July 4, 2005 — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will reopen for public comment certain aspects of its National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters, issued in September 2004. The action is in response to a petition filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP).
Facilities may comply with the requirements of the September 2004 final rule by demonstrating that their emissions have minimal impact on human health. In this reconsideration, EPA is requesting additional public comment on the approach a facility owner or operator may use to demonstrate eligibility for the health-based compliance alternatives.
The environmental groups’ petition asks for reconsideration and requests a stay of the health-based alternatives. Although EPA is not granting the petitioners’ request for a stay, the agency will provide a 45-day comment period.
EPA estimates that this rule will reduce total annual air toxics 50,600-58,500 tons per year at full implementation (in the 5th year after promulgation), with compliance costs estimated to total $1.4 Billion to $1.7 billion in the same period. For information visit the EPA Web site.
