Update

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has proposed amendments to methods for measurement of filterable fine particulate (Method 201A) and measurement of condensable particulate matter emissions from stationary sources (Method 202). The proposed amendments to Method 201A would add a particle-sizing device to allow for sampling of particulate matter (PM) with mean aerodynamic diameters less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5 or fine PM). The proposed amendments to Method 202 would revise the sample collection and recovery procedures of the method to reduce the formation of reaction artifacts that could lead to inaccurate measurements of condensable particulate matter (CPM).

• Preamble to Methods 201A and 202. (pdf, 54pp., 345kB)
• Method 201A – Method for Measurement of PM10 and PM2.5 Emissions – Proposal. (pdf, 77pp., 1003kB)
• Method 202 – Method for Measurement of Condensable Particulate Matter – Proposal. (pdf, 46pp., 509kB)

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has finalized criteria for facilities to determine if predictive emission monitoring systems (PEMS) can be used instead of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS). These evaluation criteria are known as Performance Specification 16—Specifications and Test Procedures for Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationary Sources. PEMS predict source emissions indirectly using process parameters that have a known relationship to pollutant concentration.

US EPA is allowing, but not requiring, facilities to predict their emissions in
compliance with the following rules:

• Standards of Performance for Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units (40 CFR Part 60); and
• Standards of Performance for Stationary Gas Turbines (40 CFR Part 60).

In addition, a number of facilities regulated by state and local agencies are considering their use. The rule also amends several testing and monitoring provisions to make minor clarifications and corrections, including the use of portable analyzers for quarterly relative accuracy audits. For more information, see:

• Performance Specification 16: Fact Sheet. (pdf, 1p., 18kB)
• Performance Specification 16: Final Rule. (pdf, 83pp., 314kB)

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States.

The rule proposes that suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial greenhouse gases, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more per year of GHG emissions submit annual reports to US EPA. The first annual report would be submitted to US EPA in 2011 for the calendar year 2010, except for vehicle and engine manufacturers, which would begin reporting for model year 2011.

Gases covered by the proposed rule are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and other fluorinated gases including nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and hydrofluorinated ethers (HFE).

The rule was signed on March 10 and will be published in the Federal Register. Following publication, a public comment period will be open for 60 days. Two public hearings will be held during the comment period.

• EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions. US EPA, 03/10/2009
  • Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule
  • Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Public Hearing. US EPA, April 6-7, 2009, US EPA Potomac Yard Conference Center, Arlington, VA.
  • Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Public Hearing. US EPA, April 16, 2009, Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA.
• Proposed EPA Rule Mandates National Reporting of GHG Emissions. Power News, 03/11/2009

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is proposing to set emission limits for formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein, and other air toxics from certain stationary diesel and gas-fired internal combustion (IC) engines. In 2008, over 1 million of these engines generated electricity, powered equipment, and operated during emergencies at industrial, agricultural, and other facilities. The rule would apply to engines that are:

• Smaller than or equal to 500 hp that were constructed or reconstructed before June 12, 2006; or
• Larger than or equal to 500 hp that were constructed or reconstructed before December 19, 2002.

To meet the proposed emissions requirements, owners and operators of these engines would need to install filters or catalysts to engine exhaust systems. US EPA estimates that this rule would reduce air toxics emissions by 13,000 tons per year, particle pollution by 2,600 tons, and carbon monoxide emissions by 510,000 tons when fully implemented in 2013.

The public comment period will be open for 60 days upon publication in the Federal Register. For more information see:

• Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines: Proposed Area Source Air Toxics Requirements: Fact Sheet. (pdf, 4pp., 25kB)
• Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines: Area Source Air Toxics Requirements: Proposed Rule. (pdf, 160pp., 455kB)