U.S. EPA Makes Technical Corrections to Emissions Standards for Petroleum Refineries

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed amendments to the Petroleum Refinery Sector Risk and Technology Review and the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). According to the EPA, the technical corrections will provide refineries with regulatory clarity and annual cost savings up to $11.5 million.

The U.S. EPA proposed amendments (March 19, 2018) to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Refinery MACT 1 and Refinery MACT 2 regulations.

In a fact sheet prepared by the EPA, the proposed amendments pertain to maintenance venting requirements and associated recordkeeping and reporting; operating requirements for steam-assisted flares; fenceline monitor placement; provisions that apply when the water-over approach is used to meet the delayed coker vent standards; and the types of pressure relief devices (PRDs) subject to the PRD atmospheric release work practice standards.

The EPA provided background on the proposal amendments stating that “after receiving three separate petitions for reconsideration on the final December 1, 2015 Refinery Sector Rule, EPA is taking action to address concerns regarding the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants requiring Maximum Available Control Technology standards, and NSPS for petroleum refineries. The proposed amendments specifically provide technical corrections that clarify the requirements for work practice standards, recordkeeping, and reporting.”

EPA will take public comment on the notice for 45 days after the proposed amendments are published in the federal register.

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