EPA seeks comments on 
portions of MACT rule

WASHINGTON (08/28/06) -- The U.S. EPA is requesting comments on some aspects of the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs) for new and existing hazardous waste combustors, which were published Oct. 12, 2005. 

The final technology-based standards that were issued in 2005 reduce emissions of hazardous pollutants, including lead, mercury, arsenic, dioxin and furans, and hydrogen chloride and chlorine gas. The NESHAPs are based on the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) for hazardous waste combustors. These standards are based on emission levels that are already being achieved by the better-performing sources within the group.

The combustors affected by this rule detoxify waste and recover energy from hazardous waste and include incinerators, cement kilns, lightweight aggregate kilns, boilers and process heaters, and hydrochloric acid production furnaces. EPA estimates about 145 facilities operate 265 devices that burn hazardous waste.

Comments will be accepted for 45 days following publication in the Federal Register.

More information on this rule is available online.