NESHAP
and Area Sources
What is an "area source"?
Area sources are defined as those sources that emit less than 10 tons
annually of a single hazardous air pollutant or less than 25 tons or
more annually of a combination of the 188
identified hazardous air pollutants. These sources may release
hazardous air pollutants from equipment leaks, when materials are transferred
from one location to another, or during discharge through emission stacks
or vents. Applicability is further defined in the individual MACTs.
Which MACTs affect area
sources in Maine?
The following is a partial list of MACT standards known to be applicable
to small businesses in Maine and their impact on air quality nationwide. For
a complete list of National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
and applicable area source standards, visit EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/urban/arearules.html.
- The Chromium
Electroplating MACT regulates emissions of chromium compounds
from chrome plating operations. EPA estimates a 90% reduction
in emissions of chromium compounds in this sector because of this
standard.
- The Dry
Cleaning MACT regulates perchloroethylene (PERC) emissions
from commercial and industrial dry cleaning dry-to-dry and transfer
machines. EPA estimates a 40% reduction in emissions of
PERC in this sector because of this standard.
- The Halogenated
Cleaning Solvent MACT regulates methylene chloride, perchloroethylene,
trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride,
and chloroform emissions from a variety of solvent degreasing
operations. EPA estimates a 60% reduction in emission of
these hazardous air pollutants in this sector because of this
standard.
- The Portland
Cement Manufacturing MACT regulates emissions of 22 hazardous
air pollutants from Portland cement production. EPA estimates
a 20% reduction in emission of these hazardous air pollutants
in this sector because of this standard.
- The Secondary
Aluminum Production MACT regulates emissions of hydrogen
chloride, hydrogen fluoride, chlorine, particulate HAP metals,
and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin from aluminum smelting. EPA
estimates a 70% reduction in emission of these hazardous air pollutants
in this sector because of this standard.
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What do I need to do
if I'm considered an area source?
The requirements found in MACTs vary, and in some circumstances, Maine
has been delegated authority from EPA and/or enacted companion rules
for area source controls.
- If you are subject to the Chromium Electroplating MACT,
there are emission limits, work practice standards, testing requirements,
monitoring requirements, reporting, recordkeeking, and permit requirements. The
majority of these MACT requirements are administered by EPA. For
further information, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health
and the Environment's extensive website on the Chromium MACT at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/chromium/html/index.html. In
Maine, contact Maine DEP's Lisa Higgins at (207)287-7023 or by e-mail
at lisa.higgins@maine.gov.
- If you are subject to the Dry Cleaning MACT, Maine
has enacted a companion regulation, 06-096 CMR Chapter 125, "Perchloroethylene
Dry Cleaner Regulation," which establishes the control technology,
record keeping and reporting requirements for all dry cleaners in
Maine. The rule further defines which dry cleaners are "area
sources" and which are "major sources." A copy
of Chapter 125 is available at http://www.state.me.us/dep/air/airegs.htm. Maine
has not yet assumed delegated authority for this NESHAP, therefore
additional federal requirements may still apply. Contact Maine
DEP's Rich Greves for more information at (207)287-7030 or by e-mail
at rich.greves@maine.gov.
- If you are subject to the Halogenated Cleaning Solvent MACT,
Maine has enacted a companion regulation, 06-096 CMR Chapter 130, "Solvent
Degreasers," which establishes requirements for testing, evaluating
and limiting VOCs and hazardous air pollutants from solvent cleaning
machines and sets minimum requirements for equipment operation. Maine
DEP accepted delegation of this NESHAP in August, 2001. Contact
DEP's Jeff Crawford at (207)287-7647 or jeff.s.crawford@maine.gov for
information about Chapter 130. For information about the Halogenated
Cleaning Solvent MACT, contact Maine DEP's Lisa Higgins at (207)287-7023
or by e-mail at lisa.higgins@maine.gov.
The regulation of area sources continues to evolve. EPA has recently
began to focus its area source MACT development on those source categories
which present a special concern in cities. More
information about EPA's Urban Air Toxics Strategy is available by clicking
here. When in doubt, check with Maine DEP's Lisa
Higgins for MACT applicability.
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