Archive for December, 2010
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
This action promulgates amendments to Methods 201A and 202. The final amendments to Method 201A add a particle-sizing device to allow for sampling of particulate matter with mean aerodynamic diameters less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5 or fine particulate matter). The final amendments to Method 202 revise the sample collection and recovery procedures of the method to reduce the formation of reaction artifacts that could lead to inaccurate measurements of condensable particulate matter. Additionally, the final amendments to Method 202 eliminate most of the hardware and analytical options in the existing method, thereby increasing the precision of the method and improving the consistency in the measurements obtained between source tests performed under different regulatory authorities.
This action also announces that EPA is taking no action to affect the already established January 1, 2011 sunset date for the New Source Review (NSR) transition period, during which EPA is not requiring that State NSR programs address condensable particulate matter emissions.
DATES: This final action is effective on January 1, 2011.
Methods for Measurement of Filterable PM10 and PM2.5 and Measurement of Condensable PM Emissions from Stationary Sources
80117-80172 http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-30847.htm
Tags: EPA, PM10, PM2.5, sampling equipment, test equipment
Posted in Arizona Air News, California Air News, EPA Air News, Oregon Air News, Washington Air News | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
This action proposes how EPA will address the residual risk and technology review conducted for two industrial source categories regulated by separate national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. It also proposes to address provisions related to emissions during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction.
Comments must be received on or before February 22, 2011. Public Hearing. If anyone contacts EPA requesting to speak at a public hearing by January 5, 2011, a public hearing will be held on January 20, 2011. Submit your comments: http://www.regulations.gov:
Tags: EPA, NESHAPS, SSMP
Posted in EPA Air News, NESHAP | No Comments »
Monday, December 20th, 2010
The EPA’s Measurement Policy Group has posted the review draft of the “Guidance on the Recommended Procedures for Development of Emissions Factors and Use of the WebFIRE Emissions Factor Database.” The document is available on the CHIEF website as a PDF at: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/efpac/procedures/index.html
Included is an overview of EPAs interactive emissions factors database, WebFIRE, and a discussion of the role the Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT) plays in submitting emissions test data to EPA. Finally, this document provides an overview of the data review and public participation process that the EPA should follow when developing new or revised recommended emissions factors.
Comments on the proposed procedures are due February 17, 2010. Please submit comments and questions in writing to the Info CHIEF Help Desk at info.chief@epa.gov.
Tags: Electronic Reporting Tool, emission factors, Emissions, EPA, ERT, stationary emission units, stationary source
Posted in EPA Air News, Information Collection Request (ICR) Testing | No Comments »
Monday, December 20th, 2010
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing actions under the greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting program to address issues about the public availability of certain data that some businesses may consider to be confidential. The total emissions for each facility is still required to be reported to EPA and released to the public.
In July 2010, EPA proposed to determine that information included in emissions equations are “emissions data” and cannot be protected as confidential business information under the Clean Air Act. Under the proposed determination, EPA would have to make these data available to the public once they are submitted to the agency.
In today’s actions, EPA is soliciting comments from stakeholders seeking more specific information about claims of business sensitivity regarding inputs to emissions equations and proposing to defer the deadline for reporting that data until March 2014. The new information and reporting deferral would allow EPA to assess the issue and make final decisions on how to treat the data elements in question. The proposals will not change the requirement that facilities retain these data so that EPA may directly follow up with facilities through on-site audits.
For more information on these actions:
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/CBI.html
For more information on the GHG Reporting Program:
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
CONTACT: Cathy Milbourn (News Media Only) milbourn.cathy@epa.gov
(202) 564-7849 (202) 564-4355
Tags: confidential business information, emissions data, EPA, GHGs
Posted in EPA Air News | No Comments »
Friday, December 17th, 2010
This rulemaking proposes to add new features to Oregon’s LEV rules, incorporating recently adopted rule updates by California. For information on this rulemaking, including how to comment, vist the DEQ Low Emission Vehicles web page. A hearing is scheduled in Portland for Jan. 24, 2011. Comments are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 27, 2011
Posted in Oregon Air News | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 17th, 2010
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is cutting emissions from gold ore processing and production facilities with a new standard that will reduce annual mercury emissions by more than 75 percent from 2007 levels. This action is one of several steps EPA is taking to reduce mercury levels in our environment, which can damage children’s developing brains and nervous systems even before they are born.
EPA’s action sets the first national standard for mercury air emissions from industrial gold production, the seventh largest source of mercury air emissions in the country. Cuts made to meet the standard will build on the progress that has already been made under the state of Nevada’s successful program for controlling mercury emissions from precious metal mining.
There are more than 20 facilities that extract gold from ore that will need to meet the requirements of the rule within three years. Some facilities in Nevada already are making significant progress toward the federal requirements under that state’s program.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/new.html Air News Release from EPA on December 17, 2010
Tags: EPA, gold ore, gold production, Hg, Mercury, methylmercury
Posted in EPA Air News | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) ACTION: Notice of reconsideration of final rule; request for public comment; notice of public meeting.
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SUMMARY: On March 3, 2010, EPA published final national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for existing compression ignition stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines. Subsequently, the Administrator received two petitions for reconsideration concerning one particular issue arising from the final rule. EPA is announcing our reconsideration of and requesting public comment on that one issue. Specifically, while EPA is not proposing at this time any specific changes to our regulations, EPA is requesting comment on our decision to amend the limitations on operation of emergency stationary engines to allow emergency engines to operate for up to 15 hours per year as part of an emergency demand response program. EPA plans to issue a final decision on this issue as expeditiously as possible. EPA is seeking comment only on this issue.
EPA will not respond to any comments addressing any other issue or any other provisions of the final rule or any other rule.
DATES: Comments. Comments must be received on or before February 7, 2011, or 30 days after date of public meeting if later.
For more information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-30627.htm
Tags: EPA, NESHAPS, Part 63, RICE
Posted in EPA Air News, NESHAP | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
This is to inform you that the EPA Administrator signed the promulgation package to revise EPA Methods 201A and 202 in Subpart M of 40CFR51. This completes a task that EPA started over four years ago. The revisions to Method 201A changed this method from one that quantifies only PM10 to one that also quantifies PM2.5. The revisions to Method 202 changed this method from one that could produce a wide range of results and included sulfate artifact formed from SO2 to a standardized method producing consistent results with artifact levels below the methods measurement capability. Because of the complex equations and length of this rule, we have requested galley proofs from the Federal Register Office. As a result, it is unclear when this rule will be published in the Federal Register. I will e- mail you when it is published. Until that time, you can obtain a copy of the rule that the Administrator signed and was sent for publication at: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/new.html .
_________________________________
Ron Myers
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Sector Policy and Programs Division
Monitoring Policy Group, D243-05
RTP NC 27711
Tel. 919.541.5407
Fax 919.541.1039
E-mail myers.ron@epa.gov
Tags: EPA Method 5, M202, Method 202, OTM28, PM2.5
Posted in Bay Area AQMD, California Air News, EPA Air News, NESHAP, Oregon Air News, San Joaquin Valley APCD, Washington Air News | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
The District will be holding a public workshop to discuss and receive comments on changes to Rule 2201 (New and Modified Stationary Source Review Rule). The District is proposing to revise Rule 2201 to add the federal PM2.5 new source review requirements, which include establishing the PM2.5 major source permitting thresholds, offset ratios, PM2.5 precursor offset applicability, and potentially establishing PM2.5 interpollutant offset ratios. Additionally, the amendments will include some language changes to improve clarity and assure SIP approval of the limited offset exemption for minor agricultural sources. The workshop will be held on December 14, 2010 at 1:30 pm in person in the District’s Fresno office, and via VTC in the District’s Bakersfield and Modesto offices. More information, including a draft rule and a preliminary draft staff report, are available on the District’s website at: http://www.valleyair.org/Workshops/public_workshops_idx.htm
Tags: NSR, offsets, PM2.5, SIP, SJV, SJVAPCD
Posted in California Air News, San Joaquin Valley APCD | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
SUMMARY: On June 15, 2010, EPA notified Petitioners that the Agency intended to initiate the reconsideration process in response to their request for reconsideration of certain provisions in the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Chemical Manufacturing Area Sources. Among the provisions that EPA is reconsidering is a requirement that certain affected sources obtain a permit. EPA is staying until March 14, 2011, the requirement for certain affected sources to comply with the title V permit program. Because we believe
the reconsideration process may not be completed within 90 days, we are also proposing in a separate notice to stay the provision requiring certain sources to obtain a permit after the final reconsideration rule is published in the Federal Register.
DATES: Effective December 14, 2010, 40 CFR 63.11494(e) of subpart VVVVVV is stayed until March 14, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Randy McDonald, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division, Coatings and Chemicals Group (E143-01), Environmental Protection
Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, telephone number: (919) 541-5402; fax number: (919) 541-0246; e-mail address: mcdonald.randy@epa.gov.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-31327.htm
Tags: EPA, NESHAPS
Posted in EPA Air News, NESHAP | 1 Comment »
