On February 13, 2003, the EPA proposed a new rule to establish national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for stationary combustion turbines.  The EPA has identified stationary combustion turbines as major sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAPS).  Stationary combustion turbines have been documented to be significant emitters of HAPS including formaldehyde, toluene, benzene and acetaldehyde.  Under the proposed rule, all major sources would be required to meet HAP emission standards reflecting the application of the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) for combustion turbines.  The EPA estimates that 20 percent of the stationary combustion turbines affected by the rule will be located at major sources, and that the net effect of the rule would reduce HAP emissions by an estimated 81 tons per year (in the 5^th year after the rule is promulgated).  This action also proposes to add Method 323 of 40 CFR part 63, Appendix A for the measurement of formaldehyde emissions from natural gas-fired stationary sources.

For further information on this rule, please contact Bill Cowell at wcowell@air-comp.com, Jill Merrill at jmerrill@air-comp.com or by phone at 412-826-3636.

Author: William P. Cowell, Project Engineer

Date: 03/04/03

 Back to Articles