New EPA rule for stationary engine emissions

9 March 2009


The US EPA is proposing a new rule to reduce the emission of some airborne toxins from stationary diesel and gas-fired engines, and has put the proposal on the Federal register for public comment.

For the first time emission limits will be set to cover formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein and other air toxics from certain stationary diesel and gas-fired engines. In 2008, according to EPA, over 1 million of these engines generated electricity, powered equipment and operated during emergencies at industrial, agricultural and other facilities in the USA. The proposed limits would apply to engines located at smaller sources of air toxics, that is to say, small industrial and commerciall premises such as laundries and filling stations. and to certain major sources where it would only apply to engines that are smaller than or equal to 500 horsepower that were constructed or reconstructed before June 12, 2006, or larger than or equal to 500 horsepower that were constructed or reconstructed before December 19, 2002.

To meet the proposed emissions requirements, owners and operators of these engines would need to install “after treatment” controls, such as filters or catalysts, to engine exhaust systems.

EPA estimates that this rule would reduce air toxics emissions by 13000 tons per year, particle pollution by 2600 tons and carbon monoxide emissions by 510000 tons, when fully implemented in 2013.

The public comment period will be open for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.




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