US EPA Proposed Changes to Waste Combustor and Landfill Emissions Standards and Factors
US EPA Proposed Amendments to Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors (Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0183):
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing amendments to the new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines (EG) for large municipal solid waste (MSW) combustors. The proposed amendments would revise all emission limits in the EG, except for CO limits for two combustor subcategories, and all nine emission limits in the NSPS. This would apply to units that have the capacity to combust more than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste. According to the EPA, the proposed standards would apply to an estimated 152 units located at 57 facilities nationwide, approximately 22 of which are municipally owned or operated. The EPA is not aware of any large MWC unit owned or operated by tribal governments. Background information can be found on the EPA website. The regulations are posted on the Federal Register, under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0183, and EPA will accept comments until March 25th, 2024. The proposed amendments would have significant financial and operational implications for Municipal Waste Combustors and the communities that utilize them for waste management. SWANA is planning to testify at the February 7th hearing. Talking points will include the role of these facilities in many integrated solid waste management systems and a request for an extension to the comment period. SWANA’s Waste Conversion and Energy Recovery Technical Division is reviewing the proposed amendments and SWANA is planning to submit comments on these proposed regulations.
US EPA Draft Emission Factors for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drafted new emission factors for AP-42 Chapter 2, Section 4 – Municipal Solid Waste Landfills. The EPA publishes AP-42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emissions Factors from Stationary Sources, to provide emissions factors for over 200 air pollution source categories, which are specific industry sectors. The EPA is offering a 45-day public review period that will end February 26, 2024. SWANA is reviewing these changes and has requested an extension to the comment period and will be preparing comments on these proposed regulations.
