On October 8, 2003, the EPA promulgated a national emission standard for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for the site remediation source category.  The final rule will apply a site that:

1) is a major source,

2) conducts a “MACT Activity” and

3) is conducting remediation.   

A remediation site is defined as a site where remediation technologies and practices are used to clean up contaminated soils, ground waters, or surface waters; or where there are certain stored or disposed materials that pose a potential threat to contaminate environmental media. A "MACT Activity” is an activity that is included within the scope of a MACT source category.

Remediation sites that are subject to the rule are required to control emissions of organic HAP by meeting emissions limitations and work practice standards reflecting the application of maximum achievable control technology (MACT). The rule applies to site remediation activities that occur at a facility where non-remediation sources make it a major source of HAP emissions.

Some site remediation sites regulated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation Liability Act (CERCLA) or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) are exempt from the final rule.   

   For further information: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/siterm/sitermpg.html

Author: Jill W. Merrill, President

Date: 01/27/04

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