EPA Proposes Changes to the Boiler MACT Rule
September 4, 2020
By: Frank Burbach
On August 25, 2020, EPA published proposed changes to the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters. This rule, commonly referred to as the “Boiler MACT” (Maximum Achievable Control Technology), establishes emission limits on boilers and indirect-fired process heaters at sites that are major sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). The changes include adjustments to the emission limits currently listed in the Boiler MACT, and many of the newly proposed limits are more stringent. Comments on the proposed amendments will be accepted by EPA for a period of 60 days following the date of publication. The deadline for submittal is October 24, 2020.
Important Highlights of Proposed Changes:
- Existing boilers will have three years from the effective date of the new rule to demonstrate compliance with the revised limits.
- New boilers that are constructed prior to this new deadline will be allowed to operate under the old emission limits until after the deadline. Any boilers constructed after that time, will need to comply with the limits upon startup.
Owners or operators of boilers and process heaters subject to the Boiler MACT will need to determine their ability to comply with the new limits. In some cases, additional controls may be needed. Stack tests may also be required to demonstrate compliance. It’s important to review your permit and seek expert guidance to determine the impact of the proposed changes to your current compliance program.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this proposed change in EPA’s policy, please visit the EPA website: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/industrial-commercial-and-institutional-boilers-and-process-heaters
To submit comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, comments may be submitted via email to a-and-r-docket@epa.gov, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0058.
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Frank Burbach, P.E.
Mr. Burbach has 23 years of experience in the field of air permitting and compliance. He originally worked for 3 years at Georgia’s Air Protection Branch writing air permits and initiating enforcement action for a variety of companies, including power generation, mineral processing, and shipbuilding. His expertise is in the area of PSD and Title V permit application preparation and enforcement negotiations.
