EPA proposed amendments to the NESHAP that apply to the polyether polyols
Posted by [email protected] on Jan. 7, 2025
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) that apply to the polyether polyols (PEPO) production industry, known as the PEPO NESHAP. The proposed standards are expected to reduce ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions, reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) from PEPO production facilities and reduce excess emissions of HAP from flares. PEPO are chemical products used to make lubricants, adhesives, sealants, cosmetics, soaps, and polyurethane foams. HAPs can be emitted at several points in the PEPO production process. In particular, many PEPO facilities emit EtO, which is highly carcinogenic to humans.
EPA is proposing to require PEPO facilities that use EtO to monitor the concentrations of EtO at the facility fence line every five days. If the annual average concentrations are higher than an action level at the fence line, owners and operators would have to find the source and make repairs. EPA would make the fence line monitoring data public through its WebFIRE database tool. Additionally, this action proposes improvements to operational, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
EPA will accept written comments for 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register and will hold a virtual public hearing if requested. More information: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/polyether-polyols-production-national-emission-standards-hazardous.
