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Industry NewsEPA Sets In-Use Rules For Stationary DieselsFebruary 18, 2010 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is setting the first standards that will reduce emissions of formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein and other toxic air pollutants from certain stationary diesel engines. “Controlling emissions from these engines will save lives and protect our communities from serious health problems, including heart attacks, asthma and other respiratory illnesses,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. The emission limits apply to existing diesel engines meeting certain criteria for age, size and use. Specifically, the rules cover that either are located at area sources of hazardous air pollutant emissions or that have a site rating of less than or equal to 500 bhp and are located at major sources of hazardous air pollutant emissions. In addition, EPA is also promulgating standards for existing non-emergency stationary diesels greater than 500 bhp that are located at major sources of hazardous air pollutant emissions. EPA estimates that more than 900,000 of the engines generate electricity and power equipment at industrial, agricultural and other facilities. Emergency engines used at most residences, hospitals and other institutional facilities and commercial facilities such as shopping centers are not covered by this rule, the agency said. To meet the emissions requirements, owners and operators of the largest of the engines will need to install emissions control systems such as catalysts to engine exhaust systems. Emergency engines covered by this rule need to comply with operating requirements that will limit emissions. EPA will issue final emissions standards for similar existing stationary engines that burn gasoline, natural gas and landfill gas, known as spark ignition engines, by August 10, 2010. The final rules go into effect 60 days after their publication in the Federal Register. More information is availabe on the EPA website |
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