EPA Study Confirms Low Mercury Emissions from Chlorine Manufacturing

Emission Reductions Proposed for New Cement Plants

(1)EPA Study Confirms Low Mercury Emissions from Chlorine Manufacturing

Washington, D.C., Monday June 2, 2008 -- EPA has completed a study to better characterize fugitive mercury emissions from chlorine manufactures that use mercury cell technology. There are currently five such facilities nationwide. Study findings show that mercury emissions average about 0.2 tons per year per facility.

EPA is also proposing to require manufacturers of chlorine using mercury cell technology to take additional steps to prevent mercury emissions. EPA would require plants not already monitoring mercury emissions to do so. Also, a plant would be required to perform ‘work practices’ such as implementing an inspection program for equipment problems, leaking equipment, liquid mercury accumulations and spills.

EPA will accept comments for 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

For more information on this action: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3fs.html

(2) Emission Reductions Proposed for New Cement Plants

EPA is proposing to reduce air emissions from certain Portland cement plants. The proposed amendments would require affected new, modified, or reconstructed process units to meet emissions limits for particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. EPA is also proposing improved monitoring and testing requirements for existing sources, which should result in lower levels of emissions.

Over the next five years, EPA estimates the proposed standards to reduce the combined emissions of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 42,000 tons per year. EPA will accept comments for 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

EPA is also announcing that it is developing a dynamic economic model for the cement industry. This model can analyze emission reduction strategies for multiple pollutants while taking into account plant-level economic and technical factors. The Agency also seeks comments on this model.

For more information on this action: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3fs.html

Source: EPA

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