The EPA today proposed a new reporting ruling that would require large, direct emitters of greenhouse gases to comply with new reporting requirements. These would include energy intensive sectors such as cement production, iron and steel production and electricity generation.
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson realizes the importance of gathering critical data in order to better understand climate change for a healthier future. She notes that this proposed requirement will not affect small businesses, but is rather aimed at large businesses, those that have emissions equal to or greater than a threshold of 25,000 metric tons per year.
"Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information. Through this new reporting, we will have comprehensive and accurate data about the production of greenhouse gases. This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment - all without placing an onerous burden on our nation's small businesses."
The EPA estimates that the expected cost to comply with the reporting requirements to the private sector would be $160 million for the first year. In subsequent years, the annualized costs for the private sector would be $127 million. This rule is being developed under the authority of the Clean Air Act and the proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Two public hearings will be held during the comment period.
Nationwide Boiler's low NOx solutions are developed for companies, large and small, who want to do their part in combating climate change. We have upgraded our fleet of rental boilers with Low NOx equipment in order to easily meet emissions requirements in any part of the county. For those customers wanting even lower emissions our CataStak SCR systems have been proven to reduce NOx emissions below 5 ppm in over 50 installations and that list continues to grow.
Nationwide Boiler is ready to help your facility meet your "green" goals. Contact us today and let us know how we can help.
Click here for more information on the proposed rule.
Boiler Blog | Nationwide Boiler Inc.
Does this apply to you?
The EPA set-up four broad categories in order to identify sources that must report under the program:
(1) Specifically designated facilities, including electric generating facilities.
(2) Facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons (MT) of CO2e per year in combined emissions from stationary fuel combustion units and sources in listed categories.
(3) Facilities that meet the following three conditions:
- not identified in either of the other two categories;
- aggregate design heat input from stationary fuel combustion units at the facility is greater than 30 MMBtu/hr; and,
- the facility emits more than 25,000 MT CO2e per year.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
We recently came across an article in Pollution Engineering that highlights an important issue for all major facilities - air fines and how to avoid them. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure compliance and the best way to do so is by educating yourself and your team and by networking with others in the industry. Below highlights the main points from the article, but please visit the link above for a more detailed approached.
1. Compliance is a team effort and the best preventive measure is to keep the entire team aware and fully briefed on where the facility stands in regards to compliance. With everyone in the know, compliance becomes a vested interest and a shared responsibility.
2. A basic review of your facility's Title V permit, a federally enforceable document that provides parameters on plant emissions, is a good first start. A review of the basic allowable permissions contained in the permit will lead the way.
3. Set a date for a frequent (yearly) review of the Title V permit. This will help flag inconsistencies and avoid further inspections and notices of violation (NOV).
4. Get to know your local inspectors and do not hesitate to ask them for guidance. Ask them informative questions about what common violations they have seen lately and what others in the industry are doing to keep in good standing.
5. Check out the following websites: The EPA's Acid Rain Inspectors Guide and the Clean Air Markets Division.
6. To help keep abreast of changing regulations, join an association membership and attend industry events (conferences, seminars and tradeshows). Organizations such as the ABMA, CIBO and others update their members on a continual basis.
7. Subscribe to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Monthly Digest Bulletin. This e-magazine can be subscribed to by emailing usaepa@govdelivery.com.
8. Show pride in maintaining compliance and recognize and reward employees for their efforts in maintaining compliance.
9. When evaluating vendors for stack testing, check their references, inquire about their experience in performing the tests needed to stay in compliance, and make sure that their work is conducted to the highest standards. Ask vendors if they are a Qualified Stack Test Individual, or QSTI.
10. Let your customers know about your compliance goals and your efforts to maintain "green" in your facility. Also promote this message to your stakeholders in the community.