Final Amendments to Equipment Leak Regulations and New Standards for Synthetic Organic Chemicals Manufacturing Industry and Petroleum Refineries – Notice Of Stay

On May 15, 2008, EPA announced it would continue to suspend the requirements in the new source performance standards (NSPS) for new and existing synthetic organic chemicals manufacturing industry (SOCMI) and petroleum refineries.  The extension will take place in two parts. The first “interim extension” will be in place for 60 days after this rule is published in the Federal Register. The direct final extension will be effective when the interim extension expires – 60 days after this rule is published in the Federal Register and will remain in place until EPA has reached a final decision on the issues under reconsideration.

In November 2007, EPA established new NSPS regulations for SOCMI and refineries. On March 4, 2008, EPA agreed to reconsider provisions of the NSPS revisions, and suspended the existing requirements during this reconsideration.  The stay EPA issued in March 2008 will expire June 1, 2008.  The NSPS regulations were originally promulgated in October 1983 (SOCMI) and May 1984 (refineries). The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review and revise the standards of performance to reflect improvements in methods for reducing emissions. The amendments to the original NSPS regulations and new standards for SOCMI and petroleum refinery industries satisfied this statutory requirement.  In November 2007, the NSPS regulations for existing sources were amended to clarify certain definitions and requirements and reduce the burden on industry to comply with the original regulations. These amendments apply to those SOCMI and refinery facilities that are already subject to the NSPS regulations. Also, on November 2007, EPA established new NSPS regulations reflecting work practice improvements demonstrated by SOCMI and refinery facilities since the original NSPS were established. These standards apply to SOCMI or refinery facilities newly built, reconstructed, or modified after November 7, 2006.

To download the final amendments and new standards from EPA’s website, go to“Recent Actions” at the following address: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg.

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