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Boiler MACT: Another Air Regulation?

Posted By Amy Harvell on December 11, 2013

Boiler MACT ComplianceYou might be thinking, “Here we go again.”

Although regulations are important, they can sometimes cause confusion or frustration. Have you been hearing about the Boiler MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) or the Boiler NESHAP (National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) at conferences or from other sources? The information below will help you determine if the Boiler MACT applies to your wastewater treatment plant, drinking water plant, and other municipal operations.

Does this requirement apply to your equipment?

Most plants and municipalities are considered an Area Source. If you are familiar with the RICE NESHAP and the IDEM’s initiative concerning stationary reciprocating engines, you may have heard of this. An Area Source is a smaller-sized facility that releases lesser quantities of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) into the air. According to the regulation, the Boiler Area Source NESHAP (40 CFR 63 Subpart JJJJJJ) applies to boilers that burn the following fuels:

• Coal
• Oil
• Biomass (wood products, vegetable agricultural waste, etc.)
• Other solid and liquid non-waste materials

Still not sure if you apply? 

Here is a list of boilers NOT affected by the rule: 

• Any natural gas, digester gas or landfill gas fired boiler. (This is probably YOU!)
• Hot water heaters (less than 120 gallon capacity)
• Hot water boilers (heat input capacity less than 1.6 MMBtu/hr burning gas, oil or biomass)
• Waste heat boilers
• Hazardous waste boilers
• Research and development boilers
• Temporary boilers
• Residential boilers
• Electric boilers

Still a bit concerned if the Area Source Boiler NESHAP applies to you?

Look at the USEPA’s Fast Facts sheet or the Summary of Regulations for more information. The Summary provides a table with the type of boiler, fuel type and a brief description of the requirements. If the requirement does apply to you, an Initial Notification to the USEPA and IDEM is required by January 20, 2014.

Additional information can be found at the USEPA’s Boiler Compliance at Area Sources webpage. Information referenced above is provided by the USEPA (http://www.epa.gov/boilercompliance/) and IDEM (http://www.in.gov/idem/ctap/2349.htm).

 

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