By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Aug. 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency reported Aug. 23 that existing levels of toxic air pollutants released from US refineries do not require further controls to protect human health or the environment.
EPA recently conducted an analysis required under the Clean Air Act. The analysis examined potential risks that remain after implementation of maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards.
MACT standards require industrial facilities to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants. EPA first issued MACT standards for refineries in 1995.
Now EPA is seeking public comment on two options it proposed for controlling air emissions from refineries. The first option would require no additional emissions reductions because the risks are acceptably low. The second option would require additional emissions reductions for certain storage vessels and wastewater treatment units.
Under this alternative, EPA projects refineries could reduce air toxics emissions by as much as 4,600 tons/year from 153 facilities. EPA will accept public comment for 60 days following publication of the proposals in the Federal Register.