US EPA Requests Comments on Portions of MACT Rule

Date: August 24, 2006

Source: US EPA

The US EPA requests comments on some aspects of the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs) for new and existing hazardous waste combustors. The current standards, which were published Oct. 12, 2005, address emissions of hazardous pollutants, including lead, mercury, arsenic, dioxin and furans, and hydrogen chloride and chlorine gas based on then maximum achievable control technology (MACT). MACT in turn, is based on the lowest emission levels achieved by the better performing sources within the group.

The combustors affected by this rule detoxify waste and recover energy from hazardous waste and include incinerators, cement kilns, lightweight aggregate kilns, boilers and process heaters, and hydrochloric acid production furnaces. The EPA estimates about 145 facilities operate 265 devices that burn hazardous waste.

The agency believes that reducing these pollutants will improve public health particularly for those who suffer respect respiratory conditions and for those who live near hazardous waste combustors.

EPA is accepting comment on this proposal for 45 days following publication in the Federal Register. More information on this rule visit: epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/combust/finalmact/index.htm.

Sign up to receive our free Weekly News Bulletin