EPA Emission Rules for Boilers

On March 21, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published three rules regarding air emissions standards in the Federal Register. Two of the three rules pertain to boilers and are specifically designed to reduce emissions of air pollutants. The two rules are:

Major Source (Boiler MACT) Rule: Rules to reduce boiler and process heater emissions at large sources of air toxics

Area Source Rule: Rules to reduce boiler emissions at small sources of air toxics

The EPA reexamined parts of the Major Source and Area Source Rules and issued proposed reconsidered standards on December 2, 2011. The EPA said that it expected to finalize the reconsideration by spring 2012. While it is carrying out the formal reconsideration process, the EPA delayed implementation of the Major Source Rule (also known as Boiler MACT or BMACT).

However, the compliance requirements of the Area Source Rule, which include the majority of boilers in the United States, are in effect while the EPA is reconsidering this rule. Affected boiler owners must take immediate action to begin compliance.The first step is sending an initial notification form to the EPA. Although the rules for Major Source facilities are not yet in effect, Robertson & Badrak recommends that Major Source facilities send in notification of their status as a Major Source.

Examples of the types of requirements under these two new rules include: boiler tune-ups, emissions limit requirements, one-time energy assessments, and monthly fuel monitoring.

Several reports are required to validate compliance with the new rules. The first report to be submitted is an Initial Notification of Applicability. It was due September 17, 2011, if startup was before May 20, 2011. If startup was on or after May 20, 2011, the notification was due September 17, 2011, or within 120 days after startup for Area Source facilities, or within 15 days after startup for Major Source facilities. If you missed the notification deadline, send in your form as soon as possible.

We will continue to update information as it becomes available and upload the forms necessary for compliance. If you would like to receive notification when we post updates, please contact us for more information.