The compliance deadline for existing large (>10 MMBtu/hr) coal-fired boilers subject to the Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rule (40 CFR 63 Subpart DDDDD) is September 13, 2007. By this date, facilities with subject boilers must be in compliance with the standard (i.e., meet emission and operating limits, employ work practice standards, have written testing and monitoring plans). Initial compliance must be demonstrated within 180 days of September 13, 2007 or no later than March 11, 2008. There are three ways to demonstrate initial compliance: 1) fuel analysis for total selected metals, mercury, and chlorine; and calculation of emission rates 2) stack testing for PM, HCl, and Hg (accompanied by fuel analysis above); or 3) health-based compliance alternative evaluation for HCl and total selected metals (for which the deadline is 12 months earlier, i.e. September 13, 2006). The method used for initial compliance demonstration sets the course for future compliance demonstration and monitoring procedures. Planning should be underway to ensure compliance by the deadline. For more information, go to: www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/boiler/boilerpg.html. If you need assistance in assessing applicability, planning, and/or compliance demonstration please contact Dawn Miller or Jeff Slayback at (513) 825-7500.
On July 11, 2006, EPA promulgated final New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary compression ignition (diesel) engines constructed or ordered after July 11, 2005. The rules limit emissions of NOx, PM, SO2, CO, and HC to the same levels required by U.S. EPA’s nonroad diesel engine regulations. The rules take effect in three increasingly stringent stages:
The requirements vary depending on the size and designated use (e.g., emergency versus non-emergency engines, fire pump engines, etc.). The main burden for meeting the emission limits will fall on the manufacturers, but owners/operators will have monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements, including use of specified low-sulfur fuel. For more information, refer to the Federal Register notice or contact Jeff Slayback at (800) 229-7495 or Kent Berry at (800) 229-5299.
In September 2002, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman designated Cincinnati, Ohio as the home of EPA’s newly formed National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC). The selection was prompted by the fact that Cincinnati has been a center of public health and environmental research for decades. The Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center, located next to the University of Cincinnati, houses over 800 employees conducting investigations on a broad range of public health and environmental issues. NHSRC is focused on several research areas addressing terrorist threats and attacks. These include water infrastructure protection, decontamination and consequence management, threat and consequence assessment, technology testing and evaluation, and analytical methods development and response. Scientists and engineers assigned to homeland security research are supported by specialists from other EPA research centers and laboratories, along with representatives from other federal agencies, the academic community, and the private sector. While the Center's research is focused on intentional threats and attacks, many of the scientific and engineering projects have multiple benefits that support the Agency's broader mission of public health and environmental protection.
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