at 2½ ppm through source testing, end users will not be subject to any additional emission fees. However, if an alternate compliance option is chosen (5 ppm or 7 ppm NOx based on the table below), end-users may be required to pay additional annual fees of $9,350 per ton of NOx emissions. Fees are based upon the tons of NOx emitted annually, between zero NOx and the permitted NOx limit.
Regardless of which method of control is chosen, the SJVAPCD will require each facility to submit an Emissions Compliance Plan no later than May 1, 2022. Learn more about which category your facility falls into, what your options are, and how Nationwide Boiler can assist with your understanding of these complex requirements as well as preparing the Emissions Compliance Plan.
Visit our rental boiler air permit resources page to learn more about the temporary air permit requirements for rental boilers.
Bay Area AQMD Compliance
Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD Compliance
The Sacramento Metro Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) is responsible for setting forth standards that help clean the air in Sacramento County to meet state and federal health standards. The area's two biggest air pollutants are ground-level ozone and particulate matter. In addition to emission regulations, the SMAQMD works with businesses to provide grant and incentive programs that help local businesses offset the cost of purchasing new and cleaner equipment. 
Rule 411 was developed to limit NOx and CO emissions from boilers, steam generators, and process heaters. The requirements of this Rule apply to all units fired on gaseous or nongaseous fuels with a rated heat input of 1 MMBtu/hr or larger.
Whether you are looking for a new boiler to meet the requirements of SMAQMD, or if you have an existing unit that needs to be brought into compliance, Nationwide Boiler can assist.
San Diego APCD Compliance
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) works to maintain and constantly improve air quality within the region. The district ensures that commercial, industrial, transportation and agricultural businesses are permitted and comply with the local air pollution regulations, and they incentivize cleaner technologies by offering grant funds.
Boilers and process heaters with a maximum heat input equal to or greater than 5 MMBtu/hr require a permit to operate from the district. In addition, units capable of being fired on liquid fuel with a maximum heat input of greater than or equal to 1 MMBtu/hr also require a permit to operate. Beginning April 1, 2021, the District will be accepting applications for boilers above 2 MMBtu/hr and less than 5 MMBtu/hr. These “medium size” boilers will require registration or permitting, even if fired exclusively on gaseous fuels.
Whether you are looking for a new boiler to meet the requirements of SDAPCD, or if you have an existing unit that needs to be brought into compliance, Nationwide Boiler can assist.
