🌎Proposed EPA Regulations on Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to establish a new area source category to address chemical manufacturing process units (CMPUs) using ethylene oxide (EtO). The EPA is proposing to list EtO in table 1 to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Chemical Manufacturing Area Sources (referred to as the CMAS NESHAP in this document) and to add EtO- specific requirements to the CMAS NESHAP. The EPA is also proposing to add a fenceline monitoring program for EtO. In addition, the EPA is proposing new requirements for pressure vessels and pressure relief devices (PRDs). This proposal also presents the results of the EPA's technology review of the CMAS NESHAP as required under the Clean Air Act (CAA). As part of this technology review, the EPA is proposing to add new leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements to the CMAS NESHAP for equipment leaks in organic HAP service and heat exchange systems. The EPA is also proposing performance testing once every 5 years and to add provisions for electronic reporting. We estimate that the proposed amendments to the CMAS NESHAP, excluding the proposed EtO emission standards, would reduce hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions from emission sources by approximately 158 tons per year (tpy). Additionally, the proposed EtO emission standards are expected to reduce EtO emissions by approximately 4.6 tpy.
Learn More⚖️EPA Extends TSCA Review Period for Confidential Business Information
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the extension of the review period for Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims for specific identities of all active chemical substances listed on the confidential portion of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory submitted to the EPA under TSCA. EPA has determined that a further extension of the statutory review period for the review of CBI claims under TSCA is necessary to allow the Agency to complete the required reviews under TSCA.
Learn More⚖️EPA Notice
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(b) Reporting Requirements for TSCA Inventory Notifications (EPA ICR Number 2565.05 and OMB Control Number 2070-0201), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through January 31, 2025. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.
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