IMPORTANT EPA BOILER RULE UPDATE

Does your Boiler or process Heater burn anything other than natural gas?

(Natural gas fired unites are exempt)

   Mack Overton, CHMM, CIAQP moverton@astburyenviro.com

On March 21, 2011 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published two (2) final rules establishing a National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for both new and existing boilers and process heaters.  One rule regards such facilities which are major sources of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), while the second rule regards such facilities which are area sources of HAPs.  EPA delayed the effective date of the standards applicable to affected sources located at major HAP sources pending reconsideration of legal challenges. 

Area source boiler standards were not stayed, in the March rule.  An “area source” HAP is any facility which has the potential to emit less than 10 tons per year of any single HAP or less than 25 tons per combined HAP’s.

• Existing facilities which are area HAP sources must complete the initial notification of applicability by September 17, 2011. 
• New facilities must complete the initial notification requirements within 120 days after startup, whichever is later, for new affected sources. 
• Additionally, area HAP sources must complete the initial notification of compliance by July 19, 2012 for existing sources subject to tune-up work practices and or energy assessment requirement;
• July 19, 2014 or within 60 days of completing the performance stack test for existing sources subject to emission limits.  Please keep in mind that if a performance stack test is required, the notification must be submitted within 60 days of the test completion.
• March 21, 2012 for existing sources subject to a tune-up work practice or management practice standard;
  • Existing sources subject to an emission limit and or energy assessment requirements:
• May 20, 2011 or on startup, whichever is later for new sources.    

It’s important to contact a professional who can assist guiding you through these new rules.  Astbury Environmental Engineering and Air Analysis have these professionals.  Please contact Mack Overton at (317) 472-0999 or moverton@astburyenviro.com