From IMA member company Mostardi Platt . . .
The USEPA has developed a list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that can include volatile organic materials (VOMs) as well as toxic metals. Many facilities that emit HAPs are subject to strict emission standards that require actions to limit emissions of these HAPs. The standards are called the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants or NESHAPs.
The required actions can often be complex and include the monitoring of HAP emissions, use of management practices designed to reduce HAP emissions, reporting and record keeping, and/or capture and control of HAP emissions. Therefore, it is important for facilities subject to the NESHAP requirements to fully understand these requirements and ensure required actions are competed and compliance certification and reports are submitted to state and federal agencies in a timely manner.
There are two types of stationary sources that generate routine emissions of air HAPs:
- “Major” sources – sources that emit 10 or more tons per year of any of the listed HAP, or 25 or more tons per year of a mixture of HAPs.
- “Area” sources – consist of smaller-size facilities that release lesser quantities of HAPs into the air. Area sources are defined as sources that do not emit more than 10 tons per year of a single HAP or more than 25 tons per year of a combination of HAPs.
Industries affected by the NESHAPs include metal fabricating and finishing, paper, plastics, printing, aerospace, and power generation. Emission sources affected by these regulations include industrial boilers/generators, coaters, printer, and plating units. The following link to the USEPA NESHAP website provides a complete list of sources subject to the NESHAPs and information regarding these requirements: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-neshap-9
Mostardi Platt, a full-service environmental, health & safety (EHS) consulting firm located in Elmhurst, Illinois, is working with the IMA to provide information and guidance to IMA members regarding health & safety issues and regulations. Just give us a call with any questions — we are here to help.
Mostardi Platt | 630-993-2100 | BWenzel@mp-mail.com | http://www.mostardiplatt.com
