United States Office of Air Quality EPA-450/2-89-016
Environmental Protection Planning and Standards November 1989
Agency Research Triangle Park NC 27711
__
&EPA
Status of
Selected
Pollution Control
Programs
November 1989
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STATUS OF SELECTED
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAMS
NOVEMBER 1989
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 iii
OZONE/CO PROGRAMS
National Ozone/Carbon Monoxide Program Overview 1
Antitampering/Fuel Switching 3
Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) 4
Fuel Volatility 6
VOC Emission Factors 7
Cold Temperature Motor Vehicle CO Emissions 8
Ambient Nonmethane Organic Compounds (NMOC) Monitoring 9
Refueling Emission Factors 10
Regional Ozone Modeling for Northeast Transport (ROMNET) .... 11
Urban-Scale Photochemical Modeling 12
Documentation of Test Methods for VOC Capture Efficiency .... 13
Federal Measures for VOC 14
AIR TOXICS PROGRAMS
National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse 15
Air Risk Information Support Center (Air RISC) - 17
Multiyear Development Plans 19
High Risk Urban Air Toxics ' . . . 20
High Risk Point Sources 22
National Air Toxics Workshops 23
Status of Air Toxics Emission Factors and Estimation Tools ... 25
Air Toxics Modeling Guidance 28
Ambient Air Toxics Monitoring - Methods
Development and Sample Analysis 29
Special Urban Toxics Monitoring Program 30
Inhalation Risk Reference Dose 31
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
Toxic Release Inventory (Title III, Section 313) 32
Air/Superfund Coordination Program 34
Pathogen Emissions from Medical Waste Incinerators 36
Schedule for Air Toxics Regulations Currently Being Considered
Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act or Other Authorities . 37
PM-10 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS
Status of Statewide PM-10 SIP Revisions 41
Status of PM-10 Group I SIP Development 42
Status of PM-10 Group II Committal SIP Development 43
Rural Fugitive Dust Policy 44
Control of Urban Fugitive Dust 45
Fugitive Emissions from Paved Roadways 46
Winter Road Antiskid Materials 47
Wood Smoke Reduction 48
Prescribed Burning/Smoke Management 49
PM-10 Emission Factors 50
Stack Test Method for PM-10 51
Stagnation Model Analysis Program 52
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Page
NSR/PSD PROGRAM
Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) Rulemaking 53
NOx PSD Increments 54
PM-10 PSD Increments 55
Rulemaking Proposal for Strip Mines
and Related Fugitive Dust Issues 56
Improving New Source Review (NSR) 57
New Source Review (NSR) Bulletin Board 58
ACID RAIN/STACK HEIGHTS/SOo PROGRAMS
Acid Rain Implementation Overview 59
Acid Rain Implementation - Allowance Trading 60
Acid Rain Implementation - Emissions Monitoring
and Tracking Systems 62
Acid Rain Implementation - Permits and Integration
with Existing Programs 63
Status of the State Acid Rain Program 65
Implementation of the Special Envoys
Report on Acid Rain 66
Stack Height Litigation 68
Sulfur Dioxide Guideline 69
COMPLIANCE/ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
Status of Rule Effectiveness Studies 70
FY 1989 Compliance Monitoring Strategy 73
Asbestos NESHAP Strategy 74
OTHER PROGRAMS
Status of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) .... 75
Visibility Protection 77
Global Climate Change 80
Indoor Air Program 82
Radon Action Program 84
Radionuclide NESHAP 85
FY 1990-91 NSPS Activity 87
Wood Heater NSPS Status Report 88
Control Technology Center (CTC) 89
BACT/LAER Clearinghouse 92
Emission Measurement Technical Information Center 94
Support Center for Regulatory Air Models Bulletin Board System . 95
Implementing SIP Processing Recommendations 96
National Air Audit System 98
Air Grants - Program to Identify State/Local
Program Activities and Costs 99
Development of Criteria Pollutant Emission
Inventory Guidance 101
Guideline on Air Quality Models 102
Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) 103
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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 OVERVIEW
Background
The 1977 Clean Air Act (CAA) 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 1988, 103 areas
failed to attain the ozone standard and 54 areas failed to attain the CO
standard.
Because of the health implications of these ozone 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 policy
on November 24, 1987.
Key points in the proposed policy include:
States have to fully implement all previously required control measures
("leveling the playing field").
Flexible attainment deadlines based on the severity of the problem, but
imposition of "growth ban" sanctions until within 5 years of attainment.
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.
Consideration of controls in expanded geographic areas for ozone
planning-consol idated metropolitan statistical area (CMSA) or
metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
Congress enacted the Mitchell-Conte Amendment to the Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1987 on December 22, 1987, which postponed EPA
implementation of sanctions until August 31, 1988. It also required EPA to
make nonattainment designations "within the meaning of Part D" of the CAA. 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 SIP calls were done for expanded
nonattainment areas (CMSA/MSA).
The Mitchell-Conte deferral of sanctions has now expired and the
construction ban has been imposed in Los Angeles, Ventura County, and
Sacramento, California; and both the Illinois and Indiana portions of the
Chicago metropolitan area.
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 County, Sacramento, and
Chicago. The EPA has received notices of intent to litigate in 2 more of the
original 14 areas. Kern County and Fresno, California.
The EPA also made calls for SIP revisions to 42 States and the District
of Columbia in May-June, 1988. These SIP calls required areas to prepare
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NATIONAL OZONE/CARBON MONOXIDE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
emissions inventories; correct loopholes, deviations, and deficiencies; and
monitor non-methane organic compounds.
This work would be required under any possible future option. New
planning and control requirements have been deferred until after the proposed
post-1987 policy is made final or the Clean Air Act is amended.
In addition to the areas where the 1988 SIP calls were made, air quality
data for 1988 added 37 ozone areas and 4 CO areas to the nonattainment list.
The SIP calls are planned for those areas in the fall of 1989.
Several public interest groups have litigated to compel EPA to disapprove
State plans and promulgate Federal implementation plans (FIP's) in these
areas — South Coast, Ventura County, Sacramento, and Chicago. Further
litigation as is about to occur in Kern County and Fresno, California, and
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, could result in even more requirements for EPA to
promulgate FIP's, with accompanying severe resource demands on, and legal
problems for, the Agency.
EPA Contact Person
Tom Helms (919) 541-5527
(FTS) 629-5527
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ANTITAMPERING/FUEL SWITCHING
Background
The 1988 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.
1988 SURVEY RESULTS (percent)
NON-I/M ATP* Only I/M + ATP
Overall Tampering 23 17 16
Fuel Switching 10 5 4
* ATP = antitamper ing program
There are 43 existing ant Hamper ing/fuel switching programs (ATPs) in 23
states. These programs cover approximately 25% of the nationwide light-duty
fleet.
Current Status
The 1989 EPA tampering survey was completed in August 1989, and data are
currently being compiled. Survey sites for 1989 included San Diego,
Bakersfield, Phoenix, Dallas, Baton Rouge, Jacksonville (Florida), Detroit,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Springfield (Missouri), Milwaukee, Missoula, Anchorage,
Fairbanks, and Denver.
The EPA's proposed post-1987 nonattainment policy includes provisions for
enhanced motor vehicle inspection and 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 President's proposal for amending the Clean Air Act as well
as other bills being considered in Congress.
The final lead phasedown rule allowing only 0.10 grams 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 15% 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 attributable 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. I/M programs are currently
being operated in 63 urban areas in 33 States. By 1991, I/M programs in 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 3/90
Kentucky:
Louisville
Maryland
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
Anti-tampering
Only
Inspection
Kentucky:
Cincinnati
suburbs
Louisiana
Ohio
Oklahoma
Texas:
Houston
Alaska: Idaho
Anchorage Rhode Island
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.
Current Status
In 1987 and 1988, several States were asked to submit corrective plans to
EPA, because audits indicated major operating problems.
Missouri has submitted a plan to switch to computerized analyzers. Davis
County, Utah has also committed to switching to computerized analyzers by
January 1991. It is expected that Provo and Salt Lake City will switch at the
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MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE (I/Ml
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) 374-4456
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FUEL VOLATILITY
Background
The Agency is concerned over the increasing 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 about 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 adequate.
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 I of the proposed volatility control program on
March 2, 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 approved SIP revisions to implement state RVP programs in
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey during the
spring and summer of 1989, and will publish a similar approval for Maine in
the fall of 1989.
The EPA continues to analyze the comments received relating to the
proposed Phase II of volatility control. We are currently working toward
promulgation of a Phase II final rule later this year. As proposed, Phase II
would implement the final step of control and would take effect beginning in
the summer of 1992. It is possible that the Phase II action will also include
changes to the Phase I program for 1990 and 1991.
EPA Contact Persons
Tad Wysor (313) 668-4332
(FTS) 374-8332
Rick Rykowski (313) 668-4339
(FTS) 374-8339
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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 prepared to address excess 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 contract 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, the President has
proposed to require vehicle refueling (Stage II) emission controls at service
stations in all moderate or worse ozone nonattainment areas. The affected
States would have 2 years to incorporate these controls into their revised
SIP's, and for all stations not granted exemptions these controls would all
have to be in place not more than 2 years after the SIP's are approved.
Thus, at present, the Agency's efforts regarding refueling vapor control
are largely on hold pending further consideration of refueling control options
by Congress.
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
At the end of 1987, a significant number of areas were not in attainment
of the national ambient air quality standard for carbon monoxide (CO).
About 90 percent of the CO exceedances, nationwide, occur between
November and February. Over half of all CO exceedances occur at temperatures
below 45°F.
Motor vehicles contribute the vast majority of all CO emissions. The
Agency currently tests vehicles for compliance with emission standards only in
the 68° - 86°F temperature range. Setting a cold temperature CO standard may
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.
Other CO control strategies include the use of oxygenated fuels and
various types of transportation control measures.
Current Status
The Agency is drafting a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing
cold temperature CO emission standards for light-duty vehicles and trucks.
This is an interim standard 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. The first draft of the Preamble to the NPRM
was sent to an EPA work group for comments on August 9, 1989.
Future Milestones
Work group closure: October 1989
Publish NPRM on interim cold CO emission standards: December 1989
EPA Contact Person
John German (313) 668-4214
(FTS) 374-8214
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AMBIENT NONMETHANE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (NMOC) MONITORING
Background
Ambient NMOC/NO ratios are an important factor affecting the level of
VOC controls needed to reach 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 analysis. 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 should be made to the cognizant
Regional Office no later than January 1, 1990.
Financial commitments are needed by February 1, 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Stan Sleva (919) 541-5652
(FTS) 629-5652
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VOC EMISSION FACTORS
Background/Status
The EPA has recently revised its Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission
Factors (AP-42) for the following VOC source categories.
- Refuse (including municipal) Incineration
- Sewage Sludge Incineration
- Waste Oil Combustion
- Polymeric Coating of Supporting Substrates
- Polyester Resin Plastic Product Fabrication
- Waste Oil Combustion
- Wood Stoves
- Soap and Detergents
The above source category section updates were included in Supplement B,
AP-42, published in September 1988. Work was completed in September 1989 on
better VOC emission estimation techniques for surface impoundments at
Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF's) and Publicly Owned
Treatment Works (POTW's). Personal computer disks and supporting
documentation will be distributed to EPA Regional Offices in the fall of 1989
by EPA's Control Technology Center.
Also, EPA has completed the updating of the VOC Species Data Manual, EPA-
450/4-80-013, July 1980, to include new VOC species, as well as particulate
species information. This report was published in April 1988 in two volumes,
entitled:
VOC Species Manual Volume I. Volatile Organic Species Profile
EPA-450/2-88-003a, April 1988;
VOC Species Manual Volume II, Particulate Emissions Species Profile
EPA-450/2-88-003b, April 1988.
EPA Contact Person
E. L. Martinez (919) 541-5575
(FTS) 629-5575
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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 two fold: (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
Emissions inventories have been completed for the 1985 base case as well
as the 2005 future base case and four control strategy scenarios.
Applications of the Regional Ozone Model (ROM) for two 1985 episodes using
1985 emissions have been finished and results are being use to evaluate model
performance against ambient ozone measurements. Simulations for the future
case and strategies are in progress for a high ozone episode in July 1988.
Work on the interface between ROM and the Urban Airshed Model is on schedule
for completion in early 1990.
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 the fall of 1990.
Follow-up SIP-related analyses during 1991 and later will be required to
integrate the regional ROMNET findings with local control requirements.
EPA Contact Person
Norm Possiel (919) 541-5692
(FTS) 629-5692
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URBAN-SCALE PHOTOCHEMICAL MODELING
Background
A relatively simple as well as a more refined photochemical air quality
model are 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/EKMA model is available on the IBM
mainframe computer and a PC version will be available shortly. 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 and tests of the model's
performance are underway.
Current Status
A user's guide and procedures for applying OZIPM4/EKMA in SIP's have been
prepared and have been subject to public comment. The latter document
addresses issues like precursor transport more completely. These documents
should be finalized in the next few months.
Contractual studies to apply the UAM in five cities--New York, St. Louis,
Dallas/Ft. Worth, Atlanta, and Philadelphia are nearly complete. The purpose
of these applications is to address policy questions and to develop
information necessary to prepare guidance for the model's use in SIP's during
FY 1990.
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.
Future Milestones
Procedures outlining the use of OZIPM4/EKMA will be completed within a
few months. The "five-city" study with UAM will be completed in the fall of
1989 with findings distributed to States. The UAM will be installed on
selected State computers (if desired) for four of the five cities. Analyses
preparatory to the development of guidance on the use of UAM in SIP's will
also be completed in the fall of 1989. A public domain version of UAM (with
CB4), a user's guide, and guidance for model application will be released in
FY 1990.
EPA Contact Persons
Rich Scheffe (919) 541-5391
(FTS) 629-5391
Model Clearinghouse (919) 541-5684
(FTS) 629-5684
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DOCUMENTATION OF TEST METHODS FOR VOC CAPTURE EFFICIENCY
Background
Five test procedures for determining VOC capture efficiency are currently
under development by EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. The
procedures can be combined in a number of ways to determine capture efficiency
based on either a liquid/gas or gas/gas-material balance.
Current Status
Preliminary analysis on the procedure used to obtain the VOC content of
the feed on a carbon basis has been conducted. The draft procedures were sent
to the Regions for review. Four Regions commented on the procedures and they
are being revised to reflect those comments.
Future Milestones
Develop final protocols by end of December 1989.
EPA Contact Person
Candace Sorrel! (919) 541-1064
(FTS) 629-1064
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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. 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. Industrial Wastewater
9. Petroleum Wastewater
10. SOCMI Batch Processes
11. Adhesives
12. Pesticide Application
EPA Contact Person:
Jim Weigold (919) 541-5642
(FTS) 629-5642
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NATIONAL AIR TOXICS INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE
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, ongoing projects, and published reports on
air toxics activities. In addition, an annual survey is conducted of current
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 to the Clearinghouse 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.
- 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.
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NATIONAL AIR TOXICS INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE
Future Milestones
In the fall of 1989 NATICH will be linked with the Toxic Release
Inventory System (TRIS) to facilitate State/local agency access to the TRIS
data. 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).
The Clearinghouse newsletter has long been a valuable source of
information on issues concerning toxic air pollutants. An index of subjects
which have been addressed in the newsletters will be developed and
incorporated in the data base.
More useful and efficient ways of retrieving NATICH data are being
developed for FY 1990. These improvements will primarily affect that part of
the data base which includes the voluminous permitting and source test data.
Another development that shall be implemented early in FY 1990 is a means
of printing selected Clearinghouse reports remotely at the user's location.
EPA Contact Persons
Melissa McCullough (919) 541-5646
(FTS) 629-5646
John Vandenberg (919) 541-5352
(FTS) 629-5352
Scott Voorhees (919) 541-5348
(FTS) 629-5348
Nancy Riley (919) 541-0850
(FTS) 629-0850
16
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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. Joann 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.
Goal 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 assessment.
-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 Office of Health
and Environmental Assessment, 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:
17
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AIR RISK INFORMATION SUPPORT CENTER (Air RISC)
1. Hotline - for quick referral to experts, and provisions of available
EPA health assessment. The Air RISC has responded to over 700 requests for
information from 65 different State agencies in 45 states and from 52 local
agencies on a wide range of subjects.
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, and integrated steel mills.
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.
Future Milestones
The Directory will be completed and available for distribution in early
FY 1990. The Glossary was completed in 1989 and distribution will continue.
The Air RISC will undertake additional promotional activities in 1990 in
order to reach a broader range of State and local agency personnel. Informal
feedback regarding the Air RISC hotline indicates that the service is useful
to the client community. A formal procedure for evaluating this service will
be initiated in FY 1990.
Two documents will be completed in 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.
EPA Contact Persons
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Dan Guth (919) 541-5340 Air RISC HOTLINE (919) 541-0888
(FTS) 629-5340 (FTS) 629-0888
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment
Winona Victery (919) 541-4828
(FTS) 629-4828
18
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HULTIYEAR DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Background/Current Status
For FY 1989, EPA continued 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 1989, the universe of
agencies actively working on MYDP's was 73 and there is a target of 58
adequate plans for the year. By the end of the 3rd quarter (i.e., June,
1989), 49 MYDP's were considered adequate. Note that designation of adequacy
for a previous year does not automatically qualify a plan as such in
subsequent years. The determination of adequacy, however, takes into account
progress in implementing the various portions of EPA's national air toxics
strategy, including the flexibility for a MYDP to concentrate resources in
fewer areas of concern and still be considered adequate overall. Reporting of
milestones achieved in MYDP's indicates that progress continues to be made in
program development (e.g., Vermont passed air toxics regulations in FY 1989).
The FY 1990 MYDP guidance continues the concepts of flexibility and
incorporation of air toxics concerns in PM 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 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.
EPA Contact Person
Mike Trutna (919) 541-5345
(FTS) 629-5345
19
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HIGH RISK URBAN AIR TOXICS
Background/Status
The EPA's high risk urban air toxics program was initiated because of
concern that multiple source, multiple pollutant exposures are creating
significant population risks in urban areas and that these risks are not being
adequately assessed or controlled by programs that focus only on large point
sources. The high risk urban air toxics program is a multi-year program to 1)
assess the nature and magnitude of the problem, 2) enable State and local
agencies to assess the particular aspects of their urban problems, and 3)
identify and promote direct and co-control measures to mitigate urban
population risks. The Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards manages
the urban air toxics program, although much of the research being done to
assess the problem is being conducted by EPA's Office of Research and
Development. The EPA Regional Offices have been working with State and local
agencies to initiate urban air toxics assessment activities, such as
monitoring, emission inventorying, exposure model 1 ing, risk assessment and the
evaluation of mitigation strategies. A few areas have actual regulations
based on certain aspects of the urban problem (e.g., South Coast AQMD).
Workshops were held in early 1989 to promote awareness of the problem
throughout the nation and to highlight what some State/local agencies have
done to assess and mitigate urban air toxics in their areas.
Future activity in this area will focus on analyzing data collected in
the last several years, along with the results of ORD's research, 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 is being placed on mitigation—to identify measures that will best
reduce population risks and to promote implementation of these measures at
Federal, State and local levels.
Future Milestones
- Track work planned by State and local agencies for the high risk urban
air toxics assessment portion of their multiyear development plan activities.
Continue to encourage and enable State and local agencies to undertake
additional assessment and mitigation work.
- Develop and distribute enabling tools (emission factors, speciation
factors, procedures, etc.).
- Continue to refine EPA assessments of the nature and magnitude of the
urban air toxics problem. Incorporate results and techniques from research
programs such as ORD's Integrated Air Cancer Project.
- Continue management of EPA's Urban Air Toxics Monitoring Program into
1990 and beyond, depending on State and local interest and financial support.
Begin analysis of data resulting from previous years' measurements to observe
patterns and levels of associated risks.
- Intensify efforts to define, evaluate and promote awareness of
candidate control measures for direct control of urban air toxics as well as
20
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HIGH RISK URBAN AIR TOXICS
co-control of air toxics through concomitant control of VOC and PM-10.
Identify gaps in the Federal programs where States and local agencies can
focus their control efforts.
EPA Contact Persons
Technical Design of Assessment Activities
James H. Southerland (919) 541-5523
(FTS) 629-5523
Mitigation Strategy
Mike Trutna (919) 541-5345
(FTS) 629-5345
Monitoring Strategies
William F. Hunt (919) 541-5559
(FTS) 629-5559
21
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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 fenceline 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 achieving 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 $10K to $20K are 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).
Initial evaluation of the national initiatives program suggests that it
has been quite successful in accomplishing additional control (about half of
the cases reportedly resulted in reduced emissions) and has been popular with
participating agencies (14 of the 15 State and local agencies surveyed
considered the program beneficial). Considerable progress has and continues
to be made by State and local agencies in developing regulatory programs to
address new and/or existing sources.
During September 1989, State and local agencies were asked to prepare and
submit proposals for projects to be funded in FY 1990. Also, participating
agencies were asked to provide information on the status of current projects
for use in a report documenting the results of the program. 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. Summaries of completed projects are being drafted.
To maximize the use of grant funds, EPA has established a goal of
screening FY 1990 candidate projects in the final quarter of FY 1989 and
presenting recommended selections to STAPPA/ALAPCO in that quarter so that
funds may be transferred in the first or second quarter of FY 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Mike Trutna (919) 541-5345
(FTS) 629-5345
22
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NATIONAL AIR TOXICS WORKSHOPS
Urban Air Toxics Workshops
Three workshops addressing urban air toxics problems were held in Los
Angeles, Denver, and Baltimore during February to April 1989. These workshops
focused on evidence of the problem, monitoring, emissions estimation and
modeling, risk assessment, and mitigation of urban problems.
The consensus of the 307 workshop attendees, as determined from
evaluation forms, was that urban air toxics are a problem; increased funding
is needed to elevate urban air toxics among State and local priorities; more
technical tools and guidance are needed for assessing and mitigating air
toxics; mitigation is occurring but only in a few isolated areas or in some
ozone and PM nonattainment areas as co-control, and; the participants were
unanimously pleased with the workshops. Representatives of 77 State and local
agencies, 5 Federal agencies, 15 companies, and 26 consulting firms
participated in the workshops. Judging from the overall participation and
feedback, the urban air toxics workshops were highly successful.
Air RISC Workshops on Risk Assessment and Risk Communication
The Air Risk Information Support Center (Air RISC) offered a 3-day
workshop on risk assessment and risk communication for State and local air
pollution control agency personnel. The workshops were held in three
locations, as follows: May 23-25 in Raleigh, North Carolina; May 30-June 1 in
the Chicago, Illinois, area; and June 13-15 in the San Francisco, California,
area.
Since the 1987 National Air Toxics Workshops, the Agency has received
many requests from State and local officials for additional training and
information on these subjects. As part of the Agency's mission to support
State and local air pollution control programs and personnel, the workshops on
risk assessment and risk communication provided the most recent Agency
approaches and information on important topics in these areas.
The objective of the workshops was to provide training in risk assessment
and risk communication to State and local personnel and to meet the needs of
people with various levels of expertise in these areas. The workshops
provided sessions on health and exposure assessment for staff involved in many
aspects of risk assessment or risk communication. For some topics in
toxicology and risk assessment, concurrent sessions were held. One session
provided an overview of toxicology and risk assessment for staff new to or not
directly involved in evaluation of health effects. Experienced participants
received lectures on pulmonary toxicology, inhalation reference dose
methodology, non-cancer risk assessment, pharmacokinetics, and new concepts in
cancer risk assessment. Exposure assessment lectures and discussions of the
toxicology and risk assessment of chemical mixtures were presented to a joint
session. A course in risk communication (initially developed by EPA's Office
of Policy, Planning and Evaluation and modified by Air RISC for State and
local air agencies) was then taught in smaller group format. A combination of
presentations, discussions, videotaped segments, and case studies illustrated
important concepts in risk communication, including public involvement,
explanation of technical issues, risk perception, conducting public meetings
23
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NATIONAL AIR TOXICS WORKSHOPS
and dealing with the media. Attendees participated in a case study which
applied material developed in the risk assessment sessions to risk
communication tasks.
The workshops were attended by a total of 161 people from State and local
agencies and EPA Regional and Headquarters Offices. Course surveys indicated
a high level of satisfaction and particular interest in the risk communication
portion of the course.
EPA Contact Person
Mike Trutna (919) 541-5345
(FTS) 629-5345
24
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STATUS OF AIR TOXICS EMISSION FACTORS AND ESTIMATION TOOLS
Background
The EPA, through its Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
(OAQPS), has under way a number of different programs to compile and publish
emission factors for various air toxics.
Current Status/Future Milestones
"Locating and Estimating" Series
To date, 20 reports have been published as part of this program.
Seventeen 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 process descriptions of the
emitting processes and identify potential release points. The two series
include the following reports:
SUBSTANCE OR
SOURCE CATEGORY
Acrylonitrile
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chloroform
Ethylene Dichloride
Formaldehyde
Nickel
Chromium
Manganese
Phosgene
Epichlorohydrin
Vinylidene Chloride
Ethylene Oxide
Chlorobenzenes
Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCBs)
Polycyclic Organic
Matter (POM)
Benzene
Organic Liquid
Storage Tanks
Coal and Oil
Combustion Sources
Municipal Waste
Combustors
Perch!oroethylene &
Trichloroethylene
NTIS
EPA PUBLICATION NO.
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
EPA-450/2-89-013
ORDER NO.
PB-84-
PB-84-
PB-84-
PB-84-
PB-84-
PB-84-
PB-85-
PB-86-
PB-86-
PB-86-
PB-86-
PB-87-
PB-87-
200609
200625
200617
239193
200633
210988
106474
117587
117595
117603
117611
113973
189841
PB-87-209540
PB-88-149059
PB-88-196175
PB-89-1290
PB-89-194229
PB-89-195226
(not assigned)
DATE
1984
1984
1984
1984
1984
1984
1985
1986
1986
1986
1986
1987
1987
1987
1988
1988
1988
1989
1989
1989
Reports to be released shortly include Chromium Update, 1,3-Butadiene and Sewage
Sludge Incineration. Work is also underway on a report dealing with styrene.
25
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STATUS OF AIR TOXICS EMISSION FACTORS AND ESTIMATION TOOLS
Compilation of Air Toxics Emission Factors
The genera] emission factor listing for more pollutants than shown above
in the "Locating and Estimating" series is available in the report Toxic Air
Pollutant Emission Factors For Selected Air Toxic Compounds And Sources (EPA-
450/2-88-006a, NTIS # PB-89-135644). This report lists available air toxics
emission factors and references from which the emission 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 (EPA-
450/4-87-023a, NTIS # PB-88-161146). The crosswalk contains pollutant names,
industrial source categories (SIC codes), and emitting source classifications
(SCC's). The crosswalk is being updated and the revised report and newly
combined crosswalk and air toxic emission factor data base system will be
released in the fall of 1989.
Air Emissions Species Manual
The two volume Air Emissions Species Manual contains species profiles for
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Volume I (EPA-450/2-88-003a, NTIS # PB-88-
225792) and particulate matter (PM) in Volume II (EPA-450/2-88-003b, NTIS # PB-
88-225800). This report contains various 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 speciated emission factors. The
species profiles are being updated and the revised manual and data base system
will be released in the fall of 1989.
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 # PB-89-207203).
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 will be revised and expanded in the
future.
The report, Compilation of Air Toxics Emission Inventory Questionnaires
(EPA-450/4-88-008, NTIS # PB-88-236237), contains questionnaires used by various
State and local agencies to collect air toxics emission data from sources.
26
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STATUS OF AIR TOXICS EMISSION FACTORS AND ESTIMATION TOOLS
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, VA 22161 or by calling (703) 487-4650. The
brochure may be obtained by calling the EPA contact person shown below.
EPA Contact Person
James H. Southerland (919) 541-5523
(FTS) 629-5523
27
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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 Air Quality
Models (see status report entitled "Status of 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 2.0-
and operates on a VAX computer system. The two volumes and diskettes for
uploading the program via a PC to the VAX are available from NTIS as PB 88-
202379. The EPA has also published "A Workbook of Screening Techniques for
Assessing Impacts of Toxic Air Pollutants." The Workbook is available from NTIS
as PB 89-134340.
Current Status
The EPA is currently examining available techniques for assessing the air
quality impact of short-term releases and a PC 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 underway for
a number of models developed by the public and private sectors using five
available data bases. A report should be published by EPA by mid-FY-1990 on the
performance of a subset of these models applicable to dense gas releases.
A project to review model ing techniques applicable to area sources of toxics
such as landfills, lagoons and soil handling operation and identify which, if
any, should be recommended for routine use has just been completed. Model
performance was evaluated against one field data base. The report on the
soundest technique is being reviewed within EPA.
Future Milestones
The air toxic model evaluation study will continue in 1990 to include non-
dense gas air toxics models; reports on these models will follow. Work will
continue in 1990 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
28
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AMBIENT AIR TOXICS MONITORING
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 to that directive, the Office of
Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) 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 (ORD). 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
In FY 1989, the TAMS was restructured to include methods development for
semi-volatile and polar pollutants, as well as volatiles. In order to accomplish
this, only four of the ten sites, two each in Boston and Houston, are presently
operative. The equipment from the sites in Chicago and Seattle/Tacoma have been
donated to those Regional, State, or local agencies.
The latest TAMS status report was issued by OAQPS on August 28, 1989; the report
provides data through April 1989.
Future Milestones
A workshop will be held November 7-8 at Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, to instruct Regional, State and local staff from the four TAMS Regions
in the sampling and analysis of VOCs using the canister method. Also, for
qua! ity assurance purposes, the Atmospheric Research and Environmental Assessment
Laboratory (AREAL) of ORD will reanalyze the first five samples from the
discontinued sites.
EPA Contact Person
Jane Leonard (FTS) 629-5653
(919) 541-5653
29
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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.
The program will be repeated again in 1990. Samples from 14 sites are
being collected.
Future Milestones
The EPA plans to coordinate similar programs during the next few years.
The next one is scheduled to begin on January 1, 1990. Verbal commitments to
participate in that program should be made to the cognizant Regional Office by
October 31, 1989.
Financial commitments (S21K per site) are needed by November 30.
EPA Contact Person
Stan Sleva (919) 541-5367
(FTS) 629-5367
30
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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 1977)
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 307 oral RfD's have been verified and are available on IRIS.
Inhalation reference doses have been verified for eleven chemicals. Supporting
documentation has been prepared for inhalation RfD's for approximately 60
additional chemicals.
Future Milestones
Development of an additional 50 inhalation RfDs will be initiated by the
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office in FY 1990. The verified RfDs will
be available on the Integrated Risk Information System in FY 1990. The
inhalation reference dose methodology document will be available for distribution
in early FY 1990.
EPA Contact Persons
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Dan Guth (919) 541-5340
(FTS) 629-5340
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment
Annie Jarabek (919) 541-4847
(FTS) 629-4847
31
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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 this 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 will be 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), 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
32
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SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT
TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY (TITLE III. SECTION 313)
analyses, in 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 areas
of potential concern. 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) 541-5613
(FTS) 629-5613
Robert Kellam (919) 541-5647
(FTS) 629-5647
John Vandenberg (919) 541-5352
(FTS) 629-5352
33
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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 designated
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 may 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 in support of Regional Air
offices. These activities and the overall management of the Air/Superfund
Program are the responsibility of the Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPS). A brief description of support activities is described below:
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 provide an opportunity to exchange information,
coordinate the overall program, participate in mini-workshops, and receive
briefings on pertinent technical and administrative subjects.
Training to brief Regional air office staff on Superfund program issues,
priorities, methods, and procedures; and to brief Regional Superfund staff on
air issues, methods, procedures, and services and expertise which can be provided
by Air Offices. The training for Superfund staff focuses on the fundamentals
of air pollution control, including monitoring, modeling, emission controls,
health effects from ambient concentrations, and risk analysis techniques unique
to air pollution control.
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.
National technical guidance (NTG1 studies to provide Regional air and Superfund
staffs and State/local Agency staffs with technical support, data, and guidance
needed to improve the quality of the data base and the analysis of air issues
associated with Superfund sites.
Three NTG studies were initiated in FY 1987 and will continue through FY
1989. Region III has the lead for the first study which provides procedures
for air pathway analysis and defines monitoring and modeling methodologies needed
to gather data required for these analyses. Region I has the lead for the second
study which provides emission factors and methods for estimating emissions at
sites prior to initiating remedial action. Region V has the lead for the third
study which provides information and guidance to improve our ability to estimate
emissions during remedial actions. Field studies will extend these studies to
34
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AIR/SUPERFUND COORDINATION PROGRAM
improve our data base and ability to estimate air emissions and ambient levels
of air toxics.
Reports on estimating emissions from Superfund sites were released in March
1989 and the report on air pathway analysis was released in August 1989. A
national workshop on the use of these manuals in evaluating Superfund sites,
co-sponsored by EPA and the Air and Waste Management Association, was held
September 1989.
Other ongoing NTG studies include (1) design of air strippers and soil
vapor extraction systems and their impact on air emissions; (2) guidance on
developing data quality objectives for air studies; (3) selection of optimum
dispersion models for low level air toxic releases from Superfund sites; (4)
procedures for incorporating emission and ambient air data from Superfund site
studies into existing data systems; and (5) guidance for more effective review
of potential air impacts based on Superfund site studies.
EPA Contact Person
Joe Padgett (919) 541-5589
(FTS) 629-5589
35
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PATHOGEN EMISSIONS FROM MEDICAL WASTE INCINERATORS
Background
A method for determining pathogens in air emissions is being 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.
Current Status
A laboratory evaluation of the method has been successfully completed.
The field evaluation is in preparation, and a procedure to produce the spike
spores in the desired concentrations is under development. The final draft
method will be used in a number of tests in FY 1990 to obtain data to support
the medical waste incinerator NSPS.
Future Milestones
Initial Field Evaluation of method - September 1989
Draft test method - October 1989
Several NSPS development tests - throughout FY90
Draft NSPS for presentation to EPA's National Air Pollution Control Advisory
Committee - June 1991
NSPS Proposal - September 1991
EPA Contact Person
Foston Curtis (919) 541-1063
(FTS) 629-1063
36
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SCHEDULE FOR AIR TOXICS REGULATIONS CURRENTLY BEING
CONSIDERED UNDER SECTION 112 OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT OR OTHER AUTHQRITIFS
Pollutant/source category
Asbestos Revision -
Manufacturing,
demo!ition,
renovation,
fabrication, waste
disposal
Rule clarification,
monitoring,
recordkeeping
Benzene - Reconsideration of equipment
leak NESHAP and withdrawal of
proposals for maleic anhydride,
ethyl benzene styrene, and
storage tanks
Benzene - Coke oven by-product plants
Benzene - Litigation - source categories
include chemical plant vents,
transfer operations,
refinery/chemical wastes,
industrial solvent use and
gasoline marketing.
•5
Chromium - Comfort Cooling Towers
Chromium - Industrial Cooling Towers
Chromium - Electroplating
Proposal Date
See Note I
Estimated
Final Date
1/10/89
7/28/88
7/28/88
9/89
3/29/88
See Note 1
See Note 1
6/90
9/89
9/89
2/90
10/89
37
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SCHEDULE FOR AIR TOXICS REGULATIONS CURRENTLY BEING
CONSIDERED UNDER SECTION 112 DP THE CLEAN AIR ACT OR OTHER AUTHORITIES
Pollutant/source category
Hazardous Organic NESHAP
(covers all eight organic compounds
for which notices of intent to list
have been published and 13 source
categories listed below)
Butadiene Production
Miscellaneous Butadiene Sources
CFC Production
Ethylene Oxide Production
Ethylene Dichloride Production
Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Production
Styrene Butadiene Rubber Production
Polybutadiene Production
Neoprene Production
Chlorine Production
Chlorinated HC Use in Chemical
Production
Pharmaceutical Production
Coke Oven Emissions - Charging and Topside
Leaks
Proposal Date
See Note 1
Estimated
Final Date
Ethylene Oxide - Commercial Sterilizers
Perchloroethylene - Dry Cleaning
Radionuclides - Reconsideration of
existing NESHAP for
DOE facilities, NRC
1icensed facilities,
elemental phosphorous
plants, underground
uranium mines, and
uranium mill tail ings.
Standards for
phosphogypsum piles.
Proposed
4/23/87
Reproposal
See Note 1
See Note 1
See Note 1
2/89
10/89
Trichloroethylene -
Degreasing (also
covers
perchlorethylene, and
methylene chloride)
See Note 1
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
MULTI- POLLUTANT SOURCES
o
Municipal Waste Combustion
Sewage Sludge Incineration
p
Municipal Landfills
Hazardous Waste TSDF4
Accelerated Rule
Comprehensive Rule
Wastewater Facilities
Medical Waste Incineration
Machinery Manufacturing/Rebuilding
Proposal Date
12/89
2/6/89
5/90
2/5/87
11/89
10/89
FY92
No schedule
Estimated
Final Date
2/91
FY90
FY91
10/89
3/91
1/91
FY93
The following projects are in various stage of study. No decision has been
made yet on whether or not emission standards are appropriate.
Multi-Pollutant Source
Butadiene
Ethylene Oxide
Methylene Chloride
Cadmium
Chloroform
Fossil Fuel Combustion
Nitrile/ABS Rubber
Hospital Sterilizers
Paint Stripping
Aerosols
Primary Cadmium Smelters
Pulp Manufacturing
39
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SCHEDULE FOR AIR TOXICS REGULATIONS CURRENTLY BEING
CONSIDERED UNDER SECTION 112 OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT OR OTHER AUTHORITIES
NOTES:
1. Schedules are currently being developed based on applying benzene policy
to these projects.
2. Standards are being developed under Section 111 and lll(d) of the Clean
Air Act.
3. Standards being developed under TSCA, Section 6.
4. Standards being developed under RCRA, Section 3004(n).
5. Standards for sludge management being developed under the Clean Water Act
by the Office of Water Regulations and Standards. OAQPS is coordinating
on incineration provisions.
6. Control techniques document is being produced for use by State and local
agencies.
EPA Contact Person:
Jim Weigold (919) 541-5642
(FTS) 629-5642
40
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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:
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
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
Publ ic
Hearing
!
0
5
8
4
4
3
0
1
0
26
Final
SIP
j
1
3
5
2
4
3
0
1
0
20
Comments
Draft for NH and VT, final for ME
Final for VI
Draft MD, PA, VA, WV, DE
Final for DE, VA, MD
Final for FL, GA, MS, NC, SC
Final for IN and MN
AR, OK, LA, NM, draft for TX
Draft for KS, final for MO, NE, IA
Development plans not submitted
*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
41
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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
12
58
Emission
Inventories
Complete
2
0
1
0
^
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
4
1
6
12
Submit
Final
SIP
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
_2
5
*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
42
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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
Pub! ic
Hearing
0
0
8
2
40
11
5
5
7
6
84
Final
SIP
0
3
6
4
40
11
5
15
6
6
96
Comments
Final for NY, NJ, and PR
Final for PA, VA
All submitted
All submitted
All submitted
Final for all except KS
Final for all except MT(2) and WY(1)
Final for AZ only
*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 17 areas.
EPA Contact Person
Ken Woodard
(919) 541-5697
(FTS) 629-5697
43
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RURAL FUGITIVE DUST POLICY
Background
When EPA promulgated the PM-10 national ambient air quality standard
(NAAQS), it retained, on an interim basis, the 1977 Rural Fugitive Dust
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 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. The
work group has made progress on evaluating the policy and commenting on
developing mechanisms for controlling fugitive dust in rural areas.
Current Status
The EPA performed an economic analysis of three areas to determine the
impact of each of the alternative policies. The cost/benefits for each
alternative fugitive dust policy for two areas has been completed. The
results of the analysis for the third area is currently in review.
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 emissions of fugitive dust
from agricultural activities. The USDA currently has programs underway under
the Food Security Act of 1985 to minimize soil lost from highly erodible lands
due to wind and water 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
Since rural fugitive dust is an element of the PM-10 long-term
nonattainment problem, EPA is planning to issue the rural fugitive dust policy
as a memorandum and guidance documents under the long-term nonattainment
policy. No schedule for publishing the policy has yet been established.
EPA Contact Person
Robin Dunkins (919) 541-5335
(FTS) 629-5335
44
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CONTROL OF URBAN FUGITIVE DUST
Background
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 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.
Current Status
Open fugitive dust workshops have been held in Regions IX and X to
discuss the technical support document in detail.
A computer program is being developed by a contractor to perform
algorithms listed in "Control of Open Fugitive Dust Sources."
The draft Urban Fugitive Dust Policy is in review. The policy will
reflect many of the control measures listed in "Control of Open Fugitive Dust
Sources."
The EPA is currently drafting interim guidance to determine control
effectiveness for road sanding/salting for emission reductions.
Future Milestones
EPA plans to issue the Urban Fugitive Dust Policy in the fall of 1989.
The workshop for "Control of Open Fugitive Dust Sources" mentioned above
is available for those Regions interested.
EPA Contact Person
Robin Dunkins (919) 541-5335
(FTS) 629-5335
45
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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 fm)
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, EPA 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
The work plan for this study was approved in mid-September 1989.
Future Milestones
Information on candidate study sites and control measures are to be
completed by mid-November 1989. Recommended sites, control measures, and
study design are to be completed by the end of January 1990.
EPA Contact Persons
Kenneth Woodard (919) 541-5697
(FTS) 629-5697
Robin Dunkins (919) 541-5335
(FTS) 629-5335
46
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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 emission 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 fan) 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 has issued a work assignment to prepare guidelines for selecting
antiskid materials. The contractor is to evaluate methods available to
determine the characteristics of antiskid materials such as silt content and
durability. Both wet and dry sieve methods of measuring silt content will be
evaluated. The Alaska degradation test, petrographic techniques, and other
methods of measuring durability discovered in preparing the guideline, will be
evaluated. The durability of antiskid material refers to its resistance to
fracturing into silt-sized particles. The contractor will also look for any
other characteristics that may affect the fines-producing propensity of
antiskid materials and will investigate nontraditional materials that may
reduce potential emissions.
Finally, the contractor will prepare a guideline document suggesting
procedures for determining the physical characteristics of antiskid materials
and criteria for selecting materials with low emission potential.
Current Status
The contractor has searched the technical literature for articles on
types of materials, their physical properties, material application methods,
and costs associated with the purchase and application of antiskid materials.
Similar information was also sought in a telephone survey of Federal and State
highway agencies.
Future Milestones
The contractor is to complete evaluating materials testing methods and
developing selection criteria the fall of 1989. A draft guideline document is
to be submitted to EPA soon after this.
EPA Contact Person
Kenneth Woodard (919) 541-5697
(FTS) 629-5697
Robin Dunkins (919) 541-5335
(FTS) 629-5335
47
-------
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 NAAQS, a statement identifying the key elements
which should be addressed in SIP's for areas with long-term nonattainment
problems is being developed by EPA.
Current Status
Development 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. The SIP's in
areas not attaining the PM-10 standard because of wood smoke should address
four points: (1) reducing emissions from the current stove population; (2)
curtailing stove use during episodes; (3) limiting the future growth of
residential wood heaters; and (4) establishment of a concerted "outreach"
program to educate the public on the need for curtailment programs and
improving the burn efficiency in existing stoves.
To enable States to design and conduct an effective outreach program, two
projects are planned. The first is the continuation of a grant to the
American Lung Association (ALA) to develop and test a variety of materials for
distribution to the stove owner, intermediaries (e.g., realtors, chimney
sweeps, stove retailers) and the radio and print media. A second project is a
grant which is being prepared to expand on a theme developed by the Klamath
Falls Health Department to acquaint the public with wood stove issues. This
project will focus on the development of brochures, posters, schoo] materials,
portable displays, and video materials.
Future Milestones
Complete and distribute the technical guidance - fall 1989.
Distribute materials developed under ALA grant by summer 1990.
Develop prototype brochures, posters, school materials, portable display,
and videos by winter 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Martha Smith (919) 541-5314
(FTS) 629-5314
48
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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 PM concentrations caused by
prescribed burns the same as episodes caused by wildfires, i.e., considered
them as exceptional events. However, high concentrations from prescribed
burning is 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. 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.
An outline of a draft policy statement has been developed. However, work
on the full policy statement was delayed because of NWCG's need to address the
wildfires that occurred during the summer of 1988.
The President's bill to amend the Clean Air Act would require development
of guidance on best available control measures (BACM) for prescribed burning.
The BACM document must be consistent with and supportive of the draft policy
statement on prescribed burning that EPA is in the process of developing.
Future Milestones
A schedule for a draft prescribed burning policy will be developed by EPA
in the fall of 1989.
EPA Contact Person
Tom Pace (919) 541-5634
(FTS) 629-5634
49
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PM-10 EMISSION FACTORS
Background
The EPA is continuing development of PM10 emission factors and is
assisting States in filling gaps in PM10 emission inventories where published
PM-10 emission factors are not yet available for particular source categories.
Current Status/Future Milestones
Additional PM-10 emission factors for approximately 350 source operations
have been developed under a technology transfer study and proposed to EPA by a
contractor. A listing containing these factors was released in June to the
EPA Regional Offices for use by State and local agencies.
A new Source Classification Codes (SCC) and Emission Factor Listing For
(All) Criteria Air Pollutants is being prepared to replace a previous version,
which listed only PM-10 information, and a National Acid Precipitation
Assessment Program (NAPAP) document, entitled Criteria Pollutant Emission
Factors For The 1985 NAPAP Emission Inventory. EPA-600/7-87-015, May 1987,
which contained a listing for other criteria pollutants, except lead. The new
listing is expected to be complete and ready for distribution in the fall of
1989.
The new EPA Emission Factor Clearinghouse Newsletter, which features new
PM-10 emission factor information, is also scheduled to be published in the
fall of 1989.
EPA Contact Person
Dennis R. Shipman (919) 541-5477
(FTS) 629-5477
50
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STACK TEST METHOD FOR PM-10
Background
Two stack test methods have been developed to measure PM-10. The
Constant Sampling Rate (CSR) method uses EPA M17 fitted with either a cyclone
or an inertial impactor particle separator, and 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 methods have an out-of-stack filter held at a constant temperature of
248° F and an in-stack filter.
Current Status
Both PM-10 methods were proposed June 6, 1989, to be added to Part 51,
Appendix M. This notice also proposed to designate Appendix M as 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.
Eleven commenters responded to the proposal. Commenters include 3
regulatory agencies, 4 industry representatives, 2 industries, and 2 private
consultants. The comments are being reviewed.
Future Milestone
Package to EPA Work Group (WG) October 31,1989
Complete WG Review November 30, 1989
Package to EPA Red Border Review (RBR) January 6, 1990
Complete RBR February 13, 1990
Submit Package to OMB March 16, 1990
Complete OMB Review April 13, 1990
Submit Package to FR for Publication May 11, 1990
Promulgation of PM-10 methods June 1, 1990
EPA Contact Person
Roy Huntley (919) 541-1060
(FTS) 629-1060
51
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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 stagnation conditions, while the need
for this confidence is exceedingly high.
Therefore, a project is being initiated by EPA 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 will be initiated in the fall of 1989 and will include 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.
Future Milestones
Field data will be collected in one area between the fall of 1989 and
the summer of 1990. Model performance will be evaluated in the fall of 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Kenneth Woodard (919) 541-5697
(FTS) 629-5697
52
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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 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.
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 emission
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
Final rulemaking on the Exhibit A portion of the CMA Settlement
Agreement was published June 28, 1989. The EPA is currently analyzing the
environmental and economic impacts of promulgating the revisions stipulated in
Exhibit B, 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. The work group consists of
representatives from EPA Headquarters and the Regional Offices. Work on
Exhibit B once again has been temporarily suspended.
Future Activities
Work on Exhibit B is expected to be resumed during 1990 and a proposal
is currently anticipated in the Federal Register in December 1990.
EPA Contact Persons
David Solomon
Dennis Crump!er
(919)
(FTS)
541-5375
629-5375
(919) 541-0871
(FTS) 629-0871
53
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NOV PSD INCREMENTS
J\
Background
In early 1987, EPA was ordered by the court to develop prevention of
significant deterioration (PSD) regulations for nitrogen oxides. On
February 8, 1988, PSD increments for nitrogen dioxide (NC^) were proposed by
EPA, and on October 17, 1988, the N0Ł increments were promulgated. Two
petitions for reconsideration of the final rules were received by EPA. One of
these petitions has since been dropped.
Current Status
The EPA is developing guidance on preparing SIP and delegation agreement
revisions, on setting up and maintaining nitrogen oxides (NOX) emission
inventories, and on gathering data needed for ambient air quality analyses.
The guidance on revising SIP's and delegation agreements will be provided
first in memo format, while the technical guidance will come in a later memo.
In addition, the technical guidance will be incorporated into the NSR workshop
manual. Drafts of this guidance are to be distributed for peer review in the
fall of 1989.
Oral arguments on a petition for reconsideration by the Sierra Club are
scheduled for November 6, 1989.
Future Activities
The N02 increments regulations are to become effective on October 17,
1989. States are allowed 9 months from that date to submit approvable SIP's
or "delegation of authority," and EPA has another 4 months (until November 17,
1990) to approve (or disapprove) them.
Review of revised SIP's and delegation agreements is expected to begin
in the fall of 1989 (one State requested delegation in August of 1989) and to
continue until about November 17, 1990. On that date, EPA Regional Offices
are to assume PSD permit review authority (at least for that portion of the
permits dealing with N02 increment requirements) at delegated States which did
not submit an approvable delegation agreements by the July 17, 1990 deadline.
EPA Contact Person
Eric Noble (919) 541-5362
(FTS) 629-5362
54
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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
Since its formation on August 25, 1987, an EPA work group has been
meeting regularly to review and assist in the development of a Federal
Register notice which proposes PM-10 PSD increments. The work group consists
of representatives from EPA Headquarters and Regional Offices, the Department
of Energy, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The
rulemaking package proposing PM-10 increments was completed and was published
in the Federal Register on October 5, 1989 (54 FR 41218).
Future Activities
The EPA will receive and consider comments on the proposed PM-10
increments over the next several months. Promulgation of the new increments
is scheduled to occur in November 1990. 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 revised 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
55
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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 inclusion of
fugitive emissions in new source review applicability determinations. Surface
coal mines were not included on this list and, as a result, the Sierra Club
sued EPA to compel listing. In its response to the D.C. Circuit Court of
Appeals remand, EPA commenced rulemaking for surface coal mines.
Subsequently, on October 26, 1984, EPA proposed that surface coal mines be
listed, pursuant to the criteria set forth for section 302(j) rulemaking.
In a related issue on fugitive dust, the mining industry has strongly
advocated changes to the definition of "source" and the review of secondary
emissions. The presence of certain categories on the "list of 30" mentioned
above could trigger PSD review of mines even if EPA has not promulgated a
listing of surface coal mines.
Current Status/Future Milestones
The EPA is now preparing a final action Federal Register notice on
surface coal mines to be published in late 1989. This rulemaking will also
respond to the industry concerns described above on related fugitive emissions
issues for surface coal mines.
EPA Contact Person
Bill Lamason (919) 541-5374
(FTS) 629-5374
56
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IMPROVING NEW SOURCE REVIEW (NSR)
Background
In 1986, EPA formed a special task force on NSR to address growing
concerns about the consistency and certainty of permits issued under the Clean
Air Act's NSR requirements. The basic goal of the task force effort was to
improve the timeliness, certainty, and effectiveness of the NSR permit
process. In December 1986, the task force issued a draft report of its
findings and options for improving the NSR permits. The members of the task
force concluded that, in general, program problems could best be resolved by
improvements in:
1. Additional general NSR program assistance and detailed technical
training and assistance in the determination of BACT.
2. Enhanced communications and information flow between EPA and the
State/local permitting agencies in a manner consistent with State/local
permitting procedures and manpower.
Current Status/Future Milestones
In December 1987, EPA began several initiatives designed to improve NSR
program implementation. The initiatives included increased emphasis on
Regional review of State permit actions during the public comment period,
development of the "top-down" approach to determining BACT, development of
guidance regarding deficient permit actions, and increased Regional and State
agency training. In addition, EPA formed an NSR task group which, in
consultation with State/local agency representatives, will monitor the
progress and problems associated with NSR program implementation. The first
meeting of the task group was held on May 18, 1988. A second meeting was held
on January 30, 1989.
Progress to date in implementing NSR program improvements includes the
following:
All Regions have now taken steps to increase their overview of
State permit actions during the public comment period.
A contract has been let in order to develop "top-down" BACT
guidance.
Guidance regarding deficient permit actions was developed and
issued by EPA in 1988.
An NSR permit checklist was issued by EPA in 1989.
Training manuals on NSR implementation are being updated by EPA,
and a training course is expected to be available in 1990.
Person
ion (919) 541-5375
(FTS) 629-5375
57
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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 of the PSD and nonattainment area new source review
programs.
In August 1988, the EPA established a new source review electronic
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 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 September 14, 1989
Cumulative Total Users 59
Cumulative Total State/Local Users 40
Number of Times Bulletin Board Accessed 778
Cumulative Number of Messages on Bulletin Board 65
Cumulative Number of Policy/Guidance Files for Downloading 34
EPA_ Contact Persons
David Solomon (919) 541-5375
(FTS) 629-5375
Dennis Crumpler (919) 541-0871
(FTS) 629-0871
58
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION OVERVIEW
Background
On July 21, 1989, President Bush presented to Congress the
Administration's proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act. Among other
provisions, Title V of this bill would establish a program to curtail acidic
deposition by reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (S02) and nitrogen oxides
(NOX) from power plants by approximately 10 million tons and 2 million tons,
respectively.
To achieve the reductions the bill would impose technology-based
emission limits for NOX, and would allocate to affected utility units
allowances to emit S02 in two phases. In Phase I, affected units would be
limited as of December 31, 1995 to annual emissions based on their fuel
consumption for the calendar years 1985-87 and an annual emission rate of 2.5
pounds of SOp per million British thermal units (Ib/MMBtu). In Phase II these
and other units would be further limited as of December 31, 2000 to annual
emissions based on the same baseline fuel consumption rate as in Phase I and
an annual emission rate of 1.2 Ib/MMBtu.
So that required reductions may be achieved in the most cost effective
manner possible, the bill relies on a market-based concept permitting the
trading of allowances among affected units. Progress and compliance would be
measured through the operation of continuous emission monitoring systems.
Current Status
As the bill undergoes review in Congress, EPA is performing more
detailed analyses of specific provisions in order to respond to Congressional
inquiries and to prepare necessary budget estimates for its implementation.
In addition EPA is meeting with representatives from the utility industry,
STAPPA/ALAPCO, public utilities commissions, emissions control and monitoring
equipment manufacturers, and others to discuss the specific provisions of the
bill and to conduct preliminary investigations to enable the Agency to develop
necessary regulations within the timeframes proposed in the bill.
The following status reports discuss in somewhat more detail, certain
key provisions of Title V for which additional efforts will be needed at both
the national and State levels. In addition, the status of EPA's advance look
at implementation issues (the STAR program) is also discussed.
EPA Contact Person
Eric Ginsburg (919) 541-0877
(FTS) 629-0877
Brian McLean (202) 475-9400
(FTS) 475-9400
59
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION -
ALLOWANCE TRADING
Background
Title V of the Administration's proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act
mandates reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide ($02) 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 Title V 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 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 (MWe) and annual emission rates
in excess of 2.5 pounds of S02 per million British thermal unit (Ib/MMBtu).
In Phase II, affected sources are those with rated capacities in excess of 75
MWe and emission rates in excess of 1.2 Ib/MMBtu. Calculation of allowances
is accomplished by multiplying the applicable annual emission rate by the
affected unit's annual average fuel consumption for the calendar years 1985-
87, as reported to the Department of Energy through its Form 767. The result
is expressed as allowable emissions in tons per year.
In Phase I of the program, trading is limited to the population of
affected units identified in Title V, although additional units are permitted
to participate in the Phase I trading program at their option, and may only be
conducted among units located within the same state or units within several
states that are owned by the same company. In Phase II of the program,
trading of allowances is expanded to permit trading among all affected units
within each of two geographic regions (East and West, to be defined in
regulations by EPA). Additional sources that are not affected under the bill
but wish to participate in the allowance trading program may do so, subject to
regulations to be promulgated by EPA within 18 months after enactment.
Sources emitting at levels below their allowances are not obligated to
transfer these reductions, but may also bank them against compliance with
future control requirements. Additionally, the bill would permit sources to
trade reductions of nitrogen oxides (NC>) for reductions of SO? at a rate of
1.5 parts NO to 1 part S02. Rules for banking and interpollutant trading are
also required to be promulgated within 18 months after enactment.
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.
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION -
ALLOWANCE TRADING
Future Milestones
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 maximum flexibility in allowance trading within the
reasonable constraints of State and federal tracking and enforcement programs.
EPA Contact Persons
Eric Ginsburg (919) 541-0877
(FTS) 629-0877
Brian McLean (202) 475-9400
(FTS) 475-9400
61
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION -
EMISSIONS MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS
Background
Title V of the Administration's proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act
requires the installation and operation of continuous emission monitoring
systems (CEMS) by all sources affected by the bill. Information reported from
these systems will be used for tracking compliance with source-specific
emissions allowances, for monitoring the trading of emissions allowances among
participating sources, and for calculating excess emission fees mandated by
the bill.
As presently written, the bill would require EPA to promulgate
regulations for CEMS and alternative methods within 18 months after the bill's
enactment. Sources required to meet emission control requirements in Phase I
of the bill must comply with the CEMS regulations within 3 years after
enactment. Sources affected in Phase II of the program must comply by January
1, 1995.
Current Status
Existing programs and regulations governing the use of CEMS are expected
to provide the starting point for new regulations prescribing CEMS under the
acid deposition 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 Title V to
monitor emissions as mass per unit of time impose certain additional technical
requirements. Efforts are under way within EPA to ensure that all necessary
technical specifications and program requirements will be available within the
schedule provided in the Administration's bill.
Future Milestones
The EPA is in the process of evaluating existing CEMS and related data
collection, storage and retrieval systems for applicability to the Title V
program. Discussions with instrument and systems manufacturers, consultants,
State agencies and others regarding critical concerns and needs are under way
and are expected to continue.
EPA Contact Persons
Gretchen Hume (919) 541-0642
(FTS) 629-0642
John Schakenbach (202) 475-9400
(FTS) 475-9400
62
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION -
PERMITS AND INTEGRATION WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS
Background
Operating permit programs are mandated by two titles of the
Administration's proposed Clean Air Act Amendments. Title IV of the bill
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 (SIP's) 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 V, EPA is required to promulgate regulations within 18
months after enactment, governing Federal permits to be issued in Phase I of
the acid deposition program. Individual source owners are required to submit
permit applications to EPA under this program within 27 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.
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 applicative 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
carrying out the allowance trading provisions of Title V.
- 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.
Future Milestones
The EPA is continuing its investigations into opportunities for improved
integration of related regulatory programs with acid deposition requirements,
63
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ACID RAIN IMPLEMENTATION -
PERMITS AND INTEGRATION WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS
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 Persons
Doug Grano (919) 541-5255
(FTS) 629-5255
David Bassett (202) 475-9306
(FTS) 475-9306
64
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STATUS OF THE STATE ACID RAIN PROGRAM
Background
In 1984, EPA initiated an effort to explore with the States the issues
that might arise in implementing an acid rain control program. Over 200
implementation issues were identified as associated with potential
legislation that focused on emission reductions. In late 1984, Congress
appropriated $3 million of Clean Air Act section 105 funds to examine
implementation, administrative, and institutional issues.
A total of 47 State Acid Rain (STAR) projects were funded to examine
potential implementation issues. Two workshops were conducted to review the
progress of the STAR projects — one in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1985, and
one in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1986. Proceedings of both workshops are
available. In consultation with representatives from the National Association
of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), EPA prepared a report on acid
rain implementation issues from the perspective of State utility
commissioners.
Current Status
The STAR projects are completed; copies of project summaries and final
reports are currently available. A Final Report of the STAR program has been
distributed. Demand for this report remains heavy and a second printing is
expected to be available soon.
EPA Contact Persons
David Bassett (202) 475-9307
(FTS) 475-9307
Eric Ginsburg (919) 541-0877
(FTS) 629-0877
65
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SPECIAL ENVOYS
REPORT ON ACID RAIN
Background and Current Status
At their March 1985 summit conference, President Reagan and Canadian
Prime Minister Mulroney appointed Special Envoys Drew Lewis and William Davis,
respectively, to study and report to them on acid rain.
The Special Envoys Report was accepted by President Reagan in January
1986. It found that acid rain is indeed a problem between Canada and the
United States, but that neither country is in a position to solve the problem
at the present time. It recommended a $5 billion, 5-year ($2.5 billion
Federal, $2.5 private) retrofit control technology demonstration program in
the United States, review by each country of its existing legal authority and
programs affecting acid rain, and continued research.
Appropriations for Clean Coal Technologies - On March 18, 1987, President
Reagan reiterated his acceptance of the Joint Envoys report and initiated
actions to carry out the 5-year, Federal/private, demonstration program. On
December 22, 1987, President Reagan signed Public Law No. 100-202. This law
provides $575 million over fiscal years 1988 ($50 million) and 1989 ($525
million) for the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct an innovative clean
coal technology (ICCT) program to demonstrate on a commercial scale retrofit
or repowering ICCT. These technologies will be selected using criteria
essentially the same as those recommended by the Special Envoys. The DOE
issued the solicitation for ICCT projects on February 22, 1988. A total of 54
proposals were received, and on September 28, 1988, DOE selected 16 projects
for further negotiation. Recently, President Bush asked for $710 million in
fiscal year 1990; his budget also proposes that the remaining funds be
provided in 1991 and 1992. The DOE has requested an additional $1.2 billion
to complete ICCT funding. In May 1989, DOE published the Round 3 solicitation
for additional ICCT projects. A total of 48 proposals were received by the
solicitation date of August 29. Final project selection is scheduled for
January 1990.
ICTAP Participation - To provide advice to DOE on the ICCT program,
Eileen Claussen of EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, and John Skinner,
Director of the Office of Environmental Engineering and Technology
Demonstration, were named to the Department of Energy's Innovative Control
Technology Advisory Panel (ICTAP). There are 36 other Federal, industry,
environmental, union, academic, Canadian, and state representatives to ICTAP,
including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania,
Wyoming and the Navajo Nations. This Panel met for the first time on
September 30, 1987, again on February 25, 1988, June 22, and November 30 1988.
The ICTAP has produced two reports, one on ICCT commercialization incentives,
and one on the status of innovative clean coal technologies.
Review of Existing Authorities - The recommended review of existing U.S.
authorities was completed and given to Canada in March 1987. We also
conducted our own analysis of the Canadian air pollution and acid rain
programs.
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SPECIAL ENVOYS
REPORT ON ACID RAIN
Participation in Continuing Discussions with the Canadians - Discussions
regarding a possible bilateral accord between the United States and Canada on
acid rain began at a May 22, 1987 meeting of the U.S.-Canadian Bilateral
Advisory and Consultative Group (BACG). The U.S. continues to hold regular
discussions with the Canadians on this and other subjects. The last meeting
of the BACG took place on January 25, 1988. President Bush met with Prime
Minister Mulroney in February 1989 and said, regarding acid rain, that the
time for study alone was over. President Bush announced his acid rain
proposal in July 1989. The proposal required a 10 million ton SOo, and a 2
million ton NOx reduction by the year 2000, and was a market-based approach.
Direct/Delayed Response Pro.iects - "The Future Effects of Long-Term
Sulfur Deposition on Surface Water Chemistry in the Northeast and Southern
Blue Ridge Province" was released in August 1989. This report provides data
to determine the rate and amount of acidification of surface waters in the
United States.
Future Milestones
The DOE will select projects for ICCT Round 3 by January 1990. Two
additional ICCT project solicitations may be issued by DOE in 1990 through
1992 if Congress appropriates the remainder of the $1.2 billion requested by
DOE and the President.
The Direct/Delayed Response Project report on the mid-Appalachian area is
forthcoming.
EPA Contact Person
John Schakenbach (202) 475-8545
(FTS) 475-8545
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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.
All five
industry groups
of the D.C. Court
Court declined to
In March 1988, five petitions for rehearing were filed.
petitions were denied in April 1988. In June and July 1988,
filed petitions requesting review by the U.S. Supreme Court
of Appeals decision. On October 11, 1988, the U.S. Supreme
review the case.
Current Status
On June 12, 1989, President Bush outlined his proposed "Clean Air Act
Amendments of 1989." The President's proposal was introduced into Congress on
July 21, 1989. The bill includes proposed changes to section 123 concerning
use of the stack height formulas and credit for originally-merged gas streams.
Future Milestones
An EPA work group has been formed to draft a proposal notice in response
to the remand mentioned above. At this time there is no definite schedule for
completion of the proposal notice.
EPA Contact Person
Doug Grano
(919) 541-5255
(FTS) 629-5255
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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 (S02). 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 recently 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
existing policies and guidance relevant to control of S02 in a convenient
manner. 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.
Current Status
The S02 Guideline is currently undergoing final review within the Office
of Air Quality Planning and Standards and EPA's Regional Offices, and is
expected to be completed in the fall of 1989.
Future Milestones
Upon completion of review, final versions of the guideline will be
distributed to key staff in each of EPA's ten Regional Offices. At least one,
and possibly several, workshops are anticipated over the course of the next
fiscal year to assist Regional Offices in introducing new personnel to S02 SIP
requirements.
EPA Contact Persons
Doug Grano (919) 541-5255
(FTS) 629-5255
Jill Vitas (919) 541-5313
(FTS) 629-5313
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STATUS OF RULE EFFECTIVENESS STUDIES
Background
On March 31, 1988, EPA transmitted its final rule effectiveness protocol
to provide the Regions with the criteria and procedures necessary to conduct a
rule effectiveness study. Each Region was requested to commit to at least one
rule effectiveness evaluation in an ozone nonattainment area for FY 1989.
The studies include two phases; a field inspection phase and an office
investigation phase. Field inspections and file reviews are being conducted
to determine compliance and to calculate or measure emissions at sources
included in the sample to determine the percentage effectiveness of the
regulations. The office investigations will supplement the field inspections
for the purpose of identifying specific program implementation problems that
should be addressed by the State and/or EPA.
Fifteen separate studies have been initiated by the Regions on a variety
of source categories including gasoline marketing, petroleum refineries,
surface coating at aerospace facilities, autocoating, papercoating, graphic
arts and miscellaneous metal parts coating.
Current Status
II
III
IV
Study Description
Miscellaneous metal parts coating
(MMPC) in Connecticut
1-Papercoaters in New Jersey
2-Gasoline loading terminals in New
Jersey
3-Gasoline marketing in metro New
York, Stages I, II
Gasoline marketing and refineries
in Regions projected post-1987
nonattainment areas
Autocoating in Georgia
Miscellaneous metal parts coating in
metro Cleveland
Status
Plan to send section 114 letters
to about 200 sources. Expect a
large number to be exempt. Plan
to inspect some exempts to verify
data and about 20 major sources.
They have submitted draft
protocol to State and are
awaiting comments.
Reviewing section 114 letters.
Contractor assistance planned.
Protocol received in September
1989.
Protocol received Dec 1988.
Currently writing report on work
done in FY 1988 in Pennsylvania.
Protocol received April 1989.
Plan to inspect all sources. This
represents 7 1/2% of stationary
source inventory.
Protocol submitted March 1989.
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STATUS OF RULE EFFECTIVENESS STUDIES
Region
VI
VII
VIII
IX
Study Description?
VOC tank storage in Houston and
Baton Rouge areas (2 studies)
Gasoline marketing including
delivery vessels, terminals, and
service stations in Kansas and
Missouri
1-Petroleum refineries - fugitive
emissions or storage tanks
2-Pharmaceuticals - carbon monoxide
Aerospace coating in California
PM-10 at major industrial sources
including large pulp mills,
aluminum smelters, etc., in
Washington
Status
Negotiating with States on
protocols. Contractor to inspect
400 tanks. Region to accompany
inspections.
Protocol received for Stage I in
February 1989. Region completed
inspections for Stage I with
about 70% in compliance.
Region has completed summary of
work done in Utah in last few
years at 5 petroleum refineries.
For floating roof tanks,
determined rule effectiveness to
be 80% and emission inventory to
be good. Report submitted July
1989.
Preparing draft protocol.
Protocol submitted March 1989.
South Coast inspections complete;
inspections of 67 facilities in 3
nonattainment areas found 90.9%
of sources out of compliance.
Plan to issue about 24 NOVs.
Protocol submitted was not
accepted by EPA.
Summary of State Participation
No reports have been submitted other than the ones on previous work
accomplished in Region VIII and X.
State participation has been cautious. Some fear that the main purpose
of the program is to monitor their implementation programs. Concern has also
been expressed over the use of the final results. Resources are a problem but
most States are negotiating with Regions and participating in protocol review
and/or inspections.
Preliminary Findings from Studies
NOVs issued in Region III for Stage I violations identified in rule
effectiveness study.
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STATUS OF RULE EFFECTIVENESS STUDIES
Support from EPA's Office of Mobile Sources used for Region III Stage I
study is being requested from States as an enforcement technique
independent of rule effectiveness studies.
Region VII completed Stage I inspections, demonstrating compliance rate
of 79 percent.
Region VIII paper study on floating roof tanks (from data collected over
past few years) indicates an 80 percent rule effectiveness and a good
emission inventory.
Region IX plans to issue about 24 NOVs. (The District refuses to issue
violations to sources with approved permits.)
Region IX's study found the estimation of projected emission reductions
associated with the rule to be way off.
Region IX found that the responses to the section 114 letters identified
everything found in the field investigations. (They suspect this is due
to the statement referring to criminal action.)
EPA Contact Person
Laxmi Kesari (202) 382-2835
(FTS) 382-2835
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FY 1989 COMPLIANCE MONITORING STRATEGY
Background
The EPA issued the FY 1989 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.
New 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.
Current Status
The Compliance Monitoring Strategy replaced the Inspection Frequency
Guidance in FY 1989. The strategy requires EPA and the State to negotiate a
State inspection plan that addresses national priorities and spells out FY
1989 inspection commitments. Sources in the negotiated inspection plans have
been flagged in EPA's Compliance Data System.
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. A status check on Regional CMS implementation will be
made during Regional visits in the third quarter of FY 1989.
Future Milestones
Analysis of the first full year under the CMS will occur in the second
quarter of FY 1990.
The EPA's Program Evaluation Division (PED) initiated a study in the
third quarter of FY 1989 on how to get wider acceptance and implementation of
the CMS. The report is due to be completed in the first quarter of FY 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Howard Wright (202) 475-7034
(FTS) 475-7034
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ASBESTOS NESHAP STRATEGY
Background
On March 31, 1988, EPA issued a revised Asbestos NESHAP Strategy. The
original strategy, issued on April 6, 1984 intended to promote 100 percent
compliance through the implementation 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 using
dBase III. 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 late September 1989, EPA had released two reports from the
National Asbestos Registry System (NARS). The first covered data for the
first quarter FY 1989, while the second report added second quarter data. 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 third NARS
report. This report will contain data for the first three quarters of FY
1989. During FY 1990, we will assist and encourage delegated agencies to
increase their use of NARS data as one basis for inspection targeting.
EPA Contact Persons
For Policy Questions and Applicability Determinations
Ken Malmberg (202) 382-2870
(FTS) 382-2870
Technical Issues National Asbestos Registry System (NARS)
Omayra Salgado (202) 382-2837 Mark Antell (202) 382-2878
(FTS) 382-2837 (FTS) 382-2878
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STATUS OF NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD (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
(/*g/rrr), expected annual arithmetic mean, and 150 #g/m , 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 (SCM
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 SOo 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 SC^ 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 SC^
primary standard of 0.4 ppm. The EPA also proposed to revise the 24-hour
significant harm level for SOg by changing it from 1.00 ppm to 0.29 ppm. In
addition, EPA proposed a new short-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 S02 NAAQS to codify prior Agency guidance. The comment period
on EPA's proposed decision not to revise the SC^ standards closed on November
22, 1988. Final action on the proposal is anticipated in late 1990.
The key issues confronting EPA in the ozone standard review are the
significance of emerging longer-term health effects data and the appropriate
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STATUS OF NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD (NAAQS)
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's current plan is to complete review of the 1-hour ozone standard;
proposal of revised or reaffirmed standards will probably not occur until
1991.
Lead
The primary and secondary ambient air quality standards for lead (1.5
/zg/m, 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
revised draft of the staff paper in April 1989. The associated report on the
lead exposure methodology was completed in March 1989. 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 should be initiated in August 1990.
Summary of NAAQS Status
Carbon Monoxide - Last review completed 9/85, new criteria document
scheduled for CASAC review 8/90
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 late-1990
Lead - Standard promulgated 10/78; proposal scheduled for late 1990
Ozone - Last review completed 2/79; proposal scheduled for 1991
EPA Contact Person
Bruce Jordan (919) 541-5656
(FTS) 629-5656
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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 aerodynamic 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
requirements 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 promulgate decisions on impairments in four of the
Class I areas by August 31, 1988 and to promulgate decisions for the three
remaining Class I areas by August 31, 1989. More recent revisions to the
settlement agreement allow EPA until February 1, 1990 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 are now scheduled for December 14, 1989.
Class I Area Protection
On May 15, 1989, EPA promulgated decisions on existing impairment in the
Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Voyageurs National Park, Petrified
Forest National Park, and Saguaro Wilderness. The EPA found that it was not
necessary at that time to revise the implementation plans for the States of
Maine, Minnesota, and Arizona to address impairments in the Class I areas
identified above.
On September 5, 1989, EPA proposed findings on impairments in Moosehorn
Wilderness, Canyonlands National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park. In its
notice, EPA proposed not to revise the SIP's for Maine and Utah. The EPA
proposed to attribute a significant portion of the visibility impairment in
Grand Canyon National Park to the Navajo Generating Station. The comment
period for this notice of proposed rulemaking is scheduled to end on November
5, 1989.
The EPA has been granted an extension of the original August 31 deadline
for proposing emission limits representing best available retrofit technology
for the Navajo Generating Station. The EPA must propose new limits for the
power plant and any revisions to the Arizona SIP by February 1, 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.
Class I Area Protection
In accordance with a court ordered deadline, EPA will take final action
on visibility impairments in Moosehorn Wilderness and Canyonlands National
Park 6 months following the close of the comment period.
Also, under a court ordered deadline, EPA must propose new emission
limits for the Navajo Generating Station and revisions to the Arizona SIP by
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VISIBILITY PROTECTION
February 1, 1990. Six months following the close of the comment period for
the February proposal, EPA will take final action on its September 5, 1989
attribution decision and any new emission limits for the power plant.
EPA Contact Persons
Ambient Standards
Bruce Polkowsky (919) 541-5532
(FTS) 629-5532
Class I Areas
Denise Scott (919) 541-0870
(FTS) 629-0870
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GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
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 September 1, 1989, had been ratified by 44
nations. In accordance with the U.S. commitment under the Protocol on August
12, 1988, the EPA issued its final rule on stratospheric ozone protection.
This rule places limits on the domestic production and consumption of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) and halons.
On August 12, 1988, the Agency also published an advance notice of
proposed rulemaking for possible future actions on this issue. The Agency is
considering additional rulemaking in the event that timely progress is not
made toward the reduced use of these stratospheric ozone depleting chemicals.
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 continues to be involved in the
domestic implementation of the CFC 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 has implemented a computer-based system to track the
production and consumption of the 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 can be 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 Customs and Census, and company submission of business invoices and bills
of lading.
The EPA has participated in international assessments that analyzed the
current status of environmental effects, substitute technology, and economics
for the Montreal Protocol. Each study was compiled into an integrated
assessment report that was distributed at the meeting of the Parties to the
Protocol held in Nairobi in August 1989. These assessments will be used by
the Parties to analyze the current terms of the Montreal Protocol and prepare
for the renegotiations scheduled for June, 1990.
Along with the Departments of Commerce and State and other Agencies, EPA
is working to encourage other countries to join the Protocol, and to transfer
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GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
ozone safe technology. This includes work on developing new technology and
transferring existing technologies among less developed countries. The Global
Change Division activities include the elimination of barriers to recycling,
voluntary standards for recycling in mobile air conditioners, and assessment
of technologies to reduce the emission of halons.
The EPA is also studying emissions associated with global warming.
These include emission from a variety of natural and manmade sources, with a
particular emphasis on the greenhouse gas methane. The EPA is actively
involved in the assessment of possible control strategies for mitigating
global warming. As part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), EPA is working with the Department of Agriculture to organize a
workshop on the effects of agriculture on global warming.
Future Milestones
The First Meeting of the Advisory Committee to EPA on issues related to
the Montreal Protocol and its domestic implementation is schedule for the fall
of 1989. In addition, EPA intends to establish a subcommittee on toxicity
issues relating to chemical substitutes for CFC's.
An open-ended working group meeting to discuss amendments to the
Montreal Protocol will be held in November, 1989. Several negotiation
sessions will occur over the following six months, leading to the Second
Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol scheduled for June, 1990 in
London.
EPA Contact Person
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.
Several of the major activities which EPA has carried out in order to
implement this legislation are as follows:
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. EPA has served
as the one of the four agencies co-chairing 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 issues a
publication called "Current Federal Indoor Air Quality Activities" that is
updated annually. In addition, EPA has issued a booklet for the general
public on indoor air quality with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, "The
Inside Story. A Guide to Indoor Air Quality"; a "Directory of State Indoor Air
Contacts," prepared by the Public Health Foundation; and a series of fact
sheets on topics of interest (e.g. Ventilation and Office Buildings, and Sick
Building Syndrome).
Current Activities
Much of the current emphasis in EPA's indoor air program is on the
completion of five guidance documents (cooperatively with other Federal
agencies and private sector organizations, where appropriate) on the following
topics: prevention of indoor air quality problems in the construction of new
homes (primarily for homebuilders); development of environmental tobacco smoke
policies for the workplace (primarily for corporate policy-makers,
occupational safety administrators, and facility managers); 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). Early in FY 1990 EPA
will begin to develop an assessment of 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 will ask the Indoor Air
Quality (IAQ) Contacts for their views on the training needs of both the
public and private sector in their regions. State and local officials are
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INDOOR AIR PROGRAM
encouraged to call the Regional Office IAQ contacts during October, 1989 with
specific suggestions about their own training needs. (For a list of the
Regional Office IAQ Contacts, write EPA Indoor Air Division, (ANR-445),
401 M Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460.) EPA is also preparing a self-help
course module on indoor air quality designed primarily for State and local
officials. The course 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 other activities planned for FY 1990 by EPA that may be of
particular interest to State and local governments: 1) Several multi-year
studies on such topics as economic impact of indoor air pollution,
identification and prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivity, and
appropriate protocols for identifying and quantifying "sick building
syndrome" will begin. 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
multi-year effort to evaluate mechanisms for providing credentials to 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.
air cleaners and formaldehyde).
Future Milestones
In the years following 1990, 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 multi-year 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
Bob Axelrad (202) 475-7174
(FTS) 475-7174
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RADON ACTION PROGRAM
Background
The EPA established the Radon Action Program in September 1985 in
response to growing concern about elevated radon concentrations in houses
situated on the Reading Prong in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 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. The goal of the Radon Action Program is to
significantly reduce the health risks associated with radon exposure through a
partnership with the States and other Federal agencies. The program consists
of four main elements: problem assessment, mitigation and prevention,
capability development, and public information.
Current Status
In October 1988, the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA) was signed into
law (15 USC 2661-2671). The IRAA sets a new long-term national goal that
indoor radon levels equal those found outdoors. The IRAA directs EPA to
undertake 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, developing Regional radon training centers,
surveying schools and Federal workplaces, developing model construction
standards, evaluating mitigation methods, establishing proficiency
programs, developing user fees for proficiency and training programs, and
providing public information including the revision of "A Citizen's Guide to
Radon." Some of the activities described in the law have been included in the
existing EPA program. Others, notably the State grant program, the Regional
radon training centers, a mitigation contractor proficiency program, and the
Federal buildings study, are new.
Future Milestones
By October 1989, EPA will have made significant progress in implementing
the IRAA. For example, we established three Regional radon training centers
and initiated the mitigation contractor proficiency program. In 1990, EPA
will, among other things, plan to have awarded the first State grants,
complete the revision of the citizen's guide, update the guidance for radon
measurements in schools, and publish the model construction standards. We
will also establish two additional Regional radon training centers and
continue the contractor proficiency program.
EPA Contact Person
Margo Oge (202) 475-9622
(FTS) 475-9622
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RADIQNUCLIDE 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 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 latest Agency action was 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.
Current Status
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
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RADIONUCLIDE NESHAP
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
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.
Future Milestones
Final regulations were to be promulgated by August 31, 1989; however,
the Agency received an extension and will promulgate the regulations by
October 31, 1989.
EPA Contact Person
Terry Mclaughlin (202)475-9610
(FTS) 475-9610
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FY 1990-91 NSPS ACTIVITY
FY1990
Under Development (Preproposal)
Medical Waste Incineration
Proposals
Municipal Waste Combustion NSPS, lll(d)
Calciners and Dryers (2 NSPS)
SOCMI Reactor Processes
Municipal Landfills NSPS, lll(d)
Under Development (Post-Proposal)
Small Steam Generating Units
Promulgations
Polymers Manufacturing (4 NSPS)
SOCMI Distillation
SOCMI Air Oxidation
EPA Contact Person
Jim Weigold (919) 541-5642
(FTS) 629-5642
FY 1991
Under Development
(Preproposal)
SOCMI Batch Processes
Offset Lithography
Medical Waste Incineration
Proposals
None
Under Development
(Post-Proposal)
Small Steam Generating Units
Municipal Landfills NSPS,
lll(d)
Municipal Waste Combustion
NSPS, lll(d)
Promulgations
SOCMI Reactor Processes
87
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WOOD HEATER 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
certificatibn 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 September 13,
1989. Two laboratories have sent notification to EPA that they no longer wish
to participate in the accreditation procedure and one new laboratory has
applied and has become accredited.
Of these seven, one has completed the first proficiency test series for
1990 and the woodstove is being shipped to the west coast for a second
proficiency test scheduled to begin October 2, 1989. As of September 13,
there are 223 Federally certified stove models.
Comparability tests began on September 18, 1989 on EPA method 5G versus
the Virginia Polytechnical Institute (VPI) method for in-home testing of wood
heaters.
This is preliminary to an upcoming comparability study to take place at
Crested Butte, Colorado in early November. This study will be a comparability
study of EPA method 5G, the VPI method, and the Omni Environmentalists AWES
sampling train at an elevation of 8800 feet.
EPA Contact Persons
Accreditation of Laboratories
Dennis P. Holzschuh (919) 541-5239
(FTS) 629-5239
Certification Program
Robert J. Lebens (202) 382-2833
(FTS) 382-2833
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CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CICJ
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, VOC 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 - 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 800 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 9 engineering assistance and 16 technical guidance
projects since its inception. On-going projects include 3 engineering
assistance and 11 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) 11/89
San Diego
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CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CENTER fCTC)
ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE PROJECTS CONT'D
Pro.iect Name and Number Completion Date
Creosote Wood Treatment (88-13) 6/89
Virginia
Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment System 4/89
(88-14), West Virginia
Formaldehyde Emissions from Manufacture of 11/89
Veneer Wood Products (89-4), Virginia
Outdoor Abrasive Blasting (89-6) 12/89
Puget Sound
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
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE PROJECTS
Advisory System - Controlling Air Toxics 9/89
(CAT Enhancement)(87-l)
CAT/HAP Manual Brochure (88-3) 7/89
Fiberglass Structures (88-5) 12/89
Hospital Waste Incineration Training Manual (88-6) 4/89
Air toxic Emissions From Steel Plants (88-9) 10/89
Surface Impoundment Emission Factors (88-11) 10/89
Tireburning (88-12) 10/89
Control Of Condensible Particulate Emissions 12/89
(89-2)
Flexible Packaging Emission Control (89-3) 12/89
HAP Manual Update (89-5) 12/89
Ultrasonic Cleaning of Rotogravure Printing 7/89
Cylinders (89-10)
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CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CTC)
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE PROJECTS CONT'D
Pro.lect Name and Number Completion Date
Wafer-board Control Evaluation (89-11) 10/89
Powder Coatings (89-12) 10/89
Electrostatic Precipitator Model (89-13) 12/89
Steam Stripping of Air Toxics 12/89
NOx Controls (89-14) 3/90
Polystyrene Foam Blowing, Phase 1 (89-15) 1/90
Condensibles Testing (89-16) 12/89
Wastewater Treatment Emissions (89-19) 1/90
Asphalt Roofing Alternatives (89-21) 10/89
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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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 Objectives
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 4th 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 1 of a 2 phase project to make the BACT/LAER Information System
(BLIS) more user-friendly was completed in August 1989. Phase 1 allows the
user to print customized BLIS reports in traditional Clearinghouse formats by
entering the following command at the 'ready' prompt:
EXEC 'CON5.BLIS'
Menus and help screens are used to facilitate printing a report. Direct
commands using the system 2000 language still can be made but are not
required.
- Phase 2 of the project noted above will allow the user to view and
select information on-screen before printing by means of menus and help
screens. It should be complete in January 1990.
- Coordination with appropriate STAPPA/ALAPCO representatives will begin
in October 1989 to address needed improvements to the substance and quality of
the BACT/LAER database.
- A new newsletter, the Control Technology Center NEWS, has taken the
place of the old BACT/LAER Newsletter, the Communicator. The new newsletter
is broader in scope and is not limited to BACT/LAER determinations or
activities. The first edition of this quarterly publication was distributed
to State and local agencies and EPA Regional Offices during the first week of
August 1989.
- An informational flyer highlighting activities and changes to the
Clearinghouse will be mailed in October 1989. New initiatives will also be
discussed in the flyer.
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BACT/LAER CLEARINGHOUSE
- Work will begin on updating the BLIS User's Manual in October 1989.
Improvements 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 typographical errors. The new user's manual should be available in
the spring of 1990.
- The next (1990) edition of the BACT/LAER Clearinghouse publication
will be a compilation of determinations -- not a supplement. Discussions with
appropriate STAPPA/ALAPCO representatives will begin in the fall of 1989 to
decide if this will be a complete compilation of all determinations in the
Clearinghouse (i.e., include pre-1985 determinations) or be limited to the
most recent 5 years.
EPA Contact Person
Bob Blaszczak (919) 541-5432
(FTS) 629-5432
93
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EMISSION MEASUREMENT TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER
Background
The Emission Measurement Technical Information Center (EMTIC) was
established by EPA in order 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 information exchange
network includes representatives of EPA Regional Offices and State and local
agencies involved in emission measurement.
Current Status
Three packages of technical information have been mailed to the EMTIC
information exchange network since January. A computerized test method
information filing system (TSAR) has been completed including the addition of
NSPS and NESHAP methods. The TSAR computer disks are now ready for
distribution. Also completed and ready for distribution is the first video
description of the PM-10 sampling procedures.
The first EMTIC emission measurement workshop was completed during the
week of August 29 in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Attendees
included 58 State, local, and Federal air pollution enforcement officials.
The three-day workshop covered recent test methods updates; developments in
VOC, CEMS, paniculate, and toxic measurements; introduction of the TSAR
computer filing system for emission test methods documents and related
materials; and work sessions examining the applications of quality assurance
and control procedures and the use of VOC emissions measurements methods. The
video description on the use of the PM-10 sampling and analysis methods was
also shown.
Future Milestones
A fourth mailing of technical information is due to be completed in the
fall of 1989. A second emission measurement workshop is scheduled for
December in Sacramento, California.
EPA Contact Person
Peter West!in (919) 541-1059
(FTS) 629-1059
94
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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 models to
the modeling community and facilitate communications by providing a forum for
ideas and information. All regulatory models including several screening
models are available for downloading. Most models are PC compatible. The
telephone number for the bulletin board is (919) 541-5742.
Future Milestones
Future offerings of
and meteorological data.
the bulletin board will include model documentation
These additions are scheduled for late FY 1990.
EPA Contact Person
Jerry Mersch
(919)
(FTS)
541-5635
629-5635
95
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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 the FY 1989 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 January 19, 1989, EPA published two Federal Register notices
announcing the implementation of the SIP processing reform initiatives. The
first notice (54 FR 2214) announces the internal processing procedures being
implemented to reduce the amount of time a revision is reviewed by EPA. A
major component of this program is delegation of authority to the Regional
Administrators to approve certain SIP actions without Headquarters review.
The second notice (54 FR 2138) proposes changes to 40 CFR Part 51 to
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IMPLEMENTING SIP PROCESSING RECOMMENDATIONS
incorporate provisions in EPA regulations requiring submittals to contain
certain basic information prior to submission by the State to EPA for review.
The intent of this effort to review submissions for completeness is to ensure
that limited EPA resources are not expended reviewing submissions which are
inherently unreviewable due to the lack of basic administrative and/or
technical information. Public comments on these FR notices are presently
being reviewed with the promulgation of the completeness policy in the Federal
Register expected by the spring of 1990.
During 1989, EPA conducted seven workshops designed to present the basic
structure and form of SIP processing reform to the Regional Offices. Also
invited to these workshops were State and local agencies in order that they be
informed about the new procedures and how they might best interact with the
appropriate Regional Office to ensure expeditious SIP processing.
The first nine months of the reforms have shown considerable progress.
The Regional Offices have been completing review of the less controversial SIP
actions and publishing them without significant Headquarters review. Since
implementation of the reforms on January 19, 1989, the Regional Offices have
published a total of 107 SIP actions. This is currently running at over 80%
of all published SIP actions.
Future Milestones
The EPA is currently preparing a response to the public comments
received on the Federal Register notice announcing the proposed change to 40
CFR Part 51 implementing the completeness criteria. In addition, EPA has
nearly completed the guidelines which will be used to perform an internal
oversight of the SIP review process in the Regional Offices. This oversight
activity will begin during FY 1990.
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 sixty-five 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 90 in order to allow for
completion of the State and local audits which could not be completed,
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 EPA 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 a letter to
the membership 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 only 55 forms had arrived and, by the end of
July, 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 and 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 the State and 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 that did not fully complete the original
survey questionnaire. Following the Funding Committee's poll, it was
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AIR GRANTS - PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY STATE/LOCAL
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND COSTS
concluded that no specific follow up would be taken. Instead an article was
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 only a few
additional survey forms.
The data on the survey forms were compiled in a computerized data base
for statistical analyses. Various completeness checks, data integrity checks,
and a number of statistical analyses were 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 draft national report showing EPA's statistical findings was prepared
and distributed to the Regional Offices and STAPPA/ALAPCO on June 29, 1989.
Comments on the draft national report were requested by July 28, 1989.
Several reviewers, including STAPPA/ALAPCO, requested additional time to
complete their review of the document. The EPA is presently reviewing the
comments that have been submitted to date and upon receipt and review of the
outstanding comments will determine the next steps to be taken regarding the
national report.
Future Milestones
The EPA and STAPPA/ALAPCO will be reviewing 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.
EPA Contact Person
Steve Hitte (919) 541-0886
(FTS) 629-0886
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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, NOY and CO (stationary and mobile sources).
A
Revised guidance for tracking of reasonable further progress (RFP)
in ozone and CO control programs.
Revised guidance reports on the above are expected to become available
in the spring of 1990.
A personal computer 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
2.0, was to be issued in September 1989. 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 EKMA and AIRS
Increased reporting capabilities
Support of projected emission inventories
Expanded quality assurance checks
Any additional PM-10 emission inventory requirements and general
inventory guidance will be issued, as needed.
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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GUIDELINE ON AIR QUALITY MODELS
Background
The Guideline on Air Quality Models, originally issued in April 1978,
was revised in September 1986, and was 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
Clean Air Act.
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 has summarized the fourth modeling conference comments and
prepared draft responses for internal review. The report, together with the
next set of revisions to the modeling guideline (Supplement B), is now under
EPA management review.
Future Milestones
The EPA plans to publish in the summer 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. Public comments will be solicited on that proposal.
EPA Contact Person
Joe Tikvart (919) 541-5561
(FTS) 629-5561
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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. The development team is currently upgrading the system to
add an ad hoc batch capability, two new retrievals, and various minor
enhancements. All the Regional Offices, 40 States, and 4 local agencies are
directly accessing AIRS/AQS as of October 1989.
The AIRS Facility Subsystem (AIRS/AFS) is in the final software
development stage of the project with conversion to production mode, and
training of Regional Office and State agency personnel expected to occur in
the first part of FY 1990. This joint effort between the Technical Support
Division (TSD) and the Stationary Source Compliance Division (SSCD) of
EPA/OAQPS has worked closely with State/local agencies, Regional Offices, and
the National Computer Center throughout this project.
Hardware and telecommunications support for the State and Regional
Office end users is being coordinated with the National Computer Center
throughout this project.
Future Milestones
The AIRS Area and Mobile Subsystem (AIRS/AMS) will begin development in
FY 1990. A preliminary user group meeting was held in August 1989 to set the
stage for their involvement and State participation.
EPA Contact Person
John C. Bosch (919) 541-5583
(FTS) 629-5583
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