Maryland's Trash Burners Get EPA Nod for Pollution Cuts
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Maryland’s plan to cut air pollution from trash-burning plants by limiting nitrogen oxide emissions. This change affects municipal waste combustors across Maryland and helps keep the air cleaner without extra costs for businesses. People have until May 29, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Maryland approves NOx limits for trash incinerators
If you live in Maryland, the EPA is proposing to approve state rules that limit nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from municipal waste combustors (trash-burning plants). The rules set specific limits including 30-day rolling NOx rates (105 ppmv for the Montgomery County Resource Recovery facility and 145 ppmv for Wheelabrator Baltimore) and 24-hour block or mass limits with deadlines tied to May 1, 2019 and May 1, 2020.
Large MWCs must monitor and report NOx
Large municipal waste combustors in Maryland must continuously monitor NOx emissions with a continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) and submit quarterly reports to the Maryland Department of the Environment showing compliance and flagged startup/shutdown periods. The rule also requires signed, contemporaneous operating logs and quarterly data submissions.
Small MWCs must meet federal subpart JJJ rules
Maryland's rules require small municipal waste combustors (capacity at least 35 tons/day and up to 250 tons/day, constructed on or before August 30, 1999) to comply with 40 CFR part 62 subpart JJJ, including emission limits and continuous monitoring as applicable. This brings these smaller units under the referenced federal subpart requirements.
EPA finds no extra cost to small entities
The EPA states that approving Maryland's SIP revisions merely approves state law and does not impose requirements beyond state law, and it certified that this action "is not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities" under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The EPA also says the action does not impose unfunded mandates or significant costs on small governments.
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