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EPA Finalizes Rule to Cut Mercury, Lead and Other Air Emissions from Hazardous Waste Combustors
September 9 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to remove mercury, lead, and other hazardous pollutants from the environment. By reducing air pollutants from hazardous waste combustors, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous air Pollutants achieves significant long-term ecological and human health benefits while making compliance easier for hazardous waste combustors.
The National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants reduce emissions from incinerators, lightweight aggregate kilns, boilers and process heaters, and hydrochloric acid production furnaces, known collectively as hazardous waste combustors. EPA estimates that 145 facilities operating 265 existing hazardous waste burning devices will be affected by this rule, which requires them to use the maximum achievable pollution control technology (MACT).
EPA’s technology-based standards will reduce emissions of hazardous pollutants including lead, mercury, arsenic, dioxin and furans, and hydrogen chloride and chlorine gas. The rule also reduces emissions of particulate matter.
EPA believes that better control of air pollutants will result in fewer cases of chronic bronchitis, reduced hospitalization for severe respiratory conditions and cardiovascular problems in adults and children, and fewer cancer cases. The rule protects vulnerable populations living near hazardous waste burning facilities from the effects of hazardous air pollutants.
This rule becomes effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.