EPA Targets Cancer-Causing Fumes from Chemical Factories
Published Date: 1/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating rules to cut harmful air pollution from chemical factories, especially those using ethylene oxide (EtO). New checks, leak fixes, and electronic reporting will help keep the air cleaner, with big cuts expected in dangerous emissions. Companies must comment by March 24, 2025, and get ready for new safety steps that could save lives and protect the environment.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
EtO Category Added to CMAS
The EPA proposes adding a new area source category called "Chemical Manufacturing with Ethylene Oxide" and listing ethylene oxide (EtO) in table 1 of the CMAS NESHAP (40 CFR part 63, subpart VVVVVV). This change would bring additional facilities under the rule; EPA identified 29 facilities that would become subject if EtO is added, for a total of 280 facilities that fall within CMAS scope, and 33 facilities that emit EtO.
Fenceline Monitoring for EtO Emissions
The EPA is proposing to add a fenceline monitoring program specifically for ethylene oxide (EtO) at affected chemical manufacturing area sources. Facilities that emit EtO and become subject to the CMAS NESHAP would need to implement monitoring at the facility fence line under this proposal.
New LDAR and Heat-Exchanger Leak Rules
The EPA proposes new leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements for equipment leaks in organic HAP service and for heat exchange systems at CMAS facilities. These LDAR standards would be added as part of the technology review and apply to the chemical manufacturing area sources covered by the CMAS NESHAP.
Pressure Vessel and PRD Control Standards
The EPA proposes new requirements (GACT standards) for pressure vessels and pressure relief devices (PRDs) at CMAS facilities. These standards are being proposed as part of the CMAS technology review and would apply to area source chemical manufacturing operations covered by the rule.
Testing, Reporting, and Emission Cuts
The proposal would require performance testing once every 5 years and add provisions for electronic reporting for CMAS sources. EPA estimates the proposed CMAS amendments (excluding EtO standards) would cut hazardous air pollutant emissions by about 158 tons per year (tpy), and the proposed EtO emission standards would reduce EtO emissions by about 4.6 tpy.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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