In the May 20, 2011, Federal Register the EPA proposed a National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymers Production. The agency later (on May 26) announced two public hearings to be held for the proposed rule on June 7, 2011 in Houston, and June 9, 2011 in Baton Rouge, La.

The rule is expected to have an affect on PVC pipe producers and thus their clients, which include a major segment of the pollution control sector. These companies are currently subject to requirements in the part 61 NESHAP. The proposed rule includes requirements that are at least as stringent as the requirements in this existing rule according to the agency, so for facilities in compliance with the final PVCPU MACT, the requirements of the part 61 NESHAP would no longer apply. The biggest change is the splitting up of the regulations as three subcategories for limits on the amount of HAP remaining in resins following polymerization and stripping (i.e. the stripped resin). These subcategories are based on the type of resin produced, and include: (1) Bulk resin, (2) dispersion resin, and (3) all other resin (e.g. suspension and solution resin).

The proposed rule would establish emission standards for hazardous air pollutants from polyvinyl chloride and copolymers production located at major and area sources. It includes requirements to demonstrate initial and continuous compliance with the proposed emission standards. The agency is proposing standards that would apply at all times, including during periods of startup, shutdown and malfunctions.

The proposed standards also include continuous monitoring provisions and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

The agency has established a docket for the proposed rule under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0037 (available at http://www.regulations.gov).

SOURCE: Federal Register