Proposed Utility MACT 40 CFR 63 subpart UUUUU Important Dates: Proposed: March 16, 2011 (signed by the Administrator) Published in the FR: May 3, 2011 Comment Period: Closes July 5, 2011 Promulgation Date: November 16, 2011. Introduction of the Rule and History of Rule Making: Electric utility steam generating units (EGUs) are one of the most significant source of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). EGUs emit multiple HAPs including mercury. These proposed standards address emission limits and management practices for coal and oil fired EGUs. These actions will reduce emissions of Hg, Ni, other metal HAPs, acid gas HAP, and additional HAPs. Related studies to rule promulgation: The Utility Study: U.S. EPA issued the Utility Study in February 1998. U.S. EPA collected HAP emissions test data from 52 EGUs (coal, oil, and natural gas fired units) and this information was used to estimate HAP emissions from all 684 utility facilities. This study evaluated HAP emissions based on 2 scenarios: 1990 base emissions and U.S. EPA also identified potential control strategies for 2010 “projected” emissions. these sources. The Mercury Study: U.S. EPA issued the Mercury Study in December 1997 and this study assessed the magnitude of Hg emissions by each source in the U.S. The NAS Methylmercury (MeHg) Study: U.S. EPA funded the National Academy of Science (NAS) to conduct an independent study on the toxicological effects of MeHg and to prepare recommendations of an appropriate MeHg exposure value. MACT versus GACT? This proposed rule treats all EGUs equally and proposes MACT standards for all of the units. Through data collected to create this proposed rule, it was determined that similar HAP emissions and control technologies are found on both major and area sources greater than 25 MWe. Therefore U.S. EPA believes it would be difficult to make a distinction between MACT and GACT. U.S. EPA is soliciting comments regarding this topic.
Proposed Utility MACT 40 CFR 63 subpart UUUUU Important Dates: Proposed: March 16, 2011 (signed by the Administrator) Published in the FR: May 3, 2011 Comment Period: Closes July 5, 2011 Promulgation Date: November 16, 2011. Introduction of the Rule and History of Rule Making: Electric utility steam generating units (EGUs) are one of the most significant source of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). EGUs emit multiple HAPs including mercury. These proposed standards address emission limits and management practices for coal and oil fired EGUs. These actions will reduce emissions of Hg, Ni, other metal HAPs, acid gas HAP, and additional HAPs. Related studies to rule promulgation: The Utility Study: U.S. EPA issued the Utility Study in February 1998. U.S. EPA collected HAP emissions test data from 52 EGUs (coal, oil, and natural gas fired units) and this information was used to estimate HAP emissions from all 684 utility facilities. This study evaluated HAP emissions based on 2 scenarios: 1990 base emissions and 2010 “projected” emissions. U.S. EPA also identified potential control strategies for these sources. The Mercury Study: U.S. EPA issued the Mercury Study in December 1997 and this study assessed the magnitude of Hg emissions by each source in the U.S. The NAS Methylmercury (MeHg) Study: U.S. EPA funded the National Academy of Science (NAS) to conduct an independent study on the toxicological effects of MeHg and to prepare recommendations of an appropriate MeHg exposure value. MACT versus GACT? This proposed rule treats all EGUs equally and proposes MACT standards for all of the units. Through data collected to create this proposed rule, it was determined that similar HAP emissions and control technologies are found on both major and area sources greater than 25 MWe. Therefore U.S. EPA believes it would be difficult to make a distinction between MACT and GACT. U.S. EPA is soliciting comments regarding this topic.