EPA Cracks Down on San Diego Landfill Flares for Cleaner Air
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve new rules for San Diego County that limit pollution from landfill flares, which release harmful nitrogen oxides into the air. This change helps keep the air cleaner and protects public health. People and businesses in San Diego should know comments are open until June 8, 2026, before the rules become final.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Cleaner Air in San Diego County
If you live or work in San Diego County, the EPA is proposing to approve a local rule that limits landfill flare pollution to help keep the air cleaner and protect public health. The rule caps nitrogen oxides (NOX) at 0.06 lb/MMbtu and carbon monoxide at 0.20 lb/MMbtu and is open for public comment until June 8, 2026.
New Limits and Testing for Landfills
Landfill operators in the San Diego area would have to meet NOX limits of 0.06 lb/MMbtu and CO limits of 0.20 lb/MMbtu, install and maintain monitoring devices (e.g., gas flow rate meters and continuous gas temperature recorders for enclosed flares, heat devices for open flares), and perform initial and annual source testing. The rule lists specific test methods (EPA Method 25C and ASTM D3588-98(2017)e1 and D1945-14(2019)) and the EPA identified a deficiency because the rule allowed use of the "most current version" of ASTM methods; the District and CARB committed to submit rule revisions by June 30, 2027 or within one year of the EPA's final action, whichever is soonest.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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