On January 17, 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed major changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM). For fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers (µm) in diameter (PM2.5), EPA proposed to retain the current annual standard, but reduce the 24-hour standard from 65 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) to 35 µg/m3. For inhalable coarse particles, EPA proposed to revoke the current PM10 standards (which include all particles less than 10 µm, including PM2.5) and to just cover particles in the 2.5 to 10 µm size range. EPA is proposing a 24-hour PM10-2.5 standard of 70 µg/m3 and is not proposing an annual standard. EPA would further define PM10-2.5 to exclude situations where the ambient mix is dominated by agricultural sources, mining sources, and similar sources of airborne material. EPA is under court order to take final action on the proposed NAAQS revisions by September 27, 2006. For further information, refer to the Federal Register Notice or contact Kent Berry at (800) 299-5299.
U.S. EPA has issued the final “Clean Air Act National Stack Testing Guidance” document. The guidance document supplies critical information to plant personnel responsible for coordinating and scheduling stack sampling programs, including guidance on who should perform testing, timing of tests, using stack testing as a tool to determine compliance, and reporting of stack testing results. Timelines involving protocol notifications and performance of testing and reporting of results are also addressed. This document should help improve uniformity of stack testing protocols, testing procedures, lab procedures and results, and final formats of test and compliance reports. The document also gives plant personnel insight into what the agency will require in regard to process operation, collection of process data, and what a “representative” process condition may mean. The guidance document addresses the following eight major issues:
If you have any questions concerning this new information, please call Dan Scheffel or Tom Gerstle at (513) 825-7500.
U.S. EPA plans to test an alternative method for removal of asbestos from older buildings slated for demolition. The method involves first removing the most friable asbestos-containing materials using current methods. Remaining asbestos-containing materials (primarily wall systems) are left in place. Demolition then proceeds, with the use of water suppression to control the release of asbestos fibers to the air. Chemical additives are used to increase the efficiency of the water’s ability to capture the asbestos fibers. Wastewater generated during the demolition is collected and disposed of as asbestos-containing waste. This alternative asbestos removal method will be tested in spring 2006 at a remote location at Fort Chafee, Arkansas. If the tests are successful, the new method could be used to demolish abandoned buildings in densely populated metropolitan areas to allow redevelopment.
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