Final amendments to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for electric utility and industrial-commercial-institutional steam generating units were published on February 27, 2006 (71 FR 9866). The rule changes affect emission limits and other requirements of Part 60, subparts Da, Db, and Dc. The amendments lower the PM, SO2, and NOx emission standards for electric utility units. Other changes to subpart Da clarify the rule’s applicability to fuel-fired heat recovery steam generators operated as part of a combined cycle combustion turbine system. The amendments lower the PM and SO2 emission standards for industrial boilers with heat inputs greater than 100 MMBtu/hr (subpart Db) and those greater than 10 but less than 100 MMBtu/hr (subpart Dc). With one important exception, the amendments affect only those units that are constructed, modified, or reconstructed after February 28, 2005. For industrial boilers already subject to Subparts Db and Dc, the amendments include an alternative SO2 compliance option when low sulfur fuels are burned. Further information can be found in the February 27th Federal Register notice or at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/new.html, or by calling Jeff Slayback at (800) 229-7495.
The March 2006 Equation Newsletter discussed EPA’s January 17, 2006 proposal to revise the NAAQS for particulate matter (PM). On February 9, 2006, U.S. EPA published an Advance Notice of proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) concerning implementation and transition to the new PM standards. As noted in the March Newsletter, EPA is proposing to set a new 24-hour standard for PM10-2.5. Because PM ambient monitoring does not cover the PM10-2.5 size range, a new monitoring network would need to be established and 3 years of data obtained before nonattainment designations could be made. Consequently, EPA anticipates that PM10-2.5 nonattainment designations would not be made until May 2013, with State Implementation Plans (SIPs) due in July 2016. By contrast, nonattainment designations under a new PM2.5 standard could be made by December 2009, with SIP’s due by April 2013. Finally, because U.S. EPA plans to revoke the current PM10 standards in most areas of the U.S. in December 2006, the ANPR seeks comment on a number of options relating to the new source review program after December 2006. For further information, contact Kent Berry at (800) 229-5299.
The Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing NESHAP (MON), 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart FFFF, was initially promulgated on November 10, 2003. The MON applies to producers of specialty organic chemicals, explosives, certain polymers and resins, and certain pesticide intermediates. After promulgation, several industry groups petitioned for review of portions of the rule, including applicability, selected definitions, and certain treatment, recordkeeping, and notification requirements. In response to these petitions, U.S. EPA proposed amendments to the rule on December 8, 2005. On March 1, 2006, U.S. EPA promulgated an 18-month extension for existing sources extending the compliance deadline to May 10, 2008. For further information, refer to the March 1st Federal Register notice, or contact George Mesing at (724) 775-2910.
The recent re-designation of attainment status according to the 8-hour ozone standard resulted in many Ohio counties being designated as non-attainment for the first time. Ohio counties currently designated as non-attainment include Allen, Ashtabula, Belmont, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Geauga, Greene, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Lake, Licking, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Medina, Miami, Montgomery, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Warren, Washington, and Wood. Facilities in ozone non-attainment areas that have actual emissions of VOC or NOx greater than or equal to 25 tons per year are required to submit an emission statement for that year. The method for submitting the Emission Statement varies depending on how the Emissions Fee Report for your facility is submitted. Emission Statements for calendar year 2005 are due by April 17, 2006. Refer to the Winter 2006 STARShip Newsletter or call Sheri Bussard at (800) 229-7495 for more information.
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