United States Office of Air Quality EPA-450/2-90-008
Environmental Protection Planning and Standards May 1990
Agency Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Air i
Status of
Selected Air
Pollution Control
Programs —
May 1990
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STATUS OF SELECTED
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAMS
MAY 1990
U.S. Environmental Protection
Segion 5, Library (5PL-16)
£30 S. Dearborn Street, Room 1670
ffiiicago, IL 60604
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction v
OZONE/CO PROGRAMS
National Ozone/Carbon Monoxide Program 1
Antitampering/Fuel Switching 3
Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) 4
Fuel Volatility 6
Refueling Emission Control 7
Cold Temperature Motor Vehicle CO Emissions 8
Onboard Diagnostics for Motor Vehicles 9
Improved Vehile Evaporative Emission Control 10
Transportation Control Measures 11
Oxygenated Fuels 12
VOC Emission Factors 13
Ambient Nonmethane Organic Compounds (NMOC) Monitoring 15
Regional Ozone Modeling for Northeast Transport (ROMNET) 16
Urban-Scale Photochemical Modeling 17
Federal Measures for VOC 18
AIR TOXICS PROGRAMS
National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse (NATICH) 19
Air Risk Information Support Center (Air RISC) 21
Multiyear Development Plans 23
High Risk Urban Air Toxics 24
High Risk Point Sources 26
Status of Air Toxics Emission Factors and Estimation Tools 27
Air Toxics Modeling Guidance 30
Toxic Air Monitoring System - Methods Development and Sample Analysis. 31
Special Urban Toxics Monitoring Program. '. 32
Inhalation Risk Reference Dose 33
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
Toxic Release Inventory (Title III, Section 313) 34
Air/Superfund Coordination Program 36
Pathogen Emissions from Medical Waste Incinerators 38
Schedule for Air Toxics Regulations Currently Being Considered
Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act or Other Authorities .... 39
Mobile Source Air Toxics Activities 41
PM-10/LEAD/VISIBILITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS
Status of Statewide PM-10 SIP Revisions 42
Status of PM-10 Group I SIP Development 43
Status of PM-10 Group II Committal SIP Development 44
Control of Fugitive Dust 45
Fugitive Emissions from Paved Roadways 47
Winter Road Antiskid Materials 48
Wood Smoke Reduction 49
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Wood Heaters NSPS Status Report 50
Prescribed Burning/Smoke Management 51
PM-10 Emission Factors 52
Stack Test Method for PM-10 53
Stagnation Model Analysis Program 54
Diesel Fuel Quality 55
Lead Attainment Program 56
Visibility Protection 57
NSR/PSD PROGRAM
Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) Rulemaking 59
NOx PSD Increments 60
PM-10 PSD Increments 61
Rulemaking Proposal for Strip Mines and Related Fugitive Dust Issues . 62
New Source Review (NSR) Bulletin Board 63
ACID RAIN/STACK HEIGHTS/SOo PROGRAMS
Acid Rain Implementation Overview 64
Acid Rain Implementation - Emissions Monitoring and Tracking Systems . 65
Acid Rain Implementation - Allowance Trading 66
Acid Rain Implementation - Permits and Integration with
Existing Programs 67
State Acid Rain Program (STAR Project) 69
US - Canada Bilateral Air Quality Accord Discussions 70
Status of the Clean Coal Technology Program 71
Stack Height Litigation 73
Sulfur Dioxide Guideline 74
COMPLIANCE/ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
Rule Effectiveness Summary 75
FY 1990 Compliance Monitoring Strategy 77
Asbestos NESHAP Strategy 78
Development of Compliance Program Operating Guidance 80
Air Stationary Source Compliance Inspector Training Program 81
Tampering Enforcement 83
Assembly Line Testing/Recall Program 84
Fuel Volatility Enforcement 85
INFORMATION TRANSFER ACTIVITIES
OAQPS Information Transfer Activities 86
BACT/LAER Clearinghouse 87
Control Technology Center (CTC) 89
Emission Measurement Technical Information Center 92
Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) 93
Support Center for Regulatory Air Models Bulletin Board System .... 94
Guideline on Air Quality Models 95
Development of Criteria Pollutant Emission Inventory Guidance 96
OTHER PROGRAMS
Status of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 98
Global Climate Change and Ozone Depletion 101
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Indoor Air Program 103
Radon Action Program 106
Radionuclide NESHAP 107
FY 1991-92 NSPS Activity 109
Implementing SIP Processing Recommendations 110
National Air Audit System 112
Air Grants - Program to Identify State/Local
Program Activities and Costs 113
Clean Air Act Amendments on Operating Permits 115
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INTRODUCTION
This collection of status reports has been prepared in order to provide a
timely summary of selected EPA air pollution control activities to those
individuals who are involved with the implementation of these programs.
Persons with general questions or those who wish to receive additional copies
of this report may contact Bill Hamilton, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Air Quality Management Division, Mail Drop 15, Research Triangle Park,
NC 27711. Telephone number 919-541-5498 or FTS 629-5498. Persons with
specific questions on particular program activities are requested to call the
contact person shown on the individual status report.
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NATIONAL OZONE/CARBON MONOXIDE PROGRAM
The 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments allowed areas, under certain conditions, to
have until the end of 1987 to attain the ozone and carbon monoxide (CO) standards.
However, according to data through 1989, 102 areas failed to attain the ozone
standard and 56 areas failed to attain the CO standard. Because of the health
implications of these nonattainment areas (100 million people exposed to unhealthy
air), EPA took the position that it could not wait for Congress to act and
published a proposed post-1987 ozone/CO nonattainment policy on November 24, 1987.
Key points in the proposed policy include:
1. States have to fully implement all previously required control measures
("leveling the playing field").
2. Flexible attainment deadlines based on the severity of the problem, but
imposition of "growth ban" sanctions until within 5 years of attainment.
3. Areas that cannot achieve near-term (3-5 years) attainment must achieve
minimum annual emissions reductions of 3 percent beyond that achieved by
federally- implemented measures.
4. Consideration of controls in expanded geographic areas for ozone
planning-consolidated metropolitan statistical area (CMSA) or metropolitan
statistical area (MSA).
A major focus of the proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act is the issue of
nonattainment of air quality standards. As a result, EPA plans to promulgate a
final ozone/CO nonattainment policy are currently on hold pending passage of these
amendments.
On June 6, 1988 EPA listed the areas not attaining the ozone and/or CO
standards by December 31, 1987 (66 ozone and 50 CO) and proposed nonattainment
designations for those areas. The resulting State implementation plan (SIP) calls
(see following discussion) were done for expanded nonattainment areas (CMSA/MSA).
As a result of these calls, construction bans have been imposed in a number of
areas.
Prior to these activities, because certain States had not made sufficient
progress developing the required ozone and CO plans, EPA proposed disapproval for
14 ozone and CO SIP's on July 14, 1987. The EPA has taken final disapproval
action where the Agency has been 1itigated--i.e., South Coast, Ventura Co.,
Sacramento, Kern Co., and Fresno, CA; and Chicago, IL. Final action on the
remaining areas is on hold pending amendments to the Clean Air Act.
The EPA made calls for SIP revisions to 42 States and the District of
Columbia in May-June, 1988. These SIP calls required States to prepare emissions
inventories; correct loopholes, deviations, and deficiencies; and monitor non-
methane organic compounds. This work would be required under any possible future
scenario. New planning and control requirements have been deferred until after
the proposed post-1987 policy is made final and/or new Clean Air Act Amendments
are passed.
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NATIONAL OZONE/CARBON MONOXIDE PROGRAM
In addition to the areas where the 1988 SIP calls were made, the 1988 air
quality data added 37 ozone areas and 4 CO areas to the nonattainment list; SIP
calls were made for 33 ozone areas and 4 CO areas in November 1989.
Several public interest groups have litigated to compel EPA to disapprove
State plans and promulgate Federal implementation plans (FIP's). Based on these
suits, EPA is currently negotiating to prepare or is preparing FIP's for the
following areas — South Coast, CA (ozone and CO); Ventura Co., CA (ozone);
Sacramento, CA (ozone); Kern Co., CA, (ozone); Fresno, CA, (ozone); Chicago, IL
(ozone); and Maricopa and Pima Counties, AZ (CO). Further litigation is occurring
in Philadelphia, PA, and could result in more requirements for EPA to promulgate
FIP's, with continued severe resource demands on, and legal problems for, the
Agency.
The EPA has undertaken a number of activities to facilitate implementation of
new Clean Air Act requirements in the ozone/CO area. One such activity is the
formation of the volatile organic compound (VOC) Policy Work Group which serves as
a forum for resolving VOC technical issues among EPA's Regional Offices and
various Headquarters elements. In addtion, EPA sponsored a workshop in October
1989 to address potential ozone and CO nonattainment issues resulting from revised
Clean Air Act requirements.
EPA Contact Person
Tom Helms (919) 541-5527
(FTS) 629-5527
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ANTITAMPERING/FUEL SWITCHING
Background
The 1989 EPA tampering survey showed that tampering and fuel switching rates
remain high. Tampering and fuel switching continue to adversely impact the
quality of the Nation's air.
1989 SURVEY RESULTS (percent)
NON-I/M ATP* Only I/M + ATP
Overall Tampering 25 10 15
Fuel Switching 92 3
* ATP = antitamper ing program
There are 47 existing antitamper ing/fuel switching programs (ATP's) in 25
States. These programs cover approximately 25 percent of the nationwide
light-duty motor vehicle fleet.
Current Status
The 1989 EPA tampering survey was completed in August 1989. The report is
currently being drafted. The 1990 survey began March 19 at Santa Barbara,
California. The other survey sites for 1990 included Houston, Beaumont (TX);
Tampa, Miami (FL); Raleigh, Greensboro (NC); Knoxville, Huntington (WV); Lexington
(KY); Gary (IN); Minneapolis, Louisville, Covington (KY); and Boston (MA).
The EPA's proposed post-1987 nonattainment policy includes provisions for
enhanced inspection/maintenance (I/M), which would require many I/M areas to
expand or implement ATP requirements. Enhanced I/M is also a key part of the
proposed Clean Air Act bills being considered in Congress.
The final lead phasedown rule allowing only 0.10 gram per gallon of lead in
leaded gasoline was implemented on January 1, 1988. Since then, the market share
of leaded gasoline has continued to decline. Leaded gasoline currently has only
about 9 percent of gasoline sales. Because of the lower demand for leaded
gasoline and the emergence of mid-grade unleaded gasolines, many retail marketing
outlets have stopped handling leaded gasoline altogether. The final lead
phasedown standard has also resulted in a virtual elimination of the retail price
differential between leaded and unleaded gasoline, and at many stations, leaded
gasoline now actually costs a penny or two more per gallon than unleaded regular.
Such trends will undoubtedly lead to reduced fuel switching in the future.
However, this turnaround will not correct the excess emissions problems attributed
to the many vehicles which already have lead-poisoned catalysts.
EPA Contact Person
Al Mannato (202) 382-2667
(FTS) 382-2667
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MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE (I/M)
Background
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 required the implementation of an I/M
program in any area for which the State had demonstrated in its 1979 SIP revision
that attainment of the ozone and/or carbon monoxide standards was not possible by
the end of 1982. Additional areas adopted I/M after failing to attain the ambient
standards by the end of 1982. Currently there are I/M programs being operated in
63 urban areas in 33 States. By 1991, 2 additional states and 6 additional urban
areas are expected to be operating.
Currently Operating or Scheduled I/M Programs
Centralized
Contractor
Operated
Arizona
Connecticut
111inois
Indiana
Florida 4/91
Kentucky:
Louisville
Mary!and
Minnesota 1/91
Ohio:
Cuyahoga
County 4/91
Tennessee:
Nashville
Washington:
Seattle
Spokane
Wisconsin
Centralized
State/Local
Operated
Delaware
District of
Columbia
New Jersey
Oregon
Tennessee:
Memphis
Decentralized
Computerized
Analyzers
Decentralized
Manual
Analyzers
Idaho
Rhode Island
Anti-tampering
Only
Inspection
Kentucky:
Cincinnati
suburbs
Louisiana
Ohio
Oklahoma
Texas:
Houston
Alaska:
Anchorage
Fairbanks
California
Colorado
Georgia
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri*
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
New York
North
Carolina 4/91*
Pennsylvania
Texas:
Dallas 1/90
El Paso
Utah:
Salt Lake*
Provo 1/91*
Davis County 1/91*
Virginia
* Currently operating with manual analyzers but committed to switching
by the date specified.
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MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE (I/Ml
Current Status
In 1987 and 1988, several States were asked to submit corrective plans to EPA
because audits indicated major operating problems.
The Missouri program has submitted a plan to switch to computerized
analyzers. Davis Co., Utah has also committed to switching to computerized
analyzers by January 1991. It is expected that Provo and Salt Lake will switch at
the same time. North Carolina is switching to computerized analyzers by April
1991.
The States of Florida and Minnesota have passed legislation to implement
centralized, contractor-run I/M programs. Florida has selected the contractors.
The EPA FY 1990 activities include continuing program audits and support to
the States for enhancing I/M programs and reauthorization where legal authority
expires in the near future.
EPA Contact Person
Eugene Tierney (313) 668-4456
(FTS) 374-8456
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FUEL VOLATILITY
Background
The Agency is concerned over the volatility of motor gasoline. Higher
volatility fuel leads to more in-use emissions of evaporative hydrocarbons. This
has a significant impact on ozone formation.
The Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of EPA's certification test fuel has not
changed since it was first specified at 9.0 pounds per square inch (psi) in the
early 1970's. At that time this was representative of commercial fuel. Since
that time, however, the volatility of Class C commercial fuel has risen to as much
as 11.3 psi on a national average. Since evaporative control systems on cars are
designed and tested on 9.0 psi fuel, control systems now in use are not designed
to control emissions experienced in use due to higher volatility levels.
In addition, this higher volatility fuel results in more evaporative
emissions all along the distribution chain for fuel, at transfer stations, and in
vehicle refueling. Control of fuel volatility would also reduce these emissions.
Current Status
A notice of proposed rulemaking on the issue of fuel volatility was published
by EPA in August 1987.
The EPA promulgated Phase 1 of the proposed volatility control program on
March 22, 1989, to begin during the summer of 1989. The Agency held a public
workshop on April 28, 1989, to respond to questions relating to the implementation
of the regulations.
The EPA continues to analyze the comments received relating to the proposed
Phase 2 of volatility control. We are currently working toward promulgation of a
Phase 2 final rule by the summer of 1990. As proposed, we expect that Phase 2
would implement the final step of control and would take effect beginning in the
summer of 1992.
EPA Contact Person
Tad Wysor (313) 668-4332
(FTS) 374-8332
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REFUELING EMISSION CONTROL
Background/Current Status
Control of motor vehicle refueling emissions by means of onboard controls was
proposed by EPA on August 19, 1987. The comments received on the proposal were
analyzed, and preparation of a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking was
initiated as the second phase of the rulemaking process. A separate notice of
proposed rulemaking has been published to address excessive evaporative and
running-loss emissions. Review of the supplemental notice subsequently led to
concerns in several areas, particularly with regard to the issue of vehicle
safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has since completed a
draft contractor study of the safety issue and this is now being reviewed by EPA
staff.
As part of his plan to amend the Clean Air Act (H.R. 3030), the President has
proposed to require vehicle refueling (Stage II) emission controls at service
stations in all moderate or worse ozone nonattainment areas. Subsequently,
amendments proposed in the House and a separate Senate bill (S.1630) both include
consideration of onboard controls as well as Stage II.
Thus, at present, the Agency's efforts regarding refueling vapor control are
largely on hold pending further consideration of refueling control options by
Congress and the expected enactment of Clean Air Act Amendments.
EPA Contact Persons
Glenn Passavant (313) 668-4408
Onboard (FTS) 374-8408
Stephen Shedd (919) 541-5397
Stage II (FTS) 629-5397
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COLD TEMPERATURE MOTOR VEHICLE CO EMISSIONS
Background
A significant number of areas continue to not be in attainment of the
national ambient air quality standard for carbon monoxide. About 90 percent of
the CO exceedances, nationwide, occur between November and February. Over half of
all CO exceedances occur at temperatures below 45 degrees Farenheit, and 90
percent occur below 68 degrees Farenheit.
Motor vehicles contribute the vast majority of all CO emissions. The Agency
currently tests vehicles for compliance with emissions standards only in the 68 -
86 degrees Farenheit temperature range. Setting a cold temperature CO standard
appears to be a cost-effective method of controlling motor vehicle emissions at
colder temperatures. Such a standard could help local areas comply with the CO
ambient air quality standard.
Both clean air bills being considered in Congress include provisions for cold
temperature CO standards.
Current Status
The Agency is drafting a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing cold
temperature CO standards for both passenger cars and light trucks. This would set
interim standards to assist local areas in their efforts to attain the air quality
standard for CO while the Agency determines the level of CO control needed in the
long term. We expect the NPRM to be published during the spring or early summer
of 1990.
EPA Contact Person
John German (313) 668-4214
(FTS) 374-8214
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
Background
Malfunctions of the emission control components on current computer
controlled automobiles are known to cause significant increases in emissions
without affecting driveability. Current estimates show that malfunctioning motor
vehicles may contribute over 50 percent of light-duty vehicle VOC and CO
emissions.
An emission control onboard diagnostic (OBD) system would detect malfunctions
within the emission control system and alert the driver through a dashboard-
malfunction indicator light of the need for repairs. The OBD system would also
facilitate proper repairs through storage of information about the malfunction
which can be retrieved by repair technicians. The State of California required a
first phase of OBD in the 1988 model year and recently promulgated rules for a
second phase to be implemented in the 1994 model year. The Federal rules being
developed for proposal are technically similar to
the two California phases combined.
Current Status
The Agency is drafting a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing
requirements that all methanol and gasoline-fueled light-duty vehicles and trucks
be equipped with an OBD system capable of: (1) diagnosing malfunctions or
deterioration of all emission-related systems or components, (2) alerting the
vehicle operator to the need for repair, (3) storing information related to the
malfunction, and (4) providing access to the stored information for maintenance
and testing. The NPRM is expected to be published in the fall of 1990.
EPA Contact Person
John German (313) 668-4214
(FTS) 374-8214
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IMPROVED VEHICLE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL
Background
Even after gasoline volatility is reduced, current vehicle evaporative
emission control systems are not designed to fully control evaporative emissions
under certain common summer conditions. The most serious concerns are vapors
generated and released during vehicle operation (running losses) on hot,
ozone-prone summer days as well as repeated days of parking on such days.
Current Status
On Jaunary 19, 1990, EPA proposed a new evaporative test procedure designed
to require more effective evaporative systems under more severe ambient
conditions. This test procedure as well as others suggested by some auto
manufacturers will be the subject of comment and EPA analysis as the rulemaking
unfolds.
EPA Contact Person
Alan Stout (313) 668-4227
(FTS) 374-8227
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TRANSPORTATION CONTROL MEASURES
Background
Future EPA transportation control measure (TCM) activities, guidance, and
policies will be determined by the final clean air legislation.
House Rule 3030 contains no explicit TCM planning or implementation
requirements. However, the 5-year, 15 percent emission reduction requirement is
likely to cause areas with the most severe carbon monoxide (C0)/ozone and
congestion problems to evaluate TCMs for inclusion in SIP's.
The well-publicized 1989 air quality management plan for Southern California
contains a long list of TCM's which were determined necessary to achieve
incremental emissions reductions. If the Southern California area represents the
maximum use of TCM's, other areas with lesser problems will probably decide to do
"less of the same."
Section 1630 does contain explicit TCM planning and implementation
requirements for serious ozone and CO areas. These would apply when SIP vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) estimates are exceeded. Even more stringent TCM provisions
apply to severe ozone areas—including a trip reduction ordinance requiring major
employers to achieve a 25 percent increase in average employee vehicle occupancy.
Final clean air legislation may also clarify the Section 176(c) conformity
requirement which could reduce disagreements with the Department of Transportation
(DOT) and increase EPA's role in transportation decisions.
While a final Clean Air Act is needed before EPA can develop a TCM policy,
the nature of TCMs and their impact on individual travel behavior will require
that TCM planning, evaluation, and implementation decisions be done at the local
level.
Current Status
Both the House and Senate bills to revise the Clean Air Act require EPA to
develop TCM information documents. The information documents are currently being
prepared under contract and should be available in about 6 months. In addition,
Region IX just issued a TCM guidance document prepared by one of their
contractors.
Both bills require an updating of the 1978 EPA-DOT Transportation/Air Quality
Planning Guidelines. These guidelines address the integration of SIP TCM
activities with DOT's ongoing planning and programming process.
EPA Contact Person
Gary Hawthorn
(202) 382-7749
(FTS) 382-7749
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OXYGENATED FUELS
Background
The wintertime use of oxygenated fuels is receiving much attention as a
strategy to reduce CO levels. Depending on the type of vehicle and type of
oxygenated fuel, vehicles fueled with oxygenated fuel blends emit 10-30 percent
less CO. Currently, blends are available that use alcohol (either methanol or
ethanol) as well as other oxygenates (methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether [MTBE] and
ethyl-tertiary-butyl-ether [ETBE]).
Colorado was the first State to adopt a mandatory oxygenated fuels program
for the winter of 1988 (January and February) in the Front Range area with a
required oxygen content in gasoline of at least 1.5 percent. For the winters
(November through February) of 1988-1989 and 1989-1990, Colorado required an
oxygen content of at least 2.0 percent.
Current Status
Currently four states have mandatory wintertime oxygenated fuels programs:
Colorado (Front Range area), Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson), Nevada (Las Vegas and
Reno), and New Mexico (Albuquerque).
Both clean air bills being considered in Congress contain provisions which
would require some CO nonattainment areas to adopt oxygenated fuels programs.
EPA Contact Person
Rich Wilcox (313) 668-4390
(FTS) 374-8390
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VOC EMISSION FACTORS
Background/Status
The EPA plans to issue Supplement C to its Compilation of Air Pollutant
Emission Factors. AP-42, in the summer of 1990 to include new or revised emission
factors for the following VOC source categories:
- Refuse Incineration
- Sewage Sludge Incineration
- Magnetic Tape Manufacturing
- Plastic Coating of Plastic Parts for Business Machines
- Synthetic Fibers
In addition, work is under way to revise VOC emission factors for:
- Wood Stoves
- Fireplaces
- Surface Impoundments
- Medical Waste Incineration
- Consumer and Commercial Solvents (Area Source)
- Gasoline Marketing Operations (Area Source)
- Stationary Fuel Combustion (Area Source).
In a related activity, EPA has issued the Surface Impoundment Modeling System
(SIMS), a personal computer (PC) based program for use in estimating organic
emissions from wastewater treatment and disposal operations. The SIMS PC disk,
user's manual, and technical background document can be obtained by State and
local agencies from EPA's Control Technology Center by calling (919) 541-0800 or
FTS 629-0800. Enhancements to SIMS have recently begun and are scheduled to be
completed in September 1990. An AP-42 section on wastewater treatment will be
completed at the same time.
Also, EPA has recently updated the Air Emissions Species Data Manual to
include new VOC species as well as particulate species information. This updated
two volume report was published in January 1990.
Air Emissions Species Manual, Volume I, Volatile Organic Compound Species
Profiles. Second Edition. EPA-450/2-90-001a, January 1990.
Air Emissions Species Manual, Volume II, Particulate Matter Species Profiles.
Second Edition. EPA-450/2-90-001b, January 1990.
Users who have the first edition of the Air Emissions Species Manual (EPA-450/2-
88-003 a & b, April 1988) should obtain the following addendum document which
contains all of the update material:
Addendum to the Air Emissions Species Manual. EPA-450/2-88-003c, October
1989.
In addition to the above hard copy products, the Air Emissions Species Manual is
also available in a PC diskette version.
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VOC EMISSION FACTORS
EPA Contact Persons
E. L. Martinez(919) 541-5575
(Emission Factors) (FTS) 629-5575
David Misenheimer (919) 541-5473
(SIMS) (FTS) 629-5473
William Kuykendal (919)541-5372
(Species) (FTS) 629-5372
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AMBIENT NQNMETHANE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (NMOC) MONITORING
Background
Ambient NMOC/NOX ratios are an important factor affecting the level of VOC
controls needed for attainment of the ozone air quality standard and are required
as input to ozone models (e.g., EKMA) in preparation of ozone SIP's. In the past,
characterization of NMOC/NOX ratios has been hindered by lack of reliable,
practical procedures for measuring NMOC. This problem has been overcome by the
preconcentration direct flame ionization detection (PDFID) method.
During the summers of 1984-89, EPA coordinated special projects to collect
NMOC data via the PDFID method. The EPA provided for the analyses of samples at a
central analysis facility, while participating State and local agencies collected
the samples and shipped them to EPA for analyses. Data recovery is very good;
during the 1985-89 period, there was a 90-95 percent data capture. A number of
samples were also analyzed by the gas chromatograph procedure. The sum-of-species
concentrations from these samples compared extremely well with the NMOC
concentration as determined by the PDFID method.
Current Status
During the summer of 1989, samples were collected from 25 sites in 21 cities.
The cost per site was $21,000.
Future Milestones
The EPA plans to coordinate the NMOC monitoring program for the next few
summers. Plans are being developed to offer several options to the basic NMOC
program such as sample speciation, 3-hour aldehydes, and 3-hour toxics. Cost
estimates for the various options are being developed. Verbal commitments to
participate in the summer 1990 program were due to the cognizant Regional Office
no later than January 1, 1990. However, since only 9 sites have made commitments
so far and sampling equipment is still available, commitments can be accommodated
as late as May 15. The cost of the base NMOC program for 1990 is $18,000 and each
of the options selected will be approximately $4,000 depending on the number of
participants.
EPA Contact Person
Neil Berg (919) 541-5520
(FTS) 620-5520
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REGIONAL OZONE MODELING FOR NORTHEAST TRANSPORT (ROMNET)
Background
It is widely believed that during certain meteorological conditions, the
transport of ozone and precursor pollutants is a significant factor in the ozone
nonattainment problems of the Northeastern States.
A joint EPA/State study, ROMNET, was initiated in October 1987. The modeling
domain is rectangular, stretching from the Virginia/North Carolina border to mid-
Maine and as far west as the western border of Ohio. The study's major purposes
are twofold: (1) to estimate the effects of regional control strategies on the
concentration of ozone and precursors transported from city to city and (2) to
develop guidance for considering transport in developing inputs to urban-scale air
quality models. The ROMNET is a technical study lasting until October 1990.
Results are intended for subsequent use by others, such as the Transport Advisory
Group identified in EPA's November 1987 proposed ozone policy, in order to
formulate appropriate strategies and policies for reducing ozone in the
Northeastern United States.
Current Status
Regional Oxidant Model (ROM) applications have been completed for 14 emission
scenarios during a severe ozone episode observed in July 1988. Scenarios include
(a) VOC reductions implied by maximum control technology, (b) reductions implied
by H.R. 3030 to amend the Clean Air Act, (c) several sensitivity tests in which
highly uncertain biogenic emission estimates were perturbed, (d) concurrent
reductions in VOC and NOX reflecting maximum control technology, and (e)
differential controls applied within versus outside of the Northeast Corridor.
Performance of the ROM model in replicating two observed ozone episodes during
1985 has been evaluated. A report will be released in April 1990. The ROM/UAM
interface software, enabling users of the Urban Airshed Model (UAM) to use ROM
generated data as inputs to UAM, has been completed. This software and its
accompanying documentation are undergoing in-house testing for clarity and
performance.
Future Milestones
The ROM applications for additional control strategies, selected in
conjunction with the study participants, will continue into the third quarter of
FY 1990. A draft final report describing ROMNET results and appropriate guidance
is expected by October 1990. Follow-up analyses are anticipated to integrate the
regional ROMNET findings with local control requirements.
EPA Contact Person
Norm Possiel (919) 541-5692
(FTS) 629-5692
16
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URBAN-SCALE PHOTOCHEMICAL MODELING
Background
A relatively simple as well as a more refined photochemical air quality model
is currently recommended for use in developing SIP's for multisource urban scale
ozone problems; those models are respectively OZIPM4/EKMA and the Urban Airshed
Model (UAM). The OZIPM4 incorporates use of the Carbon Bond 4 mechanism and an
improved procedure for constructing isopleth diagrams. An updated version of the
UAM model has been obtained from the model developer which contains Carbon Bond 4
chemistry. The model has been installed on EPA's IBM computer.
Current Status
The OZIPM4/EKMA model may be accessed through the Support Center for
Regulatory Air Models Bulletin Board System (see status report on this topic which
is included elsewhere in this compilation). The model may be run on personal
computer as well as on mainframe facilities. A user's guide and other related
guidance concerning use of OZIPM4/EKMA are available. The EPA Model Clearinghouse
has been expanded to include EKMA, and will resolve issues regarding deviations
from guidance. Questions on EKMA should be directed to the appropriate Regional
Office personnel.
The "5-City Study" with the Urban Airshed Model has been completed. The
purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of using UAM in the absence of a
detailed field study as well as to examine several questions relating to biogenic
emissions and use of alternative motor vehicle fuels. A public domain, updated
version of the UAM with accompanying user's manuals is expected to be available in
May 1990. A work group consisting of representatives from State/local agencies,
EPA Regional Offices, EPA HQ, academia, consultants, and industry has been set up
to help EPA formulate guidance on the use of UAM in SIP attainment demonstrations.
The first meeting of this group was held in April 1990.
Future Milestones
Workshops to provide hands-on experience to operate UAM are being developed
for late FY 1990. Participation will be limited by available hardware. The
target audience will be Northeast and mid-Atlantic States. Similar workshops are
anticipated during FY 1991 for other areas of the United States. Draft guidance
for utilizing UAM in SIP attainment demonstrations is expected to be available for
review in early FY 1991. A final version of the guidance is expected by mid-FY
1991.
EPA Contact Persons
Rich Scheffe (UAM) (919) 541-5391
(FTS) 629-5391
Model Clearinghouse (919) 541-5684
(FTS) 629-5684
17
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FEDERAL MEASURES FOR VOC
Background
To support State and local agencies in developing control strategies for
attaining the ozone national ambient air quality standard, EPA will be developing
national rules for controlling VOC emissions from selected sources and will be
developing new control techniques guidelines and alternative control techniques
documents for a variety of source categories. The specific categories under
consideration are listed below.
FEDERAL RULES
1. Consumer/Commercial Products
2. Marine Vessel Loading
3. Architectural/Industrial Coatings
CONTROL TECHNIQUES GUIDELINES/ALTERNATIVE CONTROL TECHNIQUES DOCUMENTS
1. Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI)
Distillation Operations/Reactor Processes
2. Wood Furniture Manufacturing
3. Plastic Parts: Business Machine Coatings
4. Plastic Parts: Other
5. Web Offset Lithography
6. Automobile Body Refinishing
7. Clean-up Solvents
8. Petroleum/Industrial Wastewater
9. SOCMI Batch Processes
10. Adhesives
11. Pesticide Application
EPA Contact Person:
Jim Weigold (919) 541-5642
(FTS) 629-5642
18
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NATIONAL AIR TOXICS INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE (NATICH)
Background
The National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse was established to assist
State and local air pollution control agencies in their development and
implementation of air toxics control programs. The Clearinghouse is operated by
EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. The EPA works closely with
STAPPA/ALAPCO to ensure that the Clearinghouse effectively meets the needs of its
intended audience.
Goals and Objectives
The primary purpose of the Clearinghouse is to collect, classify, and
disseminate air toxics information from State and local agencies, EPA, and other
Federal and international agencies. Providing a mechanism for exchange of
information reduces the potential for duplication of efforts.
Current Status
The Clearinghouse collects information by sending data collection forms
annually to all State and local agencies. Agencies are requested to submit
information on agency contacts, regulatory program development, acceptable ambient
levels, permitted facilities, source testing data, emissions inventories, ambient
monitoring, on-going projects, and published reports on Federal research and
regulatory development projects and published Federal and international air toxics
information. Areas of particular interest (e.g., selection of pollutants of
concern, quantifying cancer risks) are covered in more depth in special reports.
Information may be submitted by completing the collection forms and
submitting them to the Clearinghouse. If a large amount of data is contained in
computer files, this information may be transferred electronically to the
Clearinghouse data base (NATICH) files. In addition, the Clearinghouse has a
mechanism for agencies to directly enter and edit data contained in NATICH for
their agency. This allows continuous updating of the data base.
Clearinghouse information is distributed in several ways:
- A computerized, user-friendly data base (NATICH), available at a cost of
approximately $15-20 per hour of use. The NATICH contains all of the information
collected by the Clearinghouse, generally indexed by agency, pollutant, emission
source, and research subject. Information can be viewed on screen, or users may
request comprehensive "batch" reports which will print at a remote location.
Federal, State or local government users may also access the Toxic Release
Inventory System (TRIS) through NATICH. The TRIS is a data base of information
collected as a result of Section 313 (right-to-know) of the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act (SARA) (see status report entitled "Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act Toxic Release Inventory (Title III, section 313)" for more
information on this topic).
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NATIONAL AIR TOXICS INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE (NATICH)
- Hard copy reports of data contained in NATICH, issued on a regular basis;
special reports on specific air toxics issues; and bimonthly newsletters
containing information on State, local, and Federal air toxics programs and
activities, research, case studies; etc., which are available free of charge to
Government agencies.
Future Milestones
The linkage of NATICH to TRIS has been quite helpful to users. Similar links
are being explored for the Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) (see
included status report for more information on AIRS) and a health effects data
base.
EPA Contact Persons
Melissa McCullough (919) 541-5646
(FTS) 629-5646
Nancy Riley (919) 541-5353
(FTS) 629-5353
John Vandenberg (919) 541-5352
(FTS) 629-5352
Scott Voorhees (919) 541-5348
(FTS) 629-5348
20
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AIR RISK INFORMATION SUPPORT CENTER (Air RISC)
Background
The Air RISC was established in 1988 to assist State and local air pollution
control agencies and EPA Regional Offices on technical matters pertaining to
health, exposure, and risk assessment for noncriteria air pollutants. It is
operated by EPA's Offices of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) and Health
and Environmental Assessment (OHEA). The Air RISC is managed by a Steering
Committee that provides guidance and makes decisions on funding and various
operational procedures. Joan Held, from the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection, represents STAPPA and ALAPCO by her participation as an
advisory member to the Steering Committee. Nicholas Ciceretti, from the
Philadelphia Air Management Services, is the back-up contact for Ms. Held. Their
purpose as advisory members is to ensure that Air RISC is meeting the needs of its
client community.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the Air RISC is to support State/local (S/L) agencies and
Regional Offices in the implementation of air toxics control programs by providing
technical guidance and information on matters pertaining to health, exposure, and
risk assessment of toxic air pollutants. The objectives of the center are as
follows:
- To provide a mechanism to transfer to S/L agencies available health and
risk assessment information through summaries of health effects information,
workshops, and seminars.
- To provide telephone access to EPA expertise as an initial quick response
to individual problems.
- To provide technical review and/or consultation on site-specific risk
assessments.
- To provide guidance to S/L agencies on how to conduct hazard, exposure and
risk analyses, as well as how to interpret their results.
- To provide a mechanism so that S/L agencies can have access to EPA
expertise in answering questions pertaining to the scientific basis for conducting
risk assessments.
- To obtain feedback from S/L's to EPA on technical support needs of those
agencies in the area of health and risk assessment.
Current Status
The Air RISC became fully operational in the last quarter of FY 1988. The
Steering Committee includes membership from OAQPS and the OHEA, with advisory
members from the EPA Regional Offices, S/L agencies, the EPA library and EPA's
Health Effects Research Laboratory. It is important to note the three kinds of
services which Air RISC provides:
1. Hotline - for quick referral to experts, and provisions of available EPA
health assessment. The Air RISC has responded to over 1,000 requests for
information from 68 different State agencies in 47 States and from 56 local
agencies on a wide range of subjects.
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AIR RISK INFORMATION SUPPORT CENTER (Air RISC)
2. Technical Assistance - for more in-depth evaluation and retrieval of
information than can be provided via the hotline. The Air RISC has initiated or
completed projects on burning of agricultural plastics, open tire burning, asphalt
fumes, integrated steel mills, and short-term effects of hydrogen chloride.
3. Technical Guidance - for questions general enough in nature to be
applicable for many S/L agencies. The following Technical Guidance Projects have
been initiated or completed:
- Glossary of Terms Related to Health, Exposure, and Risk Assessment
- Directory of Information Resources Related to Health, Exposure, and
Risk Assessment of Air Toxics
- Air RISC Workshops on Risk Assessment and Risk Communication
- Compilation of Odor Thresholds and Toxic Effect Levels
- Quantitative Risk Assessment Principles and Procedures-Descriptive
Guidance
- Risk Communication-Public Participation Manual and Educational
Materials
- Risk Assessment for Partial Lifetime Exposures
- One day courses in risk assessment and exposure assessment.
Future Milestones
The Air RISC will undertake additional promotional activities in 1990 in
order to reach a broader range of S/L agency personnel.
Two documents will be completed in late 1990. A descriptive guidance
document discussing various approaches to quantitative risk assessment of air
toxics is in preparation. A public participation manual discussing steps that can
be taken to promote public participation and understanding of air toxics
regulatory decisions will be completed in 1990. The latter will also include
public education materials to assist in explaining air toxics issues.
A study of risk assessment of short-term exposures to hydrogen chloride will
be completed in late FY 1990. One day training courses designed for presentation
to S/L agency personnel will be developed on the subjects of risk assessment and
exposure assessment. These will be available in early FY 1991.
A procedure for evaluation of Hotline responses was initiated in 1990 and
data are being collected on an on-going basis.
EPA Contact Persons
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Holly Reid (919) 541-5344 AIR RISC HOTLINE (919) 541-0888
(FTS) 629-5344 (FTS) 629-0888
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment
Dan Guth (919) 541-4828
(FTS) 629-4828
22
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MULTIYEAR DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Background/Current Status
For FY 1990, EPA continues to provide enabling assistance to State and local
air pollution control agencies in developing multiyear development plans (MYDP's)
for air toxics. At the beginning of FY 1990, the universe of agencies actively
working on MYDP's was 75 and there is a target of 58 adequate plans for the year.
The FY 1990 MYDP guidance continues the concepts of flexibility and
incorporation of air toxics concerns in particulate matter and ozone programs.
Also continued are the concepts of reporting progress made in air toxics programs,
of moving from the planning phase to an implementation phase of the MYDP program,
and of encouraging interoffice coordination with personnel in other-but-related
programs such as the one dealing with the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act of 1986. Progress measurement will continue to be important so enabling
efforts by EPA can be focused where needs are greatest. The FY 1990 MYDP guidance
proposes a new procedure which would streamline the MYDP update process and
increase the emphasis on implementation of the immediate year's milestones. The
procedure would allow a 3 to 5 year plan to be developed and only the current
year's milestones would be modified each year as necessary. This process could
occur during the grant negotiation period thus minimizing the effort to annually
update MYDP's. As a result of the new procedures, 10 MYDP's were considered
adequate at the end of the first quarter of FY 1990.
The FY 1991 MYDP guidance under development would direct attention toward
preparation for implementing a revised Clean Air Act. The Act amendments are
expected to require (1) Federal rules for major sources that emit one or more
specified hazardous air pollutants, and (2) a renewable operating permit program
which would implement any Federal, as well as, State or local agency standards.
The MYDP guidance would advise agencies to begin to identify the changes in their
programs that would be needed to implement the revised Act.
EPA Contact Person
Mike Trutna (919) 541-5345
(FTS) 629-5345
23
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HIGH RISK URBAN AIR TOXICS
Background/Status
The EPA's high risk urban air toxics program was initiated because multiple
source, multiple pollutant exposures common to many urban areas have been assessed
as being responsible for significant population risks in urban areas beyond those
risks and programs which address point sources. The high risk urban air toxics
program is a multiyear program to (1) continue to assess the nature and magnitude
of the problem, (2) assist State and local agencies to assess their particular
urban problems, and (3) identify and promote control measures to mitigate these
urban risks. The EPA has assisted State and local agencies in initiating urban
air toxics assessment activities such as monitoring, emissions evaluations,
exposure modeling, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. Some areas have
developed regulations based on certain aspects of the urban problem (e.g., South
Coast California Air Quality Management District).
Because the urban air toxics problem may not be fully addressed by Clean Air
Act Amendments that focus on major stationary sources, we plan to continue many of
the activities in this area. Future activities will focus on continuing to
collect and analyze data already collected by State/locals along with the results
of EPA's research activities, to build a common understanding of the nature and
magnitude of the problem and viable approaches to solving it. An important area
of research involves atmospheric transformation and complex mixtures resulting
from combustion. Growing emphasis will be placed on mitigation--to identify and
promote implementation of measures that will best reduce population risks.
Future Milestones
-Continue to encourage and enable State and local agencies to undertake
assessment and mitigation projects.
-Continue to develop and distribute enabling tools (procedures, emission
factors, speciation factors, etc.).
-Continue to refine EPA assessments of the nature and magnitude of the urban
air toxics problem through studies and through support and evaluation of research
efforts.
-Continue management of EPA's Urban Air Toxics Monitoring Program, depending
on State and local support.
-Publicize analyses of data resulting from previous years' Urban Air Toxics
measurements to communicate observed patterns and levels of associated risks.
-Intensify efforts to define, evaluate and promote control measures for urban
air toxics.
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HIGH RISK URBAN AIR TOXICS
EPA CONTACT PERSONS
Assessment and Mitigation
James H. Southerland (919) 541-5523
(FTS) 629-5523
Toxics Monitoring
William F. Hunt (919) 541-5559
(FTS) 629-5559
25
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HIGH RISK POINT SOURCES
Background/Current Status
The air toxics high risk point source (HRPS) program is included as an
important part of the national air toxics strategy since HRPS are believed to
result in many fence!ine situations where at least 10 individual lifetime cancer
risk is involved. Approximately one million dollars of Clean Air Act section 105
funds are currently in the base grants for State and local agency progress in
identifying and evaluating potential HRPS. In addition, approximately $400K of
section 105 funds have been set aside at the national level to enable funding of
certain HRPS initiative projects. Typically, $20K is given to a State or local
agency which agrees to address a potential HRPS identified by EPA (i.e., promoted
initiative) or by the State or local agency itself (i.e., State initiative).
For FY 1990, State and local agencies have submitted over 50 proposals for
projects to be funded. A total of 16 were selected for funding following
coordination with STAPPA/ALAPCO. Each project was funded at a level of $20,000.
Also, participating agencies were asked to provide information on the status of
current projects. To date, 34 States and 4 local agencies have participated in a
total of 66 projects. Of those, a quarter have been completed and more than half
resulted in additional controls.
EPA Contact Person
Mike Trutna (919) 541-5345
(FTS) 629-5345
26
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STATUS OF AIR TOXICS EMISSION FACTORS AND ESTIMATION TOOLS
Background
The Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards compiles and publishes
emissions factors and other air toxics emission estimation tools.
Current Status/Future Milestones
"Locating and Estimating" Series
To date, 22 reports have been published as part of this program. Nineteen of
the reports are pollutant specific and each of the pollutant-specific reports is
titled Locating and Estimating Air Emissions From Sources of (Substance). In
addition, three recent source-specific reports are part of a new series of reports
entitled Estimating Air Toxics Emissions From (Source Category). Reports in both
series include general descriptions of the emitting processes and identify
potential release points. The two series include the following reports:
NTIS ORDER
SUBSTANCE OR SOURCE CATEGORY EPA PUBLICATION NUMBER DATE
Acrylonitrile
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chloroform
Ethylene Dichloride
Formaldehyde
Nickel
Chromium
Manganese
Phosgene
Epichlorohydrin
Vinylidene Chloride
Ethylene Oxide
Chlorobenzenes
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's)
Polycyclic Organic Matter (POM)
Benzene
Organic Liquid Storage Tanks
Coal and Oil Combustion Sources
Municipal Waste Combustors
Perch!oroethylene and
Trichloroethylene
Chromium (Supplement)
1,3 Butadiene
EPA-450/4-84-007a
EPA-450/4-84-007b
EPA-450/4-84-007C
EPA-450/4-84-007d
EPA-450/4-84-007e
EPA-450/4-84-007f
EPA-450/4-84-007g
EPA-450/4-84-007h
EPA-450/4-84-007i
EPA-450/4-84-007J
EPA-450/4-84-007k
EPA-450/4-84-0071
EPA-450/4-84-007m
EPA-450/4-84-007n
EPA-450-4-84-007p
EPA-450/4-84-007q
EPA-450/4-88-004
EPA-450/2-89-001
EPA-450/2-89-006
PB-84-200609
PB-84-200625
PB-84-200617
PB-84-239193
PB-84-200633
PB-84-210988
PB-85-106474
PB-86-117587
PB-86-117595
PB-86-117603
PB-86-117611
PB-87-113973
PB-87-189841
PB-87-209540
PB-88-149059
PB-88-196175
PB-89-1290
PB-89-194229
PB-89-195226
EPA-450/2-89-013
EPA-450/2-89-002
EPA-450/2-89-021
PB-8923501
PB-90-103243
PB-90-160003
1984
1984
1984
1984
1984
1984
1985
1986
1986
1986
1986
1987
1987
1987
1988
1988
1988
1989
1989
1989
1989
1990
Reports to be released shortly include Styrene and Sewage Sludge Incinera-
tion. Work is also under way on a report dealing with Formaldehyde (update).
27
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STATUS OF AIR TOXICS EMISSION FACTORS AND ESTIMATION TOOLS
Compiling Air Toxics Emission Inventories
General guidance on compiling air toxics inventories is available in the
report Compiling Air Toxics Emission Inventories, EPA-450/4-86-010, revised
February 1990. This report outlines general procedures, experiences, sources of
information, etc., and provides a good overview to someone initiating an inventory
effort.
Compilation of Air Toxics Emission Factors
A general air toxics emission factor compilation that includes those in the
Locating and Estimating series and many others (but little technical narrative) is
available in the report Toxic Air Pollutant Emission Factors for Selected Air
Toxic Compounds and Sources. EPA-450/2-88-006a, (NTIS Number PB-89-135644). This
report lists available air toxics emission factors and references from which the
factors were obtained. This document continues to be updated and expanded. A
personal computer data base system contains the emission factors and crosswalk
data (described below).
Toxic Air Pollutant/Source Crosswalk
An aid in assessing the types of toxic compounds that may be emitted from
source categories is the report, Toxic Air Pollutant/Source Crosswalk - A
Screening Tool for Locating Possible Sources Emitting Toxic Air Pollutants, Second
Edition EPA-450/4-89-017, (NTIS Number PB-90-170002). The crosswalk contains
pollutant names, industrial source categories (SIC codes), and emitting source
classifications (SCC's). The crosswalk is updated periodically, along with the
combined crosswalk and air toxic emission factor data base system.
Air Emissions Species Manual
The two volume - Air Emissions Species Manual contains species profiles for
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Volume I, Second Edition (EPA-450/2-90-001a),
(NTIS PB90-185844) and particulate matter (PM) in Volume II (EPA-450/2-90-001b),
(NTIS PB90-184367). An Addendum: An Addendum to the Air Emission Species Manual,
EPA-450/2-88-003c, (NTIS number PB-90-146416) updates the previous edition for
those who already have a copy of the first edition. These reports contain various
emission source profiles useful in estimation of air toxics emissions,
identification of possible sources, receptor source modeling, photochemical
modeling, and other similar uses. A personal computer data base system contains
the species data and is the preferred means of distribution (NTIS number PB90-
501560). The species profiles continue to be updated and released periodically.
Other Reports
Emissions data and speciation information for many commonly used household,
small business, institutional and governmental products generally classified as
consumer/commercial solvents are presented in the report, Compilation and
Speciation of National Emissions Factors for Consumer/Commercial Solvent Use, EPA-
450/2-89-008, (NTIS number PB-89-207203).
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STATUS OF AIR TOXICS EMISSION FACTORS AND ESTIMATION TOOLS
Methodologies and emission factors for estimating air toxic emissions from
area sources are included in the report, Procedures for Estimating and Allocating
Area Source Emissions of Air Toxics. Working Draft. Based on comments received by
the users of this document, the draft may be revised and expanded in the future.
The report, Compilation Of Air Toxics Emission Inventory Questionnaires, EPA-
450/4-88-008, (NTIS number PB-88-236237), contains questionnaires used by various
State and local agencies to collect air toxics emission data from sources.
Other more specialized reports are available for assisting those who wish to
undertake an urban air toxics assessment project. These include Analysis of Air
toxics Emissions. Exposures. Cancer Risks and Controllability in Five Urban Areas
EPA-450/2-89-012a, (NTIS number PB-89-207161), and Assessing Multiple Pollutant
Multiple Source Cancer Risks From Urban Air Toxics. EPA-450/2-89-010, (NTIS number
PB-89-197222). The former report addresses the evidence of an urban air toxics
problem in five cities while the second summarizes evidence, and procedures used,
from several studies conducted over the past several years.
How To Obtain These Reports
Government agencies generally may obtain single copies of these reports by
submitting requests along with the EPA publication number to Library (MD-35), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 or
by calling (919) 541-2777 or (FTS) 629-2777. These reports are available for a
fee through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal
Road, Springfield, Virginia 22161 or by calling (703) 487-4650.
EPA Contact Person
James H. Southerland (919) 541-5523
(FTS) 629-5523
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AIR TOXICS MODELING GUIDANCE
Background
There is increasing emphasis on the assessment of air quality and health
impacts of toxic chemical releases. Considerations include both long-term health
effects and short-term acute health effects. Support in both long-term and short-
term air quality impacts is being provided for the listing of chemicals as toxic
and in the development of control regulations under section 112 of the Clean Air
Act (National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants). Long-term air
quality impacts are generally assessed using the Guideline on Air Quality Models
(see status report entitled "Guideline on Air Quality Models"). Short-term
impacts must assess the effect of short-term, high-volume releases which
frequently occur from equipment upsets and malfunctions. These short-term events
have not been classically examined.
The EPA has published "A Dispersion Model for Elevated Dense Gas Jet Chemical
Releases" in two volumes. The model is known as DEGADIS Version 2.1 and operates
on a VAX computer system. The EPA has also published "A Workbook of Screening
Techniques for Assessing Impacts of Toxic Air Pollutants."
Current Status
The EPA is currently examining available techniques for assessing the air
quality impact of short-term releases. A personal computer version of the
procedures in the Workbook is being reviewed internally and should be available
within the next 3 months. In addition, an air toxics model evaluation project is
under way for a number of models developed by the public and private sectors using
5 available data bases. A report should be published by EPA by late fall 1990 on
the performance of a subset of these models applicable to dense gas releases.
A report entitled "Review and Evaluation of Area Source Algorithms for
Application to Emission Sources at Superfund Sites" has been published as EPA-
450/4-89-020 and is available from NTIS as PB 90-142753. The report reviews
modeling techniques applicable to area sources of toxics such as landfills,
lagoons and soil handling operations, and identifies which models are better for
various routine uses. Model performance was evaluated against one field data
base.
Future Milestones
The air toxic model evaluation study will continue into 1991 to include non-
dense gas air toxics models; reports on these models will follow. Work will
continue on developing guidance for modeling techniques applicable to area source
releases of air toxics.
EPA Contact Person
Jim Dicke (919) 541-5682
(FTS) 629-5682
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TOXIC AIR MONITORING SYSTEM (TAMS)
METHODS DEVELOPMENT AND SAMPLE ANALYSIS
Background
The Toxic Air Monitoring System (TAMS) was initiated in the spring of 1984
after the EPA Administrator directed Program Offices to develop monitoring
strategies for toxic pollutants. In response, the Office of Air Quality Planning
and Standards prepared an ambient air toxic monitoring strategy. That document
included a description of an ambient air toxic monitoring program which was to be
conducted jointly by the Office of Air and Radiation and the Office of Research
and Development. This program, called the TAMS, was primarily to be used for
field evaluation of sampling and analytical methods, for gaining quality assurance
experience, and for transferring those technologies to Regional Offices, States,
and local agencies. A secondary data use, once methods were developed, was to
attempt assessment of the type and relative extent of the toxics air pollution
problem in selected urban areas.
Current Status/Future Milestones
Routine sampling at 10 TAMS stations for non-polar VOCs was discontinued in
August 1989.
A special diurnal study was conducted during a 10-day period at Houston site
2 from August 15-25, 1989.
All samplers were returned to Research Triangle Park (RTP) for evaluation and
cleaning during the fall of 1989 and data analysis was begun.
A workshop on canister sampling/analysis was held at EPA's offices at RTP on
November 7-8, 1989 for 20 participants from the TAMS Regional and State offices.
Recertified samplers and canisters were distributed to participating Regional
Offices in December 1989.
Sampling and analysis for phase-distributed semi-volatile organic compounds
and water soluble (polar) VOCs will begin at two sites in June 1990.
A report describing data collected from the 10-site TAMS network and special
diurnal study including an evaluation of data quality will be published in June
1990.
EPA Contact Person
Jane Leonard (919) 541-5653
(FTS) 629-5653
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SPECIAL URBAN TOXICS MONITORING PROGRAM
Background/Current Status
Because of concerns regarding high cancer risk from multisource,
multipollutant interactions in urban areas, State and local agencies have been
seeking ways in which to assess the magnitude of potentially toxic compounds in
their ambient air. To assist in filling this need, EPA is coordinating toxic
monitoring programs designed to provide air quality data for screening purposes.
These programs are separate from programs within the Toxics Air Monitoring System
(TAMS) described elsewhere in this compilation of status reports.
In 1987, EPA began managing a program for ambient toxics screening at 19
sites in 18 cities. The first sample was collected on October 1, 1987, and
sampling continued until September 30, 1988. Samples were collected over 24-hour
periods at 12-day intervals through a special heated manifold in order to prevent
aldehydes from being lost on moist surfaces. The canisters were analyzed for
selected hydrocarbons and halogenated compounds. A co-located, hi-vol sampler
collected particulates for metals and B(a)P analyses. Data were sent to the
participating agencies on a quarterly schedule.
The EPA provides the sampling equipment needed to collect the samples, while
the participating State and local agencies provide manpower to collect the
samples. The samples are analyzed by a central contractor. Participating
agencies provide necessary funds to support the program.
As of early April 1990, samples from 10 sites are being collected. The cost
for the toxics program for 1990 is $27,500 per site.
Future Milestones
The EPA plans to coordinate similar programs during the next few years.
Verbal commitments to participate in the 1991 program should be made to the
cognizant Regional Office by October 31, 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Neil Berg (919) 541-5520
(FTS) 629-5520
32
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INHALATION RISK REFERENCE DOSE
Background
The reference dose (RfD) is a benchmark level (exposure concentration or
dose) used by EPA for assessment of noncancer health effects. The RfD is an
estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude) of a daily
exposure to the human population (including sensitive subgroups) that is likely to
be without appreciable risks of deleterious effects during a lifetime.
Derivation of an RfD involves review of toxicological literature,
determination of the critical endpoint and critical study, and selection of
appropriate uncertainty factors. Based on all the data from human and animal
studies, the endpoint which is most relevant to humans is selected and the no-
observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) is identified. The RfD is derived from the
NOAEL by consistent application of typically order of magnitude uncertainty
factors that reflect various types of data used to estimate RfD's, and an
additional modifying factor reflecting a scientific judgment of the entire data
base for the chemical. After derivation, the RfD and supporting documentation are
reviewed by an intra-Agency work group, and acceptable RfD's are verified and
included in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) data base.
To date, EPA has developed and verified oral RfD's and a methodology for
development of inhalation RfD's has been prepared. The draft document titled
"Interim Methods for Development of Inhalation Reference Doses" (August 1987) was
reviewed in a public workshop in October 1987. Verification meetings of the RfD
work group for inhalation RfD's are under way. An informal work group with
Agency-wide participation is planned to discuss the use of RfD's in OAQPS risk
assessment and regulatory decisions.
Current Status
A total of 318 oral RfD's have been verified and are available on IRIS.
Inhalation reference doses have been verified for 16 chemicals but are not yet
available on IRIS. Supporting documentation has been prepared for inhalation
RfD's for approximately 60 additional chemicals. The Interim Methodology for
Development of Inhalation Reference Doses was finalized in 1989 and is available
from EPA.
Future Milestones
Development of an additional 50 inhalation RfD's will be initiated by EPA's
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office in FY 1990. The verified RfD's will
be available on the Integrated Risk Information System in FY 1990. The verified
inhalation RfD's will be available on IRIS in late FY 1990.
EPA Contact Persons
Karen Blanchard
(919) 541-5503
(FTS) 629-5503
Annie Jarabek
(919) 541-4847
(FTS) 541-4847
33
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SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT
TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY (TITLE III. SECTION 313
Background
The development of a Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) was mandated by Congress
through the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986. This law
provided for the public to have access to information on the quantity of emissions
to the environment of over 300 specific chemicals and groups of chemicals, and
obligated industry to provide these data to EPA and to State agencies. The Office
of Toxic Substances (OTS) of EPA has principal responsibility to compile
information submitted by industry in a computerized data base accessible to the
public. Reporting facilities were required to provide estimates (no measurements
are required) of their annual releases to the air, water, and land, aggregated by
facility for each chemical. All continuous and accidental releases were combined,
with air emissions separated into the general categories of fugitive emissions and
stack emissions. The initial reporting period was for 1987, with reports
submitted to OTS by July 1, 1988. Reports for the second reporting year, 1988,
were submitted to OTS by July 1, 1989, with these data currently being
computerized.
The Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) coordinated with OTS
on development of TRI implementation activities. The OAQPS has assumed
responsibility for interpretation of TRI data with respect to air emissions in
response to inquiries from State and local agencies, from within EPA, and from
Congress. The OAQPS is also supporting State and local agencies in their use and
interpretation of the TRI data, since these agencies are the first point of
contact for public inquiries.
Current Status
Information and guidance materials were forwarded through EPA's Regional
Offices to State and local air pollution control agencies prior to the July 1,
1988 deadline. These materials are being supplemented by a Risk Screening Guide
that was made available from OTS in the fall of 1989. State agencies also may
directly access the EPA data base ("TRIS") through a user-friendly "gateway"
developed for the National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse (NATICH) (see
included status report), or through arrangements at the Regional Office level.
The computerized data base was made available to the public in June of 1989.
Public access is through the computer facilities of the National Library of
Medicine, which enables association of the TRI data with health effects and other
information available through the Hazardous Substances Data Bank. Several user-
friendly software programs have been developed to enable users to search the TRI
files.
Future Milestones
The EPA is developing plans for use of the TRI data by the various program
offices. The OAQPS anticipates the principal utility of the data will be in the
preliminary evaluation and prioritization of pollutants and source categories and
to focus supplemental information gathering. There are potential uses by OAQPS,
contingent upon resource availability, in development of emission factors, in
cross-checking with other EPA data bases, in support of urban air toxics analyses,
34
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SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT
TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY (TITLE III. SECTION 313)
in prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) reviews, and in responding to
congressional and EPA management questions. The OAQPS is currently comparing data
from the TRI data base with information gathered under the air toxics regulatory
program to identify any significant discrepancies. At this point, many of the
potential uses are uncertain until a better understanding of the quality and
completeness of the collected data is available.
EPA Contact Persons
James Weigold (919) 541-5642
(FTS) 629-5642
Robert Kellam (919) 541-5647
(FTS) 629-5647
John Vandenberg (919) 541-5352
(FTS) 629-5352
35
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AIR/SUPERFUND COORDINATION PROGRAM
The purpose of the Air/Superfund Coordination program is to assist EPA
Regional Superfund Offices in evaluating Superfund sites, developing plans for
site cleanup, and implementing cleanup actions.
Each Regional Air Office has a Regional Air/Superfund Coordinator to ensure
that assistance is provided. This assistance includes the review of proposals,
plans, and studies for Superfund sites, and participation in decisions related to
preremedial, remedial, and removal actions that may have significant air impacts.
Regional Air Offices also help perform field evaluations during removal and
preremedial actions at selected sites and consult with Superfund contractors in
areas such as air modeling, monitoring, and the use and effectiveness of air
pollution control devices.
The program includes a number of activities to support the Regional Air
Offices. These are:
1. Coordination to facilitate the exchange of information on Air/Superfund issues,
procedures, and data among Regional Air Offices and between Regions and EPA
Headquarters Offices; and to provide updated technical information and periodic
reports to these offices on ongoing studies. Coordination meetings are held at
four-month intervals to exchange information, coordinate the overall program,
participate in mini-workshops, and receive briefings on pertinent technical and
administrative subjects.
2. Training to brief Regional Air Office staff on Superfund program issues,
priorities, methods, and procedures; and to brief Regional Superfund staff and
contractor personnel on air issues and guidance for analyzing and resolving them.
3. Technical assistance to Regional Air Offices to assist them in analyzing air
issues associated with specific sites, reviewing analyses prepared by Superfund
contractors, and preparing recommendations on remedial actions proposed to
minimize air impacts.
4. National technical guidance (NTG) studies to provide Regional Air and Superfund
staffs and State/local agency staffs with technical support, data, and guidance to
improve the quality of the data base and the analysis of air issues associated
with Superfund sites.
Guidance studies completed or in process include:
Completed
o Air Pathway Analysis (4 volumes)
- Volume 1 - Overview
- Volume 2 - Emissions Estimates, Preremedial
- Volume 3 - Emissions Estimates, During Remediation
- Volume 4 - Modeling, Monitoring Guidance
o Application of Data Quality Objectives for Ambient Monitoring
36
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AIR/SUPERFUND COORDINATION PROGRAM
In Process
o Storage of Superfund Aerometric Data in AIRS
o Soil Vapor Extraction Control Technology
o Comparison of Air Stripper Simulations and Field Performance Data
o Guideline - Air Review Criteria Checklist
o Screening Model - Expert System
o Emergency Modeling Guidance
o Performance Evaluation - Fugitive Dust Model (FDM) and Industrial Source
Complex Model (ISC)
o Expert System for Screening Techniques
o Application of Long Path Monitors to Superfund Sites
o Air Impacts from Remedial Options
o Emission Screening/Ranking at Superfund Sites
o Air Impacts from Superfund Sites
o Less than Lifetime Risks
EPA Contact Person
Joe Padgett (919) 541-5589
(FTS) 629-5589
37
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PATHOGEN EMISSIONS FROM MEDICAL WASTE INCINERATORS
Background
A method for determining pathogens in air emissions has been developed by EPA
to support the development of new source performance standards (NSPS) for medical
waste incinerators. The method will be used to indicate the destruction
efficiency of incinerators by testing the emissions for viable spores that are
added to the incinerator as a waste spike.
Another method for evaluating the ash quality is being developed. The method
involves charging metal pipes containing live spores into the firing chamber to
determine the incinerator's effectiveness in destroying pathogens in the firing
chamber.
Current Status
Laboratory and field evaluations of the method for destruction efficiency
have been successfully completed and a draft method has been written. This draft
method will be used in a number of tests in FY 1990 to obtain data to support the
medical waste incinerator NSPS.
The method for assessing ash quality is still in progress, but is in its
final stages. All that remains is to determine a suitable size for the metal
pipe.
Future Milestones
Completion of Ash Quality Method: May 1990
Several NSPS Development Tests: Throughout FY 1990
Draft NSPS for Presentation to EPA's June 1991
National Air Pollution Control
Advisory Committee:
NSPS Proposal: September 1991
EPA Contact Person
Foston Curtis (919) 541-1063
(FTS) 629-1063
38
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SCHEDULE FOR AIR TOXICS REGULATIONS CURRENTLY BEING
CONSIDERED UNDER SECTION 112 OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT OR OTHER AUTHORITIES
Pollutant/source category
Proposal Date
Estimated
Final Date
Asbestos Revision -Manufacturing, demoli-
tion, renovation, fabrication, waste dis-
posal
Rule clarification, monitoring, record-
keeping
See Note 2
1/10/89
9/90
Chromium - Industrial Cooling Towers
Chromium - Electroplating
See Note 2
4/91
FY1992
Hazardous Organic NESHAP (HON)
(Standards will cover production and sele-
cted use categories for organic chemicals
on hazardous pollutant list in proposed
CAA Amendments. HON will cover emissions
from storage tanks, process vents, equip-
ment leaks, handling, and wastewater
treatment)
Coke Oven Emissions - Charging and Topside
Leaks
See Note 2
Ethylene Oxide - Commercial Sterilizers
Perchloroethylene - Dry Cleaning
Trichloroethylene -Degreasing (also covers
perchloroethylene, and methylene chloride)
Proposed
4/23/87
Reproposal
See Note 2
8/91
3/91
See Note 2
FY1992
FY1992
39
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SCHEDULE FOR AIR TOXICS REGULATIONS CURRENTLY BEING
CONSIDERED UNDER SECTION 112 OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT OR OTHER AUTHORITIES
Pollutant/source category
MULTI -POLLUTANT SOURCES
Municipal Waste Combustion
Municipal Landfills3
Hazardous Waste
Treatment, Storage
and Disposal Facilities
(TSDF^)
Accelerated Rule
Comprehensive Rule
Proposal Date
12/20/89
6/90
2/5/87
5/90
Estimated
Final Date
1/91
FY92
5/90
9/91
Wastewater Facilities Source to be cove-
red by HON
Medical Waste Incineration 3/92 FY93
Electric Util ities^
Notes:
1. Proposed Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments require the development of a list of
categories of major sources of air toxics and of a schedule for regulation. Work
is ongoing on these tasks.
2. Schedules are currently being developed based on promulgating technology-based
standards for these source categories within 2 years of enactment of Clean Air Act
Amendments.
3. Standards are being developed under Section 111 and lll(d) of the Clean Air
Act.
4. Standards being developed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA), Section 3004(n).
5. Proposed CAA Amendments require EPA to study the emissions of air toxics from
these sources, potential control techniques, and cost of such controls.
Regulations are to be developed as warranted.
EPA Contact Person
Jim Weigold (919) 541-5642 (FTS) 629-5642
40
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MOBILE SOURCE AIR TOXICS ACTIVITIES
Background
Motor vehicle emissions account for approximately 58 percent of the annual
U.S. cancer incidences due to emitted air toxics. Air toxics emissions can be
reduced by reducing motor vehicle VOC emissions; additional toxics reductions can
be obtained by reducing the concentration of toxic components and toxic component
precursors in the fuel. The use of alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol
and compressed natural gas in vehicles designed for their use can result in about
a 90 percent reduction of air toxics emissions. Use of reformulated gasoline
should also have significant air toxic benefits. Limited information is
available, however, concerning the effect of gasoline composition on exhaust and
evaporative emission composition.
Current Status
The Agency is considering regulatory action to control air toxics emissions
from motor vehicles through gasoline and diesel fuel formulation. An advanced
notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) is being prepared, primarily to gather
information pertaining to motor vehicle emitted air toxics, the health effects of
these pollutants, and gasoline and diesel fuel reformulations relevant to their
control. Final action in the areas discussed in this ANPRM may depend on the
final Clean Air Act Amendments; some current legislative proposals require certain
levels of toxics reductions.
The EPA is also closely following a joint automotive/petroleum industry
program to quantify the air toxics (and ozone) benefits of various gasoline
reformulations, including a variety of gasoline oxygenate blends. The EPA has
also initiated a program which would help quantify the air toxics benefits of
gasoline oxygenate blends.
LPA Contact Persons
Chris Brunner (313) 668-4287
(FTS) 374-8287
Joe Somers (313) 668-4231
(FTS) 374-8231
41
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STATUS OF STATEWIDE PM-10 SIP REVISIONS
Background
Each SIP for particulate matter must be revised for PM-10 as follows,
regardless of whether specific areas within the State have been
designated as Group I or Group II areas:
To include State ambient air quality standards for PM-10 at least as
stringent as the NAAQS;
To trigger preconstruction review for new or modified sources which would
emit significant amounts of either PM or PM-10 emissions;
To invoke the emergency episode plan to prevent PM-10 concentrations from
reaching the significant harm level of 600 //g/nr;
To meet ambient PM-10 monitoring requirements of 40 CFR 58; and,
To meet the requirements of 40 CFR 51.322 and 51.323 to report actual annual
emissions of PM-10 (beginning with emissions for 1988) for point sources
emitting 100 tons per year or more.
Current Status*
Region
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
Universe
6
4
6
8
6
5
4
6
7
4
56
Draft
SIP
2
0
4
8
0
5
4
0
0
_Q
23
Public
Hearing
1
0
5
8
4
5
4
2
1
_Q
30
Final
SIP
2
4
5
7
2
5
4
2
1
_1
33
Comments
Finals for ME, NH
Finals for DE, MD, PA, VA, WV
Finals for AL,KY,NC,SC,FL,MS,GA
Finals for IN and MN
Finals for MT, WY
Final for HI
Final for WA
*Based on data in the PM-10 bulletin board tracking system.
Future Milestones
Prepare notices of proposed rulemaking on final SIP's submitted to EPA.
EPA Contact Person
Ken Woodard (919) 541-5697
(FTS) 629-5697
42
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STATUS OF PM-10 GROUP I SIP DEVELOPMENT
Background
The SIP's for PM-10 Group I areas are required to include a control strategy
and a demonstration that the strategy will attain and maintain the PM-10 national
ambient air quality standard. Developing a SIP for a Group I area requires
completing several data gathering and processing tasks. Milestones that EPA
tracks include the following: (1) complete emission inventory, (2) submit model
protocol, (3) reconcile model results, (4) analyze alternative control strategies,
(5) select final strategy, (6) submit draft SIP, (7) hold public hearing, (8)
adopt regulations, (9) submit final SIP.
Current Status*
Region
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
Universe
2
0
1
0
7
1
0
14
16
17
58
Emission
Inventories
Complete
2
0
1
0
7
1
0
10
16
7
44
Reconcile
Model
Results
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
4
3
_2
10
Alternative
Control
Strategies
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
5
3
_5
16
Public
Hearing
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
5
1
6
13
Submit
Final
SIP
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
5
1
_!
9
*Based on information entered in the PM-10 bulletin board tracking system.
Future Milestones
Prepare notices of proposed rulemaking on final SIP's submitted to EPA.
EPA Contact Person
Ken Woodard (919) 541-5697
(FTS) 629-5697
43
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STATUS OF PM-10 GROUP II COMMITTAL SIP DEVELOPMENT
Background
A committal SIP for PM-10 Group II areas is simply an authoritative letter
from the State agency or board committing to monitor PM-10 in accordance with 40
CFR 58, report any exceedances and violations of the NAAQS, evaluate the adequacy
of existing regulations for particulate matter, and revise the SIP as necessary to
attain and maintain the PM-10 NAAQS. The activities that EPA tracks include when
States submit drafts, hold public hearings, and submit final SIP's.
Current Status*
Region
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
Universe
0
3
9
4
40
11
6
18
13
9
113
Public
Hearing
0
0
8
2
40
11
6
18
7
6
98
Final
SIP
0
3
8
4
40
11
6
18
6
6
102
Comments
Final for NY, NJ, and PR
Final for PA, VA, WV
All submitted
All submitted
All submitted
All submitted
All submitted
Final for AZ only
Final for OR, WA
*Based on data in the PM-10 bulletin board tracking system.
Future Milestones
Prepare Federal Register notices on committal SIP's submitted to EPA.
Committal SIP's will be sought for the remaining 11 areas.
EPA Contact Person
Ken Woodard
(919) 541-5697
(FTS) 629-5697
44
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CONTROL OF FUGITIVE DUST
Background
When EPA promulgated the PM-1Q national ambient air quality standards
(NAAQS), it retained, on an interim basis, the 1977 Rural Fugitive Dust (RFD)
Policy. This policy, which was originally intended for use with the particulate
matter NAAQS based on total suspended particulate (TSP), allowed States with rural
fugitive dust areas to deemphasize the control of fugitive dust in rural areas
when developing and enforcing their State implementation plans (SIP's) for
attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS for PM-10. The policy directs that
efforts to control particulate matter be expended first at sources in urban areas
and next at certain large manmade sources in rural areas. Concurrent with the PM-
10 NAAQS promulgation, EPA proposed three alternative policies for controlling
rural fugitive dust and solicited comments on the alternatives and on the adequacy
of the definitions which are used in identifying rural fugitive dust areas (52 FR
24716). The EPA formed an interagency work group to review the rural fugitive
dust policy and the public comments on the proposed alternative policies.
Fugitive dust in urban areas generally is due to vehicle resuspension of dust
on and around paved roads, unpaved roads, and parking, or windblown dust emitted
from open areas with inadequate ground cover. Previous efforts to control paved
road emissions have proven unsuccessful, largely because they relied on periodic
street cleaning to reduce surface loadings. Under the urban fugitive dust policy
now under development by EPA, programs to prevent dust from reaching the road
surface will be emphasized. The policy will also address unpaved roads and open
areas.
A technical support document, "Control of Open Fugitive Dust Sources," EPA-
450/3-88-008, September 1988, was developed by EPA and distributed to the PM-10
Regional contacts. The document provides control and cost effectiveness
information and a regulatory framework which will be helpful in developing and
reviewing State implementation plans for PM-10. A computer program and user's
manual, EPA-450/3-90-010, April 1990, were developed by a contractor to perform
algorithms listed in the technical support document. Several open fugitive dust
workshops have been held in Regions IX and X to discuss the technical support
document in detail.
Current Status
The EPA is currently drafting interim guidance to determine control
effectiveness for road sanding/salting for emission reductions.
The EPA performed an economic analysis of three areas to determine the impact
of each of the alternative RFD policies. The cost/benefits analysis for each
alternative for all three areas has been completed. The results of the analysis
are in review and will be issued in a final report.
The OAQPS submitted a proposal to EPA's Agricultural Policy Committee to work
with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Soil Conservation Service
(SCS), and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to cooperatively pursue a
program which would prevent or reduce the emission fugitive dust from agricultural
activities. The USDA currently has programs under way under the Food Security Act
of 1985 to minimize soil lost from highly erodible lands due to wind and water
45
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CONTROL OF FUGITIVE DUST
erosion. The USDA's objective of saving the farmland and the EPA's objective of
preventing pollution can both be met by using the same preventive measures. This
proposal, if accepted, may result in a joint policy and technical guidance which
would focus on the benefits of implementing such programs on agricultural lands
located near population centers.
Future Milestones
Both House and Senate bills to amend the Clean Air Act require EPA to publish
reasonably available control measures (RACM) for fugitive dust control. The
technical support document to develop RACM and evaluate and finalize the fugitive
dust policy will be used as the basis for RACM. A work group will be formed.
Following the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments, EPA will reevaluate
the proposed alternative RFD policies to ensure consistency with the new
legislation.
Assistance in holding workshops on control of open fugitive dust sources is
available from Headquarters for those Regions interested.
EPA Contact Person
Robin Dunkins (919) 541-5335
(FTS) 629-5335
46
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FUGITIVE EMISSIONS FROM PAVED ROADWAYS
Background
Fugitive emissions of PM-10 from paved roadways are significant in at least
two-thirds of all Group I areas. These Group I areas are often in regions that
are arid, have unpaved roads that intersect with paved roads, or are experiencing
significant growth and new construction. The magnitude of PM-10 emissions is a
function of the silt loading (amount of material < 75 /zm) on the roadways and
traffic volume (see AP-42, 11.2.5-1). Emissions from this source category can be
decreased by reducing the normal dirt loading by street cleaning or preferably by
preventing dirt from being blown, washed, spilled, or tracked onto the roadways.
In some areas, mud and dirt trackout onto roadways from construction sites is
a significant source of silt loading. Therefore, OAQPS has issued a work
assignment to investigate methods of preventing mud and dirt trackout from
construction sites. The contractor is to prepare a summary of information on
existing State and local regulations that require either clean up or prevention of
trackout from construction sites. This summary will include the format of the
regulations, who is responsible for enforcement, and a description of the site
inspection procedures.
The contractor must also identify trackout control measures, design a field
demonstration study, and select a study site and control measure to implement and
evaluate. First priority in selecting a control measure to implement will be
given to measures that will prevent trackout.
Current Status
Design of the field demonstration study is nearing completion; the study is
expected to be conducted in FY 1991.
EPA Contact Person
Robin Dunkins (919) 541-5335
(FTS) 629-5335
47
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WINTER ROAD ANTISKID MATERIALS
Background
Wintertime applications of antiskid materials on paved roads can cause
significant PM-10 emissions if left on the roadway after the snow and ice melt.
Antiskid materials are a significant source of emissions in at least one-third of
all Group I areas. Fugitive PM-10 emissions increase with the load of material on
the road surface (grams/meter ) and the increased silt fraction (portion < 75 /zm)
of the surface loading (see AP-42, 11.2.5-1). The silt fraction of the antiskid
material varies with the type and source of the material used. The PM-10
emissions from this source category can be reduced by decreasing the amount of
material spread on the roadway (surface loading), the silt fraction of the
material, and/or the length of time the material is on the roadway.
The EPA recently issued "Guidance Document for Selecting Antiskid Materials
Applied to Ice- and Snow-Covered Roadways," EPA-450/3-90-007, January 1990, which
provides guidelines for selecting antiskid materials. Several methods to
determine the characteristics of antiskid materials such as silt content and
durability were evaluated. Both wet and dry sieve methods of measuring silt
content were evaluated. The document also looked at other characteristics that
affected the fines-producing propensity of antiskid materials and discussed
nontraditional materials that may reduce potential emissions.
Current Status
The EPA is currently distributing the antiskid guidance document described
above to the Regional Offices and to some State and local offices.
Future Milestones
The EPA has issued a work assignment to evaluate the durability of several
antiskid materials. This work assignment is scheduled to be completed in
September 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Robin Dunkins (919) 541-5335
(FTS) 629-5335
48
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WOOD SMOKE REDUCTION
Background
Wood smoke from residential wood heaters and fireplaces significantly impacts
concentrations of PM-10 in several Group I areas. This is especially true in the
northwest quarter of the Nation (Regions VIII and X). Concentrations reach
episodic levels when inversions trap smoke in mountain valleys.
Since some Group I areas impacted by wood smoke could require several years
to attain the PM-10 national ambient air quality standards, a statement
identifying the key elements which should be addressed in PM-10 State
implementation plans for areas with long-term nonattainment problems is being
developed by EPA.
Current Status
Distribution of technical guidance has been completed. The guidance
discusses control measures (and their effectiveness) for smoke from residential
wood combustion that should be included in SIP's. A policy is currently being
developed to define measures to be instituted for greater than 50 percent emission
reduction credits for curtailment programs.
Discussions have taken place with the Forest Service concerning distribution
of 'free' firewood near PM-10 Group I areas which have a residential wood
combustion problem. It is hoped that a trial program, which restricts how and
where 'free' firewood is available, can be instituted for the next wood heating
season.
Development of public service announcements for radio and television
broadcast is currently under way. These announcements will be available to any
State or local agency which is interested, probably for the cost of duplication.
Future Milestones
Distribute materials developed under American Lung Association grant by
summer 1990. This includes a variety of educational materials for distribution to
the stove owner, intermediaries such as realtors; chimney sweeps and stove
retailers, and the radio and print media.
Policy memorandum on emission reduction credits for curtailment programs
signed by summer 1990.
Continue working with the Forest Service to evaluate the effect of the free
firewood programs. Evaluation of air quality data for the 1990/1991 heating
season completed by summer 1991.
Distribution of public service announcements by fall 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Martha Smith (919) 541-5314
(FTS) 629-5314
49
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WOOD HEATERS NSPS STATUS REPORT
Background
On February 26, 1988, EPA promulgated new source performance standards (NSPS)
for residential wood heaters. These standards are unique in a number of respects.
The regulations require that all performance testing be done by EPA-accredited
laboratories. These laboratories obtain and maintain accreditation by performing
a series of annual proficiency tests with the prescribed test methods. When
accredited, these laboratories may perform certification tests on individual model
stoves to determine compliance. In a phase-in program, all new stoves to be
offered for sale to the public must be certified between 1990 and 1992.
Current Status
Seven laboratories are currently accredited by EPA as of March 27, 1990. Of
these seven, all have completed the proficiency test series for 1990. There are
now 241 federally-certified wood heater models.
Results from comparability tests conducted in September 1989 on EPA Method 5G
versus the Virginia Polytechnical Institute (VPI) method were favorable. Because
of these results, the decision was made to continue with the comparability study
at Crested Butte, Colorado. Our findings show a correlation between the two
methods and the VPI method can be used to represent emissions from in-home wood
heaters. The study showed no significant effect of altitude on wood heater
particulate emissions using catalysts, but may have been significant (about 25
percent higher at 8900 feet elevation) for a noncatalytic unit.
A summary of these findings was distributed February 23, 1990 to all EPA
Regional Air Divisions and Environmental Services Divisions for use by State and
local air pollution control agencies considering woodheater control programs.
EPA Contact Person
Dennis Holzschuh (919) 541-5239
(FTS) 629-5239
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PRESCRIBED BURNING/SMOKE MANAGEMENT
Background
One of the five major causes of long-term PM-10 nonattainment is the
emissions from prescribed burning for silviculture and agriculture activities. In
the past, EPA has treated episodes of high particulate matter concentrations
caused by prescribed burning the same as episodes caused by wildfires, i.e.,
considered them as exceptional events. However, high concentrations from
prescribed burning are a routine occurrence in some parts of the country and, to a
limited extent, are controllable.
Current Status
At this time, EPA does not have a specific policy on prescribed burning.
However, we have established an interagency task force, through the National
Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), to assist EPA in establishing such a policy.
(The NWCG is a group composed of representatives from the U.S. Departments of
Agriculture and Interior and the National Association of State Foresters.) Our
basic philosophy in discussions with the NWCG is that although prescribed burning
is a useful and sometimes the only tool available to accomplish silviculture and
agriculture goals, it should only be conducted using good smoke management
techniques.
A statement of nine key concepts in smoke management has been developed by
NWCG. In addition, the President's bill to amend the Clean Air Act would require
development of guidance on reasonably available control measures (RACM) for
prescribed burning. The RACM document must be consistent with and supportive of
the nine key concepts developed by NWCG.
Future Milestones
The RACM document on prescribed burning will be developed by EPA following
passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments. Currently, the Amendments call for
document development within 18 months of enactment.
EPA Contact Person
Tom Pace (919) 541-5634
(FTS) 629-5634
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PM-10 EMISSION FACTORS
Background
The EPA is continuing development of PM-10 emission factors and is assisting
States in filling gaps in PM-10 emission inventories where published PM-10
emission factors are not yet available for particular source categories.
Current Status/Future Milestones
PM-10 Emission Factor Listing Developed by Technology Transfer, EPA-450/4-89-
023, containing over 400 source operations has been published and was distributed
to all State and local agencies during April 1990.
A new document, AIRS Facility Subsystem Source Classification Codes and
Emission Factor Listing for Criteria Air Pollutants, EPA-450/4-90-003, has been
completed and printed. It is also being distributed to State/local agencies
during April. A personal computer (PC) diskette containing all of the emission
factors has also been prepared for those users interested in PC application of
these factors. This publication is intended to replace EPA's SCC and Emission
Factor Listing and the Criteria Pollutant Emission Factors for the 1989 NAPAP
Emission Inventory. EPA-600/7-87-015.
A revised listing of Emission Factor and Emission Inventory publications has
been prepared and is available.
The next issue of the EPA Emission Factor Clearinghouse Newsletter is planned
for publication in June of 1990.
Current Clearinghouse projects include the development of PM-10 emission
factors for industrial and commercial cooling towers, additional factors for
prescribed and wild fires, and additional data to improve emission factors for
woodstoves and fire places. Also, projects are under way to develop PM-10
emission factors for additional iron and steel operations as well as particle and
wafer board manufacture.
EPA Contact Person
Dennis R. Shipman (919) 541-5477
(FTS) 629-5477
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STACK TEST METHOD FOR PM-10
Background
Two methods have been developed to measure PM-10. The constant sampling rate
(CSR) method uses EPA Method 17 fitted with either a cyclone or an inertial
impactor particle separator. The exhaust gas recycle (EGR) method uses a special
sampling train equipped with a means to maintain constant flow through a cyclone
and variable flow at the sampling nozzle.
Both PM-10 methods were proposed June 6, 1989 (54 FR 24213) to be added to
Part 51, Appendix M. This notice also proposed to designate Appendix M a test
method repository for State implementation plans (SIP's). Test methods in
Appendix M or their equivalent will be required in new or revised SIP's.
Current Status/Milestones
The PM-10 package has completed all required reviews and was signed by the
Administrator on March 22, 1990. Operator's Manuals and a PM-10 Source Test
Demonstration Video are available from EPA. To find about or acquire the manuals
or video, please contact Roy Huntley at (919) 541-1060 or at USEPA (MD-19), RTP,
NC 27711.
EPA Contact Person
Roy Huntley (919) 541-1060
(FTS) 629-1060
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STAGNATION MODEL ANALYSIS PROGRAM
Background/Current Status
In some areas, concentrations of PM-10 that exceed the national ambient air
quality standards frequently occur during periods of atmospheric stagnation.
Stagnation conditions are characterized by poor dispersion of pollutants, for
periods of hours to days, with wind speeds averaging less than 1 meter per second.
Air quality models routinely used by State, local, and Federal agencies for
regulatory purposes (for example, Gaussian models) are technically not applicable
to stagnation conditions. As a result, so-called "non-guideline" models have been
used, along with guideline models, in initial attempts at analyzing high pollution
periods for PM-10 SIP demonstrations. However, uncertainties in these analyses
have resulted in a general lack of confidence in our ability to simulate stagna-
tion conditions, while the need for this confidence is exceedingly high.
A project has been designed to evaluate the performance of the best currently
available tools for analyzing stagnation conditions. The goal of this program is
to make specific recommendations in EPA modeling guidance which can be generally
applied to stagnation conditions. The program includes field measurements to
develop necessary meteorological, emission, and air quality data bases for use in
evaluating the performance of candidate models in at least one area. This project
was not funded adequately to be carried out during the 1989-1990 winter season.
Future Milestones
The above field project will be conducted during the 1990-1991 winter season
if interest and funding are adequate.
EPA Contact Person
Kenneth Woodard (919) 541-5697
(FTS) 629-5697
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DIESEL FUEL QUALITY
Background
The EPA promulgated heavy-duty motor vehicle particulate standards in the
mid- 1980's. The initial standards became effective with the 1988 model year,
with more stringent standards being phased in the 1991 model year and again in the
1994 model year. When these standards were promulgated, the heavy-duty engine
manufacturers indicated that in order for them to meet these stringent standards,
the sulfur and aromatics content of diesel fuel would need to be regulated.
In the summer of 1988, a joint industry proposal of the Engine Manufacturers
Association and the American Petroleum Institute was submitted to EPA which
recommended that EPA set a fuel sulfur content limit of 0.05 percent and an
aromatics cap of about 35 percent by setting a minimum cetane index of 40,
effective in October 1993, for on-highway diesel fuel. In addition, the joint
industry proposal recommended that EPA allow certification of 1991-1993 model year
engines using 0.05 percent sulfur content diesel fuel.
In August 1989, EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking which closely
followed the joint industry proposal, except that it proposed to allow 1991-1993
certification using 0.10 percent sulfur content diesel fuel. A public hearing was
held in October 1989 on this proposal. This rule will provide additional
particulate and sulfur oxide reductions.
Both clean air bills being considered in Congress contain provisions for
Federal diesel fuel quality standards.
Current Status
The EPA is continuing to consider the public comments and expects to
promulgate a final rule in the spring to early summer of 1990.
EPA Contact Person
John Anderson (313) 668-4496
(FTS) 374-8496
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LEAD ATTAINMENT PROGRAM
Background
While the Agency has demonstrated commendable success in reducing ambient
lead concentrations nationwide through its lead-in-gasoline phase-down program,
violations of the lead NAAQS have been observed around point sources. There are
currently 4 primary lead smelters and 23 secondary lead smelters; many of these
facilities are experiencing exceedances of the 1.5/z/nr ambient standard.
Current Status
Measures to ensure attainment of the lead NAAQS are being aggressively
pursued. Since ambient air quality data are reported for only about half of the
secondary smelters, the Agency is expanding the monitoring network in order to
assess the true lead attainment posture.
Another activity involves the assessment of feasibility for remedial actions
and the application thereof. Such actions may be categorized as rulemaking,
policy development, SIP revision, enforcement and compliance procedures, etc.
Lead contacts have been identified in each Regional Office for those States having
sources of lead emissions. Strategy development is under way.
In addition, the Agency is embarking on a program of identification of
sources of lead emissions other than smelting (e.g., battery manufacturing and
reclaiming, waste incineration).
Future Milestones
Establish and operate monitors around the secondary smelters for which air
quality is not currently collected -- summer 1991
Develop strategy to bring violating smelters into attainment -- winter 1990
Identify additional sources of lead emissions -- summer 1991
EPA Contact Person
Martha Smith (919) 541-5314
(FTS) 629-5314
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VISIBILITY PROTECTION
Background
Ambient Standards
On July 1, 1987, EPA rescinded the TSP-based secondary national ambient air
quality standard for particulate matter and instituted PM-10-based 24-hour and
annual secondary standards to protect against soiling and nuisance effects. On
the same date, EPA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking which
solicited comment regarding the development of a secondary national ambient air
quality standard for fine particles (those less than 2.5 micrometers in aerodynam-
ic diameter). The principal welfare effect to be addressed by such a standard is
impairment of visibility.
Class I Area Protection
Visibility rules to protect visual air quality in Federal Class I areas were
promulgated by EPA on December 2, 1980. These rules were based on the require-
ments of section 169A of the Clean Air Act.
In 1982, the Environmental Defense Fund (EOF) sued EPA to implement the
visibility rules for States that had not submitted State implementation plans
(SIP's). Because EPA has a nondiscretionary duty under section 110(c) of the
Clean Air Act to implement rules for those States which fail to do so, EPA entered
into a settlement agreement with EOF to implement the December 1980 visibility
rules in three parts. The first part, completed in July 1985, established a
monitoring strategy and new source review procedures for visibility impacts in the
Class I areas. The second part, completed in November 1987, established: (1) a
long-term strategy for visibility protection which included periodic review of the
SIP's to ensure progress in remedying existing problems and preventing future
problems, and (2) protection for specific views (integral vistas) which extend
beyond the borders of the Roosevelt-Campobello International Park (RCIP). The
third part required EPA to address existing impairments in seven Class I areas
which can be reasonably attributed to a specific source or group of sources. The
settlement agreement was revised to allow EPA to address the existing impairment
in two parts. The agreement required EPA to propose decisions on impairments in
four of the Class I areas by August 31, 1988 and to propose decisions for the
three remaining Class I areas by August 31, 1989. On September 5, 1989 EPA
proposed 1) not to revise the implementation plans for Maine and Utah to address
visibility impairments in the Moosehorn Wilderness and Canyonlands National Parks
and 2) to attribute a significant portion of the visibility impairment in Grand
Canyon National Park to the Navajo Generating Station. More recent revisions to
the settlement agreement allow EPA until February 1, 1991 to propose emission
limits for any source identified as a significant contributor to visibility
impairment in the Grand Canyon National Park.
The EPA, along with other Federal agencies, has created a technical steering
committee called the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments
Committee (IMPROVE) to oversee the Federal monitoring effort. The EPA has set
aside a portion of the section 105 grant funds to operate the monitoring network.
The EPA has agreed to fund the program through FY 1990.
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VISIBILITY PROTECTION
Current Status
Ambient Standards
At this time, EPA is reviewing comments made in response to the advance
notice of proposed rulemaking for a fine particle standard.
The Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., filed suit on the PM-10
rulemaking which, in part, challenges EPA's decision to defer action on a possible
fine particle secondary standard to protect visibility. This case was combined
with other suits on the PM-10 standards. Oral arguments for the combined case
took place on December 14, 1989.
Class I Area Protection
The EPA has prepared a notice of proposed rulemaking which establishes new
emission limits for the Navajo Generating Station representing best available
retrofit technology to remedy certified visibility impairments in the Grand Canyon
National Park. It is anticipated that this proposal will be published in the
spring of 1990. The EPA has joined the National Academy of Sciences review of
visibility impairment attribution science. The first meeting took place March 27-
28, 1990. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 3-6, 1990.
Future Actions
Ambient Standards
The EPA is continuing its assessment of the need for a possible fine particle
secondary ambient air quality standard. Current activities include updating EPA's
assessment of the scientific literature and developing methodologies to assess
alternative approaches. The EPA is analyzing visibility changes that could result
from acid rain requirements under the new Clean Air Act in conjunction with the
National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program.
Class I Area Protection
In accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement, the EPA will
promulgate by June 6, 1990 its findings that revisions to the implementation plans
for Maine and Utah are unnecessary at this time to address visibility impairments
in Moosehorn Wilderness, Maine, and Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
EPA Contact Persons
Ambient Standards
Bruce Polkowsky
(919) 541-5532
(FTS) 629-5532
Class I Areas
Denise Scott
(919) 541-0870
(FTS) 629-0870
58
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CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (CMA) RULEMAKING
Background
In 1982, EPA negotiated a Settlement Agreement with the CMA stemming from
litigation over regulations for prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) and
nonattainment area new source review that EPA promulgated on August 7, 1980. The
EPA agreed to propose revisions to the 1980 regulations according to the changes
listed in two parts of the Settlement Agreement (Exhibit A and Exhibit B). In
August 1983, EPA proposed Exhibit A changes related to fugitive emissions, Federal
enforceability, definition of "significant," innovative control technology
waivers, secondary emissions, offset banking, prior source shutdowns, and health
and welfare equivalence. In a subsequent action, final action on fugitive
emissions was taken by EPA in October 1984. Final rulemaking on the Exhibit A
portion of the CMA Settlement Agreement was published June 28, 1989.
With regard to Exhibit B, the changes to be proposed would allow sources to
compute emissions reduction credits for netting and offsetting as the difference
between an old and a new (or modified) emissions unit's potential to emit on an
hourly basis. [The 1980 regulations required that emissions reduction credits be
computed as the difference in typical actual emissions and new actuals (which, by
definition, if a unit has not commenced normal operations, is its potential to
emit) on an annual basis.] Work on the Exhibit B rulemaking has been suspended
several times since 1982, primarily due to resource shortages within EPA.
Current Status
The EPA is currently analyzing the environmental and economic impacts of
promulgating the revisions stipulated in Exhibit B of the CMA Settlement
Agreement, as well as other regulatory alternatives that have been identified. A
work group was formed in 1988 to review the results of the analyses conducted to
support proposed rulemaking. This work group consists of representatives from EPA
Headquarters and the EPA Regional Offices.
EPA Contact Persons
David Solomon (919) 541-5375
(FTS) 629-5375
Dennis Crumpler (919) 541-0871
(FTS) 629-0871
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NOX PSD INCREMENTS
Background
In early 1987, EPA was ordered by the court to develop prevention of
significant deterioration (PSD) regulations for nitrogen oxides (NOy). The PSD
increments for nitrogen dioxide (N02) were proposed on February 8, 1988 and
promulgated on October 17, 1988. Two petitions for reconsideration were received,
one of which was later dropped. Oral arguments on the petition by the Sierra Club
were presented on November 6, 1989.
Current Status
On March 13, 1990, the regulation was remanded to EPA for further study. The
court did not, however, stay the regulation, and no time limit was placed on the
response. The court determined that the annual N02 increments promulgated by EPA
met the requirements of section 166(d) of the Clean Air Act to be "at least as
effective as" those for S02 and PM. However, the court was concerned that the
"goals and purposes" of section 166(c) of the Act may not have been met by not
addressing short-term concentrations and other N02 species such as nitrates.
The EPA is developing draft guidance for implementing the annual N02
increments on 1) SIP and delegation agreement revisions, 2) setting up and
maintaining NOv emission inventories, and 3) gathering the data needed for ambient
air quality analyses.
Future Activities
Regional Office comments on the draft guidance will be incorporated into the
final guidance documents, which should become available for distribution to
Regional and State permit review authorities within the next few months.
Review of SIP and delegation agreement revisions is in progress. States have
until July 17, 1990 to submit SIP revisions and EPA then has until November 17,
1990 to review and approve (or disapprove) them.
EPA Contact Person
Eric Noble (919) 541-5362
(FTS) 629-5362
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PM-10 PSD INCREMENTS
Background
On July 1, 1987 (52 FR 24634), EPA promulgated revised national ambient air
quality standards for particulate matter. In making this revision, EPA
established a new indicator based on particles nominally 10 microns and less in
diameter (PM-10) to replace the total suspended particulate (TSP) indicator for
both the primary and secondary standards. However, EPA did not change the TSP
indicator for the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) increments for
particulate matter, and announced its intent to promulgate, in a subsequent
rulemaking, PM-10 increments which would be equivalent to the existing TSP
increments.
Current Status
The rulemaking package proposing PSD increments for PM-10 was published in
the Federal Register on October 5, 1989 (54 FR 41218). The public comment period
ended on February 5, 1990, with 22 comments (including five State air pollution
control agencies) being received. The EPA is now reviewing these comments and is
preparing a final rulemaking package.
Future Activities
Promulgation of final PSD increments for PM-10 is now scheduled to occur in
late 1990 or early 1991. The PM-10 increments would then become effective 1 year
after their date of promulgation, as required by section 166 of the Clean Air Act.
States will have 9 months from the effective date to adopt the new increments and
submit reviewed plans to EPA for approval. When EPA approves a State's revision
to its PSD SIP (containing new PM-10 increments), all TSP area designations within
the jurisdiction of such SIP will also be deleted. Consequently, in any area
where a TSP area designation no longer exists, Class II and III TSP increments
will not apply.
For mandatory Federal Class I areas, increments are not tied to the area
designation process. The EPA intends to allow States to implement the new Class I
PM-10 increments as a surrogate for the existing Class I TSP increments, assuming
they are equally protective of the Class I areas of concern.
EPA Contact Person
Dan DeRoeck (919) 541-5593
(FTS) 629-5593
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RULEMAKING PROPOSAL FOR STRIP MINES
AND RELATED FUGITIVE DUST ISSUES
Background
On August 7, 1980, EPA listed 30 source categories for which inclusion of
fugitive emissions in new source review applicability determinations was
necessary. Surface coal mines were not included on this list. As a result, the
Sierra Club sued EPA to compel listing. In response, EPA proposed, on October 26,
1984, that surface coal mines be listed, pursuant to the criteria set forth for
section 302(j) rulemaking.
Current Status/Future Milestones
A decision by EPA to not add surface coal mines to the list of sources for
which fugitive emissions are included in major source determinations was published
in the Federal Register on November 28, 1989. On January 25, 1990, the Sierra
Club filed a petition for reconsideration of EPA's decision in the D.C. Circuit
Court of Appeals. The petition has been consolidated with the still open National
Coal Association v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (No. 84-1609 and
consolidated cases). A court schedule for the case is expected to be set in April
1990.
Congress is also considering Clean Air Act Amendments that relate to fugitive
emissions from surface coal mines, which may legislatively resolve the issue.
EPA Contact Person
Bill Lamason
(919) 541-5374
(FTS) 629-5374
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NEW SOURCE REVIEW (NSR) BULLETIN BOARD
Background/Current Status
Federal policy determinations play a very significant role in the everyday
implementation by States and locals of EPA's prevention of significant
deterioration and nonattainment area new source review programs. In August 1988,
EPA established an electronic NSR Bulletin Board which is available for use by
State/local agencies implementing the NSR regulations. This Bulletin Board allows
the user to:
access a listing and summary of EPA's NSR program policy
and guidance memorandums;
obtain a complete copy of recent reference memorandums;
obtain a current listing of EPA program contacts; and
send and receive messages within general and specific categories.
State/local agencies should contact their Regional NSR Contact for a copy of
the user's manual.
User Summary Through March 29. 1990
Cumulative Total Users 70
Cumulative Total State/Local Users 53
Number of Times Bulletin Board Accessed 1,154
Cumulative Number of Messages on Bulletin Board 72
Cumulative Number of Policy/Guidance Files for Downloading 46
The EPA has a project under way to revamp the Bulletin Board to make it more
interactive and user friendly. The revised Bulletin Board is expected to be on
line by May 1990. Service to the private sector will become available by mid-
summer 1990.
EPA Contact Persons
David Solomon (919) 541-5375
(FTS) 629-5375
Dennis Crumpler (919) 541-0871
(FTS) 629-0871
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION OVERVIEW
Background
In March 1990, the Senate reached a compromise with the Administration
(S.1630) which would amend the Clean Air Act. This bill would establish a program
to curtail acidic deposition by reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SOo) and
nitrogen oxides (NOX) primarily from power plants by approximately 10 million tons
and 2 million tons, respectively, from 1980 levels.
To achieve these reductions, the bill would impose technology-based emission
limits for NOX, and in two phases, would allocate S02 allowances to affected
utility units. In Phase I, the bill lists allowances for 111 plants (263 listed
units) based on 2.5 pounds per million BTU (Ibs/MMBtu) and 1985-87 MMBtu/year heat
input (baseline) of the unit. Units must comply by Jan 1, 1995. In Phase II, all
utility units are covered - seven categories of units, with seven distinct
allowance calculations. These units generally must meet their baseline times 1.2
Ibs/MMBtu by January 1, 2000.
So that required emission reductions may be achieved in the most cost
effective manner possible, the bill relies on a market-based concept permitting
the trading of SO? allowances among affected units. Progress and compliance would
be measured through the operation of continuous emission monitoring systems or
acceptable alternative methods. A $2,000 excess emissions fee would be charged
for every ton of SOg emissions a unit emits over its allowance.
Current Status
Efforts are under way within EPA to ensure that all necessary technical
specifications and program requirements will be available within the schedule
provided in both the House and Senate Clean Air Act bills.
EPA Contact Person
Brian McLean (202) 475-9400
(FTS) 475-9400
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION -
EMISSIONS MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS
Background
The Senate compromise amendments to the Clean Air Act require EPA to
promulgate emission monitoring regulations within 18 months of enactment for
sources subject to the bill. Within 3 years of enactment, each Phase I affected
unit must install and operate continuous emission monitors (CEMS) or an acceptable
alternative method, quality assure the data for S02, NC" , opacity and volumetric
flow and keep records and reports pursuant to the promulgated regulations. By
January 1, 1995, each source subject to this title must install and operate CEMS
(or an acceptable alternative). Unavailable CEMS data would be treated as if the
unit were uncontrolled, unless the unit can provide satisfactory alternative
emissions data. Information reported from these systems will be used for tracking
compliance with source-specific emissions allowances, for monitoring the trading
of emissions allowances, and for calculating excess emission fees mandated by the
bill.
Existing programs and regulations governing the use of CEMS and continuous
emission rate monitors (CERMS) are expected to provide valuable material for new
regulations prescribing CERMS or acceptable alternative methods under the acid
deposition control program. This includes existing requirements under applicable
new source performance standards in 40 CFR Part 60 and State implementation plans
as provided in Appendix P to 40 CFR Part 51. The mandate in the Senate bill to
monitor emissions as mass per unit of time impose certain additional technical
requirements.
Current Status
Efforts are under way within EPA to ensure that all necessary technical
specifications and program requirements will be available within the schedule
provided in both the House and Senate Clean Air Act bills.
Future Milestones
The EPA would propose emission monitoring and reporting rules 9 months after
enactment, and promulgate final rules 18 months after enactment.
EPA Contact Person
John Schakenbach (202) 475-8545
(FTS) 475-8545
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION
ALLOWANCE TRADING
Background
The Senate bill to revise the Clean Air Act mandates reduction in emissions
of sulfur dioxide (S02) to curtail acidic deposition. In so doing, the bill does
not mandate specific controls on affected sources, but relies on a market-oriented
program which permits plant owners or operators to determine the most cost-
effective means to comply. Implementation of the Acid Rain Title requirements is
accomplished through the issuance of allowances to each unit affected under the
bill. Allowances constitute permission for each affected unit to emit specified
quantities of SOg, expressed in tons per year. Allowances are freely
transferrable among affected sources, so that a source finding it more cost-
effective not to reduce its emissions on-site but rather to purchase additional
reductions from another facility may do so.
In Phase I of the program, affected sources are facilities having units with
rated capacity in excess of 100 megawatts (MW) and annual emission rates in excess
of 2.5 pounds of SO? per million British therm units (Ib/MMBtu). In Phase II, all
utility units are affected sources. Calculation of allowances is accomplished by
multiplying an applicable emission rate by the affected unit's annual fuel
consumption for the calendar years 1985-1987, as reported to the Department of
Energy through its Form 767, along with other factors for growth considerations.
The results are expressed as allowable emissions in tons per year.
Allowances may be transferred only within each of two geographic regions for
existing units; new units may obtain allowances from anywhere in the country. No
interpollutant trading is allowed. Sources emitting at levels below their
allowances are not obligated to transfer these reductions, but may bank them
against compliance with future control requirements. Allowance reserves would be
established, and EPA would sell allowances for $1500/ton, as well as conduct
allowance auctions.
Current Status
Efforts are under way within EPA to better define the structure of the
allowance trading market, the tracking systems needed to support and facilitate
trading, and the necessary compliance tracking and reporting requirements. A
study was recently completed by an EPA contractor concerning allowance tracking
concepts and should be useful in establishing the initial program.
Future Milestones
Under the Senate bill, EPA must promulgate regulations on the allowance
system within 18 months of enactment. The EPA plans to meet with State and local
agency representatives, representatives from the utility industry, and other
organizations on a continuing basis to ensure the maximum possible flexibility in
allowance trading.
EPA Contact Person
Brian Mclean (202) 475-9400
(FTS) 475-9400
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION -
PERMITS AND INTEGRATION WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS
Background
Operating permit programs are mandated by two titles of the Senate's proposed
Clean Air Act Amendments (S.1630). Title V, Permits, requires EPA to promulgate
regulations within 12 months after enactment setting forth requirements for State
operating permit programs. These programs are intended to provide an expedited
procedure for managing stationary source emission limits and, as such, supplant a
major portion of the existing State implementation plans (SIPs) with respect to
these emission limitations and related monitoring and compliance provisions.
States are required to submit permit programs to EPA for approval within 3 years
after enactment.
Under Title IV, Acid Deposition Control, EPA is required to promulgate
regulations within 18 months after enactment, governing Federal permits to be
issued in Phase I (and in Phase II for States without an approved permit p'-ogram).
Individual source owners are required to submit Phase I permit applications and
compliance plans to EPA under this program within 30 months after enactment.
These permits will establish the basis for implementation of Phase I, including
the trading of allowances among sources affected in Phase I.
By January 1, 1994, each Phase II affected source must submit a permit
application and compliance plan to the permitting authority. By July 1, 1995,
each State with an approved permit program shall issue Phase II permits. By July
1, 1996, EPA shall issue permits to Phase II sources not issued a State permit.
Current Status
In its identification of critical permitting issues, EPA has targeted several
general subject areas for further investigation:
The need to establish a bridge between the SIP and the permit program under
Titles IV and V to avoid duplicative requirements and inconsistencies.
The need to integrate Title IV and V permit programs to ensure that
substantive requirements, schedules, and procedural requirements operate
harmoniously across related effects categories, i.e., acid deposition, regional
visibility, national ambient air quality standards, ozone nonattainment (where
relevant to control of nitrogen oxides), and particulate nonattainment (where
sulfate contributions may be significant).
The need to establish a balance early in the program development process
between an enforceable permit program and maximum flexibility in implementing the
allowance trading provisions of Title IV.
The need for effective communications among the participating EPA offices as
well as State and local air agencies in the analysis of key implementation
issues and in the development of permit program requirements.
67
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION -
PERMITS AND INTEGRATION WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS
Future Milestones
The EPA is continuing its investigations into opportunities for improved
integration of related regulatory programs with acid deposition requirements, and
will be meeting with State air agencies throughout the legislative process to
ensure development of programs responsive to the needs of State agencies.
EPA Contact Person
John Schakenbach (202) 475-8545
(FTS) 475-8545
68
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STATE ACID RAIN PROGRAM (STAR PROJECT)
Background
The Final Report of the State Acid Rain (STAR) Program documents a 4-year, $3
million effort that was initiated by Congress and managed by EPA to explore with
State governments the issues posed by various acid rain control proposals. When
the STAR Program was conceived in 1983, most congressional proposals envisioned
controlling acid rain by utilizing existing State implementation plans that were
intended to control conventional ambient air pollutants. Under the STAR program,
State governments examined possible implementation control issues in a
"policy-neutral" manner, i.e. without taking any position on the need for
additional emission controls. Thus, the STAR projects and the congressional acid
rain debate evolved together.
This Final Report documents significant implementation issues associated with
a State-based approach to controlling acid rain. These issues arise primarily
because of a mismatch between the wide geographic scale of the acid rain problem,
the multistate nature of the principal sources of emission (e.g., multistate
utilities), and the jurisdictional limitations of State and local air pollution
control agencies and public utility commissions. While illustrating the
difficulties of relying on the traditional State implementation plan approach,
this Final Report points to the need for a break with previous control approaches
and suggests more efficient approaches to achieve clean air goals.
The President's acid rain control proposal (Title V of the Administration's
Clean Air Act Amendments) combines the lessons learned in the STAR Program with
the advantages of a market-based approach to pollution control. The STAR
recommendations dealing with program design, timing of implementation, energy
conservation, and interstate coordination are combined with market-based
approaches to facilitate emissions trading and to encourage conservation and clean
coal technology in the President's proposal.
The STAR Program is separate from the Administration's ongoing acid rain
research effort being conducted under the National Acid Precipitation Assessment
Program (NAPAP). The NAPAP is evaluating the causes and effects of acid
deposition and is due to be completed by September, 1990.
Current Status
In March 1989, the Final Report of the State Acid Rain Program with
Appendices was completed. The third printing is currently available from:
David Bassett, OAR Acid Rain Staff ANR-445
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
EPA Contact Person
David Bassett (202) 475-9307 (FTS) 475-9307
Eric Ginsburg (919) 541-0877 (FTS) 629-0877
69
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U.S. - CANADA BILATERAL AIR QUALITY ACCORD DISCUSSIONS
Background/Current Status
President Bush, in his first trip outside the U.S. after assuming office,
travelled to Canada to meet with Prime Minister Mulroney on February 10, 1989.
While in Canada, the President committed the U.S. to pursuing a bilateral air
accord with the Canadian Government. In his address before a joint session of
Congress on February 9, the President outlined his plan to submit Clean Air Act
legislation, including acid rain controls, within a short period of time. The
President's Clean Air Act proposal was submitted to Congress in July 1989.
Preliminary meetings have been held between the U. S. and Canadian
Governments on the outline of an air quality accord. Formal negotiations will not
commence until the Clean Air Act is passed in the U.S. The U.S. team is headed by
the State Department, with EPA, and the Departments of Energy and Commerce
participating.
The draft outline of the accord creates a framework for the consideration of
various bilateral air pollution problems. Currently, sulfur dioxide is the only
specific pollutant that is named in the draft framework. The major thrust of the
acid rain provisions of the President's Clean Air Act proposal is a 10 million ton
annual reduction in emissions of sulfur dioxide. The Canadian Government already
has an acid rain control program, which calls for sources in the eastern provinces
to cut emissions of sulfur dioxide by 50 percent (off 1980 levels) by 1994. The
draft accord contains provisions for joint research and monitoring efforts, as
well as the production of periodic progress reports.
Future Milestones
Formal negotiations on the bilateral air quality accord will take place once
amendments to the Clean Air Act are passed. Working level technical discussions
on specific issues may take place later this spring or early this summer.
EPA Contact Person
Brian McLean (202) 475-9400
(FTS) 475-9400
Dennis Leaf (202) 475-9306
(FTS) 475-9306
70
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STATUS OF THE CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Background
In March 1985, then President, Ronald Reagan, and Canadian Prime Minister
Brian Mulroney agreed to appoint high level Special Envoys to examine acid rain
issues and to submit a report. That report recommended, among other things, a $5
billion, 5-year innovative control technology demonstration program in the United
States. The emphasis was on the commercial-scale demonstration of those emerging
technologies that could reduce emissions from existing high sulfur coal burning
facilities. This "Clean Coal Technology" (CCT) Program has been established at
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
To date, DOE has issued three CCT solicitations. These documents are
requests for project proposals meeting certain criteria. Eligible projects would
receive up to 50 percent Federal funding. The average Federal funding
contribution through Rounds 1 and 2 has been 42 percent. So far, approximately
$1.35 billion in Federal money has been obligated to the DOE Clean Coal Technology
Program.
Current Status
DOE received 48 proposals in response to the third solicitation. From these
48 proposals, DOE has selected 13 Round 3 CCT projects for Federal cost sharing.
Program
Opportunity
Notice
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
2/86
2/88
5/89
6/90*
9/91*
Projects
Selected for
Funding
12
16
13
15*
15*
Cooperative
Agreements
Signed bv 12/89
8
1
0
0
0
Total:
(*) Expected.
72* 9
(**) Advanced appropriations,
Approximate
Federal Funding
(in mill ions)
$400
$575
$540
$600**
$600**
$2,715*
The DOE CCT program is not the only program demonstrating CCT. Clean coal
technologies are being funded and tested by other Federal agencies (including
EPA), private organizations, State governments, the Tennessee Valley Authority,
and other countries: West Germany, Japan, China, England, Sweden, Austria,
Netherlands and possibly others.
Future Milestones
The Round 4 Program Opportunity Notice (PON) is expected to be issued in June
1990. It is expected that the Round 5 PON would be issued in September 1991.
Upon completion of awards in FY 1992, total DOE CCT Program Federal funding will
be approximately $2.75 billion.
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STATUS OF THE CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
The EPA expects to issue an interpretative ruling this spring which would
exempt, subject to certain safeguards, many CCT projects from new source
performance standards and new source review requirements. Both the Senate and
House proposed Clean Air Act Amendments would exempt, subject to certain
safeguards, CCT projects from new source performance standards and new source
review.
EPA Contact Person
John Schakenbach (202) 475-8545
(FTS) 475-8545
72
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STACK HEIGHT LITIGATION
Background
On February 8, 1982, EPA issued regulations restricting the use of tall
stacks and other dispersion techniques as methods by which national ambient
air quality standards could be attained. These regulations implement section
123 of the 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments. The 1982 regulations were
challenged in court and portions were reversed or remanded to EPA. On July 5,
1985, the revised regulations were published. Portions of the 1985
regulations were subsequently challenged.
On January 22, 1988 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued
its opinion in NRDC v. Thomas, 838 F.2d 1224 (D.C. Cir. 1988). The Court
upheld the 1985 regulations, except for three provisions which were remanded
for further consideration and rulemaking. These provisions allow dispersion
credit for:
1. Pre-1/79 original construction stacks using H + 1.5L;
2. Pre-10/83 within formula stack height increases; and
3. Merged stacks in original construction.
In March 1988, five petitions for rehearing were filed. All five petitions
were denied in April 1988. In June and July 1988, industry groups filed
petitions requesting review by the U.S. Supreme Court of the D.C. Court of
Appeals decision. On October 11, 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to
review the case.
Current Status/Future Milestones
An EPA work group has been formed to draft a proposal notice in response to
the remand mentioned above. At this time, EPA is monitoring the impact of
potential Clean Air Act Amendments on section 123 requirements and there is no
definite schedule for completion of the proposal notice.
EPA Contact Person
Doug Grano (919) 541-5255
(FTS) 629-5255
73
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SULFUR DIOXIDE GUIDELINE
Background
Over approximately two decades, programs for control of several criteria
pollutants have undergone periodic revisions to account for changes in the forms
and/or concentration levels of certain national ambient air quality standards.
Among these programs, the program experiencing the least change has been that
pertaining to sulfur dioxide (SOo). As a result, planning and implementation
policy for S02 control have remained relatively stable, without the periodic
issuance of comprehensive guidelines that has occurred in other programs such as
ozone and PM-10. Consequently, there was no current, comprehensive compilation
of policies and guidance for preparation and review of S02 State implementation
plans.
With the Administration's proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act and
associated changes in the way air quality management programs would be carried
out, there has arisen a need to evaluate a number of the Agency's major pollutant
control programs in order to ascertain changes that would be needed to comply with
a revised Clean Air Act. This effort has resulted in the preparation of the "S02
Guideline," a compilation and summary of currently applicable policy and guidance
related to S02 control. The document focuses on preparation and review of S02
State implementation plans (SIP's), but includes summary information pertaining to
certain aspects of related programs, such as new source performance standards. As
such, the guideline is not intended to establish new or revised policy, but rather
to restate in a convenient manner existing policies and guidance relevant to
control of SOo. For more detailed guidance and for purposes of citation in
regulatory decision making, users are referred to the original materials from
which the document was prepared. Copies of some of the original documents are
contained in the guideline appendices.
Current Status/Future Milestones
The final version of the guideline has been distributed to key staff in each
of EPA's ten Regional Offices and has been provided to State and local air
pollution control agencies. Any necessary revisions to the guideline will be
distributed in a similar manner. At least one, and possibly several, workshops
are anticipated over the course of the next fiscal year to assist States, locals,
and Regional Offices in introducing new personnel to S02 SIP requirements.
EPA Contact Person
Gretchen Hume (919) 541-0642
(FTS) 629-0642
74
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RULE EFFECTIVENESS SUMMARY
Background
On March 31, 1988, EPA's Stationary Source Compliance Division (SSCD) sent a
memo to all the Regional Air Division Directors on the implementation of the Rule
Effectiveness Study. The memorandum stated that the implementation of the
protocol would begin in FY 1989, and that each Region should commit to at least
one rule effectiveness evaluation in an ozone nonattainment area.
Since the memorandum was sent, each Region has taken on a study in their
area. The protocols were developed for each study and submitted to SSCD for
review and approval. After SSCD's approval was granted, each Region proceeded
with the study. The initial due date for submittal of the final report was
9/30/89; however, due to the lateness of the initiation of the study within each
Region, the date was extended to December 31, 1989. To date, SSCD has only
received three reports (from Regions I, IV, and IX) on the study.
Based on the teleconference call SSCD conducted with the Regions on January
11, 1990, most Regions indicated that they expect to complete their final reports
by March, 1990, at which time they would submit them to SSCD for review. However,
to date SSCD has not received any more studies. Due to the lateness of the
Regions submitting their reports, SSCD sent out a memorandum to all the Regional
Air Directors and Branch Chiefs during the week of April 2, reminding them of
their previous commitments to the program and requesting that they submit their FY
1989 studies and FY 1990 protocols by April 16, 1990.
Current Status
The current status of the Region's FY 1989 reports is as follows:
Region I - The FY 1989 study was conducted on Miscellaneous Metal Parts in
Connecticut. They are currently waiting to receive the rest of the section 114
letters that were sent out before completing the report. Inspections are near
completion.
Region II - The FY 1989 study was done on the Gasoline Marketing Industry in New
York and New Jersey. The inspections by both the Region and the States have been
completed, and the report should be submitted to SSCD by mid-April.
Region III - This study consisted of Stage I Vapor Recovery. The Region has
completed the study and is completing the report; SSCD should receive the report
by mid-April.
Region IV - This study focused on the Auto Coating Industry. The SSCD received
their report and found it to be very comprehensive. Most of the sources in the
report demonstrated that they were in compliance with the regulations.
Region V - This study focused on the Miscellaneous Metal Parts Industry. The
inspections have been completed and Region is waiting to receive the rest of the
section 114 letters.
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RULE EFFECTIVENESS SUMMARY
Region VI - The Storage Tanks studies were conducted in both Louisiana, and
Austin, Texas. The report on the study which was done in Louisiana should be
submitted to SSCD in the near future. The project was interrupted due to an
emergency toxics study the State had to undertake. The study which was done in
Austin, Texas, was also held back due to limited resources. This report will be
submitted later on in the spring.
Region VII - This study was done on Stage I Vapor Recovery in Kansas City. The
report will be submitted within the next month.
Region VIII - The State of Utah completed the study on External Floating Roofs and
submitted it to SSCD in January/February, 1990. The study discovered deficiencies
in the regulations and the emission inventory estimates and also in the
enforcement program. The State of Colorado conducted a study on Pharmaceutical
Synthesis. The report should be completed during the month of April 1990.
Region IX - This study was conducted on the Aerospace Industry. The report was
completed and submitted to SSCD in January 1990. The study found deficiencies in
the aerospace industry regulations which were common to other surface coating
regulations. A high noncompliance rate under section 114 of the Clean Air Act was
also found.
Region X - This study consisted of an overlap in years from a previous study
Region X had begun, flowing into FY 1989 when the Rule Effectiveness studies
began. These studies consisted of Kraft and sulfur pulp mills, aluminum plants,
surface coating, and particulate matter. Results of these studies will be
completed and submitted to SSCD during the month of April 1990.
The status of the FY 1990 reports include:
FY 1990 protocols have been received from Region I on the Perchloroethylene Dry
Cleaning Industry in Massachusetts, and from Region III on the Graphic Arts
Industry in Richmond, Virginia. The protocol from Region I has been reviewed by
SSCD and will be sent out to the review team during the week of March 26, 1990.
EPA Contact Persons
Karen Randolph/Laxmi Kesari (202) 382-2835
(FTS) 382-2835
76
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FY 1990 COMPLIANCE MONITORING STRATEGY
Background
The EPA issued the Compliance Monitoring Strategy (CMS) on March 31, 1988.
Issuance of the strategy was the culmination of a multiyear effort focusing on
some very important issues raised about the inspection grant program and EPA's
Inspection Frequency Guidance.
Features of the CMS that address these issues are: (1) the ability to
address local air pollution concerns, (2) the use of inspection targeting, (3) the
accounting for the total inspection activity, and (4) the focus on national
priorities through a State/EPA negotiation process.
Current Status
The Compliance Monitoring Strategy replaced the Inspection Frequency Guidance
in FY 1989 and continues in FY 1990. The strategy requires EPA and the State to
negotiate a State inspection plan that addresses national priorities and spells
out FY 1990 inspection commitments. Sources in the negotiated inspection plans
are generally flagged in EPA's Compliance Data System (CDS).
Training in the use of the inspection targeting model portion of the CMS has
been conducted and continued support is being offered. A program that downloads
CDS data directly into the Inspection Targeting Program was made available to CMS
users.
The EPA has completed a study on how to get wider acceptance and
implementation of the CMS. The report has been incorporated into the process to
investigate revising the CMS for FY 1992.
Future Milestones
Analysis of the first full year under the CMS will occur in FY 1990.
A work group has been formed to investigate revising the CMS for FY 1992.
The starting point from which the work group is moving is the impediments to the
implementation of CMS that were identified during FY 1989. The proposed revisions
should be ready by October 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Howard Wright (202) 475-7034
(FTS) 475-7034
77
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ASBESTOS NESHAP STRATEGY
Background
On March 31, 1988, EPA issued a revised Asbestos National Emission Standards
for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Strategy. The original strategy,-issued on
April 6, 1984 intended to promote 100 percent compliance through the implemen-
tation of an inspection plan. According to the 1984 strategy, an inspection plan
could consist of inspecting "all sources, all contractors, or any other program
consistent with the Agency goal of 100 percent compliance." Because the annual
notification rate had risen to over 50,000 by FY 1988, it is no longer feasible
for most agencies to inspect all sites. Inspecting all contractors may have been
the best alternative for an effective inspection plan under the 1984 strategy,
however, the 1984 strategy did not fully describe how such a plan would be
implemented. After auditing three Regional asbestos NESHAP enforcement programs,
the Inspector General's Office remarked that the 1984 strategy "does not provide
additional criteria for developing an effective inspection strategy." The revised
strategy provides criteria for targeting inspections among a field of an estimated
5,000 contractors as opposed to selecting inspection sites from over 50,000
notifications. Inspection efforts focused on contractors should result in a more
resource-effective enforcement program. Appendix A of the strategy establishes a
computerized asbestos NESHAP compliance tracking system called the National
Asbestos Registry System (NARS). Regions are expected to send quarterly reports
of the data elements defined in Appendix A to Headquarters, preferably through
electronic transmission. The aggregated nationwide data base will be used to
target inspections and promote enforcement as described in the 1988 strategy.
Current Status
As of February, 1990, EPA had released four reports from the NARS. The
reports contained information on notifications, inspections, and compliance for
every asbestos contractor who submitted one or more notifications of NESHAP
covered activity in FY 1989. The NARS reports have been distributed to delegated
States to help them target inspections based upon contractor compliance history.
The reports have also been used to extract information for senior agency
management on the status of the asbestos program.
Future Milestones
The EPA is in the final stages of collecting data for a fifth NARS report.
This report will contain data for FY 1989 and the first quarter of FY 1990.
During FY 1990, EPA will assist and encourage delegated agencies to increase their
use of NARS data as one basis for inspection targeting.
78
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ASBESTOS NESHAP STRATEGY
EPA Contact Persons
For Policy Questions and Applicability Determinations:
Scott Throwe (202) 475-7002
(FTS) 475-7002
Technical Issues:
Omayra Salgado (202) 382-2837
(FTS) 382-2837
National Asbestos Registry System (NARS):
Mark Antell (202) 382-2878
(FTS) 382-2878
79
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DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLIANCE PROGRAM OPERATING GUIDANCE
Background
The compliance program operating guidance, developed by the Stationary Source
Compliance Division (SSCD) of EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards,
reconstructs the procedures and goals of the current EPA/State compliance program
planning process. The principal objective is to establish procedures (1) that
give each State more freedom and flexibility to establish compliance program goals
and commitments suitable to the unique circumstances in that State, and (2) that
result in a comprehensive annual compliance program plan which reflects EPA and
State agreement and which optimizes the use of Federal and State resources to
accomplish both Federal and State goals.
To accomplish these objectives, each State will be asked to develop a
proposed compliance program plan each year which addresses and balances
State and Federal priorities, which evaluates compliance program problems and
needs and proposes specific strategies to address them, and which proposes
specific objectives and commitments for the year with detailed information on how
the objectives will be achieved.
Current Status
The guidance has been prepared in draft and sent to all Regions,
STAPPA/ALAPCO, some States, and other EPA program offices for comment. Comments
were received and the guidance is currently being redrafted incorporating the
concerns which were applicable. Comments which were not appropriate for inclusion
into the redrafted guidance will be referred to one of the appropriate work groups
formed for the future direction of the SSCD's program activities for further
discussion.
The redrafted version of the guidance will be discussed with the EPA Regional
Branch Chiefs at the April 1990 meeting and with the EPA Regional Division
Directors in June. The redrafted guidance will again be sent to the Regions,
STAPPA/ALAPCO, States, and other EPA program offices for further comment. The
SSCD is soliciting volunteers for a pilot program (2-3 State/local agencies) to
begin in FY 1991.
Future Milestones
4/90 Final draft to Regions for review and comment.
6/90 Final draft to Regions for beginning pilots in FY 1991.
FY91 Feedback from pilots, final draft guidance revised based on pilot
implementation.
FY92 and beyond - final guidance prepared and sent to Regions for
implementation.
EPA Contact Person
Mickey Post (202) 382-2869
(FTS) 382-2869
80
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STATIONARY SOURCE COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR TRAINING PROGRAM
Background
The EPA Order 3500.1, effective June 29, 1988, and the Air-Specific Inspector
Training Plan for the Stationary Source Control Program, dated February 1989,
require EPA compliance inspectors to complete certain prescribed training programs
before leading an inspection. State and local air pollution control agencies are
encouraged to establish similar inspector training plans and inspection
improvement programs. The training plan for stationary source inspectors includes
basic courses on compliance inspection fundamentals and health and safety that all
Agency inspectors must take, in addition to a series of program-minimum, air-
specific courses tailored to develop the technical knowledge and skills needed for
conducting quality stationary sources compliance inspections. The EPA order and
the air-specific training plan provide for alternative training and limited
exception (waiver) of training requirements on a course-by-course basis, mainly
for experienced inspectors, based on training and experience.
A network of Regional and Headquarters air inspector training coordinators
meet monthly through conference calls to discuss program implementation
activities/issues. An informal air inspector training advisory group which
includes representatives from various State and local agencies has been
established to provide input on the overall air inspector training program design
and implementation. An EPA Agency-wide Inspector Training Advisory Board
comprised of senior officials from all media programs oversees implementation of
the EPA order. Guidance and technical support for the air-specific training
activities are provided by staff in the Stationary Source Compliance Division
(SSCD) and the Air Pollution Training Institute (APTI) of EPA's Air Quality
Management Division.
Current Status
After October 1989, the EPA order requires new compliance inspectors to be
trained before leading an inspection. Experienced inspectors hired before the
effective date of the EPA order must complete the same training or demonstrate
comparable training or work experience by a later date.
Currently, new inspectors and experienced inspectors are fulfilling training
requirements through existing classroom courses and workshops, monitored
self-study courses and reading assignments, and formal on-the-job training
utilizing available training materials. An extensive course module development
program began in FY 1990 to update and streamline existing training materials and
develop new courses to focus on entry-level inspectors. The training modules when
completed should minimize training time and result in better trained inspectors.
Progress on the modules will be reviewed by the informal advisory group during
periodic conference calls as the work proceeds.
Nearly all of the course modules and training materials in the EPA inspector
training sequence are suitable as is or with minor changes for training
State/local air inspectors. Course development is being funded by OAQPS.
Training delivery is provided by APTI and the Regions using a variety of funding
and delivery mechanisms.
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STATIONARY SOURCE COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR TRAINING PROGRAM
Discussions have been held with the STAPPA/ALAPCO Education and Training
Committee, various regional State associations, and individual States to promote
closer coordination of the EPA and State inspector training efforts. A survey
recently was conducted of the Regional Offices to determine the progress of their
inspector training programs and to determine additional training support needs. A
survey also is being planned to determine the type and extent of inspector
training needs at the State and local level.
Future Milestones
Results from the recent survey of EPA compliance inspector training will be
reported to the Deputy Administrator in a report entitled "Compliance Inspector
Training: Building the Enforcement Infrastructure." The draft report will be
discussed at the next Agency-wide Inspector Training Advisory Board meeting in
June or July.
By the October 1991 deadline in the EPA order, all experienced compliance
inspectors will be trained or exempted from training based on individual training
and experience evaluations.
Current and most optimum future inspector training delivery mechanisms for
EPA and States/local inspectors will be evaluated and necessary supporting
consensus/resource statements will be developed and the results presented to EPA
and the States/locals.
In February 1989, the Agency-wide Inspector Training Advisory Board
established a work group to focus on on-the-job-field training and make it more
structured and systematic. The goal was to recommend criteria or protocols and to
identify a process by which inspectors could receive quality on-the-job-training.
A final draft protocol will be distributed in June. It is intended that the final
protocol be adopted as general guidance by early FY 1991.
Improvement and expansion of EPA/State in-house training capability will be
encouraged and supported to ensure that inspector training programs at all agency
levels operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. Instructor training-
materials will be developed and distributed to facilitate accomplishing this goal.
In FY 1991, development of the fifteen course modules identified in the
recommended air-specific inspector training sequence will be developed and will be
made readily available to the States/locals.
EPA Contact Persons
Mark S. Siegler (202) 382-5903
(FTS) 382-5903
Kirk Foster (919) 541-4571
(FTS) 629-4571
82
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TAMPERING ENFORCEMENT
Background
Recent EPA tampering survey data indicate that the removal or rendering
inoperative of emission controls remains a significant nationwide problem.
Although State/local emissions inspection and anti-tampering programs have reduced
some forms of tampering, the problem continues and has changed in some respects.
The EPA, therefore, maintains an actively aggressive and somewhat refocused
nationwide tampering enforcement program.
In August 1986, EPA published an enforcement policy intended to encourage the
development, introduction, and installation of reasonably priced aftermarket
catalytic converters as an alternative to costly original equipment converters.
Under this policy, the installation of converters designed to meet EPA-specified
performance requirements and installed under certain limited circumstances would
not constitute tampering under the Clean Air Act. This policy was intended to
complement the recently-instituted State and local antitampering programs by
providing reasonably priced, quality converters.
Current Status
The EPA maintains a nationwide tampering enforcement program utilizing EPA
personnel, contractors, and authorized state and local inspectors. The EPA
inspectors primarily target repair shops and fleet operators who may be involved
in the large scale removal of major emission control devices such as catalytic
converters, air pumps, exhaust gas recycling (EGR) systems, etc. However, there
has been a significant reduction in these most blatant forms of tampering, and/or
facility operators have become more sophisticated by obscuring the paper trail
necessary to document violations.
The EPA very closely monitors the compliance of regulated parties with its
published aftermarket converter policy. This oversight has resulted in EPA
uncovering thousands of instances involving the installation of improper con-
verters. Nearly 300 Notices of Violation have been issued to major violators of
this policy for such misinstallations. In addition, EPA has also monitored the
quality of the converters produced under this policy and has initiated enforcement
actions against manufacturers whose products have not met the requirements of the
policy.
The EPA has also recently focused on "high technology" forms of tampering.
These include the marketing of high performance replacement components such as
computer chips, carburetors, camshafts, etc., and the recently-growing business of
post-sale, pre-delivery high performance modifications of new vehicles. In
addition, EPA continues to investigate the manufacture of catalytic converter
replacement pipes and engine switching by regulated parties where the required
emission controls are not installed.
EPA Contact Person
Marc R. Hillson (202) 382-2938
(FTS) 382-2938
83
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ASSEMBLY LINE TESTING/RECALL PROGRAM
Background
In 1989, EPA continued its Selective Enforcement Audits (SEA) of assembly
line motor vehicles and compliance testing of in-use vehicles. The purpose of
both programs is to ensure that production vehicles meet Federal motor vehicle
emission standards.
Current Status
In 1989, EPA conducted 14 SEA audits of light-duty vehicle (LDV)
configurations and 7 audits of heavy-duty engines (HDE). The LDV audits showed
satisfactory results, however, one HDE configuration failed, resulting in the
modification of the configuration. As audit failures cause the interruption of
production when the certification of a class is suspended, manufacturers continued
to conduct substantial voluntary testing to identify and repair marginal
configurations before they are audited; approximately 20,000 vehicles were
voluntarily tested in 1989.
The EPA's motor vehicle recall program tested 30 light-duty vehicle and
light-duty truck engine families in 1989. This testing had the dual purpose of
obtaining the recall and repair of failing vehicles, and encouraging manufacturers
to design more durable emission control systems to avoid the high cost of future
EPA recalls. Almost 5 million vehicles were recalled in 1989.
EPA Contact Persons
Recall: Cliff Dean (202)382-2491
(FTS) 382-2491
SEA: John Guy (202) 475-8584
(FTS) 475-8584
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FUEL VOLATILITY ENFORCEMENT
Background
Final regulations for the first phase of the nationwide Federal gasoline
volatility program were issued in March 1989 to control volatility beginning June
1, 1989. The EPA held a public workshop in April 1989 to discuss its initial
enforcement plans and to solicit comments from all interested parties on its
upcoming enforcement of these rules. The EPA then began the necessary logistical
preparation and training to initiate a comprehensive fuels volatility enforcement
program.
On June 1, 1989, the first effective date of these regulations, EPA began
sampling gasoline at upstream facilities, such as refineries, terminals, pipelin-
es, etc., in several cities. On July 1, 1989, the effective compliance date for
retail outlets, EPA began inspections at these facilities as well. Despite the
myriad of sampling, handling, shipping, logistical, and safety issues that had to
be addressed with a very short lead time, EPA, along with its contractor, managed
to procure and analyze nearly 4,000 enforcement samples nationwide through the
compliance period which ended September 15, 1989. During the compliance period,
samples were taken from all the major refinery and importer locations and nearly
all the major terminals and ozone nonattainment areas in the country. The results
indicate an approximately 95 percent compliance rate.
Current Status
Preparations are presently under way to initiate a more comprehensive and
effective enforcement program for the 1990 season. 'Although the required
compliance levels have not changed from last year, several minor regulatory
changes have been proposed which will streamline inspection procedures and
thus enhance EPA's enforcement program.
The most significant change for this year involves EPA's plans to incorporate
highly reliable and accurate field screening during its normal inspection
procedures. The greatest impact of this will be in the substantially reduced
number of fuel samples that will have to be packaged, shipped, and analyzed. This
will also allow inspectors to immediately identify noncomplying products and
conduct more well-directed investigations while still in the area, and thus more
quickly have high volatility gasoline removed from commerce with associated air
quality benefits.
The EPA will also use the data from last year's enforcement program to target
problem areas or suppliers and thus enhance the effectiveness of its limited
resources.
EPA Contact Person
Marc R. Hillson (202) 382-2938
(FTS) 382-2938
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OAQPS INFORMATION TRANSFER ACTIVITIES
Background
Technology transfer or, more broadly, information transfer, has for years
been a key OAQPS activity. Our major clients for information transfer activities
are State and local agencies and EPA Regional Offices. Industry, consultants, and
universities, as well as the general public, also are important users of many
information transfer products.
There are many ways to transfer information. They include workshops,
reports, manuals, guidance documents, computer bulletin boards, hot lines,
technology centers, training courses, and other technical assistance. The
dissemination of information via these and other means is increasingly important
in enabling States and local agencies to fulfil their expanded responsibilities
for implementing the new Clean Air Act.
Although OAQPS has received high marks in the past for its information
transfer activities, there is a need to ensure both that the program continues to
meet client needs in a changing environment and that it makes best use of state-
of-the-art communication techniques to do this effectively. Equally important,
there is a need to ensure that our clients are aware of the wealth of information
already available from OAQPS and, most important, know how to obtain it.
Current Status
In response to the above concerns, a work group has been organized to help
coordinate OAQPS information transfer activities to improve our ability to provide
information to our clients. Current activities of this group include:
1. Preparation of a comprehensive directory of information available and how to
access it. This will be widely distributed to help potential users obtain
the information they need.
2. A review of computerized information transfer mechanisms such as bulletin
boards and other computerized data sources to determine (a) how they should
be coordinated and improved in the short term and (b) how they can make best
use of new technology which will become available over the next few years.
3. The design of a standard OAQPS logo to more clearly identify the reports,
guidance manuals, and other products provided by this office.
The work group also is considering how potential users, particularly State
and local agencies, should become more involved in the overall information
transfer program. Most individual activities such as bulletin boards, hot lines,
and technology centers already place great emphasis on user input in system
design, and user feedback is actively solicited. However, a more comprehensive
review of user needs and how well our current activities match these needs has not
been undertaken to date.
EPA Contact Person
Joe Padgett (919) 541-5589
(FTS) 629-5589
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BACT/LAER CLEARINGHOUSE
Background
The BACT/LAER Clearinghouse was established to assist State and local air
pollution control agencies in selecting best available control technology (BACT)
and the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) controls for new or modified
sources in a nationally consistent manner.
Goals and Ob.iectives
The basic goals of the BACT/LAER Clearinghouse are to: (1) provide State and
local air pollution control agencies with current information on case-by-case
technology determinations that are made nationwide; and (2) promote communication,
cooperation, and sharing of control technology information among permitting
agencies.
Current Status
- The fourth supplement to the "BACT/LAER Clearinghouse - A Compilation of
Control Technology Determinations" was published in June 1989. Copies were sent
to State and local agencies and EPA Regional Offices on August 8, 1989.
- Phase 2 of a project to make the BACT/LAER Information System (BLIS) more
user-friendly was completed in April 1990. Phase 2 allows the user to use the
data base without using the System 2000 language. Menus and help screens allow
the user to search, view, and print customized BLIS reports by entering the
following command at the "ready" prompt: EXEC 'CON5.BLIS2'.
Direct commands using the System 2000 language can still be made by selecting
the appropriate menu option.
- The annual meeting of the BACT/LAER Clearinghouse advisory group will be
held on April 23 & 24, 1990 in Denver, Colorado, in conjunction with the new
source review workshop scheduled at that time. Coordination with appropriate
STAPPA/ALAPCO representatives is needed to address needed improvements to the
substance and quality of the BACT/LAER data base.
- The Control Technology Center NEWS has taken the place of the old BACT/LAER
Newsletter, "The Communicator." The CTC News is broader in scope and is not
limited to BACT/LAER determinations or activities.
- Work will begin on updating the BLIS User's Manual in April 1990. Improve-
ments to the manual are needed to address changes in access procedures implemented
by the National Computer Center, announce the availability and explain how to
access the user-friendly program routines noted above, and to correct typographi-
cal errors. The new user's manual should be available in the fall of 1990.
- The next (1990) edition of the BACT/LAER Clearinghouse publication will be
a 5-year compilation of determinations — not a supplement. This compilation will
be distributed in July 1990 and include all determinations entered into the system
since June 1985. Earlier determinations will continue to be available through
BLIS and in the 1985 compilation document.
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BACT/LAER CLEARINGHOUSE
EPA Contact Person
Bob Blaszczak (919) 541-5432
(FTS) 629-5432
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CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CTC)
Background
The CTC was formed in 1987 to assist State and local (S/L) air pollution
control agencies and EPA Regional Offices (RO's) in their implementation of
programs to control air toxics, volatile organic compounds (VOC's), and criteria
pollutant emissions. It is operated by EPA's Offices of Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPS) and Research and Development (ORD) and draws from the expertise
of those two organizations. A STAPPA/ALAPCO work group assures a close working
relationship between STAPPA/ALAPCO and the CTC.
Three levels of support are provided — a HOTLINE (for a rapid response to
questions), direct engineering assistance (for more in-depth support to S/L
agencies and RO's), and technical guidance projects (for dissemination of
information of broad national interest).
Status and Future Milestones
The CTC receives over 900 HOTLINE requests for assistance per year. An
additional 400-600 telephone requests for assistance per year are received
directly by staff engineers. HOTLINE calls are the common basis for initiating
engineering assistance and technical guidance projects.
The CTC has completed 12 engineering assistance and 17 technical guidance
projects since its inception. On-going projects include 10 engineering assistance
and 13 technical guidance projects. A list of recently completed and on-going
projects follows. Project reports are made available to all S/L agencies and RO's
without charge. They are available to others through the National Technical
Information Service (NTIS) for a nominal fee.
ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE PROJECTS
Project Name and Number Completion Date
Emissions from Agricultural Plastics 4/89
Burning (87-2), Florida
Spray Booth Control Evaluation (88-4), 10/89
Connecticut
Methylene Chloride Sources (88-9), 5/89
New York
Arsine/Phosphine Scrubber (88-10), 6/90
San Diego
Creosote Wood Treatment (88-13), 6/89
Virginia
Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment System 4/89
(88-14), West Virginia
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CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CTC)
ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE PROJECTS CONT'D
Pro.iect Name and No. Completion Date
Formaldehyde Emissions from Manufacture of 4/90
Veneer Wood Products (89-4), Virginia
Emissions from Solder Manufacturing (89-7), 5/89
111inois
Economic Evaluation of Lead Emission Controls 10/89
(89-18), Missouri
Incineration of Oil Spill Clean-up Material 12/89
(89-20), Alaska
Excess Benzene Emissions from a Refinery (90-2), 1/90
Region III
Wood Stove Regulation Analysis (90-3), Colorado 4/90
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE PROJECTS
Advisory System - Controlling Air Toxics 5/90
(CAT Enhancement)(87-1)
CAT/HAP Manual Brochure (88-3) 4/90
Fiberglass Structures (88-5) 5/90
Hospital Waste Incineration Training Manual 4/89
(88-6)
Air Toxic Emissions From Steel Plants (88-9) 4/90
Surface Impoundment Emission Factors (88-11) 10/89
Tireburning (88-12) 10/89
Flexible Packaging Emission Control (89-3) 6/90
HAP Manual Update (89-5) 5/90
Ultrasonic Cleaning of Rotogravure Printing 7/89
Cylinders (89-10)
Waferboard Control Evaluation (89-11) 10/89
Powder Coatings (89-12) 10/89
Electrostatic Precipitator Model (89-13) 6/90
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CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CTC)
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE PROJECTS CONT'D
Project Name and No. Completion Date
Steam Stripping of Air Toxics(88-15) 6/90
NOx Controls (89-14) 6/90
Polystyrene Foam Blowing, Phase 2 (89-15) 6/90
Condensibles Testing (89-16) 6/90
Wastewater Treatment Emissions (89-19) 2/90
Flexible Packaging VOC Controls (89-3) 6/90
EPA Contact Persons
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards:
Bob Blaszczak (919) 541-5432
(FTS) 629-5432
Office of Research and Development:
Chuck Darvin (919) 541-7633
(FTS) 629-7633
CTC HOTLINE: (919) 541-0800
(FTS) 629-0800
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EMISSION MEASUREMENT TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER
Background
The Emission Measurement Technical Information Center (EMTIC) was established
as an information exchange network to promote consistent, uniform application of
stationary source emission test methods in the development and enforcement of
emission control programs on a national basis. The EMTIC has provided technical
assistance to EPA Regional Offices and State and local air pollution agencies in
many forms for over a year.
Current Status
Five packages of technical information have been mailed to the EMTIC
information exchange network. In addition to the transfer of technical
literature, conditional and alternative test methods, guideline documents, and
copies of recent regulatory publications from EPA to the EMTIC network, the State
and local agencies have provided EPA Headquarters with suggestions and
encouragement toward development of a national source testing accreditation
program, comments and advice on the computerized test method information filing
system (TSAR), and additional sampling and analysis methods to incorporate into
the EMTIC library. Work is under way to complete three technical videos on
volatile organic compounds (VOC) sampling and analysis procedures.
The second and third special EMTIC emission measurement workshops were
completed in December 1989 in California. Over 60 representatives from the
California Air Resources Board, the South Coast Air Quality Management District,
EPA Region IX and X, and several other State and local agencies, attended the
workshops which addressed VOC and toxics emission measurements, continuous
emission monitoring data applications, quality assurance and control procedures in
emission testing, and an introduction to the TSAR system.
Future Milestones
Sixth EMTIC mailout April 1990
Seventh EMTIC mailout July 1990
Eighth EMTIC mailout October 1990
Fourth EMTIC workshop April 17-18, 1990 (Dallas, TX)
Fifth EMTIC workshop June 1990 (Lexington, MA)
EPA Contact Person
Peter Westlin (919) 541-1059
(FTS) 629-1059
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AEROMETRIC INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEM (AIRS)
Background/Status
The basic AIRS Air Quality Subsystem (AIRS/AQS) has been in production since
July 1987. Since then the system has been upgraded to include an on-line browse
and ad-hoc batch capabilities. All of the Regional Offices, 42 States and 4 local
agencies are directly accessing AIRS/AQS as of March 1990.
The AIRS Facility Subsystem (AIRS/AFS) is in the final software development
and data conversion stage of the project. The AFS is scheduled to go into
production in the mid- to late-April 1990 timeframe. The Regional Offices have
already received their AFS production training and the initial direct user States
are scheduled to be trained beginning in May 1990. Over the next several months,
the Technical Support Division and the Stationary Source Compliance Division of
OAQPS will continue to operate the National Emission Data System (NEDS) and the
Compliance Data System (CDS) to ensure a smooth transition to a consolidated mode
under AFS.
Hardware and telecommunications support for the State and Regional Office end
users are being coordinated with EPA's National Computer Center throughout this
project.
Future Milestones
Development of the AIRS Area and Mobile Subsystem (AIRS/AMS) was begun early
in FY 1990. The first step is to complete the definition of user requirements and
design specifications, which will build upon preliminary user surveys and a
workshop held in August 1989. Current plans call for the system software to be
developed in FY 1991-1992 and for the system to go into operation in FY 1992.
EPA Contact Person
John C. Bosch (919) 541-5583
(FTS) 629-5583
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SUPPORT CENTER FOR REGULATORY AIR MODELS BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM
Background
Over the past several years, the Agency has offered regulatory air quality
dispersion models to the public via the National Technical Information Service for
operation on mainframe computers. Changes in computer technology as well as
communications technology have made it possible for the Agency to provide model
codes for personal computers through electronic transfer methods, specifically
electronic bulletin board service.
Current Status
A bulletin board service, the Support Center for Regulatory Air Models
Bulletin Board System, has been developed to improve the transfer of air quality
models to the modeling community and facilitate communications by providing a
forum for ideas and information. All regulatory models including several
screening models and related pre- and post-processing programs are available for
downloading. All regulatory models are personal computer (PC)-compatible. The
telephone number for the bulletin board is (919) 541-5742. Recent additions to
the bulletin board include Model Clearinghouse reports and a limited number of
model user's guides.
Future Milestones
Future offerings on the bulletin board will include meteorological data and
additional model user's guides.
EPA Contact Person
Jerry Mersch (919) 541-5635
(FTS) 629-5635
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GUIDELINE ON AIR QUALITY MODELS
Background
The Guideline on Air Quality Models, originally issued in April 1978, was
revised September 1986 and supplemented in January 1988. It is incorporated by
reference in 40 CFR 51.166 and 52.21 and is referenced in EPA guidance for
development of SIP revisions. The Guideline was prepared in response to the
requirements of sections 165(e)(3)(D), 301 and 320 of the CAA.
The Fourth Conference on Air Quality Modeling was held October 12-13, 1988,
in Washington, D.C. The conference sought public comment on the merits of
expanding the modeling guideline to include a variety of new techniques for such
issues as complex terrain, roadway intersections, visibility, long-range
transport, and others. A number of States participated. The public comment
period for the fourth modeling conference closed on February 13, 1989. Over sixty
separate commenters responded; their comments are contained in Docket No. A-88-04.
Current Status
The EPA staff have summarized the fourth modeling conference comments and
prepared responses. The report, together with the next set of revisions to the
modeling guideline (Supplement B), is now under review.
Future Milestones
The EPA plans to publish before the end of 1990, a notice of proposed
rulemaking on formal changes to the modeling guideline, Supplement B, to
incorporate those new techniques that appear to enhance the regulatory modeling
program. Comments will be solicited on that proposal using the Fifth Conference
on Air Quality Models as the public forum.
EPA Contact Person
Joe Tikvart (919) 541-5561
(FTS) 629-5561
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DEVELOPMENT OF CRITERIA POLLUTANT EMISSION INVENTORY GUIDANCE
Current Status/Future Milestones
Criteria pollutant emission inventory guidance currently being developed by
EPA includes:
- General technical guidance for preparation of emission inventories
projections for VOC, NOX, and CO (stationary and mobile sources).
- Procedures for review of ozone and CO SIP emission inventories.
Revised guidance reports on the above are expected to become available in the
spring of 1990.
In 1989, EPA completed work on the Surface Impoundment Modeling System
(SIMS), a personal computer (PC) based system for estimating total and individual
organic compound emissions from wastewater treatment or disposal. The SIMS
currently includes models for estimating emissions from either quiescent or
surface-aerated impoundments at facilities such as publicly-owned treatment works
(POTW's), treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs), or industrial
manufacturing plants, and allows the input of site-specific characterization data
or built-in default parameters, depending on data availability and level-of-
accuracy need. Work has begun on revisions to- SIMS. Under this work, models for
diffused air impoundments, oil/water separators, junction boxes, sumps, lift
stations and weirs will be added, the compound data base will be expanded, and
report capabilities will be enhanced. This work is scheduled to be completed in
September 1990.
A PC-based system for compilation and reporting of ozone and CO SIP emission
inventories (SAMS) was developed and is being enhanced by EPA as a tool for State
and local agencies. The latest enhancement, Version 3.1, is to be issued in April
1990. The system currently supports entry, reviewing, editing, and reporting of
detailed point source process and emissions data, and summaries of point, area,
and mobile source emissions data. Enhancements to follow in FY 1990 include:
- Links with AIRS and the Urban Airshed Model;
- Increased reporting capabilities;
- Expanded quality assurance checks;
- Control strategy analysis capabilities.
Long-term research has begun on development of improved methodologies for
preparation of area and mobile source emission inventories for criteria
pollutants. This work is scheduled for completion in 1993 and will be used in
future national and SIP inventory preparation activities.
Any additional PM-10 emission inventory requirements and general inventory
guidance will be issued as needed.
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DEVELOPMENT OF CRITERIA POLLUTANT EMISSION INVENTORY GUIDANCE
EPA Contact Persons
(VOC/NOX/CO)
David Misenheimer (919) 541-5473
(FTS) 629-5473
PM-10
E. L. Martinez (919) 541-5575
(FTS) 629-5575
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STATUS OF NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS)
Background
The 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments require review and revision, if needed, of
all existing NAAQS by December 1980 and at 5-year intervals thereafter.
Review of the ozone standard was completed February 1979. The standard was
raised from 0.08 parts per million (ppm) to 0.12 ppm, maximum 1-hour
concentration.
The nonmethane hydrocarbon standard was revoked January 1983.
Review of the carbon monoxide standard was completed in September 1985. No
change was made to the primary standards; secondary standards were revoked.
The nitrogen dioxide standard was reaffirmed in June 1985.
The particulate matter standards were revised in July 1987. The revised
primary and secondary standards are 50 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3),
expected annual arithmetic mean, and 150 ug/m3, 24-hour average, with no more than
one expected exceedance per year. Both the primary and secondary standards are
measured as PM-10.
Sulfur Dioxide (SOo)
The revised criteria document for sulfur oxides (and particulate matter) was
issued in March 1984 in conjunction with the proposed revision to the particulate
matter NAAQS. The criteria document was again updated in an addendum that was
issued July 1987. The staff paper for sulfur oxides was completed in 1982 and
updated to reflect the revised criteria in an addendum dated December 1986.
The EPA's proposed decision not to revise the S02 standards was announced in
the Federal Register on April 26, 1988. Controlled human exposure studies
reviewed in the criteria document and staff paper addenda have prompted
consideration of a short-term S02 primary standard in addition to the existing
standards. Accordingly, the April 1988 Federal Register notice also solicited
comment on the alternative of adding a 1-hour $62 primary standard of 0.4 ppm.
The EPA also proposed to revise the 24-hour significant harm level for SOo by
changing it from 1.00 ppm to 0.29 ppm. In addition, EPA proposed a new snort-term
significant harm level of 5 ppm, 5-minute average, together with a 1-hour guide of
2.5 ppm. Associated episode criteria were also proposed. In addition, EPA also
proposed several technical changes to the SC>2 NAAQS to codify prior Agency
guidance. The comment period on EPA's proposed decision not to revise the S02
standards closed on November 22, 1988. Final action on the proposal is
anticipated in 1991.
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STATUS OF NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS)
Ozone
The key issues confronting EPA in the ozone standard review are the
significance of emerging longer-term health effects data and the appropriate
averaging time for controlling welfare effects. Attainment of the existing one-
hour ozone standard appears more important than ever based on the accumulation of
the collective health and welfare effects data base.
The Clean Air Act Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) has reviewed the
ozone staff paper and criteria document supplement and sent a closure letter to
the Administrator on May 1, 1989. Although most CASAC members supported
tightening the 1-hour secondary standard to 0.10 ppm, the CASAC membership was
split on the need for a tighter 1-hour primary air quality standard. The EPA
plans to complete review of the 1-hour ozone standard are currently contingent
upon the timing of, and the guidance contained in, amendments to the Clean Air
Act.
Lead
The primary and secondary ambient air quality standards for lead (1.5
micrograms per cubic meter, quarterly average) were established in October 1978.
The CASAC closed on the revised criteria document and addendum in August 1986.
The Committee favorably reviewed a supplement to the addendum to the criteria
document and a revised draft of the staff paper in April 1989. The associated
report on the lead exposure methodology was completed in March 1989. The CASAC
formally closed on the staff paper on January 3, 1990. Proposal in the Federal
Register is scheduled for late 1990.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Preparation of a criteria document for the next review of the CO air quality
standard is now under way. Public and CASAC review of the criteria document is
planned for the fall of 1990.
Summary of NAAQS Status
Carbon Monoxide - Last review completed 9/85, new criteria document scheduled
for CASAC review in the fall of 1990.
Nitrogen Dioxide - Last review completed 6/85, new criteria document is being
prepared.
Particulate Matter (PM-10) - Last review completed 7/87.
Sulfur Oxides - Last review completed 9/73; recent proposal 4/88,
promulgation scheduled for 1991.
Lead - Standard promulgated 10/78; proposal scheduled for late 1990.
Ozone - Last review completed 2/79; proposal contingent upon timing
and revisions to the Clean Air Act.
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STATUS OF NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS)
EPA Contact Person
Bruce Jordan (919) 541-5656
(FTS) 629-5656
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GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND OZONE DEPLETION
Background
In September 1987, the U.S. and 23 other Nations signed the Montreal Protocol
on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, a landmark agreement on the protection
of the stratospheric ozone layer. The Protocol entered into force on January 1,
1989, and as of March 1, 1990, had been ratified by 52 Nations. In accordance
with the U.S. commitment under the Protocol, the EPA issued its final rule on
stratospheric ozone protection on August 12, 1988. This rule places limits on the
domestic production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) and halons (40
CFR 82).
Additional scientific studies released subsequent to the Protocol show that
the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer might be of greater risk than was
originally anticipated. In light of these events, President Bush recently called
for even greater efforts in halting the depletion of stratospheric ozone by
calling for a complete phaseout of CFC's and halons by the turn of the century.
Current Status
In 1989, EPA's Global Change Division operated the domestic regulatory
program as well as national and international activities in support of the
Montreal Protocol. The EPA is involved in activities related to global warming
and other atmospheric change issues.
The Division tracks, through a computer-based system, the production and
consumption of regulated CFC's and halons. Permits or "allowances" granted by EPA
are used by industry to manufacture and import these controlled substances, and
can be traded between companies to maximize economic efficiency. Reports of
trades are submitted in hard copy, or electronically through a dedicated fax to
ensure rapid review by the Agency. Mechanisms to ensure compliance with the final
regulations include plant inspections by the Regional Offices, checks against
import and export data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and company submission of
business invoices and bills of lading. The Stationary Source Compliance Division
(SSCD) within OAQPS is responsible for monitoring compliance with the regulatory
program.
On January 1, 1990, a congressionally-mandated excise tax was imposed on the
sale of all bulk CFC's and halons that were either produced or imported into the
U.S., as well as a tax on imported products that were produced with or contained
these chemicals. The Department of the Treasury is responsible for operating this
program.
During 1989, EPA actively participated in international assessments that
analyzed the current status of environmental effects, substitute technology, and
economics of ozone-safe technology. This included work on developing new
technology and transferring existing technologies among less-developed
countries. The Division has been instrumental in the formation of industry
consortia to facilitate the development of CFC alternative technologies for
national and international use. The Global Change Division's activities include
working with industry to develop voluntary standards for recycling in mobile air
conditioners and assessing technologies to reduce the emission of halons and CFCs.
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The Agency has also established a Federal Advisory Committee on issues related to
the Montreal Protocol and its domestic implementation.
The EPA is also studying emissions associated with global warming. The EPA
is actively involved in the assessment of possible control strategies for
mitigating global warming, emphasizing cost-effective technologies related to
renewable energy sources, increased energy efficiency, and methane emissions.
Future Milestones
Negotiating sessions are occurring over the next months leading to the Second
Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol scheduled for June, 1990 in
London. Further reductions in the current limits set for CFC's and halons are
expected along with limits on other ozone-depleting substances.
The Global Change Division will continue to work with industry in assisting
in the transition to alternative chemicals. As part of this program, the Division
is reviewing the need for a national recycling program that would encourage or
direct users to recover and recycle spent CFC's.
EPA Contact Persons
John S. Hoffman (202) 382-4036
(FTS) 382-4036
Steve Seidel (202) 382-2787
(FTS) 382-2787
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INDOOR AIR PROGRAM
Background
In Title IV of the 1986 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA),
Congress gave EPA a clear mandate to: 1) establish a federally-coordinated indoor
air research program, 2) disseminate information on indoor air pollution and
mitigation techniques, and 3) assess the appropriate Federal role in solving
indoor air pollution problems.
In August 1989, EPA submitted the Report to Congress on Indoor Air Quality,
pursuant to SARA Section 403(e). This report includes an Executive Summary and
Recommendations; Volume I: Federal Indoor Air Quality Activities; Volume II:
Assessment and Control of Indoor Air Pollution; and Volume III: Indoor Air
Pollution Research Needs Statement. In this report, EPA recommended an expanded
indoor air research program, the development of guidelines for ventilation and
other building practices, an expanded technical assistance and information
dissemination program, and a program to characterize the extent of indoor air
quality problems nationally and to develop methods for diagnosing and controlling
those problems.
The EPA is one of the four Federal agency co-chairs of the interagency
Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ) and organizes the four quarterly meetings
of the CIAQ. Using information supplied by the CIAQ members, EPA issued a
publication entitled "Current Federal Indoor Air Quality Activities" that is
updated annually. The EPA has also issued a number of publications on indoor air
topics for the public: a booklet for citizens on indoor air quality, published
jointly with the Consumer Product Safety Commission called "The Inside Story: A
Guide to Indoor Air Quality;" a "Directory of State Indoor Air Contacts," prepared
by the Public Health Foundation; a nationwide survey of indoor air quality
diagnostic and mitigation firms; and a series of fact sheets on topics of special
interest (e.g., Ventilation and Office Buildings, Sick Building Syndrome,
Environmental Tobacco Smoke, and Residential Air-Cleaning Devices).
Current Activities
Much of the current emphasis in EPA's indoor air program is on the
development and dissemination of guidance documents on specific aspects of indoor
air quality for key concerned audiences. The EPA works cooperatively with other
Federal agencies and private sector organizations, where appropriate, to ensure
that these guidance documents reflect the best, most current understanding of the
nature and solutions to indoor air quality problems.
Topics of documents currently under development include prevention of indoor
air quality problems in the construction of new homes (primarily for home
builders), prevention of indoor air quality problems in the construction and
remodelling of large-scale buildings (primarily for architects and building
engineers), indoor air quality management in schools (primarily for school
administrators), and diagnosis and mitigation of indoor air quality problems in
large-scale buildings (primarily for building owners and managers). A guidance
document on the development of environmental tobacco smoke policies for the
workplace (primarily for corporate policy-makers, occupational safety
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INDOOR AIR PROGRAM
administrators, and facility managers) is also in draft; current plans call for
releasing this document at the same time that EPA releases its risk assessment on
lung cancer from environmental tobacco smoke later this year.
During FY 1990, EPA has begun to assess the indoor air quality training needs
of targeted audiences of interest (e.g., State and local governments, building
owners and managers, indoor air quality diagnostic and mitigation firms). To
begin this activity, EPA asked the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Regional Office
Contacts for their views on the training needs of both the public and private
sector in their Regions. The EPA is also preparing a self-paced course module on
indoor air quality designed primarily for State and local officials, and it is
scheduled for completion during FY 1990. When the first phase of the training
needs assessment and the course module are completed, the indoor air program will
begin to offer training to State and local officials. There are several other
activities under way that may be of particular interest to State and local
governments: 1) several multiyear studies on such topics as the economic impact
of indoor air pollution and potential indoor air quality controls, and on the
nature and prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivity are in planning; 2) after
consultation with key potential user groups such as State and local officials, EPA
will decide on an appropriate scope and mechanism for an indoor air quality
information clearinghouse; 3) in cooperation with public and private sector
organizations, EPA will initiate a multiyear effort to evaluate mechanisms for
credential ing firms that offer indoor air diagnostic and mitigation services; 4)
EPA staff will continue to publish fact sheets on topics of particular public
interest (e.g., formaldehyde, combustion devices).
Indoor Air Activities Around the Agency
The EPA has many indoor air activities that are not in the Office of Air and
Radiation's (OAR) indoor air or radon programs. A description of the principal
indoor air activities led by offices other than OAR follows. The OAR Indoor Air
Division is represented on task forces or work groups for each of these issues.
o Mercury in Latex Paint: EPA's Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances is
forming and evaluating options for an Agency response to incidents of mercury
poisoning following the use of mercury-containing latex interior paint. The
mercury is added to some latex paints as a mildewcide. The EPA response may
involve some combination of authorities given to EPA by both the Toxic
Substances Counter Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide
Act.
o Chlorinated Solvents: With EPA's Office of Toxic Substance (OTS) as the lead
office, EPA has participated in an interagency work group (with the Consumer
Products Safety Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration) to identify regulatory and nonregulatory options to
reduce exposure to drycleaning (perchloroethylene), metal degreasing
(trichlorethylene), aerosols (methylene, chloride, trichlorethylene,
perchloroethylene), and paint strippers (methylene chloride).
o Lead Dust: OTS and EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) have
received designated funding from Congress to research and implement risk
management programs to reduce exposure to lead, particularly lead dust
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INDOOR AIR PROGRAM
from lead paints. This work is being done in cooperation with the Department
of Housing and Urban Development.
o Pesticide Exposures: ORD has just released the Non-Occupational Pesticides
Exposure Study (NOPES) which reports on the results of monitoring personal
exposures to pesticides. Hearings on the study are scheduled for the spring,
1990.
o Carpet Emissions: There are two EPA activities regarding carpets: (1) OTS
has established a work group to assess the risks from exposure to carpets in
workplaces in order to develop options for reducing those risks; and (2) the
EPA Administrator must reply to a petition by the National Federation of
Federal Employees by April 11, 1990 to regulate emissions from carpets
because of the alleged health impacts on EPA employees from new carpet
emissions.
Future Milestones
In future years, the emphasis will turn to training for targeted audiences
using the publications produced in FY 1990. Potential ways of delivering the
training include expanding existing Regional training centers now focussing on
radon or asbestos, setting up training in the Regional Offices, using conferences
and other meetings sponsored by private sector organizations, and other vehicles.
In addition, EPA will continue work on the multiyear studies started in FY 1990.
Finally, EPA will begin operation of the indoor air information clearinghouse.
Copies of the EPA indoor air publications that have been issued are available
from the EPA Public Information Center, PM-221B, 401 M Street S.W., Washington,
D.C. 20460.
EPA Contact Person
Elissa Feldman (202) 475-8470
(FTS) 475-8470
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RADON ACTION PROGRAM
Background
The EPA established the Radon Action Program in September 1985. Since then,
high radon levels have been found in nearly every State. Program activities were
expanded in 1986, 1987, and 1988 in response to the growing scope and complexity
of the radon problem. In October 1988, the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA) was
signed into law (15 USC 2661-2671), setting a new long-term national goal that
indoor radon levels equal those found outdoors. The mission of the Radon Action
Program is to significantly reduce the health risks associated with radon exposure
through a partnership with the States, other Federal agencies, and the private
sector. The program consists of four main elements: problem assessment,
mitigation and prevention, capability development, and public information.
Current Status
The EPA is undertaking a variety of activities to address the growing public
concern over dangers posed by exposure to radon. These activities include
assisting States with program development through grants, establishing Regional
radon training centers, surveying schools and Federal workplaces, developing model
construction standards, evaluating mitigation methods, operating measurement and
mitigation contractor proficiency programs, developing user fees for proficiency
and training programs, and providing public information including a national
education campaign in cooperation with the Advertising Council and the revision of
"A Citizen's Guide to Radon." Some of the activities described in the IRAA had
been included in the existing EPA program. Others, notably the State grant
program, the Regional radon training centers, the mitigation contractor
proficiency program, and the Federal buildings study, were part of the new
legislation.
Future Milestones
By October 1990, EPA will have made more significant progress in implementing
the IRAA. In 1990, EPA will, among other things, award the first State grants,
complete the revision of the citizen's guide mentioned above, update the guidance
for radon measurements in schools, and publish the model construction standards.
We will also establish additional Regional radon training centers, and continue
the mitigation and measurement contractor proficiency programs.
EPA Contact Person
Margo Oge (202) 475-9622
(FTS) 475-9622
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RADIONUCLIDE NESHAP
Background
On December 27, 1979, EPA listed radionuclides as a hazardous air pollutant
under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. On April 6, 1983, the Agency proposed
standards regulating radionuclide emissions from: (1) elemental phosphorus
plants, (2) Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, (3) Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) licensees and non-DOE Federal facilities, and (4) underground
uranium mines. In February of 1984, the Sierra Club filed suit in U.S. District
Court to compel EPA to take final action on the proposed standards. As a result,
the Agency was ordered to promulgate final standards or make a finding that
radionuclides are not hazardous air pollutants and to delist them.
Consequently, in October of 1984, EPA withdrew the proposed standards and
concluded that no additional regulation was needed. At the same time, the Agency
stated its intention to promulgate a different standard for underground uranium
mines and also announced its intentions to regulate radon-222 emissions from
licensed uranium mills. On December 11, 1984, the Court found EPA in contempt of
its order to promulgate final standards. The Court again directed that EPA issue
final emission standards for the original four categories or make a finding that
radionuclides are not hazardous air pollutants. The EPA complied with the court
order by promulgating standards for emissions from elemental phosphorus plants,
DOE facilities, and NRC-licensed and non-DOE Federal facilities. On April 17,
1985, the Agency promulgated a work-practice standard for radon-222 emissions from
underground uranium mines; and on September 24, 1986, EPA promulgated a final rule
regulating radon-222 emissions from licensed uranium mill processing sites,
establishing work practices for new tailings.
The Agency's actions were subsequently challenged by several environmental
groups and the uranium mining industry. On July 28, 1987, the U.S. Court of
Appeals remanded to the Agency the emission standard for vinyl chloride, also
promulgated under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. The Court concluded that the
Agency improperly considered cost and technological feasibility without first
making a determination based exclusively on risk to health. Consequently, the
Agency concluded the standards for elemental phosphorus plants, DOE facilities,
NRC-licensed facilities and non-DOE Federal facilities, underground uranium mines,
and uranium mill tailings should be reconsidered. After consultations between all
parties to the litigation, the Court granted EPA's motion for a voluntary remand
and established a schedule eventually calling for the Agency to propose
regulations for all source categories by February 28, 1989 and to promulgate final
regulations by August 31, 1989.
On February 28, 1989, the Agency proposed four alternative approaches for
controlling radionuclide emissions from the following 12 source categories:
1. Department of Energy facilities
2. NRC and non-DOE facilities
3. Nuclear power reactors and support facilities
4. Elemental-phosphorus plants
5. Coal-fired utility and industrial boilers
6. High-level-nuclear-waste-disposal facilities
7. DOE radon sources
8. Phosphogypsum piles
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RADIONUCLIDE NESHAP
9. Underground uranium mines
10. Surface uranium mines
11. Licensed uranium mill tailings piles
12. Disposal of uranium mill tailings piles.
This action follows the court-mandated, two-step process for regulating
hazardous air pollutants set forth in the vinyl chloride decision. That decision
mandated that the Agency establish a "safe" or "acceptable" level of risk based on
health considerations before setting an "ample margin of safety" and taking into
account costs and technological feasibility. Public hearings were held the week
of April 10, 1989. The public comment period closed May 15, 1989.
Current Status
On December 15, 1989, EPA announced final rules for radionuclides under 40
CFR Part 61 - National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
for the following source categories: NRC non-DOE Federal facilities, nuclear
power reactors and their support facilities, DOE facilities, phosphogypsum piles,
licensed uranium-mill tailings piles, disposal of uranium-mill tailings piles, and
elemental phosphorus plants. The Federal Register announcement included a notice
of reconsideration of the NESHAP established in Subpart I for the NRC-licensed and
non-DOE Federal facilities.
The Administrator's decision to grant a reconsideration of the NESHAP for
NRC-licensed facilities was based on comments received from the NRC and the
National Institute of Health (NIH). The NRC contended that the NESHAP is
duplicative of its (NRC's) regulatory program and unncessary, since it will not
provide any additional health benefits. The NIH asserted that the burden imposed
by the NESHAP will discourage the use of radionuclides in medical research,
diagnostics, and therapies.
Future Milestones
The Agency is reconsidering the standard under 40 CFR 61, Subpart I, based on
comments from the NRC and the NIH.
EPA Contact Person
Terry McLaughlin (202)475-9610
(FTS) 475-9610
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FY 1991-92 NSPS ACTIVITY
FY 1991 FY 1992
Under Development (Preproposal) Under Development (Preproposal)
Medical Waste Incineration SOCMI Batch Processes
Synthetic Organic Chemical Offset Lithography
Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI)
Batch Processes
Offset Lithography
Proposals Proposals
SOCMI Reactor Processes1 Medical Waste Incineration
Municipal Landfills NSPS, lll(d)1
Under Development (Post-Proposal) Under Development (Post-Proposal)
None None
Promulgations Promulgations
Polymers Manufacturing (4 NSPS)1 SOCMI Reactor Processes
Calciners ai
SOCMI Disti
Calciners and Dryers (2 NSPS) Municipal Landfills NSPS, lll(d)
istillation ,
SOCMI Air Oxidation1
1. These standards may be proposed or promulgated in FY 1990 depending on length
of OMB review.
EPA Contact Person
Jim Weigold (919) 541-5642
(FTS) 629-5642
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IMPLEMENTING SIP PROCESSING RECOMMENDATIONS
Background
Prompted by concern for SIP processing delays, the impact of delays on
meeting program objectives, and the negative effect of delays on EPA's
relationship with State and local control agencies, EPA established a task group
to identify problems in, and recommend changes to, the SIP review process. The
recommendations of the task group have been approved by senior EPA management and
are described in the report entitled "Final Report of the Task Group on SIP
Processing" dated October 1987. The task group identified two basic problems with
the current approach to SIP review: (1) excessive review of SIP packages, and (2)
uncertainty regarding the outcome of EPA review. The EPA has initiated a program
to improve the process of SIP review based upon the recommendations of the task
group.
An intra-Agency task force was formed to implement the recommendations
contained in the task group report. As a result of the recommendations and
implementation discussions, EPA issued a policy memorandum on the increased use of
direct final rulemaking for noncontroversial SIP actions, a policy on the review
of implementation packages received from the States for completeness, and a policy
on grandfathering SIP actions submitted prior to policy changes. The use of
direct final processing is a program instituted in 1982 (47 FR 27073) and has,
where used, resulted in substantially decreased processing times. The task group
report recommended increased use of this effective tool to enhance SIP processing.
Guidance on "completeness criteria" was issued on March 18, 1988 to the EPA
Regional Offices. The Regional Offices have been discussing these criteria with
the appropriate State/local control agencies and in many cases have incorporated
the completeness criteria into section 105 air grants conditions. The objective
of this program is to ensure that SIP packages submitted by the State are complete
from the perspective of EPA review. The SIP processing will be expedited by
having complete packages submitted and the EPA Regional Offices not having to
request additional information from the State to determine whether the revision is
approvable. By sharing these criteria with the States, submitting agencies will
be more familiar with EPA requirements prior to SIP submission.
On June 27, 1988, EPA issued a policy permitting the grandfathering of
certain SIP actions from meeting the requirements of recently issued EPA policies.
Where approval of such action has no significant or lasting environmental impact,
grandfathering the action may better serve the purpose of EPA.
Current Status
On February 16, 1990, EPA published the final Federal Register notice (55 FR
5824), completing action on the Agency's completeness criteria. Effective with
this action, State submissions that fail to meet the criteria will be returned and
not considered as submissions under the provisions of section 110 of the Clean Air
Act. To ensure Regional Office conformance with this criteria and other
activities that have materialized from SIP reform during 1989, EPA recently
completed the SIP processing program review guidelines and during FY 1990 will
complete the review of at least three Regional Office programs for the expeditious
and accurate processing of SIP revisions.
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IMPLEMENTING SIP PROCESSING RECOMMENDATIONS
Future Milestones
The EPA expects to complete review of Regional Office programs during FY 1991
and will prepare an evaluation and recommendations for further program
improvements based upon these findings.
EPA Contact Person
Johnnie Pearson (919) 541-5691
(FTS) 629-5691
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NATIONAL AIR AUDIT SYSTEM
Background
The National Air Audit System (NAAS) was developed through the joint effort
of STAPPA/ALAPCO and EPA in FY 1983. The program was designed initially to audit
five phases of the air quality management program in State and selected local
control agencies. These areas are: (1) air quality planning and SIP activity,
(2) new source review, (3) compliance assurance, (4) air monitoring, and (5)
automobile inspection and maintenance.
Audits have been conducted on a 2-year cycle with 65 audits (44 State and 21
local and territorial agencies) having been conducted in the FY 1986-87 cycle.
This is the last cycle for which the NAAS is complete. The FY 1988-1989 audit
cycle was extended through FY 1990 in order to allow for completion of State and
local audits which could not be completed earlier, primarily due to resource
constraints.
Current Status
The EPA Regional Offices identified a number of deficiencies in the basic
NAAS program which had not changed substantially since the program's inception.
The EPA Headquarters has initiated an effort to review the basic goals and
objectives of the NAAS. In addition, this examination will determine whether
other oversight activities exist for review of State/local agency activities and
how these oversight programs relate or overlap with the basic responsibilities of
the NAAS. As a result of this examination, a revised program for oversight of
State air programs will be designed which will better serve the purposes for which
the original NAAS was designed.
Future Milestones
In an effort to improve the NAAS, EPA is creating a work group to reexamine
the goals of the NAAS. Participation in this process will include input from
members of STAPPA/ALAPCO who were involved in the development of the original
NAAS. It is EPA's intent to ensure that the NAAS meets the goals of both EPA and
State and local agencies by identifying problem areas needing improvement and
making constructive recommendations for resolving identified problem areas.
EPA Contact Person
Johnnie Pearson (919) 541-5691
(FTS) 629-5691
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AIR GRANTS - PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY STATE/LOCAL
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND COSTS
Background
In 1986, EPA and STAPPA/ALAPCO reached agreement on several principles for
governing the Clean Air Act section 105 air grants process. Among these was a
recognition that each grantee agency implements a number of recurring activities
in enforcement, monitoring, new source review, planning, etc., which form the
foundation of the agency's air pollution control program. Following the
establishment of these principles, EPA agreed to work with STAPPA/ALAPCO to
develop the data base necessary for defining this foundation. Efforts started in
late 1986, focusing on the design and conduct of a survey of each State and local
agency.
A pilot program was developed jointly by EPA and STAPPA/ALAPCO in the spring
of 1987. The pilot program consisted of 12 States and 6 local agencies
participating in a survey of agency activities and associated costs. By October
1, 1987, the surveys were completed and data compiled for a limited series of
analyses. Copies of the individual submissions, summary information, and cost
data were sent to the Regional Offices, the participating agencies, and
STAPPA/ALAPCO for review.
Following the pilot exercise, it was jointly recommended by EPA and
STAPPA/ALAPCO to expand the pilot program to all agencies in 1988. To bolster
support for the survey, the Presidents of STAPPA and ALAPCO sent letters to the
memberships on January 22, 1988, encouraging their full participation. The survey
package and instructions for conducting the 1988 exercise were sent to the EPA
Regional Offices in February 1988.
Initially, the due date for sending in completed questionnaires was April 1,
1988, but by May 15, 1988, only 55 forms had arrived and, by the end of July 1988,
only 70 forms had been received. One-quarter to one-third of the questionnaires
showed an attempt to display air program data in the level of detail asked for by
the form. The remainder offered much less detail and many were incomplete. Two
primary reasons for the reluctance of agencies to participate appeared to be that
a number of agencies felt threatened by an EPA request for detailed program
information, and that the questionnaire represented yet another burden on already
strained resources. Also, a few agencies stated that the format of the
questionnaire was incompatible with their accounting or tracking systems;
therefore, they could only provide estimates for some activities. By the end of
the year, EPA had received 86 survey forms from an original mailing to 106
State/local agencies. These participants represented about 82 percent of the
section 105 grant monies. While the level of response was high, the survey
generally suffered from a lack of enthusiasm at both the EPA Regional and
State/local agency levels. This is evident from the extreme tardiness of the
responses from many agencies and from the spotty and often very general
information provided by many respondents.
At the September 1988 STAPPA/ALAPCO meeting, it was agreed that the Funding
Committee would informally poll the general membership regarding any possible
follow-up with agencies original survey questionnaire. Following the Funding
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AIR GRANTS - PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY STATE/LOCAL
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND COSTS
Committee's poll, it was concluded that no specific follow up would be taken.
Instead, an article would be prepared for inclusion in the STAPPA/ALAPCO
Newsletter requesting that any pass-through local that desired to submit data
pertaining to their agency should do so. As a result of that article, EPA
received no additional survey forms.
The data on the survey forms have been compiled in a computerized data base
for statistical analyses. Various completeness checks, data integrity checks, and
a number of statistical analyses have been performed on the data set. A summary
of statistical information extracted from the data set was presented at the April
1989 STAPPA/ALAPCO meeting in Nashville.
Current Status
A final national report showing EPA's statistical findings was prepared and
distributed to the Regional Offices and STAPPA/ALAPCO in March 1990.
Future Milestones
The EPA and STAPPA/ALAPCO will continue to review the data gathered through
this survey and the comments submitted regarding the draft national report for
purposes of deciding if a periodic update of this information is warranted. Also,
efforts are under way to use this information in implementing a program to define
core program activities (i.e., those State/local air pollution control activities
that are indispensable and below which the program cannot fall without extreme or
unacceptable impacts) in the areas of monitoring, compliance, and new source
review. Since core program activities are dependent upon the requirements of the
Clean Air Act, this project is currently on hold pending final amendments to the
Act.
EPA Contact Person
Steve Hitte (919) 541-0886
(FTS) 629-0886
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CLEAN AIR ACT AMENDMENTS ON OPERATING PERMITS
Background/Status
The Administration and Congress have worked together in developing
legislation that would provide for operating permit programs to implement the
primary provisions of the Act. The Senate and House bills, although differing on
some details, are generally similar. The EPA would be responsible for
promulgating regulations, within one year of enactment, setting forth the
requirements for state programs. All States would be responsible for submitting
operating permit programs within 3 years of enactment. The program would apply to
pollutants regulated under the Act emitted from all major (100 ton per year
potential to emit) sources, sources subject to NSPS or NESHAP, and such others as
may be added or deleted by rule.
These permits, which will be considered "federally enforceable," will address
applicable requirements of the Act and will contain compliance plans, reporting
requirements, and other procedures to ensure their effective implementation. Of
critical importance is a permit fee requirement to fund the permitting program.
The presumptive amount of these annual fees is $25/ton per pollutant (except CO),
up to a maximum of 4,000 tons for each source. Permits proposed for issuance will
be subject to public comment including, in the Senate bill, an EPA opportunity to
veto permits that would modify the SIP in a manner held to be inconsistent with
the Act. States not adopting permit programs could potentially be subject to
certain sanctions, including EPA promulgation of a program.
This permitting program presents important opportunities for improving air
quality management, enhancing State and local programs, and focusing EPA's support
and oversight. The Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards is now actively
involved in its development. This effort includes the management of a work group
in which State and local experts identified by STAPPA/ALAPCO have been
participating as advisors. Our initial focus is on supporting the early
development of draft rules in order to meet the 12-month deadline for promulgation
contained in the legislation. We are impressed with the permitting expertise that
numerous agencies have developed and encourage them to inform us of their ideas
and concerns.
EPA Contact Person
Mike Trutna (919) 541-5345
(FTS) 629-5345
Kirt Cox (919) 541-5399
(FTS) 629-5399
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