The agency announced a proposed rule for new source performance standards for VOCs and SO₂ emissions from natural gas processing plants.

The EPA announced a proposal to address the reviews of the new source performance standards (NSPS) for volatVOCs and SO₂ emissions from natural gas processing plants. The agency is proposing to add to the source category list any oil and gas operation that are currently not listed. This action also includes proposed amendments to the existing NSPS for VOCs from natural gas processing plants and proposed standards for operations that are not covered by the existing NSPS. In addition, this action proposes how the EPA will address the residual risk and technology review conducted for the oil and natural gas production and natural gas transmission and storage national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). This action further proposes standards for emission sources within these two source categories that are not currently addressed, as well as amendments to improve aspects of these national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs) related to applicability and implementation. Finally, this action addresses provisions in these NSPS and NESHAPs related to emissions during periods of startup, shutdown and malfunction.

All comments must be received on or before Oct. 24, 2011. Three public hearings will be held to provide the public an opportunity to provide comments on this proposed rulemaking. One will be held in the Dallas, Texas area, one in Pittsburgh, Pa., and one in Denver, Colo., on dates to be announced in a separate document. Each hearing will convene at 10 a.m. local time. To read the entire Federal Register announcement or for additional information on the public hearings or to make a request to speak, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION in the preamble by clicking on this link.