On April 9, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new rule targeting hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from chemical plants. This rule specifically addresses emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO) and chloroprene, among other Hazardous Air Pollutants, aiming to improve air quality and protect public health.
Key Points of the New Rule:
- Compliance Deadlines:
- Facilities must reduce EtO emissions within two years of the rule’s effective date.
- Chloroprene emissions must be reduced within 90 days.
- Affected Equipment and Processes:
- The rule impacts synthetic organic chemicals production, polymers and resins production, including neoprene.
- Approximately 200 plants nationwide will need to comply.
- Stricter Emission Controls:
- Enhanced standards for flares, heat exchange systems, process vents, and storage vessels.
- Emissions control must now be maintained during startup, shutdown, and malfunction periods.
- Fenceline Monitoring:
- Required for facilities handling any of six specified air toxics, including EtO and chloroprene.
- Monitoring for chloroprene at neoprene production facilities must start within 90 days; for others, within two years.
- Quarterly data submissions to the EPA will be made public.
- Action Levels:
- Specific annual average concentration limits are set for each chemical.
- For EtO, the action level is 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air.
- Chloroprene has dual action levels: 0.8 micrograms (general compliance) and 0.3 micrograms (neoprene facilities).
The EPA’s new rule underscores the commitment to reducing harmful emissions and protecting communities near chemical plants. Stay tuned for more updates as the Hazardous Air Pollutants rule comes into effect and compliance efforts begin.
Feel free to reach out with any questions about how this new regulation might impact your operations or for assistance in ensuring compliance.
