EPA Announces Finalized NESHAP for Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Boilers [US]

On November 20th 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)…

On November 20th 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for major sources of industrial, commercial and institutional boilers and process heaters.

Three issues

The EPA published a Notice of Final Action on Reconsideration for three specific issues with its 2013 amendments to the Boiler Maximum Available Control Technology standards (Boiler MACT):

1. The definitions of startup and shutdown periods and work practices that apply during these periods;
2. The permissible level of carbon monoxide (CO) based on a minimum level of 130 ppm; and
3. The use of particulate matter (PM) continuous parameter monitoring system (CPMS).

The EPA granted reconsideration of these aspects codified in 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart DDDDD, on January 21st, 2015.

Notice of Final  Action on Reconsideration

In response to the public comments it received, the EPA has issued a Notice of Final Action on Reconsideration.

The EPA is retaining the minimum CO limit of 130 ppm and the PM CPMS requirements that were set out in the January 2013 rule.  The EPA has also made minor changes to the definition of startup and shutdown periods and work practices during these periods.

This final rule also makes a number of technical corrections and clarifications to 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart DDDDD.  This revision to the Boiler MACT affects facilities that operate industrial, commercial and institutional boilers and process heaters as well as emit 10 tons per year (tpy) of any single hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or 25 tpy of a combination of HAPs.

Red-on-line EHS Legalist

Sources:

Final Rule: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters, Federal Register, 80 FR 72789, November 20th, 2015.

Philip Pulitzer, EPA to reconsider some aspects of boiler air emission rule, Red-on-line USA, December 11th, 2014.

40 CFR Part 63, Subpart DDDDD

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