National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Generic Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards Residual Risk and Technology Review for Ethylene Production, 40386-40440 [2020-05898]
Download as PDF
40386
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 63
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0357; FRL–10006–87–
OAR]
RIN 2060–AT02
National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants: Generic
Maximum Achievable Control
Technology Standards Residual Risk
and Technology Review for Ethylene
Production
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action finalizes the
residual risk and technology review
(RTR) conducted for the Ethylene
Production source category regulated
under National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). In
addition, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final
action to correct and clarify regulatory
provisions related to emissions during
periods of startup, shutdown, and
malfunction (SSM), including removing
general exemptions for periods of SSM,
adding work practice standards for
periods of SSM where appropriate, and
clarifying regulatory provisions for
certain vent control bypasses. The EPA
is also taking final action to revise
requirements for heat exchange systems;
add monitoring and operational
requirements for flares; add provisions
for electronic reporting of performance
test results and other reports; and
include other technical corrections to
improve consistency and clarity. We
estimate that these final amendments
will reduce hazardous air pollutants
(HAP) emissions from this source
category by 29 tons per year (tpy) and
reduce excess emissions of HAP from
flares by an additional 1,430 tpy.
DATES: This final rule is effective on July
6, 2020. The incorporation by reference
(IBR) of certain publications listed in
the rule is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register as of July 6, 2020.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0357. All
documents in the docket are listed on
the https://www.regulations.gov/
website. Although listed, some
information is not publicly available,
e.g., Confidential Business Information
(CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, is not placed on
the internet and will be publicly
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are
available either electronically through
https://www.regulations.gov/, or in hard
copy at the EPA Docket Center, WJC
West Building, Room Number 3334,
1301 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC. The Public Reading
Room hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time
(EST), Monday through Friday. The
telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and
the telephone number for the EPA
Docket Center is (202) 566–1742.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
questions about this final action, contact
Mr. Andrew Bouchard, Sector Policies
and Programs Division (E143–01), Office
of Air Quality Planning and Standards,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27711; telephone number: (919) 541–
4036; and email address:
bouchard.andrew@epa.gov. For specific
information regarding the risk modeling
methodology, contact Mr. Mark Morris,
Health and Environmental Impacts
Division (C539–02), Office of Air
Quality Planning and Standards, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency,
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27711; telephone number: (919) 541–
5416; and email address: morris.mark@
epa.gov. For information about the
applicability of the NESHAP to a
particular entity, contact Ms. Marcia
Mia, Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, WJC
South Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone
number: (202) 564–7042; and email
address: mia.marcia@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Preamble acronyms and
abbreviations. We use multiple
acronyms and terms in this preamble.
While this list may not be exhaustive, to
ease the reading of this preamble and for
reference purposes, the EPA defines the
following terms and acronyms here:
ACC American Chemistry Council
APCD air pollution control device
ASME American Society of Mechanical
Engineers
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality
Management District
BTF beyond-the-floor
Btu/scf British thermal units per standard
cubic foot
CAA Clean Air Act
CBI Confidential Business Information
CDX Central Data Exchange
CEDRI Compliance and Emissions Data
Reporting Interface
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CO2 carbon dioxide
CRA Congressional Review Act
EFR external floating roof
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
EMACT Ethylene Production MACT
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FTIR Fourier transform infrared
spectrometry
gpm gallons per minute
GMACT Generic Maximum Achievable
Control Technology
HAP hazardous air pollutant(s)
HI hazard index
HQ hazard quotient
IBR incorporation by reference
ICR Information Collection Request
IFR internal floating roof
km kilometer
kPa kilopascals
LDAR leak detection and repair
LEL lower explosive limit
MACT maximum achievable control
technology
m3 cubic meter
Mg/yr megagrams per year
MIR maximum individual risk
MTVP maximum true vapor pressure
NAICS North American Industry
Classification System
NESHAP national emission standards for
hazardous air pollutants
NHVcz net heating value in the combustion
zone gas
NHVvgnet heating value in the vent gas
NOCS Notification of Compliance Status
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System
NRDC Natural Resources Defense Council
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
OMB Office of Management and Budget
POM polycyclic organic matter
ppm parts per million
ppmv parts per million by volume
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
PRD pressure relief device(s)
psig pounds per square inch gauge
REL reference exposure level
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
RTR residual risk and technology review
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality
Management District
SSM startup, shutdown, and malfunction
TAC Texas Administrative Code
TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality
The Court United States Court of Appeals
for the District of Columbia Circuit
TOSHI target organ-specific hazard index
tpy tons per year
UMRA Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
VCS voluntary consensus standards
VOC volatile organic compound(s)
Background information. On October
9, 2019, the EPA proposed revisions to
the Generic Maximum Achievable
Control Technology (GMACT)
Standards NESHAP based on our RTR
for the Ethylene Production source
category. In this action, we are finalizing
decisions and revisions for the rule. We
summarize some of the more significant
comments we timely received regarding
the proposed rule and provide our
responses in this preamble. A summary
of all other public comments on the
proposal and the EPA’s responses to
those comments is available in the
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40387
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Summary of Public Comments and
Responses for Risk and Technology
Review for Ethylene Production, in
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–
0357. A ‘‘tracked changes’’ version of
the regulatory language that
incorporates the changes in this action
is available in the docket.
Organization of this document. The
information in this preamble is
organized as follows:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
B. Where can I get a copy of this document
and other related information?
C. Judicial Review and Administrative
Reconsideration
II. Background
A. What is the statutory authority for this
action?
B. What is the Ethylene Production source
category and how does the NESHAP
regulate HAP emissions from the source
category?
C. What changes did we propose for the
Ethylene Production source category in
our October 9, 2019, RTR proposal?
III. What is included in this final rule?
A. What are the final rule amendments
based on the risk review for the Ethylene
Production source category?
B. What are the final rule amendments
based on the technology review for the
Ethylene Production source category?
C. What are the final rule amendments
pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(2) and
(3) for the Ethylene Production source
category?
D. What are the final rule amendments
addressing emissions during periods of
SSM?
E. What other changes have been made to
the NESHAP?
F. What are the effective and compliance
dates of the standards?
IV. What is the rationale for our final
decisions and amendments for the
Ethylene Production source category?
A. Residual Risk Review for the Ethylene
Production Source Category
B. Technology Review for the Ethylene
Production Source Category
C. Amendments Pursuant to CAA Section
112(d)(2) and (d)(3) for the Ethylene
Production Source Category
D. Amendments Addressing Emissions
During Periods of SSM
E. Technical Amendments to the EMACT
Standards
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental, and
Economic Impacts and Additional
Analyses Conducted
A. What are the affected facilities?
B. What are the air quality impacts?
C. What are the cost impacts?
D. What are the economic impacts?
E. What analysis of environmental justice
did we conduct?
F. What analysis of children’s
environmental health did we conduct?
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Orders 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing
Regulations and Controlling Regulatory
Costs
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA)
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
J. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act (NTTAA) and 1 CFR
part 51
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions
To Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
Regulated entities. Categories and
entities potentially regulated by this
action are shown in Table 1 of this
preamble.
TABLE 1—NESHAP AND INDUSTRIAL SOURCE CATEGORIES AFFECTED BY THIS FINAL ACTION
NAICS 1 code
Source category
NESHAP
Ethylene Production ...................................................................
GMACT Standards .....................................................................
1 North
325110
American Industry Classification System.
Table 1 of this preamble is not
intended to be exhaustive, but rather to
provide a guide for readers regarding
entities likely to be affected by the final
action for the source category listed. To
determine whether your facility is
affected, you should examine the
applicability criteria in the appropriate
NESHAP. If you have any questions
regarding the applicability of any aspect
of this NESHAP, please contact the
appropriate person listed in the
preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section of this preamble.
B. Where can I get a copy of this
document and other related
information?
C. Judicial Review and Administrative
Reconsideration
In addition to being available in the
docket, an electronic copy of this final
action will also be available on the
internet. Following signature by the
EPA Administrator, the EPA will post a
copy of this final action at: https://
www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-airpollution/acetal-resins-acrylic-
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
modacrylic-fibers-carbon-blackhydrogen. Following publication in the
Federal Register, the EPA will post the
Federal Register version and key
technical documents at this same
website.
Additional information is available on
the RTR website at https://
www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-airpollution/risk-and-technology-reviewnational-emissions-standardshazardous. This information includes
an overview of the RTR program and
links to project websites for the RTR
source categories.
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA)
section 307(b)(1), judicial review of this
final action is available only by filing a
petition for review in the United States
Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit (the Court) by
September 4, 2020. Under CAA section
307(b)(2), the requirements established
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
by this final rule may not be challenged
separately in any civil or criminal
proceedings brought by the EPA to
enforce the requirements.
Section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA
further provides that only an objection
to a rule or procedure which was raised
with reasonable specificity during the
period for public comment (including
any public hearing) may be raised
during judicial review. This section also
provides a mechanism for the EPA to
reconsider the rule if the person raising
an objection can demonstrate to the
Administrator that it was impracticable
to raise such objection within the period
for public comment or if the grounds for
such objection arose after the period for
public comment (but within the time
specified for judicial review) and if such
objection is of central relevance to the
outcome of the rule. Any person seeking
to make such a demonstration should
submit a Petition for Reconsideration to
the Office of the Administrator, U.S.
EPA, Room 3000, WJC South Building,
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40388
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460, with a copy to
both the person(s) listed in the
preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section, and the Associate
General Counsel for the Air and
Radiation Law Office, Office of General
Counsel (Mail Code 2344A), U.S. EPA,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460.
II. Background
A. What is the statutory authority for
this action?
Section 112 of the CAA establishes a
two-stage regulatory process to address
emissions of HAP from stationary
sources. In the first stage, we must
identify categories of sources emitting
one or more of the HAP listed in CAA
section 112(b) and then promulgate
technology-based NESHAP for those
sources. ‘‘Major sources’’ are those that
emit, or have the potential to emit, any
single HAP at a rate of 10 tpy or more,
or 25 tpy or more of any combination of
HAP. For major sources, these standards
are commonly referred to as maximum
achievable control technology (MACT)
standards and must reflect the
maximum degree of emission reductions
of HAP achievable (after considering
cost, energy requirements, and non-air
quality health and environmental
impacts). In developing MACT
standards, CAA section 112(d)(2) directs
the EPA to consider the application of
measures, processes, methods, systems,
or techniques, including, but not limited
to, those that reduce the volume of or
eliminate HAP emissions through
process changes, substitution of
materials, or other modifications;
enclose systems or processes to
eliminate emissions; collect, capture, or
treat HAP when released from a process,
stack, storage, or fugitive emissions
point; are design, equipment, work
practice, or operational standards; or
any combination of the above.
For these MACT standards, the statute
specifies certain minimum stringency
requirements, which are referred to as
MACT floor requirements, and which
may not be based on cost
considerations. See CAA section
112(d)(3). For new sources, the MACT
floor cannot be less stringent than the
emission control achieved in practice by
the best-controlled similar source. The
MACT standards for existing sources
can be less stringent than floors for new
sources, but they cannot be less
stringent than the average emission
limitation achieved by the bestperforming 12 percent of existing
sources in the category or subcategory
(or the best-performing five sources for
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
categories or subcategories with fewer
than 30 sources). In developing MACT
standards, we must also consider
control options that are more stringent
than the floor under CAA section
112(d)(2). We may establish standards
more stringent than the floor, based on
the consideration of the cost of
achieving the emissions reductions, any
non-air quality health and
environmental impacts, and energy
requirements.
In the second stage of the regulatory
process, the CAA requires the EPA to
undertake two different analyses, which
we refer to as the technology review and
the residual risk review. Under the
technology review, we must review the
technology-based standards and revise
them ‘‘as necessary (taking into account
developments in practices, processes,
and control technologies)’’ no less
frequently than every 8 years, pursuant
to CAA section 112(d)(6). Under the
residual risk review, we must evaluate
the risk to public health remaining after
application of the technology-based
standards and revise the standards, if
necessary, to provide an ample margin
of safety to protect public health or to
prevent, taking into consideration costs,
energy, safety, and other relevant
factors, an adverse environmental effect.
The residual risk review is required
within 8 years after promulgation of the
technology-based standards, pursuant to
CAA section 112(f). In conducting the
residual risk review, if the EPA
determines that the current standards
provide an ample margin of safety to
protect public health, it is not necessary
to revise the MACT standards pursuant
to CAA section 112(f).1 For more
information on the statutory authority
for this rule, see 84 FR 54278, October
9, 2019.
B. What is the Ethylene Production
source category and how does the
NESHAP regulate HAP emissions from
the source category?
The Ethylene Production MACT
standards (herein called the EMACT
standards) for the Ethylene Production
source category are contained in the
GMACT NESHAP which also includes
MACT standards for several other
source categories. The EMACT
standards were promulgated on July 12,
2002 (67 FR 46258), and codified at 40
CFR part 63, subparts XX and YY. The
EMACT standards regulate HAP
1 The Court has affirmed this approach of
implementing CAA section 112(f)(2)(A): NRDC v.
EPA, 529 F.3d 1077, 1083 (DC Cir. 2008) (‘‘If EPA
determines that the existing technology-based
standards provide an ‘ample margin of safety,’ then
the Agency is free to readopt those standards during
the residual risk rulemaking.’’).
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
emissions from ethylene production
units located at major sources. An
ethylene production unit is a chemical
manufacturing process unit in which
ethylene and/or propylene are produced
by separation from petroleum refining
process streams or by subjecting
hydrocarbons to high temperatures in
the presence of steam. The EMACT
defines the affected source as all storage
vessels, ethylene process vents, transfer
racks, equipment, waste streams, heat
exchange systems, and ethylene
cracking furnaces and associated
decoking operations that are associated
with each ethylene production unit
located at a major source as defined in
CAA section 112(a).
As of January 1, 2017, there were 26
facilities in operation and subject to the
EMACT standards. We are also aware of
the expansion and construction of
several facilities. Based upon this
anticipated growth for the Ethylene
Production source category, we estimate
that a total of 31 facilities will
ultimately be subject to the EMACT
standards and complying with this final
rule over the course of the next 3 years.
The source category and the EMACT
standards are further described in the
October 9, 2019, RTR proposal. See 84
FR 54278.
C. What changes did we propose for the
Ethylene Production source category in
our October 9, 2019, RTR proposal?
On October 9, 2019, the EPA
published a proposed rule in the
Federal Register for the EMACT
standards of the GMACT NESHAP, 40
CFR part 63, subparts XX and YY, that
took into consideration the RTR
analyses. We proposed to find that the
risks from the source category are
acceptable, the current standards
provide an ample margin of safety to
protect public health, and more
stringent standards are not necessary to
prevent an adverse environmental
effect. In addition, pursuant to the
technology review for the Ethylene
Production source category, we
proposed that no revisions to the
current standards are necessary for
ethylene process vents, transfer racks,
equipment leaks, and waste streams;
however, we did propose changes for
storage vessels and heat exchanger
systems. We proposed revisions to the
storage vessels control applicability
requirements, pursuant to CAA section
112(d)(6), to tighten both the threshold
for maximum true vapor pressure
(MTVP) of total organic HAP (i.e.,
decreasing it from 3.4 kilopascals (kPa)
or greater to 0.69 kPa or greater) and the
threshold for storage vessel capacity
(i.e., decreasing it from 95 cubic meter
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(m3) to 59 m3) and to require storage
vessels meeting these criteria to reduce
emissions of total organic HAP by 98
weight-percent or use a floating roof
storage vessel subject to the
requirements of 40 CFR part 63, subpart
WW. In addition, we proposed revisions
to the heat exchange system
requirements, pursuant to CAA section
112(d)(6), to require owners or operators
to use the Modified El Paso Method and
repair leaks of total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane)
in the stripping gas of 6.2 parts per
million by volume (ppmv) or greater.
We also proposed the following
amendments:
• Revisions to the operating and
monitoring requirements for flares used
as air pollution control devices
(APCDs), pursuant to CAA section
112(d)(2) and (3);
• requirements and clarifications for
periods of SSM and bypasses, including
for pressure relief device(s) (PRD)
releases, bypass lines on closed vent
systems, in situ sampling systems,
maintenance activities, and certain
gaseous streams routed to a fuel gas
system, pursuant to CAA section
112(d)(2) and (3);
• work practice standards for
decoking ethylene cracking furnaces
(i.e., minimizing emissions from the
coke combustion activities in an
ethylene cracking furnace), pursuant to
CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3);
• revisions to the SSM provisions of
the NESHAP (in addition to those
related to flares, vent control bypasses,
or ethylene cracking furnace decoking
operations) in order to ensure that they
are consistent with the Court decision in
Sierra Club v. EPA, 551 F. 3d 1019 (DC
Cir. 2008), which vacated two
provisions that exempted source owners
and operators from the requirement to
comply with otherwise applicable CAA
section 112(d) emission standards
during periods of SSM;
• a requirement for electronic
submittal of performance test results
and reports, and Notification of
Compliance Status (NOCS) reports;
• removal of certain exemptions for
once-through heat exchange systems;
• overlap provisions for equipment at
ethylene production facilities subject to
both the EMACT standards and
synthetic organic chemicals
manufacturing equipment leak
standards at 40 CFR part 60, subpart
VVa;
• IBR of an alternative test method for
EPA Methods 3A and 3B (for the
manual procedures only and not the
instrumental procedures);
• IBR of an alternative test method for
EPA Method 18 (with caveats);
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
• IBR of an alternative test method for
EPA Method 320 (with caveats); and
• several minor editorial and
technical changes in the subpart.
III. What is included in this final rule?
This action finalizes the EPA’s
determinations pursuant to the RTR
provisions of CAA section 112 for the
Ethylene Production source category
and amends the EMACT standards
based on those determinations. This
action also finalizes other changes to the
NESHAP, including adding
requirements and clarifications for
periods of SSM and bypasses; revisions
to the operating and monitoring
requirements for flares used as APCDs;
adding provisions for electronic
reporting of performance test results and
reports, NOCS reports, and Periodic
Reports; and other minor editorial and
technical changes. This action also
reflects several changes to the October 9,
2019 RTR proposal in consideration of
comments received during the public
comment period as described in section
IV of this preamble.
A. What are the final rule amendments
based on the risk review for the Ethylene
Production source category?
This section describes the final
amendments to the EMACT standards
being promulgated pursuant to CAA
section 112(f). The EPA proposed no
changes to the EMACT standards based
on the risk reviews conducted pursuant
to CAA section 112(f). In this action, we
are finalizing our proposed
determination that risks from this
source category are acceptable, and that
the standards provide an ample margin
of safety to protect public health and
prevent an adverse environmental
effect. Section IV.A.3 of this preamble
provides a summary of key comments
we received regarding risk review and
our responses.
B. What are the final rule amendments
based on the technology review for the
Ethylene Production source category?
The EPA is finalizing its proposed
determination in the technology review
that there are no developments in
practices, processes, and control
technologies that warrant revisions to
the EMACT standards for process vents,
transfer racks, equipment leaks, and
waste streams in this source category.
Therefore, we are not finalizing
revisions to the EMACT standards for
these emission sources under CAA
section 112(d)(6). Also, based on
comments received on the proposed
rulemaking, we are not finalizing the
proposed revisions to the EMACT
standards for storage vessels under CAA
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40389
section 112(d)(6) to tighten the control
applicability thresholds for MTVP of
total organic HAP (i.e., decreasing it
from 3.4 kPa or greater to 0.69 kPa or
greater) and storage vessel capacity (i.e.,
decreasing it from 95 m3 to 59 m3).
For heat exchange systems, we
determined that there are developments
in practices, processes, and control
technologies that warrant revisions to
the EMACT standards for this source
category. Therefore, to satisfy the
requirements of CAA section 112(d)(6),
we are revising the EMACT standards,
consistent with the October 9, 2019,
RTR proposal, to include revisions to
the heat exchange system requirements
to require owners or operators to use the
Modified El Paso Method and repair
leaks of total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (as methane) in the
stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or greater. In
addition, based on comments received
on the proposed rulemaking, we are also
including an alternative mass-based leak
action level of total strippable
hydrocarbon equal to or greater than
0.18 kilograms per hour for heat
exchange systems with a recirculation
rate of 10,000 gallons per minute (gpm)
or less.
Section IV.B.3 of this preamble
provides a summary of key comments
we received on the technology review
and our responses.
C. What are the final rule amendments
pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(2) and
(3) for the Ethylene Production source
category?
Consistent with Sierra Club v. EPA
551 F. 3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008) and the
October 9, 2019, RTR proposal, we are
revising monitoring and operational
requirements for flares to ensure that
ethylene production facilities that use
flares as APCDs meet the EMACT
standards at all times when controlling
HAP emissions. In addition, we are
adding provisions and clarifications for
periods of SSM and bypasses, including
PRD releases, bypass lines on closed
vent systems, in situ sampling systems,
maintenance activities, and certain
gaseous streams routed to a fuel gas
system to ensure that CAA section 112
standards apply continuously. Also, for
the same reason, we are adopting the
proposed decoking operations work
practice standards into the final rule
with only minor changes, such as
adding delay of repair provisions to the
flame impingement inspection
requirements, adding clarifying text to
the carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring,
coil outlet temperature monitoring, air
removal, and radiant tube(s) treatment
requirements, and removing
unnecessary recordkeeping associated
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40390
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
with the time each isolation valve
inspection is performed and the results
of that inspection even if no problem
was found. For details about these
minor changes, refer to Section 6.7 of
the document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
Lastly, based on comments received
on the proposed rulemaking, we are
adding a separate standard for storage
vessel degassing for storage vessels
subject to the control requirements in
Table 7 to 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(3)(b) and
(e)(3)(c).
Section IV.C.3 of this preamble
provides a summary of key comments
we received on the CAA section
112(d)(2) and (3) provisions and our
responses.
D. What are the final rule amendments
addressing emissions during periods of
SSM?
We are finalizing the proposed
amendments to the EMACT standards to
remove and revise provisions related to
SSM. In its 2008 decision in Sierra Club
v. EPA, 551 F.3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008),
the Court vacated portions of two
provisions in the EPA’s CAA section
112 regulations governing the emissions
of HAP during periods of SSM.
Specifically, the Court vacated the SSM
exemption contained in 40 CFR
63.6(f)(1) and (h)(1), holding that under
section 302(k) of the CAA, emissions
standards or limitations must be
continuous in nature and that the SSM
exemption violates the CAA’s
requirement that some CAA section 112
standards apply continuously. As
detailed in section IV.E.1 of the
proposal preamble, the Ethylene
Production NESHAP requires that
standards apply at all times (see 40 CFR
63.1108(a)(4)(i)), consistent with the
Court decision in Sierra Club v. EPA,
551 F. 3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008). We
determined that facilities in this source
category can generally meet the
applicable EMACT standards at all
times, including periods of startup and
shutdown. As discussed in the proposal
preamble, the EPA interprets CAA
section 112 as not requiring emissions
that occur during periods of
malfunction to be factored into
development of CAA section 112
standards, although the EPA has the
discretion to set standards for
malfunctions where feasible. Where
appropriate, and as discussed in section
III.C of this preamble, we are also
finalizing alternative standards for
certain emission points during periods
of SSM to ensure a continuous CAA
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
section 112 standard applies ‘‘at all
times.’’ Other than for those specific
emission points discussed in section
III.C of this preamble, the EPA
determined that no additional standards
are needed to address emissions during
periods of SSM.
We are also finalizing, as proposed,
eliminating SSM exemptions for waste
streams at facilities with a total annual
benzene less than 10 megagrams per
year (Mg/yr) and amending language in
the definitions of ‘‘dilution steam
blowdown waste stream’’ and ‘‘spent
caustic waste stream’’ at 40 CFR
63.1082(b) to remove the exclusion for
streams generated from sampling,
maintenance activities, or shutdown
purges. In addition, we are finalizing a
revision to the performance testing
requirements at 40 CFR
63.1108(b)(4)(ii)(B). The final
performance testing provisions do not
include the language that precludes
startup and shutdown periods from
being considered ‘‘representative’’ for
purposes of performance testing, and
instead allows performance testing
during periods of startup or shutdown if
specified by the Administrator.
However, the final performance testing
provisions prohibit performance testing
during malfunctions because these
conditions are not representative of
normal operating conditions. The final
rule also requires that operators
maintain records to document that
operating conditions during the test
represent normal operations.
The legal rationale and detailed
changes for SSM periods that we are
finalizing here are set forth in the
proposed rule. See 84 FR 54278,
October 9, 2019. Also, based on
comments received during the public
comment period, we are revising 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(9) to sufficiently address the
SSM exemption provisions from
subparts referenced by the EMACT
standards. For example, in addition to
what we proposed, we are also
clarifying that the certain referenced
provisions do not apply when
demonstrating compliance with the
EMACT standards, such as phrases like
‘‘other than a start-up, shutdown, or
malfunction’’ in the recordkeeping and
reporting requirements of 40 CFR 63,
subparts SS and UU. We are also not
removing as proposed the term
‘‘breakdowns’’ in 40 CFR 63.998(b)(2)(i)
as well as 40 CFR 63.998(d)(1)(ii) in its
entirety.
Section IV.D.3 of this preamble
provides a summary of key comments
we received on the SSM provisions and
our responses.
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
E. What other changes have been made
to the NESHAP?
This rule also finalizes, as proposed,
revisions to several other NESHAP
requirements. We describe these
revisions in this section as well as other
revisions that have changed since
proposal. To increase the ease and
efficiency of data submittal and data
accessibility, we are finalizing, as
proposed, a requirement that owners
and operators of facilities in the
Ethylene Production source category
submit electronic copies of certain
required performance test results and
reports and NOCS reports through the
EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX)
website using an electronic performance
test report tool called the Electronic
Reporting Tool. In addition, in the final
rule, we are correcting an error to clarify
that Periodic Reports must also be
submitted electronically (i.e., through
the EPA’s CDX using the appropriate
electronic report template for this
subpart) beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in 40 CFR
63.1102(c) or once the report template
has been available on the Compliance
and Emissions Data Reporting Interface
(CEDRI) website for at least 1 year,
whichever date is later. Furthermore, we
are finalizing, as proposed, provisions
that allow facility operators the ability
to seek extensions for submitting
electronic reports for circumstances
beyond the control of the facility, i.e.,
for a possible outage in the CDX or
CEDRI or for a force majeure event in
the time just prior to a report’s due date,
as well as the process to assert such a
claim.
To correct a disconnect between
having a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit
that meets certain allowable discharge
limits at the discharge point of a facility
(e.g., outfall) and being able to
adequately identify a leak, we are
finalizing, as proposed, the removal of
certain exemptions for once-through
heat exchange systems to comply with
cooling water monitoring requirements.2
Further, based on comments received on
the proposed rulemaking, we are
clarifying that the calibration drift
assessment provisions at 40 CFR
60.485a(b)(2) apply only if the owner or
2 Cooling water from a once-through heat
exchange system at a petrochemical plant can be
mixed with other sources of water (e.g., cooling
water used in once-through heat exchange systems
in non-ethylene source categories, stormwater,
treated wastewater, etc.) in sewers, trenches, and
ponds prior to discharge from the plant. If this point
of discharge from the plant is into a ‘‘water of the
United States,’’ then the facility is required to have
a NPDES permit and to meet certain pollutant
discharge limits.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
operator is subject to those requirements
in 40 CFR part 60, subpart VVa [see the
40 CFR part 60, subpart VVa overlap
provisions in the final rule at 40 CFR
63.1100(g)(4)(iii)].
We are finalizing all of the revisions
that we proposed for clarifying text or
correcting typographical errors,
grammatical errors, and cross-reference
errors. These editorial corrections and
clarifications are summarized in Table 9
of the proposal. See 84 FR 54278,
October 9, 2019. We are also including
several additional minor clarifying edits
in the final rule based on comments
received during the public comment
period. We did not receive many
substantive comments on these other
amendments in the Ethylene Production
RTR proposal. The comments and our
specific responses to these items can be
found in the document, Summary of
Public Comments and Responses for the
Risk and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
F. What are the effective and
compliance dates of the standards?
The revisions to the EMACT
standards being promulgated in this
action are effective on July 6, 2020.
From our assessment of the timeframe
needed for implementing the entirety of
the revised requirements (see 84 FR
54278, October 9, 2019), the EPA
proposed a period of 3 years to be the
most expeditious compliance period
practicable. Although opposing
comments regarding the proposed
compliance dates were received during
the public comment period, we are
finalizing the 3-year compliance period
as proposed. Amendments to EMACT
standards for adoption under CAA
sections 112(d)(2) and (3) and 112(d)(6)
are subject to the compliance deadlines
outlined in the CAA under section
112(i). For existing sources, CAA
section 112(i) provides that the
compliance date shall be as
expeditiously as practicable, but no later
than 3 years after the effective date of
the standard. For new sources,
compliance is required by the effective
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
date of the final amendments or upon
startup, whichever is later. As explained
in the preamble to the proposed rule (84
FR 54278, October 9, 2019), the EPA
recognizes the confusion that multiple
different compliance dates for
individual requirements would create
and the additional burden such an
assortment of dates would impose; and
from our assessment of the timeframe
needed for compliance with the entirety
of the revised requirements, the EPA
considers a period of 3 years after the
effective date of the final rule to be the
most expeditious compliance period
practicable. Furthermore, as discussed
in sections III and IV of this preamble,
we are adding separate work practice
standards to the final rule for the
following SSM activities/events: (1)
Periods of SSM for when flares are used
as an APCD, (2) periods of SSM for
certain vent streams (i.e. PRD releases
and maintenance vents), (3) vent control
bypasses for certain vent streams (i.e.,
closed vent systems containing bypass
lines, in situ sampling systems, and
flares connected to fuel gas systems),
and (4) decoking operations for ethylene
cracking furnaces. The provisions being
finalized are similar to the requirements
promulgated in the Petroleum Refinery
NESHAP. As we discovered during the
Petroleum Refinery NESHAP
rulemaking, the challenges faced by
affected sources in complying with
these requirements necessitated
additional compliance time from what
was promulgated, eventually having to
move the original compliance date of
these provisions from February 1, 2016,
to August 1, 2018, an additional 2 and
a half years.3 Therefore the 3 year
compliance date that was proposed for
the EMACT standards provides a
consistent time allowance to affected
sources as was needed for Petroleum
Refineries to fully implement the work
practice standards. Thus, the
compliance date of the final
amendments for all existing affected
3 https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/
2018-07/documents/petrefinery_compliance_ext_
factsheet.pdf.
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40391
sources, and all new affected sources
that commence construction or
reconstruction after December 6, 2000,
and on or before October 9, 2019, is no
later than July 6, 2023, or upon startup,
whichever is later. The compliance date
of the final amendments for all ethylene
production new affected sources that
commenced construction or
reconstruction after October 9, 2019, is
the effective date of these final rule
amendments to the EMACT standards of
July 6, 2020, or upon startup, whichever
is later.
IV. What is the rationale for our final
decisions and amendments for the
Ethylene Production source category?
For each issue, this section provides
a description of what we proposed and
what we are finalizing for the issue, the
EPA’s rationale for the final decisions
and amendments, and a summary of key
comments and responses. For all
comments not discussed in this
preamble, comment summaries and the
EPA’s responses can be found in the
comment summary and response
document available in the docket.
A. Residual Risk Review for the Ethylene
Production Source Category
1. What did we propose pursuant to
CAA section 112(f) for the Ethylene
Production source category?
Pursuant to CAA section 112(f), the
EPA conducted a residual risk review
and presented the results of this review,
along with our proposed decisions
regarding risk acceptability and ample
margin of safety, in the October 9, 2019,
proposed rule for 40 CFR part 63,
subparts XX and YY (84 FR 54278). The
results of the risk assessment for the
proposal are presented briefly in Table
2 of this preamble. More detail is in the
residual risk technical support
document, Residual Risk Assessment for
the Ethylene Production Source
Category in Support of the 2019 Risk
and Technology Review Proposed Rule,
which is available in the docket for this
rulemaking.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40392
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 2—ETHYLENE PRODUCTION INHALATION RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS
Maximum
individual
cancer risk
(in 1 million) 2
Number of
facilities 1
Estimated annual
cancer incidence
(cases per year)
Based on . . .
Based on . . .
Maximum
screening
acute noncancer
HQ 4
Maximum chronic
noncancer TOSHI 3
Based on . . .
Based on . . .
Actual
emissions
level
31 ............
Estimated population at
increased risk of
cancer ≥ 1-in-1 million
Allowable
emissions
level
100
100
Actual
emissions
level
Allowable
emissions
level
2.8 million ...
4.6 million ...
Actual
emissions
level
0.1
Allowable
emissions
level
Actual
emissions
level
0.2
Based on
actual
emissions
level
Allowable
emissions
level
1
1
HQREL = <1
1 Number
of facilities evaluated in the risk analysis.
2 Maximum individual excess lifetime cancer risk due to HAP emissions from the source category. There is only one census block, and one person, at this risk
level.
3 Maximum target organ-specific hazard index (TOSHI). The target organ systems with the highest TOSHI for the source category are neurological and reproductive. The respiratory TOSHI was calculated using the California EPA chronic reference exposure level (REL) for acrolein.
4 The maximum estimated acute exposure concentration was divided by available short-term threshold values to develop an array of hazard quotient (HQ) values.
HQ values shown use the lowest available acute threshold value, which in most cases is the REL. When an HQ exceeds 1, we also show the HQ using the next lowest available acute dose-response value.
Using actual emissions data, the
results of the proposed inhalation risk
assessment, as shown in Table 2 of this
preamble, indicate the estimated cancer
maximum individual risk (MIR) is 100in-1 million, with naphthalene and
benzene as the major contributors to the
risk. There is only one census block,
and one person, at this risk level. The
second-highest facility cancer risk is 30in-1 million. At proposal, the total
estimated cancer incidence from this
source category was estimated to be 0.1
excess cancer cases per year, or one
excess case in every 10 years.
Approximately 2.8 million people were
estimated to have cancer risks above 1in-1 million from HAP emitted from the
facilities in this source category. At
proposal, the estimated maximum
chronic noncancer TOSHI for the source
category was 1 (neurological and
respiratory) driven by emissions of
manganese and epichlorohydrin.
Using the MACT-allowable emissions,
the risk results at proposal for the
inhalation risk assessment indicated
that the estimated cancer MIR was 100in-1 million with naphthalene and
benzene emissions driving the risks, and
that the estimated maximum chronic
noncancer TOSHI was 1 with
manganese and epichlorohydrin as the
major contributors to the TOSHI. At
proposal, the total estimated cancer
incidence from this source category
considering allowable emissions was 0.2
excess cancer cases per year or 1 excess
case in every 5 years. Based on
allowable emission rates, 4.6 million
people were estimated to have cancer
risks above 1-in-1 million.
As shown in Table 2 of this preamble,
the reasonable worst-case acute HQ
(based on the REL) at proposal was less
than 1. This value is the highest HQ that
is outside facility boundaries. No
facilities were estimated to have an HQ
greater than or equal to 1 based on any
benchmark (REL, acute exposure
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
guideline level, or emergency response
planning guidelines). In addition, at
proposal, we identified emissions of
arsenic compounds, cadmium
compounds, mercury compounds, and
polycyclic organic matter (POM), all
HAP known to be persistent and bioaccumulative in the environment. The
multipathway risk screening assessment
resulted in a maximum Tier 2 cancer
screening value of 30 for arsenic and a
maximum Tier 3 noncancer screening
value of 2 for mercury compounds.
Based on facility-specific analyses
performed for mercury for other source
categories, we concluded that such
analyses would reduce the mercury
screening value to 1 or lower. In
addition, a screening-level evaluation of
the potential adverse environmental risk
associated with emissions of arsenic,
cadmium, hydrochloric acid,
hydrofluoric acid, lead, mercury, and
POMs indicated that no ecological
benchmarks were exceeded.
We weighed all health risk factors,
including those shown in Table 2 of this
preamble, in our risk acceptability
determination and proposed that the
risks posed by the Ethylene Production
source category are acceptable (section
IV.C.1 of proposal preamble, 84 FR
54311, October 9, 2019).
We then considered whether the
existing EMACT standards provide an
ample margin of safety to protect public
health and whether, taking into
consideration costs, energy, safety, and
other relevant factors, more stringent
standards are required to prevent an
adverse environmental effect. In
considering whether the standards are
required to provide an ample margin of
safety to protect public health, we
considered the same risk factors that we
considered for our acceptability
determination and also considered the
costs, technological feasibility, and
other relevant factors related to
emissions control options that might
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
reduce risk associated with emissions
from the source category. We proposed
that additional emissions controls for
the Ethylene Production source category
are not necessary to provide an ample
margin of safety to protect public health
and that more stringent standards are
not necessary to prevent an adverse
environmental effect (section IV.C.2 of
proposal preamble, 84 FR 54312,
October 9, 2019).
We also evaluate risk from whole
facility emissions in order to help put
the risks in context. Whole facility (or
‘‘facility-wide’’) emissions include those
regulated under this source category
plus all other emissions generated at
each facility. The results of the chronic
inhalation cancer risk assessment based
on facility-wide emissions are more
uncertain and rely on the quality of the
emissions data collected for source
categories outside this regulatory
review. These emissions sources may
not undergo the same level of data
quality review as those being assessed
in this regulatory assessment. The
estimated maximum lifetime individual
cancer risk based on facility-wide
emissions is 2,000-in-1 million, with
ethylene oxide from non-category (nonethylene production process) emissions
driving the risk. The total estimated
cancer incidence based on facility-wide
emissions is 1 excess cancer case per
year. Approximately 6,500,000 people
are estimated to have cancer risks above
1-in-1 million from HAP emitted from
all sources at the facilities in this source
category. The estimated maximum
chronic noncancer hazard index (HI)
based on facility-wide emissions is 4
(for the respiratory HI), driven by
emissions of chlorine from non-category
(non-ethylene production process)
emissions. Approximately 200 people
are estimated to be exposed to
noncancer HI levels above 1.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
2. How did the risk review change for
the Ethylene Production source
category?
We have not changed any aspect of
the risk assessment since the October 9,
2019, RTR proposal for the Ethylene
Production source category.
3. What key comments did we receive
on the risk review, and what are our
responses?
We received comments in support of
and against the proposed residual risk
review and our determination that no
revisions were warranted under CAA
section 112(f)(2) for the Ethylene
Production source category. Generally,
the comments that were not supportive
of the determination from the risk
reviews suggested changes to the
underlying risk assessment
methodology. For example, some
commenters stated that the 100-in-1
million lifetime cancer risk cannot be
considered safe or ‘‘acceptable,’’ and the
EPA should include emissions outside
of the source categories in question in
the risk assessment and assume that
pollutants with noncancer health risks
have no safe level of exposure. After
review of all the comments received, we
determined that no changes were
necessary. The comments and our
specific responses can be found in the
document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
4. What is the rationale for our final
approach and final decisions for the risk
review?
As noted in our proposal, the EPA
sets standards under CAA section
112(f)(2) using ‘‘a two-step standardsetting approach, with an analytical first
step to determine an ‘acceptable risk’
that considers all health information,
including risk estimation uncertainty,
and includes a presumptive limit on
MIR of approximately 1-in-10
thousand’’ (84 FR 54278, October 9,
2019; see also 54 FR 38045, September
9, 1989). We weigh all health risk
factors in our risk acceptability
determination, including the cancer
MIR, cancer incidence, the maximum
cancer TOSHI, the maximum acute
noncancer HQ, the extent of noncancer
risks, the distribution of cancer and
noncancer risks in the exposed
population, multipathway risks, and the
risk estimation uncertainties.
Since proposal, neither the risk
assessment nor our determinations
regarding risk acceptability, ample
margin of safety, or adverse
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
environmental effects have changed. For
the reasons explained in the proposed
rule, we determined that the risks from
the Ethylene Production source category
are acceptable, the current standards
provide an ample margin of safety to
protect public health, and more
stringent standards are not necessary to
prevent an adverse environmental
effect. Therefore, we are not revising the
EMACT standards to require additional
controls pursuant to CAA section
112(f)(2) based on the residual risk
review, and we are readopting the
existing standards under CAA section
112(f)(2).
B. Technology Review for the Ethylene
Production Source Category
1. What did we propose pursuant to
CAA section 112(d)(6) for the Ethylene
Production source category?
Pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(6),
the EPA proposed to conclude that no
revisions to the current EMACT
standards are necessary for ethylene
process vents, transfer racks, equipment
leaks, and waste streams (sections
IV.D.2 through IV.D.5 of proposal
preamble, 84 FR 54314, October 9,
2019). We did not find any
developments (since promulgation of
the original NESHAP) in practices,
processes, and control technologies that
could be applied to ethylene process
vents and that could be used to reduce
emissions from ethylene production
facilities. We also did not identify any
developments in work practices,
pollution prevention techniques, or
process changes that could achieve
emission reductions from ethylene
process vents. For transfer racks, we
identified one emission reduction
option, at proposal, to revise the transfer
rack applicability threshold (for
volumetric throughput of liquid loaded)
from 76 m3 per day to 1.8 m3 per day
to reflect the more stringent
applicability threshold of other
chemical sector standards that regulate
emissions from transfer rack operations
(i.e., 40 CFR part 63, subparts F and G
and 40 CFR part 63, subpart FFFF). At
proposal, we also identified two
developments in leak detection and
repair (LDAR) practices and processes
for equipment leaks: (1) Lowering the
leak definition for valves in gas and
vapor service or in light liquid service
from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 100
ppm and (2) lowering the leak definition
for pumps in light liquid service from
1,000 ppm to 500 ppm. In addition, we
identified two emission reduction
options, at proposal, for waste streams:
(1) specific performance parameters for
an enhanced biological unit beyond
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40393
those required in the Benzene Waste
Operations NESHAP and (2) treatment
of wastewater streams with a volatile
organic compounds (VOC) content of
750 ppmv or higher by steam stripping
prior to any other treatment process for
facilities with high organic loading rates
(i.e., facilities with total annualized
benzene quantity of 10 Mg/yr or more).
However, based on the costs and
emission reductions for each of the
proposed options (for transfer racks,
equipment leaks, and waste streams),
we considered none of these options to
be cost effective for reducing emissions
from these emission sources at ethylene
production units, and we proposed that
it is not necessary to revise the EMACT
standards for these emission sources
pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(6).
Also, pursuant to CAA section
112(d)(6), we proposed revisions to the
current EMACT standards for storage
vessels and heat exchange systems
(sections IV.D.1 and IV.D.6 of proposal
preamble, 84 FR 54314, October 9,
2019). For storage vessels, we proposed
tightening both the applicability
threshold for MTVP of total organic
HAP (i.e., decreasing it from 3.4 kPa or
greater to 0.69 kPa or greater) and the
applicability threshold for storage vessel
capacity (i.e., decreasing it from 95 m3
to 59 m3) in Table 7 at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(3)(a)(1) and 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(3)(b)(1), respectively. For
heat exchange systems, we proposed to
add a new provision, 40 CFR 63.1086(e),
that would require owners or operators
to use the Modified El Paso Method to
monitor for leaks and to repair leaks of
total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (as methane) in the
stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or greater. We
also proposed to add a new provision,
40 CFR 63.1088(d), establishing a delay
of repair action level of total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane)
in the stripping gas of 62 ppmv, that if
exceeded during leak monitoring, would
require immediate repair (i.e., the leak
found cannot be put on delay of repair
and would be required to be repaired
within 30 days of the monitoring event).
This would apply to both monitoring
heat exchange systems and individual
heat exchangers by replacing the use of
any 40 CFR part 136 water sampling
method with the Modified El Paso
Method and removing the option that
allows for use of a surrogate indicator of
leaks. Finally, we proposed to add a
new provision, 40 CFR 63.1087(c),
requiring re-monitoring at the
monitoring location where a leak is
identified to ensure that any leaks found
are fixed.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40394
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
2. How did the technology review
change for the Ethylene Production
source category?
The EPA has not changed any aspect
of the technology review for process
vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks,
and waste streams since the October 9,
2019, RTR proposal for the Ethylene
Production source category. However,
based on comments received on the
proposed rulemaking, we are not
finalizing the proposed revisions to the
EMACT standards for storage vessels
under CAA section 112(d)(6) to tighten
the applicability threshold for MTVP of
total organic HAP (i.e., decreasing it
from 3.4 kPa or greater to 0.69 kPa or
greater) and the applicability threshold
for storage vessel capacity (i.e.,
decreasing it from 95 m3 to 59 m3).
Moreover, although we are revising the
EMACT standards for heat exchange
systems consistent with the October 9,
2019, RTR proposal, we are also
including, based on comments received
on the proposed rulemaking, an
alternative mass-based leak action level
of total strippable hydrocarbon equal to
or greater than 0.18 kilograms per hour
for heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm or less.
3. What key comments did we receive
on the technology review, and what are
our responses?
The EPA received comments in
support of and against the proposed
technology review amendments and our
determination that no revisions were
warranted under CAA section 112(d)(6)
for process vents, transfer racks,
equipment leaks, and waste streams in
the Ethylene Production source category
and that revisions were warranted for
storage vessels and heat exchange
systems in the Ethylene Production
source category. Generally, for process
vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks,
and waste streams, the comments were
either supportive of the determination
that no cost-effective developments
from the technology review were found,
or that the Agency should re-open and
re-evaluate the MACT standards for
these emission sources and not consider
cost in the technology review for the
emissions sources. Based on our review
of the comments received for process
vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks,
and waste streams, we are finalizing our
determination that no cost-effective
developments exist and that it is not
necessary to revise these emission
standards under CAA section 112(d)(6).
For storage vessels, the EPA received
additional information from
commenters on material composition,
storage vessels that would be affected by
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
the proposed option, and costs
necessary for control of the storage
vessels that would be affected by the
proposed control option. After review of
all the comments received, we
determined that it is not cost effective
to revise the storage vessel control
requirements and are not finalizing
revisions for this emissions source
under CAA section 112(d)(6).
For heat exchange systems, the EPA
received additional information from
commenters on costs necessary for
control of these sources as well as
comments on a number of technical
clarifications and allowance of
compliance with an alternative massbased leak action level should the EPA
finalize the requirements for heat
exchange systems. After review of all
the comments received, we determined
that it is cost effective to revise the heat
exchange system requirements, and we
are finalizing revisions for this
emissions source under CAA section
112(d)(6) however, we are also
including, based on comments received
on the proposed rulemaking, an
alternative mass-based leak action level
of total strippable hydrocarbon equal to
or greater than 0.18 kilograms per hour
for heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm or less.
This section provides comment and
responses for the key comments
received regarding the technology
review amendments we proposed for
storage vessels and heat exchange
systems. Comment summaries and the
EPA’s responses for additional issues
raised regarding the proposed
requirements resulting from our
technology review are in the document,
Summary of Public Comments and
Responses for the Risk and Technology
Reviews for the Ethylene Production
Source Category, available in the docket
for this action.
Comment: We received comments in
support of and against the proposed
changes to the storage vessel capacity
and vapor pressure thresholds and
corresponding control requirements.
Most of the commenters opposed to the
proposed requirements said the EPA’s
proposed changes to the capacity and
vapor pressure thresholds for control of
storage vessel emissions are not costeffective. The commenters said that
based on their analysis and using the
EPA percentages of annual cost
components (9.47-percent capital
recovery, 5-percent maintenance, 4
percent for taxes, insurance, and
administration, $380 per ton of VOC
recovered), the average capital cost for
control is approximately $1.2 million
per tank, the average annual cost is
$216,000 per tank, and the cost
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
effectiveness of the control option is
$108,000 per ton of VOC. The
commenters said that their estimates
account for materials and installation, in
addition to the necessary cleaning and
preparation required to install the
floating roof or make the necessary
connections to the closed vent system.
The commenters asserted that degassing
and cleaning do not appear to be
included in the EPA’s cost calculation
and should be added as these are
necessary steps to prepare the tanks for
modification and ensure worker safety.
The commenter said that their cost
estimate is much higher than the EPA’s
estimate; and the commenters
contended the EPA’s estimated capital
investment for the installation of an
internal floating roof (IFR) on an
existing fixed roof tank is unrealistic
and should be revised. The commenters
stated that at least one facility would
install a new closed vent system to an
existing control device, instead of an
IFR, due to more favorable economics or
site-specific constraints. The
commenters said that the cost of this
closed vent system is approximately
$825,000 per tank (materials and
installation). The commenters also
provided certain technical details and
cost information that they claimed as
CBI.
Response: We are not finalizing the
proposed requirements to tighten the
storage vessel capacity and MTVP
thresholds in response to comments and
additional costs information that the
EPA received on the proposal.
Specifically, we reviewed and agree
with the additional information
submitted by commenters on the
specific storage vessels that would be
affected (e.g., material composition and
vapor pressure data, costs to control
those storage vessels, and estimated
emissions reductions). Importantly, the
CBI submitted by one commenter
provided details showing that
installation of an IFR was not an option
for their specific facility due to
technical constraints. In addition, given
that the proposed option would result in
10 tpy of VOC reductions nationwide
(and lower emissions reductions for
HAP) and cost over $1 million annually,
we find the control of storage vessels at
$108,000 per ton for VOC (and higher
cost effectiveness for HAP) is not cost
effective. Further, the proposed option
would only affect six of the
approximately 248 storage vessels in the
source category [assuming an average of
eight storage vessels per facility from
the CAA section 114 Information
Collection Request (ICR) data] and
would not meaningfully reduce overall
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
emissions from the source category.
Given all of this information, we are not
finalizing the proposed requirements to
tighten the storage vessel capacity and
MTVP thresholds and are keeping the
current MACT level of control for
storage vessels in place.
Comment: A commenter stated that
the proposed technology review
amendments do not represent MACT
and noted three control options were
identified for storage vessels, but only
one was adopted into the proposed rule.
The commenter emphasized that many
new ethylene production facilities are
planned to be constructed or are under
construction and the EPA must address
their HAP emissions by applying the
most stringent control technologies.
Similarly, another commenter stated
that it would be unlawful, arbitrary, and
capricious for the EPA not to set
stronger standards for emissions from
storage vessels. The commenter stated
that although the EPA identified two
other developments in technology for
storage vessels: (1) Requiring LDAR for
fittings on fixed roof storage vessels
(e.g., access hatches) using EPA Method
21, and the use of liquid level overfill
warning monitors and roof landing
warning monitors on storage vessels
with an IFR or external floating roof
(EFR); and (2) the conversion of EFRs to
IFRs through use of geodesic domes, the
EPA declined to require these controls
simply because the control options were
not cost effective. The commenter
insisted that the EPA failed to show
why the cost-per-ton it found for storage
vessel developments are inappropriate
and failed to show why further
reductions are not required to satisfy
CAA sections 112(d)(6) and (f)(2). The
commenter noted the costs the EPA
found ($6,120 per ton HAP to $44,100
per ton HAP) are lower than other rules
where the EPA determined the cost-perton to be appropriate. As an example,
the commenter cited the cost-per-ton
from secondary lead smelting that were
considered reasonable, ranging from
$330,000 per ton to $1,500,000 per ton
(77 FR 576, January 5, 2012). The
commenter stated that because the EPA
found higher cost-reduction ratios
appropriate, it is arbitrary and
capricious for the EPA not to require
greater reductions for storage vessels,
when they are achievable and would
provide more protection for public
health, as statutorily provided. The
commenter asserted that several of these
developments are already widely in use
or required by other regulatory agencies.
The commenter further argued that the
EPA gives no explanation for why the
Agency considers ‘‘incremental cost
effectiveness’’ to be determinative rather
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
than evaluating costs based on ‘‘HAP
cost effectiveness’’ as it does for other
source types, such as equipment leaks
and waste streams.
The commenter argued that the EPA’s
decision to make cost-per-ton the
standard-setting criterion and to choose
a number it deems unreasonable,
without a rational explanation, is
arbitrary and capricious. The
commenter stated the cost-per-ton of
HAP reduction does not indicate
whether a stronger standard is feasible
and does not consider whether the
industry could bear the costs of
additional controls. The commenter
stated that the ethylene production
industry generated $50.8 billion in
revenue in 2016 and the EPA cannot
plausibly claim that this industry
cannot afford to implement the
identified storage vessel developments.
The commenter noted that cost-per-ton
says nothing about health risk, and that
a ton of HAP is a very large amount. The
commenter stated that the risk
assessment for this source category
shows the pollutants emitted in
ethylene production are known to be
hazardous at an exposure level of
micrograms or less, and the carcinogens
emitted (e.g., benzene, formaldehyde,
naphthalene) have no safe level of
exposure. In addition, the commenter
asserted that no two HAP create the
same health risks and that reducing tons
of one pollutant does not produce the
same benefit as reducing tons of
another. The commenter added that the
EPA should not base its final standards
on cost effectiveness at all; the Agency’s
job is simply to determine the
‘‘maximum’’ degree of reduction that
can be achieved considering cost, under
CAA section 112(d)(2), and to assure an
‘‘ample margin of safety to protect
public health’’ under CAA section
112(f)(2). The commenter stressed that if
the EPA wishes to consider cost
effectiveness in any meaningful sense, it
cannot rely on the cost-per-ton, which
says nothing about the true effectiveness
of reducing emissions of highly toxic
pollutants, in terms of public health—
which is a key factor missing from the
EPA’s analysis. Thus, the commenter
concluded it was arbitrary and
capricious for the EPA to decide that it
was not necessary to update the
standards to account for storage vessel
developments based on cost.
The commenter also contended the
EPA may consider cost but CAA section
112(d)(6) does not authorize the EPA to
refuse to update standards based on
cost. The commenter stated the Court
has recognized that developments are
the core requirement, and if
developments have occurred, the EPA
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40395
must account for those. The commenter
further claimed that the EPA should
follow the plain text of CAA section
112(d)(2)–(3) and applicable precedent
requiring explicit authorization to
consider cost. The commenter stated the
EPA’s cost-focused analysis ignores the
statutory objective of assuring the
‘‘maximum’’ achievable degree of
emission reduction provided in CAA
section 112(d)(2), as implemented
through the technology review. The
commenter stated that this analysis also
ignores the statutory goal of protecting
public health, per CAA section 112
(f)(2).
The commenter also stated that
although the EPA initially considered
tightening the threshold for storage
vessel capacity from 95 m3 to 38 m3, the
EPA proposed a threshold of 59 m3
because it found that ‘‘it would not be
cost-effective for this particular storage
vessel to add additional controls due to
its infrequent use.’’ The commenter
contended that the EPA cannot set a
higher capacity threshold simply based
on the cost of installing a control on one
affected vessel, especially without
information or analysis.
Response: We disagree with the
comment that the EPA has an obligation
to review prior MACT determinations
and recalculate MACT floors as part of
each CAA section 112(d)(6) review
given that this argument has been
repeatedly rejected by the Court. See,
e.g., Nat’l Ass’n of Surface Finishing v.
EPA, 795 F.3d 1 (DC Cir. 2015);
Association of Battery Recyclers v. EPA,
716 F.3d 667, 673 (DC Cir. 2013);
Natural Resources Defense Council
(NRDC) v. EPA, 529 F.3d 1077 (DC Cir.
2008). In the proposal we neither reevaluated nor re-opened the MACT
standard for storage vessels under CAA
sections 112(d)(2) and (3) in this action.
For storage vessels, the revisions we
proposed were as a result of the RTR
under CAA sections 112(d)(6) and (f)(2).
As also explained at proposal, under
section 112(d)(6), the EPA is to review
the ‘‘emission standards promulgated
under’’ CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3).
The EPA has consistently posited that
CAA section 112(d)(6) focuses on the
review of developments that have
occurred in a source category since the
original promulgation of a MACT
standard. Similarly, the EPA is to
conduct a risk review that evaluates
whether the emission limits—the
‘‘standards promulgated pursuant to
subsection (d),’’ [CAA section
112(f)(2)(A)]—should be made more
stringent to reduce the risk posed after
compliance with the underlying MACT
standard. Therefore, the EPA does not
have an obligation in its technology and
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40396
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
residual risk review to consider
‘‘hypothetical’’ facilities that is,
facilities that have yet to begin
construction (or may never even be
constructed or operate) and where air
emissions from ethylene production
operations are merely anticipated
because said operations do not yet exist
and facilities have yet to start up. As
also previously discussed we are not
finalizing these proposed revisions
under CAA section 112(d)(6) because
they are not cost effective. In addition,
the proposed revisions have little to no
impact on HAP emissions for the source
category. With respect to the role of cost
in our decisions under the technology
review, we note that the Court has not
required the EPA to demonstrate that a
technology is ‘‘cost-prohibitive’’ in
order not to require adopting a new
technology under CAA section
112(d)(6); a simple finding that a control
is not cost effective is enough. See
Association of Battery Recyclers, et al. v.
EPA, et al., 716 F.3d 667, 673–74 (D.C.
Cir. 2015) (approving the EPA’s
consideration of cost as a factor in its
CAA section 112(d)(6) decision-making
and the EPA’s reliance on cost
effectiveness as a factor in its standardsetting).
The commenter’s comparison of costper-ton estimates against other rules and
other requirements within this final rule
is also misplaced. The commenter
draws a comparison to an analysis for
metal HAP in the Secondary Lead
NESHAP RTR, where those costs per ton
were determined to be within the range
of metal HAP values for other CAA
section 112 rules (see 77 FR 576,
January 5, 2012). However, organic HAP
are the issue of concern for storage
vessels, and the EPA has historically
used a different and significantly lower
cost-effectiveness scale for organic HAP
versus metal HAP due to their relative
toxicity. Generally, for organic HAP, we
consider a cost effectiveness of $10,000/
ton or more to be near the upper end of
what the EPA has traditionally
considered to be cost effective for
control for these particular type of HAP.
In addition, we disagree with the
commenter that consideration of
incremental cost effectiveness was an
unreasonable approach for comparing
differing strategies that build upon one
another. We note that CAA section
112(d)(6) does not prescribe a
methodology for the agency’s costs
analysis, and the EPA has sometimes
presented cost/ton-reduced numbers in
the supporting analyses for regulations
that we issue. See for example,
Husqvarna AB v. EPA, 254 F. 3d 195 at
200 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (‘‘Because section
213 does not mandate a specific method
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
of cost analysis, we find reasonable the
EPA’s choice to consider costs on the
per ton of emissions removed basis.’’).
For storage vessels, we proposed to
tighten the capacity and MTVP
thresholds for control (known as option
SV1 in our technology review
memorandum) and also evaluated two
other control options that built upon
option SV1. Option SV1 was evaluated
in concert with the two other options,
including adding enhanced monitoring
requirements (option SV2) and requiring
EFR storage vessels to convert to IFR
storage vessels via use of geodesic
domes (option SV3). The costs are
presented such that the overall HAP
cost effectiveness for options SV2 and
SV3 also include option SV1, while the
incremental cost-effectiveness values for
options SV2 and SV3 are the costeffectiveness values only for requiring
enhanced monitoring and only for
requiring EFR storage vessels to convert
to IFR storage vessels via use of geodesic
domes, respectively. Simply put, the
incremental cost-effectiveness values for
options SV2 and SV3 do not include
costs and emissions reductions for
option SV1. The commenter did not
provide additional details on costs or
emissions reductions on these options;
thus, we continue to believe these
options are not cost-effective and are not
finalizing them. An incremental costeffectiveness analysis was not needed
for equipment leaks or waste operations
because we did not propose any
revisions under our CAA section
112(d)(6) technology review for these
emission sources. We also did not
consider control options for these
emission sources that would build upon
each other and necessitate an evaluation
of incremental costs and, thus, the HAP
cost effectiveness for the options
presented in those analyses are
equivalent to the incremental costeffectiveness values presented for
options SV2 and SV3 for storage vessels.
For further information on our
technology review for storage vessels,
see the technical memorandum, Clean
Air Act Section 112(d)(6) Technology
Review for Storage Vessels Located in
the Ethylene Production Source
Category, which is available in Docket
ID Item No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0357–
0014.
Lastly, we disagree with the
commenter that it was unreasonable to
consider an infrequently used storage
vessel with a capacity of 58 m3 (i.e., a
storage vessel with a capacity within the
threshold of 38 m3 and 59 m3, which we
evaluated, but did not propose) with
little emissions and an extremely high
cost-effectiveness value for control in
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
setting the size threshold for control in
our SV1 option evaluated under our
CAA section 112(d)(6) review. As
explained in the technology review
memorandum, we first looked at other
chemical sector and refinery NESHAP
for storage vessel control thresholds for
capacity and MTVP as a starting point
and then we used our CAA section 114
ICR data to further refine option SV1.
Based on our CAA section 114 data,
only one storage vessel (with a capacity
of 58 m3) met the most stringent
requirements for control from other
NESHAP compared to the option we
evaluated and would be impacted were
we to evaluate this storage vessel in
option SV1 (along with the other 12
storage vessels we anticipated would
also be affected at proposal). Using the
information from our CAA section 114
request that was submitted for this
storage vessel (e.g., size, number of tank
turnovers, stored material composition),
we conservatively estimated that this 58
m3 storage vessel would only have
annual emissions of 0.005 tpy of HAP if
it had one full turnover (even though it
reported having none in 2013).
Considering the extreme case that all
these emissions would be reduced from
this storage vessel if it were required to
be controlled, and if we made several
other assumptions (e.g., retrofit with an
IFR, 12-foot diameter tank, one of each
of the various upgraded deck fittings),
we determined that controlling this one
storage vessel would have an
annualized cost of approximately $5,550
per year and not be cost effective (i.e.,
over $1,000,000 per ton of HAP). We
note that this information was available
in the docket for commenters to use and
provide their own estimates of HAP
emissions and costs for control for this
storage vessel. When considering this
information, we find the option to
tighten the capacity and MTVP
thresholds to be even less cost effective
if you consider impacts requiring
control from the 58 m3 storage vessel.
Thus, as previously discussed, we are
not finalizing the proposed capacity and
MTVP thresholds we proposed for
storage vessels and are keeping the
current MACT level of control for
storage vessels in place.
Comment: We received comments in
support of and against the proposal to
require use of the Modified El Paso
Method for repairing leaks in heat
exchange systems. A commenter that
supported the proposal noted that at
least eight facilities in the source
category were already using the
Modified El Paso Method. On the other
hand, some commenters said the EPA’s
proposed control requirements for heat
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
exchange systems were not cost
effective when considering the actual
costs to repair leaks. A commenter said
that the costs provided in Table 7 of the
memorandum, Clean Air Act Section
112(d)(6) Technology Review for Heat
Exchange Systems Located in the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
significantly underestimates the true
cost associated with leak repair at
ethylene production facilities. The
commenter contended that for purposes
of leak repair, after identifying a leak,
maintenance and operations personnel
must develop a strategy and schedule to
remove the leaking exchanger from
service, which involves identifying and
selecting options for: Bypassing the
process stream from the leaking system,
the amount of production turndown
necessary while the exchanger is out of
service, identifying and selecting the
appropriate contract personnel, and
scheduling the work so that it does not
conflict with any other planned
maintenance. According to the
commenter, several different personnel
would be involved in these planning
tasks including management,
maintenance, production, and
engineering staff (128 hour estimate is
based on 32 hours × 4 persons). In
addition to these planning costs, the
commenter said that the EPA did not
include costs for bypassing the leaking
system to avoid a total shutdown which
may include renting and plumbing
temporary heat exchangers. The
commenter also said that the EPA did
not include costs for the rental and
installation of cranes and scaffolding for
accessing the heat exchanger for repairs,
and costs for specialized contracted
maintenance support to de-head the
exchanger and perform the repair. Based
on maintenance records, the commenter
contended that repair costs range from
$200,000 to $400,000 per event, not
considering lost profit due to turndown
or shutdown of the production unit.
Factoring in these additional costs and
using the EPA’s estimated HAP
emissions reductions of 25 tpy, the
commenter said the revised cost
effectiveness becomes $16,200 per ton
of HAP. The commenter cited the RTR
for Friction Materials Manufacturing
Facilities (83 FR 19511, May 3, 2018)
where the EPA found that $3,700 per
ton for a permanent total enclosure was
not cost effective, and the RTR for the
Petroleum Refinery Sector (79 FR 36916,
June 30, 2014) where the EPA found
that $14,100 per ton for lowering leak
definitions was not cost effective. The
commenter also said that in cases where
the leaking heat exchanger must be
completely replaced to fix the leak, the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
costs exceed $1 million. The commenter
stated that the EPA acknowledged in the
preamble that emissions from heat
exchange systems have an overall small
contribution to cancer risk to the
individual most exposed and that
additional controls for heat exchange
systems are not necessary to provide an
ample margin of safety.
Response: We disagree with
commenters that said the proposed
requirements for heat exchange systems
to use the Modified El Paso Method and
a leak definition of 6.2 ppmv of total
strippable hydrocarbon concentration
(as methane) in the stripping gas are not
cost-effective. We are finalizing this
proposed development under CAA
section 112(d)(6) with some minor
technical clarifications that are
discussed elsewhere in the rulemaking
record (see our response in this
preamble to commenters’ requests to
include an alternative mass-based leak
definition; also see the document,
Summary of Public Comments and
Responses for the Risk and Technology
Review for Ethylene Production, which
is available in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2017–0357). We note that the
existing MACT standards that were
finalized in 2002 (67 FR 46258, July 12,
2002) contained LDAR provisions and
many of the items commenters include
in their cost estimates are associated
with repair costs that would have
already been incurred under the existing
MACT standards. These repair costs
include, but are not limited to,
planning, bypassing, various equipment
rental costs, costs for scaffolding, and
deheading. We also disagree with
commenter’s cost estimates because
most of the items that they claim are
associated with the proposed revision
will not be required by this final rule
requirement (i.e., we determined that
the costs associated with the difference
between conducting leak sampling
using water sampling methods and leak
sampling using the Modified El Paso
Method as well as costs associated with
combined operator and maintenance
labor to find and repair a leak by
plugging are the only costs that would
be additionally incurred by the
technology review standards). Further,
commenters failed to provide enough
information demonstrating why their
costs information represents leak repair
costs for an average heat exchange
system at an ethylene production
facility. For example, facilities may have
additional heat exchange system
capacity available at their facility and
may opt to use this capacity to repair
the leak, at no additional expense, yet
this was not considered by commenters.
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40397
Also, commenters did not provide
additional information for us to evaluate
the percentage of time additional leaks
would have to be fixed under the
revised heat exchange system standards
proposed under technology review
compared to the original MACT
standards. Thus, we continue to believe
that the majority, if not all of the repair
costs cited by commenters would have
been accounted for and incurred as a
result of the existing MACT standards
and that simply plugging a leaking heat
exchanger would more likely represent
the average cost additionally incurred
by ethylene production sources as a
result of this technology review
development. In addition, in the
proposed rule we explained that we
considered a heat exchanger to
effectively be at the end of its useful life
if it was leaking to such an extent that
it would need to be replaced in order to
comply with the requirement; so the
cost of replacing the heat exchanger
would be an operational cost that would
be incurred by the facility as a result of
routine maintenance and equipment
replacement and not attributable to the
proposed work practice standard that is
being finalized in this action (see the
technical memorandum, Clean Air Act
Section 112(d)(6) Technology Review for
Heat Exchange Systems in the Ethylene
Production Source Category, which is
available in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2017–0357). Thus, given all of this
information, we continue to believe that
those costs associated with the
difference between conducting leak
sampling using water sampling methods
and leak sampling using the Modified El
Paso Method as well as costs associated
with combined operator and
maintenance labor to find and repair a
leak by plugging are the only costs that
would be additionally incurred by the
technology review standards. Based on
our analysis, we find that the revised
standards we proposed for heat
exchange systems are cost effective at
$1,060 per ton of HAP without
consideration of product recovery and
result in a cost savings when you
consider product recovery. Therefore,
we are finalizing the revisions for heat
exchange systems that we proposed
under CAA section 112(d)(6) with some
minor technical clarifications that are
discussed elsewhere in this preamble
and in the document, Summary of
Public Comments and Responses for the
Risk and Technology Review for
Ethylene Production, which is available
in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–
0357.
Additionally, with respect to rules
where we have determined that
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40398
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
requirements are not cost effective at
varying levels of cost effectiveness, we
note that there can be other compelling
factors beyond cost effectiveness that
play a role in the EPA’s determinations
and that each rulemaking is unique and
should be judged on its own merits.
With respect to the two proposed rules
commenters cited, we note that different
determinations likely would have
resulted if some of the other variables in
those rulemaking records were not
considered, such as for the Friction
Materials RTR (83 FR 19511, May 3,
2018) where no facilities in the source
category would have been impacted by
rule revisions under the technology
review due to process changes and use
of non-HAP solvents. Similarly, for the
Petroleum Refinery RTR (79 FR 36916,
June 30, 2014), consideration of other
fugitive emissions management
techniques that were finalized (e.g.,
fenceline monitoring) also had the
potential to help control equipment
leaks in the Petroleum Refinery source
category. Regardless, and as stated
above, we believe that the developments
we identified for heat exchange systems
used in the Ethylene Production source
category are cost effective and are
finalizing these revisions under CAA
section 112(d)(6).
Comment: Some commenters
recommended the EPA revise 40 CFR
63.1086(e)(i) through (iii) to include an
alternative mass-based leak definition.
Commenters argued that by only
defining a leak on a concentration basis,
smaller facilities with lower heat
exchange system recirculation rates
would be forced to identify and fix leaks
with a much lower potential HAP
emissions rate than facilities with larger
recirculation systems.
A commenter said the EPA should
calculate the equivalent mass-based
emission rate using the 90th percentile
heat exchange system recirculation rates
(165,000 gpm) and the leak definition of
6.2 ppmv as methane in the stripping
gas, assuming 100 percent of the
hydrocarbon is hexane, for an
equivalent mass leak-based leak
definition of 6.1 pounds per hour (2.8
kilograms per hour) of Table 1 to 40 CFR
part 63, subpart XX HAP.
Another commenter said the EPA
should modify the leak action level to
be defined as potential strippable
hydrocarbon emissions greater than 4.0
pounds per hour for heat exchange
systems with a recirculation flowrate
less than or equal to 100,000 gpm. The
commenter asserted that the
memorandum, CAA Section 112(d)(6)
Technology Review for Heat Exchangers
Located in the Ethylene Production
Source Category, mentions one case
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
where the concentration of methane was
6.1 ppmv in the gas phase and just less
than 80 parts per billion by weight
(ppbw) in the water phase, thus,
resulting in emissions of 0.64 pounds
per hour based on a recirculation rate of
17,000 gpm. Using this information, the
commenter determined that an average
cooling water system with a
recirculation rate of 100,000 gpm (the
average cooling water recirculation rate
of the ethylene production industry
based on the responses the EPA
received to the CAA section 114 ICR)
and a concentration of strippable
hydrocarbons in the water of 80 ppbw,
will have potential strippable
hydrocarbon emissions of 4 pounds per
hour.
A commenter also recommended the
EPA adjust the ‘‘delay of repair’’ leak
action level in 40 CFR 63.1088(d)(3) to
40 pounds per hour of potential
strippable hydrocarbon emissions for
heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 100,000 gpm or
less, and maintain the ‘‘delay of repair’’
action level at a total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane)
in the stripping gas of 62 ppmv
(approximately 800 ppbw in the cooling
water) for heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate greater than 100,000
gpm.
Response: We agree with commenters
that an alternative mass-based leak
action level is warranted, and that by
not finalizing such an alternative,
smaller heat exchange systems with low
recirculation rates would be
disproportionally affected and forced to
repair leaks with a much lower potential
HAP emissions rate than facilities with
larger recirculation rate systems. We
disagree with commenters, however,
that the foundation of the alternative
mass-based leak action level should be
based on the average recirculation rate
in the source category of 100,000 gpm
or the 90th percentile heat exchange
system recirculation rate of 165,000
gpm. As commenters allude to, the goal
of this alternative is to not
disproportionally impact small heat
exchange systems with low emissions
potential. To that end and given that
this is a technology review under CAA
section 112(d)(6), consideration of
where it is cost-effective to repair a
leaking heat exchange system should be
a primary consideration for this
alternative. In our technology review
memorandum, Clean Air Act Section
112(d)(6) Technology Review for Heat
Exchange Systems Located in the
Ethylene Production Source Category, at
Docket ID Item No. EPA–HQ–OAR–
2017–0357–0011, the nationwide
impacts and emissions reductions
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
presented in Tables 15 and 16 are used
to determine the HAP cost effectiveness
for the source category on average. In
other words, the nationwide impacts for
HAP cost effectiveness (without
consideration of product recovery) at
$1,060/ton of HAP would be the HAP
cost effectiveness for an average heat
exchange system in the source category
that has a recirculation rate of
approximately 100,000 gpm. We also
generally consider that technology
review developments are not cost
effective for organic HAP if the cost
effectiveness is more than $10,000/ton
(or approximately 10 times higher than
the cost effectiveness estimated for the
average heat exchange system at
ethylene production sources). Since the
recirculation rate directly correlates to
mass emissions potential at the same
leak concentration, the mass emissions
for a heat exchange system with
recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm or less
would be at least 10 times smaller
compared to a 100,000 gpm
recirculation rate system and the annual
costs to find and repair leaks would not
change. As such, we determined that it
is not cost effective to control leaks at
the leak action level of total strippable
hydrocarbon of 6.2 ppmv (as methane)
for heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm or less,
because the HAP cost effectiveness
would be approximately $10,000/ton of
HAP or more. Therefore, to alleviate the
concern about disproportionally
impacting small heat exchange systems
with low HAP emissions potential, and
to ensure our technology review
developments are cost effective for all
heat exchange systems in the source
category, we are finalizing an alternative
total hydrocarbon mass-based emissions
rate leak action level (as methane) of
0.18 kilograms per hour (0.4 pounds per
hour) for heat exchange systems in the
Ethylene Production source category
that have a recirculation rate of 10,000
gpm or less. We also agree that for
consistency, and to not
disproportionately impact small heat
exchange systems, that an alternative
mass-based leak action level of 1.8
kilograms per hour (4.0 pounds per
hour) for delay of repair for heat
exchange systems with a recirculation
rate of 10,000 gpm or less is warranted.
4. What is the rationale for our final
approach for the technology review?
Our technology review focused on the
identification and evaluation of
developments in practices, processes,
and control technologies that have
occurred since the EMACT standards
were originally promulgated on July 12,
2002 (67 FR 46258). Specifically, we
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
focused our technology review on all
existing MACT standards for the various
emission sources in the Ethylene
Production source category, including,
storage vessels, ethylene process vents,
transfer racks, equipment leaks, waste
streams, and heat exchange systems. In
the proposal, we only identified costeffective developments for storage
vessels and heat exchange systems and
proposed to tighten the standards for
these two emissions sources under
technology review. We did not identify
developments in practices, processes, or
control technologies for ethylene
process vents, transfer racks, equipment
leaks, and waste streams. Further
rationale about the technology review
can be found in the proposed rule (84
FR 54278, October 9, 2019) and in the
supporting materials in the rulemaking
docket at Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–
2017–0357.
During the public comment period,
we received several comments on our
proposed determinations for the
technology review. The comments and
our specific responses and rationale for
our final decisions can be found in
section IV.B.3 of this preamble and in
the document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
No information presented by
commenters has led us to change our
proposed determination, under CAA
section 112(d)(6) for ethylene process
vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks,
and waste streams, and we are finalizing
our determination that no changes to
these standards are warranted.
Substantive information was submitted
by commenters on proposed revisions
for heat exchange systems, and based on
this information, we are finalizing
revisions for heat exchange systems and
making some technical clarifications to
allow compliance with an alternative
mass-based leak action level for small
heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm or less
in lieu of the concentration-based leak
action level that was proposed. Lastly,
for storage vessels, substantive
information was also submitted by
commenters, and based on this
additional information, we find that the
developments we proposed are not cost
effective for this emissions source.
Thus, we are not finalizing any changes
for storage vessels as a result of the
technology review.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
C. Amendments Pursuant to CAA
Section 112(d)(2) and (d)(3) for the
Ethylene Production Source Category
1. What did we propose pursuant to
CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3) for the
Ethylene Production source category?
Under CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3)
we proposed to amend the operating
and monitoring requirements for flares
used as APCDs in the Ethylene
Production source category to ensure
that facilities that use flares as APCDs
meet the EMACT standards at all times
when controlling HAP emissions. We
proposed to add a provision, 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(4), to extend the application
of the Petroleum Refinery Flare Rule
requirements in 40 CFR part 63, subpart
CC to flares in the Ethylene Production
source category with clarifications,
including, but not limited to, specifying
that several definitions in 40 CFR part
63, subpart CC, that apply to petroleum
refinery flares also apply to flares in the
Ethylene Production source category,
adding a definition and requirements for
pressure-assisted multi-point flares, and
specifying additional requirements
when a gas chromatograph or mass
spectrometer is used for compositional
analysis. Specifically, we proposed to
retain the General Provisions
requirements of 40 CFR 63.11(b) and 40
CFR 60.18(b) that flares used as APCDs
in the Ethylene Production source
category operate pilot flame systems
continuously and that flares operate
with no visible emissions (except for
periods not to exceed a total of 5
minutes during any 2 consecutive
hours) when the flare vent gas flow rate
is below the smokeless capacity of the
flare. We also proposed to consolidate
measures related to flare tip velocity
and new operational and monitoring
requirements related to the combustion
zone gas. Further, in keeping with the
elimination of the SSM exemption, we
proposed a work practice standard
related to the visible emissions and
velocity limits during periods when the
flare is operated above its smokeless
capacity (e.g., periods of emergency
flaring). We proposed eliminating the
cross-references to the General
Provisions and instead to specify all
operational and monitoring
requirements that are intended to apply
to flares used as APCDs in the Ethylene
Production source category.
In addition, we proposed provisions
and clarifications for periods of SSM
and bypasses, including PRD releases,
bypass lines on closed vent systems, in
situ sampling systems, maintenance
activities, and certain gaseous streams
routed to a fuel gas system to ensure
that CAA section 112 standards apply
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40399
continuously, consistent with Sierra
Club v. EPA 551 F. 3d 1019 (D.C. Cir.
2008). For PRD releases, we proposed at
40 CFR 63.1103(e)(2) definitions of
‘‘pressure relief device’’ and ‘‘relief
valve’’ and proposed to add a work
practice standard at 40 CFR
63.1107(h)(3), (6), and (7) for PRDs that
vent to atmosphere that requires three
prevention measures and root cause
analysis and corrective action when a
release occurs.4 We proposed to require
that sources monitor PRDs that vent to
the atmosphere using a system that is
capable of identifying and recording the
time and duration of each pressure
release and of notifying operators that a
pressure release has occurred. We also
proposed to add a provision, 40 CFR
63.1107(h)(4), to require PRDs that vent
through a closed vent system to a
control device or to a process, fuel gas
system, or drain system meet minimum
requirements for the applicable control
system. In addition, we proposed to add
a provision, 40 CFR 63.1107(h)(5), to
exclude the following types of PRDs
from the work practice standard for
PRDs that vent to the atmosphere: (1)
PRDs with a design release pressure of
less than 2.5 pounds per square inch
gauge (psig); (2) PRDs in heavy liquid
service; (3) PRDs that are designed
solely to release due to liquid thermal
expansion; and (4) pilot-operated and
balanced bellows PRDs if the primary
release valve associated with the PRD is
vented through a control system.
Finally, we proposed to add a provision,
40 CFR 63.1107(h)(8), to require future
installation and operation of nonflowing pilot-operated PRDs at all
affected sources.
For bypass lines on closed vent
systems, we proposed to add a
provision, 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(6), to not
allow an owner or operator to bypass
the APCD at any time, and if a bypass
is used, then the owner or operator is to
estimate and report the quantity of
organic HAP released. We proposed this
revision to be consistent with Sierra
Club v. EPA, 551 F.3d 1019 (D.C. Cir.
2008), where the Court determined that
standards under CAA section 112(d)
must provide for compliance at all
times, because bypassing an APCD
could result in a release of regulated
organic HAP to the atmosphere. We also
proposed that the use of a cap, blind
flange, plug, or second valve on an
4 Examples of prevention measures include flow
indicators, level indicators, temperature indicators,
pressure indicators, routine inspection and
maintenance programs or operator training,
inherently safer designs or safety instrumentation
systems, deluge systems, and staged relief systems
where the initial PRD discharges to a control
system.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40400
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
open-ended valve or line is sufficient to
prevent a bypass. For in situ sampling
systems, we proposed to delete the
exclusion of ‘‘in situ sampling systems
(online analyzers)’’ from the definition
of ‘‘ethylene process vent’’ and require
that these kinds of vents meet the
standards applicable to ethylene process
vents at all times.
For maintenance activities, we
proposed a definition for ‘‘periodically
discharged’’ and removed ‘‘episodic or
nonroutine releases’’ from the list of
vents not considered ethylene process
vents. We proposed to add a work
practice standard at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(5) requiring that, prior to
opening process equipment to the
atmosphere, the equipment either: (1)
Be drained and purged to a closed
system so that the hydrocarbon content
is less than or equal to 10 percent of the
lower explosive limit (LEL); (2) be
opened and vented to the atmosphere
only if the 10-percent LEL cannot be
demonstrated and the pressure is less
than or equal to 5 psig, provided there
is no active purging of the equipment to
the atmosphere until the LEL criterion
is met; (3) be opened when there is less
than 50 pounds of VOC that may be
emitted to the atmosphere; or (4) for
installing or removing an equipment
blind, depressurize the equipment to 2
psig or less and maintain pressure of the
equipment where purge gas enters the
equipment at or below 2 psig during the
blind flange installation, provided none
of the other proposed work practice
standards can be met. For cases where
an emission source is required to be
controlled in the EMACT standards but
is routed to a fuel gas system, we
proposed to add footnote b to Table 7
of 40 CFR 63.1103(e) to require that any
flare, utilizing fuel gas whereby the
majority (i.e., 50 percent or more) of the
fuel gas in the fuel gas system is derived
from an ethylene production unit,
comply with the proposed flare
operating and monitoring requirements.
We proposed to add work practice
standards at 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(7) and
(8) to address the decoking of ethylene
cracking furnaces (i.e., the coke
combustion activities in an ethylene
cracking furnace), which is defined as a
shutdown activity and was previously
only required to minimize emissions by
following a startup, shutdown,
malfunction plan. This ensures that
CAA section 112 standards apply
continuously. To minimize coke
combustion emissions from the
decoking of the radiant tube(s) in each
ethylene cracking furnace, we proposed
that an owner or operator must conduct
daily inspections of the firebox burners
and repair all burners that are impinging
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
on the radiant tube(s) as soon as
practical, but not later than 1 calendar
day after the flame impingement is
found. We also proposed that an owner
or operator conduct two of the following
activities: (1) Continuously monitor (or
use a gas detection tube every hour to
monitor) the CO2 concentration at the
radiant tube(s) outlet for indication that
the coke combustion in the ethylene
cracking furnace radiant tube(s) is
complete; (2) continuously monitor the
temperature at the radiant tube(s) outlet
to ensure the coke combustion occurring
inside the radiant tube(s) is not so
aggressive (i.e., too hot) that it damages
either the radiant tube(s) or ethylene
cracking furnace isolation valve(s); (3)
after decoking, but before returning the
ethylene cracking furnace back to
normal operations, purge the radiant
tube(s) with steam and verify that all air
is removed; or (4) after decoking, but
before returning the ethylene cracking
furnace back to normal operations,
apply a coating material to the interior
of the radiant tube(s) to protect against
coke formation inside the radiant tube
during normal operation. In addition,
we proposed that the owner or operator
must conduct the following inspections
for ethylene cracking furnace isolation
valve(s): (1) Prior to decoking operation,
inspect the applicable ethylene cracking
furnace isolation valve(s) to confirm that
the radiant tube(s) being decoked is
completely isolated from the ethylene
production process so that no emissions
generated from decoking operations are
sent to the ethylene production process;
and (2) prior to returning the ethylene
cracking furnace to normal operations
after a decoking operation, inspect the
applicable ethylene cracking furnace
isolation valve(s) to confirm that the
radiant tube(s) that was decoked is
completely isolated from the decoking
pot or furnace firebox such that no
emissions are sent from the radiant
tube(s) to the decoking pot or furnace
firebox once the ethylene cracking
furnace returns to normal operation.
More information concerning our
proposal to address CAA section
112(d)(2) and (3) can be found in the
proposed rule (84 FR 54278, October 9,
2019).
2. How did the revisions pursuant to
CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3) change
since proposal?
The EPA is finalizing the revisions to
the monitoring and operational
requirements for flares, as proposed,
except that we are not finalizing the
work practice standard for velocity
exceedances for flares operating above
their smokeless capacity. In response to
comments that owners or operators have
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
historically considered degassing
emissions from shutdown of storage
vessels to be covered by their SSM plans
per 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5) and relied on
the language in 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5)
that back-up control devices are not
required, we are adding a separate
standard for storage vessel degassing for
storage vessels subject to the control
requirements in Table 7 to 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(3)(b) and (c). The standard
requires owners or operators to control
degassing emissions for floating roof
and fixed roof storage vessels until the
vapor space concentration is less than
10 percent of the LEL. Storage vessels
may be vented to the atmosphere once
the storage vessel degassing
concentration threshold is met (i.e., 10
percent LEL) and all standing liquid has
been removed from the vessel to the
extent practical.
Lastly, based on comments received
on the proposal, we are making some
minor editorial corrections and
technical clarifications to the work
practice standards for the decoking of
ethylene cracking furnaces. Specifically,
we are adding delay of repair provisions
to the flame impingement inspection
requirements, adding clarifying text to
the CO2 monitoring, coil outlet
temperature monitoring, air removal,
and radiant tube(s) treatment
requirements, and removing
unnecessary recordkeeping associated
with the time each isolation valve
inspection is performed and the results
of that inspection even if poor isolation
was not found. For details about these
minor changes, refer to Section 6.7 of
the document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
3. What key comments did we receive
on the proposal revisions pursuant to
CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3), and what
are our responses?
This section provides comment and
responses for the key comments
received regarding our proposed
revisions for flares and clarifications for
periods of SSM, including PRD releases,
decoking operations for ethylene
cracking furnaces (i.e., the decoking of
ethylene cracking furnace radiant
tubes), and storage vessel emptying and
degassing. Other comment summaries
and the EPA’s responses for additional
issues raised regarding these activities
as well as issues raised regarding our
proposed revisions for bypass lines on
closed vent systems, in situ sampling
systems, maintenance activities, and
certain gaseous streams routed to a fuel
gas system, can be found in the
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
Comment: We received comments in
support of and against our proposal to
establish similar requirements for flares
used in the Ethylene Production source
category as the flare requirements
established in the 2015 Petroleum
Refinery NESHAP, including the
incorporation of the net heating value of
the combustion zone (NHVcz)
calculation and limits. One commenter
supported the proposed strengthened
operational and monitoring
requirements, which the commenter
stated reflect best practices already in
place at many facilities and must be
required pursuant to CAA sections
112(d)(2), (3), and (6). The commenter
reiterated the EPA’s determination that
measuring the net heating value of the
flare gas, as it enters the flares, is
insufficient to determine combustibility
because facilities add steam and other
gases not accounted for and that flare
performance data shows that the net
heating value of vent gas in the
combustion zone must reach at least 270
British thermal units per standard cubic
foot (Btu/scf). Some commenters also
supported the EPA’s proposal ‘‘that
owners or operators may use a corrected
heat content of 1,212 Btu/scf for
hydrogen, instead of 274 Btu/scf, to
demonstrate compliance with the
NHVcz operating limit,’’ because the
data show that the control efficiency of
a flare drops off significantly below this
level.
Another commenter also suggested
other improvements to the proposed
flared revisions. According to this
commenter, data shows the proposed
rule does not assure heating values in
the combustion zone that are high
enough to achieve the EMACT
standards. The commenter said that the
EPA has an extensive record to support
its conclusion that some ethylene
production facility flares do not destroy
at least 98 percent of HAP, and urged
the EPA to mandate additional measures
to ensure 98-percent flare destruction
efficiency. The commenter noted that at
least one operator, Formosa, recognizes
that flares can achieve 99-percent
reduction in HAP emissions for small
molecules.5 The commenter stated that
5 The commenter provided the following
reference: RISE St. James et al. Comments on 14
Proposed Initial Title V/Part 70 Air Permits,
Proposed Initial Prevention of Significant
Deterioration Permit, and the Associated
Environmental Assessment Statement for FG LA,
LLC (Formosa) Chemical Complex, Attachment E at
18 (August 12, 2019).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
continuous monitoring of either the net
heating value or composition of flare gas
must be required pursuant to CAA
sections 112(d)(2), (3), and (6). The
commenter recommended that the EPA
also consider the following measures to
help assure compliance with 98-percent
destruction efficiency:
• Prohibit wake dominated flow
flaring conditions. The commenter
noted that studies have shown that high
winds can decrease flare destruction
efficiency.6
• Require continuous video
monitoring and recording for flares
equipped with video monitoring and
flares that vent more than 1 million
standard cubic feet scf per day (MMscf/
day).7
• Require monitoring of pilot gas,
which is already required by the South
Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) and Bay Area Air Quality
Management District (BAAQMD).
The commenter also stated that the
EPA should require that facilities
conduct necessary flare maintenance
and upgrades and have additional flare
capacity on standby. The commenter
stated that if a flare is smoking, that may
mean it simply needs to be either
maintained or updated to address the
problem. The commenter recommended
add-on equipment to augment the
smokeless capacity of a flare.8 The
commenter also said that the EPA
neither explained why other types of
conveyances are not possible, nor can
the EPA justify a standard that exempts
equipment routed to a flare from the
standards that generally apply to such
equipment.
Response: We appreciate the support
from several commenters for the flare
operational and monitoring
6 The commenter provided the following
reference: Robert E. Levy et al., Indus. Prof. for
Clean Air, Reducing Emissions from Plant Flares
(No. 61) at 1 (April 24, 2006).
7 The commenter provided the following
reference: See 84 FR 54296; BAAQMD § 12–11–507:
requiring continuous video monitoring and
recording for flares equipped with video monitoring
and flares with vent gas more than 1 MMscf/day);
SCAQMD Rule 1118(g)(7): requiring continuous
video monitoring and recording; Consent Decree,
United States of America v. Marathon Petroleum
Company LP et al., No. 12–cv–11544 (E.D. Mich.)
(April 5, 2012); Consent Decree, United States of
America et al. v. BP Products North America Inc.,
No. 12–cv–0207 (N.D. Ind.) (May 23, 2012); Consent
Decree, United States of America v. Shell Oil
Company et al., No. 13–cv–2009 (S.D. Tex.) (July
10, 2013); Consent Decree, United States of America
v. Flint Hills Resources Port Arthur, LLC, No. 14–
cv–0169, at 12 (E.D. Tex.) (March 20, 2014).
8 The commenter provided the following
reference: John Zink Hamworthy, Smokeless, Safe,
Economical Solutions: Refining & Petrochemical
Flares. Pg. 4 (this technology can increase the
smokeless capacity of a flare by nearly 38 percent),
available at https://www.johnzink.com/wp-content/
uploads/Flares-Refining-Petrochemical.pdf.
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40401
requirements being finalized at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(4). However, we disagree
with one commenter’s request to
mandate additional measures to ensure
98-percent flare combustion efficiency.
The flare requirements we are finalizing
are already designed to ensure flares
meet a minimum destruction efficiency
of 98 percent, consistent with the MACT
control requirements.
We disagree with the commenter’s
specific request to prohibit wake
dominated flow flaring conditions as we
have extremely limited data to suggest
that wind adversely impacts the
combustion efficiency of flares, let alone
the combustion efficiency of industrialsized flares used at ethylene production
units. Commenters submitted no new
data to otherwise support the assertion
that wind does indeed affect flare
performance, and, as such, we are not
persuaded into changing our position at
proposal that no flare operating
parameter(s) are needed to minimize
wind effects on flare performance.
We disagree with the commenter’s
specific request to require continuous
video monitoring and recording for
flares equipped with video monitoring
and flares that vent more than 1 MMscf/
day. We note that in the final rule we
have provided for the use of video
camera surveillance monitoring as an
alternative to EPA Method 22
monitoring. Observation via the video
camera feed can be conducted readily
throughout the day and will allow the
operators of the flare to watch for visible
emissions at the same time they are
adjusting the flare operations.
We also disagree with the
commenter’s specific request to require
monitoring of pilot gas. The data
available to us suggests that heat release
from the flare pilots are generally
negligible when regulated materials are
sent to the flare and exclusion of the
flare pilot gas simplifies the NHVcz
calculation. Even when only purge gas
is used, the flare pilots typically only
provided about 10 percent of the total
heat input to the flare and typically well
less than 1 percent in the recent passive
fourier transform infrared spectrometry
flare tests when potential regulated
material is routed to the flare (this is
dependent on the size of the flare,
number of pilots, and flare tip design,
which impacts minimum purge flows).
We are finalizing the definition of flare
vent gas as proposed, which excludes
pilot gas.
Also, we disagree with the
commenter’s specific request to require
additional flare capacity on standby to
avoid a smoking flare because it would
require new additional flares to operate
at idle conditions for the vast majority
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40402
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
of time, contributing to additional
criteria pollutant emissions on a
continuous basis, while having only a
small impact on HAP emissions. For
example, an existing flare burns
approximately 25,000 to 100,000
standard cubic feet per day of natural
gas (or fuel gas). If three new flares are
added for each existing flare to ensure
flares do not smoke during emergency
shutdowns or other similar major
events, then the additional emissions
per existing flare would be 1,000 to
4,100 megagrams per year of CO2
equivalence and 0.9 to 3.6 tpy of
nitrogen oxides. This estimate does not
include emissions from the generation
of the extra steam needed for these
flares to operate in a smokeless manner
during the emission events. Therefore,
the secondary impacts associated with
having greater smokeless flare capacity
would be significant. In addition, it is
not clear whether the specific
technology that the commenter cited to
augment the smokeless capacity of a
flare (i.e., a specific steam-assisted flare
system that uses multiple-port
supersonic nozzle technology) is an
‘‘add-on’’ technology, nor did the
commenter provide any data to quantify
or substantiate the claims, or any other
additional details on costs or emissions
reductions for it.
Finally, the commenter did not
provide any context regarding their
comment about other types of
conveyances and justifying standards;
therefore, we are unable to respond to
this portion of the comment.
Comment: A commenter stated that
the EPA improperly based the proposed
flare revisions on CAA sections
112(d)(2) and (3) and should have
evaluated them under CAA section
112(d)(6). The commenter stated that in
setting the original MACT, the EPA did
not have actual data demonstrating that
the best performers were achieving 98percent HAP reduction with flares (and
other combustion devices), but rather
based its conclusions on what it
presumed sources would achieve if a
combustion device were operated
consistent with the requirements in the
rule. The commenter further stated that
the EPA is now claiming that 98-percent
HAP reduction was not achieved in
practice by the best performers, and
instead can only be achieved by the best
performers if they take additional steps
to reduce emissions (e.g., meet NHVcz
requirements and implement additional
monitoring). The commenter contended
the proposed flare revisions can only be
either a BTF standard or a revision as
a result of the technology review, and
the EPA cannot make the standard more
stringent simply by claiming it is
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
ensuring compliance with the current
standard.
The commenter argued the EPA
should have evaluated the flare
revisions under CAA section 112 (d)(6),
found the revisions were not cost
effective, and not proposed the flare
revisions. To support the commenter’s
contention that the proposed flare
requirements would not be cost
effective, the commenter provided
updated estimates for the costs
presented in Tables 3, 6, and 7 of the
EPA memorandum, Control Option
Impacts for Flares Located in the
Ethylene Production Source Category.
The commenter made the following
statements regarding costs:
• The EPA did not consider the cost
of constructing new flares at existing
facilities to meet the proposed
requirements. The commenter stated
that they know that at least one
company would be required under the
proposed rule to install at least two new
flares, due to the high potential for
existing flares to exceed the number of
visible emissions events allowed, with a
capital cost of $20 million and
annualized costs of $3.1 million.
• Gas chromatographs would need to
be installed in certain instances to
comply with the proposed monitoring
requirements, which the commenter
suggests would have an estimated
nationwide capital investment of
$964,000 and annualized costs of
$140,000 for installation and operation.
• The EPA did not account for the
costs associated with upgrading natural
gas controls and flow monitoring; the
commenter estimated approximately 47
flares will require upgraded
supplemental fuel controls and
monitoring equating to a nationwide
capital investment of $5.3 million and
an annualized cost of approximately $1
million.
• The EPA did not account for
supplemental natural gas firing to meet
the revised NHVcz operating parameter,
which the commenter estimates would
cost approximately $66.8 million per
year in additional operating costs.
• The EPA underestimated the costs
to develop the flare management plan
by inappropriately relying on the cost
estimated for refineries. However, most
refineries were subject to similar flare
management plan requirements under
40 CFR part 60, subpart Ja, and,
therefore, were only required to update
existing plans, whereas the commenter
said ethylene producers will generally
be required to develop new flare
management plans. The commenter
estimated the cost to develop a new
flare management plan is $23,300 per
flare.
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
• The EPA did not include the cost to
develop the continuous parametric
monitoring system monitoring plan
required by 40 CFR 63.671(b), which
they estimate is an additional $7,400 per
flare to develop.
Using their updated costs and the
EPA’s estimated 1,430 tpy of HAP
reductions, the commenter stated that
the cost effectiveness of the proposed
flare requirements would be $55,874 per
ton of HAP reduced. The commenter
argued that the EPA would have found
the proposed flare revisions not cost
effective under CAA section 112(d)(6)
and, therefore, would not have included
the changes in the proposed rule.
Another commenter stated there
would be complications complying with
the proposed flare revisions, which
would further increase the cost of the
proposal, including: (1) When gas
chromatographs are currently in use,
some flares will need to add
calorimeters to directly measure the net
heating value on a minute-by-minute
basis to help with process control and
meet the requirements on a 15-minute
basis; (2) some flares have multiple vent
gas lines entering the flare system (e.g.,
a line to the base of the flare and a line
entering the side of the flare stack) and
additional vent gas monitors will be
needed; (3) some flares have two or
more steam lines to the flare tip and
additional steam flow monitors will be
needed; and (4) some flares will need to
install larger volume supplemental fuel
lines, triggering the need for permitting
and construction of these systems.
Response: We disagree with the
commenter that the flare revisions
should have been evaluated and
proposed under CAA section 112(d)(6).
As explained at proposal, we are not
revising the MACT standards, which
generally require 98-percent control
efficiency and allow an owner or
operator to choose the control device to
meet the standard. Rather, we
determined the flare operating and
monitoring requirements were not
adequate to ensure that 98-percent
control efficiency can be met for a flare
at all times. (84 FR 54294). As a general
matter, available flare test data indicates
that flares can achieve 99.9-percent
control at certain times, and we believe
that the long term nationwide average
control efficiency achieved by flares
meeting the final rule requirements
could be over 98-percent control
efficiency. In fact, in the development of
the EMACT standards, the EPA stated
that ‘‘It is generally accepted that
combustion devices achieve a 98
weight-percent reduction in HAP
emissions . . .’’ (65 FR 76428,
December 6, 2000). However, in this
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
rulemaking, we are acknowledging that
there are instances, particularly when
either assist steam or assist air is used,
where flare performance is degraded,
and this level of control is not achieved
at all times. Since the revisions ensure
continuous compliance with the MACT
standards, under CAA sections 112(d)(2)
and (3), costs are not a factor considered
for these revisions. NRDC v. EPA, 529
F.3d 1077, 1084 (D.C. Cir. 2008) (‘‘EPA
may not consider costs in setting the
maximum achievable control
technology ‘floors,’ but only in
determining whether to require ‘beyond
the floor’ reductions in emissions.’’);
NRDC v. EPA, 489 F.3d 1364, 1376 (D.C.
Cir. 2007 (‘‘[C]ost is not a factor that
EPA may permissibly consider in setting
a MACT floor.’’); see also, Nat’l Lime
Ass’n v. EPA, 233 F.3d 625, 640 (D.C.
Cir.2000)). At proposal, we
acknowledged that some additional
instrumentation and supplemental fuel
may be needed for some flares and
included cost estimates for these items.
In addition, as previously explained, the
EPA has no obligation to review prior
MACT determinations and recalculate
MACT floors as part of each CAA
section112(d)(6) review. See, e.g., Nat’l
Ass’n of Surface Finishing v. EPA, 795
F.3d 1 (D.C. Cir. 2015); Association of
Battery Recyclers v. EPA, 716 F.3d 667,
673 (D.C. Cir. 2013), NRDC v. EPA, 529
F.3d 1077(D.C. Cir. 2008).
Contrary to the commenter’s
assertions, we did estimate costs in
order to provide the resulting impacts of
the proposed flare requirements, and we
are not revising these costs as a result
of this comment. The largest impact on
annual costs is associated with
supplemental natural gas to meet the
NHVcz limit, which the commenter
estimated is approximately 18 times
higher than our estimate ($66.8 million
from the commenter versus $3.7 million
for the EPA). We find the commenter’s
cost estimate unreasonable, and that
commenters notably did not account for
adjusting other flare parameters instead
of using such a large amount of natural
gas. We are also unable to re-create and
establish how the estimated costs were
developed by commenters due to a lack
of information pertaining to baseline
flare flows, waste gas compositions,
current supplemental natural gas flows
and steam flows. The commenter also
stated that we did not include costs for
flow monitors and controls, but these
were specific items we included at
proposal (see Table 3 in the
memorandum, Control Option Impacts
for Flares Located in the Ethylene
Production Source Category), and the
EPA’s cost estimate for these items is
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
higher than the commenter’s cost
estimate.
Comment: We received comments in
support of and against the proposed
work practice requirements for visible
emissions and flare tip velocity. A
commenter contended that the inherent
nature of the ethylene production
process (i.e., ethylene production
requires a significant amount of
compression and refrigeration)
necessitates the proposed flare work
practice requirements to an even greater
extent than the refinery sector.
According to the commenter, in an
upset situation such as a power outage
or equipment malfunction, the
compression and refrigeration systems
can be lost resulting in a rapidly
expanding volume of gas that must be
removed from the process equipment to
prevent potential damage and minimize
safety risks.
Several commenters objected to the
EPA’s proposed emergency flaring
provisions for smoking flares. Some
commenters stated that the proposed
number of visible emissions exceedance
events allowed is not supported by data
the EPA received in response to the
CAA section 114 ICR. A commenter said
that the information the EPA used
indicates that there were zero velocity
exceedances during any smoking;
however, 40 CFR 63.670(o) implies that
the flare must be operating above its
smokeless capacity in order to smoke.
The commenter said that unless the EPA
has data indicating that these flares
were exceeding their smokeless capacity
(i.e., there was a tip velocity
exceedance) at the time of the smoking
event, the database that the EPA used
does not support its claims on the
frequency of these events at the best
performing flares and the proposed
deviation definitions at 40 CFR
63.670(o)(7)(ii) and (iv) are arbitrary and
capricious. Similarly, a commenter
noted that the EPA ‘‘assumed . . . that
the best performers would have no more
than one [visible emissions] event every
7 years’’ based on industry survey data
provided by the American Chemistry
Council (ACC), which the commenter
noted fails to provide date ranges for the
data presented, or to identify the
location of the facilities. The commenter
also noted that the survey identifies zero
exceedances of the flare tip velocity
from any facility, and the average
presented by industry is provided
without any context. The commenter
warned that without access to more
detailed underlying data it is impossible
to determine if the ACC data includes
smoking events that occurred at flares
when the flow rate to the flare was also
below the smokeless capacity of the
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40403
flare. The commenter urged that
smoking events that occur when the
smokeless capacity of a flare is not
exceeded should not be included in
determining the average frequency of
hydraulic load smoking events at flares.
A commenter also stated that the
information the ACC provided to the
EPA showing visible emissions events
and velocity exceedances (see Appendix
B of Docket ID Item No. EPA–HQ–OAR–
2017–0357–0017) identifies two flares
as material handling flares and one flare
as a process wastewater flare while all
other flares are not characterized in any
way. The commenter said that the
inconsistent characterization of the
flares raises questions about the nature
of the flares used to support the EPA’s
claims on the frequency of these events
at the best performing flares.
In addition, the commenter reiterated
that the proposed revisions for releases
from smoking flares do not satisfy CAA
section 112(d)(2) or (3). The commenter
said the EPA did not provide rationale,
and did not meet, the statutory test for
smoking flares. The commenter also
said the EPA did not provide a
reasonable analysis or determination
showing that allowing one to two
uncontrolled such events every 3
calendar years (plus force majeure event
releases) reflects the average of the best
performers’ reductions and is the
‘‘maximum achievable degree of
emission reduction.’’ The commenter
urged that what is ‘‘achievable for the
average’’ is not the statutory test. The
commenter expressed the view that it is
unclear how a smoking flare could ever
meet CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3).
The commenter recommended the
EPA consider the data it collected on
flares to determine the amount of HAP
emitted. The commenter stated that the
EPA has not explained why its own data
on emission exceedances from
equipment connected to flares would
not allow it to set limits on smoking
flares, and that the EPA has not and
could not show, based on the record
that the complete exemption for one to
two smoking flare incidents at each
flare, every 3 years, in any way satisfies
CAA section 112(d)(3). The commenter
stated that the EPA’s failure to review
actual data is especially egregious given
the fact that the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the
BAAQMD, and the SCAQMD have
extensive data on the frequency that
operators report smoking emissions
from flares,9 and given that the
9 The commenter provided the following
reference: This data is available on TCEQ Emission
Event Reporting website (https://
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
Continued
06JYR2
40404
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
smokeless capacity of the flare is an
easily ascertainable characteristic. The
commenter argued that using this data,
the EPA could have potentially
determined a MACT floor that complies
with the requirements of the CAA.
The commenter also warned that the
EPA does not meet the BTF
requirements in CAA section 112(d)(2).
The commenter stressed that the EPA
has not demonstrated that allowing
multiple smoking flare exemptions from
the standards is the ‘‘maximum
achievable degree of emission
reduction’’ from those flares. The
commenter argued that, at the very least,
the EPA must set standards on the
duration and amount of gas that is
routed to a flare during a malfunction
event that causes the flare to operate
above its smokeless capacity, in
addition to the cap on the number of
exemptions included in the proposed
rule. The commenter stated that the
HAP emission limits for flares during
malfunctions cannot be less stringent
than the emission limits that apply
during normal operations.
The commenter stated that, based on
data from TCEQ, smoking flare events
can last several minutes or multiple
days, and the EPA’s proposed
regulations do not make clear whether
this should be considered a single event
or multiple smoking events. The
commenter additionally noted that the
EPA’s proposed regulation does not
make clear whether visible smoke
emissions that are caused by multiple
root causes occurring at the same time
should count as one visible emission
event or two.
Response: First, as explained at
proposal flares are used as APCDs to
control HAP emissions in both the
Petroleum Refinery and Ethylene
Production source categories. It is
therefore not a specific emission source
within the EMACT standards and, thus,
we did not seek to establish a MACT
floor for flares at the time that we
promulgated the EMACT standards in
the GMACT NESHAP. Rather, we
identified flares as an acceptable means
for meeting otherwise applicable
requirements and we established flare
operational standards that we believed
would achieve a 98-percent destruction
efficiency on a continual basis. As
previously explained, recognizing that
flares were not achieving the 98-percent
reduction efficiency in practice at all
times, we proposed additional
requirements in the October 9, 2019,
proposed rule (84 FR 54294) to ensure
that flares operate as intended at the
www.tceq.texas.gov/field/eventreporting) and is also
available in Excel format from the state agency.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
time we promulgated the EMACT
standards. This is entirely consistent
with agency practice of fixing
underlying defects in existing MACT
standards under CAA sections 112(d)(2)
and (3), provisions that directly govern
the initial promulgation of MACT
standards. (See, National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
from Petroleum Refineries, October 28,
2009, 74 FR 55670; and National
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants: Group I Polymers and
Resins; Marine Tank Vessel Loading
Operations; Pharmaceuticals
Production; and the Printing and
Publishing Industry, April 21, 2011, 76
FR 22566)).
Regarding the operational standards
for flares operating above the smokeless
capacity, we note that these flare
emissions are due to a sudden increase
in waste gas entering the flare, typically
resulting from a malfunction or an
emergency shutdown at one or more
pieces of equipment that vents
emissions to the flare. The EPA
disagrees with commenter’s suggestion
that standards are warranted for the
duration and amount of gas discharged
to a flare during malfunction events,
which are infrequent, unpredictable and
not under the control of an operator.
Flares are associated with a wide variety
of process equipment and the emissions
routed to a flare during a malfunction
can vary widely based on the cause of
the malfunction and the type of
associated equipment. Thus, it is not
feasible to establish a one-size-fits-all
standard on the amount of gas allowed
to be routed to flares during a
malfunction. Moreover, we note that
routing emissions to the flare will result
in less pollution than the alternative,
which would be to emit directly to the
atmosphere. We note that we do not set
similar limits for thermal oxidizers,
baghouses, or other control devices that
we desire to remain operational during
malfunction events to limit pollutant
emissions to the extent practicable.
However, we did propose work practice
standards that we believed would be
effective in reducing the size and
duration of flaring events that exceed
the smokeless capacity of the flare to
improve overall flare performance. On
that premise, we acknowledge that the
data we received from ACC’s survey
identifies zero exceedances of the flare
tip velocity during a smoking event; and
we agree with the commenter that our
proposed determination of the
frequency of these events at the best
performing sources is not supported.
Therefore, in response to comments on
our proposal, we are not finalizing the
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
proposed work practice standard for
when the flare vent gas flow rate
exceeds the smokeless capacity of the
flare and the tip velocity exceeds the
maximum flare tip velocity operating
limit. Instead, we are finalizing
provisions that require compliance with
the maximum flare tip velocity
operating limit at all times, regardless of
whether you are operating above the
smokeless capacity of the flare.
In order to ensure 98-percent
destruction of HAP discharged to the
flare (as contemplated at the time the
EMACT standards were promulgated)
during both normal operating
conditions when the flare is used solely
as a control device and malfunction
releases where the flare acts both as a
safety device and a control device, we
are finalizing, as proposed, the work
practice standard for when the flare vent
gas flow rate exceeds the smokeless
capacity of the flare and visible
emissions are present from the flare for
more than 5 minutes during any 2
consecutive hours during the release
event. As described in more detail in
our technical memorandum, Control
Option Impacts for Flares Located in the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
located at Docket ID Item No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2017–0357–0017, the best
performing flare in the Ethylene
Production source category for which
we have information on visible
emissions has a visible emissions event
once every 7 years. Even if the bestperforming flare ‘‘typically’’ only has
one event every 7 years, the fact that
visible emissions events are random by
nature (unpredictable, not under the
direct control of the owner or operator)
makes it difficult to use a short term
time span to evaluate a backstop to
ensure an effective work practice
standard. Thus, when one considers a
longer term time span of 20 years, our
analysis shows that three events in 3
years would appear to be ‘‘achievable’’
for the average of the best performing
flares. We disagree with commenters
that we should allow more or fewer
visible emissions events above the
smokeless capacity of a flare. We also
disagree with commenters that the
regulatory text we are cross-referencing
at 40 CFR 63.670(o) is unclear about
what constitutes an event or how to
handle multiple root causes, especially
since there is generally only a singular
root cause at the heart of a visible
emissions event.
With respect to the comment about
conducting a BTF analysis under CAA
section 112(d)(2), we note the work
practice combustion efficiency
standards (specifically limits on the net
heating value in combustion zone)
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
apply at all times, including during
periods of emergency flaring. Because
flares are not an affected emissions
source, but rather an APCD, no BTF
analysis is needed. While requiring the
use of systems such as back-up power
or adding additional flares for
additional flare capacity might alleviate
additional visible emission events, we
note that facilities would have to invest
significant capital to build a back-up
cogeneration power plant or add
additional flare capacity for flares to
operate on standby to handle very
infrequent events we are limiting in this
final rule. Combined with the costs,
significant additional emissions would
also be generated from a cogeneration
power plant or from a flare operating in
standby to handle infrequent smoking
events and this would lead to a net
environmental disbenefit and is
contradictory to the commenter’s own
concerns about limiting emissions from
flares since owners or operators of
ethylene production facilities would
have to construct more of them.
Comment: A commenter noted that
CAA section 112(h) allows the EPA to
set a ‘‘work practice standard’’ in lieu of
a numerical emission standard only if it
is ‘‘not feasible to prescribe or enforce
an emission standard.’’ Further, the
commenter noted, even when the EPA
sets a work practice standard, such a
standard must still be consistent with
CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3). The
commenter rejected the EPA’s rationale
for the CAA section 112(h)
determination in the proposal that
‘‘application of a measurement
methodology for PRDs that vent to
atmosphere is not practicable due to
technological and economic
limitations.’’ The commenter stated that
the EPA’s statement is false, and that the
EPA’s proposed reporting and
recordkeeping requirements would
mandate facilities ‘‘calculate the
quantity of organic HAP released during
each pressure release event.’’ According
to the commenter, a 2007 SCAQMD
report found that ‘‘new (wireless)
technology allows for continuous
monitoring of PRDs without significant
capital expense and makes it easy for
operators to identify valve leaks . . .
VOCs that are emitted from PRDs may
be accurately identified, estimated,
remedied, and reported
immediately.’’ 10 The commenter stated
10 The commenter provided the following
reference: SCAQMD, Rule 1173, Control of Volatile
Organic Compound Leaks and Releases from
Components at Petroleum Facilities and Chemical
Plants (amended February 6 2009), https://
www.arb.ca.gov/DRDB/SC/CURHTML/R1173.PDF,
EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0682–0761; SCAQMD, Final
Staff Report for Proposed Amended Rule 1173—
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
this monitoring technology is already in
use at refineries in the United States,11
and noted that SCAQMD required
refineries to install wireless monitoring
on 20 percent of the PRDs at their
facilities since 2003 and on all PRDs
since 2009.12 The commenter noted that
the EPA also relied on TCEQ data from
seven ethylene production facilities that
reported the quantity of HAP emissions
released during specific PRD release
events. For these reasons, the
commenter argued that it is possible to
measure PRD emissions, and they
actually have been measured. The
commenter stated that the EPA has not
shown and cannot show why, in view
of existing data on the amount,
duration, and types of PRD releases, it
cannot set a limit on these releases. The
commenter further asserted that PRD
releases may be captured and
controlled; therefore, the EPA cannot
use a work practice standard under CAA
sections 112(h)(1) and (2)(A) to justify
failing to set an appropriate numerical
emission standard for them.
A commenter further objected to the
proposed work practice standards
because, they asserted, the EPA
proposed the standards in part on the
basis that the cost of measuring
emissions is too high. The commenter
stated that the EPA must set a MACT
floor without consideration of cost, and
that the cost is reasonable if 12 percent
of existing sources met the limitation.
The commenter argued that although
the EPA stated that it would be
economically prohibitive to construct an
appropriate conveyance and install and
operate continuous monitoring systems
for each individual PRD that vents to
atmosphere, the EPA fails to provide the
estimated cost for construction and
installation of such monitoring systems.
Control of Volatile Organic Compound Leaks and
Releases from Components at Petroleum Facilities
and Chemical Plants at 3–2 (May 15, 2007), Docket
ID Item No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0869–0024.
11 The commenter provided the following
reference: Rosemount Wireless Instrumentation,
Refinery Improves Environmental Compliance and
Reduces Costs with Wireless Instruments (2007)
(‘‘the result has been . . . true time and rate
calculations for brief emissions’’), https://
www2.emersonprocess.com/siteadmincenter/PM
%20Rosemount%20Documents/00830-01004420.pdf; see also Adaptive Wireless Solutions,
Continuous Valve Monitoring for Product Loss
Prevention, Emission Reduction and ROI at 2,
https://www.chemicalprocessing.com/assets/Media/
MediaManager/Continuous_Monitoring_for_
ROI.pdf; Meeting Record for August 4, 2015,
Representatives of Emerson Process Management
and Representatives of Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards (U.S. EPA), Docket ID Item
No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0682–0743 (meeting
regarding PRD monitoring tools and technologies).
12 The commenter provided the following
reference: SCAQMD, Staff Report at ES–2, 2–3 to 2–
5, Docket ID Item No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0869–
0024.
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40405
The commenter argued that any such
calculation would need to consider the
impact of the EPA and state imposed
flaring reduction programs, and the
social and economic cost of the excess
emissions from PRD emissions,
including costs associated with the
disruption in communities that are
subject to ‘‘shelter in place’’ programs
because of episodic releases from
facilities.
Response: We disagree with the
commenter’s assessment and maintain
the rationale provided in the proposal
preamble (84 FR 54302, October 9,
2019), where we specifically discussed
the issue related to constructing a
conveyance and quantitatively
measuring PRD releases and concluded
that these measures were not practicable
and that a work practice standard was
appropriate. Owners or operators can
estimate the quantity of HAP emissions
released during a PRD release event
based on vessel operating conditions
(temperature and pressure) and vessel
contents when a release occurs, but
these estimates do not constitute a
measurement of emissions or emission
rate within the meaning of CAA section
112(h). The monitoring technology
suggested by the commenter is adequate
for identifying PRD releases and is one
of the acceptable methods that facility
owners or operators may use to comply
with the continuous monitoring
requirement. However, we disagree that
it is adequate for accurately measuring
emissions for purposes of determining
compliance with a numeric emission
standard. The technology cited by the
commenter is a wireless monitor that
provides an indication that a PRD
release has occurred, but it does not
provide information on either release
quantity or composition. PRD release
events are characterized by short, high
pressure, non-steady state conditions
that make such releases difficult to
quantitatively measure. As such, we
maintain our position that the
application of a work practice standard
is appropriate for PRDs.
Comment: We received comments in
support of and against the proposed
work practice standards for PRDs.
Specific comments against the proposal
related to whether they apply at all
times.
A commenter stated that even
assuming arguendo that the EPA could
set a work practice standard for PRDs
and that it otherwise had satisfied CAA
sections 112(h) and (d), its action is
unlawful because there would be no
restriction that applies continuously as
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40406
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
the CAA directs.13 The commenters
stated that the proposed rule would
permit an uncontrolled amount of HAP
to be released by a PRD repeatedly,
when it is opened at the facility’s sole
discretion. A commenter stated this
means that once or twice every 3 years
and whenever there is a force majeure
event, any amount of HAP that may
come from these devices could be
released, and would not be a violation,
no matter the original source of
emissions.
A commenter argued that the fact that
the EPA required three non-defined
steps (including monitoring
mechanisms, such as flow indicators,
routine inspection and maintenance,
and operator training) to be taken to try
to prevent such releases does not mean
that there is a continuous CAA section
112-compliant emission standard that
applies. The commenter stated that
none of these steps would restrict
pollution released during PRD openings,
would make the PRD malfunction
exemptions lawful, or would turn them
into a standard instead of an exemption.
The commenter noted that although
there are some potential controls listed
as work practice requirements that a
facility may choose to implement (e.g.,
‘‘deluge systems’’ and ‘‘staged relief
systems where the initial PRD
discharges to a control system’’), the
proposed rule does not require any
facility to either install them or any
other controls or limits on PRDs. The
commenter stated this should be
required pursuant to the MACT floor, as
the best performing PRDs are controlled,
and the best performing process units
are not equipped with any PRDs that are
capable of venting emissions directly to
the atmosphere.
The commenter stated that because
analyses, reports, and potential
corrective action steps would be
required after such releases occur, that
does not mean that the EPA has
implemented a continuous emission
standard. The commenter also stated
that uncontrolled releases are not
considered a violation, and there is no
civil penalty for the HAP emitted during
the allowable PRD releases. Under the
proposed rule, the commenter argued,
no matter how many corrective actions
a facility may take afterward, the release
would still be an authorized release,
allowing an unlimited amount of toxic
air pollution to be emitted into the air
from facility equipment albeit through a
PRD. The commenter said that post-hoc
measures may help discover why a
13 The commenter provided the following
reference: Sierra Club, 551 F.3d at 1028; CAA
section 304(k).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
release happened, and might even help
to prevent release, but these measures
are not considered controls or limits on
the pollution that was released. The
commenter stated that the EPA
additionally failed to propose any
regulatory requirement to end PRD
releases as soon as it is discovered.
Another commenter agreed that the
EPA has the authority and obligation to
adopt work practice standards under the
Sierra Club SSM decision. The
commenter reiterated the Sierra Club
decision and said the EPA must ensure
that some ‘‘emission standard’’ applies
at all times—except that the standard
that applies during normal operation
need not be the same standard for SSM
periods. The commenter said the
requirement for ‘‘continuous’’ standards
means only that a facility may not
install control equipment and then turn
it off when atmospheric conditions are
good; and it does not mean that work
practice standards must physically
restrict emissions from all equipment at
all times. The commenter said that the
EPA has consistently imposed as
‘‘MACT’’ standards a variety of work
practice obligations that do not prohibit
or limit emissions to a specified level at
all times, but rather are designed to
limit overall emissions from various
processes over the course of a year. The
commenter said the EPA’s own LDAR
programs illustrate this distinction. The
commenter contended that no court has
suggested that periods of ‘‘unlimited
emissions’’ [e.g., 40 CFR 63.119(b)(1)
(internal floating roof allowed not to
contact with stored material during
filling/emptying); 40 CFR 63.119(b)(6)
(covers on tank openings may be opened
when needed for access to contents); 40
CFR 63.135(c)(2) (allowing openings on
containers as necessary to prevent
physical damage)] render these
requirements insufficient under CAA
section 112. Rather, the work practice
standards associated with these
requirements—e.g., maintaining
openings in a closed position except as
necessary for access; conducting filling/
emptying as rapidly as possible—are
considered to be acceptable mechanisms
to minimize overall emissions from
these types of equipment, even when
they do not limit emissions at all during
a few brief periods that are necessary for
operational or safety reasons.
Response: We disagree with the
underlying premise of the first
commenter that any PRD release should
be deemed a violation of section 112
and must be directly enforceable. As we
have explained, we believe that a work
practice standard, rather than a
numerical limit applicable to each PRD
release is appropriate. To the extent the
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
commenter is claiming that a standard
does not apply at all times, we also
disagree. Although there is not a
numerical limit that each PRD must
meet at all times, we have established a
work practice standard that does apply
at all times. The work practice standard
for PRDs requires operators to adopt
prevention measures to minimize the
likelihood of PRD release events, and
the installation and operation of
continuous monitoring device(s) to
identify when a PRD release has
occurred. These measures must be
complied with at all times, and thus the
work practice standard does apply at all
times. (See for example, Mexichem
Specialty Resins, Inc. v. EPA, 787 F.3d
544, 560 (D.C. Cir. 2015) (‘‘The
regulations anticipate that regulated
entities will be allowed to open
bypasses during maintenance as long as
they comply with the opening
provisions set forth therein.’’).
Additionally, having a backstop on the
number of PRD releases allowed and
requiring root cause analysis and
corrective action analysis will ensure
PRD releases are further minimized. We
also note that we have always (since the
rule was initially promulgated) had
requirements in our equipment leaks
regulations at 40 CFR 63.1030(c) for the
Ethylene Source category that ensure a
PRD has properly reseated after a
release. We agree with the second
commenter that there are a variety of
work practice standards the EPA has
adopted in its section 112 regulations
that operate similar to the PRD
requirements in that they do not
prohibit emissions from equipment at
all times or otherwise establish numeric
limits for emissions from those pieces of
equipment.
Comment: Commenters stated that the
EPA cannot use CAA section 112(h) to
allow unlimited HAP releases from
PRDs because the authorizations for
uncontrolled PRD releases are back-door
exemptions from the other underlying
standards regulating ethylene
production facilities. For uncontrolled
PRD releases, the commenter asserted
that the EPA did not and could not
reasonably explain how it is lawful to
authorize completely uncontrolled
emissions under CAA section 112(h).
The commenter noted that the Court
previously upheld a decision not to
create a malfunction or ‘‘excursion’’
provision.14
The commenter argued that
historically there has been no limit on
14 The commenter provided the following
reference: Weyerhaeuser Co. v. Costle, 590 F.2d
1011, 1057 (D.C. Cir. 1978) (citing Am. Petrol. Inst.
v. EPA, 540 F.2d 1023, 1036 (10th Cir. 1976)
(denying excursions)).
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
emissions when a PRD acts like a
process vent, and that the EPA’s
purpose in conducting this rulemaking
was, in part, to remove these unlawful
exemptions as compelled by law. The
commenter warns that the EPA’s
proposed rule reinstates new versions of
precisely the same sort of exemptions,
by allowing at least one, and in some
instances two ‘‘free passes’’ to emit
uncontrolled pollution every 3-year
period for each PRD. The commenter
further remarked that exempting such
emissions from the definition of
violation negates the meaning of
‘‘emission standard,’’ and shows that no
standard applies to these releases.
The commenter stated that the EPA
cannot create any exemption from or
weakening of EMACT equipment
standards simply because excess
emissions from equipment are routed
through a PRD. The commenter argued
that doing so unlawfully weakens the
original CAA section 112(d) standards
for the linked equipment, without any
reasoned explanation or support for
doing so. Further, the commenter stated
that because the EPA proposes that no
emission standard applies during the
uncontrolled releases, the exemptions
violate CAA sections 112(d) and 302(k)
and flout the Court’s decisions in these
cases, and also conflict with the EPA’s
decision not to create an unlawful
exemption in the Boilers case.15 The
commenter stated that the EPA provided
no statutory explanation or
interpretation of how its action could
comport with CAA sections 112 and
302(k), therefore, if the EPA were to
finalize these exemptions, the EPA
would open itself up to a violation of
the CAA’s core rulemaking
requirements applicable to CAA
sections 112(d) and (f) standards.
The commenter asserted that the
proposed rule therefore seeks to
establish major exemptions that allow
uncontrolled releases due to predictable
and often-repeated malfunctions. The
commenter noted that the even though
the standard explicitly defines a
violation as the second or even the third
such release from the same PRD during
a 3-year period, whether the second
uncontrolled release from the same PRD
is a violation depends on if the release
has the same root cause. The commenter
stated that PRDs are not independent
emission points, and that PRDs never
release pollution into the air or smoke
unless there is a malfunction. The
commenter also asserted that the EPA’s
attempt to define a new way in which
a facility can claim excess emissions are
15 The commenter provided the following
reference: See U.S. Sugar Co., 830 F.3d at 607–08.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
not a violation echoes the ‘‘affirmative
defense’’ provision the Court held
unlawful in NRDC, 749 F.3d 1055, 1064
(D.C. Cir. 2013). The commenter argued
that the EPA may not flout statutory
constraints Congress enacted in its
discretion by trying to remove civil
penalty liability for excess emissions
that violate the CAA and increase
human exposure to toxic air pollution
directly, contrary to the CAA. The
commenter pointed to the cement kilns
case, in which they asserted the EPA
tried to claim that the unlawful
affirmative defense to civil penalties
was ‘‘part of the emission standard,’’
noted that the Court rejected these
arguments in NRDC, 749 F.3d 1055,
1064 (D.C. Cir. 2013), and argued that
precedent would apply equally here.16
The commenter further argued that the
proposed rule, by allowing owners or
operators to conduct root cause analyses
for these events, essentially permits
owners or operators—not the courts—to
make the determination whether they
should be subject to enforcement or
penalties for certain PRD releases,
which determines whether an event is
either actionable (i.e., the result of
operator error or poor maintenance, or
whether it was the result of the same
root cause as a prior event). The
commenter further stated that the
proposed exemptions contravene the
citizen suit and penalty provisions by
creating a de facto complete defense
(not just an affirmative defense) from
civil penalties for certain uncontrolled
emission releases that would otherwise
constitute violations. The commenter
pointed to a ruling by the Court that
explained how creating such a multistage complicated assessment to
determine if a violation has occurred
undermines the purpose of the CAA and
the ability to enforce it.17
According to the commenter, by
granting this exemption, the EPA may
incentivize facilities to release large
amounts of HAP through PRDs rather
16 The commenter provided the following
reference: EPA, NESHAP, Portland Cement
Summary of Public Comments and Responses at
124–25 (December 20, 2012) (‘‘EPA’s view is that
the affirmative defense is part of the emission
standard and defines two categories of violation.’’).
17 The commenter provided the following
reference: ‘‘Once excursion provisions are
promulgated, an enforcement case no longer turns
on the sharply defined issue of whether the plant
discharged more pollutant than it was allowed to,
but instead depends on murky determinations
concerning the sequence of events in the plant,
whether those events would have been avoidable if
other equipment had been installed, and whether
the discharge was within the intent of the excursion
provision. Consequently, what Congress planned as
a simple proceeding suitable for summary
judgments would become a form of inquest into the
nature of system malfunction.’’ Weyerhaeuser, 590
F.2d at 1058.
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40407
than flares to avoid using one of their
‘‘free passes’’ for the prohibition on
visible smoke emissions from flares.
Instead of meeting the CAA section 112
standards that apply to other facility
equipment routed to PRDs or flares, the
commenter asserted that exemptions
authorize a facility to violate those
limits and have no liability if the excess
emissions are emitted directly into the
air. The commenter stated that this even
creates a perverse incentive for
operators to install redundant PRDs on
process equipment. The commenter also
stated that, at the very least, the EPA
must include regulations prohibiting the
installation of new redundant PRDs to
circumvent the prohibition on
atmospheric releases.
The commenter further stated that
emissions from malfunctions at ethylene
production facilities that are released
through PRDs are a significant source of
underestimated HAP emissions. The
commenter suggested that the emissions
from PRD releases are a substantial
problem for the industry as a whole
when viewed over time. Further, the
commenter argued that there is no
upper limit on the amount of pollution
an individual PRD event can release to
the atmosphere. The commenter
asserted that the EPA’s proposed
exemptions would, therefore, bar
enforcement action against the worst
events.
A commenter observed that
uncontrolled PRD releases are
preventable and avoidable, and that
they need not occur if a facility avoids
over-pressure in the system. The
commenter referred to the proposal
preamble, noting that such ‘‘pressure
build-ups are typically a sign of a
malfunction of the underlying
equipment,’’ and PRDs ‘‘are equipment
installed specifically to release during
malfunctions.’’ Therefore, the
commenter argued that the EPA cannot
rely on any argument that equipment
can fail, and that PRDs are necessary to
address over-pressure and avoid a larger
safety incident, and that the EPA has
not relied on or demonstrated with any
evidence that it is a valid concern. The
commenter stated that even if it may be
considered by the EPA in an
administrative enforcement context or
by the courts in an enforcement case,
the EPA cannot authorize, up front, a
whole set of problematic releases.
The commenter stated that the
proposed malfunction standards for
PRDs also break with prior Agency
policy regarding malfunctions and for
the use of case-by-case enforcement
discretion to address malfunctions. The
commenter stated that the Agency has
repeatedly explained why case-by-case
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40408
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
evaluation of such issues is the only
workable approach, and has repeatedly
finalized prohibitions on uncontrolled
releases from PRDs that vent directly to
the atmosphere, fully aware that
allowing such releases without an
emission limit is a malfunction
exemption prohibited both by the CAA
and the Court’s decision in Sierra Club.
The commenter objected to this change
and indicated that the EPA has failed to
clearly explain this break with prior
precedent.18 The commenter noted that
the EPA finalized similar provisions
prohibiting PRD releases in MACT
standards for Group IV Polymers and
Resins, Pesticide Active Ingredient
Manufacturing, and Polyether Polyols
Production. The commenter further
stated that the Court recently upheld
this type of prohibition in Mexichem
Specialty Resins, Inc. v EPA, 787 F.3d
544, 560–61 (DC Cir. 2015) and urged
the EPA to finalize the standards for
PRD as proposed. The commenter noted
that in light of the EPA’s prior policy,
there can be ‘‘no doubt’’ that prohibiting
uncontrolled PRD releases is lawful and
consistent with the CAA. The
commenter stated that the EPA has
neither provided a reasoned explanation
for the exemptions, nor acknowledged
or explained the break in its prior policy
against malfunction exemptions.
Response: We disagree that PRDs are
simply bypasses for emissions that are
subject to emission limits and controls
and that they, thus, allow for
uncontrolled emissions without
violation or penalty. PRDs are generally
safety devices that are used to prevent
equipment failures that could pose a
danger to the facility and facility
workers. PRD releases are triggered by
equipment or process malfunction. As
such, they do not occur frequently or
routinely and do not have the same
emissions or release characteristics that
routine emission sources have, even if
the PRD and the vent are on the same
equipment. This is because conditions
during a PRD release (temperature,
pressure, and vessel contents) differ
from the conditions that exist during
routine emissions from equipment. For
example, emissions from ethylene
18 The commenter provided the following
references: See, FCC v. Fox, 556 U.S. 502, 516
(2009) (citing Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass’n v. State
Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 463 U.S.
29, 42 (1983)) (‘‘the requirement that an agency
provide reasoned explanation for its action would
ordinarily demand that it display awareness that it
is changing position. An agency may not, for
example, depart from a prior policy sub silentio or
simply disregard rules that are still on the books.’’);
see also Encino v. Navarro, 136 S.Ct. 2117, 2125–
26 (2016) (reaffirming FCC v. Fox and noting the
need to explain changes in agency policy based on
actual facts and circumstances).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
process vents are predictable and must
be characterized for emission potential
and applicable control requirements
prior to operation in the facility’s NOCS
report. In addition, PRDs must operate
in a closed position and must be
continuously monitored to identify
when releases have occurred.
Under the final rule, if an affected
PRD releases to the atmosphere, the
owner or operator is required to perform
root cause analysis and corrective action
analysis as well as implement corrective
actions and comply with the specified
reporting requirements. The work
practice standard also includes criteria
for releases from affected PRDs that
would result in a violation at 40 CFR
63.1107(h)(3)(v). We also note that a
facility cannot simply choose to release
pollutants from a PRD; any release that
is caused willfully or caused by
negligence or operator error is
considered a violation.
We also disagree that PRDs are not
independent emission points and
instead function in venting emissions
from other emission points during a
malfunction. The commenter incorrectly
suggests that the PRD work practice
standard replaces the existing emission
standards for connected equipment. The
amendments to the NESHAP addressing
PRDs do not affect requirements in the
NESHAP that apply to equipment
associated with the PRD. For example,
compliance with the PRD provisions are
required in addition to requirements for
ethylene process vents for the same
equipment. We also disagree with the
comment that the standards for PRDs
also break with prior agency policy
regarding malfunctions. As commenters
correctly note, the EPA has indeed both
set work practice standards for PRDs
and prohibited PRD releases in other
source categories. As explained at
proposal, however, the basis of the work
practice standards promulgated for PRD
releases in the Petroleum Refinery
Sector RTR (80 FR 75178, December 1,
2015) were our underlying basis for the
proposed work practice standards for
PRD releases for facilities in the
Ethylene Production source category (84
FR 54303, October 9, 2019).
The EPA evaluated the best
performing facilities in determining the
appropriate work practice standard, and
as a result considered requirements
established in the SCAQMD and
BAAQMD rules and the Chemical
Accident Prevent Provisions rule (84 FR
54303, October 9, 2019). These rules are
the only rules we are aware of that
address the infrequent and
unpredictable nature of PRD releases.
The EPA established a MACT standard
based on these rules, and as part of this,
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
we determined that either two or three
PRD releases (depending on the root
cause) from a single PRD in a 3-year
period is a violation of the work practice
standard.
Regarding citizen suits, we note that
the regulations do not specify that the
EPA Administrator would make a
binding determination regarding
whether a PRD release is in compliance
or a violation, and the issue could be
argued and resolved by a court in the
context of a citizen suit.
Comment: We received comments in
support of and against the work practice
standards calling for root cause analysis
and certain corrective actions. Some
commenters supported the EPA’s
assessment that even at the best
performing sources, releases from PRDs
are likely to occur and cannot be safely
routed to a control device. A commenter
said the EPA’s conclusion is consistent
with company’s experiences that
pressure release actuation events, while
infrequent, will occur even at properly
designed and operated sources,
including the best performers. Another
commenter said that although they agree
with the EPA’s conclusion that it is not
cost effective to control all PRD releases
to the atmosphere, they do not agree
that a root cause analysis and corrective
action is a warranted work practice in
every situation where a PRD relieves to
the atmosphere and should not be
required as part of the work practice
standard for every PRD release. The
commenter stated that under the
Chemical Accident Prevention Program
at 40 CFR 68.81(a), an incident
investigation with root cause analysis is
required only when the release is a
catastrophic release or ‘‘could
reasonably have resulted in a
catastrophic release.’’ The commenter
said that a ‘‘catastrophic release’’ is
defined as a ‘‘major uncontrolled
emission, fire, or explosion, involving
one or more regulated substances that
presents imminent and substantial
endangerment to public health and the
environment.’’ The commenter argued
that the EPA has not established
sufficient evidence in the background
documents for this rulemaking to
indicate that conducting a root cause
analysis routinely for all PRD releases
regardless of whether they meet the
definition of ‘‘catastrophic release’’ is
being performed by the best performing
sources in the Ethylene Production
source category.
Another commenter asserted that the
EPA did not set a standard for PRDs that
complies with the CAA requirements to
assure both the ‘‘average emission
limitation achieved’’ by the relevant
best-performing sources and the
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
‘‘maximum degree of emission
reduction’’ that is ‘‘achievable’’ and,
therefore, the EPA’s proposed standards
for PRDs do not meet the CAA sections
112(d)(2) and (3) test. The commenter
states there is no discussion in the
proposed rule of these factors for PRD
releases, much less an analysis or
determination that allowing one—two
uncontrolled releases every 3 years
(plus force majeure event releases)
reflects, at minimum, the average of the
best performers’ reductions, and is the
‘‘maximum achievable degree of
emission reduction.’’
The commenter stated that the TCEQ
data that the EPA relies on clearly
demonstrate that at least 23 percent
(likely higher) of ethylene production
facilities have zero atmospheric
releases. The EPA reviewed roughly 30
percent of all operating ethylene
production facilities (i.e., seven of 26
ethylene production facilities) in the
source category that were chosen at
random. The commenter notes that only
one of the events was actually an
atmospheric PRD release on a properly
operating PRD, which means that six
facilities, or 23 percent of all operating
ethylene production facilities, had no
atmospheric releases on a properly
operating PRD. The commenter noted
that the number of ethylene production
facilities with zero atmospheric releases
is higher. The commenter also stated
that the EPA has not explained why it
relied on data from the petroleum
refinery sector when data for ethylene
production facilities is readily available
and relied on elsewhere in the
rulemaking. The commenter noted that
compliance data for refineries from 2019
under the 2015 Petroleum Refineries
NESHAP that is publicly available
shows that the average uncontrolled
PRD has far fewer releases to the
atmosphere than the EPA claims that
the best performers do, and that the
best-performing uncontrolled PRDs are
likely to have no atmospheric releases
over a 3-year period. The commenter
provided data from 40 CFR part 63,
subpart CC compliance reports available
on the websites of state environmental
agencies in Louisiana, Texas, and
Indiana for 10 refineries that
collectively represented approximately
1,030 uncontrolled PRDs. The
commenter noted that these data suggest
that the EPA is proposing a number of
releases that is exponentially higher
than what has been demonstrated by
real-world results from refineries thus
far, and that the average uncontrolled
PRD from the average refinery has far
fewer than the two or three releases to
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
the atmosphere over 5 years that the
EPA claims that the best performers do.
A commenter argued that the EPA
should set a zero emission limit for all
PRDs because the best-performing PRD
has no emissions to the atmosphere and
the average of the best-performing 12
percent emit nothing to the atmosphere.
The commenter stated that since the
emission limitation for new sources is to
reflect the performance of best
performing PRD, new PRDs would
presumably be required to capture and
return discharges to process units;
existing PRDs would have to meet the
average of the best performing PRD,
which could not be less stringent than
the emission rate of the best performing
PRD controlled by flares.
A commenter recommended that the
EPA require new and modified
atmospheric PRDs or existing PRDs on
modified process equipment to be
routed to the fuel gas system, flare, or
other control device that achieves 98percent destruction efficiency, pursuant
to the MACT floor, as the best
performing PRDs are controlled and the
best performing process units are not
equipped with any PRDs that are
capable of venting emissions directly to
the atmosphere. The commenter
requested that the EPA propose that
uncontrolled HAP emissions no longer
be allowed from a PRD, and any releases
from such devices would have to be
routed through a control device.
The commenter further stated that the
EPA’s determination on PRDs was based
on review of SCAQMD and BAAQMD
adopted programs that attempt to reduce
uncontrolled releases from PRDs, with
generally more stringent emission
limitations and LDAR programs than
federal programs. The commenter stated
that the EPA should adopt the best
features of those programs in
strengthening the NESHAP, but that
these efforts were not subject to or
aiming to satisfy the MACT floor
requirements of the CAA, nor are they
determinative of the MACT floor for
PRDs, which must be based on the level
of control ‘‘achieved in practice’’ by the
relevant best-performing 12 percent of
emission sources (for existing sources),
or the best single source (for new
sources).
According to the commenter the
SCAQMD data on PRD releases from
refineries shows that five out of eight
(more than 50 percent) of regulated
facilities reported zero atmospheric
PRDs releases between 2010 and 2015
(the total number of refineries in the
SCAQMD data do not include those
operated by Alon Refining, which were
idled in 2012). Thus, the commenter
stated that the SCAQMD data
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40409
demonstrate that the best performing
PRDs do not release emissions directly
to the atmosphere.
The commenter further stated that the
EPA has not actually implemented the
requirements of the BAAQMD and
SCAQMD programs, and that the
BAAQMD and SCAQMD programs are
far more protective than the proposed
rule. First, the commenter noted the
BAAQMD requires that the operator
must control (via flare or routing to a
process unit) all PRDs that discharge for
a second time in a 5-year period,
whereas the SCAQMD rules include a
similar provision, but offer as an
alternative payment of a fee of $350,000
for each PRD that is not controlled. The
commenter added that SCAQMD rules
also require control of any PRD that has
a single large release of greater than
2,000 pounds per day (lbs/day). Second,
the commenter noted the BAAQMD and
SCAQMD rules require the use of three
redundant systems, including worker
training, inspection, and maintenance,
and two redundant ‘‘hardware’’ oriented
systems. The third significant difference
noted by the commenter is the greater
number of releases allowed by the
option to parse releases by ‘‘root cause.’’
The commenter also stated that the
EPA appears to have inappropriately
categorized PRDs in its analysis. The
commenter noted that the EPA stated it
intended to regulate ‘‘atmospheric’’ PRD
releases, i.e., releases to the atmosphere,
including those vented to a control
device, however, in the proposed rule,
the EPA appears to have effectively
ignored the ‘‘best controlled’’ PRDs
(those routed to processes with no
discharge to the environment) and the
‘‘well-controlled’’ PRDs (those routed to
high quality flares) and determined the
MACT floor based on PRDs with some
lesser level of regulation. The
commenter stressed that the CAA does
not allow the EPA to categorize in this
manner (see CAA section 112(d)(1)
(allowing the EPA only to ‘‘distinguish
among classes, types, and sizes of
sources’’)).
Response: At proposal, the EPA
provided extensive discussions on why
it was appropriate to establish a work
practice standard for PRDs that vent to
atmosphere, under CAA section 112(h).
84 FR 54302–304. We explained that no
ethylene production facility is subject to
numeric emission limits for PRDs that
vent to the atmosphere. We posited that
the EPA did not believe it was
appropriate to subject PRDs that vent to
the atmosphere to numeric emission
limits due to technological and
economical limitations that make it
impracticable to measure emissions
from such PRDs. We further explained
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40410
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
that CAA section 112(h)(1) allows the
EPA to prescribe a work practice
standard or other requirement,
consistent with the provisions of CAA
section 112(d) or (f), in those cases
where, in the judgment of the
Administrator, it is not feasible to
enforce an emission standard.
Additionally, we explained that CAA
section 112(h)(2)(B) defines the term
‘‘not feasible’’ in this context as
meaning that ‘‘the application of
measurement technology to a particular
class of sources is not practicable due to
technological and economic
limitations.’’ We also noted that the
basis of the work practice standards
promulgated for PRD releases in the
Petroleum Refinery Sector RTR (80 FR
75178, December 1, 2015) were our
underlying basis for the proposed work
practice standards at ethylene
production facilities. 84 FR 54303.
As a general matter, CAA section 112
requires MACT for existing sources to
be no less stringent than ‘‘the average
emission limitation achieved by the best
performing 12 percent of the existing
sources (for which the Administrator
has emissions information). . .’’ [(CAA
section 112(d)(3)(A)]. ‘‘Emission
limitation’’ is defined in the CAA as
‘‘. . .a requirement established by the
State or Administrator which limits the
quantity, rate, or concentration of
emissions of air pollutants on a
continuous basis, including any
requirement relating to operation or
maintenance of a source to assure
continuous emission reduction, and any
design, equipment, work practice, or
operational standard promulgated under
this chapter’’ [CAA section 302(k)]. The
EPA specifically considers existing rules
from state and local authorities in
identifying the ‘‘emission limitations’’
for a given source. We then identify the
best performers to identify the MACT
floor (the no less stringent than level)
for that source. The EPA identified the
requirements established in the
SCAQMD and BAAQMD rules, and the
Chemical Accident Prevent Provisions
rule (40 CFR part 68) as the basis of the
MACT floor because they represented
the requirements applicable to the best
performing sources. 84 FR 54303. Work
practice standards are established in
place of a numeric limit where it is not
feasible to establish such limits. Thus,
in a case such as this, where the EPA
has determined that it is appropriate to
establish work practice standards, it was
reasonable for the EPA to identify the
rules that impose the most stringent
requirements and, thus, represent what
applies to the best performers, and then
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
to apply the requirements from those
rules as MACT.
We recognize that the proposed
standard for PRDs did not exactly mirror
the SCAQMD, BAAQMD, or Chemical
Accident Prevent Provisions rules
exactly, but consider the requirements
to be comparable. For example, we did
not include a provision similar to that
in the SCAQMD rule that excludes
releases less than 500 lbs/day from the
requirement to perform a root cause
analysis; that provision in the SCAQMD
rule does not include any other
obligation to reduce the number of these
events. Similarly, we did not include a
provision that only catastrophic PRD
releases must be investigated, as the
commenter noted. Rather than allowing
unlimited releases less than 500 lbs/day
or that are not considered catastrophic,
we require a root cause analysis for
releases of any size. Because we count
small releases that the SCAQMD rule
does not regulate at all, we considered
it reasonable to provide a higher number
of releases prior to considering the
owner or operator to be in violation of
the work practice standard. We also
adopted the three prevention measures
requirements in the BAAQMD rule with
limited modifications. After considering
the PRD release event limits in both the
SCAQMD and BAAQMD rules, we
determined it was reasonable and
appropriate to establish PRD
requirements consistent with the flare
work practice standard provisions in the
SCAQMD and BAAQMD rules.
Therefore, the final requirements
provide that two or three events
(depending on the root cause) from the
same PRD in a 3-calendar-year period is
a violation of the work practice
standard. We also note that a facility
cannot simply choose to release
pollutants from a PRD; any release that
is caused willfully or caused by
negligence or operator error is
considered a violation.
With respect to subcategorizing PRDs
into those that vent to the atmosphere
versus those that vent to a control
system, we note that the only
information we have available about
when PRD releases occur at ethylene
production facilities are from those
PRDs that release directly to
atmosphere. Regardless of whether we
subcategorize or not, the best
performing PRD for which we have
information had one release over a 7year period, and the backstop for how
many releases are allowed to occur is
based on this information over a longterm period of time given the random
nature of when a PRD release might
occur.
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
In summary, the work practice
standard we are finalizing provides a
comprehensive program to manage
entire populations of PRDs and includes
prevention measures, continuous
monitoring, root cause analysis, and
corrective actions, and addresses the
potential for violations for multiple
releases over a 3-year period. We
followed the requirements of section
112 of the CAA, including CAA section
112(h), in establishing what work
practice constituted the MACT floor.
Comment: Commenters requested that
the EPA add a standard for minimizing
emissions arising from degassing storage
vessels that are complying with the
control requirements in Table 7 to 40
CFR 63.1103(e). A commenter explained
this request is due to their current
interpretation of the proposed rule,
wherein 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5) no longer
applies, and, thus, facilities may be
required to vent to control devices at all
times, even during degassing events. A
commenter stated that the current rule
requires facilities to address
minimization of emissions from
shutdown, which includes degassing, in
the SSM plan required by 40 CFR
63.1111; and facilities have historically
considered degassing emissions from
shutdown of storage vessels to be
covered by their SSM plans per 40 CFR
63.1108(a)(5) and relied on the language
in 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5) that back-up
control devices are not required. The
commenter requested the EPA
subcategorize storage vessel degassing
emissions as maintenance vents based
on class, just as the EPA proposed for
process vents. The commenter remarked
that the Texas permit conditions
presented in the memorandum, Review
of Regulatory Alternatives for Certain
Vent Streams in the Ethylene
Production Source Category, apply
equally to both maintenance vents and
degassing of storage vessels and stated
these permit conditions reflect what the
best performers have implemented for
storage vessel degassing (for both fixed
and floating roofs) for both new and
existing sources. According to the
commenter, it is not feasible to control
all the emissions from the entire storage
vessel emptying and degassing event
and at some point, the storage vessel
must be opened and any remaining
vapors vented to the atmosphere. The
commenter further stated that this
venting of vapors to the atmosphere is
similar to the EPA description for
maintenance vents in the preamble to
the proposed rule.
The commenter stated that the EPA
referenced the memorandum, Impacts
for Control Options for Storage Vessels
at Petroleum Refineries (Docket Item ID
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0682–0199),
as part of the EMACT storage vessel
technology review, in which the EPA
concluded that degassing controls for
storage vessels were not cost effective.
Additionally, the commenter said that
in the EPA’s summary of public
comments and responses to the 2014
proposal for the Petroleum Refinery
NESHAP RTR, the EPA stated: ‘‘. . . if
a control device is used to comply with
this final rule during normal operations,
then such a control device must be used
at all times, including during degassing
of the storage vessel. Any bypassing of
emissions from being routed to a control
device to being routed to the
atmosphere would be considered a
violation of the standard.’’
Response: We agree with the
commenters that complying with the
storage vessel requirements in Table 7 at
40 CFR 63.1103(e)(3)(b) and (c) is not
appropriate during storage vessel
degassing events and a separate
standard for storage vessel degassing is
necessary, due to the nature of the
activity. With the removal of SSM
requirements, as proposed, a standard
specific to storage vessel degassing does
not exist when storage vessels are using
control devices to comply with the
requirements in Table 7 to 40 CFR
63.1103(e). We also agree with the
commenters that storage vessel
degassing is similar to maintenance
vents (e.g., equipment openings) and
that there must be a point in time when
the storage vessel can be opened and
any emissions vented to the atmosphere.
In response to this comment, therefore,
we reviewed available data to determine
how the best performers are controlling
storage vessel degassing emissions.
We are aware of the following three
regulations that address storage vessel
degassing, two in the state of Texas and
the third for the SCAQMD in California.
Texas has degassing provisions in the
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) (30
TAC Chapter 115, Subchapter F,
Division 3. See https://
texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/
readtac%24ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=
5&ti=30&pt=1&ch=115&sch=
F&div=3&rl=Y) and through permit
conditions (as noted by the commenter,
see https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/
public/permitting/air/Guidance/New
SourceReview/mss/chemmssdraftconditions.pdf) while Rule
1149 contains the SCAMD degassing
provisions (see https://www.aqmd.gov/
docs/default-source/rule-book/reg-xi/
rule-1149.pdf). The TAC requirements
are the least stringent and require
control of degassing emissions until the
vapor space concentration is less than
35,000 ppmv as methane or 50 percent
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
of the LEL. The Texas permit conditions
require control of degassing emissions
until the vapor space concentration is
less than 10 percent of the LEL or until
the VOC concentration is less than
10,000 ppmv and SCAQMD Rule 1149
requires control of degassing emissions
until the vapor space concentration is
less than 5,000 ppmv as methane. The
Texas permit conditions requiring
compliance with 10 percent of the LEL
and SCAQMD Rule 1149 control
requirements are considered equivalent
because 5,000 ppmv as methane equals
10 percent of the LEL for methane.
Ethylene production facilities located
in Texas are subject to maintenance,
startup, and shutdown (MSS) special
permit conditions, but no ethylene
production facilities are subject to the
SCAQMD rule. Of the 26 currently
operating ethylene production facilities,
17 are in Texas. Therefore, the Texas
permit conditions relying on storage
vessel degassing until 10 percent of LEL
is achieved reflect what the best
performers have implemented for
storage vessel degassing and we
considered this information as the
MACT floor for both new and existing
sources. Notably, this also aligns with
the commenter’s assessment.
We reviewed permit condition 6
(applicable to floating roof storage
vessels) and permit condition 7
(applicable to fixed roof storage vessels)
for key information that could be
implemented to form the basis of a
standard for storage vessel degassing
that are required for facilities in Texas.
The permit conditions require control of
degassing emissions for floating roof
and fixed roof storage vessels until the
vapor space concentration is less than
10 percent of the LEL. The permit
conditions also specify that facilities
can also degas a storage vessel until they
meet a VOC concentration of 10,000
ppmv, but we do not consider 10,000
ppmv to be equivalent to or as stringent
as the compliance option to meet 10
percent of the LEL and are not including
this as a compliance option. We also do
not expect the best performers would be
using this concentration for compliance,
which is supported by the commenters
recommending the requirements mimic
the maintenance vent requirements and
because the Texas permit conditions
allow facilities to calibrate their LEL
monitor using methane. Storage vessels
may be vented to the atmosphere once
the storage vessel degassing
concentration threshold is met (i.e., less
than 10 percent of the LEL) and all
standing liquid has been removed from
the vessel to the extent practicable.
These requirements are considered
MACT for both new and existing
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40411
sources and we are finalizing these
requirements at 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(10).
We calculated the impacts due to
controlling storage vessel degassing
emissions by evaluating the population
of storage vessels that are subject to
control under Table 7 at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(3)(b) and (c) and not located
in Texas. Storage vessels in the Ethylene
Production source category in Texas
would already be subject to the
degassing requirements, and there
would not be additional costs or
emissions reductions for these facilities.
Our review of the CAA section 114 ICR
survey responses, showed that most
storage vessels are seldom degassed,
with an average of 14 years between
degassing events. Based on this average
and the population of storage vessels
that are not in Texas, we estimated two
storage vessel degassing events would
be newly subject to control each year.
Controlling storage vessel degassing
would reduce HAP emissions by 1.7
tpy, with a total annual cost of $9,400.
See the technical memoranda, Storage
Vessel Degassing Model Development
and Final Cost and Emissions Impacts
for Ethylene Production NESHAP RTR,
which are available in Docket ID No.
EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0357 for details
on the assumptions and methodologies
used in this analysis.
We also considered options BTF, but
we did not identify any and are not
aware of storage vessel degassing
control provisions more stringent than
those discussed above and being
finalized in this rule, therefore, no BTF
option was evaluated.
Comment: We received comments in
support of the proposed work practice
standards for decoking operations. One
commenter agreed with the EPA’s
conclusion to propose work practices
for decoking operations pursuant to
CAA section 112(h)(1) due to
technological and economic limitations.
However, another commenter stated
that the proposed requirements for new
and existing decoking operations failed
to meet the requirements of CAA
sections 112(d)(2) and (3). The
commenter stated that the EPA correctly
proposes to remove the general SSM
exemptions, but instead proposes to
regulate HAP emissions from decoking
operations through work practice
standards rather than emission limits,
and includes four alternate actions for
decoking of radiant tubes. The
commenter asserted that the EPA may
not set work practice standards unless it
is ‘‘not feasible to prescribe or enforce
an emission standard.’’ The commenter
noted that the EPA provides no
explanation or justification for why it
chose four alternate practices, rather
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40412
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
than identifying the combination of
practices that would eliminate HAP
emissions, or reduce them to the
furthest extent possible, consistent with
CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3).
Additionally, the commenter stated that
the EPA admits that the test data it
collected from industry is unreliable,
and inappropriately relies on this claim
to posit that the Agency is entitled to
promulgate a work practice standard.
The commenter argued that the EPA’s
proposed standard is, therefore,
inconsistent with the CAA’s MACT
requirements.
Response: We agree with the
commenters who state that work
practice standards are appropriate for
decoking operations due to
technological and economic limitations.
We are adopting these proposed work
practice standards into the final rule
with only minor changes, which are
discussed elsewhere in rulemaking
record (see the document, Summary of
Public Comments and Responses for the
Risk and Technology Review for
Ethylene Production, which is available
in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–
0357).
We disagree that the work practice
standards for decoking operations fail to
meet the requirements of CAA sections
112(d)(2) and (3) and are inconsistent
with the CAA’s MACT requirements. As
explained in the preamble to the
proposed rule, we are adopting work
practice standards instead of numeric
emission limits as it is ‘‘not feasible to
prescribe or enforce an emission
standard’’ for these emissions because
‘‘the application of measurement
technology to a particular class of
sources is not practicable due to
technological and economic
limitations’’ (see CAA section
112(h)(2)(B)). 84 FR 54307–309. The
emissions stream generated from
decoking operations (i.e., the
combination of coke combustion
constituents, air, and steam from the
radiant tube(s)) is very dilute with a
high moisture content (e.g., generally
>95 percent water); and as explained in
the preamble to the proposed rule,
based on CAA section 114 ICR data, the
majority of emissions measurements
from the stream are not ‘‘technologically
practicable’’ within the meaning of CAA
section 112(h) because they are below
detection limits. We have also
previously reasoned that ‘‘application of
measurement methodologies’’ under
CAA section 112(h) must also mean that
a measurement has some reasonable
relation to what the source is emitting
(i.e., that the measurement yields a
meaningful value). We have further
explained that unreliable measurements
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
raise issues of practicability, feasibility,
and enforceability. Additionally, we
have posited that the application of
measurement methodology would also
not be ‘‘practicable due to . . .
economic limitation’’ within the
meaning of CAA section 112(h) because
it would result in cost expended to
produce analytically suspect
measurements. Refer to the Area Source
Boiler Rule (75 FR 31906, June 4, 2010)
and the NESHAP for the Wool
Fiberglass Manufacturing source
category (80 FR 45280 and 45312, July
29, 2015).
Moreover, the final rule, at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(7), requires owners or
operators to conduct daily inspections
for flame impingement and also
implement at least two of four other
work practices to minimize coke
combustion emissions from the
decoking of the radiant tube(s) in each
ethylene cracking furnace. Specifically,
40 CFR 63.1103(e)(7)(ii) through (v)
requires owners or operators choose to
conduct two of the following work
practices: Monitor CO2 concentration,
monitor temperature, purge the radiant
tube(s), and/or apply material to the
interior of the radiant tube(s)). In
addition, the final rule, at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(8), requires owners or
operators to conduct ethylene cracking
furnace isolation valve inspections.
With regard to the comment that the
EPA provided no explanation or
justification for why we chose the four
other work practices, we believe each
control measure is feasible and effective
in reducing HAP emissions from
decoking an ethylene cracking furnace.
As explained in the preamble to the
proposed rule (84 FR 54278, October 9,
2019), based on discussions with
industry, as well as a review of facilityspecific SSM plans that were submitted
to the EPA in response to the CAA
section 114 request, we determined that
owners or operators already conduct
work practices to minimize emissions
due to coke combustion. We determined
the measures to be consistent with CAA
section 112(d) controls and reflect a
level of performance analogous to a
MACT floor; and we believe that it is
most effective for sources to determine
the best practices from the list of
options. Regarding the comment as to
unreliable data being used to support
setting standards, as previously noted,
the EPA typically has wide latitude in
determining the extent of data-gathering
necessary to solve a problem and courts
generally defer to the agency’s decision
to proceed on the basis of imperfect
scientific information, rather than to
‘‘invest the resources to conduct the
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
perfect study.’’ Sierra Club v. EPA, 167
F. 3d 658, 662 (D.C. Cir. 1999)(If EPA
were required to gather exhaustive data
about a problem for which gathering
such data is not yet feasible, the agency
would be unable to act even if such
inaction had potentially significant
consequences . . . [A]n agency must
make a judgment in the face of a known
risk of unknown degree.’’ Mexichem
Specialty Resins, Inc., 787 F.3d. 561.).
4. What is the rationale for our final
approach and final decisions for the
revisions pursuant to CAA sections
112(d)(2) and (3)?
We evaluated all of the comments on
the EPA’s proposed amendments to
revisions for flares used as APCDs,
clarifications for periods of SSM and
bypasses, including PRD releases,
bypass lines on closed vent systems, in
situ sampling systems, maintenance
activities, certain gaseous streams
routed to a fuel gas system, and
associated decoking operations for
ethylene cracking furnaces (i.e., the
decoking of ethylene cracking furnace
radiant tubes). For the reasons
explained in the proposed rule (84 FR
54278, October 9, 2019), we determined
that the flare amendments are needed to
ensure that flares used as APCD achieve
the required level of MACT control and
meet 98 percent destruction efficiency
at all times as well as to ensure that
CAA section 112 standards apply at all
times. Similarly, the clarifications for
periods of SSM and bypasses, including
PRD releases, bypass lines on closed
vent systems, in situ sampling systems,
maintenance activities, certain gaseous
streams routed to a fuel gas system, and
work practice standards associated
decoking operations for ethylene
cracking furnaces are needed to be
consistent with Sierra Club v. EPA, 551
F.3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008) to ensure that
CAA section 112 standards apply at all
times. More information and rationale
concerning all the amendments we are
finalizing pursuant to CAA sections
112(d)(2) and (3) is in the preamble to
the proposed rule (84 FR 54278, October
9, 2019), section IV.B.3 of this preamble,
and in the comments and our specific
responses to the comments in the
document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
which is available in the docket for this
action. Therefore, we are finalizing the
proposed provisions for flares (except
that we are not finalizing the work
practice standard for velocity
exceedances for flares operating above
their smokeless capacity), finalizing the
proposed clarifications for periods of
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
SSM and bypasses, including PRD
releases, bypass lines on closed vent
systems, in situ sampling systems,
maintenance activities, certain gaseous
streams routed to a fuel gas system, and
finalizing the proposed work practice
standards for the decoking of ethylene
cracking furnaces with only minor
editorial corrections and technical
clarifications.
D. Amendments Addressing Emissions
During Periods of SSM
1. What amendments did we propose to
address emissions during periods of
SSM?
We proposed amendments to the
EMACT standards to remove and revise
provisions related to SSM that are not
consistent with the requirement that the
standards apply at all times. In a few
instances, we are finalizing alternative
standards for certain emission points
during periods of SSM to ensure a
continuous CAA section 112 standard
applies ‘‘at all times,’’ (see section IV.C);
however for the majority of emission
points in the Ethylene Production
source category, we proposed
eliminating the SSM exemptions and to
have the MACT standards apply at all
times. More information concerning the
elimination of SSM provisions is in the
preamble to the proposed rule (84 FR
54278, October 9, 2019).
2. How did the SSM provisions change
since proposal?
We are finalizing the SSM provisions
as proposed (84 FR 54278, October 9,
2019) with only minor changes to 40
CFR 63.1103(e)(9) to sufficiently address
the SSM exemption provisions from
subparts referenced by the EMACT
standards.
3. What key comments did we receive
on the SSM revisions and what are our
responses?
While we are finalizing some
alternative standards in this final rule
for certain emission points during
periods of SSM to ensure a continuous
CAA section 112 standard applies ‘‘at
all times,’’ (see section IV.C), we also
proposed eliminating the SSM
exemptions for the majority of emission
points in the Ethylene Production
source category. We did not receive
many substantive comments on the
removal of these exemptions; however,
the comments and our specific
responses to these items can be found in
the document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
4. What is the rationale for our final
approach and final decisions to address
emissions during periods of SSM?
We evaluated all of the comments on
the EPA’s proposed amendments to the
SSM provisions. For the reasons
explained in the proposed rule (84 FR
54278, October 9, 2019), we determined
that these amendments, which remove
and revise provisions related to SSM,
are necessary to be consistent with the
requirement that the standards apply at
all times. More information concerning
the amendments we are finalizing for
SSM is in the preamble to the proposed
rule (84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019) and
in the comments and our specific
responses to the comments in the
document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
Therefore, we are finalizing our
approach for the SSM provisions as
proposed.
E. Technical Amendments to the
EMACT Standards
1. What other amendments did we
propose for the Ethylene Production
source category?
We proposed that owners or operators
submit electronic copies of required
performance test results and reports and
NOCS reports through the EPA’s CDX
using the CEDRI; and we proposed two
broad circumstances in which we may
provide extension to these
requirements. We proposed at 40 CFR
63.1110(a)(10)(iii) that an extension may
be warranted due to outages of the
EPA’s CDX or CEDRI that precludes an
owner or operator from accessing the
system and submitting required reports.
We also proposed at 40 CFR
63.1110(a)(10)(iv) that an extension may
be warranted due to a force majeure
event, such as an act of nature, act of
war or terrorism, or equipment failure or
safety hazards beyond the control of the
facility.
To correct a disconnect between
having a NPDES permit that meets
certain allowable discharge limits at the
discharge point of a facility (e.g., outfall)
and being able to adequately identify a
leak, we proposed the removal of the
exemption at 40 CFR 63.1084(c) for
once-through heat exchange systems to
comply with 40 CFR 63.1085 and 40
CFR 63.1086. We also proposed the
removal of the exemption at 40 CFR
63.1084(d) because the provision lacks
the specificity of where a sample must
be taken to adequately find and quantify
a leak from a once-through heat
exchange system.
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40413
Further, to provide flexibility and
reduce the burden on ethylene
production facilities, we proposed
overlap provisions at 40 CFR 63.1100(g)
allowing an owner or operator subject to
both the equipment leak EMACT
standards and 40 CFR part 60, subpart
VVa to comply with the EMACT
standards only (instead of complying
with both standards), provided the
owner or operator also complies with
the calibration drift assessment
provisions at 40 CFR 60.485a(b)(2).
Finally, we proposed revisions for
clarifying text or correcting
typographical errors, grammatical
errors, and cross-reference errors. These
editorial corrections and clarifications
are summarized in Table 9 of the
proposal. See 84 FR 54278, October 9,
2019.
2. How did the other amendments for
the Ethylene Production source category
change since proposal?
Since proposal, the electronic
reporting requirements and the
technical and editorial corrections in
Table 9 of the proposal (see 84 FR
54278, October 9, 2019) have not
changed and we are finalizing all the
proposed requirements. Additionally,
we are correcting an error in the final
rule to clarify that Periodic Reports
must also be submitted electronically
(i.e., through the EPA’s CDX website
using the appropriate electronic report
template for this subpart) beginning no
later than the compliance dates
specified in 40 CFR 63.1102(c) or once
the report template has been available
on the CEDRI website for at least 1 year,
whichever date is later. We are also
including several additional minor
clarifying edits in the final rule based on
comments received during the public
comment period.
3. What key comments did we receive
on the other amendments for the
Ethylene Production source category
and what are our responses?
We did not receive many substantive
comments on the other amendments in
the Ethylene Production RTR proposal.
These items generally include issues
related to electronic reporting, removal
of the allowance to use NPDES permits
to identify leaks for heat exchange
systems, overlap provisions for
equipment leaks, and revisions that we
proposed for clarifying text or correcting
typographical errors, grammatical
errors, and cross-reference errors. The
comments and our specific responses to
these items can be found in the
document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40414
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
4. What is the rationale for our final
approach and final decisions for the
other amendments for the Ethylene
Production source category?
Based on the comments received for
these other amendments, we are
generally finalizing all proposed
requirements. In a few instances (e.g.,
overlap provisions for equipment leaks),
we received comments such that minor
editorial corrections and technical
clarifications are being made, and our
rationale for these corrections and
technical clarifications can be found in
the document, Summary of Public
Comments and Responses for the Risk
and Technology Reviews for the
Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental,
and Economic Impacts and Additional
Analyses Conducted
A. What are the affected facilities?
As of January 1, 2017, there were 26
ethylene production facilities currently
operating that are major sources of HAP,
and the EPA is aware of five ethylene
production facilities under construction.
As such, we estimate that 31 ethylene
production facilities will be subject to
the final amendments within the next 3
years. A complete list of facilities that
are currently subject, or will be subject,
to the EMACT standards is available in
Appendix A of the memorandum,
Review of the RACT/BACT/LAER
Clearinghouse Database for the Ethylene
Production Source Category, in Docket
ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0357.
B. What are the air quality impacts?
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental,
and Economic Impacts and Additional
Analyses Conducted
A. What are the affected facilities?
As of January 1, 2017, there were 26
ethylene production facilities currently
operating that are major sources of HAP,
and the EPA is aware of five ethylene
production facilities under construction.
As such, we estimate that 31 ethylene
production facilities will be subject to
the final amendments within the next 3
years. A complete list of facilities that
are currently subject, or will be subject,
to the EMACT standards is available in
Appendix A of the memorandum,
Review of the RACT/BACT/LAER
Clearinghouse Database for the Ethylene
Production Source Category, in Docket
ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0357.
B. What are the air quality impacts?
We estimate HAP emissions
reductions of 29 tpy and VOC emissions
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
reductions of 232 tpy as a result of the
final amendments for storage vessels,
heat exchange systems, and decoking
operations for ethylene cracking
furnaces. These emissions reductions do
not consider the potential excess
emissions reductions from flares that
could result from the final monitoring
requirements; we estimate flare excess
emissions reductions of 1,430 tpy HAP
and 13,020 tpy VOC. When considering
the flare excess emissions, the total
emissions reductions as a result of the
final amendments are estimated at 1,459
tpy HAP and 13,252 tpy VOC. These
emissions reductions are documented in
the following memoranda, which are
available in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2017–0357: Assessment of Work
Practice Standards for Ethylene
Cracking Furnace Decoking Operations
Located in the Ethylene Production
Source Category; Clean Air Act Section
112(d)(6) Technology Review for Heat
Exchange Systems in the Ethylene
Production Source Category; Control
Option Impacts for Flares Located in the
Ethylene Production Source Category;
and Final Cost and Emissions Impacts
for Ethylene Production NESHAP RTR.
C. What are the cost impacts?
We estimate the total capital costs of
the final amendments to be $47.2
million and the total annualized costs to
be about $10.4 million in 2016 dollars
(annualized costs include annual
recovery credits of $180,000). The
present value in 2020 of the costs is
$87.5 million at a discount rate of 3
percent and $74.9 million at 7 percent.
Calculated as an equivalent annualized
value, which is consistent with the
present value of costs, the costs are $9.4
million at a discount rate of 7 percent
and $10.9 million at a discount rate of
3 percent. These cost estimates are
included in the memorandum,
Economic Impact Analysis for Ethylene
Production NESHAP RTR Final, which
is available in the docket for this action.
The costs are associated with the final
amendments for flares, PRDs,
maintenance (equipment openings),
storage vessels, heat exchange systems,
and decoking operations for ethylene
cracking furnaces. Costs for flares
include purchasing analyzers, monitors,
natural gas and steam, developing a
flare management plan, and performing
root cause analysis and corrective action
(details are available in the
memorandum, Control Option Impacts
for Flares Located in the Ethylene
Production Source Category, in Docket
ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0357).
Costs for PRDs were developed based on
compliance with the final work practice
standard and include implementation of
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
three prevention measures, performing
root cause analysis and corrective
action, and purchasing PRD monitors
(details are available in the
memorandum, Review of Regulatory
Alternatives for Certain Vent Streams in
the Ethylene Production Source
Category, in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2017–0357). Maintenance costs
were estimated to document equipment
opening procedures and to document
circumstances under which the
alternative maintenance vent limit is
used (details are available in the
memorandum, Review of Regulatory
Alternatives for Certain Vent Streams in
the Ethylene Production Source
Category, in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2017–0357). Heat exchange
systems costs include the use of the
Modified El Paso Method to monitor for
leaks (details are available in the
memorandum, Clean Air Act Section
112(d)(6) Technology Review for Heat
Exchange Systems in the Ethylene
Production Source Category, in Docket
ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0357). The
costs associated with decoking
operations for ethylene cracking
furnaces include conducting isolation
valve inspections and conducting flame
impingement firebox inspections
(details are available in the
memorandum, Assessment of Work
Practice Standards for Ethylene
Cracking Furnace Decoking Operations
Located in the Ethylene Production
Source Category, in Docket ID No. EPA–
HQ–OAR–2017–0357). Costs for
controlling storage vessel degassing
emissions are discussed in the
memorandum, Final Cost and Emissions
Impacts for Ethylene Production
NESHAP RTR, which is available in the
docket for this action.
D. What are the economic impacts?
The EPA conducted economic impact
analyses for the amendments to the final
rule, as detailed in the memorandum,
Economic Impact Analysis for Ethylene
Production NESHAP RTR Final, which
is available in the docket for this action.
The economic impacts of the
amendments to the final rule are
calculated as the percentage of total
annualized costs incurred by affected
parent owners to their annual revenues.
This ratio of total annualized costs to
annual revenues provides a measure of
the direct economic impact to parent
owners of ethylene production facilities
while presuming no passthrough of
costs to ethylene consumers. We
estimate that none of the 16 parent
owners affected by the amendments to
the final rule will incur total annualized
costs of 0.02 percent or greater of their
revenues. Of the 16 parent owners, none
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
of them is a small business according to
the Small Business Administration’s
small business size standard (for NAICS
325110, 1,000 employees or less).
Product recovery, which is estimated as
an impact of the final amendments, is
included in the estimate of total
annualized costs that is an input to the
economic impact analysis. Thus, these
economic impacts are quite low for
affected companies and the ethylene
production industry, and consumers of
ethylene should experience minimal
price changes.
E. What analysis of environmental
justice did we conduct?
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629,
February 16, 1994) establishes federal
executive policy on environmental
justice. Its main provision directs
federal agencies, to the greatest extent
practicable and permitted by law, to
make environmental justice part of their
mission by identifying and addressing,
as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or
environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority
populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
To examine the potential for any
environmental justice issues that might
be associated with the source category,
we performed a demographic analysis,
which is an assessment of risks to
individual demographic groups of the
populations living within 5 kilometers
(km) and within 50 km of the facilities.
In the analysis, we evaluated the
distribution of HAP-related cancer and
noncancer risks from the Ethylene
Production source category across
different demographic groups within the
populations living near facilities.
Our analysis of the demographics of
the population with estimated risks
greater than 1-in-1 million indicates
potential disparities in risks between
demographic groups, including the
African American, Hispanic or Latino,
Over 25 Without a High School
Diploma, and Below the Poverty Level
groups. In addition, the population
living within 50 km of the ethylene
production facilities has a higher
percentage of minority, lower income,
and lower education people when
compared to the nationwide percentages
of those groups. However,
acknowledging these potential
disparities, the risks for the source
category were determined to be
acceptable, and emissions reductions
from the final amendments will benefit
these groups the most.
The methodology and the results of
the demographic analysis are presented
in a technical report, Risk and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
Technology Review—Analysis of
Demographic Factors for Populations
Living Near Ethylene Production Source
Category Operations, available in the
docket for this action.
F. What analysis of children’s
environmental health did we conduct?
The EPA does not believe the
environmental health or safety risks
addressed by this action present a
disproportionate risk to children. This
action’s health and risk assessments are
summarized in section IV.A of this
preamble and are further documented in
the risk report, Residual Risk
Assessment for the Ethylene Production
Source Category in Support of the 2020
Risk and Technology Review Final Rule,
available in the docket for this action.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
Additional information about these
statutes and Executive Orders can be
found at https://www.epa.gov/lawsregulations/laws-and-executive-orders.
A. Executive Orders 12866: Regulatory
Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review
This action is not a significant
regulatory action and was, therefore, not
submitted to the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) for review. The EPA
prepared an analysis of the potential
costs and benefits associated with this
action. This analysis, Economic Impact
Analysis for Ethylene Production
NESHAP RTR Final, is available in the
docket for this rule.
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing
Regulations and Controlling Regulatory
Costs
This action is not an Executive Order
13771 regulatory action because this
action is not significant under Executive
Order 12866.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
The information collection activities
in this rule have been submitted for
approval to OMB under the PRA. The
ICR document that the EPA prepared
has been assigned EPA ICR number
1983.10. The OMB Control Number is
2060–0489. You can find a copy of the
ICR in the docket for this rule, and it is
briefly summarized here. The
information collection requirements are
not enforceable until OMB approves
them.
We are finalizing amendments that
change the reporting and recordkeeping
requirements for several emission
sources at ethylene production facilities
(e.g., flares, decoking operations for
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40415
ethylene cracking furnaces, heat
exchangers, PRDs, storage vessels). The
final amendments also require
electronic reporting, remove the
malfunction exemption, and impose
other revisions that affect reporting and
recordkeeping. This information would
be collected to assure compliance with
40 CFR part 63, subparts XX and YY.
Respondents/affected entities:
Owners or operators of ethylene
production facilities.
Respondent’s obligation to respond:
Mandatory (40 CFR part 63, subparts XX
and YY).
Estimated number of respondents: 31
(total).
Frequency of response: Semiannual
and annual.
Total estimated burden: 8,500 hours
(per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR
1320.3(b).
Total estimated cost: $4,410,000 (per
year), which includes $3,660,000
annualized capital or operation and
maintenance costs.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number. The OMB control
numbers for the EPA’s regulations in 40
CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9. When
OMB approves this ICR, the Agency will
announce that approval in the Federal
Register and publish a technical
amendment to 40 CFR part 9 to display
the OMB control number for the
approved information collection
activities in this final rule.
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
I certify that this action will not have
a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the RFA. This action will not
impose any requirements on small
entities. There are no small entities
affected in this regulated industry. See
the document, Economic Impact
Analysis for Ethylene Production
NESHAP RTR Final, available in the
docket for this action.
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA)
This action does not contain an
unfunded mandate of $100 million or
more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C.
1531–1538, and does not significantly or
uniquely affect small governments. The
action imposes no enforceable duty on
any state, local, or tribal governments or
the private sector.
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action does not have federalism
implications. It will not have substantial
direct effects on the states, on the
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40416
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
relationship between the national
government and the states, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
This action does not have tribal
implications as specified in Executive
Order 13175. None of the ethylene
production facilities that have been
identified as being affected by this final
action are owned or operated by tribal
governments or located within tribal
lands. Thus, Executive Order 13175
does not apply to this action.
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks
This action is not subject to Executive
Order 13045 because it is not
economically significant as defined in
Executive Order 12866, and because the
EPA does not believe the environmental
health or safety risks addressed by this
action present a disproportionate risk to
children. This action’s health and risk
assessments are contained in sections
IV.A of this preamble.
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
This action is not subject to Executive
Order 13211 because it is not a
significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866.
J. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act (NTTAA) and 1 CFR
Part 51
This rulemaking involves technical
standards. As discussed in the preamble
of the proposal, the EPA conducted
searches for the EMACT standards
through the Enhanced National
Standards Systems Network Database
managed by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI). We also
contacted voluntary consensus
standards (VCS) organizations and
accessed and searched their databases.
We conducted searches for EPA
Methods 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2F, 2G,
3B, 4, 5, 18, 21, 22, 25, 25A, 27, and 29
of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, EPA
Methods 301, 316, and 320 of 40 CFR
part 63, appendix A, and EPA Methods
602 and 624 of 40 CFR part 136,
appendix A. During the EPA’s VCS
search, if the title or abstract (if
provided) of the VCS described
technical sampling and analytical
procedures that are similar to the EPA’s
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
reference method, the EPA reviewed it
as a potential equivalent method.
The EPA incorporates by reference
VCS ANSI/ASME PTC 19.10–1981 (Part
10), ‘‘Flue and Exhaust Gas Analyses,’’
as an acceptable alternative to EPA
Methods 3A and 3B for the manual
procedures only and not the
instrumental procedures. This method
is used to quantitatively determine the
gaseous constituents of exhausts
including oxygen, CO2, carbon
monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide,
sulfur trioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen
dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and
hydrocarbons, and is available at the
American National Standards Institute
(ANSI), 1899 L Street NW, 11th floor,
Washington, DC 20036 and the
American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME), Three Park Avenue,
New York, NY 10016–5990. See https://
wwww.ansi.org and https://
www.asme.org.
Also, the EPA incorporates by
reference VCS ASTM D6420–18,
‘‘Standard Test Method for
Determination of Gaseous Organic
Compounds by Direct Interface Gas
Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry,’’
as an acceptable alternative to EPA
Method 18 with the following caveats.
This ASTM procedure uses a direct
interface gas chromatograph/mass
spectrometer to identify and quantify
VOC and has been approved by the EPA
as an alternative to EPA Method 18 only
when the target compounds are all
known and the target compounds are all
listed in ASTM D6420–18 as
measurable. ASTM D6420–18 should
not be used for methane and ethane
because the atomic mass is less than 35;
and ASTM D6420–18 should never be
specified as a total VOC method.
In addition, the EPA incorporates by
reference VCS ASTM D6348–12e1,
‘‘Determination of Gaseous Compounds
by Extractive Direct Interface Fourier
Transform (FTIR) Spectroscopy,’’ as an
acceptable alternative to EPA Method
320 with caveats requiring inclusion of
selected annexes to the standard as
mandatory. This ASTM procedure uses
an extractive sampling system that
routes stationary source effluent to an
FTIR spectrometer for the identification
and quantification of gaseous
compounds. The test plan preparation
and implementation in the Annexes to
ASTM D 6348–03, Sections A1 through
A8 are mandatory; therefore, the EPA
incorporates by reference, ‘‘Standard
Test Method for Determination of
Gaseous Compounds by Extractive
Direct Interface Fourier Transform
Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.’’ This
ASTM procedure also uses an extractive
sampling system and FTIR spectrometer
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
for the identification and quantification
of gaseous compounds. The percent (%)
R must be determined for each target
analyte (Equation A5.5) when using
ASTM D6348–03, Annex A5 (Analyte
Spiking Technique). In order for the test
data to be acceptable for a compound,
%R must be 70% ≥ R ≤ 130%. If the %R
value does not meet this criterion for a
target compound, the test data is not
acceptable for that compound and the
test must be repeated for that analyte
(i.e., the sampling and/or analytical
procedure should be adjusted before a
retest). The %R value for each
compound must be reported in the test
report, and all field measurements must
be corrected with the calculated %R
value for that compound by using the
following equation:
Reported Results = (Measured
Concentration in the Stack × 100)/
%R.
The three ASTM methods (ASTM
D6420–18, ASTM D6348–12e1, and
ASTM D 6348–03) newly incorporated
by reference in this rule are available to
the public for free viewing online in the
Reading Room section on ASTM’s
website at https://www.astm.org/
READINGLIBRARY/. In addition to this
free online viewing availability on
ASTM’s website, hard copies and
printable versions are available for
purchase from ASTM at https://
www.astm.org/.
Also, the EPA decided not to include
17 other VCS; these methods are
impractical as alternatives because of
the lack of equivalency, documentation,
validation date, and other important
technical and policy considerations.
The search and review results have been
documented and are in the
memorandum, Voluntary Consensus
Standard Results for National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
for Ethylene Production RTR, which is
available in the docket for this action.
Under 40 CFR 63.7(f) and 40 CFR
63.8(f) (in subpart A—General
Provisions), a source may apply to the
EPA for permission to use alternative
test methods or alternative monitoring
requirements in place of any required
testing methods, performance
specifications, or procedures in the final
rule or any amendments.
Finally, although not considered a
VCS, the EPA incorporates by reference,
‘‘Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
(GC/MS)’’ (SW–846–8260B) and
‘‘Semivolatile Organic Compounds by
Gas Chromatography/Mass
Spectrometry (GC/MS)’’ (SW–846–
8270D) into 40 CFR 63.1107(a); and ‘‘Air
Stripping Method (Modified El Paso
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Method) for Determination of Volatile
Organic Compound Emissions from
Water Sources,’’ into 40 CFR 63.1086(e)
and 40 CFR 63.1089(d). Each of these
methods is used to identify organic HAP
in water; however, SW–846–8260B and
SW–846–8270D use water sampling
techniques and the Modified El Paso
Method uses an air stripping sampling
technique. The SW–846 methods are
available from the EPA at https://
www.epa.gov/hw-sw846 while the
Modified El Paso Method is available
from TCEQ at https://
www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/
compliance/field_ops/guidance/
samplingappp.pdf.
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal
Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations
The EPA believes that this action does
not have disproportionately high and
adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority populations, lowincome populations, and/or indigenous
peoples, as specified in Executive Order
12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
The documentation for this decision
is contained in section IV.A of this
preamble and in the technical report,
Risk and Technology Review—Analysis
of Demographic Factors for Populations
Living Near Ethylene Production Source
Category Operations, available in the
docket for this action.
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
This action is subject to the CRA, and
the EPA will submit a rule report to
each House of the Congress and to the
Comptroller General of the United
States. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 63
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedures,
Air pollution control, Hazardous
substances, Incorporation by reference,
Intergovernmental relations, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: March 12, 2020.
Andrew R. Wheeler,
Administrator.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the EPA is amending 40 CFR
part 63 as follows:
PART 63—NATIONAL EMISSION
STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR
POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE
CATEGORIES
1. The authority citation for part 63
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
Subpart A—General Provisions
2. Section 63.14 is amended by:
a. Revising paragraphs (e)(1) and
(h)(18), (83), and (85);
■ b. Redesignating paragraphs (h)(92)
through (112) as paragraphs (h)(93)
through (113);
■ c. Adding new paragraph (h)(92);
■ d. Revising paragraphs (n)(12) and
(13); and
■ e. Revising paragraph (t)(1).
The revisions and addition read as
follows:
■
■
§ 63.14
Incorporations by reference.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) * * *
(1) ANSI/ASME PTC 19.10–1981,
Flue and Exhaust Gas Analyses [Part 10,
Instruments and Apparatus], issued
August 31, 1981, IBR approved for
§§ 63.309(k), 63.457(k), 63.772(e) and
(h), 63.865(b), 63.997(e), 63.1282(d) and
(g), 63.1625(b), 63.3166(a), 63.3360(e),
63.3545(a), 63.3555(a), 63.4166(a),
63.4362(a), 63.4766(a), 63.4965(a),
63.5160(d), table 4 to subpart UUUU,
table 3 to subpart YYYY, 63.9307(c),
63.9323(a), 63.11148(e), 63.11155(e),
63.11162(f), 63.11163(g), 63.11410(j),
63.11551(a), 63.11646(a), and 63.11945,
table 5 to subpart DDDDD, table 4 to
subpart JJJJJ, table 4 to subpart KKKKK,
tables 4 and 5 of subpart UUUUU, table
1 to subpart ZZZZZ, and table 4 to
subpart JJJJJJ.
*
*
*
*
*
(h) * * *
(18) ASTM D1946–90 (Reapproved
1994), Standard Method for Analysis of
Reformed Gas by Gas Chromatography,
1994, IBR approved for §§ 63.11(b),
63.987(b), and 63.1412.
*
*
*
*
*
(83) ASTM D6348–03, Standard Test
Method for Determination of Gaseous
Compounds by Extractive Direct
Interface Fourier Transform Infrared
(FTIR) Spectroscopy, including Annexes
A1 through A8, Approved October 1,
2003, IBR approved for §§ 63.457(b),
63.997(e), and 63.1349, table 4 to
subpart DDDD, table 4 to subpart
UUUU, table 4 subpart ZZZZ, and table
8 to subpart HHHHHHH.
*
*
*
*
*
(85) ASTM D6348–12e1, Standard
Test Method for Determination of
Gaseous Compounds by Extractive
Direct Interface Fourier Transform
Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Approved
February 1, 2012, IBR approved for
§§ 63.997(e) and 63.1571(a) and Table 4
to subpart UUUU.
*
*
*
*
*
(92) ASTM D6420–18, Standard Test
Method for Determination of Gaseous
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40417
Organic Compounds by Direct Interface
Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry, Approved November 1,
2018, IBR approved for § 63.987(b) and
§ 63.997(e).
*
*
*
*
*
(n) * * *
(12) SW–846–8260B, Volatile Organic
Compounds by Gas Chromatography/
Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Revision
2, December 1996, in EPA Publication
No. SW–846, Test Methods for
Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/
Chemical Methods, Third Edition, IBR
approved for §§ 63.1107(a), 63.11960,
63.11980, and table 10 to subpart
HHHHHHH.
(13) SW–846–8270D, Semivolatile
Organic Compounds by Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
(GC/MS), Revision 4, February 2007, in
EPA Publication No. SW–846, Test
Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste,
Physical/Chemical Methods, Third
Edition, IBR approved for §§ 63.1107(a),
63.11960, 63.11980, and table 10 to
subpart HHHHHHH.
*
*
*
*
*
(t) * * *
(1) ‘‘Air Stripping Method (Modified
El Paso Method) for Determination of
Volatile Organic Compound Emissions
from Water Sources,’’ Revision Number
One, dated January 2003, Sampling
Procedures Manual, Appendix P:
Cooling Tower Monitoring, January 31,
2003, IBR approved for §§ 63.654(c) and
(g), 63.655(i), 63.1086(e), 63.1089(d),
and 63.11920.
*
*
*
*
*
Subpart SS—National Emission
Standards for Closed Vent Systems,
Control Devices, Recovery Devices
and Routing to a Fuel Gas System or
a Process
3. Section 63.987 is amended by
revising parameter ‘‘Dj’’ of Equation 1 in
paragraph (b)(3)(ii) to read as follows:
■
§ 63.987
Flare requirements.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(3) * * *
(ii) * * *
*
*
*
*
*
Dj = Concentration of sample
component j, in parts per million by
volume on a wet basis, as measured
for organics by Method 18 of 40
CFR part 60, appendix A, or by
ASTM D6420–18 (incorporated by
reference, see § 63.14) under the
conditions specified in
§ 63.997(e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3).
Hydrogen and carbon monoxide are
measured by ASTM D1946–90
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40418
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(Reapproved 1994) (incorporated by
reference, see § 63.14); and
*
*
*
*
*
■ 4. Section 63.997 is amended by
revising paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)
introductory text, (e)(2)(iii)(C)(1),
(e)(2)(iii)(D), (e)(2)(iv) introductory text,
and (e)(2)(iv)(F) and (I) to read as
follows:
§ 63.997 Performance test and compliance
assessment requirements for control
devices.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) * * *
(2) * * *
(iii) Total organic regulated material
or TOC concentration. To determine
compliance with a parts per million by
volume total organic regulated material
or TOC limit, the owner or operator
shall use Method 18 or 25A of 40 CFR
part 60, appendix A, as applicable. The
ASTM D6420–18 (incorporated by
reference, see § 63.14) may be used in
lieu of Method 18 of 40 CFR part 60,
appendix A, under the conditions
specified in paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)(D)(1)
through (3) of this section.
Alternatively, any other method or data
that have been validated according to
the applicable procedures in Method
301 of appendix A to this part may be
used. The procedures specified in
paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)(A), (B), (D), and (E)
of this section shall be used to calculate
parts per million by volume
concentration. The calculated
concentration shall be corrected to 3
percent oxygen using the procedures
specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(C) of
this section if a combustion device is
the control device and supplemental
combustion air is used to combust the
emissions.
*
*
*
*
*
(C) * * *
(1) The emission rate correction factor
(or excess air), integrated sampling and
analysis procedures of Method 3B of 40
CFR part 60, appendix A, or the manual
method in ANSI/ASME PTC 19.10–
1981—Part 10 (incorporated by
reference, see § 63.14), shall be used to
determine the oxygen concentration.
The sampling site shall be the same as
that of the organic regulated material or
organic compound samples, and the
samples shall be taken during the same
time that the organic regulated material
or organic compound samples are taken.
*
*
*
*
*
(D) To measure the total organic
regulated material concentration at the
outlet of a control device, use Method
18 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, or
ASTM D6420–18 (incorporated by
reference, see § 63.14). If you have a
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
combustion control device, you must
first determine which regulated material
compounds are present in the inlet gas
stream using process knowledge or the
screening procedure described in
Method 18. In conducting the
performance test, analyze samples
collected at the outlet of the combustion
control device as specified in Method 18
or ASTM D6420–18 for the regulated
material compounds present at the inlet
of the control device. The method
ASTM D6420–18 may be used only
under the conditions specified in
paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3) of
this section.
(1) If the target compounds are all
known and are all listed in Section 1.1
of ASTM D6420–18 as measurable.
(2) ASTM D6420–18 may not be used
for methane and ethane.
(3) ASTM D6420–18 may not be used
as a total VOC method.
*
*
*
*
*
(iv) Percent reduction calculation. To
determine compliance with a percent
reduction requirement, the owner or
operator shall use Method 18, 25, or
25A of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, as
applicable. The method ASTM D6420–
18 (incorporated by reference, see
§ 63.14) may be used in lieu of Method
18 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, under
the conditions specified in paragraphs
(e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3) of this
section. Alternatively, any other method
or data that have been validated
according to the applicable procedures
in Method 301 of appendix A to this
part may be used. The procedures
specified in paragraphs (e)(2)(iv)(A)
through (I) of this section shall be used
to calculate percent reduction
efficiency.
*
*
*
*
*
(F) To measure inlet and outlet
concentrations of total organic regulated
material, use Method 18 of 40 CFR part
60, appendix A, or ASTM D6420–18
(incorporated by reference, see § 63.14),
under the conditions specified in
paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3) of
this section. In conducting the
performance test, collect and analyze
samples as specified in Method 18 or
ASTM D6420–18. You must collect
samples simultaneously at the inlet and
outlet of the control device. If the
performance test is for a combustion
control device, you must first determine
which regulated material compounds
are present in the inlet gas stream (i.e.,
uncontrolled emissions) using process
knowledge or the screening procedure
described in Method 18. Quantify the
emissions for the regulated material
compounds present in the inlet gas
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
stream for both the inlet and outlet gas
streams for the combustion device.
*
*
*
*
*
(I) If the uncontrolled or inlet gas
stream to the control device contains
formaldehyde, you must conduct
emissions testing according to
paragraphs (e)(2)(iv)(I)(1) through (3) of
this section.
(1) Except as specified in paragraph
(e)(2)(iv)(I)(3) of this section, if you elect
to comply with a percent reduction
requirement and formaldehyde is the
principal regulated material compound
(i.e., greater than 50 percent of the
regulated material compounds in the
stream by volume), you must use
Method 316 or 320 of appendix A to this
part, to measure formaldehyde at the
inlet and outlet of the control device.
Use the percent reduction in
formaldehyde as a surrogate for the
percent reduction in total regulated
material emissions.
(2) Except as specified in paragraph
(e)(2)(iv)(I)(3) of this section, if you elect
to comply with an outlet total organic
regulated material concentration or TOC
concentration limit, and the
uncontrolled or inlet gas stream to the
control device contains greater than 10
percent (by volume) formaldehyde, you
must use Method 316 or 320 of
appendix A to this part, to separately
determine the formaldehyde
concentration. Calculate the total
organic regulated material concentration
or TOC concentration by totaling the
formaldehyde emissions measured
using Method 316 or 320 and the other
regulated material compound emissions
measured using Method 18 or 25/25A of
40 CFR part 60, appendix A.
(3) You may elect to use ASTM
D6348–12e1 (incorporated by reference,
§ 63.14) in lieu of Method 316 or 320 of
appendix A to this part as specified in
paragraph (e)(2)(iv)(I)(1) or (2) of this
section. To comply with this paragraph,
the test plan preparation and
implementation in the Annexes to
ASTM D6348–03 (incorporated by
reference, see § 63.14) Sections Al
through A8 are mandatory; the percent
(%) R must be determined for each
target analyte using Equation A5.5 of
ASTM D6348–03 Annex A5 (Analyte
Spiking Technique); and in order for the
test data to be acceptable for a
compound, the %R must be 70% ≥ R ≤
130%. If the %R value does not meet
this criterion for a target compound,
then the test data is not acceptable for
that compound and the test must be
repeated for that analyte (i.e., the
sampling and/or analytical procedure
should be adjusted before a retest). The
%R value for each compound must be
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
reported in the test report, and all field
measurements must be corrected with
the calculated %R value for that
compound by using the following
equation:
Reported Results = (Measured
Concentration in the Stack × 100)/
%R.
Subpart XX—National Emission
Standards for Ethylene Manufacturing
Process Units: Heat Exchange
Systems and Waste Operations
5. Section 63.1081 is revised to read
as follows:
■
§ 63.1081 When must I comply with the
requirements of this subpart?
You must comply with the
requirements of this subpart according
to the schedule specified in
§ 63.1102(a). Each heat exchange system
which is part of an ethylene production
affected source also must comply with
paragraph (a) of this section. Each waste
stream which is part of an ethylene
production affected source also must
comply with paragraph (b) of this
section.
(a) Each heat exchange system that is
part of an ethylene production affected
source that commenced construction or
reconstruction on or before October 9,
2019, must be in compliance with the
heat exchange system requirements
specified in §§ 63.1084(f), 63.1085(e)
and (f), 63.1086(e), 63.1087(c) and (d),
63.1088(d), and 63.1089(d) and (e) upon
initial startup or July 6, 2023, whichever
is later. Each heat exchange system that
is part of an ethylene production
affected source that commences
construction or reconstruction after
October 9, 2019, must be in compliance
with the heat exchange system
requirements specified in §§ 63.1084(f),
63.1085(e) and (f), 63.1086(e),
63.1087(c) and (d), 63.1088(d), and
63.1089(d) and (e) upon initial startup,
or July 6, 2020, whichever is later.
(b) Each waste stream that is part of
an ethylene production affected source
that commenced construction or
reconstruction on or before October 9,
2019, must be in compliance with the
flare requirements specified in
§ 63.1095(a)(1)(vi) and (b)(3) upon
initial startup or July 6, 2023, whichever
is later. Each waste stream that is part
of an ethylene production affected
source that commences construction or
reconstruction after October 9, 2019,
must be in compliance with the flare
requirements specified in
§ 63.1095(a)(1)(vi) and (b)(3) upon
initial startup, or July 6, 2020,
whichever is later.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
6. Section 63.1082 is amended in
paragraph (b) by revising definitions for
‘‘Dilution steam blowdown waste
stream,’’ and ‘‘Spent caustic waste
stream’’ to read as follows:
■
§ 63.1082
know?
What definitions do I need to
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
Dilution steam blowdown waste
stream means any continuously flowing
process wastewater stream resulting
from the quench and compression of
cracked gas (the cracking furnace
effluent) at an ethylene production unit
and is discharged from the unit. This
stream typically includes the aqueous or
oily-water stream that results from
condensation of dilution steam (in the
cracking furnace quench system),
blowdown from dilution steam
generation systems, and aqueous
streams separated from the process
between the cracking furnace and the
cracked gas dehydrators. The dilution
steam blowdown waste stream does not
include blowdown that has not
contacted HAP-containing process
materials. Before July 6, 2023, the
dilution steam blowdown waste stream
does not include dilution steam
blowdown streams generated from
sampling, maintenance activities, or
shutdown purges. Beginning on July 6,
2023, the dilution steam blowdown
streams generated from sampling,
maintenance activities, or shutdown
purges are included in the definition of
dilution steam blowdown waste stream.
*
*
*
*
*
Spent caustic waste stream means the
continuously flowing process
wastewater stream that results from the
use of a caustic wash system in an
ethylene production unit. A caustic
wash system is commonly used at
ethylene production units to remove
acid gases and sulfur compounds from
process streams, typically cracked gas.
Before July 6, 2023, the spent caustic
waste stream does not include spent
caustic streams generated from
sampling, maintenance activities, or
shutdown purges. Beginning on July 6,
2023, the spent caustic streams
generated from sampling, maintenance
activities, or shutdown purges are
included in the definition of spent
caustic waste stream.
■ 7. Section 63.1084 is amended by
revising the introductory text and
adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:
§ 63.1084 What heat exchange systems
are exempt from the requirements of this
subpart?
Except as specified in paragraph (f) of
this section, your heat exchange system
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40419
is exempt from the requirements in
§§ 63.1085 and 63.1086 if it meets any
one of the criteria in paragraphs (a)
through (e) of this section.
*
*
*
*
*
(f) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), your heat exchange system
is no longer exempt from the
requirements in §§ 63.1085 and 63.1086
if it meets the criteria in paragraph (c)
or (d) of this section; instead, your heat
exchange system is exempt from the
requirements in §§ 63.1085 and 63.1086
if it meets any one of the criteria in
paragraph (a), (b), or (e) of this section.
■ 8. Section 63.1085 is amended by
revising the introductory text and
paragraphs (a) and (b) and by adding
paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as follows:
§ 63.1085 What are the general
requirements for heat exchange systems?
Unless you meet one of the
requirements for exemptions in
§ 63.1084, you must meet the
requirements in paragraphs (a) through
(f) of this section.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph
(e) of this section, you must monitor the
cooling water for the presence of
substances that indicate a leak
according to § 63.1086(a) through (d).
(b) Except as specified in paragraph (f)
of this section, if you detect a leak, then
you must repair it according to
§ 63.1087(a) and (b) unless repair is
delayed according to § 63.1088(a)
through (c).
*
*
*
*
*
(e) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), the requirements specified
in § 63.1086(a) through (d) no longer
apply; instead, you must monitor the
cooling water for the presence of total
strippable hydrocarbons that indicate a
leak according to § 63.1086(e). At any
time before the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1081(a), you may
choose to comply with the requirements
in this paragraph in lieu of the
requirements in paragraph (a) of this
section.
(f) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), the requirements specified
in §§ 63.1087(a) and (b) and 63.1088(a)
through (c), no longer apply; instead, if
you detect a leak, then you must repair
it according to § 63.1087(c) and (d),
unless repair is delayed according to
§ 63.1088(d). At any time before the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), you may choose to comply
with the requirements in this paragraph
in lieu of the requirements in paragraph
(b) of this section.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40420
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
9. Section 63.1086 is amended by
revising the introductory text and by
adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:
■
§ 63.1086 How must I monitor for leaks to
cooling water?
Except as specified in § 63.1085(e)
and paragraph (e) of this section, you
must monitor for leaks to cooling water
by monitoring each heat exchange
system according to the requirements of
paragraph (a) of this section, monitoring
each heat exchanger according to the
requirements of paragraph (b) of this
section, or monitoring a surrogate
parameter according to the requirements
of paragraph (c) of this section. Except
as specified in § 63.1085(e) and
paragraph (e) of this section, if you elect
to comply with the requirements of
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, you
may use alternatives in paragraph (d)(1)
or (2) of this section for determining the
mean entrance concentration.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), you must perform
monitoring to identify leaks of total
strippable hydrocarbons from each heat
exchange system subject to the
requirements of this subpart according
to the procedures in paragraphs (e)(1)
through (5) of this section.
(1) Monitoring locations for closedloop recirculation heat exchange
systems. For each closed loop
recirculating heat exchange system, you
must collect and analyze a sample from
the location(s) described in either
paragraph (e)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section.
(i) Each cooling tower return line or
any representative riser within the
cooling tower prior to exposure to air for
each heat exchange system.
(ii) Selected heat exchanger exit
line(s), so that each heat exchanger or
group of heat exchangers within a heat
exchange system is covered by the
selected monitoring location(s).
(2) Monitoring locations for oncethrough heat exchange systems. For
each once-through heat exchange
system, you must collect and analyze a
sample from the location(s) described in
paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section. You
may also elect to collect and analyze an
additional sample from the location(s)
described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this
section.
(i) Selected heat exchanger exit
line(s), so that each heat exchanger or
group of heat exchangers within a heat
exchange system is covered by the
selected monitoring location(s). The
selected monitoring location may be at
a point where discharges from multiple
heat exchange systems are combined
provided that the combined cooling
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
water flow rate at the monitoring
location does not exceed 165,000
gallons per minute.
(ii) The inlet water feed line for a
once-through heat exchange system
prior to any heat exchanger. If multiple
heat exchange systems use the same
water feed (i.e., inlet water from the
same primary water source), you may
monitor at one representative location
and use the monitoring results for that
sampling location for all heat exchange
systems that use that same water feed.
(3) Monitoring method. If you comply
with the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration leak action level as
specified in paragraph (e)(4) of this
section, you must comply with the
requirements in paragraph (e)(3)(i) of
this section. If you comply with the total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate leak
action level as specified in paragraph
(e)(4) of this section, you must comply
with the requirements in paragraphs
(e)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section.
(i) You must determine the total
strippable hydrocarbon concentration
(in parts per million by volume (ppmv)
as methane) at each monitoring location
using the ‘‘Air Stripping Method
(Modified El Paso Method) for
Determination of Volatile Organic
Compound Emissions from Water
Sources’’ (incorporated by reference, see
§ 63.14) using a flame ionization
detector analyzer for on-site
determination as described in Section
6.1 of the Modified El Paso Method.
(ii) You must convert the total
strippable hydrocarbon concentration
(in ppmv as methane) to a total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate (as
methane) using the calculations in
Section 7.0 of ‘‘Air Stripping Method
(Modified El Paso Method) for
Determination of Volatile Organic
Compound Emissions from Water
Sources’’ (incorporated by reference—
see § 63.14).
(4) Monitoring frequency and leak
action level. For each heat exchange
system, you must comply with the
applicable monitoring frequency and
leak action level, as defined in
paragraphs (e)(4)(i) through (iii) of this
section. The monitoring frequencies
specified in paragraphs (e)(4)(i) through
(iii) of this section also apply to the inlet
water feed line for a once-through heat
exchange system, if you elect to monitor
the inlet water feed as provided in
paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section.
(i) For each heat exchange system that
is part of an ethylene production
affected source that commenced
construction or reconstruction on or
before December 6, 2000, you must
monitor quarterly using a leak action
level defined as a total strippable
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane)
in the stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or, for
heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 10,000 gallons per
minute or less, you may monitor
quarterly using a leak action level
defined as a total hydrocarbon mass
emissions rate from the heat exchange
system (as methane) of 0.18 kg/hr. If a
leak is detected as specified in
paragraph (e)(5) of this section, then you
must monitor monthly until the leak has
been repaired according to the
requirements in § 63.1087(c) or (d).
Once the leak has been repaired
according to the requirements in
§ 63.1087(c) or (d), quarterly monitoring
for the heat exchange system may
resume.
(ii) For each heat exchange system
that is part of an ethylene production
affected source that commences
construction or reconstruction after
December 6, 2000 and on or before
October 9, 2019, you must monitor at
the applicable frequency specified in
paragraph (e)(4)(ii)(A) or (B) of this
section using a leak action level defined
as a total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (as methane) in the
stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or, for heat
exchange systems with a recirculation
rate of 10,000 gallons per minute or less,
you may monitor at the applicable
frequency specified in paragraph
(e)(4)(ii)(A) or (B) of this section using
a leak action level defined as a total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate from
the heat exchange system (as methane)
of 0.18 kg/hr.
(A) If you have completed the initial
weekly monitoring for 6-months of the
heat exchange system as specified in
§ 63.1086(a)(2)(ii) or (b)(1)(ii) then you
must monitor monthly. If a leak is
detected as specified in paragraph (e)(5)
of this section, then you must monitor
weekly until the leak has been repaired
according to the requirements in
§ 63.1087(c) or (d). Once the leak has
been repaired according to the
requirements in § 63.1087(c) or (d),
monthly monitoring for the heat
exchange system may resume.
(B) If you have not completed the
initial weekly monitoring for 6-months
of the heat exchange system as specified
in § 63.1086(a)(2)(ii) or (b)(1)(ii), or if
you elect to comply with paragraph (e)
of this section rather than paragraphs (a)
through (d) of this section upon startup,
then you must initially monitor weekly
for 6-months beginning upon startup
and monitor monthly thereafter. If a leak
is detected as specified in paragraph
(e)(5) of this section, then you must
monitor weekly until the leak has been
repaired according to the requirements
in § 63.1087(c) or (d). Once the leak has
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
been repaired according to the
requirements in § 63.1087(c) or (d),
monthly monitoring for the heat
exchange system may resume.
(iii) For each heat exchange system
that is part of an ethylene production
affected source that commences
construction or reconstruction after
October 9, 2019, you must initially
monitor weekly for 6-months beginning
upon startup and monitor monthly
thereafter using a leak action level
defined as a total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane)
in the stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or, for
heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 10,000 gallons per
minute or less, you may use a leak
action level defined as a total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate from
the heat exchange system (as methane)
of 0.18 kg/hr if the heat exchange
system has a recirculation rate of 10,000
gallons per minute or less. If a leak is
detected as specified in paragraph (e)(5)
of this section, then you must monitor
weekly until the leak has been repaired
according to the requirements in
§ 63.1087(c) or (d). Once the leak has
been repaired according to the
requirements in § 63.1087(c) or (d),
monthly monitoring for the heat
exchange system may resume.
(5) Leak definition. A leak is defined
as described in paragraph (e)(5)(i) or (ii)
of this section, as applicable.
(i) For once-through heat exchange
systems for which the inlet water feed
is monitored as described in paragraph
(e)(2)(ii) of this section, a leak is
detected if the difference in the
measurement value of the sample taken
from a location specified in paragraph
(e)(2)(i) of this section and the
measurement value of the
corresponding sample taken from the
location specified in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)
of this section equals or exceeds the leak
action level.
(ii) For all other heat exchange
systems, a leak is detected if a
measurement value of the sample taken
from a location specified in paragraph
(e)(1)(i), (ii), or (e)(2)(i) of this section
equals or exceeds the leak action level.
■ 10. Section 63.1087 is amended by
revising the introductory text and by
adding paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as
follows:
(c) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), if a leak is detected using
the methods described in § 63.1086(e),
you must repair the leak to reduce the
concentration or mass emissions rate to
below the applicable leak action level as
soon as practicable, but no later than 45
days after identifying the leak, except as
specified in § 63.1088(d). Repair must
include re-monitoring at the monitoring
location where the leak was identified
according to the method specified in
§ 63.1086(e)(3) to verify that the total
strippable hydrocarbon concentration or
total hydrocarbon mass emissions rate is
below the applicable leak action level.
Repair may also include performing the
additional monitoring in paragraph (d)
of this section to verify that the total
strippable hydrocarbon concentration is
below the applicable leak action level.
Actions that can be taken to achieve
repair include but are not limited to:
(1) Physical modifications to the
leaking heat exchanger, such as welding
the leak or replacing a tube;
(2) Blocking the leaking tube within
the heat exchanger;
(3) Changing the pressure so that
water flows into the process fluid;
(4) Replacing the heat exchanger or
heat exchanger bundle; or
(5) Isolating, bypassing, or otherwise
removing the leaking heat exchanger
from service until it is otherwise
repaired.
(d) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), if you detect a leak when
monitoring a cooling tower return line
according to § 63.1086(e)(1)(i), you may
conduct additional monitoring of each
heat exchanger or group of heat
exchangers associated with the heat
exchange system for which the leak was
detected, as provided in
§ 63.1086(e)(1)(ii). If no leaks are
detected when monitoring according to
the requirements of § 63.1086(e)(1)(ii),
the heat exchange system is considered
to have met the repair requirements
through re-monitoring of the heat
exchange system, as provided in
paragraph (c) of this section.
■ 11. Section 63.1088 is amended by
revising the introductory text and by
adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:
§ 63.1087 What actions must I take if a leak
is detected?
§ 63.1088 In what situations may I delay
leak repair, and what actions must I take for
delay of repair?
Except as specified in § 63.1085(f) and
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, if
a leak is detected, you must comply
with the requirements in paragraphs (a)
and (b) of this section unless repair is
delayed according to § 63.1088.
*
*
*
*
*
You may delay the repair of heat
exchange systems if the leaking
equipment is isolated from the process.
At any time before the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1081(a), you may also
delay repair if repair is technically
infeasible without a shutdown, and you
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40421
meet one of the conditions in
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this
section. Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), paragraphs (a) through (c)
of this section no longer apply; instead,
you may delay repair if the conditions
in paragraph (d) of this section are met.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), you may delay repair when
one of the conditions in paragraph (d)(1)
or (2) of this section is met and the leak
is less than the delay of repair action
level specified in paragraph (d)(3) of
this section. You must determine if a
delay of repair is necessary as soon as
practicable, but no later than 45 days
after first identifying the leak.
(1) If the repair is technically
infeasible without a shutdown and the
total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration or total hydrocarbon mass
emissions rate is initially and remains
less than the delay of repair action level
for all monitoring periods during the
delay of repair, then you may delay
repair until the next scheduled
shutdown of the heat exchange system.
If, during subsequent monitoring, the
delay of repair action level is exceeded,
then you must repair the leak within 30
days of the monitoring event in which
the leak was equal to or exceeded the
delay of repair action level.
(2) If the necessary equipment, parts,
or personnel are not available and the
total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration or total hydrocarbon mass
emissions rate is initially and remains
less than the delay of repair action level
for all monitoring periods during the
delay of repair, then you may delay the
repair for a maximum of 120 calendar
days. You must demonstrate that the
necessary equipment, parts, or
personnel were not available. If, during
subsequent monitoring, the delay of
repair action level is exceeded, then you
must repair the leak within 30 days of
the monitoring event in which the leak
was equal to or exceeded the delay of
repair action level.
(3) The delay of repair action level is
a total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (as methane) in the
stripping gas of 62 ppmv or, for heat
exchange systems with a recirculation
rate of 10,000 gallons per minute or less,
the delay of repair action level is a total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate (as
methane) or 1.8 kg/hr. The delay of
repair action level is assessed as
described in paragraph (d)(3)(i) or (ii) of
this section, as applicable.
(i) For once-through heat exchange
systems for which the inlet water feed
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40422
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
is monitored as described in
§ 63.1086(e)(2)(ii), the delay of repair
action level is exceeded if the difference
in the measurement value of the sample
taken from a location specified in
§ 63.1086(e)(2)(i) and the measurement
value of the corresponding sample taken
from the location specified in
§ 63.1086(e)(2)(ii) equals or exceeds the
delay of repair action level.
(ii) For all other heat exchange
systems, the delay of repair action level
is exceeded if a measurement value of
the sample taken from a location
specified in § 63.1086(e)(1)(i) and (ii) or
§ 63.1086(e)(2)(i) equals or exceeds the
delay of repair action level.
■ 12. Section 63.1089 is amended by
revising paragraphs (d) and (e) to read
as follows:
§ 63.1089
What records must I keep?
*
*
*
*
*
(d) At any time before the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1081(a), you must
keep documentation of delay of repair
as specified in § 63.1088(a) through (c).
Beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1081(a), the
requirement to keep documentation of
delay of repair as specified in
§ 63.1088(a) through (c) no longer
applies; instead, you must keep
documentation of delay of repair as
specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through
(4) of this section.
(1) The reason(s) for delaying repair.
(2) A schedule for completing the
repair as soon as practical.
(3) The date and concentration or
mass emissions rate of the leak as first
identified and the results of all
subsequent monitoring events during
the delay of repair.
(4) An estimate of the potential total
hydrocarbon emissions from the leaking
heat exchange system or heat exchanger
for each required delay of repair
monitoring interval following the
applicable procedures in paragraphs
(d)(4)(i) through (iii) of this section.
(i) If you comply with the total
strippable hydrocarbon concentration
leak action level, as specified in
§ 63.1086(e)(4), you must calculate the
mass emissions rate by complying with
the requirements of § 63.1086(e)(3)(ii) or
by determining the mass flow rate of the
cooling water at the monitoring location
where the leak was detected. If the
monitoring location is an individual
cooling tower riser, determine the total
cooling water mass flow rate to the
cooling tower. Cooling water mass flow
rates may be determined using direct
measurement, pump curves, heat
balance calculations, or other
engineering methods. If you determine
the mass flow rate of the cooling water,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
calculate the mass emissions rate by
converting the stripping gas leak
concentration (in ppmv as methane) to
an equivalent liquid concentration, in
parts per million by weight (ppmw),
using equation 7–1 from ‘‘Air Stripping
Method (Modified El Paso Method) for
Determination of Volatile Organic
Compound Emissions from Water
Sources’’ (incorporated by reference—
see § 63.14) and multiply the equivalent
liquid concentration by the mass flow
rate of the cooling water.
(ii) For delay of repair monitoring
intervals prior to repair of the leak,
calculate the potential total hydrocarbon
emissions for the leaking heat exchange
system or heat exchanger for the
monitoring interval by multiplying the
mass emissions rate, determined in
§ 63.1086(e)(3)(ii) or paragraph (d)(4)(i)
of this section, by the duration of the
delay of repair monitoring interval. The
duration of the delay of repair
monitoring interval is the time period
starting at midnight on the day of the
previous monitoring event or at
midnight on the day the repair would
have been completed if the repair had
not been delayed, whichever is later,
and ending at midnight of the day the
of the current monitoring event.
(iii) For delay of repair monitoring
intervals ending with a repaired leak,
calculate the potential total hydrocarbon
emissions for the leaking heat exchange
system or heat exchanger for the final
delay of repair monitoring interval by
multiplying the duration of the final
delay of repair monitoring interval by
the mass emissions rate determined for
the last monitoring event prior to the remonitoring event used to verify the leak
was repaired. The duration of the final
delay of repair monitoring interval is the
time period starting at midnight of the
day of the last monitoring event prior to
re-monitoring to verify the leak was
repaired and ending at the time of the
re-monitoring event that verified that
the leak was repaired.
(e) At any time before the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1081(a), if you
validate a 40 CFR part 136 method for
the HAP listed in Table 1 to this subpart
according to the procedures in appendix
D to this part, then you must keep a
record of the test data and calculations
used in the validation. On the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(a), this requirement no longer
applies.
■ 13. Section 63.1090 is amended by
revising the introductory text and by
adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:
§ 63.1090
What reports must I submit?
If you delay repair for your heat
exchange system, you must report the
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
delay of repair in the semiannual report
required by § 63.1110(e). If the leak
remains unrepaired, you must continue
to report the delay of repair in
semiannual reports until you repair the
leak. Except as provided in paragraph (f)
of this section, you must include the
information in paragraphs (a) through
(e) of this section in the semiannual
report.
*
*
*
*
*
(f) For heat exchange systems subject
to § 63.1085(e) and (f), Periodic Reports
must include the information specified
in paragraphs (f)(1) through (5) of this
section, in lieu of the information
specified in paragraphs (a) through (e) of
this section.
(1) The number of heat exchange
systems at the plant site subject to the
monitoring requirements in § 63.1085(e)
and (f) during the reporting period.
(2) The number of heat exchange
systems subject to the monitoring
requirements in § 63.1085(e) and (f) at
the plant site found to be leaking during
the reporting period.
(3) For each monitoring location
where the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration or total hydrocarbon mass
emissions rate was determined to be
equal to or greater than the applicable
leak definitions specified in
§ 63.1086(e)(5) during the reporting
period, identification of the monitoring
location (e.g., unique monitoring
location or heat exchange system ID
number), the measured total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration or total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate, the
date the leak was first identified, and, if
applicable, the date the source of the
leak was identified;
(4) For leaks that were repaired during
the reporting period (including delayed
repairs), identification of the monitoring
location associated with the repaired
leak, the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration or total hydrocarbon mass
emissions rate measured during remonitoring to verify repair, and the remonitoring date (i.e., the effective date
of repair); and
(5) For each delayed repair,
identification of the monitoring location
associated with the leak for which
repair is delayed, the date when the
delay of repair began, the date the repair
is expected to be completed (if the leak
is not repaired during the reporting
period), the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration or total hydrocarbon mass
emissions rate and date of each
monitoring event conducted on the
delayed repair during the reporting
period, and an estimate of the potential
total hydrocarbon emissions over the
reporting period associated with the
delayed repair.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40423
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
14. Section 63.1095 is amended by:
a. Revising paragraph (a)(1)
introductory text;
■ b. Adding paragraph (a)(1)(vi);
■ c. Revising paragraphs (a)(3), (b)
introductory text, and (b)(1); and
■ d. Adding paragraph (b)(3).
The revisions and additions read as
follows:
■
■
§ 63.1095 What specific requirements
must I comply with?
*
*
*
*
*
(a) * * *
(1) Route the continuous butadiene
stream to a treatment process or
wastewater treatment system used to
treat benzene waste streams that
complies with the standards specified in
40 CFR 61.348. Comply with the
requirements of 40 CFR part 61, subpart
FF; with the changes in Table 2 to this
subpart, and as specified in paragraphs
(a)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section.
*
*
*
*
*
(vi) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(b), if you use a steam-assisted,
air-assisted, non-assisted, or pressureassisted multi-point flare to comply
with 40 CFR part 61, subpart FF, then
you must comply with the requirements
§ 63.1103(e)(4) in lieu of 40 CFR
61.349(a)(2)(iii) and (d), 40 CFR
61.354(c)(3), 40 CFR 61.356(f)(2)(i)(D)
and (j)(7), and 40 CFR
61.357(d)(7)(iv)(F).
*
*
*
*
*
(3) Before July 6, 2023, if the total
annual benzene quantity from waste at
your facility is less than 10 Mg/yr, as
determined according to 40 CFR
61.342(a), comply with the requirements
of this section at all times except during
periods of startup, shutdown, and
malfunction, if the startup, shutdown,
or malfunction precludes the ability of
the affected source to comply with the
requirements of this section and the
owner or operator follows the
provisions for periods of startup,
shutdown, and malfunction, as
specified in § 63.1111. Beginning on
July 6, 2023, if the total annual benzene
quantity from waste at your facility is
less than 10 Mg/yr, as determined
according to 40 CFR 61.342(a), you must
comply with the requirements of this
section at all times.
(b) Waste streams that contain
benzene. For waste streams that contain
benzene, you must comply with the
requirements of 40 CFR part 61, subpart
FF, except as specified in Table 2 to this
subpart and paragraph (b)(3) of this
section. You must manage and treat
waste streams that contain benzene as
specified in either paragraph (b)(1) or (2)
of this section.
(1) If the total annual benzene
quantity from waste at your facility is
less than 10 Mg/yr, as determined
according to 40 CFR 61.342(a), manage
and treat spent caustic waste streams
and dilution steam blowdown waste
streams according to 40 CFR
61.342(c)(1) through (c)(3)(i). Before July
6, 2023, the requirements of this
paragraph (b)(1) shall apply at all times
except during periods of startup,
shutdown, and malfunction, if the
startup, shutdown, or malfunction
precludes the ability of the affected
source to comply with the requirements
of this section and the owner or operator
follows the provisions for periods of
startup, shutdown, and malfunction, as
specified in § 63.1111. Beginning on
July 6, 2023, the requirements of this
paragraph (b)(1) shall apply at all times.
*
*
*
*
*
(3) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1081(b), if you use a steam-assisted,
air-assisted, non-assisted, or pressureassisted multi-point flare to comply
with 40 CFR part 61, subpart FF, then
you must comply with the requirements
of § 63.1103(e)(4) in lieu of 40 CFR
61.349(a)(2)(iii) and (d), 40 CFR
61.354(c)(3), 40 CFR 61.356(f)(2)(i)(D)
and (j)(7), and 40 CFR
61.357(d)(7)(iv)(F).
■ 15. Table 2 to subpart XX of part 63
is amended by revising the first three
entries to row 1 and the first two entries
to row 2 to read as follows:
TABLE 2 TO SUBPART XX OF PART 63—REQUIREMENTS OF 40 CFR PART 61, SUBPART FF, NOT INCLUDED IN THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS SUBPART AND ALTERNATE REQUIREMENTS
If the total annual benzene quantity for waste
from your facility is * * *
Do not comply with:
Instead, comply with:
1. Less than 10 Mg/yr .......................................
40 CFR 61.340 .................................................
40 CFR 61.342(c)(3)(ii), (d), and (e) ................
40 CFR 61.342(f) ..............................................
§ 63.1093.
There is no equivalent requirement.
§ 63.1096.
*
*
2. Greater than or equal to 10 Mg/yr ................
*
*
*
40 CFR 61.340 .................................................
40 CFR 61.342(f) ..............................................
§ 63.1093.
§ 63.1096.
*
*
*
Subpart YY—National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
for Source Categories: Generic
Maximum Achievable Control
Technology Standards
16. Section 63.1100 is amended by:
a. Revising the heading to Table 1 to
§ 63.1100(a);
■
■
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
*
*
b. Revising the entries for ‘‘Carbon
Black Production,’’ ‘‘Cyanide Chemicals
Manufacturing,’’ ‘‘Ethylene
Production,’’ and ‘‘Spandex
Production’’;
■ c. Revising footnote c to Table 1 to
§ 63.1100(a);
■ d. Revising paragraphs (b), (g)
introductory text, and (g)(4)(ii);
■
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
*
*
*
*
e. Adding paragraph (g)(4)(iii);
f. Revising paragraph (g)(5); and
■ g. Adding paragraph (g)(7).
The revisions and additions read as
follows:
■
■
§ 63.1100
Applicability.
(a) * * *
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40424
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 1 TO § 63.1100(a)—SOURCE CATEGORY MACT a APPLICABILITY
Source category
*
*
Carbon Black Production ............
Cyanide Chemicals Manufacturing.
Ethylene Production ....................
*
*
Spandex Production ....................
Storage
vessels
Process
vents
Transfer
racks
Equipment
leaks
Wastewater
streams
Other
Source category
MACT requirements
No ...........
Yes ..........
*
Yes ..........
Yes ..........
*
No ...........
Yes ..........
No ..................
Yes ................
*
No ..................
Yes ................
*
No ...........
No ...........
*
§ 63.1103(f).
§ 63.1103(g).
Yes ..........
Yes ..........
Yes ..........
Yes ................
Yes ................
Yes c ........
§ 63.1103(e).
Yes ..........
*
Yes ..........
*
No ...........
No ..................
*
No ..................
*
Yes d ........
*
§ 63.1103(h).
a Maximum
achievable control technology.
spinning lines using spinning solution or suspension containing acrylonitrile.
c Heat exchange systems as defined in § 63.1082(b).
d Fiber spinning lines.
b Fiber
(b) Subpart A requirements. The
following provisions of subpart A of this
part (General Provisions), §§ 63.1
through 63.5, and §§ 63.12 through
63.15, apply to owners or operators of
affected sources subject to this subpart.
Beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1102(c), for
ethylene production affected sources,
§§ 63.7(a)(4), (c), (e)(4), and (g)(2), and
63.10(b)(2)(vi) also apply.
*
*
*
*
*
(g) Overlap with other regulations.
Paragraphs (g)(1) through (7) of this
section specify the applicability of this
subpart YY emission point requirements
when other rules may apply. Where this
subpart YY allows an owner or operator
an option to comply with one or another
regulation to comply with this subpart
YY, an owner or operator must report
which regulation they choose to comply
with in the Notification of Compliance
Status report required by
§ 63.1110(a)(4).
(4) * * *
(ii) After the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102, equipment that
must be controlled according to this
subpart YY and subpart H of this part
is in compliance with the equipment
leak requirements of this subpart YY if
it complies with either set of
requirements. For ethylene production
affected sources, the requirement in
§ 63.1103(e)(9)(i) also applies. The
owner or operator must specify the rule
with which they will comply in the
Notification of Compliance Status report
required by § 63.1110(a)(4).
(iii) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), for ethylene production
affected sources, equipment that must
be controlled according to this subpart
YY and subpart VVa of 40 CFR part 60
is required only to comply with the
equipment leak requirements of this
subpart, except the owner or operator
must also comply with the calibration
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
drift assessment requirements specified
at 40 CFR 60.485a(b)(2) if they are
required to do so in subpart VVa of 40
CFR part 60. When complying with the
calibration drift assessment
requirements at 40 CFR 60.485a(b)(2),
the requirement at 40 CFR
60.486a(e)(8)(v) to record the instrument
reading for each scale used applies.
(5) Overlap of this subpart YY with
other regulations for wastewater for
source categories other than ethylene
production. (i) After the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1102 for an
affected source subject to this subpart, a
wastewater stream that is subject to the
wastewater requirements of this subpart
and the wastewater requirements of
subparts F, G, and H of this part
(collectively known as the ‘‘HON’’) shall
be deemed to be in compliance with the
requirements of this subpart if it
complies with either set of
requirements. In any instance where a
source subject to this subpart is
collocated with a Synthetic Organic
Chemical Manufacturing Industry
(SOCMI) source, and a single
wastewater treatment facility treats both
Group 1 wastewaters and wastewater
residuals from the source subject to this
subpart and wastewaters from the
SOCMI source, a certification by the
treatment facility that they will manage
and treat the waste in conformity with
the specific control requirements set
forth in §§ 63.133 through 63.147 will
also be deemed sufficient to satisfy the
certification requirements for
wastewater treatment under this
subpart.
*
*
*
*
*
(7) Overlap of this subpart YY with
other regulations for flares for the
ethylene production source category. (i)
Beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1102(c), flares
that are subject to 40 CFR 60.18 or
§ 63.11 and used as a control device for
an emission point subject to the
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
requirements in Table 7 to § 63.1103(e)
are required to comply only with
§ 63.1103(e)(4). At any time before the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), flares that are subject to 40
CFR 60.18 or § 63.11 and elect to
comply with § 63.1103(e)(4) are required
to comply only with § 63.1103(e)(4).
(ii) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), flares subject to § 63.987
and used as a control device for an
emission point subject to the
requirements in Table 7 to § 63.1103(e)
are only required to comply with
§ 63.1103(e)(4).
(iii) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), flares subject to the
requirements in 40 CFR part 63, subpart
CC and used as a control device for an
emission point subject to the
requirements in Table 7 to § 63.1103(e)
are only required to comply with the
flare requirements in 40 CFR part 63,
subpart CC. This paragraph does not
apply to multi-point pressure assisted
flares.
■ 17. Section 63.1101 is amended by
revising the definitions of ‘‘Pressure
relief device or valve’’ and ‘‘Shutdown’’
to read as follows:
§ 63.1101
Definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
Pressure relief device or valve means
a safety device used to prevent
operating pressures from exceeding the
maximum allowable working pressure
of the process equipment. A common
pressure relief device is a spring-loaded
pressure relief valve. Devices that are
actuated either by a pressure of less than
or equal to 2.5 pounds per square inch
gauge or by a vacuum are not pressure
relief devices. This definition does not
apply to ethylene production affected
sources.
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Shutdown means the cessation of
operation of an affected source or
equipment that is used to comply with
this subpart, or the emptying and
degassing of a storage vessel. For the
purposes of this subpart, shutdown
includes, but is not limited to, periodic
maintenance, replacement of
equipment, or repair. Shutdown does
not include the routine rinsing or
washing of equipment in batch
operation between batches. Shutdown
includes the decoking of ethylene
cracking furnaces.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 18. Section 63.1102 is amended by
revising paragraph (a) introductory text
and adding paragraph (c) to read as
follows:
§ 63.1102
Compliance schedule.
(a) General requirements. Affected
sources, as defined in § 63.1103(a)(1)(i)
for acetyl resins production,
§ 63.1103(b)(1)(i) for acrylic and
modacrylic fiber production,
§ 63.1103(c)(1)(i) for hydrogen fluoride
production, § 63.1103(d)(1)(i) for
polycarbonate production,
§ 63.1103(e)(1)(i) for ethylene
production, § 63.1103(f)(1)(i) for carbon
black production, § 63.1103(g)(1)(i) for
cyanide chemicals manufacturing, or
§ 63.1103(h)(1)(i) for spandex
production shall comply with the
appropriate provisions of this subpart
and the subparts referenced by this
subpart YY according to the schedule in
paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section, as
appropriate, except as provided in
paragraph (b) of this section. Affected
sources in ethylene production also
must comply according to paragraph (c)
of this section. Proposal and effective
dates are specified in Table 1 to this
section.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) All ethylene production affected
sources that commenced construction or
reconstruction on or before October 9,
2019, must be in compliance with the
requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (13) of this section upon initial
startup or July 6, 2023, whichever is
later. All ethylene production affected
sources that commenced construction or
reconstruction after October 9, 2019,
must be in compliance with the
requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (13) of this section upon initial
startup, or July 6, 2020, whichever is
later.
(1) Overlap requirements specified in
§ 63.1100(g)(4)(iii) and (7), if applicable.
(2) The storage vessel requirements
specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) and
(c)(1)(ii) of Table 7 to § 63.1103(e), and
the degassing requirements specified in
§ 63.1103(e)(10).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
(3) The ethylene process vent
requirements specified in paragraph
(d)(1)(ii) of Table 7 to § 63.1103(e).
(4) The transfer rack requirements
specified in § 63.1105(a)(5).
(5) The equipment requirements
specified in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of Table
7 to § 63.1103(e) and § 63.1107(h).
(6) The bypass line requirements
specified in paragraph (i) of Table 7 to
§ 63.1103(e), and § 63.1103(e)(6).
(7) The decoking requirements for
ethylene cracking furnaces specified in
paragraph (j) of Table 7 to § 63.1103(e),
and § 63.1103(e)(7) and (8).
(8) The flare requirements specified in
§ 63.1103(e)(4).
(9) The maintenance vent
requirements specified in
§ 63.1103(e)(5).
(10) The requirements specified in
§ 63.1103(e)(9).
(11) The requirements in
§ 63.1108(a)(4)(i), (b)(1)(ii), (b)(2), and
(b)(4)(ii)(B).
(12) The recordkeeping requirements
specified in § 63.1109(e) through (i).
(13) The reporting requirements
specified in § 63.1110(a)(10), (d)(1)(iv)
and (v), and (e)(4) through (8).
*
*
*
*
*
■ 19. Section 63.1103 is amended:
■ a. By revising the definition of ‘‘In
organic hazardous air pollutant or in
organic HAP service’’ in paragraph
(b)(2);
■ b. By revising paragraphs (e)(1)(i)
introductory text, (e)(1)(i)(F), and
(e)(1)(ii)(J);
■ c. In paragraph (e)(2) by;
■ i. Adding in alphabetical order a
definition for ‘‘Decoking operation’’;
■ ii. Revising the definition of
‘‘Ethylene process vent’’;
■ iii. Adding in alphabetical order a
definition for ‘‘Force majeure event’’;
■ iv. Removing the definition of ‘‘Heat
exchange system’’;
■ v. Adding in alphabetical order
definitions for ‘‘Periodically
discharged,’’ ‘‘Pressure-assisted multipoint flare,’’ ‘‘Pressure relief device,’’
‘‘Radiant tube(s),’’ and ‘‘Relief valve’’;
■ d. By revising paragraph (e)(3);
■ e. By adding paragraphs (e)(4) through
(10); and
■ e. By revising Table 7 to § 63.1103(e).
The revisions and additions read as
follows:
§ 63.1103 Source category-specific
applicability, definitions, and requirements.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
In organic hazardous air pollutant or
in organic HAP service means, for
acrylic and modacrylic fiber production
affected sources, that a piece of
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40425
equipment either contains or contacts a
fluid (liquid or gas) that is at least 10
percent by weight of total organic HAP
as determined according to the
provisions of § 63.180(d). The
provisions of § 63.180(d) also specify
how to determine that a piece of
equipment is not in organic HAP
service.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) Affected source. For the ethylene
production (as defined in paragraph
(e)(2) of this section) source category,
the affected source comprises all
emission points listed in paragraphs
(e)(1)(i)(A) through (G) of this section
that are associated with an ethylene
production unit that is located at a
major source, as defined in section
112(a) of the Act.
*
*
*
*
*
(F) All heat exchange systems (as
defined in § 63.1082(b)) associated with
an ethylene production unit.
*
*
*
*
*
(ii) * * *
(J) Air emissions from all ethylene
cracking furnaces.
*
*
*
*
*
(2) * * *
Decoking operation means the coke
combustion activity that occurs inside
the radiant tube(s) in the ethylene
cracking furnace firebox. Coke
combustion activities during decoking
can also occur in other downstream
equipment such as the process gas
outlet piping and transfer line
exchangers or quench points.
Ethylene process vent means a gas
stream with a flow rate greater than
0.005 standard cubic meters per minute
containing greater than 20 parts per
million by volume HAP that is
continuously discharged during
operation of an ethylene production
unit. On and after July 6, 2023, ethylene
process vent means a gas stream with a
flow rate greater than 0.005 standard
cubic meters per minute containing
greater than 20 parts per million by
volume HAP that is continuously or
periodically discharged during
operation of an ethylene production
unit. Ethylene process vents are gas
streams that are discharged to the
atmosphere (or the point of entry into a
control device, if any) either directly or
after passing through one or more
recovery devices. Ethylene process
vents do not include:
(A) Pressure relief device discharges;
(B) Gaseous streams routed to a fuel
gas system, including any flares using
fuel gas, of which less than 50 percent
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40426
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
of the fuel gas is derived from an
ethylene production unit;
(C) Gaseous streams routed to a fuel
gas system whereby any flares using fuel
gas, of which 50 percent or more of the
fuel gas is derived from an ethylene
production unit, comply with
§ 63.1103(e)(4) beginning no later than
the compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c);
(D) Leaks from equipment regulated
under this subpart;
(E) Episodic or nonroutine releases
such as those associated with startup,
shutdown, and malfunction until July 6,
2023;
(F) In situ sampling systems (online
analyzers) until July 6, 2023; and
(G) Coke combustion emissions from
decoking operations beginning no later
than the compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c).
*
*
*
*
*
Force majeure event means a release
of HAP, either directly to the
atmosphere from a pressure relief device
or discharged via a flare, that is
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the
Administrator to result from an event
beyond the owner or operator’s control,
such as natural disasters; acts of war or
terrorism; loss of a utility external to the
ethylene production unit (e.g., external
power curtailment), excluding power
curtailment due to an interruptible
service agreement; and fire or explosion
originating at a near or adjoining facility
outside of the ethylene production unit
that impacts the ethylene production
unit’s ability to operate.
*
*
*
*
*
Periodically discharged means gas
stream discharges that are intermittent
for which the total organic HAP
concentration is greater than 20 parts
per million by volume and total volatile
organic compound emissions are 50
pounds per day or more. These
intermittent discharges are associated
with routine operations, maintenance
activities, startups, shutdowns,
malfunctions, or process upsets and do
not include pressure relief device
discharges or discharges classified as
maintenance vents.
Pressure-assisted multi-point flare
means a flare system consisting of
multiple flare burners in staged arrays
whereby the vent stream pressure is
used to promote mixing and smokeless
operation at the flare burner tips.
Pressure-assisted multi-point flares are
designed for smokeless operation at
velocities up to Mach = 1 conditions
(i.e., sonic conditions), can be elevated
or at ground level, and typically use
cross-lighting for flame propagation to
combust any flare vent gases sent to a
particular stage of flare burners.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
Pressure relief device means a valve,
rupture disk, or similar device used
only to release an unplanned,
nonroutine discharge of gas from
process equipment in order to avoid
safety hazards or equipment damage. A
pressure relief device discharge can
result from an operator error, a
malfunction such as a power failure or
equipment failure, or other unexpected
cause. Such devices include
conventional, spring-actuated relief
valves, balanced bellows relief valves,
pilot-operated relief valves, rupture
disks, and breaking, buckling, or
shearing pin devices. Devices that are
actuated either by a pressure of less than
or equal to 2.5 pounds per square inch
gauge or by a vacuum are not pressure
relief devices.
Radiant tube(s) means any portion of
the tube coil assembly located within
the ethylene cracking furnace firebox
whereby a thermal cracking reaction of
hydrocarbons (in the presence of steam)
occurs. Hydrocarbons and steam pass
through the radiant tube(s) of the
ethylene cracking furnace during
normal operation and coke is removed
from the inside of the radiant tube(s)
during decoking operation.
Relief valve means a type of pressure
relief device that is designed to re-close
after the pressure relief.
*
*
*
*
*
(3) Requirements. The owner or
operator must control organic HAP
emissions from each affected source
emission point by meeting the
applicable requirements specified in
Table 7 to this section. An owner or
operator must perform the applicability
assessment procedures and methods for
process vents specified in § 63.1104,
except for paragraphs (d), (g), (h)
through (j), (l)(1), and (n). An owner or
operator must perform the applicability
assessment procedures and methods for
equipment leaks specified in § 63.1107.
General compliance, recordkeeping, and
reporting requirements are specified in
§ § 63.1108 through 63.1112. Before July
6, 2023, minimization of emissions from
startup, shutdown, and malfunctions
must be addressed in the startup,
shutdown, and malfunction plan
required by § 63.1111; the plan must
also establish reporting and
recordkeeping of such events. A startup,
shutdown, and malfunction plan is not
required on and after July 6, 2023 and
the requirements specified in § 63.1111
no longer apply; however, for historical
compliance purposes, a copy of the plan
must be retained and available on-site
for five years after July 6, 2023. Except
as specified in paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this
section, procedures for approval of
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
alternate means of emission limitations
are specified in § 63.1113.
(4) Flares. Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), if a steam-assisted, airassisted, non-assisted, or pressureassisted multi-point flare is used as a
control device for an emission point
subject to the requirements in Table 7 to
this section, then the owner or operator
must meet the applicable requirements
for flares as specified in §§ 63.670 and
63.671 of subpart CC, including the
provisions in Tables 12 and 13 to
subpart CC of this part, except as
specified in paragraphs (e)(4)(i) through
(xiv) of this section. This requirement
also applies to any flare using fuel gas
from a fuel gas system, of which 50
percent or more of the fuel gas is
derived from an ethylene production
unit, being used to control an emission
point subject to the requirements in
Table 7 of this section. For purposes of
compliance with this paragraph, the
following terms are defined in § 63.641
of subpart CC: Assist air, assist steam,
center steam, combustion zone,
combustion zone gas, flare, flare purge
gas, flare supplemental gas, flare sweep
gas, flare vent gas, lower steam, net
heating value, perimeter assist air, pilot
gas, premix assist air, total steam, and
upper steam.
(i) The owner or operator may elect to
comply with the alternative means of
emissions limitation requirements
specified in of § 63.670(r) of subpart CC
in lieu of the requirements in
§ 63.670(d) through (f) of subpart CC, as
applicable. However, instead of
complying with § 63.670(r)(3) of subpart
CC, the owner or operator must submit
the alternative means of emissions
limitation request following the
requirements in § 63.1113.
(ii) Instead of complying with
§ 63.670(o)(2)(i) of subpart CC, the
owner or operator must develop and
implement the flare management plan
no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c).
(iii) Instead of complying with
§ 63.670(o)(2)(iii) of subpart CC, if
required to develop a flare management
plan and submit it to the Administrator,
then the owner or operator must also
submit all versions of the plan in
portable document format (PDF) to the
EPA via the Compliance and Emissions
Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI), which
can be accessed through the EPA’s
Central Data Exchange (CDX) (https://
cdx.epa.gov/). If you claim some of the
information in your flare management
plan is confidential business
information (CBI), submit a version with
the CBI omitted via CEDRI. A complete
plan, including information claimed to
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
be CBI and clearly marked as CBI, must
be mailed to the following address: U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency,
Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards, Sector Policies and Programs
Division, U.S. EPA Mailroom (E143–01),
Attention: Ethylene Production Sector
Lead, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711.
(iv) Section 63.670(o)(3)(ii) of subpart
CC and all references to
§ 63.670(o)(3)(ii) of subpart CC do not
apply. Instead, the owner or operator
must comply with the maximum flare
tip velocity operating limit at all times.
(v) Substitute ‘‘ethylene production
unit’’ for each occurrence of ‘‘petroleum
refinery.’’
(vi) Each occurrence of ‘‘refinery’’
does not apply.
(vii) Except as specified in paragraph
(e)(4)(vii)(G) of this section, if a
pressure-assisted multi-point flare is
used as a control device for an emission
point subject to the requirements in
Table 7 to this section, then the owner
or operator must comply with the
requirements specified in paragraphs
(e)(4)(vii)(A) through (F) of this section.
(A) The owner or operator is not
required to comply with the flare tip
velocity requirements in § 63.670(d) and
(k) of subpart CC;
(B) The owner or operator must
substitute ‘‘800’’ for each occurrence of
‘‘270’’ in § 63.670(e) of subpart CC;
(C) The owner or operator must
determine the 15-minute block average
NHVvg using only the direct calculation
method specified in § 63.670(l)(5)(ii) of
subpart CC;
(D) Instead of complying with
§ 63.670(b) and (g) of subpart CC, if a
pressure-assisted multi-point flare uses
cross-lighting on a stage of burners
rather than having an individual pilot
flame on each burner, the owner or
operator must operate each stage of the
pressure-assisted multi-point flare with
a flame present at all times when
regulated material is routed to that stage
of burners. Each stage of burners that
cross-lights in the pressure-assisted
multi-point flare must have at least two
pilots with at least one continuously lit
and capable of igniting all regulated
material that is routed to that stage of
burners. Each 15-minute block during
which there is at least one minute where
no pilot flame is present on a stage of
burners when regulated material is
routed to that stage is a deviation of the
standard. Deviations in different 15minute blocks from the same event are
considered separate deviations. The
pilot flame(s) on each stage of burners
that use cross-lighting must be
continuously monitored by a
thermocouple or any other equivalent
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
device used to detect the presence of a
flame;
(E) Unless the owner or operator of a
pressure-assisted multi-point flare
chooses to conduct a cross-light
performance demonstration as specified
in this paragraph, the owner or operator
must ensure that if a stage of burners on
the flare uses cross-lighting, that the
distance between any two burners in
series on that stage is no more than 6
feet when measured from the center of
one burner to the next burner. A
distance greater than 6 feet between any
two burners in series may be used
provided the owner or operator
conducts a performance demonstration
that confirms the pressure-assisted
multi-point flare will cross-light a
minimum of three burners and the
spacing between the burners and
location of the pilot flame must be
representative of the projected
installation. The compliance
demonstration must be approved by the
permitting authority and a copy of this
approval must be maintained onsite.
The compliance demonstration report
must include: A protocol describing the
test methodology used, associated test
method QA/QC parameters, the waste
gas composition and NHVcz of the gas
tested, the velocity of the waste gas
tested, the pressure-assisted multi-point
flare burner tip pressure, the time,
length, and duration of the test, records
of whether a successful cross-light was
observed over all of the burners and the
length of time it took for the burners to
cross-light, records of maintaining a
stable flame after a successful cross-light
and the duration for which this was
observed, records of any smoking events
during the cross-light, waste gas
temperature, meteorological conditions
(e.g., ambient temperature, barometric
pressure, wind speed and direction, and
relative humidity), and whether there
were any observed flare flameouts; and
(F) The owner or operator of a
pressure-assisted multi-point flare must
install and operate pressure monitor(s)
on the main flare header, as well as a
valve position indicator monitoring
system for each staging valve to ensure
that the flare operates within the proper
range of conditions as specified by the
manufacturer. The pressure monitor
must meet the requirements in Table 13
to subpart CC of this part.
(G) If a pressure-assisted multi-point
flare is operating under the
requirements of an approved alternative
means of emission limitations, the
owner or operator shall either continue
to comply with the terms of the
alternative means of emission
limitations or comply with the
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40427
provisions in paragraphs (e)(4)(vii)(A)
through (F) of this section.
(viii) If an owner or operator chooses
to determine compositional analysis for
net heating value with a continuous
process mass spectrometer, the owner or
operator must comply with the
requirements specified in paragraphs
(e)(4)(viii)(A) through (G) of this section.
(A) The owner or operator must meet
the requirements in § 63.671(e)(2). The
owner or operator may augment the
minimum list of calibration gas
components found in § 63.671(e)(2) with
compounds found during a pre-survey
or known to be in the gas through
process knowledge.
(B) Calibration gas cylinders must be
certified to an accuracy of 2 percent and
traceable to National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST)
standards.
(C) For unknown gas components that
have similar analytical mass fragments
to calibration compounds, the owner or
operator may report the unknowns as an
increase in the overlapped calibration
gas compound. For unknown
compounds that produce mass
fragments that do not overlap
calibration compounds, the owner or
operator may use the response factor for
the nearest molecular weight
hydrocarbon in the calibration mix to
quantify the unknown component’s
NHVvg.
(D) The owner or operator may use
the response factor for n-pentane to
quantify any unknown components
detected with a higher molecular weight
than n-pentane.
(E) The owner or operator must
perform an initial calibration to identify
mass fragment overlap and response
factors for the target compounds.
(F) The owner or operator must meet
applicable requirements in Performance
Specification 9 of 40 CFR part 60,
appendix B, for continuous monitoring
system acceptance including, but not
limited to, performing an initial multipoint calibration check at three
concentrations following the procedure
in Section 10.1 and performing the
periodic calibration requirements listed
for gas chromatographs in Table 13 to
subpart CC of this part, for the process
mass spectrometer. The owner or
operator may use the alternative
sampling line temperature allowed
under Net Heating Value by Gas
Chromatograph in Table 13 to subpart
CC of this part.
(G) The average instrument
calibration error (CE) for each
calibration compound at any calibration
concentration must not differ by more
than 10 percent from the certified
cylinder gas value. The CE for each
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Where:
Where:
NHVmeasured = Average instrument response
(Btu/scf)
NHVa = Certified cylinder gas value (Btu/scf)
(x) Instead of complying with
§ 63.670(p) of subpart CC, the owner or
operator must keep the flare monitoring
records specified in § 63.1109(e).
(xi) Instead of complying with
§ 63.670(q) of subpart CC, the owner or
operator must comply with the
reporting requirements specified in
§ 63.1110(d) and (e)(4).
(xii) When determining compliance
with the pilot flame requirements
specified in § 63.670(b) and (g),
substitute ‘‘pilot flame or flare flame’’
for each occurrence of ‘‘pilot flame.’’
(xiii) When determining compliance
with the flare tip velocity and
combustion zone operating limits
specified in § 63.670(d) and (e), the
requirement effectively applies starting
with the 15-minute block that includes
a full 15 minutes of the flaring event.
The owner or operator is required to
demonstrate compliance with the
velocity and NHVcz requirements
starting with the block that contains the
fifteenth minute of a flaring event. The
owner or operator is not required to
demonstrate compliance for the
previous 15-minute block in which the
event started and contained only a
fraction of flow.
(xiv) In lieu of meeting the
requirements in §§ 63.670 and 63.671 of
subpart CC, an owner or operator may
submit a request to the Administrator
for approval of an alternative test
method in accordance with § 63.7(f).
The alternative test method must be able
to demonstrate on an ongoing basis at
least once every 15-minutes that the
flare meets 96.5% combustion efficiency
and provide a description of the
alternative recordkeeping and reporting
that would be associated with the
alternative test method. The alternative
test method request may also include a
request to use the alternative test
method in lieu of the pilot or flare flame
monitoring requirements of 63.670(g).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
Cm = Average instrument response (ppm)
Ca = Certified cylinder gas value (ppm)
(ix) An owner or operator using a gas
chromatograph or mass spectrometer for
compositional analysis for net heating
value may choose to use the CE of
NHVmeasured versus the cylinder tag
value NHV as the measure of agreement
(5) Maintenance vents. Unless an
extension is requested in accordance
with the provisions in § 63.6(i) of
subpart A, beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), an owner or operator may
designate an ethylene process vent as a
maintenance vent if the vent is only
used as a result of startup, shutdown,
maintenance, or inspection of
equipment where equipment is emptied,
depressurized, degassed, or placed into
service. The owner or operator must
comply with the applicable
requirements in paragraphs (e)(5)(i)
through (iii) of this section for each
maintenance vent.
(i) Prior to venting to the atmosphere,
remove process liquids from the
equipment as much as practical and
depressurize the equipment to either: A
flare meeting the requirements specified
in paragraph (e)(4) of this section, or a
non-flare control device meeting the
requirements specified in § 63.982(c)(2)
of subpart SS, until one of the following
conditions, as applicable, is met.
(A) The vapor in the equipment
served by the maintenance vent has a
lower explosive limit (LEL) of less than
10 percent.
(B) If there is no ability to measure the
LEL of the vapor in the equipment based
on the design of the equipment, the
pressure in the equipment served by the
maintenance vent is reduced to 5
pounds per square inch gauge (psig) or
less. Upon opening the maintenance
vent, active purging of the equipment
cannot be used until the LEL of the
vapors in the maintenance vent (or
inside the equipment if the maintenance
is a hatch or similar type of opening) is
less than 10 percent.
(C) The equipment served by the
maintenance vent contains less than 50
pounds of total volatile organic
compounds (VOC).
(D) If, after applying best practices to
isolate and purge equipment served by
a maintenance vent, none of the
applicable criterion in paragraphs
(e)(5)(i)(A) through (C) of this section
can be met prior to installing or
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
for daily calibration and quarterly audits
in lieu of determining the compoundspecific CE. The CE for NHV at any
calibration level must not differ by more
than 10 percent from the certified
cylinder gas value. The CE for must be
calculated using the following equation:
removing a blind flange or similar
equipment blind, then the pressure in
the equipment served by the
maintenance vent must be reduced to 2
psig or less before installing or removing
the equipment blind. During installation
or removal of the equipment blind,
active purging of the equipment may be
used provided the equipment pressure
at the location where purge gas is
introduced remains at 2 psig or less.
(ii) Except for maintenance vents
complying with the alternative in
paragraph (e)(5)(i)(C) of this section, the
owner or operator must determine the
LEL or, if applicable, equipment
pressure using process instrumentation
or portable measurement devices and
follow procedures for calibration and
maintenance according to
manufacturer’s specifications.
(iii) For maintenance vents complying
with the alternative in paragraph
(e)(5)(i)(C) of this section, the owner or
operator must determine mass of VOC
in the equipment served by the
maintenance vent based on the
equipment size and contents after
considering any contents drained or
purged from the equipment. Equipment
size may be determined from equipment
design specifications. Equipment
contents may be determined using
process knowledge.
(6) Bypass lines. Beginning on the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), the use of a bypass line at
any time on a closed vent system to
divert emissions subject to the
requirements in Table 7 to § 63.1103(e)
to the atmosphere or to a control device
not meeting the requirements specified
in Table 7 of this subpart is an
emissions standards violation. If the
owner or operator is subject to the
bypass monitoring requirements of
§ 63.983(a)(3) of subpart SS, then the
owner or operator must continue to
comply with the requirements in
§ 63.983(a)(3) of subpart SS and the
recordkeeping and reporting
requirements in §§ 63.998(d)(1)(ii) and
63.999(c)(2) of subpart SS, in addition to
paragraph (e)(9) of this section, the
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
ER06JY20.001
component in the calibration blend
must be calculated using the following
equation:
ER06JY20.000
40428
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
recordkeeping requirements specified in
§ 63.1109(g), and the reporting
requirements specified in
§ 63.1110(e)(6). For purposes of
compliance with this paragraph, the
phrase ‘‘Except for equipment needed
for safety purposes such as pressure
relief devices, low leg drains, high point
bleeds, analyzer vents, and open-ended
valves or lines’’ in § 63.983(a)(3) does
not apply; instead, the exemptions
specified in paragraph (e)(6)(i) and (ii)
of this section apply.
(i) Except for pressure relief devices
subject to 40 CFR 63.1107(h)(4),
equipment such as low leg drains and
equipment subject to the requirements
specified in paragraph (f) of Table 7 to
§ 63.1103(e) are not subject to this
paragraph (e)(6) of this section.
(ii) Open-ended valves or lines that
use a cap, blind flange, plug, or second
valve and follow the requirements
specified in § 60.482–6(a)(2), (b), and (c)
or follow requirements codified in
another regulation that are the same as
§ 60.482–6(a)(2), (b), and (c) are not
subject to this paragraph (e)(6) of this
section.
(7) Decoking operation standards for
ethylene cracking furnaces. Beginning
no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), the owner or
operator must comply with paragraph
(e)(7)(i) of this section and also use at
least two of the control measures
specified in paragraphs (e)(7)(ii) through
(v) of this section to minimize coke
combustion emissions from the
decoking of the radiant tube(s) in each
ethylene cracking furnace.
(i) During normal operations, conduct
daily inspections of the firebox burners
and repair all burners that are impinging
on the radiant tube(s) as soon as
practical, but not later than 1 calendar
day after the flame impingement is
found. The owner or operator may delay
burner repair beyond 1 calendar day
using the procedures specified in
paragraphs (e)(7)(i)(A) and (B) of this
section provided the repair cannot be
completed during normal operations,
the burner cannot be shutdown without
significantly impacting the furnace heat
distribution and firing rate, and action
is taken to reduce flame impingement as
much as possible during continued
operation. An inspection may include,
but is not limited to: visual inspection
of the radiant tube(s) for localized bright
spots (this may be confirmed with a
temperature gun), use of luminescent
powders injected into the burner to
illuminate the flame pattern, or
identifying continued localized coke
build-up that causes short runtimes
between decoking cycles. A repair may
include, but is not limited to: Taking the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
burner out of service, replacing the
burner, adjusting the alignment of the
burner, adjusting burner configuration,
making burner air corrections, repairing
a malfunction of the fuel liquid removal
equipment, or adding insulation around
the radiant tube(s).
(A) If a shutdown for repair would
cause greater emissions than the
potential emissions from delaying
repair, repair must be completed
following the next planned decoking
operation (and before returning the
ethylene cracking furnace back to
normal operations) or during the next
ethylene cracking furnace complete
shutdown (when the ethylene cracking
furnace firebox is taken completely offline), whichever is earlier.
(B) If a shutdown for repair would
cause lower emissions than the
potential emissions from delaying
repair, then shutdown of the ethylene
cracking furnace must immediately
commence and the repair must be
completed before returning the ethylene
cracking furnace back to normal
operations.
(ii) During decoking operations,
beginning before the expected end of the
air-in decoke time, continuously
monitor (or use a gas detection tube or
equivalent sample technique every three
hours to monitor) the CO2 concentration
in the combined decoke effluent
downstream of the last component being
decoked for an indication that the coke
combustion in the ethylene cracking
furnace radiant tube(s) is complete. The
owner or operator must immediately
initiate procedures to stop the coke
combustion once the CO2 concentration
at the outlet consistently reaches a level
that indicates combustion of coke is
complete and site decoke completion
assurance procedures have been
concluded.
(iii) During decoking operations,
continuously monitor the temperature at
the radiant tube(s) outlet when air is
being introduced to ensure the coke
combustion occurring inside the radiant
tube(s) is not so aggressive (i.e., too hot)
that it damages either the radiant tube(s)
or ethylene cracking furnace isolation
valve(s). The owner or operator must
immediately initiate procedures to
reduce the temperature at the radiant
tube(s) outlet once the temperature
reaches a level that indicates
combustion of coke inside the radiant
tube(s) is too aggressive.
(iv) After decoking, but before
returning the ethylene cracking furnace
back to normal operations, verify that
decoke air is no longer being added.
(v) After decoking, but before
returning the ethylene cracking furnace
back to normal operations and/or during
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40429
normal operations, inject materials into
the steam or feed to reduce coke
formation inside the radiant tube(s)
during normal operation.
(8) Ethylene cracking furnace
isolation valve inspections. Beginning
no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), the owner or
operator must conduct ethylene
cracking furnace isolation valve
inspections as specified in paragraphs
(e)(8)(i) and (ii) of this section.
(i) Prior to decoking operation,
inspect the applicable ethylene cracking
furnace isolation valve(s) to confirm that
the radiant tube(s) being decoked is
completely isolated from the ethylene
production process so that no emissions
generated from decoking operations are
sent to the ethylene production process.
If poor isolation is identified, then the
owner or operator must rectify the
isolation issue prior to continuing
decoking operations to prevent leaks
into the ethylene production process.
(ii) Prior to returning the ethylene
cracking furnace to normal operations
after a decoking operation, inspect the
applicable ethylene cracking furnace
isolation valve(s) to confirm that the
radiant tube(s) that was decoked is
completely isolated from the decoking
pot or furnace firebox such that no
emissions are sent from the radiant
tube(s) to the decoking pot or furnace
firebox once the ethylene cracking
furnace returns to normal operation. If
poor isolation is identified, then the
owner or operator must rectify the
isolation issue prior to continuing
normal operations to prevent product
from escaping to the atmosphere
through the decoking pot or furnace
firebox.
(9) Startup, shutdown, and
malfunction referenced provisions.
Beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1102(c), the
referenced provisions specified in
paragraphs (e)(9)(i) through (xx) of this
section do not apply when
demonstrating compliance with
paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(i) The second sentence of
§ 63.181(d)(5)(i) of subpart H.
(ii) The second sentence of
§ 63.983(a)(5) of subpart SS.
(iii) The phrase ‘‘except during
periods of start-up, shutdown and
malfunction as specified in the
referencing subpart’’ in § 63.984(a) of
subpart SS.
(iv) The phrase ‘‘except during
periods of start-up, shutdown and
malfunction as specified in the
referencing subpart’’ in § 63.985(a) of
subpart SS.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40430
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(v) The phrase ‘‘other than start-ups,
shutdowns, or malfunctions’’ in
§ 63.994(c)(1)(ii)(D) of subpart SS.
(vi) Section 63.996(c)(2)(ii) of subpart
SS.
(vii) The last sentence of
§ 63.997(e)(1)(i) of subpart SS.
(viii) Section 63.998(b)(2)(iii) of
subpart SS.
(ix) The phrase ‘‘other than periods of
startups, shutdowns, and malfunctions’’
from § 63.998(b)(5)(i)(A) of subpart SS.
(x) The phrase ‘‘other than a start-up,
shutdown, or malfunction’’ from
§ 63.998(b)(5)(i)(B)(3) of subpart SS.
(xi) The phrase ‘‘other than periods of
startups, shutdowns, and malfunctions’’
from § 63.998(b)(5)(i)(C) of subpart SS.
(xii) The phrase ‘‘other than a startup, shutdown, or malfunction’’ from
§ 63.998(b)(5)(ii)(C) of subpart SS.
(xiii) The phrase ‘‘except as provided
in paragraphs (b)(6)(i)(A) and (B) of this
section’’ from § 63.998(b)(6)(i) of subpart
SS.
(xiv) The second sentence of
§ 63.998(b)(6)(ii) of subpart SS.
(xv) Section 63.998(c)(1)(ii)(D)
through (G) of subpart SS.
(xvi) Section 63.998(d)(3) of subpart
SS.
(xvii) The phrase ‘‘may be included as
part of the startup, shutdown, and
malfunction plan, as required by the
referencing subpart for the source, or’’
from § 63.1024(f)(4)(i) of subpart UU.
(xviii) The phrase ‘‘(except periods of
startup, shutdown, or malfunction)’’
from § 63.1026(e)(1)(ii)(A) of subpart
UU.
(xix) The phrase ‘‘(except periods of
startup, shutdown, or malfunction)’’
from § 63.1028(e)(1)(i)(A) of subpart UU.
(xx) The phrase ‘‘(except periods of
startup, shutdown, or malfunction)’’
from § 63.1031(b)(1) of subpart UU.
(10) Storage vessel degassing.
Beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1102(c), for each
storage vessel subject to paragraph (b) or
(c) of Table 7 to § 63.1103(e), the owner
or operator must comply with
paragraphs (e)(10)(i) through (iii) of this
section during storage vessel shutdown
operations (i.e., emptying and degassing
of a storage vessel) until the vapor space
concentration in the storage vessel is
less than 10 percent of the LEL. The
owner or operator must determine the
LEL using process instrumentation or
portable measurement devices and
follow procedures for calibration and
maintenance according to
manufacturer’s specifications.
(i) Remove liquids from the storage
vessel as much as practicable;
(ii) Comply with one of the following:
(A) Reduce emissions of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-percent by venting
emissions through a closed vent system
to a flare and meet the requirements of
§ 63.983 and paragraphs (e)(4) and (9) of
this section.
(B) Reduce emissions of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-percent by venting
emissions through a closed vent system
to any combination of non-flare control
devices and meet the requirements
specified in § 63.982(c)(1) and
paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
(C) Reduce emissions of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-percent by routing
emissions to a fuel gas system or process
and meet the requirements specified in
§ 63.982(d) and paragraph (e)(9) of this
section.
(iii) Maintain records necessary to
demonstrate compliance with the
requirements in § 63.1108(a)(4)(ii)
including, if appropriate, records of
existing standard site procedures used
to empty and degas (deinventory)
equipment for safety purposes.
TABLE 7 TO § 63.1103(E)—WHAT ARE MY REQUIREMENTS IF I OWN OR OPERATE AN ETHYLENE PRODUCTION EXISTING
OR NEW AFFECTED SOURCE?
If you own or operate . . .
And if . . .
Then you must . . .
(a) A storage vessel (as defined in
§ 63.1101) that stores liquid containing organic HAP.
(1) The maximum true vapor pressure of total organic HAP is ≥3.4 kilopascals but <76.6
kilopascals; and the capacity of the vessel is ≥4
cubic meters but <95 cubic meters.
(1) The maximum true vapor pressure of total organic HAP is ≥3.4 kilopascals but <76.6
kilopascals; and the capacity of the vessel is
≥95 cubic meters.
(i) Fill the vessel through a submerged pipe; or
(ii) Comply with the requirements for storage vessels with capacities ≥95 cubic meters.
(b) A storage vessel (as defined in
§ 63.1101) that stores liquid containing organic HAP.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
(i) Except as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of
this table, comply with the requirements of subpart WW of this part; or
(ii) Except as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of
this table, reduce emissions of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-percent by venting emissions
through a closed vent system to any combination of control devices and meet the requirements of § 63.982(a)(1).
(iii) Beginning no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), comply with paragraph
(b)(1)(iii)(A), (B), (C), or (D) of this table, and
(e)(10) of this section.
(A) Comply with the requirements of subpart WW
of this part; or
(B) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98
weight-percent by venting emissions through a
closed vent system to a flare and meet the requirements of § 63.983 and paragraphs (e)(4)
and (9) of this section; or
(C) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98
weight-percent by venting emissions through a
closed vent system to any combination of nonflare control devices and meet the requirements
specified in § 63.982(c)(1) and (e)(9) of this section; or
(D) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98
weight-percent by routing emissions to a fuel
gas system(a) or process and meet the requirements specified in § 63.982(d) and (e)(9) of this
section.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
40431
TABLE 7 TO § 63.1103(E)—WHAT ARE MY REQUIREMENTS IF I OWN OR OPERATE AN ETHYLENE PRODUCTION EXISTING
OR NEW AFFECTED SOURCE?—Continued
If you own or operate . . .
And if . . .
Then you must . . .
(c) A storage vessel (as defined in
§ 63.1101) that stores liquid containing organic HAP.
(1) The maximum true vapor pressure of total organic HAP is ≥76.6 kilopascals.
(d) An ethylene process vent (as defined in paragraph (e)(2) of this section).
(1) The process vent is at an existing source and
the vent stream has a flow rate ≥0.011 scmm
and a total organic HAP concentration ≥50 parts
per million by volume on a dry basis; or the
process vent is at a new source and the vent
stream has a flow rate ≥0.008 scmm and a total
organic HAP concentration ≥30 parts per million
by volume on a dry basis.
(e) A transfer rack (as defined in paragraph (e)(2) of this section).
(1) Materials loaded have a true vapor pressure of
total organic HAP ≥3.4 kilopascals and ≥76
cubic meters per day (averaged over any consecutive 30-day period) of HAP-containing material is loaded.
(i) Except as specified in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of
this table, reduce emissions of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-percent by venting emissions
through a closed vent system to any combination of control devices and meet the requirements of § 63.982(a)(1).
(ii) Beginning no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), comply with paragraph
(c)(1)(ii)(A), (B), or (C) of this table, and (e)(10)
of this section.
(A) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98
weight-percent by venting emissions through a
closed vent system to a flare and meet the requirements of § 63.983 and paragraphs (e)(4)
and (9) of this section; or
(B) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98
weight-percent by venting emissions through a
closed vent system to any combination of nonflare control devices and meet the requirements
specified in § 63.982(c)(1) and (e)(9) of this section; or
(C) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98
weight-percent by routing emissions to a fuel
gas system(a) or process and meet the requirements specified in § 63.982(d) and (e)(9) of this
section.
(i) Except as specified in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of
this table, reduce emissions of organic HAP by
98 weight-percent; or reduce organic HAP or
TOC to a concentration of 20 parts per million
by volume on a dry basis corrected to 3% oxygen; whichever is less stringent, by venting
emissions through a closed vent system to any
combination of control devices and meet the requirements specified in § 63.982(b) and (c)(2).
(ii) Beginning no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), comply with the maintenance vent requirements specified in paragraph (e)(5) of this section and either paragraph
(d)(1)(ii)(A) or (B) of this table.
(A) Reduce emissions of organic HAP by 98
weight-percent; or reduce organic HAP or TOC
to a concentration of 20 parts per million by volume on a dry basis corrected to 3-percent oxygen; whichever is less stringent, by venting
emissions through a closed vent system to a
flare and meet the requirements of § 63.983 and
paragraphs (e)(4) and (9) of this section; or
(B) Reduce emissions of organic HAP by 98
weight-percent; or reduce organic HAP or TOC
to a concentration of 20 parts per million by volume on a dry basis corrected to 3-percent oxygen; whichever is less stringent, by venting
emissions through a closed vent system to any
combination of non-flare control devices and
meet the requirements specified in
§ 63.982(c)(2) and (e)(9) of this section.
(i) Reduce emissions of organic HAP by 98
weight-percent; or reduce organic HAP or TOC
to a concentration of 20 parts per million by volume on a dry basis corrected to 3-percent oxygen; whichever is less stringent, by venting
emissions through a closed vent system to any
combination of control devices as specified in
§ 63.1105 and meet the requirements specified
in paragraph (e)(9) of this section.; or
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40432
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 7 TO § 63.1103(E)—WHAT ARE MY REQUIREMENTS IF I OWN OR OPERATE AN ETHYLENE PRODUCTION EXISTING
OR NEW AFFECTED SOURCE?—Continued
If you own or operate . . .
And if . . .
Then you must . . .
(f) Equipment (as defined in § 63.1101)
that contains or contacts organic
HAP.
(1) The equipment contains or contacts ≥5 weightpercent organic HAP; and the equipment is not
in vacuum service.
(g) Processes that generate waste (as
defined in paragraph (e)(2) of this
section.
(1) The waste stream contains any of the following
HAP: Benzene, cumene, ethyl benzene,
hexane, naphthalene, styrene, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, or 1,3-butadiene.
..................................................................................
(h) A heat exchange system (as defined in § 63.1082(b)).
(i) A closed vent system that contains
one or more bypass lines.
(j) A decoking operation associated
with an ethylene cracking furnace.
(1) The bypass line could divert a vent stream directly to the atmosphere or to a control device
not meeting the requirements in this table.
..................................................................................
(ii) Install process piping designed to collect the
HAP-containing vapors displaced from tank
trucks or railcars during loading and to route it
to a process, a fuel gas system, or a vapor balance system, as specified in § 63.1105 and
meet the requirements specified in paragraph
(e)(9) of this section.(a)
(i) Except as specified in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this
table, comply with the requirements of subpart
UU of this part.
(ii) Beginning no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), comply with the requirements of paragraph (e)(9) of this section
and subpart UU of this part, except instead of
complying with the pressure relief device requirements of § 63.1030 of subpart UU, meet
the requirements of § 63.1107(h), and in lieu of
the flare requirement of § 63.1034(b)(2)(iii), comply with the requirements specified in paragraph
(e)(4) of this section.(a)
Comply with the waste requirements of subpart
XX of this part. For ethylene production unit
waste stream requirements, terms have the
meanings specified in subpart XX.
Comply with the heat exchange system requirements of subpart XX of this part.
Beginning no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs (e)(6) and
(9) of this section.
Beginning no later than the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs (e)(7) and
(8) of this section.
(a) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in § 63.1102(c), any flare using fuel gas from a fuel gas system, of which 50 percent
or more of the fuel gas is derived from an ethylene production unit as determined on an annual average basis, must be in compliance with paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
*
*
*
*
*
20. Section 63.1104 is amended by
revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:
■
§ 63.1104 Process vents from continuous
unit operations: applicability assessment
procedures and methods.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) Applicability assessment
requirement. The TOC or organic HAP
concentrations, process vent volumetric
flow rates, process vent heating values,
process vent TOC or organic HAP
emission rates, halogenated process vent
determinations, process vent TRE index
values, and engineering assessments for
process vent control applicability
assessment requirements are to be
determined during maximum
representative operating conditions for
the process, except as provided in
paragraph (d) of this section, or unless
the Administrator specifies or approves
alternate operating conditions. For
acrylic and modacrylic fiber production
affected sources, polycarbonate
production affected sources, and
ethylene production affected sources,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
operations during periods of
malfunction shall not constitute
representative conditions for the
purpose of an applicability test. For all
other affected sources, operations
during periods of startup, shutdown,
and malfunction shall not constitute
representative conditions for the
purpose of an applicability test.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 21. Section 63.1105 is amended by
revising paragraph (a) introductory text
and adding paragraph (a)(5) to read as
follows:
§ 63.1105
Transfer racks.
(a) Design requirements. Except as
specified in paragraph (a)(5) of this
section, the owner or operator shall
equip each transfer rack with one of the
control options listed in paragraphs
(a)(1) through (5) of this section.
*
*
*
*
*
(5) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), if emissions are vented
through a closed vent system to a flare
at an ethylene production affected
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
source, then the owner or operator must
comply with the requirements specified
in § 63.1103(e)(4) instead of the
requirements in § 63.987 and the
provisions regarding flare compliance
assessments at § 63.997(a) through (c).
*
*
*
*
*
■ 22. Section 63.1107 is amended by
revising paragraph (a) and adding
paragraph (h) to read as follows:
§ 63.1107
Equipment leaks.
(a) Each piece of equipment within a
process unit that can reasonably be
expected to contain equipment in
organic HAP service is presumed to be
in organic HAP service unless an owner
or operator demonstrates that the piece
of equipment is not in organic HAP
service. For a piece of equipment to be
considered not in organic HAP service,
it must be determined that the percent
organic HAP content can be reasonably
expected not to exceed the percent by
weight control applicability criteria
specified in § 63.1103 for an affected
source on an annual average basis. For
purposes of determining the percent
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
organic HAP content of the process fluid
that is contained in or contacts
equipment, Method 18 of 40 CFR part
60, appendix A shall be used. For
purposes of determining the percent
organic HAP content of the process fluid
that is contained in or contacts
equipment for the ethylene production
affected sources, the following methods
shall be used for equipment: For
equipment in gas and vapor service, as
that term is defined in Subpart UU of
this part, shall use Method 18 of 40 CFR
part 60, appendix A; for equipment in
liquid service, as that term is defined in
Subpart UU of this part, shall use a
combination of Method 18 of 40 CFR
part 60, appendix A, SW–846–8260B
(incorporated by reference, see § 63.14);
and SW–846–8270D (incorporated by
reference, see § 63.14), as appropriate.
*
*
*
*
*
(h) Ethylene production pressure
release requirements. Beginning no later
than the compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), except as specified in
paragraph (h)(4) of this section, owners
or operators of ethylene production
affected sources must comply with the
requirements specified in paragraphs
(h)(1) and (2) of this section for pressure
relief devices, such as relief valves or
rupture disks, in organic HAP gas or
vapor service instead of the pressure
relief device requirements of § 63.1030
of subpart UU or § 63.165 of subpart H.
Beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1102(c), except as
specified in paragraphs (h)(4) and (5) of
this section, the owner or operator must
also comply with the requirements
specified in paragraphs (h)(3) and (6)
through (8) of this section for all
pressure relief devices.
(1) Operating requirements. Except
during a pressure release, operate each
pressure relief device in organic HAP
gas or vapor service with an instrument
reading of less than 500 ppm above
background as measured by the method
in § 63.1023(b) of subpart UU or
§ 63.180(b) and (c) of subpart H.
(2) Pressure release requirements. For
pressure relief devices in organic HAP
gas or vapor service, the owner or
operator must comply with the
applicable requirements in paragraphs
(h)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section
following a pressure release.
(i) If the pressure relief device does
not consist of or include a rupture disk,
conduct instrument monitoring, as
specified in § 63.1023(b) of subpart UU
or § 63.180(b) and (c) of subpart H, no
later than 5 calendar days after the
pressure relief device returns to organic
HAP gas or vapor service following a
pressure release to verify that the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
pressure relief device is operating with
an instrument reading of less than 500
ppm.
(ii) If the pressure relief device
includes a rupture disk, either comply
with the requirements in paragraph
(h)(2)(i) of this section (and do not
replace the rupture disk) or install a
replacement disk as soon as practicable
after a pressure release, but no later than
5 calendar days after the pressure
release.
(iii) If the pressure relief device
consists only of a rupture disk, install a
replacement disk as soon as practicable
after a pressure release, but no later than
5 calendar days after the pressure
release. The owner or operator must not
initiate startup of the equipment served
by the rupture disk until the rupture
disc is replaced.
(3) Pressure release management.
Except as specified in paragraphs (h)(4)
and (5) of this section, the owner or
operator must comply with the
requirements specified in paragraphs
(h)(3)(i) through (v) of this section for all
pressure relief devices in organic HAP
service.
(i) The owner or operator must equip
each affected pressure relief device with
a device(s) or use a monitoring system
that is capable of:
(A) Identifying the pressure release;
(B) Recording the time and duration
of each pressure release; and
(C) Notifying operators immediately
that a pressure release is occurring. The
device or monitoring system must be
either specific to the pressure relief
device itself or must be associated with
the process system or piping, sufficient
to indicate a pressure release to the
atmosphere. Examples of these types of
devices and systems include, but are not
limited to, a rupture disk indicator,
magnetic sensor, motion detector on the
pressure relief valve stem, flow monitor,
or pressure monitor.
(ii) The owner or operator must apply
at least three redundant prevention
measures to each affected pressure relief
device and document these measures.
Examples of prevention measures
include:
(A) Flow, temperature, liquid level
and pressure indicators with deadman
switches, monitors, or automatic
actuators. Independent, non-duplicative
systems within this category count as
separate redundant prevention
measures.
(B) Documented routine inspection
and maintenance programs and/or
operator training (maintenance
programs and operator training may
count as only one redundant prevention
measure).
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40433
(C) Inherently safer designs or safety
instrumentation systems.
(D) Deluge systems.
(E) Staged relief system where the
initial pressure relief device (with lower
set release pressure) discharges to a flare
or other closed vent system and control
device.
(iii) If any affected pressure relief
device releases to atmosphere as a result
of a pressure release event, the owner or
operator must perform root cause
analysis and corrective action analysis
according to the requirement in
paragraph (h)(6) of this section and
implement corrective actions according
to the requirements in paragraph (h)(7)
of this section. The owner or operator
must also calculate the quantity of
organic HAP released during each
pressure release event and report this
quantity as required in
§ 63.1110(e)(8)(iii). Calculations may be
based on data from the pressure relief
device monitoring alone or in
combination with process parameter
monitoring data and process knowledge.
(iv) The owner or operator must
determine the total number of release
events that occurred during the calendar
year for each affected pressure relief
device separately. The owner or
operator must also determine the total
number of release events for each
pressure relief device for which the root
cause analysis concluded that the root
cause was a force majeure event, as
defined in § 63.1103(e)(2).
(v) Except for pressure relief devices
described in paragraphs (h)(4) and (5) of
this section, the following release events
from an affected pressure relief device
are a violation of the pressure release
management work practice standards.
(A) Any release event for which the
root cause of the event was determined
to be operator error or poor
maintenance.
(B) A second release event not
including force majeure events from a
single pressure relief device in a 3calendar year period for the same root
cause for the same equipment.
(C) A third release event not including
force majeure events from a single
pressure relief device in a 3-calendar
year period for any reason.
(4) Pressure relief devices routed to a
control device, process, fuel gas system,
or drain system. (i) If all releases and
potential leaks from a pressure relief
device are routed through a closed vent
system to a control device, back into the
process, a fuel gas system, or drain
system, then the owner or operator is
not required to comply with paragraph
(h)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(ii) Before the compliance dates
specified in § 63.1102(c), both the
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40434
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
closed vent system and control device
(if applicable) referenced in paragraph
(h)(4)(i) of this section must meet the
applicable requirements specified in
§ 63.982(b) and (c)(2). Beginning no later
than the compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), both the closed vent
system and control device (if applicable)
referenced in paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this
section must meet the applicable
requirements specified in
§§ 63.982(c)(2), 63.983, and
63.1103(e)(4). For purposes of
compliance with this paragraph, the
phrase ‘‘Except for equipment needed
for safety purposes such as pressure
relief devices’’ in § 63.983(a)(3) does not
apply.
(iii) The drain system (if applicable)
referenced in paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this
section must meet the applicable
requirements specified in § 61.346 or
§ 63.136.
(5) Pressure relief devices exempted
from pressure release management
requirements. The following types of
pressure relief devices are not subject to
the pressure release management
requirements in paragraph (h)(3) of this
section.
(i) Pressure relief devices in heavy
liquid service, as defined in § 63.1020 of
subpart UU.
(ii) Thermal expansion relief valves.
(iii) Pressure relief devices on mobile
equipment.
(iv) Pilot-operated pressure relief
devices where the primary release valve
is routed through a closed vent system
to a control device or back into the
process, a fuel gas system, or drain
system.
(v) Balanced bellows pressure relief
devices where the primary release valve
is routed through a closed vent system
to a control device or back into the
process, a fuel gas system, or drain
system.
(6) Root cause analysis and corrective
action analysis. A root cause analysis
and corrective action analysis must be
completed as soon as possible, but no
later than 45 days after a release event.
Special circumstances affecting the
number of root cause analyses and/or
corrective action analyses are provided
in paragraphs (h)(6)(i) through (iv) of
this section.
(i) You may conduct a single root
cause analysis and corrective action
analysis for a single emergency event
that causes two or more pressure relief
devices that are installed on the same
equipment to release.
(ii) You may conduct a single root
cause analysis and corrective action
analysis for a single emergency event
that causes two or more pressure relief
devices to release, regardless of the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
equipment served, if the root cause is
reasonably expected to be a force
majeure event, as defined in
§ 63.1103(e)(2).
(iii) Except as provided in paragraphs
(h)(6)(i) and (ii) of this section, if more
than one pressure relief device has a
release during the same time period, an
initial root cause analysis must be
conducted separately for each pressure
relief device that had a release. If the
initial root cause analysis indicates that
the release events have the same root
cause(s), the initial separate root cause
analyses may be recorded as a single
root cause analysis and a single
corrective action analysis may be
conducted.
(7) Corrective action implementation.
Each owner or operator required to
conduct a root cause analysis and
corrective action analysis as specified in
paragraphs (h)(3)(iii) and (6) of this
section, must implement the corrective
action(s) identified in the corrective
action analysis in accordance with the
applicable requirements in paragraphs
(h)(7)(i) through (iii) of this section.
(i) All corrective action(s) must be
implemented within 45 days of the
event for which the root cause and
corrective action analyses were required
or as soon thereafter as practicable. If an
owner or operator concludes that no
corrective action should be
implemented, the owner or operator
must record and explain the basis for
that conclusion no later than 45 days
following the event.
(ii) For corrective actions that cannot
be fully implemented within 45 days
following the event for which the root
cause and corrective action analyses
were required, the owner or operator
must develop an implementation
schedule to complete the corrective
action(s) as soon as practicable.
(iii) No later than 45 days following
the event for which a root cause and
corrective action analyses were
required, the owner or operator must
record the corrective action(s)
completed to date, and, for action(s) not
already completed, a schedule for
implementation, including proposed
commencement and completion dates.
(8) Flowing pilot-operated pressure
relief devices. For ethylene production
affected sources that commenced
construction or reconstruction on or
before October 9, 2019, owners or
operators are prohibited from installing
a flowing pilot-operated pressure relief
device or replacing any pressure relief
device with a flowing pilot-operated
pressure relief device after July 6, 2023.
For ethylene production affected
sources that commenced construction or
reconstruction after October 9, 2019,
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
owners or operators are prohibited from
installing and operating flowing pilotoperated pressure relief devices. For
purpose of compliance with this
paragraph, a flowing pilot-operated
pressure relief device means the type of
pilot-operated pressure relief device
where the pilot discharge vent
continuously releases emissions to the
atmosphere when the pressure relief
device is actuated.
■ 23. Section 63.1108 is amended by
revising paragraphs (a) introductory
text, (a)(4), (b)(1)(ii), (b)(2) introductory
text, (b)(3), (b)(4)(i) introductory text,
and (b)(4)(ii)(B) to read as follows:
§ 63.1108 Compliance with standards and
operation and maintenance requirements.
(a) Requirements. The requirements of
paragraphs (a)(1), (2), and (5) of this
section apply to all affected sources
except acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources,
polycarbonate production affected
sources, and beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), ethylene production
affected sources. The requirements of
paragraph (a)(4) of this section apply
only to acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources,
polycarbonate production affected
sources and beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), ethylene production
affected sources. The requirements of
paragraphs (a)(3), (6), and (7) of this
section apply to all affected sources.
*
*
*
*
*
(4)(i) For acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources and
polycarbonate production affected
sources, and beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), ethylene production
affected sources, the emission
limitations and established parameter
ranges of this part shall apply at all
times except during periods of nonoperation of the affected source (or
specific portion thereof) resulting in
cessation of the emissions to which this
subpart applies. Equipment leak
requirements shall apply at all times
except during periods of non-operation
of the affected source (or specific
portion thereof) in which the lines are
drained and depressurized resulting in
cessation of the emissions to which the
equipment leak requirements apply.
(ii) At all times, the owner or operator
must operate and maintain any affected
source, including associated air
pollution control equipment and
monitoring equipment, in a manner
consistent with safety and good air
pollution control practices for
minimizing emissions. The general duty
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
to minimize emissions does not require
the owner or operator to make any
further efforts to reduce emissions if
levels required by the applicable
standard have been achieved.
Determination of whether a source is
operating in compliance with operation
and maintenance requirements will be
based on information available to the
Administrator that may include, but is
not limited to, monitoring results,
review of operation and maintenance
procedures, review of operation and
maintenance records, and inspection of
the affected source.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) Excused excursions are not
allowed for acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources,
polycarbonate production affected
sources, and beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), ethylene production
affected sources. For all other affected
sources, including ethylene production
affected sources prior to the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1102(c), an
excused excursion, as described in
§ 63.998(b)(6)(ii), is not a violation.
(2) Parameter monitoring: Excursions.
An excursion is not a violation in cases
where continuous monitoring is
required and the excursion does not
count toward the number of excused
excursions (as described in
§ 63.998(b)(6)(ii)), if the conditions of
paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section
are met, except that the conditions of
paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section do not
apply for acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources,
polycarbonate production affected
sources, and beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), ethylene production
affected sources. Nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to allow or
excuse a monitoring parameter
excursion caused by any activity that
violates other applicable provisions of
this subpart or a subpart referenced by
this subpart.
*
*
*
*
*
(3) Operation and maintenance
procedures. Determination of whether
acceptable operation and maintenance
procedures are being used will be based
on information available to the
Administrator. This information may
include, but is not limited to,
monitoring results, review of operation
and maintenance procedures (including
the startup, shutdown, and malfunction
plan under § 63.1111, if applicable),
review of operation and maintenance
records, and inspection of the affected
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
source, and alternatives approved as
specified in § 63.1113.
(4) * * *
(i) Applicability assessments. Unless
otherwise specified in a relevant test
method required to assess control
applicability, each test shall consist of
three separate runs using the applicable
test method. Each run shall be
conducted for the time and under the
conditions specified in this subpart. The
arithmetic mean of the results of the
three runs shall apply when assessing
applicability. Upon receiving approval
from the Administrator, results of a test
run may be replaced with results of an
additional test run if it meets the criteria
specified in paragraphs (b)(4)(i)(A)
through (D) of this section.
*
*
*
*
*
(ii) * * *
(B) For acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources,
polycarbonate production affected
sources, and beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), ethylene production
affected sources, performance tests shall
be conducted under such conditions as
the Administrator specifies to the owner
or operator based on representative
performance of the affected source for
the period being tested. Representative
conditions exclude periods of startup
and shutdown unless specified by the
Administrator or an applicable subpart.
The owner or operator may not conduct
performance tests during periods of
malfunction. The owner or operator
must record the process information
that is necessary to document operating
conditions during the test and include
in such record an explanation to
support that such conditions represent
normal operation. Upon request, the
owner or operator shall make available
to the Administrator such records as
may be necessary to determine the
conditions of performance tests.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 24. Section 63.1109 is amended by
adding paragraphs (e) through (i) to read
as follows:
§ 63.1109
Recordkeeping requirements.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) Ethylene production flare records.
For each flare subject to the
requirements in § 63.1103(e)(4), owners
or operators must keep records specified
in paragraphs (e)(1) through (15) of this
section in lieu of the information
required in § 63.998(a)(1) of subpart SS.
(1) Retain records of the output of the
monitoring device used to detect the
presence of a pilot flame or flare flame
as required in § 63.670(b) of subpart CC
and the presence of a pilot flame as
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40435
required in § 63.1103(e)(4)(vii)(D) for a
minimum of 2 years. Retain records of
each 15-minute block during which
there was at least one minute that no
pilot flame or flare flame is present
when regulated material is routed to a
flare for a minimum of 5 years. For each
pressure-assisted multi-point flare that
uses cross-lighting, retain records of
each 15-minute block during which
there was at least one minute that no
pilot flame is present on each stage
when regulated material is routed to a
flare for a minimum of 5 years. You may
reduce the collected minute-by-minute
data to a 15-minute block basis with an
indication of whether there was at least
one minute where no pilot flame or flare
flame was present.
(2) Retain records of daily visible
emissions observations as specified in
paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through (iv) of this
section, as applicable, for a minimum of
3 years.
(i) To determine when visible
emissions observations are required, the
record must identify all periods when
regulated material is vented to the flare.
(ii) If visible emissions observations
are performed using Method 22 of 40
CFR part 60, appendix A–7, then the
record must identify whether the visible
emissions observation was performed,
the results of each observation, total
duration of observed visible emissions,
and whether it was a 5-minute or 2-hour
observation. Record the date and start
time of each visible emissions
observation.
(iii) If a video surveillance camera is
used pursuant to § 63.670(h)(2) of
subpart CC, then the record must
include all video surveillance images
recorded, with time and date stamps.
(iv) For each 2-hour period for which
visible emissions are observed for more
than 5 minutes in 2 consecutive hours,
then the record must include the date
and start and end time of the 2-hour
period and an estimate of the
cumulative number of minutes in the 2hour period for which emissions were
visible.
(3) The 15-minute block average
cumulative flows for flare vent gas and,
if applicable, total steam, perimeter
assist air, and premix assist air specified
to be monitored under § 63.670(i) of
subpart CC, along with the date and
time interval for the 15-minute block. If
multiple monitoring locations are used
to determine cumulative vent gas flow,
total steam, perimeter assist air, and
premix assist air, then retain records of
the 15-minute block average flows for
each monitoring location for a minimum
of 2 years, and retain records of the 15minute block average cumulative flows
that are used in subsequent calculations
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40436
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
for a minimum of 5 years. If pressure
and temperature monitoring is used,
then retain records of the 15-minute
block average temperature, pressure,
and molecular weight of the flare vent
gas or assist gas stream for each
measurement location used to
determine the 15-minute block average
cumulative flows for a minimum of 2
years, and retain records of the 15minute block average cumulative flows
that are used in subsequent calculations
for a minimum of 5 years.
(4) The flare vent gas compositions
specified to be monitored under
§ 63.670(j) of subpart CC. Retain records
of individual component concentrations
from each compositional analysis for a
minimum of 2 years. If an NHVvg
analyzer is used, retain records of the
15-minute block average values for a
minimum of 5 years.
(5) Each 15-minute block average
operating parameter calculated
following the methods specified in
§ 63.670(k) through (n) of subpart CC, as
applicable.
(6) All periods during which
operating values are outside of the
applicable operating limits specified in
§ 63.670(d) through (f) of subpart CC
and § 63.1103(e)(4)(vii) when regulated
material is being routed to the flare.
(7) All periods during which the
owner or operator does not perform flare
monitoring according to the procedures
in § 63.670(g) through (j) of subpart CC.
(8) For pressure-assisted multi-point
flares, if a stage of burners on the flare
uses cross-lighting, then a record of any
changes made to the distance between
burners.
(9) For pressure-assisted multi-point
flares, all periods when the pressure
monitor(s) on the main flare header
show burners are operating outside the
range of the manufacturer’s
specifications. Indicate the date and
time for each period, the pressure
measurement, the stage(s) and number
of burners affected, and the range of
manufacturer’s specifications.
(10) For pressure-assisted multi-point
flares, all periods when the staging
valve position indicator monitoring
system indicates a stage of the pressureassisted multi-point flare should not be
in operation and when a stage of the
pressure-assisted multi-point flare
should be in operation and is not.
Indicate the date and time for each
period, whether the stage was supposed
to be open, but was closed or vice versa,
and the stage(s) and number of burners
affected.
(11) Records of periods when there is
flow of vent gas to the flare, but when
there is no flow of regulated material to
the flare, including the start and stop
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
time and dates of periods of no
regulated material flow.
(12) Records when the flow of vent
gas exceeds the smokeless capacity of
the flare, including start and stop time
and dates of the flaring event.
(13) Records of the root cause analysis
and corrective action analysis
conducted as required in § 63.670(o)(3)
of subpart CC and § 63.1103(e)(4)(iv),
including an identification of the
affected flare, the date and duration of
the event, a statement noting whether
the event resulted from the same root
cause(s) identified in a previous
analysis and either a description of the
recommended corrective action(s) or an
explanation of why corrective action is
not necessary under § 63.670(o)(5)(i) of
subpart CC.
(14) For any corrective action analysis
for which implementation of corrective
actions are required in § 63.670(o)(5) of
subpart CC, a description of the
corrective action(s) completed within
the first 45 days following the discharge
and, for action(s) not already completed,
a schedule for implementation,
including proposed commencement and
completion dates.
(15) Records described in
§ 63.10(b)(2)(vi).
(f) Ethylene production maintenance
vent records. For each maintenance vent
opening subject to the requirements in
§ 63.1103(e)(5), the owner or operator
must keep the applicable records
specified in (f)(1) through (5) of this
section.
(1) The owner or operator must
maintain standard site procedures used
to deinventory equipment for safety
purposes (e.g., hot work or vessel entry
procedures) to document the procedures
used to meet the requirements in
§ 63.1103(e)(5). The current copy of the
procedures must be retained and
available on-site at all times. Previous
versions of the standard site procedures,
as applicable, must be retained for 5
years.
(2) If complying with the
requirements of § 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(A) and
the LEL at the time of the vessel opening
exceeds 10 percent, records that identify
the maintenance vent, the process units
or equipment associated with the
maintenance vent, the date of
maintenance vent opening, and the LEL
at the time of the vessel opening.
(3) If complying with the
requirements of § 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(B) and
either the vessel pressure at the time of
the vessel opening exceeds 5 psig or the
LEL at the time of the active purging
was initiated exceeds 10 percent,
records that identify the maintenance
vent, the process units or equipment
associated with the maintenance vent,
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
the date of maintenance vent opening,
the pressure of the vessel or equipment
at the time of discharge to the
atmosphere and, if applicable, the LEL
of the vapors in the equipment when
active purging was initiated.
(4) If complying with the
requirements of § 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(C),
records of the estimating procedures
used to determine the total quantity of
VOC in equipment and the type and size
limits of equipment that contain less
than 50 pounds of VOC at the time of
maintenance vent opening. For each
maintenance vent opening of equipment
that contains greater than 50 pounds of
VOC for which the deinventory
procedures specified in paragraph (f)(1)
of this section are not followed or for
which the equipment opened exceeds
the type and size limits established in
the records specified in this paragraph,
records that identify the maintenance
vent, the process units or equipment
associated with the maintenance vent,
the date of maintenance vent opening,
and records used to estimate the total
quantity of VOC in the equipment at the
time the maintenance vent was opened
to the atmosphere.
(5) If complying with the
requirements of § 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(D),
identification of the maintenance vent,
the process units or equipment
associated with the maintenance vent,
records documenting actions taken to
comply with other applicable
alternatives and why utilization of this
alternative was required, the date of
maintenance vent opening, the
equipment pressure and LEL of the
vapors in the equipment at the time of
discharge, an indication of whether
active purging was performed and the
pressure of the equipment during the
installation or removal of the blind if
active purging was used, the duration
the maintenance vent was open during
the blind installation or removal
process, and records used to estimate
the total quantity of VOC in the
equipment at the time the maintenance
vent was opened to the atmosphere for
each applicable maintenance vent
opening.
(g) Ethylene production bypass line
records. For each flow event from a
bypass line subject to the requirements
in § 63.1103(e)(6), the owner or operator
must maintain records sufficient to
determine whether or not the detected
flow included flow requiring control.
For each flow event from a bypass line
requiring control that is released either
directly to the atmosphere or to a
control device not meeting the
requirements specified in Table 7 to
§ 63.1103(e), the owner or operator must
include an estimate of the volume of
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
gas, the concentration of organic HAP in
the gas and the resulting emissions of
organic HAP that bypassed the control
device using process knowledge and
engineering estimates.
(h) Decoking operation of ethylene
cracking furnace records. For each
decoking operation of an ethylene
cracking furnace subject to the
standards in § 63.1103(e)(7) and (8), the
owner or operator must keep the records
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through
(6) of this section.
(1) Records that document the day
and time each inspection specified in
§ 63.1103(e)(7)(i) took place, the results
of each inspection, and any repairs
made to correct the flame impingement;
and for any repair that is delayed
beyond 1 calendar day, the records
specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through
(iii) of this section.
(i) The reason for the delay.
(ii) An estimate of the emissions from
shutdown for repair and an estimate of
the emissions likely to result from delay
of repair, and whether the requirements
at § 63.1103(e)(7)(i)(A) or (B) were met.
(iii) The date the repair was
completed or, if the repair has not been
completed, a schedule for completing
the repair.
(2) If the owner or operator chooses to
monitor the CO2 concentration during
decoking as specified in
§ 63.1103(e)(7)(ii), then for each
decoking cycle, records must be kept for
all measured CO2 concentration values
beginning before the expected end of the
air-in decoke time, the criterion used to
begin the CO2 monitoring, and the target
used to indicate combustion is
complete. The target record should
identify any time period the site
routinely extends air addition beyond
the specified CO2 concentration and any
decoke completion assurance
procedures used to confirm all coke has
been removed prior to stopping air
addition that occurs after the CO2 target
is reached.
(3) If the owner or operator chooses to
monitor the temperature at the radiant
tube(s) outlet during decoking as
specified in § 63.1103(e)(7)(iii), then for
each decoking cycle, records must be
kept for all measured temperature
values and the target used to indicate a
reduction in temperature of the inside of
the radiant tube(s) is necessary.
(4) If the owner or operator chooses to
comply with § 63.1103(e)(7)(iv), then
records must be kept that document that
decoke air is no longer being added after
each decoking cycle.
(5) If the owner or operator chooses to
treat steam or feed to reduce coke
formation as specified in
§ 63.1103(e)(7)(v), then records must be
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
kept that document that the planned
treatment occurred.
(6) For each decoking operation of an
ethylene cracking furnace subject to the
requirements in § 63.1103(e)(8), the
owner or operator must keep records
that document the day each inspection
took place and the results of each
inspection where an isolation problem
was identified including any repairs
made to correct the problem.
(i) Ethylene production pressure relief
devices records. For each pressure relief
device subject to the pressure release
management work practice standards in
§ 63.1107(h)(3), the owner or operator
must keep the records specified in
paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of this
section.
(1) Records of the prevention
measures implemented as required in
§ 63.1107(h)(3)(ii).
(2) Records of the number of releases
during each calendar year and the
number of those releases for which the
root cause was determined to be a force
majeure event. Keep these records for
the current calendar year and the past
five calendar years.
(3) For each release to the atmosphere,
the owner or operator must keep the
records specified in paragraphs (i)(3)(i)
through (iv) of this section.
(i) The start and end time and date of
each pressure release to the atmosphere.
(ii) Records of any data, assumptions,
and calculations used to estimate of the
mass quantity of each organic HAP
released during the event.
(iii) Records of the root cause analysis
and corrective action analysis
conducted as required in
§ 63.1107(h)(3)(iii), including an
identification of the affected pressure
relief device, a statement noting
whether the event resulted from the
same root cause(s) identified in a
previous analysis and either a
description of the recommended
corrective action(s) or an explanation of
why corrective action is not necessary
under § 63.1107(h)(7)(i).
(iv) For any corrective action analysis
for which implementation of corrective
actions are required in § 63.1107(h)(7), a
description of the corrective action(s)
completed within the first 45 days
following the discharge and, for
action(s) not already completed, a
schedule for implementation, including
proposed commencement and
completion dates.
■ 25. Section 63.1110 is amended by:
■ a. Revising paragraphs (a)
introductory text, (a)(7), and (a)(9)
introductory text;
■ b. Adding paragraph (a)(10);
■ c. Revising paragraphs (d)(1)
introductory text and (d)(1)(i);
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40437
d. Adding paragraphs (d)(1)(iv) and
(v);
■ e. Revising paragraph (e)(1);
■ f. Adding paragraphs (e)(4) through
(8); and
■ g. Revising paragraphs (g)(1) and (2).
The revisions and additions read as
follows:
■
§ 63.1110
Reporting requirements.
(a) Required reports. Each owner or
operator of an affected source subject to
this subpart shall submit the reports
listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (8) of
this section, as applicable. Each owner
or operator of an acrylic and modacrylic
fiber production affected source or
polycarbonate production affected
source subject to this subpart shall also
submit the reports listed in paragraph
(a)(9) of this section in addition to the
reports listed in paragraphs (a)(1)
through (8) of this section, as applicable.
Beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in § 63.1102(c), each
owner or operator of an ethylene
production affected source subject to
this subpart shall also submit the
reports listed in paragraph (a)(10) of this
section in addition to the reports listed
in paragraphs (a)(1) through (8) of this
section, as applicable.
*
*
*
*
*
(7) Startup, Shutdown, and
Malfunction Reports described in
§ 63.1111 (except for acrylic and
modacrylic fiber production affected
sources, ethylene production affected
sources, and polycarbonate production
affected sources).
*
*
*
*
*
(9) Within 60 days after the date of
completing each performance test (as
defined in § 63.2), the owner or operator
must submit the results of the
performance tests, including any
associated fuel analyses, required by
this subpart according to the methods
specified in paragraph (a)(9)(i) or (ii) of
this section.
*
*
*
*
*
(10)(i) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), within 60 days after the
date of completing each performance
test required by this subpart, the owner
or operator must submit the results of
the performance test following the
procedures specified in paragraphs
(a)(10)(i)(A) through (C) of this section.
(A) Data collected using test methods
supported by the EPA’s Electronic
Reporting Tool (ERT) as listed on the
EPA’s ERT website (https://
www.epa.gov/electronic-reporting-airemissions/electronic-reporting-tool-ert)
at the time of the test. Submit the results
of the performance test to the EPA via
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40438
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
CEDRI, which can be accessed through
the EPA’s CDX (https://cdx.epa.gov/).
The data must be submitted in a file
format generated through the use of the
EPA’s ERT. Alternatively, you may
submit an electronic file consistent with
the extensible markup language (XML)
schema listed on the EPA’s ERT
website.
(B) Data collected using test methods
that are not supported by the EPA’s ERT
as listed on the EPA’s ERT website at
the time of the test. The results of the
performance test must be included as an
attachment in the ERT or an alternate
electronic file consistent with the XML
schema listed on the EPA’s ERT
website. Submit the ERT generated
package or alternative file to the EPA via
CEDRI.
(C) CBI. If you claim some of the
information submitted under paragraph
(a)(10)(i)(A) or (B) of this section is CBI,
then the owner or operator must submit
a complete file, including information
claimed to be CBI, to the EPA. The file
must be generated through the use of the
EPA’s ERT or an alternate electronic file
consistent with the XML schema listed
on the EPA’s ERT website. Submit the
file on a compact disc, flash drive, or
other commonly used electronic storage
medium and clearly mark the medium
as CBI. Mail the electronic medium to
U.S. EPA/OAQPS/CORE CBI Office,
Attention: Group Leader, Measurement
Policy Group, MD C404–02, 4930 Old
Page Rd., Durham, NC 27703. The same
file with the CBI omitted must be
submitted to the EPA via EPA’s CDX as
described in paragraphs (a)(10)(i)(A) and
(B) of this section.
(ii) Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c), the owner or operator must
submit all subsequent Notification of
Compliance Status reports required
under paragraph (a)(4) of this section in
PDF format to the EPA via CEDRI,
which can be accessed through EPA’s
CDX (https://cdx.epa.gov/). All
subsequent Periodic Reports required
under paragraph (a)(5) of this section
must be submitted to the EPA via CEDRI
using the appropriate electronic report
template on the CEDRI website (https://
www.epa.gov/electronic-reporting-airemissions/compliance-and-emissionsdata-reporting-interface-cedri) for this
subpart beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in
§ 63.1102(c) or once the report template
has been available on the CEDRI website
for one year, whichever date is later.
The date report templates become
available will be listed on the CEDRI
website. The report must be submitted
by the deadline specified in this
subpart, regardless of the method in
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
which the report is submitted. If you
claim some of the information required
to be submitted via CEDRI is CBI, then
submit a complete report, including
information claimed to be CBI, to the
EPA. Periodic Reports must be
generated using the appropriate
template on the CEDRI website. Submit
the file on a compact disc, flash drive,
or other commonly used electronic
storage medium and clearly mark the
medium as CBI. Mail the electronic
medium to U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards, Sector Policies
and Programs Division, U.S. EPA
Mailroom (E143–01), Attention:
Ethylene Production Sector Lead, 109
T.W. Alexander Drive, Research
Triangle Park, NC 27711. The same file
with the CBI omitted must be submitted
to the EPA via the EPA’s CDX as
described earlier in this paragraph.
(iii) If you are required to
electronically submit a report through
CEDRI in the EPA’s CDX, you may
assert a claim of EPA system outage for
failure to timely comply with the
reporting requirement. To assert a claim
of EPA system outage, the owner or
operator must meet the requirements
outlined in paragraphs (a)(10)(iii)(A)
through (G) of this section.
(A) The owner or operator must have
been or will be precluded from
accessing CEDRI and submitting a
required report within the time
prescribed due to an outage of either the
EPA’s CEDRI or CDX systems.
(B) The outage must have occurred
within the period of time beginning five
business days prior to the date that the
submission is due.
(C) The outage may be planned or
unplanned.
(D) The owner or operator must
submit notification to the Administrator
in writing as soon as possible following
the date you first knew, or through due
diligence should have known, that the
event may cause or has caused a delay
in reporting.
(E) The owner or operator must
provide to the Administrator a written
description identifying:
(1) The date(s) and time(s) when CDX
or CEDRI was accessed and the system
was unavailable;
(2) A rationale for attributing the
delay in reporting beyond the regulatory
deadline to EPA system outage;
(3) Measures taken or to be taken to
minimize the delay in reporting; and
(4) The date by which you propose to
report, or if you have already met the
reporting requirement at the time of the
notification, the date you reported.
(F) The decision to accept the claim
of EPA system outage and allow an
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
extension to the reporting deadline is
solely within the discretion of the
Administrator.
(G) In any circumstance, the report
must be submitted electronically as
soon as possible after the outage is
resolved.
(iv) If you are required to
electronically submit a report through
CEDRI in the EPA’s CDX, you may
assert a claim of force majeure for
failure to timely comply with the
reporting requirement. To assert a claim
of force majeure, the owner or operator
must meet the requirements outlined in
paragraphs (a)(10)(iv)(A) through (E) of
this section.
(A) You may submit a claim if a force
majeure event is about to occur, occurs,
or has occurred or there are lingering
effects from such an event within the
period of time beginning five business
days prior to the date the submission is
due. For the purposes of this paragraph,
a force majeure event is defined as an
event that will be or has been caused by
circumstances beyond the control of the
affected facility, its contractors, or any
entity controlled by the affected facility
that prevents you from complying with
the requirement to submit a report
electronically within the time period
prescribed. Examples of such events are
acts of nature (e.g., hurricanes,
earthquakes, or floods), acts of war or
terrorism, or equipment failure or safety
hazard beyond the control of the
affected facility (e.g., large scale power
outage).
(B) The owner or operator must
submit notification to the Administrator
in writing as soon as possible following
the date you first knew, or through due
diligence should have known, that the
event may cause or has caused a delay
in reporting.
(C) The owner or operator must
provide to the Administrator:
(1) A written description of the force
majeure event;
(2) A rationale for attributing the
delay in reporting beyond the regulatory
deadline to the force majeure event;
(3) Measures taken or to be taken to
minimize the delay in reporting; and
(4) The date by which you propose to
report, or if you have already met the
reporting requirement at the time of the
notification, the date you reported.
(D) The decision to accept the claim
of force majeure and allow an extension
to the reporting deadline is solely
within the discretion of the
Administrator.
(E) In any circumstance, the reporting
must occur as soon as possible after the
force majeure event occurs.
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(d) * * *
(1) Contents. The owner or operator
shall submit a Notification of
Compliance Status for each affected
source subject to this subpart containing
the information specified in paragraphs
(d)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section. For
pressure relief devices subject to the
requirements of § 63.1107(e)(3), the
owner or operator of an acrylic and
modacrylic fiber production affected
source or polycarbonate production
affected source shall also submit the
information listed in paragraph
(d)(1)(iii) of this section in a supplement
to the Notification of Compliance Status
within 150 days after the first applicable
compliance date for pressure relief
device monitoring. For flares subject to
the requirements of § 63.1103(e)(4), the
owner or operator of an ethylene
production affected source shall also
submit the information listed in
paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section in a
supplement to the Notification of
Compliance Status within 150 days after
the first applicable compliance date for
flare monitoring. For pressure relief
devices subject to the pressure release
management work practice standards in
§ 63.1107(h)(3), the owner or operator of
an ethylene production affected source
shall also submit the information listed
in paragraph (d)(1)(v) of this section in
a supplement to the Notification of
Compliance Status within 150 days after
the first applicable compliance date for
pressure relief device monitoring.
(i) Except as specified in paragraphs
(d)(1)(iv) and (v) of this section, the
Notification of Compliance Status shall
include the information specified in this
subpart and the subparts referenced by
this subpart. Alternatively, this
information can be submitted as part of
a title V permit application or
amendment.
*
*
*
*
*
(iv) For each flare subject to the
requirements in § 63.1103(e)(4), in lieu
of the information required in
§ 63.987(b) of subpart SS, the
Notification of Compliance Status shall
include flare design (e.g., steamassisted, air-assisted, non-assisted, or
pressure-assisted multi-point); all
visible emission readings, heat content
determinations, flow rate
measurements, and exit velocity
determinations made during the initial
visible emissions demonstration
required by § 63.670(h) of subpart CC, as
applicable; and all periods during the
compliance determination when the
pilot flame or flare flame is absent.
(v) For pressure relief devices subject
to the requirements of § 63.1107(h), the
Notification of Compliance Status shall
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
include the information specified in
paragraphs (d)(1)(v)(A) and (B) of this
section.
(A) A description of the monitoring
system to be implemented, including
the relief devices and process
parameters to be monitored, and a
description of the alarms or other
methods by which operators will be
notified of a pressure release.
(B) A description of the prevention
measures to be implemented for each
affected pressure relief device.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) * * *
(1) Contents. Except as specified in
paragraphs (e)(4) through (8) of this
section, Periodic Reports shall include
all information specified in this subpart
and subparts referenced by this subpart.
*
*
*
*
*
(4) Ethylene production flare reports.
For each flare subject to the
requirements in § 63.1103(e)(4), the
Periodic Report shall include the items
specified in paragraphs (e)(4)(i) through
(vi) of this section in lieu of the
information required in § 63.999(c)(3) of
subpart SS.
(i) Records as specified in
§ 63.1109(e)(1) for each 15-minute block
during which there was at least one
minute when regulated material is
routed to a flare and no pilot flame or
flare flame is present. Include the start
and stop time and date of each 15minute block.
(ii) Visible emission records as
specified in § 63.1109(e)(2)(iv) for each
period of 2 consecutive hours during
which visible emissions exceeded a
total of 5 minutes.
(iii) The periods specified in
§ 63.1109(e)(7). Indicate the date and
start time for the period, and the net
heating value operating parameter(s)
determined following the methods in
§ 63.670(k) through (n) of subpart CC as
applicable.
(iv) For flaring events meeting the
criteria in § 63.670(o)(3) of subpart CC
and § 63.1103(e)(4)(iv):
(A) The start and stop time and date
of the flaring event.
(B) The length of time that emissions
were visible from the flare during the
event.
(C) Results of the root cause and
corrective actions analysis completed
during the reporting period, including
the corrective actions implemented
during the reporting period and, if
applicable, the implementation
schedule for planned corrective actions
to be implemented subsequent to the
reporting period.
(v) For pressure-assisted multi-point
flares, the periods of time when the
PO 00000
Frm 00055
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
40439
pressure monitor(s) on the main flare
header show the burners operating
outside the range of the manufacturer’s
specifications.
(vi) For pressure-assisted multi-point
flares, the periods of time when the
staging valve position indicator
monitoring system indicates a stage
should not be in operation and is or
when a stage should be in operation and
is not.
(5) Ethylene production maintenance
vent reports. For maintenance vents
subject to the requirements
§ 63.1103(e)(5), Periodic Reports must
include the information specified in
paragraphs (e)(5)(i) through (iv) of this
section for any release exceeding the
applicable limits in § 63.1103(e)(5)(i).
For the purposes of this reporting
requirement, owners or operators
complying with § 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(D)
must report each venting event
conducted under those provisions and
include an explanation for each event as
to why utilization of this alternative was
required.
(i) Identification of the maintenance
vent and the equipment served by the
maintenance vent.
(ii) The date and time the
maintenance vent was opened to the
atmosphere.
(iii) The LEL, vessel pressure, or mass
of VOC in the equipment, as applicable,
at the start of atmospheric venting. If the
5 psig vessel pressure option in
§ 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(B) was used and active
purging was initiated while the LEL was
10 percent or greater, also include the
LEL of the vapors at the time active
purging was initiated.
(iv) An estimate of the mass of organic
HAP released during the entire
atmospheric venting event.
(6) Bypass line reports. For bypass
lines subject to the requirements in
§ 63.1103(e)(6), Periodic Reports must
include the date, time, duration,
estimate of the volume of gas, the
concentration of organic HAP in the gas
and the resulting mass emissions of
organic HAP that bypass a control
device. For periods when the flow
indicator is not operating, report the
date, time, and duration.
(7) Decoking operation reports. For
decoking operations of an ethylene
cracking furnace subject to the
requirements in § 63.1103(e)(7) and (8),
Periodic Reports must include the
information specified in paragraphs
(e)(7)(i) through (iii) of this section.
(i) For each control measure selected
to minimize coke combustion emissions
as specified in § 63.1103(e)(7)(ii)
through (v), report instances where the
control measures were not followed.
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
40440
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(ii) Report instances where an
isolation valve inspection was not
conducted according to the procedures
specified in § 63.1103(e)(8).
(iii) For instances where repair was
delayed beyond 1 calendar day as
specified in § 63.1103(e)(7)(i), report the
information specified in § 63.1109(h)(1).
(8) Ethylene production pressure relief
devices reports. For pressure relief
devices subject to the requirements of
§ 63.1107(h), Periodic Reports must
include the information specified in
paragraphs (e)(8)(i) through (iii) of this
section.
(i) For pressure relief devices in
organic HAP gas or vapor service,
pursuant to § 63.1107(h)(1), report any
instrument reading of 500 ppm or
greater.
(ii) For pressure relief devices in
organic HAP gas or vapor service subject
to § 63.1107(h)(2), report confirmation
that any monitoring required to be done
during the reporting period to show
compliance was conducted.
(iii) For pressure relief devices in
organic HAP service subject to
§ 63.1107(h)(3), report each pressure
release to the atmosphere, including
duration of the pressure release and
estimate of the mass quantity of each
organic HAP released; the results of any
root cause analysis and corrective action
analysis completed during the reporting
period, including the corrective actions
implemented during the reporting
period; and, if applicable, the
implementation schedule for planned
corrective actions to be implemented
subsequent to the reporting period.
*
*
*
*
*
(g) * * *
(1) Submission to the Environmental
Protection Agency. All reports and
notifications required under this subpart
shall be sent to the appropriate EPA
Regional Office and to the delegated
State authority, except that request for
permission to use an alternative means
of emission limitation as provided for in
§ 63.1113 shall be submitted to the
Director of the EPA Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, MD–
10, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, 27711. The EPA Regional
Office may waive the requirement to
submit a copy of any reports or
notifications at its discretion, except
that electronic reporting to CEDRI
cannot be waived, and as such,
compliance with the provisions of this
paragraph does not relieve owners or
operators of affected facilities of the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
03:14 Jul 03, 2020
Jkt 250001
requirement to submit electronic reports
required in this subpart to the EPA.
(2) Submission of copies. If any State
requires a notice that contains all the
information required in a report or
notification listed in this subpart, an
owner or operator may send the
appropriate EPA Regional Office a copy
of the report or notification sent to the
State to satisfy the requirements of this
subpart for that report or notification,
except that performance test reports and
performance evaluation reports required
under paragraph (a)(10) of this section
must be submitted to CEDRI in the
format specified in that paragraph.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 26. Section 63.1111 is amended by
revising paragraphs (a) introductory
text, (b) introductory text, and (c)
introductory text to read as follows:
§ 63.1111 Startup, shutdown, and
malfunction.
(a) Startup, shutdown, and
malfunction plan. Before July 6, 2023,
the requirements of this paragraph (a)
apply to all affected sources except for
acrylic and modacrylic fiber production
affected sources and polycarbonate
production affected sources. On and
after July 6, 2023, the requirements of
this paragraph (a) apply to all affected
sources except for acrylic and
modacrylic fiber production affected
sources, ethylene production affected
sources, and polycarbonate production
affected sources.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Startup, shutdown, and
malfunction reporting requirements.
Before July 6, 2023, the requirements of
this paragraph (b) apply to all affected
sources except for acrylic and
modacrylic fiber production affected
sources and polycarbonate production
affected sources. On and after July 6,
2023, the requirements of this paragraph
(b) apply to all affected sources except
for acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources, ethylene
production affected sources, and
polycarbonate production affected
sources.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) Malfunction recordkeeping and
reporting. Before July 6, 2023, the
requirements of this paragraph (c) apply
only to acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources and
polycarbonate production affected
sources. On and after July 6, 2023, the
requirements of this paragraph (c) apply
only to acrylic and modacrylic fiber
production affected sources, ethylene
production affected sources, and
PO 00000
Frm 00056
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 9990
polycarbonate production affected
sources.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 27. Section 63.1112 is amended by
revising paragraph (d)(2) to read as
follows:
§ 63.1112 Extension of compliance, and
performance test, monitoring,
recordkeeping and reporting waivers and
alternatives.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) * * *
(2) Recordkeeping or reporting
requirements may be waived upon
written application to the Administrator
if, in the Administrator’s judgment, the
affected source is achieving the relevant
standard(s), or the source is operating
under an extension of compliance, or
the owner or operator has requested an
extension of compliance and the
Administrator is still considering that
request. Electronic reporting to the EPA
cannot be waived, and as such,
compliance with the provisions of this
paragraph does not relieve owners or
operators of affected facilities of the
requirement to submit electronic reports
required in this subpart to the EPA.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 28. Section 63.1113 is amended by
revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as
follows:
§ 63.1113 Procedures for approval of
alternative means of emission limitation.
(a) * * *
(2) Any such notice shall be
published only after public notice and
an opportunity for public comment.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 29. Section 63.1114 is amended by
revising paragraph (b) introductory text
and adding paragraph (b)(6) to read as
follows:
§ 63.1114 Implementation and
enforcement.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) In delegating implementation and
enforcement authority of this subpart to
a state, local, or tribal agency under
subpart E to this part, the authorities
contained in paragraphs (b)(1) through
(6) of this section are retained by the
EPA Administrator and are not
transferred to the State, local, or tribal
agency.
*
*
*
*
*
(6) Approval of an alternative to any
electronic reporting to EPA required by
this subpart.
[FR Doc. 2020–05898 Filed 7–2–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
E:\FR\FM\06JYR2.SGM
06JYR2
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 129 (Monday, July 6, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40386-40440]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05898]
[[Page 40385]]
Vol. 85
Monday,
No. 129
July 6, 2020
Part II
Environmental Protection Agency
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
40 CFR Part 63
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Generic
Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards Residual Risk and
Technology Review for Ethylene Production; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 40386]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 63
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357; FRL-10006-87-OAR]
RIN 2060-AT02
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Generic
Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards Residual Risk and
Technology Review for Ethylene Production
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action finalizes the residual risk and technology review
(RTR) conducted for the Ethylene Production source category regulated
under National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAP). In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
is taking final action to correct and clarify regulatory provisions
related to emissions during periods of startup, shutdown, and
malfunction (SSM), including removing general exemptions for periods of
SSM, adding work practice standards for periods of SSM where
appropriate, and clarifying regulatory provisions for certain vent
control bypasses. The EPA is also taking final action to revise
requirements for heat exchange systems; add monitoring and operational
requirements for flares; add provisions for electronic reporting of
performance test results and other reports; and include other technical
corrections to improve consistency and clarity. We estimate that these
final amendments will reduce hazardous air pollutants (HAP) emissions
from this source category by 29 tons per year (tpy) and reduce excess
emissions of HAP from flares by an additional 1,430 tpy.
DATES: This final rule is effective on July 6, 2020. The incorporation
by reference (IBR) of certain publications listed in the rule is
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 6, 2020.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357. All documents in the docket are
listed on the https://www.regulations.gov/ website. Although listed,
some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted
by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is
not placed on the internet and will be publicly available only in hard
copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either
electronically through https://www.regulations.gov/, or in hard copy at
the EPA Docket Center, WJC West Building, Room Number 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room hours of
operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST),
Monday through Friday. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room
is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the EPA Docket Center
is (202) 566-1742.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this final action,
contact Mr. Andrew Bouchard, Sector Policies and Programs Division
(E143-01), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27711; telephone number: (919) 541-4036; and email address:
[email protected]. For specific information regarding the risk
modeling methodology, contact Mr. Mark Morris, Health and Environmental
Impacts Division (C539-02), Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina 27711; telephone number: (919) 541-5416; and email
address: [email protected]. For information about the applicability
of the NESHAP to a particular entity, contact Ms. Marcia Mia, Office of
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, WJC South Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460; telephone number: (202) 564-7042; and email address:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Preamble acronyms and abbreviations. We use multiple acronyms and
terms in this preamble. While this list may not be exhaustive, to ease
the reading of this preamble and for reference purposes, the EPA
defines the following terms and acronyms here:
ACC American Chemistry Council
APCD air pollution control device
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BTF beyond-the-floor
Btu/scf British thermal units per standard cubic foot
CAA Clean Air Act
CBI Confidential Business Information
CDX Central Data Exchange
CEDRI Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CO2 carbon dioxide
CRA Congressional Review Act
EFR external floating roof
EMACT Ethylene Production MACT
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FTIR Fourier transform infrared spectrometry
gpm gallons per minute
GMACT Generic Maximum Achievable Control Technology
HAP hazardous air pollutant(s)
HI hazard index
HQ hazard quotient
IBR incorporation by reference
ICR Information Collection Request
IFR internal floating roof
km kilometer
kPa kilopascals
LDAR leak detection and repair
LEL lower explosive limit
MACT maximum achievable control technology
m\3\ cubic meter
Mg/yr megagrams per year
MIR maximum individual risk
MTVP maximum true vapor pressure
NAICS North American Industry Classification System
NESHAP national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants
NHVcz net heating value in the combustion zone gas
NHVvgnet heating value in the vent gas
NOCS Notification of Compliance Status
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRDC Natural Resources Defense Council
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
OMB Office of Management and Budget
POM polycyclic organic matter
ppm parts per million
ppmv parts per million by volume
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
PRD pressure relief device(s)
psig pounds per square inch gauge
REL reference exposure level
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
RTR residual risk and technology review
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SSM startup, shutdown, and malfunction
TAC Texas Administrative Code
TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
The Court United States Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit
TOSHI target organ-specific hazard index
tpy tons per year
UMRA Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
VCS voluntary consensus standards
VOC volatile organic compound(s)
Background information. On October 9, 2019, the EPA proposed
revisions to the Generic Maximum Achievable Control Technology (GMACT)
Standards NESHAP based on our RTR for the Ethylene Production source
category. In this action, we are finalizing decisions and revisions for
the rule. We summarize some of the more significant comments we timely
received regarding the proposed rule and provide our responses in this
preamble. A summary of all other public comments on the proposal and
the EPA's responses to those comments is available in the
[[Page 40387]]
Summary of Public Comments and Responses for Risk and Technology Review
for Ethylene Production, in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357. A
``tracked changes'' version of the regulatory language that
incorporates the changes in this action is available in the docket.
Organization of this document. The information in this preamble is
organized as follows:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
B. Where can I get a copy of this document and other related
information?
C. Judicial Review and Administrative Reconsideration
II. Background
A. What is the statutory authority for this action?
B. What is the Ethylene Production source category and how does
the NESHAP regulate HAP emissions from the source category?
C. What changes did we propose for the Ethylene Production
source category in our October 9, 2019, RTR proposal?
III. What is included in this final rule?
A. What are the final rule amendments based on the risk review
for the Ethylene Production source category?
B. What are the final rule amendments based on the technology
review for the Ethylene Production source category?
C. What are the final rule amendments pursuant to CAA section
112(d)(2) and (3) for the Ethylene Production source category?
D. What are the final rule amendments addressing emissions
during periods of SSM?
E. What other changes have been made to the NESHAP?
F. What are the effective and compliance dates of the standards?
IV. What is the rationale for our final decisions and amendments for
the Ethylene Production source category?
A. Residual Risk Review for the Ethylene Production Source
Category
B. Technology Review for the Ethylene Production Source Category
C. Amendments Pursuant to CAA Section 112(d)(2) and (d)(3) for
the Ethylene Production Source Category
D. Amendments Addressing Emissions During Periods of SSM
E. Technical Amendments to the EMACT Standards
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental, and Economic Impacts and
Additional Analyses Conducted
A. What are the affected facilities?
B. What are the air quality impacts?
C. What are the cost impacts?
D. What are the economic impacts?
E. What analysis of environmental justice did we conduct?
F. What analysis of children's environmental health did we
conduct?
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
A. Executive Orders 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and
Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulations and Controlling
Regulatory Costs
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With
Indian Tribal Governments
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) and
1 CFR part 51
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
Regulated entities. Categories and entities potentially regulated
by this action are shown in Table 1 of this preamble.
Table 1--NESHAP and Industrial Source Categories Affected by This Final
Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source category NESHAP NAICS \1\ code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ethylene Production............... GMACT Standards..... 325110
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ North American Industry Classification System.
Table 1 of this preamble is not intended to be exhaustive, but
rather to provide a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be
affected by the final action for the source category listed. To
determine whether your facility is affected, you should examine the
applicability criteria in the appropriate NESHAP. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of any aspect of this NESHAP,
please contact the appropriate person listed in the preceding FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this preamble.
B. Where can I get a copy of this document and other related
information?
In addition to being available in the docket, an electronic copy of
this final action will also be available on the internet. Following
signature by the EPA Administrator, the EPA will post a copy of this
final action at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/acetal-resins-acrylic-modacrylic-fibers-carbon-black-hydrogen.
Following publication in the Federal Register, the EPA will post the
Federal Register version and key technical documents at this same
website.
Additional information is available on the RTR website at https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/risk-and-technology-review-national-emissions-standards-hazardous. This information
includes an overview of the RTR program and links to project websites
for the RTR source categories.
C. Judicial Review and Administrative Reconsideration
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 307(b)(1), judicial review of
this final action is available only by filing a petition for review in
the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
(the Court) by September 4, 2020. Under CAA section 307(b)(2), the
requirements established by this final rule may not be challenged
separately in any civil or criminal proceedings brought by the EPA to
enforce the requirements.
Section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA further provides that only an
objection to a rule or procedure which was raised with reasonable
specificity during the period for public comment (including any public
hearing) may be raised during judicial review. This section also
provides a mechanism for the EPA to reconsider the rule if the person
raising an objection can demonstrate to the Administrator that it was
impracticable to raise such objection within the period for public
comment or if the grounds for such objection arose after the period for
public comment (but within the time specified for judicial review) and
if such objection is of central relevance to the outcome of the rule.
Any person seeking to make such a demonstration should submit a
Petition for Reconsideration to the Office of the Administrator, U.S.
EPA, Room 3000, WJC South Building,
[[Page 40388]]
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460, with a copy to both
the person(s) listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section, and the Associate General Counsel for the Air and Radiation
Law Office, Office of General Counsel (Mail Code 2344A), U.S. EPA, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460.
II. Background
A. What is the statutory authority for this action?
Section 112 of the CAA establishes a two-stage regulatory process
to address emissions of HAP from stationary sources. In the first
stage, we must identify categories of sources emitting one or more of
the HAP listed in CAA section 112(b) and then promulgate technology-
based NESHAP for those sources. ``Major sources'' are those that emit,
or have the potential to emit, any single HAP at a rate of 10 tpy or
more, or 25 tpy or more of any combination of HAP. For major sources,
these standards are commonly referred to as maximum achievable control
technology (MACT) standards and must reflect the maximum degree of
emission reductions of HAP achievable (after considering cost, energy
requirements, and non-air quality health and environmental impacts). In
developing MACT standards, CAA section 112(d)(2) directs the EPA to
consider the application of measures, processes, methods, systems, or
techniques, including, but not limited to, those that reduce the volume
of or eliminate HAP emissions through process changes, substitution of
materials, or other modifications; enclose systems or processes to
eliminate emissions; collect, capture, or treat HAP when released from
a process, stack, storage, or fugitive emissions point; are design,
equipment, work practice, or operational standards; or any combination
of the above.
For these MACT standards, the statute specifies certain minimum
stringency requirements, which are referred to as MACT floor
requirements, and which may not be based on cost considerations. See
CAA section 112(d)(3). For new sources, the MACT floor cannot be less
stringent than the emission control achieved in practice by the best-
controlled similar source. The MACT standards for existing sources can
be less stringent than floors for new sources, but they cannot be less
stringent than the average emission limitation achieved by the best-
performing 12 percent of existing sources in the category or
subcategory (or the best-performing five sources for categories or
subcategories with fewer than 30 sources). In developing MACT
standards, we must also consider control options that are more
stringent than the floor under CAA section 112(d)(2). We may establish
standards more stringent than the floor, based on the consideration of
the cost of achieving the emissions reductions, any non-air quality
health and environmental impacts, and energy requirements.
In the second stage of the regulatory process, the CAA requires the
EPA to undertake two different analyses, which we refer to as the
technology review and the residual risk review. Under the technology
review, we must review the technology-based standards and revise them
``as necessary (taking into account developments in practices,
processes, and control technologies)'' no less frequently than every 8
years, pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(6). Under the residual risk
review, we must evaluate the risk to public health remaining after
application of the technology-based standards and revise the standards,
if necessary, to provide an ample margin of safety to protect public
health or to prevent, taking into consideration costs, energy, safety,
and other relevant factors, an adverse environmental effect. The
residual risk review is required within 8 years after promulgation of
the technology-based standards, pursuant to CAA section 112(f). In
conducting the residual risk review, if the EPA determines that the
current standards provide an ample margin of safety to protect public
health, it is not necessary to revise the MACT standards pursuant to
CAA section 112(f).\1\ For more information on the statutory authority
for this rule, see 84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Court has affirmed this approach of implementing CAA
section 112(f)(2)(A): NRDC v. EPA, 529 F.3d 1077, 1083 (DC Cir.
2008) (``If EPA determines that the existing technology-based
standards provide an `ample margin of safety,' then the Agency is
free to readopt those standards during the residual risk
rulemaking.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. What is the Ethylene Production source category and how does the
NESHAP regulate HAP emissions from the source category?
The Ethylene Production MACT standards (herein called the EMACT
standards) for the Ethylene Production source category are contained in
the GMACT NESHAP which also includes MACT standards for several other
source categories. The EMACT standards were promulgated on July 12,
2002 (67 FR 46258), and codified at 40 CFR part 63, subparts XX and YY.
The EMACT standards regulate HAP emissions from ethylene production
units located at major sources. An ethylene production unit is a
chemical manufacturing process unit in which ethylene and/or propylene
are produced by separation from petroleum refining process streams or
by subjecting hydrocarbons to high temperatures in the presence of
steam. The EMACT defines the affected source as all storage vessels,
ethylene process vents, transfer racks, equipment, waste streams, heat
exchange systems, and ethylene cracking furnaces and associated
decoking operations that are associated with each ethylene production
unit located at a major source as defined in CAA section 112(a).
As of January 1, 2017, there were 26 facilities in operation and
subject to the EMACT standards. We are also aware of the expansion and
construction of several facilities. Based upon this anticipated growth
for the Ethylene Production source category, we estimate that a total
of 31 facilities will ultimately be subject to the EMACT standards and
complying with this final rule over the course of the next 3 years. The
source category and the EMACT standards are further described in the
October 9, 2019, RTR proposal. See 84 FR 54278.
C. What changes did we propose for the Ethylene Production source
category in our October 9, 2019, RTR proposal?
On October 9, 2019, the EPA published a proposed rule in the
Federal Register for the EMACT standards of the GMACT NESHAP, 40 CFR
part 63, subparts XX and YY, that took into consideration the RTR
analyses. We proposed to find that the risks from the source category
are acceptable, the current standards provide an ample margin of safety
to protect public health, and more stringent standards are not
necessary to prevent an adverse environmental effect. In addition,
pursuant to the technology review for the Ethylene Production source
category, we proposed that no revisions to the current standards are
necessary for ethylene process vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks,
and waste streams; however, we did propose changes for storage vessels
and heat exchanger systems. We proposed revisions to the storage
vessels control applicability requirements, pursuant to CAA section
112(d)(6), to tighten both the threshold for maximum true vapor
pressure (MTVP) of total organic HAP (i.e., decreasing it from 3.4
kilopascals (kPa) or greater to 0.69 kPa or greater) and the threshold
for storage vessel capacity (i.e., decreasing it from 95 cubic meter
[[Page 40389]]
(m\3\) to 59 m\3\) and to require storage vessels meeting these
criteria to reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98 weight-percent
or use a floating roof storage vessel subject to the requirements of 40
CFR part 63, subpart WW. In addition, we proposed revisions to the heat
exchange system requirements, pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(6), to
require owners or operators to use the Modified El Paso Method and
repair leaks of total strippable hydrocarbon concentration (as methane)
in the stripping gas of 6.2 parts per million by volume (ppmv) or
greater.
We also proposed the following amendments:
Revisions to the operating and monitoring requirements for
flares used as air pollution control devices (APCDs), pursuant to CAA
section 112(d)(2) and (3);
requirements and clarifications for periods of SSM and
bypasses, including for pressure relief device(s) (PRD) releases,
bypass lines on closed vent systems, in situ sampling systems,
maintenance activities, and certain gaseous streams routed to a fuel
gas system, pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3);
work practice standards for decoking ethylene cracking
furnaces (i.e., minimizing emissions from the coke combustion
activities in an ethylene cracking furnace), pursuant to CAA section
112(d)(2) and (3);
revisions to the SSM provisions of the NESHAP (in addition
to those related to flares, vent control bypasses, or ethylene cracking
furnace decoking operations) in order to ensure that they are
consistent with the Court decision in Sierra Club v. EPA, 551 F. 3d
1019 (DC Cir. 2008), which vacated two provisions that exempted source
owners and operators from the requirement to comply with otherwise
applicable CAA section 112(d) emission standards during periods of SSM;
a requirement for electronic submittal of performance test
results and reports, and Notification of Compliance Status (NOCS)
reports;
removal of certain exemptions for once-through heat
exchange systems;
overlap provisions for equipment at ethylene production
facilities subject to both the EMACT standards and synthetic organic
chemicals manufacturing equipment leak standards at 40 CFR part 60,
subpart VVa;
IBR of an alternative test method for EPA Methods 3A and
3B (for the manual procedures only and not the instrumental
procedures);
IBR of an alternative test method for EPA Method 18 (with
caveats);
IBR of an alternative test method for EPA Method 320 (with
caveats); and
several minor editorial and technical changes in the
subpart.
III. What is included in this final rule?
This action finalizes the EPA's determinations pursuant to the RTR
provisions of CAA section 112 for the Ethylene Production source
category and amends the EMACT standards based on those determinations.
This action also finalizes other changes to the NESHAP, including
adding requirements and clarifications for periods of SSM and bypasses;
revisions to the operating and monitoring requirements for flares used
as APCDs; adding provisions for electronic reporting of performance
test results and reports, NOCS reports, and Periodic Reports; and other
minor editorial and technical changes. This action also reflects
several changes to the October 9, 2019 RTR proposal in consideration of
comments received during the public comment period as described in
section IV of this preamble.
A. What are the final rule amendments based on the risk review for the
Ethylene Production source category?
This section describes the final amendments to the EMACT standards
being promulgated pursuant to CAA section 112(f). The EPA proposed no
changes to the EMACT standards based on the risk reviews conducted
pursuant to CAA section 112(f). In this action, we are finalizing our
proposed determination that risks from this source category are
acceptable, and that the standards provide an ample margin of safety to
protect public health and prevent an adverse environmental effect.
Section IV.A.3 of this preamble provides a summary of key comments we
received regarding risk review and our responses.
B. What are the final rule amendments based on the technology review
for the Ethylene Production source category?
The EPA is finalizing its proposed determination in the technology
review that there are no developments in practices, processes, and
control technologies that warrant revisions to the EMACT standards for
process vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks, and waste streams in
this source category. Therefore, we are not finalizing revisions to the
EMACT standards for these emission sources under CAA section 112(d)(6).
Also, based on comments received on the proposed rulemaking, we are not
finalizing the proposed revisions to the EMACT standards for storage
vessels under CAA section 112(d)(6) to tighten the control
applicability thresholds for MTVP of total organic HAP (i.e.,
decreasing it from 3.4 kPa or greater to 0.69 kPa or greater) and
storage vessel capacity (i.e., decreasing it from 95 m\3\ to 59 m\3\).
For heat exchange systems, we determined that there are
developments in practices, processes, and control technologies that
warrant revisions to the EMACT standards for this source category.
Therefore, to satisfy the requirements of CAA section 112(d)(6), we are
revising the EMACT standards, consistent with the October 9, 2019, RTR
proposal, to include revisions to the heat exchange system requirements
to require owners or operators to use the Modified El Paso Method and
repair leaks of total strippable hydrocarbon concentration (as methane)
in the stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or greater. In addition, based on
comments received on the proposed rulemaking, we are also including an
alternative mass-based leak action level of total strippable
hydrocarbon equal to or greater than 0.18 kilograms per hour for heat
exchange systems with a recirculation rate of 10,000 gallons per minute
(gpm) or less.
Section IV.B.3 of this preamble provides a summary of key comments
we received on the technology review and our responses.
C. What are the final rule amendments pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(2)
and (3) for the Ethylene Production source category?
Consistent with Sierra Club v. EPA 551 F. 3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008)
and the October 9, 2019, RTR proposal, we are revising monitoring and
operational requirements for flares to ensure that ethylene production
facilities that use flares as APCDs meet the EMACT standards at all
times when controlling HAP emissions. In addition, we are adding
provisions and clarifications for periods of SSM and bypasses,
including PRD releases, bypass lines on closed vent systems, in situ
sampling systems, maintenance activities, and certain gaseous streams
routed to a fuel gas system to ensure that CAA section 112 standards
apply continuously. Also, for the same reason, we are adopting the
proposed decoking operations work practice standards into the final
rule with only minor changes, such as adding delay of repair provisions
to the flame impingement inspection requirements, adding clarifying
text to the carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring, coil outlet
temperature monitoring, air removal, and radiant tube(s) treatment
requirements, and removing unnecessary recordkeeping associated
[[Page 40390]]
with the time each isolation valve inspection is performed and the
results of that inspection even if no problem was found. For details
about these minor changes, refer to Section 6.7 of the document,
Summary of Public Comments and Responses for the Risk and Technology
Reviews for the Ethylene Production Source Category, available in the
docket for this action.
Lastly, based on comments received on the proposed rulemaking, we
are adding a separate standard for storage vessel degassing for storage
vessels subject to the control requirements in Table 7 to 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(3)(b) and (e)(3)(c).
Section IV.C.3 of this preamble provides a summary of key comments
we received on the CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3) provisions and our
responses.
D. What are the final rule amendments addressing emissions during
periods of SSM?
We are finalizing the proposed amendments to the EMACT standards to
remove and revise provisions related to SSM. In its 2008 decision in
Sierra Club v. EPA, 551 F.3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008), the Court vacated
portions of two provisions in the EPA's CAA section 112 regulations
governing the emissions of HAP during periods of SSM. Specifically, the
Court vacated the SSM exemption contained in 40 CFR 63.6(f)(1) and
(h)(1), holding that under section 302(k) of the CAA, emissions
standards or limitations must be continuous in nature and that the SSM
exemption violates the CAA's requirement that some CAA section 112
standards apply continuously. As detailed in section IV.E.1 of the
proposal preamble, the Ethylene Production NESHAP requires that
standards apply at all times (see 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(4)(i)), consistent
with the Court decision in Sierra Club v. EPA, 551 F. 3d 1019 (D.C.
Cir. 2008). We determined that facilities in this source category can
generally meet the applicable EMACT standards at all times, including
periods of startup and shutdown. As discussed in the proposal preamble,
the EPA interprets CAA section 112 as not requiring emissions that
occur during periods of malfunction to be factored into development of
CAA section 112 standards, although the EPA has the discretion to set
standards for malfunctions where feasible. Where appropriate, and as
discussed in section III.C of this preamble, we are also finalizing
alternative standards for certain emission points during periods of SSM
to ensure a continuous CAA section 112 standard applies ``at all
times.'' Other than for those specific emission points discussed in
section III.C of this preamble, the EPA determined that no additional
standards are needed to address emissions during periods of SSM.
We are also finalizing, as proposed, eliminating SSM exemptions for
waste streams at facilities with a total annual benzene less than 10
megagrams per year (Mg/yr) and amending language in the definitions of
``dilution steam blowdown waste stream'' and ``spent caustic waste
stream'' at 40 CFR 63.1082(b) to remove the exclusion for streams
generated from sampling, maintenance activities, or shutdown purges. In
addition, we are finalizing a revision to the performance testing
requirements at 40 CFR 63.1108(b)(4)(ii)(B). The final performance
testing provisions do not include the language that precludes startup
and shutdown periods from being considered ``representative'' for
purposes of performance testing, and instead allows performance testing
during periods of startup or shutdown if specified by the
Administrator. However, the final performance testing provisions
prohibit performance testing during malfunctions because these
conditions are not representative of normal operating conditions. The
final rule also requires that operators maintain records to document
that operating conditions during the test represent normal operations.
The legal rationale and detailed changes for SSM periods that we
are finalizing here are set forth in the proposed rule. See 84 FR
54278, October 9, 2019. Also, based on comments received during the
public comment period, we are revising 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(9) to
sufficiently address the SSM exemption provisions from subparts
referenced by the EMACT standards. For example, in addition to what we
proposed, we are also clarifying that the certain referenced provisions
do not apply when demonstrating compliance with the EMACT standards,
such as phrases like ``other than a start-up, shutdown, or
malfunction'' in the recordkeeping and reporting requirements of 40 CFR
63, subparts SS and UU. We are also not removing as proposed the term
``breakdowns'' in 40 CFR 63.998(b)(2)(i) as well as 40 CFR
63.998(d)(1)(ii) in its entirety.
Section IV.D.3 of this preamble provides a summary of key comments
we received on the SSM provisions and our responses.
E. What other changes have been made to the NESHAP?
This rule also finalizes, as proposed, revisions to several other
NESHAP requirements. We describe these revisions in this section as
well as other revisions that have changed since proposal. To increase
the ease and efficiency of data submittal and data accessibility, we
are finalizing, as proposed, a requirement that owners and operators of
facilities in the Ethylene Production source category submit electronic
copies of certain required performance test results and reports and
NOCS reports through the EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX) website
using an electronic performance test report tool called the Electronic
Reporting Tool. In addition, in the final rule, we are correcting an
error to clarify that Periodic Reports must also be submitted
electronically (i.e., through the EPA's CDX using the appropriate
electronic report template for this subpart) beginning no later than
the compliance dates specified in 40 CFR 63.1102(c) or once the report
template has been available on the Compliance and Emissions Data
Reporting Interface (CEDRI) website for at least 1 year, whichever date
is later. Furthermore, we are finalizing, as proposed, provisions that
allow facility operators the ability to seek extensions for submitting
electronic reports for circumstances beyond the control of the
facility, i.e., for a possible outage in the CDX or CEDRI or for a
force majeure event in the time just prior to a report's due date, as
well as the process to assert such a claim.
To correct a disconnect between having a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that meets certain
allowable discharge limits at the discharge point of a facility (e.g.,
outfall) and being able to adequately identify a leak, we are
finalizing, as proposed, the removal of certain exemptions for once-
through heat exchange systems to comply with cooling water monitoring
requirements.\2\ Further, based on comments received on the proposed
rulemaking, we are clarifying that the calibration drift assessment
provisions at 40 CFR 60.485a(b)(2) apply only if the owner or
[[Page 40391]]
operator is subject to those requirements in 40 CFR part 60, subpart
VVa [see the 40 CFR part 60, subpart VVa overlap provisions in the
final rule at 40 CFR 63.1100(g)(4)(iii)].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Cooling water from a once-through heat exchange system at a
petrochemical plant can be mixed with other sources of water (e.g.,
cooling water used in once-through heat exchange systems in non-
ethylene source categories, stormwater, treated wastewater, etc.) in
sewers, trenches, and ponds prior to discharge from the plant. If
this point of discharge from the plant is into a ``water of the
United States,'' then the facility is required to have a NPDES
permit and to meet certain pollutant discharge limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are finalizing all of the revisions that we proposed for
clarifying text or correcting typographical errors, grammatical errors,
and cross-reference errors. These editorial corrections and
clarifications are summarized in Table 9 of the proposal. See 84 FR
54278, October 9, 2019. We are also including several additional minor
clarifying edits in the final rule based on comments received during
the public comment period. We did not receive many substantive comments
on these other amendments in the Ethylene Production RTR proposal. The
comments and our specific responses to these items can be found in the
document, Summary of Public Comments and Responses for the Risk and
Technology Reviews for the Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
F. What are the effective and compliance dates of the standards?
The revisions to the EMACT standards being promulgated in this
action are effective on July 6, 2020. From our assessment of the
timeframe needed for implementing the entirety of the revised
requirements (see 84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019), the EPA proposed a
period of 3 years to be the most expeditious compliance period
practicable. Although opposing comments regarding the proposed
compliance dates were received during the public comment period, we are
finalizing the 3-year compliance period as proposed. Amendments to
EMACT standards for adoption under CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3) and
112(d)(6) are subject to the compliance deadlines outlined in the CAA
under section 112(i). For existing sources, CAA section 112(i) provides
that the compliance date shall be as expeditiously as practicable, but
no later than 3 years after the effective date of the standard. For new
sources, compliance is required by the effective date of the final
amendments or upon startup, whichever is later. As explained in the
preamble to the proposed rule (84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019), the EPA
recognizes the confusion that multiple different compliance dates for
individual requirements would create and the additional burden such an
assortment of dates would impose; and from our assessment of the
timeframe needed for compliance with the entirety of the revised
requirements, the EPA considers a period of 3 years after the effective
date of the final rule to be the most expeditious compliance period
practicable. Furthermore, as discussed in sections III and IV of this
preamble, we are adding separate work practice standards to the final
rule for the following SSM activities/events: (1) Periods of SSM for
when flares are used as an APCD, (2) periods of SSM for certain vent
streams (i.e. PRD releases and maintenance vents), (3) vent control
bypasses for certain vent streams (i.e., closed vent systems containing
bypass lines, in situ sampling systems, and flares connected to fuel
gas systems), and (4) decoking operations for ethylene cracking
furnaces. The provisions being finalized are similar to the
requirements promulgated in the Petroleum Refinery NESHAP. As we
discovered during the Petroleum Refinery NESHAP rulemaking, the
challenges faced by affected sources in complying with these
requirements necessitated additional compliance time from what was
promulgated, eventually having to move the original compliance date of
these provisions from February 1, 2016, to August 1, 2018, an
additional 2 and a half years.\3\ Therefore the 3 year compliance date
that was proposed for the EMACT standards provides a consistent time
allowance to affected sources as was needed for Petroleum Refineries to
fully implement the work practice standards. Thus, the compliance date
of the final amendments for all existing affected sources, and all new
affected sources that commence construction or reconstruction after
December 6, 2000, and on or before October 9, 2019, is no later than
July 6, 2023, or upon startup, whichever is later. The compliance date
of the final amendments for all ethylene production new affected
sources that commenced construction or reconstruction after October 9,
2019, is the effective date of these final rule amendments to the EMACT
standards of July 6, 2020, or upon startup, whichever is later.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-07/documents/petrefinery_compliance_ext_factsheet.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. What is the rationale for our final decisions and amendments for
the Ethylene Production source category?
For each issue, this section provides a description of what we
proposed and what we are finalizing for the issue, the EPA's rationale
for the final decisions and amendments, and a summary of key comments
and responses. For all comments not discussed in this preamble, comment
summaries and the EPA's responses can be found in the comment summary
and response document available in the docket.
A. Residual Risk Review for the Ethylene Production Source Category
1. What did we propose pursuant to CAA section 112(f) for the Ethylene
Production source category?
Pursuant to CAA section 112(f), the EPA conducted a residual risk
review and presented the results of this review, along with our
proposed decisions regarding risk acceptability and ample margin of
safety, in the October 9, 2019, proposed rule for 40 CFR part 63,
subparts XX and YY (84 FR 54278). The results of the risk assessment
for the proposal are presented briefly in Table 2 of this preamble.
More detail is in the residual risk technical support document,
Residual Risk Assessment for the Ethylene Production Source Category in
Support of the 2019 Risk and Technology Review Proposed Rule, which is
available in the docket for this rulemaking.
[[Page 40392]]
Table 2--Ethylene Production Inhalation Risk Assessment Results
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum individual cancer Estimated population at increased Estimated annual cancer Maximum chronic noncancer Maximum screening
risk (in 1 million) \2\ risk of cancer >= 1-in-1 million incidence (cases per year) TOSHI \3\ acute noncancer HQ
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\
Based on . . . Based on . . . Based on . . . Based on . . . ---------------------
Number of facilities \1\ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual Allowable Actual Allowable Actual Allowable Based on actual
emissions emissions Actual emissions Allowable emissions emissions emissions emissions emissions level
level level level emissions level level level level level
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31................................ 100 100 2.8 million....... 4.6 million....... 0.1 0.2 1 1 HQREL = <1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Number of facilities evaluated in the risk analysis.
\2\ Maximum individual excess lifetime cancer risk due to HAP emissions from the source category. There is only one census block, and one person, at this risk level.
\3\ Maximum target organ-specific hazard index (TOSHI). The target organ systems with the highest TOSHI for the source category are neurological and reproductive. The respiratory TOSHI was
calculated using the California EPA chronic reference exposure level (REL) for acrolein.
\4\ The maximum estimated acute exposure concentration was divided by available short-term threshold values to develop an array of hazard quotient (HQ) values. HQ values shown use the lowest
available acute threshold value, which in most cases is the REL. When an HQ exceeds 1, we also show the HQ using the next lowest available acute dose-response value.
Using actual emissions data, the results of the proposed inhalation
risk assessment, as shown in Table 2 of this preamble, indicate the
estimated cancer maximum individual risk (MIR) is 100-in-1 million,
with naphthalene and benzene as the major contributors to the risk.
There is only one census block, and one person, at this risk level. The
second-highest facility cancer risk is 30-in-1 million. At proposal,
the total estimated cancer incidence from this source category was
estimated to be 0.1 excess cancer cases per year, or one excess case in
every 10 years. Approximately 2.8 million people were estimated to have
cancer risks above 1-in-1 million from HAP emitted from the facilities
in this source category. At proposal, the estimated maximum chronic
noncancer TOSHI for the source category was 1 (neurological and
respiratory) driven by emissions of manganese and epichlorohydrin.
Using the MACT-allowable emissions, the risk results at proposal
for the inhalation risk assessment indicated that the estimated cancer
MIR was 100-in-1 million with naphthalene and benzene emissions driving
the risks, and that the estimated maximum chronic noncancer TOSHI was 1
with manganese and epichlorohydrin as the major contributors to the
TOSHI. At proposal, the total estimated cancer incidence from this
source category considering allowable emissions was 0.2 excess cancer
cases per year or 1 excess case in every 5 years. Based on allowable
emission rates, 4.6 million people were estimated to have cancer risks
above 1-in-1 million.
As shown in Table 2 of this preamble, the reasonable worst-case
acute HQ (based on the REL) at proposal was less than 1. This value is
the highest HQ that is outside facility boundaries. No facilities were
estimated to have an HQ greater than or equal to 1 based on any
benchmark (REL, acute exposure guideline level, or emergency response
planning guidelines). In addition, at proposal, we identified emissions
of arsenic compounds, cadmium compounds, mercury compounds, and
polycyclic organic matter (POM), all HAP known to be persistent and
bio-accumulative in the environment. The multipathway risk screening
assessment resulted in a maximum Tier 2 cancer screening value of 30
for arsenic and a maximum Tier 3 noncancer screening value of 2 for
mercury compounds. Based on facility-specific analyses performed for
mercury for other source categories, we concluded that such analyses
would reduce the mercury screening value to 1 or lower. In addition, a
screening-level evaluation of the potential adverse environmental risk
associated with emissions of arsenic, cadmium, hydrochloric acid,
hydrofluoric acid, lead, mercury, and POMs indicated that no ecological
benchmarks were exceeded.
We weighed all health risk factors, including those shown in Table
2 of this preamble, in our risk acceptability determination and
proposed that the risks posed by the Ethylene Production source
category are acceptable (section IV.C.1 of proposal preamble, 84 FR
54311, October 9, 2019).
We then considered whether the existing EMACT standards provide an
ample margin of safety to protect public health and whether, taking
into consideration costs, energy, safety, and other relevant factors,
more stringent standards are required to prevent an adverse
environmental effect. In considering whether the standards are required
to provide an ample margin of safety to protect public health, we
considered the same risk factors that we considered for our
acceptability determination and also considered the costs,
technological feasibility, and other relevant factors related to
emissions control options that might reduce risk associated with
emissions from the source category. We proposed that additional
emissions controls for the Ethylene Production source category are not
necessary to provide an ample margin of safety to protect public health
and that more stringent standards are not necessary to prevent an
adverse environmental effect (section IV.C.2 of proposal preamble, 84
FR 54312, October 9, 2019).
We also evaluate risk from whole facility emissions in order to
help put the risks in context. Whole facility (or ``facility-wide'')
emissions include those regulated under this source category plus all
other emissions generated at each facility. The results of the chronic
inhalation cancer risk assessment based on facility-wide emissions are
more uncertain and rely on the quality of the emissions data collected
for source categories outside this regulatory review. These emissions
sources may not undergo the same level of data quality review as those
being assessed in this regulatory assessment. The estimated maximum
lifetime individual cancer risk based on facility-wide emissions is
2,000-in-1 million, with ethylene oxide from non-category (non-ethylene
production process) emissions driving the risk. The total estimated
cancer incidence based on facility-wide emissions is 1 excess cancer
case per year. Approximately 6,500,000 people are estimated to have
cancer risks above 1-in-1 million from HAP emitted from all sources at
the facilities in this source category. The estimated maximum chronic
noncancer hazard index (HI) based on facility-wide emissions is 4 (for
the respiratory HI), driven by emissions of chlorine from non-category
(non-ethylene production process) emissions. Approximately 200 people
are estimated to be exposed to noncancer HI levels above 1.
[[Page 40393]]
2. How did the risk review change for the Ethylene Production source
category?
We have not changed any aspect of the risk assessment since the
October 9, 2019, RTR proposal for the Ethylene Production source
category.
3. What key comments did we receive on the risk review, and what are
our responses?
We received comments in support of and against the proposed
residual risk review and our determination that no revisions were
warranted under CAA section 112(f)(2) for the Ethylene Production
source category. Generally, the comments that were not supportive of
the determination from the risk reviews suggested changes to the
underlying risk assessment methodology. For example, some commenters
stated that the 100-in-1 million lifetime cancer risk cannot be
considered safe or ``acceptable,'' and the EPA should include emissions
outside of the source categories in question in the risk assessment and
assume that pollutants with noncancer health risks have no safe level
of exposure. After review of all the comments received, we determined
that no changes were necessary. The comments and our specific responses
can be found in the document, Summary of Public Comments and Responses
for the Risk and Technology Reviews for the Ethylene Production Source
Category, available in the docket for this action.
4. What is the rationale for our final approach and final decisions for
the risk review?
As noted in our proposal, the EPA sets standards under CAA section
112(f)(2) using ``a two-step standard-setting approach, with an
analytical first step to determine an `acceptable risk' that considers
all health information, including risk estimation uncertainty, and
includes a presumptive limit on MIR of approximately 1-in-10 thousand''
(84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019; see also 54 FR 38045, September 9,
1989). We weigh all health risk factors in our risk acceptability
determination, including the cancer MIR, cancer incidence, the maximum
cancer TOSHI, the maximum acute noncancer HQ, the extent of noncancer
risks, the distribution of cancer and noncancer risks in the exposed
population, multipathway risks, and the risk estimation uncertainties.
Since proposal, neither the risk assessment nor our determinations
regarding risk acceptability, ample margin of safety, or adverse
environmental effects have changed. For the reasons explained in the
proposed rule, we determined that the risks from the Ethylene
Production source category are acceptable, the current standards
provide an ample margin of safety to protect public health, and more
stringent standards are not necessary to prevent an adverse
environmental effect. Therefore, we are not revising the EMACT
standards to require additional controls pursuant to CAA section
112(f)(2) based on the residual risk review, and we are readopting the
existing standards under CAA section 112(f)(2).
B. Technology Review for the Ethylene Production Source Category
1. What did we propose pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(6) for the
Ethylene Production source category?
Pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(6), the EPA proposed to conclude
that no revisions to the current EMACT standards are necessary for
ethylene process vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks, and waste
streams (sections IV.D.2 through IV.D.5 of proposal preamble, 84 FR
54314, October 9, 2019). We did not find any developments (since
promulgation of the original NESHAP) in practices, processes, and
control technologies that could be applied to ethylene process vents
and that could be used to reduce emissions from ethylene production
facilities. We also did not identify any developments in work
practices, pollution prevention techniques, or process changes that
could achieve emission reductions from ethylene process vents. For
transfer racks, we identified one emission reduction option, at
proposal, to revise the transfer rack applicability threshold (for
volumetric throughput of liquid loaded) from 76 m\3\ per day to 1.8
m\3\ per day to reflect the more stringent applicability threshold of
other chemical sector standards that regulate emissions from transfer
rack operations (i.e., 40 CFR part 63, subparts F and G and 40 CFR part
63, subpart FFFF). At proposal, we also identified two developments in
leak detection and repair (LDAR) practices and processes for equipment
leaks: (1) Lowering the leak definition for valves in gas and vapor
service or in light liquid service from 500 parts per million (ppm) to
100 ppm and (2) lowering the leak definition for pumps in light liquid
service from 1,000 ppm to 500 ppm. In addition, we identified two
emission reduction options, at proposal, for waste streams: (1)
specific performance parameters for an enhanced biological unit beyond
those required in the Benzene Waste Operations NESHAP and (2) treatment
of wastewater streams with a volatile organic compounds (VOC) content
of 750 ppmv or higher by steam stripping prior to any other treatment
process for facilities with high organic loading rates (i.e.,
facilities with total annualized benzene quantity of 10 Mg/yr or more).
However, based on the costs and emission reductions for each of the
proposed options (for transfer racks, equipment leaks, and waste
streams), we considered none of these options to be cost effective for
reducing emissions from these emission sources at ethylene production
units, and we proposed that it is not necessary to revise the EMACT
standards for these emission sources pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(6).
Also, pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(6), we proposed revisions to
the current EMACT standards for storage vessels and heat exchange
systems (sections IV.D.1 and IV.D.6 of proposal preamble, 84 FR 54314,
October 9, 2019). For storage vessels, we proposed tightening both the
applicability threshold for MTVP of total organic HAP (i.e., decreasing
it from 3.4 kPa or greater to 0.69 kPa or greater) and the
applicability threshold for storage vessel capacity (i.e., decreasing
it from 95 m\3\ to 59 m\3\) in Table 7 at 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(3)(a)(1)
and 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(3)(b)(1), respectively. For heat exchange
systems, we proposed to add a new provision, 40 CFR 63.1086(e), that
would require owners or operators to use the Modified El Paso Method to
monitor for leaks and to repair leaks of total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (as methane) in the stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or greater.
We also proposed to add a new provision, 40 CFR 63.1088(d),
establishing a delay of repair action level of total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane) in the stripping gas of 62 ppmv,
that if exceeded during leak monitoring, would require immediate repair
(i.e., the leak found cannot be put on delay of repair and would be
required to be repaired within 30 days of the monitoring event). This
would apply to both monitoring heat exchange systems and individual
heat exchangers by replacing the use of any 40 CFR part 136 water
sampling method with the Modified El Paso Method and removing the
option that allows for use of a surrogate indicator of leaks. Finally,
we proposed to add a new provision, 40 CFR 63.1087(c), requiring re-
monitoring at the monitoring location where a leak is identified to
ensure that any leaks found are fixed.
[[Page 40394]]
2. How did the technology review change for the Ethylene Production
source category?
The EPA has not changed any aspect of the technology review for
process vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks, and waste streams since
the October 9, 2019, RTR proposal for the Ethylene Production source
category. However, based on comments received on the proposed
rulemaking, we are not finalizing the proposed revisions to the EMACT
standards for storage vessels under CAA section 112(d)(6) to tighten
the applicability threshold for MTVP of total organic HAP (i.e.,
decreasing it from 3.4 kPa or greater to 0.69 kPa or greater) and the
applicability threshold for storage vessel capacity (i.e., decreasing
it from 95 m\3\ to 59 m\3\). Moreover, although we are revising the
EMACT standards for heat exchange systems consistent with the October
9, 2019, RTR proposal, we are also including, based on comments
received on the proposed rulemaking, an alternative mass-based leak
action level of total strippable hydrocarbon equal to or greater than
0.18 kilograms per hour for heat exchange systems with a recirculation
rate of 10,000 gpm or less.
3. What key comments did we receive on the technology review, and what
are our responses?
The EPA received comments in support of and against the proposed
technology review amendments and our determination that no revisions
were warranted under CAA section 112(d)(6) for process vents, transfer
racks, equipment leaks, and waste streams in the Ethylene Production
source category and that revisions were warranted for storage vessels
and heat exchange systems in the Ethylene Production source category.
Generally, for process vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks, and
waste streams, the comments were either supportive of the determination
that no cost-effective developments from the technology review were
found, or that the Agency should re-open and re-evaluate the MACT
standards for these emission sources and not consider cost in the
technology review for the emissions sources. Based on our review of the
comments received for process vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks,
and waste streams, we are finalizing our determination that no cost-
effective developments exist and that it is not necessary to revise
these emission standards under CAA section 112(d)(6).
For storage vessels, the EPA received additional information from
commenters on material composition, storage vessels that would be
affected by the proposed option, and costs necessary for control of the
storage vessels that would be affected by the proposed control option.
After review of all the comments received, we determined that it is not
cost effective to revise the storage vessel control requirements and
are not finalizing revisions for this emissions source under CAA
section 112(d)(6).
For heat exchange systems, the EPA received additional information
from commenters on costs necessary for control of these sources as well
as comments on a number of technical clarifications and allowance of
compliance with an alternative mass-based leak action level should the
EPA finalize the requirements for heat exchange systems. After review
of all the comments received, we determined that it is cost effective
to revise the heat exchange system requirements, and we are finalizing
revisions for this emissions source under CAA section 112(d)(6)
however, we are also including, based on comments received on the
proposed rulemaking, an alternative mass-based leak action level of
total strippable hydrocarbon equal to or greater than 0.18 kilograms
per hour for heat exchange systems with a recirculation rate of 10,000
gpm or less.
This section provides comment and responses for the key comments
received regarding the technology review amendments we proposed for
storage vessels and heat exchange systems. Comment summaries and the
EPA's responses for additional issues raised regarding the proposed
requirements resulting from our technology review are in the document,
Summary of Public Comments and Responses for the Risk and Technology
Reviews for the Ethylene Production Source Category, available in the
docket for this action.
Comment: We received comments in support of and against the
proposed changes to the storage vessel capacity and vapor pressure
thresholds and corresponding control requirements. Most of the
commenters opposed to the proposed requirements said the EPA's proposed
changes to the capacity and vapor pressure thresholds for control of
storage vessel emissions are not cost-effective. The commenters said
that based on their analysis and using the EPA percentages of annual
cost components (9.47-percent capital recovery, 5-percent maintenance,
4 percent for taxes, insurance, and administration, $380 per ton of VOC
recovered), the average capital cost for control is approximately $1.2
million per tank, the average annual cost is $216,000 per tank, and the
cost effectiveness of the control option is $108,000 per ton of VOC.
The commenters said that their estimates account for materials and
installation, in addition to the necessary cleaning and preparation
required to install the floating roof or make the necessary connections
to the closed vent system. The commenters asserted that degassing and
cleaning do not appear to be included in the EPA's cost calculation and
should be added as these are necessary steps to prepare the tanks for
modification and ensure worker safety. The commenter said that their
cost estimate is much higher than the EPA's estimate; and the
commenters contended the EPA's estimated capital investment for the
installation of an internal floating roof (IFR) on an existing fixed
roof tank is unrealistic and should be revised. The commenters stated
that at least one facility would install a new closed vent system to an
existing control device, instead of an IFR, due to more favorable
economics or site-specific constraints. The commenters said that the
cost of this closed vent system is approximately $825,000 per tank
(materials and installation). The commenters also provided certain
technical details and cost information that they claimed as CBI.
Response: We are not finalizing the proposed requirements to
tighten the storage vessel capacity and MTVP thresholds in response to
comments and additional costs information that the EPA received on the
proposal. Specifically, we reviewed and agree with the additional
information submitted by commenters on the specific storage vessels
that would be affected (e.g., material composition and vapor pressure
data, costs to control those storage vessels, and estimated emissions
reductions). Importantly, the CBI submitted by one commenter provided
details showing that installation of an IFR was not an option for their
specific facility due to technical constraints. In addition, given that
the proposed option would result in 10 tpy of VOC reductions nationwide
(and lower emissions reductions for HAP) and cost over $1 million
annually, we find the control of storage vessels at $108,000 per ton
for VOC (and higher cost effectiveness for HAP) is not cost effective.
Further, the proposed option would only affect six of the approximately
248 storage vessels in the source category [assuming an average of
eight storage vessels per facility from the CAA section 114 Information
Collection Request (ICR) data] and would not meaningfully reduce
overall
[[Page 40395]]
emissions from the source category. Given all of this information, we
are not finalizing the proposed requirements to tighten the storage
vessel capacity and MTVP thresholds and are keeping the current MACT
level of control for storage vessels in place.
Comment: A commenter stated that the proposed technology review
amendments do not represent MACT and noted three control options were
identified for storage vessels, but only one was adopted into the
proposed rule. The commenter emphasized that many new ethylene
production facilities are planned to be constructed or are under
construction and the EPA must address their HAP emissions by applying
the most stringent control technologies.
Similarly, another commenter stated that it would be unlawful,
arbitrary, and capricious for the EPA not to set stronger standards for
emissions from storage vessels. The commenter stated that although the
EPA identified two other developments in technology for storage
vessels: (1) Requiring LDAR for fittings on fixed roof storage vessels
(e.g., access hatches) using EPA Method 21, and the use of liquid level
overfill warning monitors and roof landing warning monitors on storage
vessels with an IFR or external floating roof (EFR); and (2) the
conversion of EFRs to IFRs through use of geodesic domes, the EPA
declined to require these controls simply because the control options
were not cost effective. The commenter insisted that the EPA failed to
show why the cost-per-ton it found for storage vessel developments are
inappropriate and failed to show why further reductions are not
required to satisfy CAA sections 112(d)(6) and (f)(2). The commenter
noted the costs the EPA found ($6,120 per ton HAP to $44,100 per ton
HAP) are lower than other rules where the EPA determined the cost-per-
ton to be appropriate. As an example, the commenter cited the cost-per-
ton from secondary lead smelting that were considered reasonable,
ranging from $330,000 per ton to $1,500,000 per ton (77 FR 576, January
5, 2012). The commenter stated that because the EPA found higher cost-
reduction ratios appropriate, it is arbitrary and capricious for the
EPA not to require greater reductions for storage vessels, when they
are achievable and would provide more protection for public health, as
statutorily provided. The commenter asserted that several of these
developments are already widely in use or required by other regulatory
agencies. The commenter further argued that the EPA gives no
explanation for why the Agency considers ``incremental cost
effectiveness'' to be determinative rather than evaluating costs based
on ``HAP cost effectiveness'' as it does for other source types, such
as equipment leaks and waste streams.
The commenter argued that the EPA's decision to make cost-per-ton
the standard-setting criterion and to choose a number it deems
unreasonable, without a rational explanation, is arbitrary and
capricious. The commenter stated the cost-per-ton of HAP reduction does
not indicate whether a stronger standard is feasible and does not
consider whether the industry could bear the costs of additional
controls. The commenter stated that the ethylene production industry
generated $50.8 billion in revenue in 2016 and the EPA cannot plausibly
claim that this industry cannot afford to implement the identified
storage vessel developments. The commenter noted that cost-per-ton says
nothing about health risk, and that a ton of HAP is a very large
amount. The commenter stated that the risk assessment for this source
category shows the pollutants emitted in ethylene production are known
to be hazardous at an exposure level of micrograms or less, and the
carcinogens emitted (e.g., benzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene) have no
safe level of exposure. In addition, the commenter asserted that no two
HAP create the same health risks and that reducing tons of one
pollutant does not produce the same benefit as reducing tons of
another. The commenter added that the EPA should not base its final
standards on cost effectiveness at all; the Agency's job is simply to
determine the ``maximum'' degree of reduction that can be achieved
considering cost, under CAA section 112(d)(2), and to assure an ``ample
margin of safety to protect public health'' under CAA section
112(f)(2). The commenter stressed that if the EPA wishes to consider
cost effectiveness in any meaningful sense, it cannot rely on the cost-
per-ton, which says nothing about the true effectiveness of reducing
emissions of highly toxic pollutants, in terms of public health--which
is a key factor missing from the EPA's analysis. Thus, the commenter
concluded it was arbitrary and capricious for the EPA to decide that it
was not necessary to update the standards to account for storage vessel
developments based on cost.
The commenter also contended the EPA may consider cost but CAA
section 112(d)(6) does not authorize the EPA to refuse to update
standards based on cost. The commenter stated the Court has recognized
that developments are the core requirement, and if developments have
occurred, the EPA must account for those. The commenter further claimed
that the EPA should follow the plain text of CAA section 112(d)(2)-(3)
and applicable precedent requiring explicit authorization to consider
cost. The commenter stated the EPA's cost-focused analysis ignores the
statutory objective of assuring the ``maximum'' achievable degree of
emission reduction provided in CAA section 112(d)(2), as implemented
through the technology review. The commenter stated that this analysis
also ignores the statutory goal of protecting public health, per CAA
section 112 (f)(2).
The commenter also stated that although the EPA initially
considered tightening the threshold for storage vessel capacity from 95
m\3\ to 38 m\3\, the EPA proposed a threshold of 59 m\3\ because it
found that ``it would not be cost-effective for this particular storage
vessel to add additional controls due to its infrequent use.'' The
commenter contended that the EPA cannot set a higher capacity threshold
simply based on the cost of installing a control on one affected
vessel, especially without information or analysis.
Response: We disagree with the comment that the EPA has an
obligation to review prior MACT determinations and recalculate MACT
floors as part of each CAA section 112(d)(6) review given that this
argument has been repeatedly rejected by the Court. See, e.g., Nat'l
Ass'n of Surface Finishing v. EPA, 795 F.3d 1 (DC Cir. 2015);
Association of Battery Recyclers v. EPA, 716 F.3d 667, 673 (DC Cir.
2013); Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) v. EPA, 529 F.3d 1077
(DC Cir. 2008). In the proposal we neither re-evaluated nor re-opened
the MACT standard for storage vessels under CAA sections 112(d)(2) and
(3) in this action. For storage vessels, the revisions we proposed were
as a result of the RTR under CAA sections 112(d)(6) and (f)(2). As also
explained at proposal, under section 112(d)(6), the EPA is to review
the ``emission standards promulgated under'' CAA section 112(d)(2) and
(3). The EPA has consistently posited that CAA section 112(d)(6)
focuses on the review of developments that have occurred in a source
category since the original promulgation of a MACT standard. Similarly,
the EPA is to conduct a risk review that evaluates whether the emission
limits--the ``standards promulgated pursuant to subsection (d),'' [CAA
section 112(f)(2)(A)]--should be made more stringent to reduce the risk
posed after compliance with the underlying MACT standard. Therefore,
the EPA does not have an obligation in its technology and
[[Page 40396]]
residual risk review to consider ``hypothetical'' facilities that is,
facilities that have yet to begin construction (or may never even be
constructed or operate) and where air emissions from ethylene
production operations are merely anticipated because said operations do
not yet exist and facilities have yet to start up. As also previously
discussed we are not finalizing these proposed revisions under CAA
section 112(d)(6) because they are not cost effective. In addition, the
proposed revisions have little to no impact on HAP emissions for the
source category. With respect to the role of cost in our decisions
under the technology review, we note that the Court has not required
the EPA to demonstrate that a technology is ``cost-prohibitive'' in
order not to require adopting a new technology under CAA section
112(d)(6); a simple finding that a control is not cost effective is
enough. See Association of Battery Recyclers, et al. v. EPA, et al.,
716 F.3d 667, 673-74 (D.C. Cir. 2015) (approving the EPA's
consideration of cost as a factor in its CAA section 112(d)(6)
decision-making and the EPA's reliance on cost effectiveness as a
factor in its standard-setting).
The commenter's comparison of cost-per-ton estimates against other
rules and other requirements within this final rule is also misplaced.
The commenter draws a comparison to an analysis for metal HAP in the
Secondary Lead NESHAP RTR, where those costs per ton were determined to
be within the range of metal HAP values for other CAA section 112 rules
(see 77 FR 576, January 5, 2012). However, organic HAP are the issue of
concern for storage vessels, and the EPA has historically used a
different and significantly lower cost-effectiveness scale for organic
HAP versus metal HAP due to their relative toxicity. Generally, for
organic HAP, we consider a cost effectiveness of $10,000/ton or more to
be near the upper end of what the EPA has traditionally considered to
be cost effective for control for these particular type of HAP.
In addition, we disagree with the commenter that consideration of
incremental cost effectiveness was an unreasonable approach for
comparing differing strategies that build upon one another. We note
that CAA section 112(d)(6) does not prescribe a methodology for the
agency's costs analysis, and the EPA has sometimes presented cost/ton-
reduced numbers in the supporting analyses for regulations that we
issue. See for example, Husqvarna AB v. EPA, 254 F. 3d 195 at 200 (D.C.
Cir. 2001) (``Because section 213 does not mandate a specific method of
cost analysis, we find reasonable the EPA's choice to consider costs on
the per ton of emissions removed basis.''). For storage vessels, we
proposed to tighten the capacity and MTVP thresholds for control (known
as option SV1 in our technology review memorandum) and also evaluated
two other control options that built upon option SV1. Option SV1 was
evaluated in concert with the two other options, including adding
enhanced monitoring requirements (option SV2) and requiring EFR storage
vessels to convert to IFR storage vessels via use of geodesic domes
(option SV3). The costs are presented such that the overall HAP cost
effectiveness for options SV2 and SV3 also include option SV1, while
the incremental cost-effectiveness values for options SV2 and SV3 are
the cost-effectiveness values only for requiring enhanced monitoring
and only for requiring EFR storage vessels to convert to IFR storage
vessels via use of geodesic domes, respectively. Simply put, the
incremental cost-effectiveness values for options SV2 and SV3 do not
include costs and emissions reductions for option SV1. The commenter
did not provide additional details on costs or emissions reductions on
these options; thus, we continue to believe these options are not cost-
effective and are not finalizing them. An incremental cost-
effectiveness analysis was not needed for equipment leaks or waste
operations because we did not propose any revisions under our CAA
section 112(d)(6) technology review for these emission sources. We also
did not consider control options for these emission sources that would
build upon each other and necessitate an evaluation of incremental
costs and, thus, the HAP cost effectiveness for the options presented
in those analyses are equivalent to the incremental cost- effectiveness
values presented for options SV2 and SV3 for storage vessels. For
further information on our technology review for storage vessels, see
the technical memorandum, Clean Air Act Section 112(d)(6) Technology
Review for Storage Vessels Located in the Ethylene Production Source
Category, which is available in Docket ID Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-
0357-0014.
Lastly, we disagree with the commenter that it was unreasonable to
consider an infrequently used storage vessel with a capacity of 58 m\3\
(i.e., a storage vessel with a capacity within the threshold of 38 m\3\
and 59 m\3\, which we evaluated, but did not propose) with little
emissions and an extremely high cost-effectiveness value for control in
setting the size threshold for control in our SV1 option evaluated
under our CAA section 112(d)(6) review. As explained in the technology
review memorandum, we first looked at other chemical sector and
refinery NESHAP for storage vessel control thresholds for capacity and
MTVP as a starting point and then we used our CAA section 114 ICR data
to further refine option SV1. Based on our CAA section 114 data, only
one storage vessel (with a capacity of 58 m\3\) met the most stringent
requirements for control from other NESHAP compared to the option we
evaluated and would be impacted were we to evaluate this storage vessel
in option SV1 (along with the other 12 storage vessels we anticipated
would also be affected at proposal). Using the information from our CAA
section 114 request that was submitted for this storage vessel (e.g.,
size, number of tank turnovers, stored material composition), we
conservatively estimated that this 58 m\3\ storage vessel would only
have annual emissions of 0.005 tpy of HAP if it had one full turnover
(even though it reported having none in 2013). Considering the extreme
case that all these emissions would be reduced from this storage vessel
if it were required to be controlled, and if we made several other
assumptions (e.g., retrofit with an IFR, 12-foot diameter tank, one of
each of the various upgraded deck fittings), we determined that
controlling this one storage vessel would have an annualized cost of
approximately $5,550 per year and not be cost effective (i.e., over
$1,000,000 per ton of HAP). We note that this information was available
in the docket for commenters to use and provide their own estimates of
HAP emissions and costs for control for this storage vessel. When
considering this information, we find the option to tighten the
capacity and MTVP thresholds to be even less cost effective if you
consider impacts requiring control from the 58 m\3\ storage vessel.
Thus, as previously discussed, we are not finalizing the proposed
capacity and MTVP thresholds we proposed for storage vessels and are
keeping the current MACT level of control for storage vessels in place.
Comment: We received comments in support of and against the
proposal to require use of the Modified El Paso Method for repairing
leaks in heat exchange systems. A commenter that supported the proposal
noted that at least eight facilities in the source category were
already using the Modified El Paso Method. On the other hand, some
commenters said the EPA's proposed control requirements for heat
[[Page 40397]]
exchange systems were not cost effective when considering the actual
costs to repair leaks. A commenter said that the costs provided in
Table 7 of the memorandum, Clean Air Act Section 112(d)(6) Technology
Review for Heat Exchange Systems Located in the Ethylene Production
Source Category, significantly underestimates the true cost associated
with leak repair at ethylene production facilities. The commenter
contended that for purposes of leak repair, after identifying a leak,
maintenance and operations personnel must develop a strategy and
schedule to remove the leaking exchanger from service, which involves
identifying and selecting options for: Bypassing the process stream
from the leaking system, the amount of production turndown necessary
while the exchanger is out of service, identifying and selecting the
appropriate contract personnel, and scheduling the work so that it does
not conflict with any other planned maintenance. According to the
commenter, several different personnel would be involved in these
planning tasks including management, maintenance, production, and
engineering staff (128 hour estimate is based on 32 hours x 4 persons).
In addition to these planning costs, the commenter said that the EPA
did not include costs for bypassing the leaking system to avoid a total
shutdown which may include renting and plumbing temporary heat
exchangers. The commenter also said that the EPA did not include costs
for the rental and installation of cranes and scaffolding for accessing
the heat exchanger for repairs, and costs for specialized contracted
maintenance support to de-head the exchanger and perform the repair.
Based on maintenance records, the commenter contended that repair costs
range from $200,000 to $400,000 per event, not considering lost profit
due to turndown or shutdown of the production unit. Factoring in these
additional costs and using the EPA's estimated HAP emissions reductions
of 25 tpy, the commenter said the revised cost effectiveness becomes
$16,200 per ton of HAP. The commenter cited the RTR for Friction
Materials Manufacturing Facilities (83 FR 19511, May 3, 2018) where the
EPA found that $3,700 per ton for a permanent total enclosure was not
cost effective, and the RTR for the Petroleum Refinery Sector (79 FR
36916, June 30, 2014) where the EPA found that $14,100 per ton for
lowering leak definitions was not cost effective. The commenter also
said that in cases where the leaking heat exchanger must be completely
replaced to fix the leak, the costs exceed $1 million. The commenter
stated that the EPA acknowledged in the preamble that emissions from
heat exchange systems have an overall small contribution to cancer risk
to the individual most exposed and that additional controls for heat
exchange systems are not necessary to provide an ample margin of
safety.
Response: We disagree with commenters that said the proposed
requirements for heat exchange systems to use the Modified El Paso
Method and a leak definition of 6.2 ppmv of total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane) in the stripping gas are not
cost-effective. We are finalizing this proposed development under CAA
section 112(d)(6) with some minor technical clarifications that are
discussed elsewhere in the rulemaking record (see our response in this
preamble to commenters' requests to include an alternative mass-based
leak definition; also see the document, Summary of Public Comments and
Responses for the Risk and Technology Review for Ethylene Production,
which is available in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357). We note that
the existing MACT standards that were finalized in 2002 (67 FR 46258,
July 12, 2002) contained LDAR provisions and many of the items
commenters include in their cost estimates are associated with repair
costs that would have already been incurred under the existing MACT
standards. These repair costs include, but are not limited to,
planning, bypassing, various equipment rental costs, costs for
scaffolding, and deheading. We also disagree with commenter's cost
estimates because most of the items that they claim are associated with
the proposed revision will not be required by this final rule
requirement (i.e., we determined that the costs associated with the
difference between conducting leak sampling using water sampling
methods and leak sampling using the Modified El Paso Method as well as
costs associated with combined operator and maintenance labor to find
and repair a leak by plugging are the only costs that would be
additionally incurred by the technology review standards). Further,
commenters failed to provide enough information demonstrating why their
costs information represents leak repair costs for an average heat
exchange system at an ethylene production facility. For example,
facilities may have additional heat exchange system capacity available
at their facility and may opt to use this capacity to repair the leak,
at no additional expense, yet this was not considered by commenters.
Also, commenters did not provide additional information for us to
evaluate the percentage of time additional leaks would have to be fixed
under the revised heat exchange system standards proposed under
technology review compared to the original MACT standards. Thus, we
continue to believe that the majority, if not all of the repair costs
cited by commenters would have been accounted for and incurred as a
result of the existing MACT standards and that simply plugging a
leaking heat exchanger would more likely represent the average cost
additionally incurred by ethylene production sources as a result of
this technology review development. In addition, in the proposed rule
we explained that we considered a heat exchanger to effectively be at
the end of its useful life if it was leaking to such an extent that it
would need to be replaced in order to comply with the requirement; so
the cost of replacing the heat exchanger would be an operational cost
that would be incurred by the facility as a result of routine
maintenance and equipment replacement and not attributable to the
proposed work practice standard that is being finalized in this action
(see the technical memorandum, Clean Air Act Section 112(d)(6)
Technology Review for Heat Exchange Systems in the Ethylene Production
Source Category, which is available in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-
0357). Thus, given all of this information, we continue to believe that
those costs associated with the difference between conducting leak
sampling using water sampling methods and leak sampling using the
Modified El Paso Method as well as costs associated with combined
operator and maintenance labor to find and repair a leak by plugging
are the only costs that would be additionally incurred by the
technology review standards. Based on our analysis, we find that the
revised standards we proposed for heat exchange systems are cost
effective at $1,060 per ton of HAP without consideration of product
recovery and result in a cost savings when you consider product
recovery. Therefore, we are finalizing the revisions for heat exchange
systems that we proposed under CAA section 112(d)(6) with some minor
technical clarifications that are discussed elsewhere in this preamble
and in the document, Summary of Public Comments and Responses for the
Risk and Technology Review for Ethylene Production, which is available
in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357.
Additionally, with respect to rules where we have determined that
[[Page 40398]]
requirements are not cost effective at varying levels of cost
effectiveness, we note that there can be other compelling factors
beyond cost effectiveness that play a role in the EPA's determinations
and that each rulemaking is unique and should be judged on its own
merits. With respect to the two proposed rules commenters cited, we
note that different determinations likely would have resulted if some
of the other variables in those rulemaking records were not considered,
such as for the Friction Materials RTR (83 FR 19511, May 3, 2018) where
no facilities in the source category would have been impacted by rule
revisions under the technology review due to process changes and use of
non-HAP solvents. Similarly, for the Petroleum Refinery RTR (79 FR
36916, June 30, 2014), consideration of other fugitive emissions
management techniques that were finalized (e.g., fenceline monitoring)
also had the potential to help control equipment leaks in the Petroleum
Refinery source category. Regardless, and as stated above, we believe
that the developments we identified for heat exchange systems used in
the Ethylene Production source category are cost effective and are
finalizing these revisions under CAA section 112(d)(6).
Comment: Some commenters recommended the EPA revise 40 CFR
63.1086(e)(i) through (iii) to include an alternative mass-based leak
definition. Commenters argued that by only defining a leak on a
concentration basis, smaller facilities with lower heat exchange system
recirculation rates would be forced to identify and fix leaks with a
much lower potential HAP emissions rate than facilities with larger
recirculation systems.
A commenter said the EPA should calculate the equivalent mass-based
emission rate using the 90th percentile heat exchange system
recirculation rates (165,000 gpm) and the leak definition of 6.2 ppmv
as methane in the stripping gas, assuming 100 percent of the
hydrocarbon is hexane, for an equivalent mass leak-based leak
definition of 6.1 pounds per hour (2.8 kilograms per hour) of Table 1
to 40 CFR part 63, subpart XX HAP.
Another commenter said the EPA should modify the leak action level
to be defined as potential strippable hydrocarbon emissions greater
than 4.0 pounds per hour for heat exchange systems with a recirculation
flowrate less than or equal to 100,000 gpm. The commenter asserted that
the memorandum, CAA Section 112(d)(6) Technology Review for Heat
Exchangers Located in the Ethylene Production Source Category, mentions
one case where the concentration of methane was 6.1 ppmv in the gas
phase and just less than 80 parts per billion by weight (ppbw) in the
water phase, thus, resulting in emissions of 0.64 pounds per hour based
on a recirculation rate of 17,000 gpm. Using this information, the
commenter determined that an average cooling water system with a
recirculation rate of 100,000 gpm (the average cooling water
recirculation rate of the ethylene production industry based on the
responses the EPA received to the CAA section 114 ICR) and a
concentration of strippable hydrocarbons in the water of 80 ppbw, will
have potential strippable hydrocarbon emissions of 4 pounds per hour.
A commenter also recommended the EPA adjust the ``delay of repair''
leak action level in 40 CFR 63.1088(d)(3) to 40 pounds per hour of
potential strippable hydrocarbon emissions for heat exchange systems
with a recirculation rate of 100,000 gpm or less, and maintain the
``delay of repair'' action level at a total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (as methane) in the stripping gas of 62 ppmv
(approximately 800 ppbw in the cooling water) for heat exchange systems
with a recirculation rate greater than 100,000 gpm.
Response: We agree with commenters that an alternative mass-based
leak action level is warranted, and that by not finalizing such an
alternative, smaller heat exchange systems with low recirculation rates
would be disproportionally affected and forced to repair leaks with a
much lower potential HAP emissions rate than facilities with larger
recirculation rate systems. We disagree with commenters, however, that
the foundation of the alternative mass-based leak action level should
be based on the average recirculation rate in the source category of
100,000 gpm or the 90th percentile heat exchange system recirculation
rate of 165,000 gpm. As commenters allude to, the goal of this
alternative is to not disproportionally impact small heat exchange
systems with low emissions potential. To that end and given that this
is a technology review under CAA section 112(d)(6), consideration of
where it is cost-effective to repair a leaking heat exchange system
should be a primary consideration for this alternative. In our
technology review memorandum, Clean Air Act Section 112(d)(6)
Technology Review for Heat Exchange Systems Located in the Ethylene
Production Source Category, at Docket ID Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357-
0011, the nationwide impacts and emissions reductions presented in
Tables 15 and 16 are used to determine the HAP cost effectiveness for
the source category on average. In other words, the nationwide impacts
for HAP cost effectiveness (without consideration of product recovery)
at $1,060/ton of HAP would be the HAP cost effectiveness for an average
heat exchange system in the source category that has a recirculation
rate of approximately 100,000 gpm. We also generally consider that
technology review developments are not cost effective for organic HAP
if the cost effectiveness is more than $10,000/ton (or approximately 10
times higher than the cost effectiveness estimated for the average heat
exchange system at ethylene production sources). Since the
recirculation rate directly correlates to mass emissions potential at
the same leak concentration, the mass emissions for a heat exchange
system with recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm or less would be at least
10 times smaller compared to a 100,000 gpm recirculation rate system
and the annual costs to find and repair leaks would not change. As
such, we determined that it is not cost effective to control leaks at
the leak action level of total strippable hydrocarbon of 6.2 ppmv (as
methane) for heat exchange systems with a recirculation rate of 10,000
gpm or less, because the HAP cost effectiveness would be approximately
$10,000/ton of HAP or more. Therefore, to alleviate the concern about
disproportionally impacting small heat exchange systems with low HAP
emissions potential, and to ensure our technology review developments
are cost effective for all heat exchange systems in the source
category, we are finalizing an alternative total hydrocarbon mass-based
emissions rate leak action level (as methane) of 0.18 kilograms per
hour (0.4 pounds per hour) for heat exchange systems in the Ethylene
Production source category that have a recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm
or less. We also agree that for consistency, and to not
disproportionately impact small heat exchange systems, that an
alternative mass-based leak action level of 1.8 kilograms per hour (4.0
pounds per hour) for delay of repair for heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm or less is warranted.
4. What is the rationale for our final approach for the technology
review?
Our technology review focused on the identification and evaluation
of developments in practices, processes, and control technologies that
have occurred since the EMACT standards were originally promulgated on
July 12, 2002 (67 FR 46258). Specifically, we
[[Page 40399]]
focused our technology review on all existing MACT standards for the
various emission sources in the Ethylene Production source category,
including, storage vessels, ethylene process vents, transfer racks,
equipment leaks, waste streams, and heat exchange systems. In the
proposal, we only identified cost-effective developments for storage
vessels and heat exchange systems and proposed to tighten the standards
for these two emissions sources under technology review. We did not
identify developments in practices, processes, or control technologies
for ethylene process vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks, and waste
streams. Further rationale about the technology review can be found in
the proposed rule (84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019) and in the supporting
materials in the rulemaking docket at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-
0357.
During the public comment period, we received several comments on
our proposed determinations for the technology review. The comments and
our specific responses and rationale for our final decisions can be
found in section IV.B.3 of this preamble and in the document, Summary
of Public Comments and Responses for the Risk and Technology Reviews
for the Ethylene Production Source Category, available in the docket
for this action. No information presented by commenters has led us to
change our proposed determination, under CAA section 112(d)(6) for
ethylene process vents, transfer racks, equipment leaks, and waste
streams, and we are finalizing our determination that no changes to
these standards are warranted. Substantive information was submitted by
commenters on proposed revisions for heat exchange systems, and based
on this information, we are finalizing revisions for heat exchange
systems and making some technical clarifications to allow compliance
with an alternative mass-based leak action level for small heat
exchange systems with a recirculation rate of 10,000 gpm or less in
lieu of the concentration-based leak action level that was proposed.
Lastly, for storage vessels, substantive information was also submitted
by commenters, and based on this additional information, we find that
the developments we proposed are not cost effective for this emissions
source. Thus, we are not finalizing any changes for storage vessels as
a result of the technology review.
C. Amendments Pursuant to CAA Section 112(d)(2) and (d)(3) for the
Ethylene Production Source Category
1. What did we propose pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3) for
the Ethylene Production source category?
Under CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3) we proposed to amend the
operating and monitoring requirements for flares used as APCDs in the
Ethylene Production source category to ensure that facilities that use
flares as APCDs meet the EMACT standards at all times when controlling
HAP emissions. We proposed to add a provision, 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(4), to
extend the application of the Petroleum Refinery Flare Rule
requirements in 40 CFR part 63, subpart CC to flares in the Ethylene
Production source category with clarifications, including, but not
limited to, specifying that several definitions in 40 CFR part 63,
subpart CC, that apply to petroleum refinery flares also apply to
flares in the Ethylene Production source category, adding a definition
and requirements for pressure-assisted multi-point flares, and
specifying additional requirements when a gas chromatograph or mass
spectrometer is used for compositional analysis. Specifically, we
proposed to retain the General Provisions requirements of 40 CFR
63.11(b) and 40 CFR 60.18(b) that flares used as APCDs in the Ethylene
Production source category operate pilot flame systems continuously and
that flares operate with no visible emissions (except for periods not
to exceed a total of 5 minutes during any 2 consecutive hours) when the
flare vent gas flow rate is below the smokeless capacity of the flare.
We also proposed to consolidate measures related to flare tip velocity
and new operational and monitoring requirements related to the
combustion zone gas. Further, in keeping with the elimination of the
SSM exemption, we proposed a work practice standard related to the
visible emissions and velocity limits during periods when the flare is
operated above its smokeless capacity (e.g., periods of emergency
flaring). We proposed eliminating the cross-references to the General
Provisions and instead to specify all operational and monitoring
requirements that are intended to apply to flares used as APCDs in the
Ethylene Production source category.
In addition, we proposed provisions and clarifications for periods
of SSM and bypasses, including PRD releases, bypass lines on closed
vent systems, in situ sampling systems, maintenance activities, and
certain gaseous streams routed to a fuel gas system to ensure that CAA
section 112 standards apply continuously, consistent with Sierra Club
v. EPA 551 F. 3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008). For PRD releases, we proposed
at 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(2) definitions of ``pressure relief device'' and
``relief valve'' and proposed to add a work practice standard at 40 CFR
63.1107(h)(3), (6), and (7) for PRDs that vent to atmosphere that
requires three prevention measures and root cause analysis and
corrective action when a release occurs.\4\ We proposed to require that
sources monitor PRDs that vent to the atmosphere using a system that is
capable of identifying and recording the time and duration of each
pressure release and of notifying operators that a pressure release has
occurred. We also proposed to add a provision, 40 CFR 63.1107(h)(4), to
require PRDs that vent through a closed vent system to a control device
or to a process, fuel gas system, or drain system meet minimum
requirements for the applicable control system. In addition, we
proposed to add a provision, 40 CFR 63.1107(h)(5), to exclude the
following types of PRDs from the work practice standard for PRDs that
vent to the atmosphere: (1) PRDs with a design release pressure of less
than 2.5 pounds per square inch gauge (psig); (2) PRDs in heavy liquid
service; (3) PRDs that are designed solely to release due to liquid
thermal expansion; and (4) pilot-operated and balanced bellows PRDs if
the primary release valve associated with the PRD is vented through a
control system. Finally, we proposed to add a provision, 40 CFR
63.1107(h)(8), to require future installation and operation of non-
flowing pilot-operated PRDs at all affected sources.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ Examples of prevention measures include flow indicators,
level indicators, temperature indicators, pressure indicators,
routine inspection and maintenance programs or operator training,
inherently safer designs or safety instrumentation systems, deluge
systems, and staged relief systems where the initial PRD discharges
to a control system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For bypass lines on closed vent systems, we proposed to add a
provision, 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(6), to not allow an owner or operator to
bypass the APCD at any time, and if a bypass is used, then the owner or
operator is to estimate and report the quantity of organic HAP
released. We proposed this revision to be consistent with Sierra Club
v. EPA, 551 F.3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008), where the Court determined that
standards under CAA section 112(d) must provide for compliance at all
times, because bypassing an APCD could result in a release of regulated
organic HAP to the atmosphere. We also proposed that the use of a cap,
blind flange, plug, or second valve on an
[[Page 40400]]
open-ended valve or line is sufficient to prevent a bypass. For in situ
sampling systems, we proposed to delete the exclusion of ``in situ
sampling systems (online analyzers)'' from the definition of ``ethylene
process vent'' and require that these kinds of vents meet the standards
applicable to ethylene process vents at all times.
For maintenance activities, we proposed a definition for
``periodically discharged'' and removed ``episodic or nonroutine
releases'' from the list of vents not considered ethylene process
vents. We proposed to add a work practice standard at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(5) requiring that, prior to opening process equipment to the
atmosphere, the equipment either: (1) Be drained and purged to a closed
system so that the hydrocarbon content is less than or equal to 10
percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL); (2) be opened and vented to
the atmosphere only if the 10-percent LEL cannot be demonstrated and
the pressure is less than or equal to 5 psig, provided there is no
active purging of the equipment to the atmosphere until the LEL
criterion is met; (3) be opened when there is less than 50 pounds of
VOC that may be emitted to the atmosphere; or (4) for installing or
removing an equipment blind, depressurize the equipment to 2 psig or
less and maintain pressure of the equipment where purge gas enters the
equipment at or below 2 psig during the blind flange installation,
provided none of the other proposed work practice standards can be met.
For cases where an emission source is required to be controlled in the
EMACT standards but is routed to a fuel gas system, we proposed to add
footnote b to Table 7 of 40 CFR 63.1103(e) to require that any flare,
utilizing fuel gas whereby the majority (i.e., 50 percent or more) of
the fuel gas in the fuel gas system is derived from an ethylene
production unit, comply with the proposed flare operating and
monitoring requirements.
We proposed to add work practice standards at 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(7)
and (8) to address the decoking of ethylene cracking furnaces (i.e.,
the coke combustion activities in an ethylene cracking furnace), which
is defined as a shutdown activity and was previously only required to
minimize emissions by following a startup, shutdown, malfunction plan.
This ensures that CAA section 112 standards apply continuously. To
minimize coke combustion emissions from the decoking of the radiant
tube(s) in each ethylene cracking furnace, we proposed that an owner or
operator must conduct daily inspections of the firebox burners and
repair all burners that are impinging on the radiant tube(s) as soon as
practical, but not later than 1 calendar day after the flame
impingement is found. We also proposed that an owner or operator
conduct two of the following activities: (1) Continuously monitor (or
use a gas detection tube every hour to monitor) the CO2
concentration at the radiant tube(s) outlet for indication that the
coke combustion in the ethylene cracking furnace radiant tube(s) is
complete; (2) continuously monitor the temperature at the radiant
tube(s) outlet to ensure the coke combustion occurring inside the
radiant tube(s) is not so aggressive (i.e., too hot) that it damages
either the radiant tube(s) or ethylene cracking furnace isolation
valve(s); (3) after decoking, but before returning the ethylene
cracking furnace back to normal operations, purge the radiant tube(s)
with steam and verify that all air is removed; or (4) after decoking,
but before returning the ethylene cracking furnace back to normal
operations, apply a coating material to the interior of the radiant
tube(s) to protect against coke formation inside the radiant tube
during normal operation. In addition, we proposed that the owner or
operator must conduct the following inspections for ethylene cracking
furnace isolation valve(s): (1) Prior to decoking operation, inspect
the applicable ethylene cracking furnace isolation valve(s) to confirm
that the radiant tube(s) being decoked is completely isolated from the
ethylene production process so that no emissions generated from
decoking operations are sent to the ethylene production process; and
(2) prior to returning the ethylene cracking furnace to normal
operations after a decoking operation, inspect the applicable ethylene
cracking furnace isolation valve(s) to confirm that the radiant tube(s)
that was decoked is completely isolated from the decoking pot or
furnace firebox such that no emissions are sent from the radiant
tube(s) to the decoking pot or furnace firebox once the ethylene
cracking furnace returns to normal operation.
More information concerning our proposal to address CAA section
112(d)(2) and (3) can be found in the proposed rule (84 FR 54278,
October 9, 2019).
2. How did the revisions pursuant to CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3)
change since proposal?
The EPA is finalizing the revisions to the monitoring and
operational requirements for flares, as proposed, except that we are
not finalizing the work practice standard for velocity exceedances for
flares operating above their smokeless capacity. In response to
comments that owners or operators have historically considered
degassing emissions from shutdown of storage vessels to be covered by
their SSM plans per 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5) and relied on the language in
40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5) that back-up control devices are not required, we
are adding a separate standard for storage vessel degassing for storage
vessels subject to the control requirements in Table 7 to 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(3)(b) and (c). The standard requires owners or operators to
control degassing emissions for floating roof and fixed roof storage
vessels until the vapor space concentration is less than 10 percent of
the LEL. Storage vessels may be vented to the atmosphere once the
storage vessel degassing concentration threshold is met (i.e., 10
percent LEL) and all standing liquid has been removed from the vessel
to the extent practical.
Lastly, based on comments received on the proposal, we are making
some minor editorial corrections and technical clarifications to the
work practice standards for the decoking of ethylene cracking furnaces.
Specifically, we are adding delay of repair provisions to the flame
impingement inspection requirements, adding clarifying text to the
CO2 monitoring, coil outlet temperature monitoring, air
removal, and radiant tube(s) treatment requirements, and removing
unnecessary recordkeeping associated with the time each isolation valve
inspection is performed and the results of that inspection even if poor
isolation was not found. For details about these minor changes, refer
to Section 6.7 of the document, Summary of Public Comments and
Responses for the Risk and Technology Reviews for the Ethylene
Production Source Category, available in the docket for this action.
3. What key comments did we receive on the proposal revisions pursuant
to CAA section 112(d)(2) and (3), and what are our responses?
This section provides comment and responses for the key comments
received regarding our proposed revisions for flares and clarifications
for periods of SSM, including PRD releases, decoking operations for
ethylene cracking furnaces (i.e., the decoking of ethylene cracking
furnace radiant tubes), and storage vessel emptying and degassing.
Other comment summaries and the EPA's responses for additional issues
raised regarding these activities as well as issues raised regarding
our proposed revisions for bypass lines on closed vent systems, in situ
sampling systems, maintenance activities, and certain gaseous streams
routed to a fuel gas system, can be found in the
[[Page 40401]]
document, Summary of Public Comments and Responses for the Risk and
Technology Reviews for the Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action.
Comment: We received comments in support of and against our
proposal to establish similar requirements for flares used in the
Ethylene Production source category as the flare requirements
established in the 2015 Petroleum Refinery NESHAP, including the
incorporation of the net heating value of the combustion zone (NHVcz)
calculation and limits. One commenter supported the proposed
strengthened operational and monitoring requirements, which the
commenter stated reflect best practices already in place at many
facilities and must be required pursuant to CAA sections 112(d)(2),
(3), and (6). The commenter reiterated the EPA's determination that
measuring the net heating value of the flare gas, as it enters the
flares, is insufficient to determine combustibility because facilities
add steam and other gases not accounted for and that flare performance
data shows that the net heating value of vent gas in the combustion
zone must reach at least 270 British thermal units per standard cubic
foot (Btu/scf). Some commenters also supported the EPA's proposal
``that owners or operators may use a corrected heat content of 1,212
Btu/scf for hydrogen, instead of 274 Btu/scf, to demonstrate compliance
with the NHVcz operating limit,'' because the data show that the
control efficiency of a flare drops off significantly below this level.
Another commenter also suggested other improvements to the proposed
flared revisions. According to this commenter, data shows the proposed
rule does not assure heating values in the combustion zone that are
high enough to achieve the EMACT standards. The commenter said that the
EPA has an extensive record to support its conclusion that some
ethylene production facility flares do not destroy at least 98 percent
of HAP, and urged the EPA to mandate additional measures to ensure 98-
percent flare destruction efficiency. The commenter noted that at least
one operator, Formosa, recognizes that flares can achieve 99-percent
reduction in HAP emissions for small molecules.\5\ The commenter stated
that continuous monitoring of either the net heating value or
composition of flare gas must be required pursuant to CAA sections
112(d)(2), (3), and (6). The commenter recommended that the EPA also
consider the following measures to help assure compliance with 98-
percent destruction efficiency:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ The commenter provided the following reference: RISE St.
James et al. Comments on 14 Proposed Initial Title V/Part 70 Air
Permits, Proposed Initial Prevention of Significant Deterioration
Permit, and the Associated Environmental Assessment Statement for FG
LA, LLC (Formosa) Chemical Complex, Attachment E at 18 (August 12,
2019).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prohibit wake dominated flow flaring conditions. The
commenter noted that studies have shown that high winds can decrease
flare destruction efficiency.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ The commenter provided the following reference: Robert E.
Levy et al., Indus. Prof. for Clean Air, Reducing Emissions from
Plant Flares (No. 61) at 1 (April 24, 2006).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Require continuous video monitoring and recording for
flares equipped with video monitoring and flares that vent more than 1
million standard cubic feet scf per day (MMscf/day).\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ The commenter provided the following reference: See 84 FR
54296; BAAQMD Sec. 12-11-507: requiring continuous video monitoring
and recording for flares equipped with video monitoring and flares
with vent gas more than 1 MMscf/day); SCAQMD Rule 1118(g)(7):
requiring continuous video monitoring and recording; Consent Decree,
United States of America v. Marathon Petroleum Company LP et al.,
No. 12-cv-11544 (E.D. Mich.) (April 5, 2012); Consent Decree, United
States of America et al. v. BP Products North America Inc., No. 12-
cv-0207 (N.D. Ind.) (May 23, 2012); Consent Decree, United States of
America v. Shell Oil Company et al., No. 13-cv-2009 (S.D. Tex.)
(July 10, 2013); Consent Decree, United States of America v. Flint
Hills Resources Port Arthur, LLC, No. 14-cv-0169, at 12 (E.D. Tex.)
(March 20, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Require monitoring of pilot gas, which is already required
by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and Bay
Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).
The commenter also stated that the EPA should require that
facilities conduct necessary flare maintenance and upgrades and have
additional flare capacity on standby. The commenter stated that if a
flare is smoking, that may mean it simply needs to be either maintained
or updated to address the problem. The commenter recommended add-on
equipment to augment the smokeless capacity of a flare.\8\ The
commenter also said that the EPA neither explained why other types of
conveyances are not possible, nor can the EPA justify a standard that
exempts equipment routed to a flare from the standards that generally
apply to such equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ The commenter provided the following reference: John Zink
Hamworthy, Smokeless, Safe, Economical Solutions: Refining &
Petrochemical Flares. Pg. 4 (this technology can increase the
smokeless capacity of a flare by nearly 38 percent), available at
https://www.johnzink.com/wp-content/uploads/Flares-Refining-Petrochemical.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Response: We appreciate the support from several commenters for the
flare operational and monitoring requirements being finalized at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(4). However, we disagree with one commenter's request to
mandate additional measures to ensure 98-percent flare combustion
efficiency. The flare requirements we are finalizing are already
designed to ensure flares meet a minimum destruction efficiency of 98
percent, consistent with the MACT control requirements.
We disagree with the commenter's specific request to prohibit wake
dominated flow flaring conditions as we have extremely limited data to
suggest that wind adversely impacts the combustion efficiency of
flares, let alone the combustion efficiency of industrial-sized flares
used at ethylene production units. Commenters submitted no new data to
otherwise support the assertion that wind does indeed affect flare
performance, and, as such, we are not persuaded into changing our
position at proposal that no flare operating parameter(s) are needed to
minimize wind effects on flare performance.
We disagree with the commenter's specific request to require
continuous video monitoring and recording for flares equipped with
video monitoring and flares that vent more than 1 MMscf/day. We note
that in the final rule we have provided for the use of video camera
surveillance monitoring as an alternative to EPA Method 22 monitoring.
Observation via the video camera feed can be conducted readily
throughout the day and will allow the operators of the flare to watch
for visible emissions at the same time they are adjusting the flare
operations.
We also disagree with the commenter's specific request to require
monitoring of pilot gas. The data available to us suggests that heat
release from the flare pilots are generally negligible when regulated
materials are sent to the flare and exclusion of the flare pilot gas
simplifies the NHVcz calculation. Even when only purge gas is used, the
flare pilots typically only provided about 10 percent of the total heat
input to the flare and typically well less than 1 percent in the recent
passive fourier transform infrared spectrometry flare tests when
potential regulated material is routed to the flare (this is dependent
on the size of the flare, number of pilots, and flare tip design, which
impacts minimum purge flows). We are finalizing the definition of flare
vent gas as proposed, which excludes pilot gas.
Also, we disagree with the commenter's specific request to require
additional flare capacity on standby to avoid a smoking flare because
it would require new additional flares to operate at idle conditions
for the vast majority
[[Page 40402]]
of time, contributing to additional criteria pollutant emissions on a
continuous basis, while having only a small impact on HAP emissions.
For example, an existing flare burns approximately 25,000 to 100,000
standard cubic feet per day of natural gas (or fuel gas). If three new
flares are added for each existing flare to ensure flares do not smoke
during emergency shutdowns or other similar major events, then the
additional emissions per existing flare would be 1,000 to 4,100
megagrams per year of CO2 equivalence and 0.9 to 3.6 tpy of
nitrogen oxides. This estimate does not include emissions from the
generation of the extra steam needed for these flares to operate in a
smokeless manner during the emission events. Therefore, the secondary
impacts associated with having greater smokeless flare capacity would
be significant. In addition, it is not clear whether the specific
technology that the commenter cited to augment the smokeless capacity
of a flare (i.e., a specific steam-assisted flare system that uses
multiple-port supersonic nozzle technology) is an ``add-on''
technology, nor did the commenter provide any data to quantify or
substantiate the claims, or any other additional details on costs or
emissions reductions for it.
Finally, the commenter did not provide any context regarding their
comment about other types of conveyances and justifying standards;
therefore, we are unable to respond to this portion of the comment.
Comment: A commenter stated that the EPA improperly based the
proposed flare revisions on CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3) and should
have evaluated them under CAA section 112(d)(6). The commenter stated
that in setting the original MACT, the EPA did not have actual data
demonstrating that the best performers were achieving 98-percent HAP
reduction with flares (and other combustion devices), but rather based
its conclusions on what it presumed sources would achieve if a
combustion device were operated consistent with the requirements in the
rule. The commenter further stated that the EPA is now claiming that
98-percent HAP reduction was not achieved in practice by the best
performers, and instead can only be achieved by the best performers if
they take additional steps to reduce emissions (e.g., meet NHVcz
requirements and implement additional monitoring). The commenter
contended the proposed flare revisions can only be either a BTF
standard or a revision as a result of the technology review, and the
EPA cannot make the standard more stringent simply by claiming it is
ensuring compliance with the current standard.
The commenter argued the EPA should have evaluated the flare
revisions under CAA section 112 (d)(6), found the revisions were not
cost effective, and not proposed the flare revisions. To support the
commenter's contention that the proposed flare requirements would not
be cost effective, the commenter provided updated estimates for the
costs presented in Tables 3, 6, and 7 of the EPA memorandum, Control
Option Impacts for Flares Located in the Ethylene Production Source
Category. The commenter made the following statements regarding costs:
The EPA did not consider the cost of constructing new
flares at existing facilities to meet the proposed requirements. The
commenter stated that they know that at least one company would be
required under the proposed rule to install at least two new flares,
due to the high potential for existing flares to exceed the number of
visible emissions events allowed, with a capital cost of $20 million
and annualized costs of $3.1 million.
Gas chromatographs would need to be installed in certain
instances to comply with the proposed monitoring requirements, which
the commenter suggests would have an estimated nationwide capital
investment of $964,000 and annualized costs of $140,000 for
installation and operation.
The EPA did not account for the costs associated with
upgrading natural gas controls and flow monitoring; the commenter
estimated approximately 47 flares will require upgraded supplemental
fuel controls and monitoring equating to a nationwide capital
investment of $5.3 million and an annualized cost of approximately $1
million.
The EPA did not account for supplemental natural gas
firing to meet the revised NHVcz operating parameter, which the
commenter estimates would cost approximately $66.8 million per year in
additional operating costs.
The EPA underestimated the costs to develop the flare
management plan by inappropriately relying on the cost estimated for
refineries. However, most refineries were subject to similar flare
management plan requirements under 40 CFR part 60, subpart Ja, and,
therefore, were only required to update existing plans, whereas the
commenter said ethylene producers will generally be required to develop
new flare management plans. The commenter estimated the cost to develop
a new flare management plan is $23,300 per flare.
The EPA did not include the cost to develop the continuous
parametric monitoring system monitoring plan required by 40 CFR
63.671(b), which they estimate is an additional $7,400 per flare to
develop.
Using their updated costs and the EPA's estimated 1,430 tpy of HAP
reductions, the commenter stated that the cost effectiveness of the
proposed flare requirements would be $55,874 per ton of HAP reduced.
The commenter argued that the EPA would have found the proposed flare
revisions not cost effective under CAA section 112(d)(6) and,
therefore, would not have included the changes in the proposed rule.
Another commenter stated there would be complications complying
with the proposed flare revisions, which would further increase the
cost of the proposal, including: (1) When gas chromatographs are
currently in use, some flares will need to add calorimeters to directly
measure the net heating value on a minute-by-minute basis to help with
process control and meet the requirements on a 15-minute basis; (2)
some flares have multiple vent gas lines entering the flare system
(e.g., a line to the base of the flare and a line entering the side of
the flare stack) and additional vent gas monitors will be needed; (3)
some flares have two or more steam lines to the flare tip and
additional steam flow monitors will be needed; and (4) some flares will
need to install larger volume supplemental fuel lines, triggering the
need for permitting and construction of these systems.
Response: We disagree with the commenter that the flare revisions
should have been evaluated and proposed under CAA section 112(d)(6). As
explained at proposal, we are not revising the MACT standards, which
generally require 98-percent control efficiency and allow an owner or
operator to choose the control device to meet the standard. Rather, we
determined the flare operating and monitoring requirements were not
adequate to ensure that 98-percent control efficiency can be met for a
flare at all times. (84 FR 54294). As a general matter, available flare
test data indicates that flares can achieve 99.9-percent control at
certain times, and we believe that the long term nationwide average
control efficiency achieved by flares meeting the final rule
requirements could be over 98-percent control efficiency. In fact, in
the development of the EMACT standards, the EPA stated that ``It is
generally accepted that combustion devices achieve a 98 weight-percent
reduction in HAP emissions . . .'' (65 FR 76428, December 6, 2000).
However, in this
[[Page 40403]]
rulemaking, we are acknowledging that there are instances, particularly
when either assist steam or assist air is used, where flare performance
is degraded, and this level of control is not achieved at all times.
Since the revisions ensure continuous compliance with the MACT
standards, under CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3), costs are not a factor
considered for these revisions. NRDC v. EPA, 529 F.3d 1077, 1084 (D.C.
Cir. 2008) (``EPA may not consider costs in setting the maximum
achievable control technology `floors,' but only in determining whether
to require `beyond the floor' reductions in emissions.''); NRDC v. EPA,
489 F.3d 1364, 1376 (D.C. Cir. 2007 (``[C]ost is not a factor that EPA
may permissibly consider in setting a MACT floor.''); see also, Nat'l
Lime Ass'n v. EPA, 233 F.3d 625, 640 (D.C. Cir.2000)). At proposal, we
acknowledged that some additional instrumentation and supplemental fuel
may be needed for some flares and included cost estimates for these
items. In addition, as previously explained, the EPA has no obligation
to review prior MACT determinations and recalculate MACT floors as part
of each CAA section112(d)(6) review. See, e.g., Nat'l Ass'n of Surface
Finishing v. EPA, 795 F.3d 1 (D.C. Cir. 2015); Association of Battery
Recyclers v. EPA, 716 F.3d 667, 673 (D.C. Cir. 2013), NRDC v. EPA, 529
F.3d 1077(D.C. Cir. 2008).
Contrary to the commenter's assertions, we did estimate costs in
order to provide the resulting impacts of the proposed flare
requirements, and we are not revising these costs as a result of this
comment. The largest impact on annual costs is associated with
supplemental natural gas to meet the NHVcz limit, which the commenter
estimated is approximately 18 times higher than our estimate ($66.8
million from the commenter versus $3.7 million for the EPA). We find
the commenter's cost estimate unreasonable, and that commenters notably
did not account for adjusting other flare parameters instead of using
such a large amount of natural gas. We are also unable to re-create and
establish how the estimated costs were developed by commenters due to a
lack of information pertaining to baseline flare flows, waste gas
compositions, current supplemental natural gas flows and steam flows.
The commenter also stated that we did not include costs for flow
monitors and controls, but these were specific items we included at
proposal (see Table 3 in the memorandum, Control Option Impacts for
Flares Located in the Ethylene Production Source Category), and the
EPA's cost estimate for these items is higher than the commenter's cost
estimate.
Comment: We received comments in support of and against the
proposed work practice requirements for visible emissions and flare tip
velocity. A commenter contended that the inherent nature of the
ethylene production process (i.e., ethylene production requires a
significant amount of compression and refrigeration) necessitates the
proposed flare work practice requirements to an even greater extent
than the refinery sector. According to the commenter, in an upset
situation such as a power outage or equipment malfunction, the
compression and refrigeration systems can be lost resulting in a
rapidly expanding volume of gas that must be removed from the process
equipment to prevent potential damage and minimize safety risks.
Several commenters objected to the EPA's proposed emergency flaring
provisions for smoking flares. Some commenters stated that the proposed
number of visible emissions exceedance events allowed is not supported
by data the EPA received in response to the CAA section 114 ICR. A
commenter said that the information the EPA used indicates that there
were zero velocity exceedances during any smoking; however, 40 CFR
63.670(o) implies that the flare must be operating above its smokeless
capacity in order to smoke. The commenter said that unless the EPA has
data indicating that these flares were exceeding their smokeless
capacity (i.e., there was a tip velocity exceedance) at the time of the
smoking event, the database that the EPA used does not support its
claims on the frequency of these events at the best performing flares
and the proposed deviation definitions at 40 CFR 63.670(o)(7)(ii) and
(iv) are arbitrary and capricious. Similarly, a commenter noted that
the EPA ``assumed . . . that the best performers would have no more
than one [visible emissions] event every 7 years'' based on industry
survey data provided by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which the
commenter noted fails to provide date ranges for the data presented, or
to identify the location of the facilities. The commenter also noted
that the survey identifies zero exceedances of the flare tip velocity
from any facility, and the average presented by industry is provided
without any context. The commenter warned that without access to more
detailed underlying data it is impossible to determine if the ACC data
includes smoking events that occurred at flares when the flow rate to
the flare was also below the smokeless capacity of the flare. The
commenter urged that smoking events that occur when the smokeless
capacity of a flare is not exceeded should not be included in
determining the average frequency of hydraulic load smoking events at
flares.
A commenter also stated that the information the ACC provided to
the EPA showing visible emissions events and velocity exceedances (see
Appendix B of Docket ID Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357-0017) identifies
two flares as material handling flares and one flare as a process
wastewater flare while all other flares are not characterized in any
way. The commenter said that the inconsistent characterization of the
flares raises questions about the nature of the flares used to support
the EPA's claims on the frequency of these events at the best
performing flares.
In addition, the commenter reiterated that the proposed revisions
for releases from smoking flares do not satisfy CAA section 112(d)(2)
or (3). The commenter said the EPA did not provide rationale, and did
not meet, the statutory test for smoking flares. The commenter also
said the EPA did not provide a reasonable analysis or determination
showing that allowing one to two uncontrolled such events every 3
calendar years (plus force majeure event releases) reflects the average
of the best performers' reductions and is the ``maximum achievable
degree of emission reduction.'' The commenter urged that what is
``achievable for the average'' is not the statutory test. The commenter
expressed the view that it is unclear how a smoking flare could ever
meet CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3).
The commenter recommended the EPA consider the data it collected on
flares to determine the amount of HAP emitted. The commenter stated
that the EPA has not explained why its own data on emission exceedances
from equipment connected to flares would not allow it to set limits on
smoking flares, and that the EPA has not and could not show, based on
the record that the complete exemption for one to two smoking flare
incidents at each flare, every 3 years, in any way satisfies CAA
section 112(d)(3). The commenter stated that the EPA's failure to
review actual data is especially egregious given the fact that the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the BAAQMD, and the
SCAQMD have extensive data on the frequency that operators report
smoking emissions from flares,\9\ and given that the
[[Page 40404]]
smokeless capacity of the flare is an easily ascertainable
characteristic. The commenter argued that using this data, the EPA
could have potentially determined a MACT floor that complies with the
requirements of the CAA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ The commenter provided the following reference: This data is
available on TCEQ Emission Event Reporting website (https://www.tceq.texas.gov/field/eventreporting) and is also available in
Excel format from the state agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The commenter also warned that the EPA does not meet the BTF
requirements in CAA section 112(d)(2). The commenter stressed that the
EPA has not demonstrated that allowing multiple smoking flare
exemptions from the standards is the ``maximum achievable degree of
emission reduction'' from those flares. The commenter argued that, at
the very least, the EPA must set standards on the duration and amount
of gas that is routed to a flare during a malfunction event that causes
the flare to operate above its smokeless capacity, in addition to the
cap on the number of exemptions included in the proposed rule. The
commenter stated that the HAP emission limits for flares during
malfunctions cannot be less stringent than the emission limits that
apply during normal operations.
The commenter stated that, based on data from TCEQ, smoking flare
events can last several minutes or multiple days, and the EPA's
proposed regulations do not make clear whether this should be
considered a single event or multiple smoking events. The commenter
additionally noted that the EPA's proposed regulation does not make
clear whether visible smoke emissions that are caused by multiple root
causes occurring at the same time should count as one visible emission
event or two.
Response: First, as explained at proposal flares are used as APCDs
to control HAP emissions in both the Petroleum Refinery and Ethylene
Production source categories. It is therefore not a specific emission
source within the EMACT standards and, thus, we did not seek to
establish a MACT floor for flares at the time that we promulgated the
EMACT standards in the GMACT NESHAP. Rather, we identified flares as an
acceptable means for meeting otherwise applicable requirements and we
established flare operational standards that we believed would achieve
a 98-percent destruction efficiency on a continual basis. As previously
explained, recognizing that flares were not achieving the 98-percent
reduction efficiency in practice at all times, we proposed additional
requirements in the October 9, 2019, proposed rule (84 FR 54294) to
ensure that flares operate as intended at the time we promulgated the
EMACT standards. This is entirely consistent with agency practice of
fixing underlying defects in existing MACT standards under CAA sections
112(d)(2) and (3), provisions that directly govern the initial
promulgation of MACT standards. (See, National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants from Petroleum Refineries, October 28, 2009,
74 FR 55670; and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants: Group I Polymers and Resins; Marine Tank Vessel Loading
Operations; Pharmaceuticals Production; and the Printing and Publishing
Industry, April 21, 2011, 76 FR 22566)).
Regarding the operational standards for flares operating above the
smokeless capacity, we note that these flare emissions are due to a
sudden increase in waste gas entering the flare, typically resulting
from a malfunction or an emergency shutdown at one or more pieces of
equipment that vents emissions to the flare. The EPA disagrees with
commenter's suggestion that standards are warranted for the duration
and amount of gas discharged to a flare during malfunction events,
which are infrequent, unpredictable and not under the control of an
operator. Flares are associated with a wide variety of process
equipment and the emissions routed to a flare during a malfunction can
vary widely based on the cause of the malfunction and the type of
associated equipment. Thus, it is not feasible to establish a one-size-
fits-all standard on the amount of gas allowed to be routed to flares
during a malfunction. Moreover, we note that routing emissions to the
flare will result in less pollution than the alternative, which would
be to emit directly to the atmosphere. We note that we do not set
similar limits for thermal oxidizers, baghouses, or other control
devices that we desire to remain operational during malfunction events
to limit pollutant emissions to the extent practicable. However, we did
propose work practice standards that we believed would be effective in
reducing the size and duration of flaring events that exceed the
smokeless capacity of the flare to improve overall flare performance.
On that premise, we acknowledge that the data we received from ACC's
survey identifies zero exceedances of the flare tip velocity during a
smoking event; and we agree with the commenter that our proposed
determination of the frequency of these events at the best performing
sources is not supported. Therefore, in response to comments on our
proposal, we are not finalizing the proposed work practice standard for
when the flare vent gas flow rate exceeds the smokeless capacity of the
flare and the tip velocity exceeds the maximum flare tip velocity
operating limit. Instead, we are finalizing provisions that require
compliance with the maximum flare tip velocity operating limit at all
times, regardless of whether you are operating above the smokeless
capacity of the flare.
In order to ensure 98-percent destruction of HAP discharged to the
flare (as contemplated at the time the EMACT standards were
promulgated) during both normal operating conditions when the flare is
used solely as a control device and malfunction releases where the
flare acts both as a safety device and a control device, we are
finalizing, as proposed, the work practice standard for when the flare
vent gas flow rate exceeds the smokeless capacity of the flare and
visible emissions are present from the flare for more than 5 minutes
during any 2 consecutive hours during the release event. As described
in more detail in our technical memorandum, Control Option Impacts for
Flares Located in the Ethylene Production Source Category, located at
Docket ID Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357-0017, the best performing flare
in the Ethylene Production source category for which we have
information on visible emissions has a visible emissions event once
every 7 years. Even if the best-performing flare ``typically'' only has
one event every 7 years, the fact that visible emissions events are
random by nature (unpredictable, not under the direct control of the
owner or operator) makes it difficult to use a short term time span to
evaluate a backstop to ensure an effective work practice standard.
Thus, when one considers a longer term time span of 20 years, our
analysis shows that three events in 3 years would appear to be
``achievable'' for the average of the best performing flares. We
disagree with commenters that we should allow more or fewer visible
emissions events above the smokeless capacity of a flare. We also
disagree with commenters that the regulatory text we are cross-
referencing at 40 CFR 63.670(o) is unclear about what constitutes an
event or how to handle multiple root causes, especially since there is
generally only a singular root cause at the heart of a visible
emissions event.
With respect to the comment about conducting a BTF analysis under
CAA section 112(d)(2), we note the work practice combustion efficiency
standards (specifically limits on the net heating value in combustion
zone)
[[Page 40405]]
apply at all times, including during periods of emergency flaring.
Because flares are not an affected emissions source, but rather an
APCD, no BTF analysis is needed. While requiring the use of systems
such as back-up power or adding additional flares for additional flare
capacity might alleviate additional visible emission events, we note
that facilities would have to invest significant capital to build a
back-up cogeneration power plant or add additional flare capacity for
flares to operate on standby to handle very infrequent events we are
limiting in this final rule. Combined with the costs, significant
additional emissions would also be generated from a cogeneration power
plant or from a flare operating in standby to handle infrequent smoking
events and this would lead to a net environmental disbenefit and is
contradictory to the commenter's own concerns about limiting emissions
from flares since owners or operators of ethylene production facilities
would have to construct more of them.
Comment: A commenter noted that CAA section 112(h) allows the EPA
to set a ``work practice standard'' in lieu of a numerical emission
standard only if it is ``not feasible to prescribe or enforce an
emission standard.'' Further, the commenter noted, even when the EPA
sets a work practice standard, such a standard must still be consistent
with CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3). The commenter rejected the EPA's
rationale for the CAA section 112(h) determination in the proposal that
``application of a measurement methodology for PRDs that vent to
atmosphere is not practicable due to technological and economic
limitations.'' The commenter stated that the EPA's statement is false,
and that the EPA's proposed reporting and recordkeeping requirements
would mandate facilities ``calculate the quantity of organic HAP
released during each pressure release event.'' According to the
commenter, a 2007 SCAQMD report found that ``new (wireless) technology
allows for continuous monitoring of PRDs without significant capital
expense and makes it easy for operators to identify valve leaks . . .
VOCs that are emitted from PRDs may be accurately identified,
estimated, remedied, and reported immediately.'' \10\ The commenter
stated this monitoring technology is already in use at refineries in
the United States,\11\ and noted that SCAQMD required refineries to
install wireless monitoring on 20 percent of the PRDs at their
facilities since 2003 and on all PRDs since 2009.\12\ The commenter
noted that the EPA also relied on TCEQ data from seven ethylene
production facilities that reported the quantity of HAP emissions
released during specific PRD release events. For these reasons, the
commenter argued that it is possible to measure PRD emissions, and they
actually have been measured. The commenter stated that the EPA has not
shown and cannot show why, in view of existing data on the amount,
duration, and types of PRD releases, it cannot set a limit on these
releases. The commenter further asserted that PRD releases may be
captured and controlled; therefore, the EPA cannot use a work practice
standard under CAA sections 112(h)(1) and (2)(A) to justify failing to
set an appropriate numerical emission standard for them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ The commenter provided the following reference: SCAQMD,
Rule 1173, Control of Volatile Organic Compound Leaks and Releases
from Components at Petroleum Facilities and Chemical Plants (amended
February 6 2009), https://www.arb.ca.gov/DRDB/SC/CURHTML/R1173.PDF,
EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0682-0761; SCAQMD, Final Staff Report for Proposed
Amended Rule 1173--Control of Volatile Organic Compound Leaks and
Releases from Components at Petroleum Facilities and Chemical Plants
at 3-2 (May 15, 2007), Docket ID Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0869-0024.
\11\ The commenter provided the following reference: Rosemount
Wireless Instrumentation, Refinery Improves Environmental Compliance
and Reduces Costs with Wireless Instruments (2007) (``the result has
been . . . true time and rate calculations for brief emissions''),
https://www2.emersonprocess.com/siteadmincenter/PM%20Rosemount%20Documents/00830-0100-4420.pdf; see also Adaptive
Wireless Solutions, Continuous Valve Monitoring for Product Loss
Prevention, Emission Reduction and ROI at 2, https://www.chemicalprocessing.com/assets/Media/MediaManager/Continuous_Monitoring_for_ROI.pdf; Meeting Record for August 4,
2015, Representatives of Emerson Process Management and
Representatives of Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
(U.S. EPA), Docket ID Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0682-0743 (meeting
regarding PRD monitoring tools and technologies).
\12\ The commenter provided the following reference: SCAQMD,
Staff Report at ES-2, 2-3 to 2-5, Docket ID Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2010-0869-0024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A commenter further objected to the proposed work practice
standards because, they asserted, the EPA proposed the standards in
part on the basis that the cost of measuring emissions is too high. The
commenter stated that the EPA must set a MACT floor without
consideration of cost, and that the cost is reasonable if 12 percent of
existing sources met the limitation. The commenter argued that although
the EPA stated that it would be economically prohibitive to construct
an appropriate conveyance and install and operate continuous monitoring
systems for each individual PRD that vents to atmosphere, the EPA fails
to provide the estimated cost for construction and installation of such
monitoring systems. The commenter argued that any such calculation
would need to consider the impact of the EPA and state imposed flaring
reduction programs, and the social and economic cost of the excess
emissions from PRD emissions, including costs associated with the
disruption in communities that are subject to ``shelter in place''
programs because of episodic releases from facilities.
Response: We disagree with the commenter's assessment and maintain
the rationale provided in the proposal preamble (84 FR 54302, October
9, 2019), where we specifically discussed the issue related to
constructing a conveyance and quantitatively measuring PRD releases and
concluded that these measures were not practicable and that a work
practice standard was appropriate. Owners or operators can estimate the
quantity of HAP emissions released during a PRD release event based on
vessel operating conditions (temperature and pressure) and vessel
contents when a release occurs, but these estimates do not constitute a
measurement of emissions or emission rate within the meaning of CAA
section 112(h). The monitoring technology suggested by the commenter is
adequate for identifying PRD releases and is one of the acceptable
methods that facility owners or operators may use to comply with the
continuous monitoring requirement. However, we disagree that it is
adequate for accurately measuring emissions for purposes of determining
compliance with a numeric emission standard. The technology cited by
the commenter is a wireless monitor that provides an indication that a
PRD release has occurred, but it does not provide information on either
release quantity or composition. PRD release events are characterized
by short, high pressure, non-steady state conditions that make such
releases difficult to quantitatively measure. As such, we maintain our
position that the application of a work practice standard is
appropriate for PRDs.
Comment: We received comments in support of and against the
proposed work practice standards for PRDs. Specific comments against
the proposal related to whether they apply at all times.
A commenter stated that even assuming arguendo that the EPA could
set a work practice standard for PRDs and that it otherwise had
satisfied CAA sections 112(h) and (d), its action is unlawful because
there would be no restriction that applies continuously as
[[Page 40406]]
the CAA directs.\13\ The commenters stated that the proposed rule would
permit an uncontrolled amount of HAP to be released by a PRD
repeatedly, when it is opened at the facility's sole discretion. A
commenter stated this means that once or twice every 3 years and
whenever there is a force majeure event, any amount of HAP that may
come from these devices could be released, and would not be a
violation, no matter the original source of emissions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ The commenter provided the following reference: Sierra
Club, 551 F.3d at 1028; CAA section 304(k).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A commenter argued that the fact that the EPA required three non-
defined steps (including monitoring mechanisms, such as flow
indicators, routine inspection and maintenance, and operator training)
to be taken to try to prevent such releases does not mean that there is
a continuous CAA section 112-compliant emission standard that applies.
The commenter stated that none of these steps would restrict pollution
released during PRD openings, would make the PRD malfunction exemptions
lawful, or would turn them into a standard instead of an exemption. The
commenter noted that although there are some potential controls listed
as work practice requirements that a facility may choose to implement
(e.g., ``deluge systems'' and ``staged relief systems where the initial
PRD discharges to a control system''), the proposed rule does not
require any facility to either install them or any other controls or
limits on PRDs. The commenter stated this should be required pursuant
to the MACT floor, as the best performing PRDs are controlled, and the
best performing process units are not equipped with any PRDs that are
capable of venting emissions directly to the atmosphere.
The commenter stated that because analyses, reports, and potential
corrective action steps would be required after such releases occur,
that does not mean that the EPA has implemented a continuous emission
standard. The commenter also stated that uncontrolled releases are not
considered a violation, and there is no civil penalty for the HAP
emitted during the allowable PRD releases. Under the proposed rule, the
commenter argued, no matter how many corrective actions a facility may
take afterward, the release would still be an authorized release,
allowing an unlimited amount of toxic air pollution to be emitted into
the air from facility equipment albeit through a PRD. The commenter
said that post-hoc measures may help discover why a release happened,
and might even help to prevent release, but these measures are not
considered controls or limits on the pollution that was released. The
commenter stated that the EPA additionally failed to propose any
regulatory requirement to end PRD releases as soon as it is discovered.
Another commenter agreed that the EPA has the authority and
obligation to adopt work practice standards under the Sierra Club SSM
decision. The commenter reiterated the Sierra Club decision and said
the EPA must ensure that some ``emission standard'' applies at all
times--except that the standard that applies during normal operation
need not be the same standard for SSM periods. The commenter said the
requirement for ``continuous'' standards means only that a facility may
not install control equipment and then turn it off when atmospheric
conditions are good; and it does not mean that work practice standards
must physically restrict emissions from all equipment at all times. The
commenter said that the EPA has consistently imposed as ``MACT''
standards a variety of work practice obligations that do not prohibit
or limit emissions to a specified level at all times, but rather are
designed to limit overall emissions from various processes over the
course of a year. The commenter said the EPA's own LDAR programs
illustrate this distinction. The commenter contended that no court has
suggested that periods of ``unlimited emissions'' [e.g., 40 CFR
63.119(b)(1) (internal floating roof allowed not to contact with stored
material during filling/emptying); 40 CFR 63.119(b)(6) (covers on tank
openings may be opened when needed for access to contents); 40 CFR
63.135(c)(2) (allowing openings on containers as necessary to prevent
physical damage)] render these requirements insufficient under CAA
section 112. Rather, the work practice standards associated with these
requirements--e.g., maintaining openings in a closed position except as
necessary for access; conducting filling/emptying as rapidly as
possible--are considered to be acceptable mechanisms to minimize
overall emissions from these types of equipment, even when they do not
limit emissions at all during a few brief periods that are necessary
for operational or safety reasons.
Response: We disagree with the underlying premise of the first
commenter that any PRD release should be deemed a violation of section
112 and must be directly enforceable. As we have explained, we believe
that a work practice standard, rather than a numerical limit applicable
to each PRD release is appropriate. To the extent the commenter is
claiming that a standard does not apply at all times, we also disagree.
Although there is not a numerical limit that each PRD must meet at all
times, we have established a work practice standard that does apply at
all times. The work practice standard for PRDs requires operators to
adopt prevention measures to minimize the likelihood of PRD release
events, and the installation and operation of continuous monitoring
device(s) to identify when a PRD release has occurred. These measures
must be complied with at all times, and thus the work practice standard
does apply at all times. (See for example, Mexichem Specialty Resins,
Inc. v. EPA, 787 F.3d 544, 560 (D.C. Cir. 2015) (``The regulations
anticipate that regulated entities will be allowed to open bypasses
during maintenance as long as they comply with the opening provisions
set forth therein.''). Additionally, having a backstop on the number of
PRD releases allowed and requiring root cause analysis and corrective
action analysis will ensure PRD releases are further minimized. We also
note that we have always (since the rule was initially promulgated) had
requirements in our equipment leaks regulations at 40 CFR 63.1030(c)
for the Ethylene Source category that ensure a PRD has properly
reseated after a release. We agree with the second commenter that there
are a variety of work practice standards the EPA has adopted in its
section 112 regulations that operate similar to the PRD requirements in
that they do not prohibit emissions from equipment at all times or
otherwise establish numeric limits for emissions from those pieces of
equipment.
Comment: Commenters stated that the EPA cannot use CAA section
112(h) to allow unlimited HAP releases from PRDs because the
authorizations for uncontrolled PRD releases are back-door exemptions
from the other underlying standards regulating ethylene production
facilities. For uncontrolled PRD releases, the commenter asserted that
the EPA did not and could not reasonably explain how it is lawful to
authorize completely uncontrolled emissions under CAA section 112(h).
The commenter noted that the Court previously upheld a decision not to
create a malfunction or ``excursion'' provision.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ The commenter provided the following reference:
Weyerhaeuser Co. v. Costle, 590 F.2d 1011, 1057 (D.C. Cir. 1978)
(citing Am. Petrol. Inst. v. EPA, 540 F.2d 1023, 1036 (10th Cir.
1976) (denying excursions)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The commenter argued that historically there has been no limit on
[[Page 40407]]
emissions when a PRD acts like a process vent, and that the EPA's
purpose in conducting this rulemaking was, in part, to remove these
unlawful exemptions as compelled by law. The commenter warns that the
EPA's proposed rule reinstates new versions of precisely the same sort
of exemptions, by allowing at least one, and in some instances two
``free passes'' to emit uncontrolled pollution every 3-year period for
each PRD. The commenter further remarked that exempting such emissions
from the definition of violation negates the meaning of ``emission
standard,'' and shows that no standard applies to these releases.
The commenter stated that the EPA cannot create any exemption from
or weakening of EMACT equipment standards simply because excess
emissions from equipment are routed through a PRD. The commenter argued
that doing so unlawfully weakens the original CAA section 112(d)
standards for the linked equipment, without any reasoned explanation or
support for doing so. Further, the commenter stated that because the
EPA proposes that no emission standard applies during the uncontrolled
releases, the exemptions violate CAA sections 112(d) and 302(k) and
flout the Court's decisions in these cases, and also conflict with the
EPA's decision not to create an unlawful exemption in the Boilers
case.\15\ The commenter stated that the EPA provided no statutory
explanation or interpretation of how its action could comport with CAA
sections 112 and 302(k), therefore, if the EPA were to finalize these
exemptions, the EPA would open itself up to a violation of the CAA's
core rulemaking requirements applicable to CAA sections 112(d) and (f)
standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ The commenter provided the following reference: See U.S.
Sugar Co., 830 F.3d at 607-08.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The commenter asserted that the proposed rule therefore seeks to
establish major exemptions that allow uncontrolled releases due to
predictable and often-repeated malfunctions. The commenter noted that
the even though the standard explicitly defines a violation as the
second or even the third such release from the same PRD during a 3-year
period, whether the second uncontrolled release from the same PRD is a
violation depends on if the release has the same root cause. The
commenter stated that PRDs are not independent emission points, and
that PRDs never release pollution into the air or smoke unless there is
a malfunction. The commenter also asserted that the EPA's attempt to
define a new way in which a facility can claim excess emissions are not
a violation echoes the ``affirmative defense'' provision the Court held
unlawful in NRDC, 749 F.3d 1055, 1064 (D.C. Cir. 2013). The commenter
argued that the EPA may not flout statutory constraints Congress
enacted in its discretion by trying to remove civil penalty liability
for excess emissions that violate the CAA and increase human exposure
to toxic air pollution directly, contrary to the CAA. The commenter
pointed to the cement kilns case, in which they asserted the EPA tried
to claim that the unlawful affirmative defense to civil penalties was
``part of the emission standard,'' noted that the Court rejected these
arguments in NRDC, 749 F.3d 1055, 1064 (D.C. Cir. 2013), and argued
that precedent would apply equally here.\16\ The commenter further
argued that the proposed rule, by allowing owners or operators to
conduct root cause analyses for these events, essentially permits
owners or operators--not the courts--to make the determination whether
they should be subject to enforcement or penalties for certain PRD
releases, which determines whether an event is either actionable (i.e.,
the result of operator error or poor maintenance, or whether it was the
result of the same root cause as a prior event). The commenter further
stated that the proposed exemptions contravene the citizen suit and
penalty provisions by creating a de facto complete defense (not just an
affirmative defense) from civil penalties for certain uncontrolled
emission releases that would otherwise constitute violations. The
commenter pointed to a ruling by the Court that explained how creating
such a multi-stage complicated assessment to determine if a violation
has occurred undermines the purpose of the CAA and the ability to
enforce it.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ The commenter provided the following reference: EPA,
NESHAP, Portland Cement Summary of Public Comments and Responses at
124-25 (December 20, 2012) (``EPA's view is that the affirmative
defense is part of the emission standard and defines two categories
of violation.'').
\17\ The commenter provided the following reference: ``Once
excursion provisions are promulgated, an enforcement case no longer
turns on the sharply defined issue of whether the plant discharged
more pollutant than it was allowed to, but instead depends on murky
determinations concerning the sequence of events in the plant,
whether those events would have been avoidable if other equipment
had been installed, and whether the discharge was within the intent
of the excursion provision. Consequently, what Congress planned as a
simple proceeding suitable for summary judgments would become a form
of inquest into the nature of system malfunction.'' Weyerhaeuser,
590 F.2d at 1058.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the commenter, by granting this exemption, the EPA may
incentivize facilities to release large amounts of HAP through PRDs
rather than flares to avoid using one of their ``free passes'' for the
prohibition on visible smoke emissions from flares. Instead of meeting
the CAA section 112 standards that apply to other facility equipment
routed to PRDs or flares, the commenter asserted that exemptions
authorize a facility to violate those limits and have no liability if
the excess emissions are emitted directly into the air. The commenter
stated that this even creates a perverse incentive for operators to
install redundant PRDs on process equipment. The commenter also stated
that, at the very least, the EPA must include regulations prohibiting
the installation of new redundant PRDs to circumvent the prohibition on
atmospheric releases.
The commenter further stated that emissions from malfunctions at
ethylene production facilities that are released through PRDs are a
significant source of underestimated HAP emissions. The commenter
suggested that the emissions from PRD releases are a substantial
problem for the industry as a whole when viewed over time. Further, the
commenter argued that there is no upper limit on the amount of
pollution an individual PRD event can release to the atmosphere. The
commenter asserted that the EPA's proposed exemptions would, therefore,
bar enforcement action against the worst events.
A commenter observed that uncontrolled PRD releases are preventable
and avoidable, and that they need not occur if a facility avoids over-
pressure in the system. The commenter referred to the proposal
preamble, noting that such ``pressure build-ups are typically a sign of
a malfunction of the underlying equipment,'' and PRDs ``are equipment
installed specifically to release during malfunctions.'' Therefore, the
commenter argued that the EPA cannot rely on any argument that
equipment can fail, and that PRDs are necessary to address over-
pressure and avoid a larger safety incident, and that the EPA has not
relied on or demonstrated with any evidence that it is a valid concern.
The commenter stated that even if it may be considered by the EPA in an
administrative enforcement context or by the courts in an enforcement
case, the EPA cannot authorize, up front, a whole set of problematic
releases.
The commenter stated that the proposed malfunction standards for
PRDs also break with prior Agency policy regarding malfunctions and for
the use of case-by-case enforcement discretion to address malfunctions.
The commenter stated that the Agency has repeatedly explained why case-
by-case
[[Page 40408]]
evaluation of such issues is the only workable approach, and has
repeatedly finalized prohibitions on uncontrolled releases from PRDs
that vent directly to the atmosphere, fully aware that allowing such
releases without an emission limit is a malfunction exemption
prohibited both by the CAA and the Court's decision in Sierra Club. The
commenter objected to this change and indicated that the EPA has failed
to clearly explain this break with prior precedent.\18\ The commenter
noted that the EPA finalized similar provisions prohibiting PRD
releases in MACT standards for Group IV Polymers and Resins, Pesticide
Active Ingredient Manufacturing, and Polyether Polyols Production. The
commenter further stated that the Court recently upheld this type of
prohibition in Mexichem Specialty Resins, Inc. v EPA, 787 F.3d 544,
560-61 (DC Cir. 2015) and urged the EPA to finalize the standards for
PRD as proposed. The commenter noted that in light of the EPA's prior
policy, there can be ``no doubt'' that prohibiting uncontrolled PRD
releases is lawful and consistent with the CAA. The commenter stated
that the EPA has neither provided a reasoned explanation for the
exemptions, nor acknowledged or explained the break in its prior policy
against malfunction exemptions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ The commenter provided the following references: See, FCC
v. Fox, 556 U.S. 502, 516 (2009) (citing Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass'n
v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 463 U.S. 29, 42
(1983)) (``the requirement that an agency provide reasoned
explanation for its action would ordinarily demand that it display
awareness that it is changing position. An agency may not, for
example, depart from a prior policy sub silentio or simply disregard
rules that are still on the books.''); see also Encino v. Navarro,
136 S.Ct. 2117, 2125-26 (2016) (reaffirming FCC v. Fox and noting
the need to explain changes in agency policy based on actual facts
and circumstances).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Response: We disagree that PRDs are simply bypasses for emissions
that are subject to emission limits and controls and that they, thus,
allow for uncontrolled emissions without violation or penalty. PRDs are
generally safety devices that are used to prevent equipment failures
that could pose a danger to the facility and facility workers. PRD
releases are triggered by equipment or process malfunction. As such,
they do not occur frequently or routinely and do not have the same
emissions or release characteristics that routine emission sources
have, even if the PRD and the vent are on the same equipment. This is
because conditions during a PRD release (temperature, pressure, and
vessel contents) differ from the conditions that exist during routine
emissions from equipment. For example, emissions from ethylene process
vents are predictable and must be characterized for emission potential
and applicable control requirements prior to operation in the
facility's NOCS report. In addition, PRDs must operate in a closed
position and must be continuously monitored to identify when releases
have occurred.
Under the final rule, if an affected PRD releases to the
atmosphere, the owner or operator is required to perform root cause
analysis and corrective action analysis as well as implement corrective
actions and comply with the specified reporting requirements. The work
practice standard also includes criteria for releases from affected
PRDs that would result in a violation at 40 CFR 63.1107(h)(3)(v). We
also note that a facility cannot simply choose to release pollutants
from a PRD; any release that is caused willfully or caused by
negligence or operator error is considered a violation.
We also disagree that PRDs are not independent emission points and
instead function in venting emissions from other emission points during
a malfunction. The commenter incorrectly suggests that the PRD work
practice standard replaces the existing emission standards for
connected equipment. The amendments to the NESHAP addressing PRDs do
not affect requirements in the NESHAP that apply to equipment
associated with the PRD. For example, compliance with the PRD
provisions are required in addition to requirements for ethylene
process vents for the same equipment. We also disagree with the comment
that the standards for PRDs also break with prior agency policy
regarding malfunctions. As commenters correctly note, the EPA has
indeed both set work practice standards for PRDs and prohibited PRD
releases in other source categories. As explained at proposal, however,
the basis of the work practice standards promulgated for PRD releases
in the Petroleum Refinery Sector RTR (80 FR 75178, December 1, 2015)
were our underlying basis for the proposed work practice standards for
PRD releases for facilities in the Ethylene Production source category
(84 FR 54303, October 9, 2019).
The EPA evaluated the best performing facilities in determining the
appropriate work practice standard, and as a result considered
requirements established in the SCAQMD and BAAQMD rules and the
Chemical Accident Prevent Provisions rule (84 FR 54303, October 9,
2019). These rules are the only rules we are aware of that address the
infrequent and unpredictable nature of PRD releases. The EPA
established a MACT standard based on these rules, and as part of this,
we determined that either two or three PRD releases (depending on the
root cause) from a single PRD in a 3-year period is a violation of the
work practice standard.
Regarding citizen suits, we note that the regulations do not
specify that the EPA Administrator would make a binding determination
regarding whether a PRD release is in compliance or a violation, and
the issue could be argued and resolved by a court in the context of a
citizen suit.
Comment: We received comments in support of and against the work
practice standards calling for root cause analysis and certain
corrective actions. Some commenters supported the EPA's assessment that
even at the best performing sources, releases from PRDs are likely to
occur and cannot be safely routed to a control device. A commenter said
the EPA's conclusion is consistent with company's experiences that
pressure release actuation events, while infrequent, will occur even at
properly designed and operated sources, including the best performers.
Another commenter said that although they agree with the EPA's
conclusion that it is not cost effective to control all PRD releases to
the atmosphere, they do not agree that a root cause analysis and
corrective action is a warranted work practice in every situation where
a PRD relieves to the atmosphere and should not be required as part of
the work practice standard for every PRD release. The commenter stated
that under the Chemical Accident Prevention Program at 40 CFR 68.81(a),
an incident investigation with root cause analysis is required only
when the release is a catastrophic release or ``could reasonably have
resulted in a catastrophic release.'' The commenter said that a
``catastrophic release'' is defined as a ``major uncontrolled emission,
fire, or explosion, involving one or more regulated substances that
presents imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and the
environment.'' The commenter argued that the EPA has not established
sufficient evidence in the background documents for this rulemaking to
indicate that conducting a root cause analysis routinely for all PRD
releases regardless of whether they meet the definition of
``catastrophic release'' is being performed by the best performing
sources in the Ethylene Production source category.
Another commenter asserted that the EPA did not set a standard for
PRDs that complies with the CAA requirements to assure both the
``average emission limitation achieved'' by the relevant best-
performing sources and the
[[Page 40409]]
``maximum degree of emission reduction'' that is ``achievable'' and,
therefore, the EPA's proposed standards for PRDs do not meet the CAA
sections 112(d)(2) and (3) test. The commenter states there is no
discussion in the proposed rule of these factors for PRD releases, much
less an analysis or determination that allowing one--two uncontrolled
releases every 3 years (plus force majeure event releases) reflects, at
minimum, the average of the best performers' reductions, and is the
``maximum achievable degree of emission reduction.''
The commenter stated that the TCEQ data that the EPA relies on
clearly demonstrate that at least 23 percent (likely higher) of
ethylene production facilities have zero atmospheric releases. The EPA
reviewed roughly 30 percent of all operating ethylene production
facilities (i.e., seven of 26 ethylene production facilities) in the
source category that were chosen at random. The commenter notes that
only one of the events was actually an atmospheric PRD release on a
properly operating PRD, which means that six facilities, or 23 percent
of all operating ethylene production facilities, had no atmospheric
releases on a properly operating PRD. The commenter noted that the
number of ethylene production facilities with zero atmospheric releases
is higher. The commenter also stated that the EPA has not explained why
it relied on data from the petroleum refinery sector when data for
ethylene production facilities is readily available and relied on
elsewhere in the rulemaking. The commenter noted that compliance data
for refineries from 2019 under the 2015 Petroleum Refineries NESHAP
that is publicly available shows that the average uncontrolled PRD has
far fewer releases to the atmosphere than the EPA claims that the best
performers do, and that the best-performing uncontrolled PRDs are
likely to have no atmospheric releases over a 3-year period. The
commenter provided data from 40 CFR part 63, subpart CC compliance
reports available on the websites of state environmental agencies in
Louisiana, Texas, and Indiana for 10 refineries that collectively
represented approximately 1,030 uncontrolled PRDs. The commenter noted
that these data suggest that the EPA is proposing a number of releases
that is exponentially higher than what has been demonstrated by real-
world results from refineries thus far, and that the average
uncontrolled PRD from the average refinery has far fewer than the two
or three releases to the atmosphere over 5 years that the EPA claims
that the best performers do.
A commenter argued that the EPA should set a zero emission limit
for all PRDs because the best-performing PRD has no emissions to the
atmosphere and the average of the best-performing 12 percent emit
nothing to the atmosphere. The commenter stated that since the emission
limitation for new sources is to reflect the performance of best
performing PRD, new PRDs would presumably be required to capture and
return discharges to process units; existing PRDs would have to meet
the average of the best performing PRD, which could not be less
stringent than the emission rate of the best performing PRD controlled
by flares.
A commenter recommended that the EPA require new and modified
atmospheric PRDs or existing PRDs on modified process equipment to be
routed to the fuel gas system, flare, or other control device that
achieves 98-percent destruction efficiency, pursuant to the MACT floor,
as the best performing PRDs are controlled and the best performing
process units are not equipped with any PRDs that are capable of
venting emissions directly to the atmosphere. The commenter requested
that the EPA propose that uncontrolled HAP emissions no longer be
allowed from a PRD, and any releases from such devices would have to be
routed through a control device.
The commenter further stated that the EPA's determination on PRDs
was based on review of SCAQMD and BAAQMD adopted programs that attempt
to reduce uncontrolled releases from PRDs, with generally more
stringent emission limitations and LDAR programs than federal programs.
The commenter stated that the EPA should adopt the best features of
those programs in strengthening the NESHAP, but that these efforts were
not subject to or aiming to satisfy the MACT floor requirements of the
CAA, nor are they determinative of the MACT floor for PRDs, which must
be based on the level of control ``achieved in practice'' by the
relevant best-performing 12 percent of emission sources (for existing
sources), or the best single source (for new sources).
According to the commenter the SCAQMD data on PRD releases from
refineries shows that five out of eight (more than 50 percent) of
regulated facilities reported zero atmospheric PRDs releases between
2010 and 2015 (the total number of refineries in the SCAQMD data do not
include those operated by Alon Refining, which were idled in 2012).
Thus, the commenter stated that the SCAQMD data demonstrate that the
best performing PRDs do not release emissions directly to the
atmosphere.
The commenter further stated that the EPA has not actually
implemented the requirements of the BAAQMD and SCAQMD programs, and
that the BAAQMD and SCAQMD programs are far more protective than the
proposed rule. First, the commenter noted the BAAQMD requires that the
operator must control (via flare or routing to a process unit) all PRDs
that discharge for a second time in a 5-year period, whereas the SCAQMD
rules include a similar provision, but offer as an alternative payment
of a fee of $350,000 for each PRD that is not controlled. The commenter
added that SCAQMD rules also require control of any PRD that has a
single large release of greater than 2,000 pounds per day (lbs/day).
Second, the commenter noted the BAAQMD and SCAQMD rules require the use
of three redundant systems, including worker training, inspection, and
maintenance, and two redundant ``hardware'' oriented systems. The third
significant difference noted by the commenter is the greater number of
releases allowed by the option to parse releases by ``root cause.''
The commenter also stated that the EPA appears to have
inappropriately categorized PRDs in its analysis. The commenter noted
that the EPA stated it intended to regulate ``atmospheric'' PRD
releases, i.e., releases to the atmosphere, including those vented to a
control device, however, in the proposed rule, the EPA appears to have
effectively ignored the ``best controlled'' PRDs (those routed to
processes with no discharge to the environment) and the ``well-
controlled'' PRDs (those routed to high quality flares) and determined
the MACT floor based on PRDs with some lesser level of regulation. The
commenter stressed that the CAA does not allow the EPA to categorize in
this manner (see CAA section 112(d)(1) (allowing the EPA only to
``distinguish among classes, types, and sizes of sources'')).
Response: At proposal, the EPA provided extensive discussions on
why it was appropriate to establish a work practice standard for PRDs
that vent to atmosphere, under CAA section 112(h). 84 FR 54302-304. We
explained that no ethylene production facility is subject to numeric
emission limits for PRDs that vent to the atmosphere. We posited that
the EPA did not believe it was appropriate to subject PRDs that vent to
the atmosphere to numeric emission limits due to technological and
economical limitations that make it impracticable to measure emissions
from such PRDs. We further explained
[[Page 40410]]
that CAA section 112(h)(1) allows the EPA to prescribe a work practice
standard or other requirement, consistent with the provisions of CAA
section 112(d) or (f), in those cases where, in the judgment of the
Administrator, it is not feasible to enforce an emission standard.
Additionally, we explained that CAA section 112(h)(2)(B) defines the
term ``not feasible'' in this context as meaning that ``the application
of measurement technology to a particular class of sources is not
practicable due to technological and economic limitations.'' We also
noted that the basis of the work practice standards promulgated for PRD
releases in the Petroleum Refinery Sector RTR (80 FR 75178, December 1,
2015) were our underlying basis for the proposed work practice
standards at ethylene production facilities. 84 FR 54303.
As a general matter, CAA section 112 requires MACT for existing
sources to be no less stringent than ``the average emission limitation
achieved by the best performing 12 percent of the existing sources (for
which the Administrator has emissions information). . .'' [(CAA section
112(d)(3)(A)]. ``Emission limitation'' is defined in the CAA as ``. .
.a requirement established by the State or Administrator which limits
the quantity, rate, or concentration of emissions of air pollutants on
a continuous basis, including any requirement relating to operation or
maintenance of a source to assure continuous emission reduction, and
any design, equipment, work practice, or operational standard
promulgated under this chapter'' [CAA section 302(k)]. The EPA
specifically considers existing rules from state and local authorities
in identifying the ``emission limitations'' for a given source. We then
identify the best performers to identify the MACT floor (the no less
stringent than level) for that source. The EPA identified the
requirements established in the SCAQMD and BAAQMD rules, and the
Chemical Accident Prevent Provisions rule (40 CFR part 68) as the basis
of the MACT floor because they represented the requirements applicable
to the best performing sources. 84 FR 54303. Work practice standards
are established in place of a numeric limit where it is not feasible to
establish such limits. Thus, in a case such as this, where the EPA has
determined that it is appropriate to establish work practice standards,
it was reasonable for the EPA to identify the rules that impose the
most stringent requirements and, thus, represent what applies to the
best performers, and then to apply the requirements from those rules as
MACT.
We recognize that the proposed standard for PRDs did not exactly
mirror the SCAQMD, BAAQMD, or Chemical Accident Prevent Provisions
rules exactly, but consider the requirements to be comparable. For
example, we did not include a provision similar to that in the SCAQMD
rule that excludes releases less than 500 lbs/day from the requirement
to perform a root cause analysis; that provision in the SCAQMD rule
does not include any other obligation to reduce the number of these
events. Similarly, we did not include a provision that only
catastrophic PRD releases must be investigated, as the commenter noted.
Rather than allowing unlimited releases less than 500 lbs/day or that
are not considered catastrophic, we require a root cause analysis for
releases of any size. Because we count small releases that the SCAQMD
rule does not regulate at all, we considered it reasonable to provide a
higher number of releases prior to considering the owner or operator to
be in violation of the work practice standard. We also adopted the
three prevention measures requirements in the BAAQMD rule with limited
modifications. After considering the PRD release event limits in both
the SCAQMD and BAAQMD rules, we determined it was reasonable and
appropriate to establish PRD requirements consistent with the flare
work practice standard provisions in the SCAQMD and BAAQMD rules.
Therefore, the final requirements provide that two or three events
(depending on the root cause) from the same PRD in a 3-calendar-year
period is a violation of the work practice standard. We also note that
a facility cannot simply choose to release pollutants from a PRD; any
release that is caused willfully or caused by negligence or operator
error is considered a violation.
With respect to subcategorizing PRDs into those that vent to the
atmosphere versus those that vent to a control system, we note that the
only information we have available about when PRD releases occur at
ethylene production facilities are from those PRDs that release
directly to atmosphere. Regardless of whether we subcategorize or not,
the best performing PRD for which we have information had one release
over a 7-year period, and the backstop for how many releases are
allowed to occur is based on this information over a long-term period
of time given the random nature of when a PRD release might occur.
In summary, the work practice standard we are finalizing provides a
comprehensive program to manage entire populations of PRDs and includes
prevention measures, continuous monitoring, root cause analysis, and
corrective actions, and addresses the potential for violations for
multiple releases over a 3-year period. We followed the requirements of
section 112 of the CAA, including CAA section 112(h), in establishing
what work practice constituted the MACT floor.
Comment: Commenters requested that the EPA add a standard for
minimizing emissions arising from degassing storage vessels that are
complying with the control requirements in Table 7 to 40 CFR
63.1103(e). A commenter explained this request is due to their current
interpretation of the proposed rule, wherein 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5) no
longer applies, and, thus, facilities may be required to vent to
control devices at all times, even during degassing events. A commenter
stated that the current rule requires facilities to address
minimization of emissions from shutdown, which includes degassing, in
the SSM plan required by 40 CFR 63.1111; and facilities have
historically considered degassing emissions from shutdown of storage
vessels to be covered by their SSM plans per 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5) and
relied on the language in 40 CFR 63.1108(a)(5) that back-up control
devices are not required. The commenter requested the EPA subcategorize
storage vessel degassing emissions as maintenance vents based on class,
just as the EPA proposed for process vents. The commenter remarked that
the Texas permit conditions presented in the memorandum, Review of
Regulatory Alternatives for Certain Vent Streams in the Ethylene
Production Source Category, apply equally to both maintenance vents and
degassing of storage vessels and stated these permit conditions reflect
what the best performers have implemented for storage vessel degassing
(for both fixed and floating roofs) for both new and existing sources.
According to the commenter, it is not feasible to control all the
emissions from the entire storage vessel emptying and degassing event
and at some point, the storage vessel must be opened and any remaining
vapors vented to the atmosphere. The commenter further stated that this
venting of vapors to the atmosphere is similar to the EPA description
for maintenance vents in the preamble to the proposed rule.
The commenter stated that the EPA referenced the memorandum,
Impacts for Control Options for Storage Vessels at Petroleum Refineries
(Docket Item ID
[[Page 40411]]
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0682-0199), as part of the EMACT storage vessel
technology review, in which the EPA concluded that degassing controls
for storage vessels were not cost effective. Additionally, the
commenter said that in the EPA's summary of public comments and
responses to the 2014 proposal for the Petroleum Refinery NESHAP RTR,
the EPA stated: ``. . . if a control device is used to comply with this
final rule during normal operations, then such a control device must be
used at all times, including during degassing of the storage vessel.
Any bypassing of emissions from being routed to a control device to
being routed to the atmosphere would be considered a violation of the
standard.''
Response: We agree with the commenters that complying with the
storage vessel requirements in Table 7 at 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(3)(b) and
(c) is not appropriate during storage vessel degassing events and a
separate standard for storage vessel degassing is necessary, due to the
nature of the activity. With the removal of SSM requirements, as
proposed, a standard specific to storage vessel degassing does not
exist when storage vessels are using control devices to comply with the
requirements in Table 7 to 40 CFR 63.1103(e). We also agree with the
commenters that storage vessel degassing is similar to maintenance
vents (e.g., equipment openings) and that there must be a point in time
when the storage vessel can be opened and any emissions vented to the
atmosphere. In response to this comment, therefore, we reviewed
available data to determine how the best performers are controlling
storage vessel degassing emissions.
We are aware of the following three regulations that address
storage vessel degassing, two in the state of Texas and the third for
the SCAQMD in California. Texas has degassing provisions in the Texas
Administrative Code (TAC) (30 TAC Chapter 115, Subchapter F, Division
3. See https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac%24ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=30&pt=1&ch=115&sch=F&div=3&rl=Y)
and through permit conditions (as noted by the commenter, see https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/permitting/air/Guidance/NewSourceReview/mss/chem-mssdraftconditions.pdf) while Rule 1149
contains the SCAMD degassing provisions (see https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/rule-book/reg-xi/rule-1149.pdf). The TAC requirements
are the least stringent and require control of degassing emissions
until the vapor space concentration is less than 35,000 ppmv as methane
or 50 percent of the LEL. The Texas permit conditions require control
of degassing emissions until the vapor space concentration is less than
10 percent of the LEL or until the VOC concentration is less than
10,000 ppmv and SCAQMD Rule 1149 requires control of degassing
emissions until the vapor space concentration is less than 5,000 ppmv
as methane. The Texas permit conditions requiring compliance with 10
percent of the LEL and SCAQMD Rule 1149 control requirements are
considered equivalent because 5,000 ppmv as methane equals 10 percent
of the LEL for methane.
Ethylene production facilities located in Texas are subject to
maintenance, startup, and shutdown (MSS) special permit conditions, but
no ethylene production facilities are subject to the SCAQMD rule. Of
the 26 currently operating ethylene production facilities, 17 are in
Texas. Therefore, the Texas permit conditions relying on storage vessel
degassing until 10 percent of LEL is achieved reflect what the best
performers have implemented for storage vessel degassing and we
considered this information as the MACT floor for both new and existing
sources. Notably, this also aligns with the commenter's assessment.
We reviewed permit condition 6 (applicable to floating roof storage
vessels) and permit condition 7 (applicable to fixed roof storage
vessels) for key information that could be implemented to form the
basis of a standard for storage vessel degassing that are required for
facilities in Texas. The permit conditions require control of degassing
emissions for floating roof and fixed roof storage vessels until the
vapor space concentration is less than 10 percent of the LEL. The
permit conditions also specify that facilities can also degas a storage
vessel until they meet a VOC concentration of 10,000 ppmv, but we do
not consider 10,000 ppmv to be equivalent to or as stringent as the
compliance option to meet 10 percent of the LEL and are not including
this as a compliance option. We also do not expect the best performers
would be using this concentration for compliance, which is supported by
the commenters recommending the requirements mimic the maintenance vent
requirements and because the Texas permit conditions allow facilities
to calibrate their LEL monitor using methane. Storage vessels may be
vented to the atmosphere once the storage vessel degassing
concentration threshold is met (i.e., less than 10 percent of the LEL)
and all standing liquid has been removed from the vessel to the extent
practicable. These requirements are considered MACT for both new and
existing sources and we are finalizing these requirements at 40 CFR
63.1103(e)(10).
We calculated the impacts due to controlling storage vessel
degassing emissions by evaluating the population of storage vessels
that are subject to control under Table 7 at 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(3)(b)
and (c) and not located in Texas. Storage vessels in the Ethylene
Production source category in Texas would already be subject to the
degassing requirements, and there would not be additional costs or
emissions reductions for these facilities. Our review of the CAA
section 114 ICR survey responses, showed that most storage vessels are
seldom degassed, with an average of 14 years between degassing events.
Based on this average and the population of storage vessels that are
not in Texas, we estimated two storage vessel degassing events would be
newly subject to control each year. Controlling storage vessel
degassing would reduce HAP emissions by 1.7 tpy, with a total annual
cost of $9,400. See the technical memoranda, Storage Vessel Degassing
Model Development and Final Cost and Emissions Impacts for Ethylene
Production NESHAP RTR, which are available in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2017-0357 for details on the assumptions and methodologies used in this
analysis.
We also considered options BTF, but we did not identify any and are
not aware of storage vessel degassing control provisions more stringent
than those discussed above and being finalized in this rule, therefore,
no BTF option was evaluated.
Comment: We received comments in support of the proposed work
practice standards for decoking operations. One commenter agreed with
the EPA's conclusion to propose work practices for decoking operations
pursuant to CAA section 112(h)(1) due to technological and economic
limitations.
However, another commenter stated that the proposed requirements
for new and existing decoking operations failed to meet the
requirements of CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3). The commenter stated
that the EPA correctly proposes to remove the general SSM exemptions,
but instead proposes to regulate HAP emissions from decoking operations
through work practice standards rather than emission limits, and
includes four alternate actions for decoking of radiant tubes. The
commenter asserted that the EPA may not set work practice standards
unless it is ``not feasible to prescribe or enforce an emission
standard.'' The commenter noted that the EPA provides no explanation or
justification for why it chose four alternate practices, rather
[[Page 40412]]
than identifying the combination of practices that would eliminate HAP
emissions, or reduce them to the furthest extent possible, consistent
with CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3). Additionally, the commenter stated
that the EPA admits that the test data it collected from industry is
unreliable, and inappropriately relies on this claim to posit that the
Agency is entitled to promulgate a work practice standard. The
commenter argued that the EPA's proposed standard is, therefore,
inconsistent with the CAA's MACT requirements.
Response: We agree with the commenters who state that work practice
standards are appropriate for decoking operations due to technological
and economic limitations. We are adopting these proposed work practice
standards into the final rule with only minor changes, which are
discussed elsewhere in rulemaking record (see the document, Summary of
Public Comments and Responses for the Risk and Technology Review for
Ethylene Production, which is available in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2017-0357).
We disagree that the work practice standards for decoking
operations fail to meet the requirements of CAA sections 112(d)(2) and
(3) and are inconsistent with the CAA's MACT requirements. As explained
in the preamble to the proposed rule, we are adopting work practice
standards instead of numeric emission limits as it is ``not feasible to
prescribe or enforce an emission standard'' for these emissions because
``the application of measurement technology to a particular class of
sources is not practicable due to technological and economic
limitations'' (see CAA section 112(h)(2)(B)). 84 FR 54307-309. The
emissions stream generated from decoking operations (i.e., the
combination of coke combustion constituents, air, and steam from the
radiant tube(s)) is very dilute with a high moisture content (e.g.,
generally >95 percent water); and as explained in the preamble to the
proposed rule, based on CAA section 114 ICR data, the majority of
emissions measurements from the stream are not ``technologically
practicable'' within the meaning of CAA section 112(h) because they are
below detection limits. We have also previously reasoned that
``application of measurement methodologies'' under CAA section 112(h)
must also mean that a measurement has some reasonable relation to what
the source is emitting (i.e., that the measurement yields a meaningful
value). We have further explained that unreliable measurements raise
issues of practicability, feasibility, and enforceability.
Additionally, we have posited that the application of measurement
methodology would also not be ``practicable due to . . . economic
limitation'' within the meaning of CAA section 112(h) because it would
result in cost expended to produce analytically suspect measurements.
Refer to the Area Source Boiler Rule (75 FR 31906, June 4, 2010) and
the NESHAP for the Wool Fiberglass Manufacturing source category (80 FR
45280 and 45312, July 29, 2015).
Moreover, the final rule, at 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(7), requires owners
or operators to conduct daily inspections for flame impingement and
also implement at least two of four other work practices to minimize
coke combustion emissions from the decoking of the radiant tube(s) in
each ethylene cracking furnace. Specifically, 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(7)(ii)
through (v) requires owners or operators choose to conduct two of the
following work practices: Monitor CO2 concentration, monitor
temperature, purge the radiant tube(s), and/or apply material to the
interior of the radiant tube(s)). In addition, the final rule, at 40
CFR 63.1103(e)(8), requires owners or operators to conduct ethylene
cracking furnace isolation valve inspections. With regard to the
comment that the EPA provided no explanation or justification for why
we chose the four other work practices, we believe each control measure
is feasible and effective in reducing HAP emissions from decoking an
ethylene cracking furnace. As explained in the preamble to the proposed
rule (84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019), based on discussions with
industry, as well as a review of facility-specific SSM plans that were
submitted to the EPA in response to the CAA section 114 request, we
determined that owners or operators already conduct work practices to
minimize emissions due to coke combustion. We determined the measures
to be consistent with CAA section 112(d) controls and reflect a level
of performance analogous to a MACT floor; and we believe that it is
most effective for sources to determine the best practices from the
list of options. Regarding the comment as to unreliable data being used
to support setting standards, as previously noted, the EPA typically
has wide latitude in determining the extent of data-gathering necessary
to solve a problem and courts generally defer to the agency's decision
to proceed on the basis of imperfect scientific information, rather
than to ``invest the resources to conduct the perfect study.'' Sierra
Club v. EPA, 167 F. 3d 658, 662 (D.C. Cir. 1999)(If EPA were required
to gather exhaustive data about a problem for which gathering such data
is not yet feasible, the agency would be unable to act even if such
inaction had potentially significant consequences . . . [A]n agency
must make a judgment in the face of a known risk of unknown degree.''
Mexichem Specialty Resins, Inc., 787 F.3d. 561.).
4. What is the rationale for our final approach and final decisions for
the revisions pursuant to CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3)?
We evaluated all of the comments on the EPA's proposed amendments
to revisions for flares used as APCDs, clarifications for periods of
SSM and bypasses, including PRD releases, bypass lines on closed vent
systems, in situ sampling systems, maintenance activities, certain
gaseous streams routed to a fuel gas system, and associated decoking
operations for ethylene cracking furnaces (i.e., the decoking of
ethylene cracking furnace radiant tubes). For the reasons explained in
the proposed rule (84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019), we determined that
the flare amendments are needed to ensure that flares used as APCD
achieve the required level of MACT control and meet 98 percent
destruction efficiency at all times as well as to ensure that CAA
section 112 standards apply at all times. Similarly, the clarifications
for periods of SSM and bypasses, including PRD releases, bypass lines
on closed vent systems, in situ sampling systems, maintenance
activities, certain gaseous streams routed to a fuel gas system, and
work practice standards associated decoking operations for ethylene
cracking furnaces are needed to be consistent with Sierra Club v. EPA,
551 F.3d 1019 (D.C. Cir. 2008) to ensure that CAA section 112 standards
apply at all times. More information and rationale concerning all the
amendments we are finalizing pursuant to CAA sections 112(d)(2) and (3)
is in the preamble to the proposed rule (84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019),
section IV.B.3 of this preamble, and in the comments and our specific
responses to the comments in the document, Summary of Public Comments
and Responses for the Risk and Technology Reviews for the Ethylene
Production Source Category, which is available in the docket for this
action. Therefore, we are finalizing the proposed provisions for flares
(except that we are not finalizing the work practice standard for
velocity exceedances for flares operating above their smokeless
capacity), finalizing the proposed clarifications for periods of
[[Page 40413]]
SSM and bypasses, including PRD releases, bypass lines on closed vent
systems, in situ sampling systems, maintenance activities, certain
gaseous streams routed to a fuel gas system, and finalizing the
proposed work practice standards for the decoking of ethylene cracking
furnaces with only minor editorial corrections and technical
clarifications.
D. Amendments Addressing Emissions During Periods of SSM
1. What amendments did we propose to address emissions during periods
of SSM?
We proposed amendments to the EMACT standards to remove and revise
provisions related to SSM that are not consistent with the requirement
that the standards apply at all times. In a few instances, we are
finalizing alternative standards for certain emission points during
periods of SSM to ensure a continuous CAA section 112 standard applies
``at all times,'' (see section IV.C); however for the majority of
emission points in the Ethylene Production source category, we proposed
eliminating the SSM exemptions and to have the MACT standards apply at
all times. More information concerning the elimination of SSM
provisions is in the preamble to the proposed rule (84 FR 54278,
October 9, 2019).
2. How did the SSM provisions change since proposal?
We are finalizing the SSM provisions as proposed (84 FR 54278,
October 9, 2019) with only minor changes to 40 CFR 63.1103(e)(9) to
sufficiently address the SSM exemption provisions from subparts
referenced by the EMACT standards.
3. What key comments did we receive on the SSM revisions and what are
our responses?
While we are finalizing some alternative standards in this final
rule for certain emission points during periods of SSM to ensure a
continuous CAA section 112 standard applies ``at all times,'' (see
section IV.C), we also proposed eliminating the SSM exemptions for the
majority of emission points in the Ethylene Production source category.
We did not receive many substantive comments on the removal of these
exemptions; however, the comments and our specific responses to these
items can be found in the document, Summary of Public Comments and
Responses for the Risk and Technology Reviews for the Ethylene
Production Source Category, available in the docket for this action.
4. What is the rationale for our final approach and final decisions to
address emissions during periods of SSM?
We evaluated all of the comments on the EPA's proposed amendments
to the SSM provisions. For the reasons explained in the proposed rule
(84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019), we determined that these amendments,
which remove and revise provisions related to SSM, are necessary to be
consistent with the requirement that the standards apply at all times.
More information concerning the amendments we are finalizing for SSM is
in the preamble to the proposed rule (84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019) and
in the comments and our specific responses to the comments in the
document, Summary of Public Comments and Responses for the Risk and
Technology Reviews for the Ethylene Production Source Category,
available in the docket for this action. Therefore, we are finalizing
our approach for the SSM provisions as proposed.
E. Technical Amendments to the EMACT Standards
1. What other amendments did we propose for the Ethylene Production
source category?
We proposed that owners or operators submit electronic copies of
required performance test results and reports and NOCS reports through
the EPA's CDX using the CEDRI; and we proposed two broad circumstances
in which we may provide extension to these requirements. We proposed at
40 CFR 63.1110(a)(10)(iii) that an extension may be warranted due to
outages of the EPA's CDX or CEDRI that precludes an owner or operator
from accessing the system and submitting required reports. We also
proposed at 40 CFR 63.1110(a)(10)(iv) that an extension may be
warranted due to a force majeure event, such as an act of nature, act
of war or terrorism, or equipment failure or safety hazards beyond the
control of the facility.
To correct a disconnect between having a NPDES permit that meets
certain allowable discharge limits at the discharge point of a facility
(e.g., outfall) and being able to adequately identify a leak, we
proposed the removal of the exemption at 40 CFR 63.1084(c) for once-
through heat exchange systems to comply with 40 CFR 63.1085 and 40 CFR
63.1086. We also proposed the removal of the exemption at 40 CFR
63.1084(d) because the provision lacks the specificity of where a
sample must be taken to adequately find and quantify a leak from a
once-through heat exchange system.
Further, to provide flexibility and reduce the burden on ethylene
production facilities, we proposed overlap provisions at 40 CFR
63.1100(g) allowing an owner or operator subject to both the equipment
leak EMACT standards and 40 CFR part 60, subpart VVa to comply with the
EMACT standards only (instead of complying with both standards),
provided the owner or operator also complies with the calibration drift
assessment provisions at 40 CFR 60.485a(b)(2).
Finally, we proposed revisions for clarifying text or correcting
typographical errors, grammatical errors, and cross-reference errors.
These editorial corrections and clarifications are summarized in Table
9 of the proposal. See 84 FR 54278, October 9, 2019.
2. How did the other amendments for the Ethylene Production source
category change since proposal?
Since proposal, the electronic reporting requirements and the
technical and editorial corrections in Table 9 of the proposal (see 84
FR 54278, October 9, 2019) have not changed and we are finalizing all
the proposed requirements. Additionally, we are correcting an error in
the final rule to clarify that Periodic Reports must also be submitted
electronically (i.e., through the EPA's CDX website using the
appropriate electronic report template for this subpart) beginning no
later than the compliance dates specified in 40 CFR 63.1102(c) or once
the report template has been available on the CEDRI website for at
least 1 year, whichever date is later. We are also including several
additional minor clarifying edits in the final rule based on comments
received during the public comment period.
3. What key comments did we receive on the other amendments for the
Ethylene Production source category and what are our responses?
We did not receive many substantive comments on the other
amendments in the Ethylene Production RTR proposal. These items
generally include issues related to electronic reporting, removal of
the allowance to use NPDES permits to identify leaks for heat exchange
systems, overlap provisions for equipment leaks, and revisions that we
proposed for clarifying text or correcting typographical errors,
grammatical errors, and cross-reference errors. The comments and our
specific responses to these items can be found in the document, Summary
of Public Comments and Responses for the Risk and Technology Reviews
for the
[[Page 40414]]
Ethylene Production Source Category, available in the docket for this
action.
4. What is the rationale for our final approach and final decisions for
the other amendments for the Ethylene Production source category?
Based on the comments received for these other amendments, we are
generally finalizing all proposed requirements. In a few instances
(e.g., overlap provisions for equipment leaks), we received comments
such that minor editorial corrections and technical clarifications are
being made, and our rationale for these corrections and technical
clarifications can be found in the document, Summary of Public Comments
and Responses for the Risk and Technology Reviews for the Ethylene
Production Source Category, available in the docket for this action.
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental, and Economic Impacts and Additional
Analyses Conducted
A. What are the affected facilities?
As of January 1, 2017, there were 26 ethylene production facilities
currently operating that are major sources of HAP, and the EPA is aware
of five ethylene production facilities under construction. As such, we
estimate that 31 ethylene production facilities will be subject to the
final amendments within the next 3 years. A complete list of facilities
that are currently subject, or will be subject, to the EMACT standards
is available in Appendix A of the memorandum, Review of the RACT/BACT/
LAER Clearinghouse Database for the Ethylene Production Source
Category, in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357.
B. What are the air quality impacts?
V. Summary of Cost, Environmental, and Economic Impacts and Additional
Analyses Conducted
A. What are the affected facilities?
As of January 1, 2017, there were 26 ethylene production facilities
currently operating that are major sources of HAP, and the EPA is aware
of five ethylene production facilities under construction. As such, we
estimate that 31 ethylene production facilities will be subject to the
final amendments within the next 3 years. A complete list of facilities
that are currently subject, or will be subject, to the EMACT standards
is available in Appendix A of the memorandum, Review of the RACT/BACT/
LAER Clearinghouse Database for the Ethylene Production Source
Category, in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357.
B. What are the air quality impacts?
We estimate HAP emissions reductions of 29 tpy and VOC emissions
reductions of 232 tpy as a result of the final amendments for storage
vessels, heat exchange systems, and decoking operations for ethylene
cracking furnaces. These emissions reductions do not consider the
potential excess emissions reductions from flares that could result
from the final monitoring requirements; we estimate flare excess
emissions reductions of 1,430 tpy HAP and 13,020 tpy VOC. When
considering the flare excess emissions, the total emissions reductions
as a result of the final amendments are estimated at 1,459 tpy HAP and
13,252 tpy VOC. These emissions reductions are documented in the
following memoranda, which are available in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2017-0357: Assessment of Work Practice Standards for Ethylene Cracking
Furnace Decoking Operations Located in the Ethylene Production Source
Category; Clean Air Act Section 112(d)(6) Technology Review for Heat
Exchange Systems in the Ethylene Production Source Category; Control
Option Impacts for Flares Located in the Ethylene Production Source
Category; and Final Cost and Emissions Impacts for Ethylene Production
NESHAP RTR.
C. What are the cost impacts?
We estimate the total capital costs of the final amendments to be
$47.2 million and the total annualized costs to be about $10.4 million
in 2016 dollars (annualized costs include annual recovery credits of
$180,000). The present value in 2020 of the costs is $87.5 million at a
discount rate of 3 percent and $74.9 million at 7 percent. Calculated
as an equivalent annualized value, which is consistent with the present
value of costs, the costs are $9.4 million at a discount rate of 7
percent and $10.9 million at a discount rate of 3 percent. These cost
estimates are included in the memorandum, Economic Impact Analysis for
Ethylene Production NESHAP RTR Final, which is available in the docket
for this action. The costs are associated with the final amendments for
flares, PRDs, maintenance (equipment openings), storage vessels, heat
exchange systems, and decoking operations for ethylene cracking
furnaces. Costs for flares include purchasing analyzers, monitors,
natural gas and steam, developing a flare management plan, and
performing root cause analysis and corrective action (details are
available in the memorandum, Control Option Impacts for Flares Located
in the Ethylene Production Source Category, in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2017-0357). Costs for PRDs were developed based on compliance with
the final work practice standard and include implementation of three
prevention measures, performing root cause analysis and corrective
action, and purchasing PRD monitors (details are available in the
memorandum, Review of Regulatory Alternatives for Certain Vent Streams
in the Ethylene Production Source Category, in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2017-0357). Maintenance costs were estimated to document equipment
opening procedures and to document circumstances under which the
alternative maintenance vent limit is used (details are available in
the memorandum, Review of Regulatory Alternatives for Certain Vent
Streams in the Ethylene Production Source Category, in Docket ID No.
EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357). Heat exchange systems costs include the use of
the Modified El Paso Method to monitor for leaks (details are available
in the memorandum, Clean Air Act Section 112(d)(6) Technology Review
for Heat Exchange Systems in the Ethylene Production Source Category,
in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357). The costs associated with
decoking operations for ethylene cracking furnaces include conducting
isolation valve inspections and conducting flame impingement firebox
inspections (details are available in the memorandum, Assessment of
Work Practice Standards for Ethylene Cracking Furnace Decoking
Operations Located in the Ethylene Production Source Category, in
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0357). Costs for controlling storage
vessel degassing emissions are discussed in the memorandum, Final Cost
and Emissions Impacts for Ethylene Production NESHAP RTR, which is
available in the docket for this action.
D. What are the economic impacts?
The EPA conducted economic impact analyses for the amendments to
the final rule, as detailed in the memorandum, Economic Impact Analysis
for Ethylene Production NESHAP RTR Final, which is available in the
docket for this action. The economic impacts of the amendments to the
final rule are calculated as the percentage of total annualized costs
incurred by affected parent owners to their annual revenues. This ratio
of total annualized costs to annual revenues provides a measure of the
direct economic impact to parent owners of ethylene production
facilities while presuming no passthrough of costs to ethylene
consumers. We estimate that none of the 16 parent owners affected by
the amendments to the final rule will incur total annualized costs of
0.02 percent or greater of their revenues. Of the 16 parent owners,
none
[[Page 40415]]
of them is a small business according to the Small Business
Administration's small business size standard (for NAICS 325110, 1,000
employees or less). Product recovery, which is estimated as an impact
of the final amendments, is included in the estimate of total
annualized costs that is an input to the economic impact analysis.
Thus, these economic impacts are quite low for affected companies and
the ethylene production industry, and consumers of ethylene should
experience minimal price changes.
E. What analysis of environmental justice did we conduct?
Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) establishes
federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision
directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and
permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission
by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high
and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs,
policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income
populations in the United States.
To examine the potential for any environmental justice issues that
might be associated with the source category, we performed a
demographic analysis, which is an assessment of risks to individual
demographic groups of the populations living within 5 kilometers (km)
and within 50 km of the facilities. In the analysis, we evaluated the
distribution of HAP-related cancer and noncancer risks from the
Ethylene Production source category across different demographic groups
within the populations living near facilities.
Our analysis of the demographics of the population with estimated
risks greater than 1-in-1 million indicates potential disparities in
risks between demographic groups, including the African American,
Hispanic or Latino, Over 25 Without a High School Diploma, and Below
the Poverty Level groups. In addition, the population living within 50
km of the ethylene production facilities has a higher percentage of
minority, lower income, and lower education people when compared to the
nationwide percentages of those groups. However, acknowledging these
potential disparities, the risks for the source category were
determined to be acceptable, and emissions reductions from the final
amendments will benefit these groups the most.
The methodology and the results of the demographic analysis are
presented in a technical report, Risk and Technology Review--Analysis
of Demographic Factors for Populations Living Near Ethylene Production
Source Category Operations, available in the docket for this action.
F. What analysis of children's environmental health did we conduct?
The EPA does not believe the environmental health or safety risks
addressed by this action present a disproportionate risk to children.
This action's health and risk assessments are summarized in section
IV.A of this preamble and are further documented in the risk report,
Residual Risk Assessment for the Ethylene Production Source Category in
Support of the 2020 Risk and Technology Review Final Rule, available in
the docket for this action.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Additional information about these statutes and Executive Orders
can be found at https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/laws-and-executive-orders.
A. Executive Orders 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
This action is not a significant regulatory action and was,
therefore, not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for review. The EPA prepared an analysis of the potential costs and
benefits associated with this action. This analysis, Economic Impact
Analysis for Ethylene Production NESHAP RTR Final, is available in the
docket for this rule.
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulations and Controlling
Regulatory Costs
This action is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory action
because this action is not significant under Executive Order 12866.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
The information collection activities in this rule have been
submitted for approval to OMB under the PRA. The ICR document that the
EPA prepared has been assigned EPA ICR number 1983.10. The OMB Control
Number is 2060-0489. You can find a copy of the ICR in the docket for
this rule, and it is briefly summarized here. The information
collection requirements are not enforceable until OMB approves them.
We are finalizing amendments that change the reporting and
recordkeeping requirements for several emission sources at ethylene
production facilities (e.g., flares, decoking operations for ethylene
cracking furnaces, heat exchangers, PRDs, storage vessels). The final
amendments also require electronic reporting, remove the malfunction
exemption, and impose other revisions that affect reporting and
recordkeeping. This information would be collected to assure compliance
with 40 CFR part 63, subparts XX and YY.
Respondents/affected entities: Owners or operators of ethylene
production facilities.
Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory (40 CFR part 63,
subparts XX and YY).
Estimated number of respondents: 31 (total).
Frequency of response: Semiannual and annual.
Total estimated burden: 8,500 hours (per year). Burden is defined
at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).
Total estimated cost: $4,410,000 (per year), which includes
$3,660,000 annualized capital or operation and maintenance costs.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for the
EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9. When OMB
approves this ICR, the Agency will announce that approval in the
Federal Register and publish a technical amendment to 40 CFR part 9 to
display the OMB control number for the approved information collection
activities in this final rule.
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
I certify that this action will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. This
action will not impose any requirements on small entities. There are no
small entities affected in this regulated industry. See the document,
Economic Impact Analysis for Ethylene Production NESHAP RTR Final,
available in the docket for this action.
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
This action does not contain an unfunded mandate of $100 million or
more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The action imposes
no enforceable duty on any state, local, or tribal governments or the
private sector.
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have
substantial direct effects on the states, on the
[[Page 40416]]
relationship between the national government and the states, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments
This action does not have tribal implications as specified in
Executive Order 13175. None of the ethylene production facilities that
have been identified as being affected by this final action are owned
or operated by tribal governments or located within tribal lands. Thus,
Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action.
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks
This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it is
not economically significant as defined in Executive Order 12866, and
because the EPA does not believe the environmental health or safety
risks addressed by this action present a disproportionate risk to
children. This action's health and risk assessments are contained in
sections IV.A of this preamble.
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 because it is
not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) and 1 CFR
Part 51
This rulemaking involves technical standards. As discussed in the
preamble of the proposal, the EPA conducted searches for the EMACT
standards through the Enhanced National Standards Systems Network
Database managed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
We also contacted voluntary consensus standards (VCS) organizations and
accessed and searched their databases. We conducted searches for EPA
Methods 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2F, 2G, 3B, 4, 5, 18, 21, 22, 25, 25A,
27, and 29 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, EPA Methods 301, 316, and 320
of 40 CFR part 63, appendix A, and EPA Methods 602 and 624 of 40 CFR
part 136, appendix A. During the EPA's VCS search, if the title or
abstract (if provided) of the VCS described technical sampling and
analytical procedures that are similar to the EPA's reference method,
the EPA reviewed it as a potential equivalent method.
The EPA incorporates by reference VCS ANSI/ASME PTC 19.10-1981
(Part 10), ``Flue and Exhaust Gas Analyses,'' as an acceptable
alternative to EPA Methods 3A and 3B for the manual procedures only and
not the instrumental procedures. This method is used to quantitatively
determine the gaseous constituents of exhausts including oxygen,
CO2, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, sulfur
trioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and
hydrocarbons, and is available at the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI), 1899 L Street NW, 11th floor, Washington, DC 20036
and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Three Park
Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990. See https://wwww.ansi.org and https://www.asme.org.
Also, the EPA incorporates by reference VCS ASTM D6420-18,
``Standard Test Method for Determination of Gaseous Organic Compounds
by Direct Interface Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry,'' as an
acceptable alternative to EPA Method 18 with the following caveats.
This ASTM procedure uses a direct interface gas chromatograph/mass
spectrometer to identify and quantify VOC and has been approved by the
EPA as an alternative to EPA Method 18 only when the target compounds
are all known and the target compounds are all listed in ASTM D6420-18
as measurable. ASTM D6420-18 should not be used for methane and ethane
because the atomic mass is less than 35; and ASTM D6420-18 should never
be specified as a total VOC method.
In addition, the EPA incorporates by reference VCS ASTM D6348-12e1,
``Determination of Gaseous Compounds by Extractive Direct Interface
Fourier Transform (FTIR) Spectroscopy,'' as an acceptable alternative
to EPA Method 320 with caveats requiring inclusion of selected annexes
to the standard as mandatory. This ASTM procedure uses an extractive
sampling system that routes stationary source effluent to an FTIR
spectrometer for the identification and quantification of gaseous
compounds. The test plan preparation and implementation in the Annexes
to ASTM D 6348-03, Sections A1 through A8 are mandatory; therefore, the
EPA incorporates by reference, ``Standard Test Method for Determination
of Gaseous Compounds by Extractive Direct Interface Fourier Transform
Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.'' This ASTM procedure also uses an
extractive sampling system and FTIR spectrometer for the identification
and quantification of gaseous compounds. The percent (%) R must be
determined for each target analyte (Equation A5.5) when using ASTM
D6348-03, Annex A5 (Analyte Spiking Technique). In order for the test
data to be acceptable for a compound, %R must be 70% >= R <= 130%. If
the %R value does not meet this criterion for a target compound, the
test data is not acceptable for that compound and the test must be
repeated for that analyte (i.e., the sampling and/or analytical
procedure should be adjusted before a retest). The %R value for each
compound must be reported in the test report, and all field
measurements must be corrected with the calculated %R value for that
compound by using the following equation:
Reported Results = (Measured Concentration in the Stack x 100)/%R.
The three ASTM methods (ASTM D6420-18, ASTM D6348-12e1, and ASTM D
6348-03) newly incorporated by reference in this rule are available to
the public for free viewing online in the Reading Room section on
ASTM's website at https://www.astm.org/READINGLIBRARY/. In addition to
this free online viewing availability on ASTM's website, hard copies
and printable versions are available for purchase from ASTM at https://www.astm.org/.
Also, the EPA decided not to include 17 other VCS; these methods
are impractical as alternatives because of the lack of equivalency,
documentation, validation date, and other important technical and
policy considerations. The search and review results have been
documented and are in the memorandum, Voluntary Consensus Standard
Results for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
for Ethylene Production RTR, which is available in the docket for this
action.
Under 40 CFR 63.7(f) and 40 CFR 63.8(f) (in subpart A--General
Provisions), a source may apply to the EPA for permission to use
alternative test methods or alternative monitoring requirements in
place of any required testing methods, performance specifications, or
procedures in the final rule or any amendments.
Finally, although not considered a VCS, the EPA incorporates by
reference, ``Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass
Spectrometry (GC/MS)'' (SW-846-8260B) and ``Semivolatile Organic
Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)'' (SW-846-
8270D) into 40 CFR 63.1107(a); and ``Air Stripping Method (Modified El
Paso
[[Page 40417]]
Method) for Determination of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from
Water Sources,'' into 40 CFR 63.1086(e) and 40 CFR 63.1089(d). Each of
these methods is used to identify organic HAP in water; however, SW-
846-8260B and SW-846-8270D use water sampling techniques and the
Modified El Paso Method uses an air stripping sampling technique. The
SW-846 methods are available from the EPA at https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846 while the Modified El Paso Method is available from TCEQ at
https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/compliance/field_ops/guidance/samplingappp.pdf.
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
The EPA believes that this action does not have disproportionately
high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority
populations, low-income populations, and/or indigenous peoples, as
specified in Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
The documentation for this decision is contained in section IV.A of
this preamble and in the technical report, Risk and Technology Review--
Analysis of Demographic Factors for Populations Living Near Ethylene
Production Source Category Operations, available in the docket for this
action.
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
This action is subject to the CRA, and the EPA will submit a rule
report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of
the United States. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 63
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedures,
Air pollution control, Hazardous substances, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: March 12, 2020.
Andrew R. Wheeler,
Administrator.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the EPA is amending 40
CFR part 63 as follows:
PART 63--NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS
FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES
0
1. The authority citation for part 63 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.
Subpart A--General Provisions
0
2. Section 63.14 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (e)(1) and (h)(18), (83), and (85);
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (h)(92) through (112) as paragraphs (h)(93)
through (113);
0
c. Adding new paragraph (h)(92);
0
d. Revising paragraphs (n)(12) and (13); and
0
e. Revising paragraph (t)(1).
The revisions and addition read as follows:
Sec. 63.14 Incorporations by reference.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) ANSI/ASME PTC 19.10-1981, Flue and Exhaust Gas Analyses [Part
10, Instruments and Apparatus], issued August 31, 1981, IBR approved
for Sec. Sec. 63.309(k), 63.457(k), 63.772(e) and (h), 63.865(b),
63.997(e), 63.1282(d) and (g), 63.1625(b), 63.3166(a), 63.3360(e),
63.3545(a), 63.3555(a), 63.4166(a), 63.4362(a), 63.4766(a), 63.4965(a),
63.5160(d), table 4 to subpart UUUU, table 3 to subpart YYYY,
63.9307(c), 63.9323(a), 63.11148(e), 63.11155(e), 63.11162(f),
63.11163(g), 63.11410(j), 63.11551(a), 63.11646(a), and 63.11945, table
5 to subpart DDDDD, table 4 to subpart JJJJJ, table 4 to subpart KKKKK,
tables 4 and 5 of subpart UUUUU, table 1 to subpart ZZZZZ, and table 4
to subpart JJJJJJ.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
(18) ASTM D1946-90 (Reapproved 1994), Standard Method for Analysis
of Reformed Gas by Gas Chromatography, 1994, IBR approved for
Sec. Sec. 63.11(b), 63.987(b), and 63.1412.
* * * * *
(83) ASTM D6348-03, Standard Test Method for Determination of
Gaseous Compounds by Extractive Direct Interface Fourier Transform
Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, including Annexes A1 through A8, Approved
October 1, 2003, IBR approved for Sec. Sec. 63.457(b), 63.997(e), and
63.1349, table 4 to subpart DDDD, table 4 to subpart UUUU, table 4
subpart ZZZZ, and table 8 to subpart HHHHHHH.
* * * * *
(85) ASTM D6348-12e1, Standard Test Method for Determination of
Gaseous Compounds by Extractive Direct Interface Fourier Transform
Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Approved February 1, 2012, IBR approved
for Sec. Sec. 63.997(e) and 63.1571(a) and Table 4 to subpart UUUU.
* * * * *
(92) ASTM D6420-18, Standard Test Method for Determination of
Gaseous Organic Compounds by Direct Interface Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry, Approved November 1, 2018, IBR approved for Sec.
63.987(b) and Sec. 63.997(e).
* * * * *
(n) * * *
(12) SW-846-8260B, Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Revision 2, December 1996, in
EPA Publication No. SW-846, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste,
Physical/Chemical Methods, Third Edition, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.
63.1107(a), 63.11960, 63.11980, and table 10 to subpart HHHHHHH.
(13) SW-846-8270D, Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Revision 4, February 2007, in
EPA Publication No. SW-846, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste,
Physical/Chemical Methods, Third Edition, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.
63.1107(a), 63.11960, 63.11980, and table 10 to subpart HHHHHHH.
* * * * *
(t) * * *
(1) ``Air Stripping Method (Modified El Paso Method) for
Determination of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Water
Sources,'' Revision Number One, dated January 2003, Sampling Procedures
Manual, Appendix P: Cooling Tower Monitoring, January 31, 2003, IBR
approved for Sec. Sec. 63.654(c) and (g), 63.655(i), 63.1086(e),
63.1089(d), and 63.11920.
* * * * *
Subpart SS--National Emission Standards for Closed Vent Systems,
Control Devices, Recovery Devices and Routing to a Fuel Gas System
or a Process
0
3. Section 63.987 is amended by revising parameter ``Dj'' of Equation 1
in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.987 Flare requirements.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(3) * * *
(ii) * * *
* * * * *
Dj = Concentration of sample component j, in parts per million by
volume on a wet basis, as measured for organics by Method 18 of 40 CFR
part 60, appendix A, or by ASTM D6420-18 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec. 63.14) under the conditions specified in Sec.
63.997(e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3). Hydrogen and carbon monoxide are
measured by ASTM D1946-90
[[Page 40418]]
(Reapproved 1994) (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 63.14); and
* * * * *
0
4. Section 63.997 is amended by revising paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)
introductory text, (e)(2)(iii)(C)(1), (e)(2)(iii)(D), (e)(2)(iv)
introductory text, and (e)(2)(iv)(F) and (I) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.997 Performance test and compliance assessment requirements
for control devices.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(2) * * *
(iii) Total organic regulated material or TOC concentration. To
determine compliance with a parts per million by volume total organic
regulated material or TOC limit, the owner or operator shall use Method
18 or 25A of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, as applicable. The ASTM D6420-
18 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 63.14) may be used in lieu of
Method 18 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, under the conditions specified
in paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3) of this section.
Alternatively, any other method or data that have been validated
according to the applicable procedures in Method 301 of appendix A to
this part may be used. The procedures specified in paragraphs
(e)(2)(iii)(A), (B), (D), and (E) of this section shall be used to
calculate parts per million by volume concentration. The calculated
concentration shall be corrected to 3 percent oxygen using the
procedures specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(C) of this section if a
combustion device is the control device and supplemental combustion air
is used to combust the emissions.
* * * * *
(C) * * *
(1) The emission rate correction factor (or excess air), integrated
sampling and analysis procedures of Method 3B of 40 CFR part 60,
appendix A, or the manual method in ANSI/ASME PTC 19.10-1981--Part 10
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 63.14), shall be used to
determine the oxygen concentration. The sampling site shall be the same
as that of the organic regulated material or organic compound samples,
and the samples shall be taken during the same time that the organic
regulated material or organic compound samples are taken.
* * * * *
(D) To measure the total organic regulated material concentration
at the outlet of a control device, use Method 18 of 40 CFR part 60,
appendix A, or ASTM D6420-18 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
63.14). If you have a combustion control device, you must first
determine which regulated material compounds are present in the inlet
gas stream using process knowledge or the screening procedure described
in Method 18. In conducting the performance test, analyze samples
collected at the outlet of the combustion control device as specified
in Method 18 or ASTM D6420-18 for the regulated material compounds
present at the inlet of the control device. The method ASTM D6420-18
may be used only under the conditions specified in paragraphs
(e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3) of this section.
(1) If the target compounds are all known and are all listed in
Section 1.1 of ASTM D6420-18 as measurable.
(2) ASTM D6420-18 may not be used for methane and ethane.
(3) ASTM D6420-18 may not be used as a total VOC method.
* * * * *
(iv) Percent reduction calculation. To determine compliance with a
percent reduction requirement, the owner or operator shall use Method
18, 25, or 25A of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, as applicable. The method
ASTM D6420-18 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 63.14) may be used
in lieu of Method 18 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, under the
conditions specified in paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3) of
this section. Alternatively, any other method or data that have been
validated according to the applicable procedures in Method 301 of
appendix A to this part may be used. The procedures specified in
paragraphs (e)(2)(iv)(A) through (I) of this section shall be used to
calculate percent reduction efficiency.
* * * * *
(F) To measure inlet and outlet concentrations of total organic
regulated material, use Method 18 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, or
ASTM D6420-18 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 63.14), under the
conditions specified in paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)(D)(1) through (3) of
this section. In conducting the performance test, collect and analyze
samples as specified in Method 18 or ASTM D6420-18. You must collect
samples simultaneously at the inlet and outlet of the control device.
If the performance test is for a combustion control device, you must
first determine which regulated material compounds are present in the
inlet gas stream (i.e., uncontrolled emissions) using process knowledge
or the screening procedure described in Method 18. Quantify the
emissions for the regulated material compounds present in the inlet gas
stream for both the inlet and outlet gas streams for the combustion
device.
* * * * *
(I) If the uncontrolled or inlet gas stream to the control device
contains formaldehyde, you must conduct emissions testing according to
paragraphs (e)(2)(iv)(I)(1) through (3) of this section.
(1) Except as specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv)(I)(3) of this
section, if you elect to comply with a percent reduction requirement
and formaldehyde is the principal regulated material compound (i.e.,
greater than 50 percent of the regulated material compounds in the
stream by volume), you must use Method 316 or 320 of appendix A to this
part, to measure formaldehyde at the inlet and outlet of the control
device. Use the percent reduction in formaldehyde as a surrogate for
the percent reduction in total regulated material emissions.
(2) Except as specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv)(I)(3) of this
section, if you elect to comply with an outlet total organic regulated
material concentration or TOC concentration limit, and the uncontrolled
or inlet gas stream to the control device contains greater than 10
percent (by volume) formaldehyde, you must use Method 316 or 320 of
appendix A to this part, to separately determine the formaldehyde
concentration. Calculate the total organic regulated material
concentration or TOC concentration by totaling the formaldehyde
emissions measured using Method 316 or 320 and the other regulated
material compound emissions measured using Method 18 or 25/25A of 40
CFR part 60, appendix A.
(3) You may elect to use ASTM D6348-12e1 (incorporated by
reference, Sec. 63.14) in lieu of Method 316 or 320 of appendix A to
this part as specified in paragraph (e)(2)(iv)(I)(1) or (2) of this
section. To comply with this paragraph, the test plan preparation and
implementation in the Annexes to ASTM D6348-03 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 63.14) Sections Al through A8 are mandatory; the
percent (%) R must be determined for each target analyte using Equation
A5.5 of ASTM D6348-03 Annex A5 (Analyte Spiking Technique); and in
order for the test data to be acceptable for a compound, the %R must be
70% >= R <= 130%. If the %R value does not meet this criterion for a
target compound, then the test data is not acceptable for that compound
and the test must be repeated for that analyte (i.e., the sampling and/
or analytical procedure should be adjusted before a retest). The %R
value for each compound must be
[[Page 40419]]
reported in the test report, and all field measurements must be
corrected with the calculated %R value for that compound by using the
following equation:
Reported Results = (Measured Concentration in the Stack x 100)/%R.
Subpart XX--National Emission Standards for Ethylene Manufacturing
Process Units: Heat Exchange Systems and Waste Operations
0
5. Section 63.1081 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1081 When must I comply with the requirements of this
subpart?
You must comply with the requirements of this subpart according to
the schedule specified in Sec. 63.1102(a). Each heat exchange system
which is part of an ethylene production affected source also must
comply with paragraph (a) of this section. Each waste stream which is
part of an ethylene production affected source also must comply with
paragraph (b) of this section.
(a) Each heat exchange system that is part of an ethylene
production affected source that commenced construction or
reconstruction on or before October 9, 2019, must be in compliance with
the heat exchange system requirements specified in Sec. Sec.
63.1084(f), 63.1085(e) and (f), 63.1086(e), 63.1087(c) and (d),
63.1088(d), and 63.1089(d) and (e) upon initial startup or July 6,
2023, whichever is later. Each heat exchange system that is part of an
ethylene production affected source that commences construction or
reconstruction after October 9, 2019, must be in compliance with the
heat exchange system requirements specified in Sec. Sec. 63.1084(f),
63.1085(e) and (f), 63.1086(e), 63.1087(c) and (d), 63.1088(d), and
63.1089(d) and (e) upon initial startup, or July 6, 2020, whichever is
later.
(b) Each waste stream that is part of an ethylene production
affected source that commenced construction or reconstruction on or
before October 9, 2019, must be in compliance with the flare
requirements specified in Sec. 63.1095(a)(1)(vi) and (b)(3) upon
initial startup or July 6, 2023, whichever is later. Each waste stream
that is part of an ethylene production affected source that commences
construction or reconstruction after October 9, 2019, must be in
compliance with the flare requirements specified in Sec.
63.1095(a)(1)(vi) and (b)(3) upon initial startup, or July 6, 2020,
whichever is later.
0
6. Section 63.1082 is amended in paragraph (b) by revising definitions
for ``Dilution steam blowdown waste stream,'' and ``Spent caustic waste
stream'' to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1082 What definitions do I need to know?
* * * * *
(b) * * *
Dilution steam blowdown waste stream means any continuously flowing
process wastewater stream resulting from the quench and compression of
cracked gas (the cracking furnace effluent) at an ethylene production
unit and is discharged from the unit. This stream typically includes
the aqueous or oily-water stream that results from condensation of
dilution steam (in the cracking furnace quench system), blowdown from
dilution steam generation systems, and aqueous streams separated from
the process between the cracking furnace and the cracked gas
dehydrators. The dilution steam blowdown waste stream does not include
blowdown that has not contacted HAP-containing process materials.
Before July 6, 2023, the dilution steam blowdown waste stream does not
include dilution steam blowdown streams generated from sampling,
maintenance activities, or shutdown purges. Beginning on July 6, 2023,
the dilution steam blowdown streams generated from sampling,
maintenance activities, or shutdown purges are included in the
definition of dilution steam blowdown waste stream.
* * * * *
Spent caustic waste stream means the continuously flowing process
wastewater stream that results from the use of a caustic wash system in
an ethylene production unit. A caustic wash system is commonly used at
ethylene production units to remove acid gases and sulfur compounds
from process streams, typically cracked gas. Before July 6, 2023, the
spent caustic waste stream does not include spent caustic streams
generated from sampling, maintenance activities, or shutdown purges.
Beginning on July 6, 2023, the spent caustic streams generated from
sampling, maintenance activities, or shutdown purges are included in
the definition of spent caustic waste stream.
0
7. Section 63.1084 is amended by revising the introductory text and
adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1084 What heat exchange systems are exempt from the
requirements of this subpart?
Except as specified in paragraph (f) of this section, your heat
exchange system is exempt from the requirements in Sec. Sec. 63.1085
and 63.1086 if it meets any one of the criteria in paragraphs (a)
through (e) of this section.
* * * * *
(f) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), your heat exchange system is no longer exempt from the
requirements in Sec. Sec. 63.1085 and 63.1086 if it meets the criteria
in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section; instead, your heat exchange
system is exempt from the requirements in Sec. Sec. 63.1085 and
63.1086 if it meets any one of the criteria in paragraph (a), (b), or
(e) of this section.
0
8. Section 63.1085 is amended by revising the introductory text and
paragraphs (a) and (b) and by adding paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as
follows:
Sec. 63.1085 What are the general requirements for heat exchange
systems?
Unless you meet one of the requirements for exemptions in Sec.
63.1084, you must meet the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (f)
of this section.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (e) of this section, you must
monitor the cooling water for the presence of substances that indicate
a leak according to Sec. 63.1086(a) through (d).
(b) Except as specified in paragraph (f) of this section, if you
detect a leak, then you must repair it according to Sec. 63.1087(a)
and (b) unless repair is delayed according to Sec. 63.1088(a) through
(c).
* * * * *
(e) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), the requirements specified in Sec. 63.1086(a) through (d)
no longer apply; instead, you must monitor the cooling water for the
presence of total strippable hydrocarbons that indicate a leak
according to Sec. 63.1086(e). At any time before the compliance dates
specified in Sec. 63.1081(a), you may choose to comply with the
requirements in this paragraph in lieu of the requirements in paragraph
(a) of this section.
(f) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), the requirements specified in Sec. Sec. 63.1087(a) and (b)
and 63.1088(a) through (c), no longer apply; instead, if you detect a
leak, then you must repair it according to Sec. 63.1087(c) and (d),
unless repair is delayed according to Sec. 63.1088(d). At any time
before the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1081(a), you may
choose to comply with the requirements in this paragraph in lieu of the
requirements in paragraph (b) of this section.
[[Page 40420]]
0
9. Section 63.1086 is amended by revising the introductory text and by
adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1086 How must I monitor for leaks to cooling water?
Except as specified in Sec. 63.1085(e) and paragraph (e) of this
section, you must monitor for leaks to cooling water by monitoring each
heat exchange system according to the requirements of paragraph (a) of
this section, monitoring each heat exchanger according to the
requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, or monitoring a
surrogate parameter according to the requirements of paragraph (c) of
this section. Except as specified in Sec. 63.1085(e) and paragraph (e)
of this section, if you elect to comply with the requirements of
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, you may use alternatives in
paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section for determining the mean
entrance concentration.
* * * * *
(e) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), you must perform monitoring to identify leaks of total
strippable hydrocarbons from each heat exchange system subject to the
requirements of this subpart according to the procedures in paragraphs
(e)(1) through (5) of this section.
(1) Monitoring locations for closed-loop recirculation heat
exchange systems. For each closed loop recirculating heat exchange
system, you must collect and analyze a sample from the location(s)
described in either paragraph (e)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section.
(i) Each cooling tower return line or any representative riser
within the cooling tower prior to exposure to air for each heat
exchange system.
(ii) Selected heat exchanger exit line(s), so that each heat
exchanger or group of heat exchangers within a heat exchange system is
covered by the selected monitoring location(s).
(2) Monitoring locations for once-through heat exchange systems.
For each once-through heat exchange system, you must collect and
analyze a sample from the location(s) described in paragraph (e)(2)(i)
of this section. You may also elect to collect and analyze an
additional sample from the location(s) described in paragraph
(e)(2)(ii) of this section.
(i) Selected heat exchanger exit line(s), so that each heat
exchanger or group of heat exchangers within a heat exchange system is
covered by the selected monitoring location(s). The selected monitoring
location may be at a point where discharges from multiple heat exchange
systems are combined provided that the combined cooling water flow rate
at the monitoring location does not exceed 165,000 gallons per minute.
(ii) The inlet water feed line for a once-through heat exchange
system prior to any heat exchanger. If multiple heat exchange systems
use the same water feed (i.e., inlet water from the same primary water
source), you may monitor at one representative location and use the
monitoring results for that sampling location for all heat exchange
systems that use that same water feed.
(3) Monitoring method. If you comply with the total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration leak action level as specified in paragraph
(e)(4) of this section, you must comply with the requirements in
paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this section. If you comply with the total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate leak action level as specified in
paragraph (e)(4) of this section, you must comply with the requirements
in paragraphs (e)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section.
(i) You must determine the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (in parts per million by volume (ppmv) as methane) at
each monitoring location using the ``Air Stripping Method (Modified El
Paso Method) for Determination of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions
from Water Sources'' (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 63.14) using
a flame ionization detector analyzer for on-site determination as
described in Section 6.1 of the Modified El Paso Method.
(ii) You must convert the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (in ppmv as methane) to a total hydrocarbon mass
emissions rate (as methane) using the calculations in Section 7.0 of
``Air Stripping Method (Modified El Paso Method) for Determination of
Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Water Sources'' (incorporated
by reference--see Sec. 63.14).
(4) Monitoring frequency and leak action level. For each heat
exchange system, you must comply with the applicable monitoring
frequency and leak action level, as defined in paragraphs (e)(4)(i)
through (iii) of this section. The monitoring frequencies specified in
paragraphs (e)(4)(i) through (iii) of this section also apply to the
inlet water feed line for a once-through heat exchange system, if you
elect to monitor the inlet water feed as provided in paragraph
(e)(2)(ii) of this section.
(i) For each heat exchange system that is part of an ethylene
production affected source that commenced construction or
reconstruction on or before December 6, 2000, you must monitor
quarterly using a leak action level defined as a total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane) in the stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv
or, for heat exchange systems with a recirculation rate of 10,000
gallons per minute or less, you may monitor quarterly using a leak
action level defined as a total hydrocarbon mass emissions rate from
the heat exchange system (as methane) of 0.18 kg/hr. If a leak is
detected as specified in paragraph (e)(5) of this section, then you
must monitor monthly until the leak has been repaired according to the
requirements in Sec. 63.1087(c) or (d). Once the leak has been
repaired according to the requirements in Sec. 63.1087(c) or (d),
quarterly monitoring for the heat exchange system may resume.
(ii) For each heat exchange system that is part of an ethylene
production affected source that commences construction or
reconstruction after December 6, 2000 and on or before October 9, 2019,
you must monitor at the applicable frequency specified in paragraph
(e)(4)(ii)(A) or (B) of this section using a leak action level defined
as a total strippable hydrocarbon concentration (as methane) in the
stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or, for heat exchange systems with a
recirculation rate of 10,000 gallons per minute or less, you may
monitor at the applicable frequency specified in paragraph
(e)(4)(ii)(A) or (B) of this section using a leak action level defined
as a total hydrocarbon mass emissions rate from the heat exchange
system (as methane) of 0.18 kg/hr.
(A) If you have completed the initial weekly monitoring for 6-
months of the heat exchange system as specified in Sec.
63.1086(a)(2)(ii) or (b)(1)(ii) then you must monitor monthly. If a
leak is detected as specified in paragraph (e)(5) of this section, then
you must monitor weekly until the leak has been repaired according to
the requirements in Sec. 63.1087(c) or (d). Once the leak has been
repaired according to the requirements in Sec. 63.1087(c) or (d),
monthly monitoring for the heat exchange system may resume.
(B) If you have not completed the initial weekly monitoring for 6-
months of the heat exchange system as specified in Sec.
63.1086(a)(2)(ii) or (b)(1)(ii), or if you elect to comply with
paragraph (e) of this section rather than paragraphs (a) through (d) of
this section upon startup, then you must initially monitor weekly for
6-months beginning upon startup and monitor monthly thereafter. If a
leak is detected as specified in paragraph (e)(5) of this section, then
you must monitor weekly until the leak has been repaired according to
the requirements in Sec. 63.1087(c) or (d). Once the leak has
[[Page 40421]]
been repaired according to the requirements in Sec. 63.1087(c) or (d),
monthly monitoring for the heat exchange system may resume.
(iii) For each heat exchange system that is part of an ethylene
production affected source that commences construction or
reconstruction after October 9, 2019, you must initially monitor weekly
for 6-months beginning upon startup and monitor monthly thereafter
using a leak action level defined as a total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration (as methane) in the stripping gas of 6.2 ppmv or, for
heat exchange systems with a recirculation rate of 10,000 gallons per
minute or less, you may use a leak action level defined as a total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate from the heat exchange system (as
methane) of 0.18 kg/hr if the heat exchange system has a recirculation
rate of 10,000 gallons per minute or less. If a leak is detected as
specified in paragraph (e)(5) of this section, then you must monitor
weekly until the leak has been repaired according to the requirements
in Sec. 63.1087(c) or (d). Once the leak has been repaired according
to the requirements in Sec. 63.1087(c) or (d), monthly monitoring for
the heat exchange system may resume.
(5) Leak definition. A leak is defined as described in paragraph
(e)(5)(i) or (ii) of this section, as applicable.
(i) For once-through heat exchange systems for which the inlet
water feed is monitored as described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this
section, a leak is detected if the difference in the measurement value
of the sample taken from a location specified in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of
this section and the measurement value of the corresponding sample
taken from the location specified in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this
section equals or exceeds the leak action level.
(ii) For all other heat exchange systems, a leak is detected if a
measurement value of the sample taken from a location specified in
paragraph (e)(1)(i), (ii), or (e)(2)(i) of this section equals or
exceeds the leak action level.
0
10. Section 63.1087 is amended by revising the introductory text and by
adding paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1087 What actions must I take if a leak is detected?
Except as specified in Sec. 63.1085(f) and paragraphs (c) and (d)
of this section, if a leak is detected, you must comply with the
requirements in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section unless repair is
delayed according to Sec. 63.1088.
* * * * *
(c) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), if a leak is detected using the methods described in Sec.
63.1086(e), you must repair the leak to reduce the concentration or
mass emissions rate to below the applicable leak action level as soon
as practicable, but no later than 45 days after identifying the leak,
except as specified in Sec. 63.1088(d). Repair must include re-
monitoring at the monitoring location where the leak was identified
according to the method specified in Sec. 63.1086(e)(3) to verify that
the total strippable hydrocarbon concentration or total hydrocarbon
mass emissions rate is below the applicable leak action level. Repair
may also include performing the additional monitoring in paragraph (d)
of this section to verify that the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration is below the applicable leak action level. Actions that
can be taken to achieve repair include but are not limited to:
(1) Physical modifications to the leaking heat exchanger, such as
welding the leak or replacing a tube;
(2) Blocking the leaking tube within the heat exchanger;
(3) Changing the pressure so that water flows into the process
fluid;
(4) Replacing the heat exchanger or heat exchanger bundle; or
(5) Isolating, bypassing, or otherwise removing the leaking heat
exchanger from service until it is otherwise repaired.
(d) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), if you detect a leak when monitoring a cooling tower return
line according to Sec. 63.1086(e)(1)(i), you may conduct additional
monitoring of each heat exchanger or group of heat exchangers
associated with the heat exchange system for which the leak was
detected, as provided in Sec. 63.1086(e)(1)(ii). If no leaks are
detected when monitoring according to the requirements of Sec.
63.1086(e)(1)(ii), the heat exchange system is considered to have met
the repair requirements through re-monitoring of the heat exchange
system, as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.
0
11. Section 63.1088 is amended by revising the introductory text and by
adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1088 In what situations may I delay leak repair, and what
actions must I take for delay of repair?
You may delay the repair of heat exchange systems if the leaking
equipment is isolated from the process. At any time before the
compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1081(a), you may also delay
repair if repair is technically infeasible without a shutdown, and you
meet one of the conditions in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this
section. Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1081(a), paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section no longer
apply; instead, you may delay repair if the conditions in paragraph (d)
of this section are met.
* * * * *
(d) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), you may delay repair when one of the conditions in
paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section is met and the leak is less
than the delay of repair action level specified in paragraph (d)(3) of
this section. You must determine if a delay of repair is necessary as
soon as practicable, but no later than 45 days after first identifying
the leak.
(1) If the repair is technically infeasible without a shutdown and
the total strippable hydrocarbon concentration or total hydrocarbon
mass emissions rate is initially and remains less than the delay of
repair action level for all monitoring periods during the delay of
repair, then you may delay repair until the next scheduled shutdown of
the heat exchange system. If, during subsequent monitoring, the delay
of repair action level is exceeded, then you must repair the leak
within 30 days of the monitoring event in which the leak was equal to
or exceeded the delay of repair action level.
(2) If the necessary equipment, parts, or personnel are not
available and the total strippable hydrocarbon concentration or total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate is initially and remains less than the
delay of repair action level for all monitoring periods during the
delay of repair, then you may delay the repair for a maximum of 120
calendar days. You must demonstrate that the necessary equipment,
parts, or personnel were not available. If, during subsequent
monitoring, the delay of repair action level is exceeded, then you must
repair the leak within 30 days of the monitoring event in which the
leak was equal to or exceeded the delay of repair action level.
(3) The delay of repair action level is a total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration (as methane) in the stripping gas of 62 ppmv
or, for heat exchange systems with a recirculation rate of 10,000
gallons per minute or less, the delay of repair action level is a total
hydrocarbon mass emissions rate (as methane) or 1.8 kg/hr. The delay of
repair action level is assessed as described in paragraph (d)(3)(i) or
(ii) of this section, as applicable.
(i) For once-through heat exchange systems for which the inlet
water feed
[[Page 40422]]
is monitored as described in Sec. 63.1086(e)(2)(ii), the delay of
repair action level is exceeded if the difference in the measurement
value of the sample taken from a location specified in Sec.
63.1086(e)(2)(i) and the measurement value of the corresponding sample
taken from the location specified in Sec. 63.1086(e)(2)(ii) equals or
exceeds the delay of repair action level.
(ii) For all other heat exchange systems, the delay of repair
action level is exceeded if a measurement value of the sample taken
from a location specified in Sec. 63.1086(e)(1)(i) and (ii) or Sec.
63.1086(e)(2)(i) equals or exceeds the delay of repair action level.
0
12. Section 63.1089 is amended by revising paragraphs (d) and (e) to
read as follows:
Sec. 63.1089 What records must I keep?
* * * * *
(d) At any time before the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), you must keep documentation of delay of repair as specified
in Sec. 63.1088(a) through (c). Beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in Sec. 63.1081(a), the requirement to keep
documentation of delay of repair as specified in Sec. 63.1088(a)
through (c) no longer applies; instead, you must keep documentation of
delay of repair as specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (4) of this
section.
(1) The reason(s) for delaying repair.
(2) A schedule for completing the repair as soon as practical.
(3) The date and concentration or mass emissions rate of the leak
as first identified and the results of all subsequent monitoring events
during the delay of repair.
(4) An estimate of the potential total hydrocarbon emissions from
the leaking heat exchange system or heat exchanger for each required
delay of repair monitoring interval following the applicable procedures
in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through (iii) of this section.
(i) If you comply with the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration leak action level, as specified in Sec. 63.1086(e)(4),
you must calculate the mass emissions rate by complying with the
requirements of Sec. 63.1086(e)(3)(ii) or by determining the mass flow
rate of the cooling water at the monitoring location where the leak was
detected. If the monitoring location is an individual cooling tower
riser, determine the total cooling water mass flow rate to the cooling
tower. Cooling water mass flow rates may be determined using direct
measurement, pump curves, heat balance calculations, or other
engineering methods. If you determine the mass flow rate of the cooling
water, calculate the mass emissions rate by converting the stripping
gas leak concentration (in ppmv as methane) to an equivalent liquid
concentration, in parts per million by weight (ppmw), using equation 7-
1 from ``Air Stripping Method (Modified El Paso Method) for
Determination of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Water
Sources'' (incorporated by reference--see Sec. 63.14) and multiply the
equivalent liquid concentration by the mass flow rate of the cooling
water.
(ii) For delay of repair monitoring intervals prior to repair of
the leak, calculate the potential total hydrocarbon emissions for the
leaking heat exchange system or heat exchanger for the monitoring
interval by multiplying the mass emissions rate, determined in Sec.
63.1086(e)(3)(ii) or paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this section, by the
duration of the delay of repair monitoring interval. The duration of
the delay of repair monitoring interval is the time period starting at
midnight on the day of the previous monitoring event or at midnight on
the day the repair would have been completed if the repair had not been
delayed, whichever is later, and ending at midnight of the day the of
the current monitoring event.
(iii) For delay of repair monitoring intervals ending with a
repaired leak, calculate the potential total hydrocarbon emissions for
the leaking heat exchange system or heat exchanger for the final delay
of repair monitoring interval by multiplying the duration of the final
delay of repair monitoring interval by the mass emissions rate
determined for the last monitoring event prior to the re-monitoring
event used to verify the leak was repaired. The duration of the final
delay of repair monitoring interval is the time period starting at
midnight of the day of the last monitoring event prior to re-monitoring
to verify the leak was repaired and ending at the time of the re-
monitoring event that verified that the leak was repaired.
(e) At any time before the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(a), if you validate a 40 CFR part 136 method for the HAP listed
in Table 1 to this subpart according to the procedures in appendix D to
this part, then you must keep a record of the test data and
calculations used in the validation. On the compliance dates specified
in Sec. 63.1081(a), this requirement no longer applies.
0
13. Section 63.1090 is amended by revising the introductory text and by
adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1090 What reports must I submit?
If you delay repair for your heat exchange system, you must report
the delay of repair in the semiannual report required by Sec.
63.1110(e). If the leak remains unrepaired, you must continue to report
the delay of repair in semiannual reports until you repair the leak.
Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, you must include
the information in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section in the
semiannual report.
* * * * *
(f) For heat exchange systems subject to Sec. 63.1085(e) and (f),
Periodic Reports must include the information specified in paragraphs
(f)(1) through (5) of this section, in lieu of the information
specified in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section.
(1) The number of heat exchange systems at the plant site subject
to the monitoring requirements in Sec. 63.1085(e) and (f) during the
reporting period.
(2) The number of heat exchange systems subject to the monitoring
requirements in Sec. 63.1085(e) and (f) at the plant site found to be
leaking during the reporting period.
(3) For each monitoring location where the total strippable
hydrocarbon concentration or total hydrocarbon mass emissions rate was
determined to be equal to or greater than the applicable leak
definitions specified in Sec. 63.1086(e)(5) during the reporting
period, identification of the monitoring location (e.g., unique
monitoring location or heat exchange system ID number), the measured
total strippable hydrocarbon concentration or total hydrocarbon mass
emissions rate, the date the leak was first identified, and, if
applicable, the date the source of the leak was identified;
(4) For leaks that were repaired during the reporting period
(including delayed repairs), identification of the monitoring location
associated with the repaired leak, the total strippable hydrocarbon
concentration or total hydrocarbon mass emissions rate measured during
re-monitoring to verify repair, and the re-monitoring date (i.e., the
effective date of repair); and
(5) For each delayed repair, identification of the monitoring
location associated with the leak for which repair is delayed, the date
when the delay of repair began, the date the repair is expected to be
completed (if the leak is not repaired during the reporting period),
the total strippable hydrocarbon concentration or total hydrocarbon
mass emissions rate and date of each monitoring event conducted on the
delayed repair during the reporting period, and an estimate of the
potential total hydrocarbon emissions over the reporting period
associated with the delayed repair.
[[Page 40423]]
0
14. Section 63.1095 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (a)(1) introductory text;
0
b. Adding paragraph (a)(1)(vi);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (a)(3), (b) introductory text, and (b)(1); and
0
d. Adding paragraph (b)(3).
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 63.1095 What specific requirements must I comply with?
* * * * *
(a) * * *
(1) Route the continuous butadiene stream to a treatment process or
wastewater treatment system used to treat benzene waste streams that
complies with the standards specified in 40 CFR 61.348. Comply with the
requirements of 40 CFR part 61, subpart FF; with the changes in Table 2
to this subpart, and as specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (vi)
of this section.
* * * * *
(vi) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1081(b), if you use a steam-assisted, air-assisted, non-
assisted, or pressure-assisted multi-point flare to comply with 40 CFR
part 61, subpart FF, then you must comply with the requirements Sec.
63.1103(e)(4) in lieu of 40 CFR 61.349(a)(2)(iii) and (d), 40 CFR
61.354(c)(3), 40 CFR 61.356(f)(2)(i)(D) and (j)(7), and 40 CFR
61.357(d)(7)(iv)(F).
* * * * *
(3) Before July 6, 2023, if the total annual benzene quantity from
waste at your facility is less than 10 Mg/yr, as determined according
to 40 CFR 61.342(a), comply with the requirements of this section at
all times except during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction,
if the startup, shutdown, or malfunction precludes the ability of the
affected source to comply with the requirements of this section and the
owner or operator follows the provisions for periods of startup,
shutdown, and malfunction, as specified in Sec. 63.1111. Beginning on
July 6, 2023, if the total annual benzene quantity from waste at your
facility is less than 10 Mg/yr, as determined according to 40 CFR
61.342(a), you must comply with the requirements of this section at all
times.
(b) Waste streams that contain benzene. For waste streams that
contain benzene, you must comply with the requirements of 40 CFR part
61, subpart FF, except as specified in Table 2 to this subpart and
paragraph (b)(3) of this section. You must manage and treat waste
streams that contain benzene as specified in either paragraph (b)(1) or
(2) of this section.
(1) If the total annual benzene quantity from waste at your
facility is less than 10 Mg/yr, as determined according to 40 CFR
61.342(a), manage and treat spent caustic waste streams and dilution
steam blowdown waste streams according to 40 CFR 61.342(c)(1) through
(c)(3)(i). Before July 6, 2023, the requirements of this paragraph
(b)(1) shall apply at all times except during periods of startup,
shutdown, and malfunction, if the startup, shutdown, or malfunction
precludes the ability of the affected source to comply with the
requirements of this section and the owner or operator follows the
provisions for periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction, as
specified in Sec. 63.1111. Beginning on July 6, 2023, the requirements
of this paragraph (b)(1) shall apply at all times.
* * * * *
(3) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1081(b), if you use a steam-assisted, air-assisted, non-assisted, or
pressure-assisted multi-point flare to comply with 40 CFR part 61,
subpart FF, then you must comply with the requirements of Sec.
63.1103(e)(4) in lieu of 40 CFR 61.349(a)(2)(iii) and (d), 40 CFR
61.354(c)(3), 40 CFR 61.356(f)(2)(i)(D) and (j)(7), and 40 CFR
61.357(d)(7)(iv)(F).
0
15. Table 2 to subpart XX of part 63 is amended by revising the first
three entries to row 1 and the first two entries to row 2 to read as
follows:
Table 2 to Subpart XX of Part 63--Requirements of 40 CFR Part 61,
Subpart FF, Not Included in the Requirements for This Subpart and
Alternate Requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the total annual benzene
quantity for waste from your Do not comply with: Instead, comply
facility is * * * with:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Less than 10 Mg/yr....... 40 CFR 61.340....... Sec. 63.1093.
40 CFR There is no
61.342(c)(3)(ii), equivalent
(d), and (e). requirement.
40 CFR 61.342(f).... Sec. 63.1096.
* * * * * * *
2. Greater than or equal to 40 CFR 61.340....... Sec. 63.1093.
10 Mg/yr.
40 CFR 61.342(f).... Sec. 63.1096.
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart YY--National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants for Source Categories: Generic Maximum Achievable
Control Technology Standards
0
16. Section 63.1100 is amended by:
0
a. Revising the heading to Table 1 to Sec. 63.1100(a);
0
b. Revising the entries for ``Carbon Black Production,'' ``Cyanide
Chemicals Manufacturing,'' ``Ethylene Production,'' and ``Spandex
Production'';
0
c. Revising footnote c to Table 1 to Sec. 63.1100(a);
0
d. Revising paragraphs (b), (g) introductory text, and (g)(4)(ii);
0
e. Adding paragraph (g)(4)(iii);
0
f. Revising paragraph (g)(5); and
0
g. Adding paragraph (g)(7).
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 63.1100 Applicability.
(a) * * *
[[Page 40424]]
Table 1 to Sec. 63.1100(a)--Source Category MACT a Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source category
Source category Storage vessels Process vents Transfer racks Equipment leaks Wastewater streams Other MACT requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Carbon Black Production.......... No.................. Yes................. No.................. No..................... No..................... No.................. Sec. 63.1103(f).
Cyanide Chemicals Manufacturing.. Yes................. Yes................. Yes................. Yes.................... Yes.................... No.................. Sec. 63.1103(g).
Ethylene Production.............. Yes................. Yes................. Yes................. Yes.................... Yes.................... Yes \c\............. Sec. 63.1103(e).
* * * * * * *
Spandex Production............... Yes................. Yes................. No.................. No..................... No..................... Yes \d\............. Sec. 63.1103(h).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Maximum achievable control technology.
\b\ Fiber spinning lines using spinning solution or suspension containing acrylonitrile.
\c\ Heat exchange systems as defined in Sec. 63.1082(b).
\d\ Fiber spinning lines.
(b) Subpart A requirements. The following provisions of subpart A
of this part (General Provisions), Sec. Sec. 63.1 through 63.5, and
Sec. Sec. 63.12 through 63.15, apply to owners or operators of
affected sources subject to this subpart. Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), for ethylene production
affected sources, Sec. Sec. 63.7(a)(4), (c), (e)(4), and (g)(2), and
63.10(b)(2)(vi) also apply.
* * * * *
(g) Overlap with other regulations. Paragraphs (g)(1) through (7)
of this section specify the applicability of this subpart YY emission
point requirements when other rules may apply. Where this subpart YY
allows an owner or operator an option to comply with one or another
regulation to comply with this subpart YY, an owner or operator must
report which regulation they choose to comply with in the Notification
of Compliance Status report required by Sec. 63.1110(a)(4).
(4) * * *
(ii) After the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102,
equipment that must be controlled according to this subpart YY and
subpart H of this part is in compliance with the equipment leak
requirements of this subpart YY if it complies with either set of
requirements. For ethylene production affected sources, the requirement
in Sec. 63.1103(e)(9)(i) also applies. The owner or operator must
specify the rule with which they will comply in the Notification of
Compliance Status report required by Sec. 63.1110(a)(4).
(iii) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1102(c), for ethylene production affected sources, equipment
that must be controlled according to this subpart YY and subpart VVa of
40 CFR part 60 is required only to comply with the equipment leak
requirements of this subpart, except the owner or operator must also
comply with the calibration drift assessment requirements specified at
40 CFR 60.485a(b)(2) if they are required to do so in subpart VVa of 40
CFR part 60. When complying with the calibration drift assessment
requirements at 40 CFR 60.485a(b)(2), the requirement at 40 CFR
60.486a(e)(8)(v) to record the instrument reading for each scale used
applies.
(5) Overlap of this subpart YY with other regulations for
wastewater for source categories other than ethylene production. (i)
After the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102 for an affected
source subject to this subpart, a wastewater stream that is subject to
the wastewater requirements of this subpart and the wastewater
requirements of subparts F, G, and H of this part (collectively known
as the ``HON'') shall be deemed to be in compliance with the
requirements of this subpart if it complies with either set of
requirements. In any instance where a source subject to this subpart is
collocated with a Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry
(SOCMI) source, and a single wastewater treatment facility treats both
Group 1 wastewaters and wastewater residuals from the source subject to
this subpart and wastewaters from the SOCMI source, a certification by
the treatment facility that they will manage and treat the waste in
conformity with the specific control requirements set forth in
Sec. Sec. 63.133 through 63.147 will also be deemed sufficient to
satisfy the certification requirements for wastewater treatment under
this subpart.
* * * * *
(7) Overlap of this subpart YY with other regulations for flares
for the ethylene production source category. (i) Beginning no later
than the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), flares that
are subject to 40 CFR 60.18 or Sec. 63.11 and used as a control device
for an emission point subject to the requirements in Table 7 to Sec.
63.1103(e) are required to comply only with Sec. 63.1103(e)(4). At any
time before the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), flares
that are subject to 40 CFR 60.18 or Sec. 63.11 and elect to comply
with Sec. 63.1103(e)(4) are required to comply only with Sec.
63.1103(e)(4).
(ii) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1102(c), flares subject to Sec. 63.987 and used as a control
device for an emission point subject to the requirements in Table 7 to
Sec. 63.1103(e) are only required to comply with Sec. 63.1103(e)(4).
(iii) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1102(c), flares subject to the requirements in 40 CFR part 63,
subpart CC and used as a control device for an emission point subject
to the requirements in Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e) are only required to
comply with the flare requirements in 40 CFR part 63, subpart CC. This
paragraph does not apply to multi-point pressure assisted flares.
0
17. Section 63.1101 is amended by revising the definitions of
``Pressure relief device or valve'' and ``Shutdown'' to read as
follows:
Sec. 63.1101 Definitions.
* * * * *
Pressure relief device or valve means a safety device used to
prevent operating pressures from exceeding the maximum allowable
working pressure of the process equipment. A common pressure relief
device is a spring-loaded pressure relief valve. Devices that are
actuated either by a pressure of less than or equal to 2.5 pounds per
square inch gauge or by a vacuum are not pressure relief devices. This
definition does not apply to ethylene production affected sources.
* * * * *
[[Page 40425]]
Shutdown means the cessation of operation of an affected source or
equipment that is used to comply with this subpart, or the emptying and
degassing of a storage vessel. For the purposes of this subpart,
shutdown includes, but is not limited to, periodic maintenance,
replacement of equipment, or repair. Shutdown does not include the
routine rinsing or washing of equipment in batch operation between
batches. Shutdown includes the decoking of ethylene cracking furnaces.
* * * * *
0
18. Section 63.1102 is amended by revising paragraph (a) introductory
text and adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1102 Compliance schedule.
(a) General requirements. Affected sources, as defined in Sec.
63.1103(a)(1)(i) for acetyl resins production, Sec. 63.1103(b)(1)(i)
for acrylic and modacrylic fiber production, Sec. 63.1103(c)(1)(i) for
hydrogen fluoride production, Sec. 63.1103(d)(1)(i) for polycarbonate
production, Sec. 63.1103(e)(1)(i) for ethylene production, Sec.
63.1103(f)(1)(i) for carbon black production, Sec. 63.1103(g)(1)(i)
for cyanide chemicals manufacturing, or Sec. 63.1103(h)(1)(i) for
spandex production shall comply with the appropriate provisions of this
subpart and the subparts referenced by this subpart YY according to the
schedule in paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section, as appropriate,
except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. Affected sources
in ethylene production also must comply according to paragraph (c) of
this section. Proposal and effective dates are specified in Table 1 to
this section.
* * * * *
(c) All ethylene production affected sources that commenced
construction or reconstruction on or before October 9, 2019, must be in
compliance with the requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1) through
(13) of this section upon initial startup or July 6, 2023, whichever is
later. All ethylene production affected sources that commenced
construction or reconstruction after October 9, 2019, must be in
compliance with the requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1) through
(13) of this section upon initial startup, or July 6, 2020, whichever
is later.
(1) Overlap requirements specified in Sec. 63.1100(g)(4)(iii) and
(7), if applicable.
(2) The storage vessel requirements specified in paragraphs
(b)(1)(iii) and (c)(1)(ii) of Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e), and the
degassing requirements specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(10).
(3) The ethylene process vent requirements specified in paragraph
(d)(1)(ii) of Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e).
(4) The transfer rack requirements specified in Sec.
63.1105(a)(5).
(5) The equipment requirements specified in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of
Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e) and Sec. 63.1107(h).
(6) The bypass line requirements specified in paragraph (i) of
Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e), and Sec. 63.1103(e)(6).
(7) The decoking requirements for ethylene cracking furnaces
specified in paragraph (j) of Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e), and Sec.
63.1103(e)(7) and (8).
(8) The flare requirements specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(4).
(9) The maintenance vent requirements specified in Sec.
63.1103(e)(5).
(10) The requirements specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(9).
(11) The requirements in Sec. 63.1108(a)(4)(i), (b)(1)(ii),
(b)(2), and (b)(4)(ii)(B).
(12) The recordkeeping requirements specified in Sec. 63.1109(e)
through (i).
(13) The reporting requirements specified in Sec. 63.1110(a)(10),
(d)(1)(iv) and (v), and (e)(4) through (8).
* * * * *
0
19. Section 63.1103 is amended:
0
a. By revising the definition of ``In organic hazardous air pollutant
or in organic HAP service'' in paragraph (b)(2);
0
b. By revising paragraphs (e)(1)(i) introductory text, (e)(1)(i)(F),
and (e)(1)(ii)(J);
0
c. In paragraph (e)(2) by;
0
i. Adding in alphabetical order a definition for ``Decoking
operation'';
0
ii. Revising the definition of ``Ethylene process vent'';
0
iii. Adding in alphabetical order a definition for ``Force majeure
event'';
0
iv. Removing the definition of ``Heat exchange system'';
0
v. Adding in alphabetical order definitions for ``Periodically
discharged,'' ``Pressure-assisted multi-point flare,'' ``Pressure
relief device,'' ``Radiant tube(s),'' and ``Relief valve'';
0
d. By revising paragraph (e)(3);
0
e. By adding paragraphs (e)(4) through (10); and
0
e. By revising Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e).
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 63.1103 Source category-specific applicability, definitions,
and requirements.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
In organic hazardous air pollutant or in organic HAP service means,
for acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected sources, that a
piece of equipment either contains or contacts a fluid (liquid or gas)
that is at least 10 percent by weight of total organic HAP as
determined according to the provisions of Sec. 63.180(d). The
provisions of Sec. 63.180(d) also specify how to determine that a
piece of equipment is not in organic HAP service.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) Affected source. For the ethylene production (as defined in
paragraph (e)(2) of this section) source category, the affected source
comprises all emission points listed in paragraphs (e)(1)(i)(A) through
(G) of this section that are associated with an ethylene production
unit that is located at a major source, as defined in section 112(a) of
the Act.
* * * * *
(F) All heat exchange systems (as defined in Sec. 63.1082(b))
associated with an ethylene production unit.
* * * * *
(ii) * * *
(J) Air emissions from all ethylene cracking furnaces.
* * * * *
(2) * * *
Decoking operation means the coke combustion activity that occurs
inside the radiant tube(s) in the ethylene cracking furnace firebox.
Coke combustion activities during decoking can also occur in other
downstream equipment such as the process gas outlet piping and transfer
line exchangers or quench points.
Ethylene process vent means a gas stream with a flow rate greater
than 0.005 standard cubic meters per minute containing greater than 20
parts per million by volume HAP that is continuously discharged during
operation of an ethylene production unit. On and after July 6, 2023,
ethylene process vent means a gas stream with a flow rate greater than
0.005 standard cubic meters per minute containing greater than 20 parts
per million by volume HAP that is continuously or periodically
discharged during operation of an ethylene production unit. Ethylene
process vents are gas streams that are discharged to the atmosphere (or
the point of entry into a control device, if any) either directly or
after passing through one or more recovery devices. Ethylene process
vents do not include:
(A) Pressure relief device discharges;
(B) Gaseous streams routed to a fuel gas system, including any
flares using fuel gas, of which less than 50 percent
[[Page 40426]]
of the fuel gas is derived from an ethylene production unit;
(C) Gaseous streams routed to a fuel gas system whereby any flares
using fuel gas, of which 50 percent or more of the fuel gas is derived
from an ethylene production unit, comply with Sec. 63.1103(e)(4)
beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1102(c);
(D) Leaks from equipment regulated under this subpart;
(E) Episodic or nonroutine releases such as those associated with
startup, shutdown, and malfunction until July 6, 2023;
(F) In situ sampling systems (online analyzers) until July 6, 2023;
and
(G) Coke combustion emissions from decoking operations beginning no
later than the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c).
* * * * *
Force majeure event means a release of HAP, either directly to the
atmosphere from a pressure relief device or discharged via a flare,
that is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Administrator to result
from an event beyond the owner or operator's control, such as natural
disasters; acts of war or terrorism; loss of a utility external to the
ethylene production unit (e.g., external power curtailment), excluding
power curtailment due to an interruptible service agreement; and fire
or explosion originating at a near or adjoining facility outside of the
ethylene production unit that impacts the ethylene production unit's
ability to operate.
* * * * *
Periodically discharged means gas stream discharges that are
intermittent for which the total organic HAP concentration is greater
than 20 parts per million by volume and total volatile organic compound
emissions are 50 pounds per day or more. These intermittent discharges
are associated with routine operations, maintenance activities,
startups, shutdowns, malfunctions, or process upsets and do not include
pressure relief device discharges or discharges classified as
maintenance vents.
Pressure-assisted multi-point flare means a flare system consisting
of multiple flare burners in staged arrays whereby the vent stream
pressure is used to promote mixing and smokeless operation at the flare
burner tips. Pressure-assisted multi-point flares are designed for
smokeless operation at velocities up to Mach = 1 conditions (i.e.,
sonic conditions), can be elevated or at ground level, and typically
use cross-lighting for flame propagation to combust any flare vent
gases sent to a particular stage of flare burners.
Pressure relief device means a valve, rupture disk, or similar
device used only to release an unplanned, nonroutine discharge of gas
from process equipment in order to avoid safety hazards or equipment
damage. A pressure relief device discharge can result from an operator
error, a malfunction such as a power failure or equipment failure, or
other unexpected cause. Such devices include conventional, spring-
actuated relief valves, balanced bellows relief valves, pilot-operated
relief valves, rupture disks, and breaking, buckling, or shearing pin
devices. Devices that are actuated either by a pressure of less than or
equal to 2.5 pounds per square inch gauge or by a vacuum are not
pressure relief devices.
Radiant tube(s) means any portion of the tube coil assembly located
within the ethylene cracking furnace firebox whereby a thermal cracking
reaction of hydrocarbons (in the presence of steam) occurs.
Hydrocarbons and steam pass through the radiant tube(s) of the ethylene
cracking furnace during normal operation and coke is removed from the
inside of the radiant tube(s) during decoking operation.
Relief valve means a type of pressure relief device that is
designed to re-close after the pressure relief.
* * * * *
(3) Requirements. The owner or operator must control organic HAP
emissions from each affected source emission point by meeting the
applicable requirements specified in Table 7 to this section. An owner
or operator must perform the applicability assessment procedures and
methods for process vents specified in Sec. 63.1104, except for
paragraphs (d), (g), (h) through (j), (l)(1), and (n). An owner or
operator must perform the applicability assessment procedures and
methods for equipment leaks specified in Sec. 63.1107. General
compliance, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements are specified in
Sec. Sec. 63.1108 through 63.1112. Before July 6, 2023, minimization
of emissions from startup, shutdown, and malfunctions must be addressed
in the startup, shutdown, and malfunction plan required by Sec.
63.1111; the plan must also establish reporting and recordkeeping of
such events. A startup, shutdown, and malfunction plan is not required
on and after July 6, 2023 and the requirements specified in Sec.
63.1111 no longer apply; however, for historical compliance purposes, a
copy of the plan must be retained and available on-site for five years
after July 6, 2023. Except as specified in paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this
section, procedures for approval of alternate means of emission
limitations are specified in Sec. 63.1113.
(4) Flares. Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified
in Sec. 63.1102(c), if a steam-assisted, air-assisted, non-assisted,
or pressure-assisted multi-point flare is used as a control device for
an emission point subject to the requirements in Table 7 to this
section, then the owner or operator must meet the applicable
requirements for flares as specified in Sec. Sec. 63.670 and 63.671 of
subpart CC, including the provisions in Tables 12 and 13 to subpart CC
of this part, except as specified in paragraphs (e)(4)(i) through (xiv)
of this section. This requirement also applies to any flare using fuel
gas from a fuel gas system, of which 50 percent or more of the fuel gas
is derived from an ethylene production unit, being used to control an
emission point subject to the requirements in Table 7 of this section.
For purposes of compliance with this paragraph, the following terms are
defined in Sec. 63.641 of subpart CC: Assist air, assist steam, center
steam, combustion zone, combustion zone gas, flare, flare purge gas,
flare supplemental gas, flare sweep gas, flare vent gas, lower steam,
net heating value, perimeter assist air, pilot gas, premix assist air,
total steam, and upper steam.
(i) The owner or operator may elect to comply with the alternative
means of emissions limitation requirements specified in of Sec.
63.670(r) of subpart CC in lieu of the requirements in Sec. 63.670(d)
through (f) of subpart CC, as applicable. However, instead of complying
with Sec. 63.670(r)(3) of subpart CC, the owner or operator must
submit the alternative means of emissions limitation request following
the requirements in Sec. 63.1113.
(ii) Instead of complying with Sec. 63.670(o)(2)(i) of subpart CC,
the owner or operator must develop and implement the flare management
plan no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c).
(iii) Instead of complying with Sec. 63.670(o)(2)(iii) of subpart
CC, if required to develop a flare management plan and submit it to the
Administrator, then the owner or operator must also submit all versions
of the plan in portable document format (PDF) to the EPA via the
Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI), which can be
accessed through the EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX) (https://cdx.epa.gov/). If you claim some of the information in your flare
management plan is confidential business information (CBI), submit a
version with the CBI omitted via CEDRI. A complete plan, including
information claimed to
[[Page 40427]]
be CBI and clearly marked as CBI, must be mailed to the following
address: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division, U.S. EPA
Mailroom (E143-01), Attention: Ethylene Production Sector Lead, 109
T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711.
(iv) Section 63.670(o)(3)(ii) of subpart CC and all references to
Sec. 63.670(o)(3)(ii) of subpart CC do not apply. Instead, the owner
or operator must comply with the maximum flare tip velocity operating
limit at all times.
(v) Substitute ``ethylene production unit'' for each occurrence of
``petroleum refinery.''
(vi) Each occurrence of ``refinery'' does not apply.
(vii) Except as specified in paragraph (e)(4)(vii)(G) of this
section, if a pressure-assisted multi-point flare is used as a control
device for an emission point subject to the requirements in Table 7 to
this section, then the owner or operator must comply with the
requirements specified in paragraphs (e)(4)(vii)(A) through (F) of this
section.
(A) The owner or operator is not required to comply with the flare
tip velocity requirements in Sec. 63.670(d) and (k) of subpart CC;
(B) The owner or operator must substitute ``800'' for each
occurrence of ``270'' in Sec. 63.670(e) of subpart CC;
(C) The owner or operator must determine the 15-minute block
average NHVvg using only the direct calculation method specified in
Sec. 63.670(l)(5)(ii) of subpart CC;
(D) Instead of complying with Sec. 63.670(b) and (g) of subpart
CC, if a pressure-assisted multi-point flare uses cross-lighting on a
stage of burners rather than having an individual pilot flame on each
burner, the owner or operator must operate each stage of the pressure-
assisted multi-point flare with a flame present at all times when
regulated material is routed to that stage of burners. Each stage of
burners that cross-lights in the pressure-assisted multi-point flare
must have at least two pilots with at least one continuously lit and
capable of igniting all regulated material that is routed to that stage
of burners. Each 15-minute block during which there is at least one
minute where no pilot flame is present on a stage of burners when
regulated material is routed to that stage is a deviation of the
standard. Deviations in different 15-minute blocks from the same event
are considered separate deviations. The pilot flame(s) on each stage of
burners that use cross-lighting must be continuously monitored by a
thermocouple or any other equivalent device used to detect the presence
of a flame;
(E) Unless the owner or operator of a pressure-assisted multi-point
flare chooses to conduct a cross-light performance demonstration as
specified in this paragraph, the owner or operator must ensure that if
a stage of burners on the flare uses cross-lighting, that the distance
between any two burners in series on that stage is no more than 6 feet
when measured from the center of one burner to the next burner. A
distance greater than 6 feet between any two burners in series may be
used provided the owner or operator conducts a performance
demonstration that confirms the pressure-assisted multi-point flare
will cross-light a minimum of three burners and the spacing between the
burners and location of the pilot flame must be representative of the
projected installation. The compliance demonstration must be approved
by the permitting authority and a copy of this approval must be
maintained onsite. The compliance demonstration report must include: A
protocol describing the test methodology used, associated test method
QA/QC parameters, the waste gas composition and NHVcz of the gas
tested, the velocity of the waste gas tested, the pressure-assisted
multi-point flare burner tip pressure, the time, length, and duration
of the test, records of whether a successful cross-light was observed
over all of the burners and the length of time it took for the burners
to cross-light, records of maintaining a stable flame after a
successful cross-light and the duration for which this was observed,
records of any smoking events during the cross-light, waste gas
temperature, meteorological conditions (e.g., ambient temperature,
barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity),
and whether there were any observed flare flameouts; and
(F) The owner or operator of a pressure-assisted multi-point flare
must install and operate pressure monitor(s) on the main flare header,
as well as a valve position indicator monitoring system for each
staging valve to ensure that the flare operates within the proper range
of conditions as specified by the manufacturer. The pressure monitor
must meet the requirements in Table 13 to subpart CC of this part.
(G) If a pressure-assisted multi-point flare is operating under the
requirements of an approved alternative means of emission limitations,
the owner or operator shall either continue to comply with the terms of
the alternative means of emission limitations or comply with the
provisions in paragraphs (e)(4)(vii)(A) through (F) of this section.
(viii) If an owner or operator chooses to determine compositional
analysis for net heating value with a continuous process mass
spectrometer, the owner or operator must comply with the requirements
specified in paragraphs (e)(4)(viii)(A) through (G) of this section.
(A) The owner or operator must meet the requirements in Sec.
63.671(e)(2). The owner or operator may augment the minimum list of
calibration gas components found in Sec. 63.671(e)(2) with compounds
found during a pre-survey or known to be in the gas through process
knowledge.
(B) Calibration gas cylinders must be certified to an accuracy of 2
percent and traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) standards.
(C) For unknown gas components that have similar analytical mass
fragments to calibration compounds, the owner or operator may report
the unknowns as an increase in the overlapped calibration gas compound.
For unknown compounds that produce mass fragments that do not overlap
calibration compounds, the owner or operator may use the response
factor for the nearest molecular weight hydrocarbon in the calibration
mix to quantify the unknown component's NHVvg.
(D) The owner or operator may use the response factor for n-pentane
to quantify any unknown components detected with a higher molecular
weight than n-pentane.
(E) The owner or operator must perform an initial calibration to
identify mass fragment overlap and response factors for the target
compounds.
(F) The owner or operator must meet applicable requirements in
Performance Specification 9 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix B, for
continuous monitoring system acceptance including, but not limited to,
performing an initial multi-point calibration check at three
concentrations following the procedure in Section 10.1 and performing
the periodic calibration requirements listed for gas chromatographs in
Table 13 to subpart CC of this part, for the process mass spectrometer.
The owner or operator may use the alternative sampling line temperature
allowed under Net Heating Value by Gas Chromatograph in Table 13 to
subpart CC of this part.
(G) The average instrument calibration error (CE) for each
calibration compound at any calibration concentration must not differ
by more than 10 percent from the certified cylinder gas value. The CE
for each
[[Page 40428]]
component in the calibration blend must be calculated using the
following equation:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06JY20.000
Where:
Cm = Average instrument response (ppm)
Ca = Certified cylinder gas value (ppm)
(ix) An owner or operator using a gas chromatograph or mass
spectrometer for compositional analysis for net heating value may
choose to use the CE of NHVmeasured versus the cylinder tag
value NHV as the measure of agreement for daily calibration and
quarterly audits in lieu of determining the compound-specific CE. The
CE for NHV at any calibration level must not differ by more than 10
percent from the certified cylinder gas value. The CE for must be
calculated using the following equation:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06JY20.001
Where:
NHVmeasured = Average instrument response (Btu/scf)
NHVa = Certified cylinder gas value (Btu/scf)
(x) Instead of complying with Sec. 63.670(p) of subpart CC, the
owner or operator must keep the flare monitoring records specified in
Sec. 63.1109(e).
(xi) Instead of complying with Sec. 63.670(q) of subpart CC, the
owner or operator must comply with the reporting requirements specified
in Sec. 63.1110(d) and (e)(4).
(xii) When determining compliance with the pilot flame requirements
specified in Sec. 63.670(b) and (g), substitute ``pilot flame or flare
flame'' for each occurrence of ``pilot flame.''
(xiii) When determining compliance with the flare tip velocity and
combustion zone operating limits specified in Sec. 63.670(d) and (e),
the requirement effectively applies starting with the 15-minute block
that includes a full 15 minutes of the flaring event. The owner or
operator is required to demonstrate compliance with the velocity and
NHVcz requirements starting with the block that contains the fifteenth
minute of a flaring event. The owner or operator is not required to
demonstrate compliance for the previous 15-minute block in which the
event started and contained only a fraction of flow.
(xiv) In lieu of meeting the requirements in Sec. Sec. 63.670 and
63.671 of subpart CC, an owner or operator may submit a request to the
Administrator for approval of an alternative test method in accordance
with Sec. 63.7(f). The alternative test method must be able to
demonstrate on an ongoing basis at least once every 15-minutes that the
flare meets 96.5% combustion efficiency and provide a description of
the alternative recordkeeping and reporting that would be associated
with the alternative test method. The alternative test method request
may also include a request to use the alternative test method in lieu
of the pilot or flare flame monitoring requirements of 63.670(g).
(5) Maintenance vents. Unless an extension is requested in
accordance with the provisions in Sec. 63.6(i) of subpart A, beginning
no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), an
owner or operator may designate an ethylene process vent as a
maintenance vent if the vent is only used as a result of startup,
shutdown, maintenance, or inspection of equipment where equipment is
emptied, depressurized, degassed, or placed into service. The owner or
operator must comply with the applicable requirements in paragraphs
(e)(5)(i) through (iii) of this section for each maintenance vent.
(i) Prior to venting to the atmosphere, remove process liquids from
the equipment as much as practical and depressurize the equipment to
either: A flare meeting the requirements specified in paragraph (e)(4)
of this section, or a non-flare control device meeting the requirements
specified in Sec. 63.982(c)(2) of subpart SS, until one of the
following conditions, as applicable, is met.
(A) The vapor in the equipment served by the maintenance vent has a
lower explosive limit (LEL) of less than 10 percent.
(B) If there is no ability to measure the LEL of the vapor in the
equipment based on the design of the equipment, the pressure in the
equipment served by the maintenance vent is reduced to 5 pounds per
square inch gauge (psig) or less. Upon opening the maintenance vent,
active purging of the equipment cannot be used until the LEL of the
vapors in the maintenance vent (or inside the equipment if the
maintenance is a hatch or similar type of opening) is less than 10
percent.
(C) The equipment served by the maintenance vent contains less than
50 pounds of total volatile organic compounds (VOC).
(D) If, after applying best practices to isolate and purge
equipment served by a maintenance vent, none of the applicable
criterion in paragraphs (e)(5)(i)(A) through (C) of this section can be
met prior to installing or removing a blind flange or similar equipment
blind, then the pressure in the equipment served by the maintenance
vent must be reduced to 2 psig or less before installing or removing
the equipment blind. During installation or removal of the equipment
blind, active purging of the equipment may be used provided the
equipment pressure at the location where purge gas is introduced
remains at 2 psig or less.
(ii) Except for maintenance vents complying with the alternative in
paragraph (e)(5)(i)(C) of this section, the owner or operator must
determine the LEL or, if applicable, equipment pressure using process
instrumentation or portable measurement devices and follow procedures
for calibration and maintenance according to manufacturer's
specifications.
(iii) For maintenance vents complying with the alternative in
paragraph (e)(5)(i)(C) of this section, the owner or operator must
determine mass of VOC in the equipment served by the maintenance vent
based on the equipment size and contents after considering any contents
drained or purged from the equipment. Equipment size may be determined
from equipment design specifications. Equipment contents may be
determined using process knowledge.
(6) Bypass lines. Beginning on the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1102(c), the use of a bypass line at any time on a closed vent
system to divert emissions subject to the requirements in Table 7 to
Sec. 63.1103(e) to the atmosphere or to a control device not meeting
the requirements specified in Table 7 of this subpart is an emissions
standards violation. If the owner or operator is subject to the bypass
monitoring requirements of Sec. 63.983(a)(3) of subpart SS, then the
owner or operator must continue to comply with the requirements in
Sec. 63.983(a)(3) of subpart SS and the recordkeeping and reporting
requirements in Sec. Sec. 63.998(d)(1)(ii) and 63.999(c)(2) of subpart
SS, in addition to paragraph (e)(9) of this section, the
[[Page 40429]]
recordkeeping requirements specified in Sec. 63.1109(g), and the
reporting requirements specified in Sec. 63.1110(e)(6). For purposes
of compliance with this paragraph, the phrase ``Except for equipment
needed for safety purposes such as pressure relief devices, low leg
drains, high point bleeds, analyzer vents, and open-ended valves or
lines'' in Sec. 63.983(a)(3) does not apply; instead, the exemptions
specified in paragraph (e)(6)(i) and (ii) of this section apply.
(i) Except for pressure relief devices subject to 40 CFR
63.1107(h)(4), equipment such as low leg drains and equipment subject
to the requirements specified in paragraph (f) of Table 7 to Sec.
63.1103(e) are not subject to this paragraph (e)(6) of this section.
(ii) Open-ended valves or lines that use a cap, blind flange, plug,
or second valve and follow the requirements specified in Sec. 60.482-
6(a)(2), (b), and (c) or follow requirements codified in another
regulation that are the same as Sec. 60.482-6(a)(2), (b), and (c) are
not subject to this paragraph (e)(6) of this section.
(7) Decoking operation standards for ethylene cracking furnaces.
Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), the owner or operator must comply with paragraph (e)(7)(i)
of this section and also use at least two of the control measures
specified in paragraphs (e)(7)(ii) through (v) of this section to
minimize coke combustion emissions from the decoking of the radiant
tube(s) in each ethylene cracking furnace.
(i) During normal operations, conduct daily inspections of the
firebox burners and repair all burners that are impinging on the
radiant tube(s) as soon as practical, but not later than 1 calendar day
after the flame impingement is found. The owner or operator may delay
burner repair beyond 1 calendar day using the procedures specified in
paragraphs (e)(7)(i)(A) and (B) of this section provided the repair
cannot be completed during normal operations, the burner cannot be
shutdown without significantly impacting the furnace heat distribution
and firing rate, and action is taken to reduce flame impingement as
much as possible during continued operation. An inspection may include,
but is not limited to: visual inspection of the radiant tube(s) for
localized bright spots (this may be confirmed with a temperature gun),
use of luminescent powders injected into the burner to illuminate the
flame pattern, or identifying continued localized coke build-up that
causes short runtimes between decoking cycles. A repair may include,
but is not limited to: Taking the burner out of service, replacing the
burner, adjusting the alignment of the burner, adjusting burner
configuration, making burner air corrections, repairing a malfunction
of the fuel liquid removal equipment, or adding insulation around the
radiant tube(s).
(A) If a shutdown for repair would cause greater emissions than the
potential emissions from delaying repair, repair must be completed
following the next planned decoking operation (and before returning the
ethylene cracking furnace back to normal operations) or during the next
ethylene cracking furnace complete shutdown (when the ethylene cracking
furnace firebox is taken completely off-line), whichever is earlier.
(B) If a shutdown for repair would cause lower emissions than the
potential emissions from delaying repair, then shutdown of the ethylene
cracking furnace must immediately commence and the repair must be
completed before returning the ethylene cracking furnace back to normal
operations.
(ii) During decoking operations, beginning before the expected end
of the air-in decoke time, continuously monitor (or use a gas detection
tube or equivalent sample technique every three hours to monitor) the
CO2 concentration in the combined decoke effluent downstream
of the last component being decoked for an indication that the coke
combustion in the ethylene cracking furnace radiant tube(s) is
complete. The owner or operator must immediately initiate procedures to
stop the coke combustion once the CO2 concentration at the
outlet consistently reaches a level that indicates combustion of coke
is complete and site decoke completion assurance procedures have been
concluded.
(iii) During decoking operations, continuously monitor the
temperature at the radiant tube(s) outlet when air is being introduced
to ensure the coke combustion occurring inside the radiant tube(s) is
not so aggressive (i.e., too hot) that it damages either the radiant
tube(s) or ethylene cracking furnace isolation valve(s). The owner or
operator must immediately initiate procedures to reduce the temperature
at the radiant tube(s) outlet once the temperature reaches a level that
indicates combustion of coke inside the radiant tube(s) is too
aggressive.
(iv) After decoking, but before returning the ethylene cracking
furnace back to normal operations, verify that decoke air is no longer
being added.
(v) After decoking, but before returning the ethylene cracking
furnace back to normal operations and/or during normal operations,
inject materials into the steam or feed to reduce coke formation inside
the radiant tube(s) during normal operation.
(8) Ethylene cracking furnace isolation valve inspections.
Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), the owner or operator must conduct ethylene cracking
furnace isolation valve inspections as specified in paragraphs
(e)(8)(i) and (ii) of this section.
(i) Prior to decoking operation, inspect the applicable ethylene
cracking furnace isolation valve(s) to confirm that the radiant tube(s)
being decoked is completely isolated from the ethylene production
process so that no emissions generated from decoking operations are
sent to the ethylene production process. If poor isolation is
identified, then the owner or operator must rectify the isolation issue
prior to continuing decoking operations to prevent leaks into the
ethylene production process.
(ii) Prior to returning the ethylene cracking furnace to normal
operations after a decoking operation, inspect the applicable ethylene
cracking furnace isolation valve(s) to confirm that the radiant tube(s)
that was decoked is completely isolated from the decoking pot or
furnace firebox such that no emissions are sent from the radiant
tube(s) to the decoking pot or furnace firebox once the ethylene
cracking furnace returns to normal operation. If poor isolation is
identified, then the owner or operator must rectify the isolation issue
prior to continuing normal operations to prevent product from escaping
to the atmosphere through the decoking pot or furnace firebox.
(9) Startup, shutdown, and malfunction referenced provisions.
Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), the referenced provisions specified in paragraphs (e)(9)(i)
through (xx) of this section do not apply when demonstrating compliance
with paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(i) The second sentence of Sec. 63.181(d)(5)(i) of subpart H.
(ii) The second sentence of Sec. 63.983(a)(5) of subpart SS.
(iii) The phrase ``except during periods of start-up, shutdown and
malfunction as specified in the referencing subpart'' in Sec.
63.984(a) of subpart SS.
(iv) The phrase ``except during periods of start-up, shutdown and
malfunction as specified in the referencing subpart'' in Sec.
63.985(a) of subpart SS.
[[Page 40430]]
(v) The phrase ``other than start-ups, shutdowns, or malfunctions''
in Sec. 63.994(c)(1)(ii)(D) of subpart SS.
(vi) Section 63.996(c)(2)(ii) of subpart SS.
(vii) The last sentence of Sec. 63.997(e)(1)(i) of subpart SS.
(viii) Section 63.998(b)(2)(iii) of subpart SS.
(ix) The phrase ``other than periods of startups, shutdowns, and
malfunctions'' from Sec. 63.998(b)(5)(i)(A) of subpart SS.
(x) The phrase ``other than a start-up, shutdown, or malfunction''
from Sec. 63.998(b)(5)(i)(B)(3) of subpart SS.
(xi) The phrase ``other than periods of startups, shutdowns, and
malfunctions'' from Sec. 63.998(b)(5)(i)(C) of subpart SS.
(xii) The phrase ``other than a start-up, shutdown, or
malfunction'' from Sec. 63.998(b)(5)(ii)(C) of subpart SS.
(xiii) The phrase ``except as provided in paragraphs (b)(6)(i)(A)
and (B) of this section'' from Sec. 63.998(b)(6)(i) of subpart SS.
(xiv) The second sentence of Sec. 63.998(b)(6)(ii) of subpart SS.
(xv) Section 63.998(c)(1)(ii)(D) through (G) of subpart SS.
(xvi) Section 63.998(d)(3) of subpart SS.
(xvii) The phrase ``may be included as part of the startup,
shutdown, and malfunction plan, as required by the referencing subpart
for the source, or'' from Sec. 63.1024(f)(4)(i) of subpart UU.
(xviii) The phrase ``(except periods of startup, shutdown, or
malfunction)'' from Sec. 63.1026(e)(1)(ii)(A) of subpart UU.
(xix) The phrase ``(except periods of startup, shutdown, or
malfunction)'' from Sec. 63.1028(e)(1)(i)(A) of subpart UU.
(xx) The phrase ``(except periods of startup, shutdown, or
malfunction)'' from Sec. 63.1031(b)(1) of subpart UU.
(10) Storage vessel degassing. Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), for each storage vessel
subject to paragraph (b) or (c) of Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e), the
owner or operator must comply with paragraphs (e)(10)(i) through (iii)
of this section during storage vessel shutdown operations (i.e.,
emptying and degassing of a storage vessel) until the vapor space
concentration in the storage vessel is less than 10 percent of the LEL.
The owner or operator must determine the LEL using process
instrumentation or portable measurement devices and follow procedures
for calibration and maintenance according to manufacturer's
specifications.
(i) Remove liquids from the storage vessel as much as practicable;
(ii) Comply with one of the following:
(A) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98 weight-percent by
venting emissions through a closed vent system to a flare and meet the
requirements of Sec. 63.983 and paragraphs (e)(4) and (9) of this
section.
(B) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98 weight-percent by
venting emissions through a closed vent system to any combination of
non-flare control devices and meet the requirements specified in Sec.
63.982(c)(1) and paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
(C) Reduce emissions of total organic HAP by 98 weight-percent by
routing emissions to a fuel gas system or process and meet the
requirements specified in Sec. 63.982(d) and paragraph (e)(9) of this
section.
(iii) Maintain records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the
requirements in Sec. 63.1108(a)(4)(ii) including, if appropriate,
records of existing standard site procedures used to empty and degas
(deinventory) equipment for safety purposes.
Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e)--What Are My Requirements If I Own or
Operate an Ethylene Production Existing or New Affected Source?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you own or operate . . . And if . . . Then you must . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) A storage vessel (as (1) The maximum true (i) Fill the vessel
defined in Sec. 63.1101) vapor pressure of through a submerged
that stores liquid total organic HAP pipe; or
containing organic HAP. is >=3.4 (ii) Comply with the
kilopascals but requirements for
<76.6 kilopascals; storage vessels
and the capacity of with capacities
the vessel is >=4 >=95 cubic meters.
cubic meters but
<95 cubic meters.
(b) A storage vessel (as (1) The maximum true (i) Except as
defined in Sec. 63.1101) vapor pressure of specified in
that stores liquid total organic HAP paragraph
containing organic HAP. is >=3.4 (b)(1)(iii) of this
kilopascals but table, comply with
<76.6 kilopascals; the requirements of
and the capacity of subpart WW of this
the vessel is >=95 part; or
cubic meters. (ii) Except as
specified in
paragraph
(b)(1)(iii) of this
table, reduce
emissions of total
organic HAP by 98
weight-percent by
venting emissions
through a closed
vent system to any
combination of
control devices and
meet the
requirements of
Sec.
63.982(a)(1).
(iii) Beginning no
later than the
compliance dates
specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), comply
with paragraph
(b)(1)(iii)(A),
(B), (C), or (D) of
this table, and
(e)(10) of this
section.
(A) Comply with the
requirements of
subpart WW of this
part; or
(B) Reduce emissions
of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-
percent by venting
emissions through a
closed vent system
to a flare and meet
the requirements of
Sec. 63.983 and
paragraphs (e)(4)
and (9) of this
section; or
(C) Reduce emissions
of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-
percent by venting
emissions through a
closed vent system
to any combination
of non-flare
control devices and
meet the
requirements
specified in Sec.
63.982(c)(1) and
(e)(9) of this
section; or
(D) Reduce emissions
of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-
percent by routing
emissions to a fuel
gas system\(a)\ or
process and meet
the requirements
specified in Sec.
63.982(d) and
(e)(9) of this
section.
[[Page 40431]]
(c) A storage vessel (as (1) The maximum true (i) Except as
defined in Sec. 63.1101) vapor pressure of specified in
that stores liquid total organic HAP paragraph
containing organic HAP. is >=76.6 (c)(1)(ii) of this
kilopascals. table, reduce
emissions of total
organic HAP by 98
weight-percent by
venting emissions
through a closed
vent system to any
combination of
control devices and
meet the
requirements of
Sec.
63.982(a)(1).
(ii) Beginning no
later than the
compliance dates
specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), comply
with paragraph
(c)(1)(ii)(A), (B),
or (C) of this
table, and (e)(10)
of this section.
(A) Reduce emissions
of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-
percent by venting
emissions through a
closed vent system
to a flare and meet
the requirements of
Sec. 63.983 and
paragraphs (e)(4)
and (9) of this
section; or
(B) Reduce emissions
of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-
percent by venting
emissions through a
closed vent system
to any combination
of non-flare
control devices and
meet the
requirements
specified in Sec.
63.982(c)(1) and
(e)(9) of this
section; or
(C) Reduce emissions
of total organic
HAP by 98 weight-
percent by routing
emissions to a fuel
gas system\(a)\ or
process and meet
the requirements
specified in Sec.
63.982(d) and
(e)(9) of this
section.
(d) An ethylene process vent (1) The process vent (i) Except as
(as defined in paragraph is at an existing specified in
(e)(2) of this section). source and the vent paragraph
stream has a flow (d)(1)(ii) of this
rate >=0.011 scmm table, reduce
and a total organic emissions of
HAP concentration organic HAP by 98
>=50 parts per weight-percent; or
million by volume reduce organic HAP
on a dry basis; or or TOC to a
the process vent is concentration of 20
at a new source and parts per million
the vent stream has by volume on a dry
a flow rate >=0.008 basis corrected to
scmm and a total 3% oxygen;
organic HAP whichever is less
concentration >=30 stringent, by
parts per million venting emissions
by volume on a dry through a closed
basis. vent system to any
combination of
control devices and
meet the
requirements
specified in Sec.
63.982(b) and
(c)(2).
(ii) Beginning no
later than the
compliance dates
specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), comply
with the
maintenance vent
requirements
specified in
paragraph (e)(5) of
this section and
either paragraph
(d)(1)(ii)(A) or
(B) of this table.
(A) Reduce emissions
of organic HAP by
98 weight-percent;
or reduce organic
HAP or TOC to a
concentration of 20
parts per million
by volume on a dry
basis corrected to
3-percent oxygen;
whichever is less
stringent, by
venting emissions
through a closed
vent system to a
flare and meet the
requirements of
Sec. 63.983 and
paragraphs (e)(4)
and (9) of this
section; or
(B) Reduce emissions
of organic HAP by
98 weight-percent;
or reduce organic
HAP or TOC to a
concentration of 20
parts per million
by volume on a dry
basis corrected to
3-percent oxygen;
whichever is less
stringent, by
venting emissions
through a closed
vent system to any
combination of non-
flare control
devices and meet
the requirements
specified in Sec.
63.982(c)(2) and
(e)(9) of this
section.
(e) A transfer rack (as (1) Materials loaded (i) Reduce emissions
defined in paragraph (e)(2) have a true vapor of organic HAP by
of this section). pressure of total 98 weight-percent;
organic HAP >=3.4 or reduce organic
kilopascals and HAP or TOC to a
>=76 cubic meters concentration of 20
per day (averaged parts per million
over any by volume on a dry
consecutive 30-day basis corrected to
period) of HAP- 3-percent oxygen;
containing material whichever is less
is loaded. stringent, by
venting emissions
through a closed
vent system to any
combination of
control devices as
specified in Sec.
63.1105 and meet
the requirements
specified in
paragraph (e)(9) of
this section.; or
[[Page 40432]]
(ii) Install process
piping designed to
collect the HAP-
containing vapors
displaced from tank
trucks or railcars
during loading and
to route it to a
process, a fuel gas
system, or a vapor
balance system, as
specified in Sec.
63.1105 and meet
the requirements
specified in
paragraph (e)(9) of
this section.\(a)\
(f) Equipment (as defined in (1) The equipment (i) Except as
Sec. 63.1101) that contains or specified in
contains or contacts contacts >=5 weight- paragraph
organic HAP. percent organic (f)(1)(ii) of this
HAP; and the table, comply with
equipment is not in the requirements of
vacuum service. subpart UU of this
part.
(ii) Beginning no
later than the
compliance dates
specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), comply
with the
requirements of
paragraph (e)(9) of
this section and
subpart UU of this
part, except
instead of
complying with the
pressure relief
device requirements
of Sec. 63.1030
of subpart UU, meet
the requirements of
Sec. 63.1107(h),
and in lieu of the
flare requirement
of Sec.
63.1034(b)(2)(iii),
comply with the
requirements
specified in
paragraph (e)(4) of
this section.\(a)\
(g) Processes that generate (1) The waste stream Comply with the
waste (as defined in contains any of the waste requirements
paragraph (e)(2) of this following HAP: of subpart XX of
section. Benzene, cumene, this part. For
ethyl benzene, ethylene production
hexane, unit waste stream
naphthalene, requirements, terms
styrene, toluene, o- have the meanings
xylene, m-xylene, p- specified in
xylene, or 1,3- subpart XX.
butadiene.
(h) A heat exchange system .................... Comply with the heat
(as defined in Sec. exchange system
63.1082(b)). requirements of
subpart XX of this
part.
(i) A closed vent system (1) The bypass line Beginning no later
that contains one or more could divert a vent than the compliance
bypass lines. stream directly to dates specified in
the atmosphere or Sec. 63.1102(c),
to a control device comply with the
not meeting the requirements
requirements in specified in
this table. paragraphs (e)(6)
and (9) of this
section.
(j) A decoking operation .................... Beginning no later
associated with an ethylene than the compliance
cracking furnace. dates specified in
Sec. 63.1102(c),
comply with the
requirements
specified in
paragraphs (e)(7)
and (8) of this
section.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\(a)\ Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), any flare using fuel gas from a fuel gas system, of which
50 percent or more of the fuel gas is derived from an ethylene
production unit as determined on an annual average basis, must be in
compliance with paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
* * * * *
0
20. Section 63.1104 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as
follows:
Sec. 63.1104 Process vents from continuous unit operations:
applicability assessment procedures and methods.
* * * * *
(c) Applicability assessment requirement. The TOC or organic HAP
concentrations, process vent volumetric flow rates, process vent
heating values, process vent TOC or organic HAP emission rates,
halogenated process vent determinations, process vent TRE index values,
and engineering assessments for process vent control applicability
assessment requirements are to be determined during maximum
representative operating conditions for the process, except as provided
in paragraph (d) of this section, or unless the Administrator specifies
or approves alternate operating conditions. For acrylic and modacrylic
fiber production affected sources, polycarbonate production affected
sources, and ethylene production affected sources, operations during
periods of malfunction shall not constitute representative conditions
for the purpose of an applicability test. For all other affected
sources, operations during periods of startup, shutdown, and
malfunction shall not constitute representative conditions for the
purpose of an applicability test.
* * * * *
0
21. Section 63.1105 is amended by revising paragraph (a) introductory
text and adding paragraph (a)(5) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1105 Transfer racks.
(a) Design requirements. Except as specified in paragraph (a)(5) of
this section, the owner or operator shall equip each transfer rack with
one of the control options listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of
this section.
* * * * *
(5) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), if emissions are vented through a closed vent system to a
flare at an ethylene production affected source, then the owner or
operator must comply with the requirements specified in Sec.
63.1103(e)(4) instead of the requirements in Sec. 63.987 and the
provisions regarding flare compliance assessments at Sec. 63.997(a)
through (c).
* * * * *
0
22. Section 63.1107 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and adding
paragraph (h) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1107 Equipment leaks.
(a) Each piece of equipment within a process unit that can
reasonably be expected to contain equipment in organic HAP service is
presumed to be in organic HAP service unless an owner or operator
demonstrates that the piece of equipment is not in organic HAP service.
For a piece of equipment to be considered not in organic HAP service,
it must be determined that the percent organic HAP content can be
reasonably expected not to exceed the percent by weight control
applicability criteria specified in Sec. 63.1103 for an affected
source on an annual average basis. For purposes of determining the
percent
[[Page 40433]]
organic HAP content of the process fluid that is contained in or
contacts equipment, Method 18 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A shall be
used. For purposes of determining the percent organic HAP content of
the process fluid that is contained in or contacts equipment for the
ethylene production affected sources, the following methods shall be
used for equipment: For equipment in gas and vapor service, as that
term is defined in Subpart UU of this part, shall use Method 18 of 40
CFR part 60, appendix A; for equipment in liquid service, as that term
is defined in Subpart UU of this part, shall use a combination of
Method 18 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, SW-846-8260B (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 63.14); and SW-846-8270D (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 63.14), as appropriate.
* * * * *
(h) Ethylene production pressure release requirements. Beginning no
later than the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), except
as specified in paragraph (h)(4) of this section, owners or operators
of ethylene production affected sources must comply with the
requirements specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this section for
pressure relief devices, such as relief valves or rupture disks, in
organic HAP gas or vapor service instead of the pressure relief device
requirements of Sec. 63.1030 of subpart UU or Sec. 63.165 of subpart
H. Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in Sec.
63.1102(c), except as specified in paragraphs (h)(4) and (5) of this
section, the owner or operator must also comply with the requirements
specified in paragraphs (h)(3) and (6) through (8) of this section for
all pressure relief devices.
(1) Operating requirements. Except during a pressure release,
operate each pressure relief device in organic HAP gas or vapor service
with an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background as
measured by the method in Sec. 63.1023(b) of subpart UU or Sec.
63.180(b) and (c) of subpart H.
(2) Pressure release requirements. For pressure relief devices in
organic HAP gas or vapor service, the owner or operator must comply
with the applicable requirements in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (iii)
of this section following a pressure release.
(i) If the pressure relief device does not consist of or include a
rupture disk, conduct instrument monitoring, as specified in Sec.
63.1023(b) of subpart UU or Sec. 63.180(b) and (c) of subpart H, no
later than 5 calendar days after the pressure relief device returns to
organic HAP gas or vapor service following a pressure release to verify
that the pressure relief device is operating with an instrument reading
of less than 500 ppm.
(ii) If the pressure relief device includes a rupture disk, either
comply with the requirements in paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section
(and do not replace the rupture disk) or install a replacement disk as
soon as practicable after a pressure release, but no later than 5
calendar days after the pressure release.
(iii) If the pressure relief device consists only of a rupture
disk, install a replacement disk as soon as practicable after a
pressure release, but no later than 5 calendar days after the pressure
release. The owner or operator must not initiate startup of the
equipment served by the rupture disk until the rupture disc is
replaced.
(3) Pressure release management. Except as specified in paragraphs
(h)(4) and (5) of this section, the owner or operator must comply with
the requirements specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) through (v) of this
section for all pressure relief devices in organic HAP service.
(i) The owner or operator must equip each affected pressure relief
device with a device(s) or use a monitoring system that is capable of:
(A) Identifying the pressure release;
(B) Recording the time and duration of each pressure release; and
(C) Notifying operators immediately that a pressure release is
occurring. The device or monitoring system must be either specific to
the pressure relief device itself or must be associated with the
process system or piping, sufficient to indicate a pressure release to
the atmosphere. Examples of these types of devices and systems include,
but are not limited to, a rupture disk indicator, magnetic sensor,
motion detector on the pressure relief valve stem, flow monitor, or
pressure monitor.
(ii) The owner or operator must apply at least three redundant
prevention measures to each affected pressure relief device and
document these measures. Examples of prevention measures include:
(A) Flow, temperature, liquid level and pressure indicators with
deadman switches, monitors, or automatic actuators. Independent, non-
duplicative systems within this category count as separate redundant
prevention measures.
(B) Documented routine inspection and maintenance programs and/or
operator training (maintenance programs and operator training may count
as only one redundant prevention measure).
(C) Inherently safer designs or safety instrumentation systems.
(D) Deluge systems.
(E) Staged relief system where the initial pressure relief device
(with lower set release pressure) discharges to a flare or other closed
vent system and control device.
(iii) If any affected pressure relief device releases to atmosphere
as a result of a pressure release event, the owner or operator must
perform root cause analysis and corrective action analysis according to
the requirement in paragraph (h)(6) of this section and implement
corrective actions according to the requirements in paragraph (h)(7) of
this section. The owner or operator must also calculate the quantity of
organic HAP released during each pressure release event and report this
quantity as required in Sec. 63.1110(e)(8)(iii). Calculations may be
based on data from the pressure relief device monitoring alone or in
combination with process parameter monitoring data and process
knowledge.
(iv) The owner or operator must determine the total number of
release events that occurred during the calendar year for each affected
pressure relief device separately. The owner or operator must also
determine the total number of release events for each pressure relief
device for which the root cause analysis concluded that the root cause
was a force majeure event, as defined in Sec. 63.1103(e)(2).
(v) Except for pressure relief devices described in paragraphs
(h)(4) and (5) of this section, the following release events from an
affected pressure relief device are a violation of the pressure release
management work practice standards.
(A) Any release event for which the root cause of the event was
determined to be operator error or poor maintenance.
(B) A second release event not including force majeure events from
a single pressure relief device in a 3-calendar year period for the
same root cause for the same equipment.
(C) A third release event not including force majeure events from a
single pressure relief device in a 3-calendar year period for any
reason.
(4) Pressure relief devices routed to a control device, process,
fuel gas system, or drain system. (i) If all releases and potential
leaks from a pressure relief device are routed through a closed vent
system to a control device, back into the process, a fuel gas system,
or drain system, then the owner or operator is not required to comply
with paragraph (h)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(ii) Before the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c),
both the
[[Page 40434]]
closed vent system and control device (if applicable) referenced in
paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this section must meet the applicable
requirements specified in Sec. 63.982(b) and (c)(2). Beginning no
later than the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), both the
closed vent system and control device (if applicable) referenced in
paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this section must meet the applicable
requirements specified in Sec. Sec. 63.982(c)(2), 63.983, and
63.1103(e)(4). For purposes of compliance with this paragraph, the
phrase ``Except for equipment needed for safety purposes such as
pressure relief devices'' in Sec. 63.983(a)(3) does not apply.
(iii) The drain system (if applicable) referenced in paragraph
(h)(4)(i) of this section must meet the applicable requirements
specified in Sec. 61.346 or Sec. 63.136.
(5) Pressure relief devices exempted from pressure release
management requirements. The following types of pressure relief devices
are not subject to the pressure release management requirements in
paragraph (h)(3) of this section.
(i) Pressure relief devices in heavy liquid service, as defined in
Sec. 63.1020 of subpart UU.
(ii) Thermal expansion relief valves.
(iii) Pressure relief devices on mobile equipment.
(iv) Pilot-operated pressure relief devices where the primary
release valve is routed through a closed vent system to a control
device or back into the process, a fuel gas system, or drain system.
(v) Balanced bellows pressure relief devices where the primary
release valve is routed through a closed vent system to a control
device or back into the process, a fuel gas system, or drain system.
(6) Root cause analysis and corrective action analysis. A root
cause analysis and corrective action analysis must be completed as soon
as possible, but no later than 45 days after a release event. Special
circumstances affecting the number of root cause analyses and/or
corrective action analyses are provided in paragraphs (h)(6)(i) through
(iv) of this section.
(i) You may conduct a single root cause analysis and corrective
action analysis for a single emergency event that causes two or more
pressure relief devices that are installed on the same equipment to
release.
(ii) You may conduct a single root cause analysis and corrective
action analysis for a single emergency event that causes two or more
pressure relief devices to release, regardless of the equipment served,
if the root cause is reasonably expected to be a force majeure event,
as defined in Sec. 63.1103(e)(2).
(iii) Except as provided in paragraphs (h)(6)(i) and (ii) of this
section, if more than one pressure relief device has a release during
the same time period, an initial root cause analysis must be conducted
separately for each pressure relief device that had a release. If the
initial root cause analysis indicates that the release events have the
same root cause(s), the initial separate root cause analyses may be
recorded as a single root cause analysis and a single corrective action
analysis may be conducted.
(7) Corrective action implementation. Each owner or operator
required to conduct a root cause analysis and corrective action
analysis as specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(iii) and (6) of this
section, must implement the corrective action(s) identified in the
corrective action analysis in accordance with the applicable
requirements in paragraphs (h)(7)(i) through (iii) of this section.
(i) All corrective action(s) must be implemented within 45 days of
the event for which the root cause and corrective action analyses were
required or as soon thereafter as practicable. If an owner or operator
concludes that no corrective action should be implemented, the owner or
operator must record and explain the basis for that conclusion no later
than 45 days following the event.
(ii) For corrective actions that cannot be fully implemented within
45 days following the event for which the root cause and corrective
action analyses were required, the owner or operator must develop an
implementation schedule to complete the corrective action(s) as soon as
practicable.
(iii) No later than 45 days following the event for which a root
cause and corrective action analyses were required, the owner or
operator must record the corrective action(s) completed to date, and,
for action(s) not already completed, a schedule for implementation,
including proposed commencement and completion dates.
(8) Flowing pilot-operated pressure relief devices. For ethylene
production affected sources that commenced construction or
reconstruction on or before October 9, 2019, owners or operators are
prohibited from installing a flowing pilot-operated pressure relief
device or replacing any pressure relief device with a flowing pilot-
operated pressure relief device after July 6, 2023. For ethylene
production affected sources that commenced construction or
reconstruction after October 9, 2019, owners or operators are
prohibited from installing and operating flowing pilot-operated
pressure relief devices. For purpose of compliance with this paragraph,
a flowing pilot-operated pressure relief device means the type of
pilot-operated pressure relief device where the pilot discharge vent
continuously releases emissions to the atmosphere when the pressure
relief device is actuated.
0
23. Section 63.1108 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) introductory
text, (a)(4), (b)(1)(ii), (b)(2) introductory text, (b)(3), (b)(4)(i)
introductory text, and (b)(4)(ii)(B) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1108 Compliance with standards and operation and maintenance
requirements.
(a) Requirements. The requirements of paragraphs (a)(1), (2), and
(5) of this section apply to all affected sources except acrylic and
modacrylic fiber production affected sources, polycarbonate production
affected sources, and beginning no later than the compliance dates
specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), ethylene production affected sources.
The requirements of paragraph (a)(4) of this section apply only to
acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected sources, polycarbonate
production affected sources and beginning no later than the compliance
dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), ethylene production affected
sources. The requirements of paragraphs (a)(3), (6), and (7) of this
section apply to all affected sources.
* * * * *
(4)(i) For acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected sources
and polycarbonate production affected sources, and beginning no later
than the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), ethylene
production affected sources, the emission limitations and established
parameter ranges of this part shall apply at all times except during
periods of non-operation of the affected source (or specific portion
thereof) resulting in cessation of the emissions to which this subpart
applies. Equipment leak requirements shall apply at all times except
during periods of non-operation of the affected source (or specific
portion thereof) in which the lines are drained and depressurized
resulting in cessation of the emissions to which the equipment leak
requirements apply.
(ii) At all times, the owner or operator must operate and maintain
any affected source, including associated air pollution control
equipment and monitoring equipment, in a manner consistent with safety
and good air pollution control practices for minimizing emissions. The
general duty
[[Page 40435]]
to minimize emissions does not require the owner or operator to make
any further efforts to reduce emissions if levels required by the
applicable standard have been achieved. Determination of whether a
source is operating in compliance with operation and maintenance
requirements will be based on information available to the
Administrator that may include, but is not limited to, monitoring
results, review of operation and maintenance procedures, review of
operation and maintenance records, and inspection of the affected
source.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) Excused excursions are not allowed for acrylic and modacrylic
fiber production affected sources, polycarbonate production affected
sources, and beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1102(c), ethylene production affected sources. For all other
affected sources, including ethylene production affected sources prior
to the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), an excused
excursion, as described in Sec. 63.998(b)(6)(ii), is not a violation.
(2) Parameter monitoring: Excursions. An excursion is not a
violation in cases where continuous monitoring is required and the
excursion does not count toward the number of excused excursions (as
described in Sec. 63.998(b)(6)(ii)), if the conditions of paragraph
(b)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section are met, except that the conditions
of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section do not apply for acrylic and
modacrylic fiber production affected sources, polycarbonate production
affected sources, and beginning no later than the compliance dates
specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), ethylene production affected sources.
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to allow or excuse a
monitoring parameter excursion caused by any activity that violates
other applicable provisions of this subpart or a subpart referenced by
this subpart.
* * * * *
(3) Operation and maintenance procedures. Determination of whether
acceptable operation and maintenance procedures are being used will be
based on information available to the Administrator. This information
may include, but is not limited to, monitoring results, review of
operation and maintenance procedures (including the startup, shutdown,
and malfunction plan under Sec. 63.1111, if applicable), review of
operation and maintenance records, and inspection of the affected
source, and alternatives approved as specified in Sec. 63.1113.
(4) * * *
(i) Applicability assessments. Unless otherwise specified in a
relevant test method required to assess control applicability, each
test shall consist of three separate runs using the applicable test
method. Each run shall be conducted for the time and under the
conditions specified in this subpart. The arithmetic mean of the
results of the three runs shall apply when assessing applicability.
Upon receiving approval from the Administrator, results of a test run
may be replaced with results of an additional test run if it meets the
criteria specified in paragraphs (b)(4)(i)(A) through (D) of this
section.
* * * * *
(ii) * * *
(B) For acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected sources,
polycarbonate production affected sources, and beginning no later than
the compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), ethylene production
affected sources, performance tests shall be conducted under such
conditions as the Administrator specifies to the owner or operator
based on representative performance of the affected source for the
period being tested. Representative conditions exclude periods of
startup and shutdown unless specified by the Administrator or an
applicable subpart. The owner or operator may not conduct performance
tests during periods of malfunction. The owner or operator must record
the process information that is necessary to document operating
conditions during the test and include in such record an explanation to
support that such conditions represent normal operation. Upon request,
the owner or operator shall make available to the Administrator such
records as may be necessary to determine the conditions of performance
tests.
* * * * *
0
24. Section 63.1109 is amended by adding paragraphs (e) through (i) to
read as follows:
Sec. 63.1109 Recordkeeping requirements.
* * * * *
(e) Ethylene production flare records. For each flare subject to
the requirements in Sec. 63.1103(e)(4), owners or operators must keep
records specified in paragraphs (e)(1) through (15) of this section in
lieu of the information required in Sec. 63.998(a)(1) of subpart SS.
(1) Retain records of the output of the monitoring device used to
detect the presence of a pilot flame or flare flame as required in
Sec. 63.670(b) of subpart CC and the presence of a pilot flame as
required in Sec. 63.1103(e)(4)(vii)(D) for a minimum of 2 years.
Retain records of each 15-minute block during which there was at least
one minute that no pilot flame or flare flame is present when regulated
material is routed to a flare for a minimum of 5 years. For each
pressure-assisted multi-point flare that uses cross-lighting, retain
records of each 15-minute block during which there was at least one
minute that no pilot flame is present on each stage when regulated
material is routed to a flare for a minimum of 5 years. You may reduce
the collected minute-by-minute data to a 15-minute block basis with an
indication of whether there was at least one minute where no pilot
flame or flare flame was present.
(2) Retain records of daily visible emissions observations as
specified in paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section, as
applicable, for a minimum of 3 years.
(i) To determine when visible emissions observations are required,
the record must identify all periods when regulated material is vented
to the flare.
(ii) If visible emissions observations are performed using Method
22 of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-7, then the record must identify
whether the visible emissions observation was performed, the results of
each observation, total duration of observed visible emissions, and
whether it was a 5-minute or 2-hour observation. Record the date and
start time of each visible emissions observation.
(iii) If a video surveillance camera is used pursuant to Sec.
63.670(h)(2) of subpart CC, then the record must include all video
surveillance images recorded, with time and date stamps.
(iv) For each 2-hour period for which visible emissions are
observed for more than 5 minutes in 2 consecutive hours, then the
record must include the date and start and end time of the 2-hour
period and an estimate of the cumulative number of minutes in the 2-
hour period for which emissions were visible.
(3) The 15-minute block average cumulative flows for flare vent gas
and, if applicable, total steam, perimeter assist air, and premix
assist air specified to be monitored under Sec. 63.670(i) of subpart
CC, along with the date and time interval for the 15-minute block. If
multiple monitoring locations are used to determine cumulative vent gas
flow, total steam, perimeter assist air, and premix assist air, then
retain records of the 15-minute block average flows for each monitoring
location for a minimum of 2 years, and retain records of the 15-minute
block average cumulative flows that are used in subsequent calculations
[[Page 40436]]
for a minimum of 5 years. If pressure and temperature monitoring is
used, then retain records of the 15-minute block average temperature,
pressure, and molecular weight of the flare vent gas or assist gas
stream for each measurement location used to determine the 15-minute
block average cumulative flows for a minimum of 2 years, and retain
records of the 15-minute block average cumulative flows that are used
in subsequent calculations for a minimum of 5 years.
(4) The flare vent gas compositions specified to be monitored under
Sec. 63.670(j) of subpart CC. Retain records of individual component
concentrations from each compositional analysis for a minimum of 2
years. If an NHVvg analyzer is used, retain records of the 15-minute
block average values for a minimum of 5 years.
(5) Each 15-minute block average operating parameter calculated
following the methods specified in Sec. 63.670(k) through (n) of
subpart CC, as applicable.
(6) All periods during which operating values are outside of the
applicable operating limits specified in Sec. 63.670(d) through (f) of
subpart CC and Sec. 63.1103(e)(4)(vii) when regulated material is
being routed to the flare.
(7) All periods during which the owner or operator does not perform
flare monitoring according to the procedures in Sec. 63.670(g) through
(j) of subpart CC.
(8) For pressure-assisted multi-point flares, if a stage of burners
on the flare uses cross-lighting, then a record of any changes made to
the distance between burners.
(9) For pressure-assisted multi-point flares, all periods when the
pressure monitor(s) on the main flare header show burners are operating
outside the range of the manufacturer's specifications. Indicate the
date and time for each period, the pressure measurement, the stage(s)
and number of burners affected, and the range of manufacturer's
specifications.
(10) For pressure-assisted multi-point flares, all periods when the
staging valve position indicator monitoring system indicates a stage of
the pressure-assisted multi-point flare should not be in operation and
when a stage of the pressure-assisted multi-point flare should be in
operation and is not. Indicate the date and time for each period,
whether the stage was supposed to be open, but was closed or vice
versa, and the stage(s) and number of burners affected.
(11) Records of periods when there is flow of vent gas to the
flare, but when there is no flow of regulated material to the flare,
including the start and stop time and dates of periods of no regulated
material flow.
(12) Records when the flow of vent gas exceeds the smokeless
capacity of the flare, including start and stop time and dates of the
flaring event.
(13) Records of the root cause analysis and corrective action
analysis conducted as required in Sec. 63.670(o)(3) of subpart CC and
Sec. 63.1103(e)(4)(iv), including an identification of the affected
flare, the date and duration of the event, a statement noting whether
the event resulted from the same root cause(s) identified in a previous
analysis and either a description of the recommended corrective
action(s) or an explanation of why corrective action is not necessary
under Sec. 63.670(o)(5)(i) of subpart CC.
(14) For any corrective action analysis for which implementation of
corrective actions are required in Sec. 63.670(o)(5) of subpart CC, a
description of the corrective action(s) completed within the first 45
days following the discharge and, for action(s) not already completed,
a schedule for implementation, including proposed commencement and
completion dates.
(15) Records described in Sec. 63.10(b)(2)(vi).
(f) Ethylene production maintenance vent records. For each
maintenance vent opening subject to the requirements in Sec.
63.1103(e)(5), the owner or operator must keep the applicable records
specified in (f)(1) through (5) of this section.
(1) The owner or operator must maintain standard site procedures
used to deinventory equipment for safety purposes (e.g., hot work or
vessel entry procedures) to document the procedures used to meet the
requirements in Sec. 63.1103(e)(5). The current copy of the procedures
must be retained and available on-site at all times. Previous versions
of the standard site procedures, as applicable, must be retained for 5
years.
(2) If complying with the requirements of Sec. 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(A)
and the LEL at the time of the vessel opening exceeds 10 percent,
records that identify the maintenance vent, the process units or
equipment associated with the maintenance vent, the date of maintenance
vent opening, and the LEL at the time of the vessel opening.
(3) If complying with the requirements of Sec. 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(B)
and either the vessel pressure at the time of the vessel opening
exceeds 5 psig or the LEL at the time of the active purging was
initiated exceeds 10 percent, records that identify the maintenance
vent, the process units or equipment associated with the maintenance
vent, the date of maintenance vent opening, the pressure of the vessel
or equipment at the time of discharge to the atmosphere and, if
applicable, the LEL of the vapors in the equipment when active purging
was initiated.
(4) If complying with the requirements of Sec.
63.1103(e)(5)(i)(C), records of the estimating procedures used to
determine the total quantity of VOC in equipment and the type and size
limits of equipment that contain less than 50 pounds of VOC at the time
of maintenance vent opening. For each maintenance vent opening of
equipment that contains greater than 50 pounds of VOC for which the
deinventory procedures specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section
are not followed or for which the equipment opened exceeds the type and
size limits established in the records specified in this paragraph,
records that identify the maintenance vent, the process units or
equipment associated with the maintenance vent, the date of maintenance
vent opening, and records used to estimate the total quantity of VOC in
the equipment at the time the maintenance vent was opened to the
atmosphere.
(5) If complying with the requirements of Sec.
63.1103(e)(5)(i)(D), identification of the maintenance vent, the
process units or equipment associated with the maintenance vent,
records documenting actions taken to comply with other applicable
alternatives and why utilization of this alternative was required, the
date of maintenance vent opening, the equipment pressure and LEL of the
vapors in the equipment at the time of discharge, an indication of
whether active purging was performed and the pressure of the equipment
during the installation or removal of the blind if active purging was
used, the duration the maintenance vent was open during the blind
installation or removal process, and records used to estimate the total
quantity of VOC in the equipment at the time the maintenance vent was
opened to the atmosphere for each applicable maintenance vent opening.
(g) Ethylene production bypass line records. For each flow event
from a bypass line subject to the requirements in Sec. 63.1103(e)(6),
the owner or operator must maintain records sufficient to determine
whether or not the detected flow included flow requiring control. For
each flow event from a bypass line requiring control that is released
either directly to the atmosphere or to a control device not meeting
the requirements specified in Table 7 to Sec. 63.1103(e), the owner or
operator must include an estimate of the volume of
[[Page 40437]]
gas, the concentration of organic HAP in the gas and the resulting
emissions of organic HAP that bypassed the control device using process
knowledge and engineering estimates.
(h) Decoking operation of ethylene cracking furnace records. For
each decoking operation of an ethylene cracking furnace subject to the
standards in Sec. 63.1103(e)(7) and (8), the owner or operator must
keep the records specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (6) of this
section.
(1) Records that document the day and time each inspection
specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(7)(i) took place, the results of each
inspection, and any repairs made to correct the flame impingement; and
for any repair that is delayed beyond 1 calendar day, the records
specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section.
(i) The reason for the delay.
(ii) An estimate of the emissions from shutdown for repair and an
estimate of the emissions likely to result from delay of repair, and
whether the requirements at Sec. 63.1103(e)(7)(i)(A) or (B) were met.
(iii) The date the repair was completed or, if the repair has not
been completed, a schedule for completing the repair.
(2) If the owner or operator chooses to monitor the CO2
concentration during decoking as specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(7)(ii),
then for each decoking cycle, records must be kept for all measured
CO2 concentration values beginning before the expected end
of the air-in decoke time, the criterion used to begin the
CO2 monitoring, and the target used to indicate combustion
is complete. The target record should identify any time period the site
routinely extends air addition beyond the specified CO2
concentration and any decoke completion assurance procedures used to
confirm all coke has been removed prior to stopping air addition that
occurs after the CO2 target is reached.
(3) If the owner or operator chooses to monitor the temperature at
the radiant tube(s) outlet during decoking as specified in Sec.
63.1103(e)(7)(iii), then for each decoking cycle, records must be kept
for all measured temperature values and the target used to indicate a
reduction in temperature of the inside of the radiant tube(s) is
necessary.
(4) If the owner or operator chooses to comply with Sec.
63.1103(e)(7)(iv), then records must be kept that document that decoke
air is no longer being added after each decoking cycle.
(5) If the owner or operator chooses to treat steam or feed to
reduce coke formation as specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(7)(v), then
records must be kept that document that the planned treatment occurred.
(6) For each decoking operation of an ethylene cracking furnace
subject to the requirements in Sec. 63.1103(e)(8), the owner or
operator must keep records that document the day each inspection took
place and the results of each inspection where an isolation problem was
identified including any repairs made to correct the problem.
(i) Ethylene production pressure relief devices records. For each
pressure relief device subject to the pressure release management work
practice standards in Sec. 63.1107(h)(3), the owner or operator must
keep the records specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of this
section.
(1) Records of the prevention measures implemented as required in
Sec. 63.1107(h)(3)(ii).
(2) Records of the number of releases during each calendar year and
the number of those releases for which the root cause was determined to
be a force majeure event. Keep these records for the current calendar
year and the past five calendar years.
(3) For each release to the atmosphere, the owner or operator must
keep the records specified in paragraphs (i)(3)(i) through (iv) of this
section.
(i) The start and end time and date of each pressure release to the
atmosphere.
(ii) Records of any data, assumptions, and calculations used to
estimate of the mass quantity of each organic HAP released during the
event.
(iii) Records of the root cause analysis and corrective action
analysis conducted as required in Sec. 63.1107(h)(3)(iii), including
an identification of the affected pressure relief device, a statement
noting whether the event resulted from the same root cause(s)
identified in a previous analysis and either a description of the
recommended corrective action(s) or an explanation of why corrective
action is not necessary under Sec. 63.1107(h)(7)(i).
(iv) For any corrective action analysis for which implementation of
corrective actions are required in Sec. 63.1107(h)(7), a description
of the corrective action(s) completed within the first 45 days
following the discharge and, for action(s) not already completed, a
schedule for implementation, including proposed commencement and
completion dates.
0
25. Section 63.1110 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a) introductory text, (a)(7), and (a)(9)
introductory text;
0
b. Adding paragraph (a)(10);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (d)(1) introductory text and (d)(1)(i);
0
d. Adding paragraphs (d)(1)(iv) and (v);
0
e. Revising paragraph (e)(1);
0
f. Adding paragraphs (e)(4) through (8); and
0
g. Revising paragraphs (g)(1) and (2).
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 63.1110 Reporting requirements.
(a) Required reports. Each owner or operator of an affected source
subject to this subpart shall submit the reports listed in paragraphs
(a)(1) through (8) of this section, as applicable. Each owner or
operator of an acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected source
or polycarbonate production affected source subject to this subpart
shall also submit the reports listed in paragraph (a)(9) of this
section in addition to the reports listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through
(8) of this section, as applicable. Beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c), each owner or operator
of an ethylene production affected source subject to this subpart shall
also submit the reports listed in paragraph (a)(10) of this section in
addition to the reports listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (8) of this
section, as applicable.
* * * * *
(7) Startup, Shutdown, and Malfunction Reports described in Sec.
63.1111 (except for acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected
sources, ethylene production affected sources, and polycarbonate
production affected sources).
* * * * *
(9) Within 60 days after the date of completing each performance
test (as defined in Sec. 63.2), the owner or operator must submit the
results of the performance tests, including any associated fuel
analyses, required by this subpart according to the methods specified
in paragraph (a)(9)(i) or (ii) of this section.
* * * * *
(10)(i) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1102(c), within 60 days after the date of completing each
performance test required by this subpart, the owner or operator must
submit the results of the performance test following the procedures
specified in paragraphs (a)(10)(i)(A) through (C) of this section.
(A) Data collected using test methods supported by the EPA's
Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT) as listed on the EPA's ERT website
(https://www.epa.gov/electronic-reporting-air-emissions/electronic-reporting-tool-ert) at the time of the test. Submit the results of the
performance test to the EPA via
[[Page 40438]]
CEDRI, which can be accessed through the EPA's CDX (https://cdx.epa.gov/). The data must be submitted in a file format generated
through the use of the EPA's ERT. Alternatively, you may submit an
electronic file consistent with the extensible markup language (XML)
schema listed on the EPA's ERT website.
(B) Data collected using test methods that are not supported by the
EPA's ERT as listed on the EPA's ERT website at the time of the test.
The results of the performance test must be included as an attachment
in the ERT or an alternate electronic file consistent with the XML
schema listed on the EPA's ERT website. Submit the ERT generated
package or alternative file to the EPA via CEDRI.
(C) CBI. If you claim some of the information submitted under
paragraph (a)(10)(i)(A) or (B) of this section is CBI, then the owner
or operator must submit a complete file, including information claimed
to be CBI, to the EPA. The file must be generated through the use of
the EPA's ERT or an alternate electronic file consistent with the XML
schema listed on the EPA's ERT website. Submit the file on a compact
disc, flash drive, or other commonly used electronic storage medium and
clearly mark the medium as CBI. Mail the electronic medium to U.S. EPA/
OAQPS/CORE CBI Office, Attention: Group Leader, Measurement Policy
Group, MD C404-02, 4930 Old Page Rd., Durham, NC 27703. The same file
with the CBI omitted must be submitted to the EPA via EPA's CDX as
described in paragraphs (a)(10)(i)(A) and (B) of this section.
(ii) Beginning no later than the compliance dates specified in
Sec. 63.1102(c), the owner or operator must submit all subsequent
Notification of Compliance Status reports required under paragraph
(a)(4) of this section in PDF format to the EPA via CEDRI, which can be
accessed through EPA's CDX (https://cdx.epa.gov/). All subsequent
Periodic Reports required under paragraph (a)(5) of this section must
be submitted to the EPA via CEDRI using the appropriate electronic
report template on the CEDRI website (https://www.epa.gov/electronic-reporting-air-emissions/compliance-and-emissions-data-reporting-interface-cedri) for this subpart beginning no later than the
compliance dates specified in Sec. 63.1102(c) or once the report
template has been available on the CEDRI website for one year,
whichever date is later. The date report templates become available
will be listed on the CEDRI website. The report must be submitted by
the deadline specified in this subpart, regardless of the method in
which the report is submitted. If you claim some of the information
required to be submitted via CEDRI is CBI, then submit a complete
report, including information claimed to be CBI, to the EPA. Periodic
Reports must be generated using the appropriate template on the CEDRI
website. Submit the file on a compact disc, flash drive, or other
commonly used electronic storage medium and clearly mark the medium as
CBI. Mail the electronic medium to U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Sector Policies
and Programs Division, U.S. EPA Mailroom (E143-01), Attention: Ethylene
Production Sector Lead, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27711. The same file with the CBI omitted must be submitted to
the EPA via the EPA's CDX as described earlier in this paragraph.
(iii) If you are required to electronically submit a report through
CEDRI in the EPA's CDX, you may assert a claim of EPA system outage for
failure to timely comply with the reporting requirement. To assert a
claim of EPA system outage, the owner or operator must meet the
requirements outlined in paragraphs (a)(10)(iii)(A) through (G) of this
section.
(A) The owner or operator must have been or will be precluded from
accessing CEDRI and submitting a required report within the time
prescribed due to an outage of either the EPA's CEDRI or CDX systems.
(B) The outage must have occurred within the period of time
beginning five business days prior to the date that the submission is
due.
(C) The outage may be planned or unplanned.
(D) The owner or operator must submit notification to the
Administrator in writing as soon as possible following the date you
first knew, or through due diligence should have known, that the event
may cause or has caused a delay in reporting.
(E) The owner or operator must provide to the Administrator a
written description identifying:
(1) The date(s) and time(s) when CDX or CEDRI was accessed and the
system was unavailable;
(2) A rationale for attributing the delay in reporting beyond the
regulatory deadline to EPA system outage;
(3) Measures taken or to be taken to minimize the delay in
reporting; and
(4) The date by which you propose to report, or if you have already
met the reporting requirement at the time of the notification, the date
you reported.
(F) The decision to accept the claim of EPA system outage and allow
an extension to the reporting deadline is solely within the discretion
of the Administrator.
(G) In any circumstance, the report must be submitted
electronically as soon as possible after the outage is resolved.
(iv) If you are required to electronically submit a report through
CEDRI in the EPA's CDX, you may assert a claim of force majeure for
failure to timely comply with the reporting requirement. To assert a
claim of force majeure, the owner or operator must meet the
requirements outlined in paragraphs (a)(10)(iv)(A) through (E) of this
section.
(A) You may submit a claim if a force majeure event is about to
occur, occurs, or has occurred or there are lingering effects from such
an event within the period of time beginning five business days prior
to the date the submission is due. For the purposes of this paragraph,
a force majeure event is defined as an event that will be or has been
caused by circumstances beyond the control of the affected facility,
its contractors, or any entity controlled by the affected facility that
prevents you from complying with the requirement to submit a report
electronically within the time period prescribed. Examples of such
events are acts of nature (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods),
acts of war or terrorism, or equipment failure or safety hazard beyond
the control of the affected facility (e.g., large scale power outage).
(B) The owner or operator must submit notification to the
Administrator in writing as soon as possible following the date you
first knew, or through due diligence should have known, that the event
may cause or has caused a delay in reporting.
(C) The owner or operator must provide to the Administrator:
(1) A written description of the force majeure event;
(2) A rationale for attributing the delay in reporting beyond the
regulatory deadline to the force majeure event;
(3) Measures taken or to be taken to minimize the delay in
reporting; and
(4) The date by which you propose to report, or if you have already
met the reporting requirement at the time of the notification, the date
you reported.
(D) The decision to accept the claim of force majeure and allow an
extension to the reporting deadline is solely within the discretion of
the Administrator.
(E) In any circumstance, the reporting must occur as soon as
possible after the force majeure event occurs.
* * * * *
[[Page 40439]]
(d) * * *
(1) Contents. The owner or operator shall submit a Notification of
Compliance Status for each affected source subject to this subpart
containing the information specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (ii)
of this section. For pressure relief devices subject to the
requirements of Sec. 63.1107(e)(3), the owner or operator of an
acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected source or
polycarbonate production affected source shall also submit the
information listed in paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section in a
supplement to the Notification of Compliance Status within 150 days
after the first applicable compliance date for pressure relief device
monitoring. For flares subject to the requirements of Sec.
63.1103(e)(4), the owner or operator of an ethylene production affected
source shall also submit the information listed in paragraph (d)(1)(iv)
of this section in a supplement to the Notification of Compliance
Status within 150 days after the first applicable compliance date for
flare monitoring. For pressure relief devices subject to the pressure
release management work practice standards in Sec. 63.1107(h)(3), the
owner or operator of an ethylene production affected source shall also
submit the information listed in paragraph (d)(1)(v) of this section in
a supplement to the Notification of Compliance Status within 150 days
after the first applicable compliance date for pressure relief device
monitoring.
(i) Except as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(iv) and (v) of this
section, the Notification of Compliance Status shall include the
information specified in this subpart and the subparts referenced by
this subpart. Alternatively, this information can be submitted as part
of a title V permit application or amendment.
* * * * *
(iv) For each flare subject to the requirements in Sec.
63.1103(e)(4), in lieu of the information required in Sec. 63.987(b)
of subpart SS, the Notification of Compliance Status shall include
flare design (e.g., steam-assisted, air-assisted, non-assisted, or
pressure-assisted multi-point); all visible emission readings, heat
content determinations, flow rate measurements, and exit velocity
determinations made during the initial visible emissions demonstration
required by Sec. 63.670(h) of subpart CC, as applicable; and all
periods during the compliance determination when the pilot flame or
flare flame is absent.
(v) For pressure relief devices subject to the requirements of
Sec. 63.1107(h), the Notification of Compliance Status shall include
the information specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(v)(A) and (B) of this
section.
(A) A description of the monitoring system to be implemented,
including the relief devices and process parameters to be monitored,
and a description of the alarms or other methods by which operators
will be notified of a pressure release.
(B) A description of the prevention measures to be implemented for
each affected pressure relief device.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) Contents. Except as specified in paragraphs (e)(4) through (8)
of this section, Periodic Reports shall include all information
specified in this subpart and subparts referenced by this subpart.
* * * * *
(4) Ethylene production flare reports. For each flare subject to
the requirements in Sec. 63.1103(e)(4), the Periodic Report shall
include the items specified in paragraphs (e)(4)(i) through (vi) of
this section in lieu of the information required in Sec. 63.999(c)(3)
of subpart SS.
(i) Records as specified in Sec. 63.1109(e)(1) for each 15-minute
block during which there was at least one minute when regulated
material is routed to a flare and no pilot flame or flare flame is
present. Include the start and stop time and date of each 15-minute
block.
(ii) Visible emission records as specified in Sec.
63.1109(e)(2)(iv) for each period of 2 consecutive hours during which
visible emissions exceeded a total of 5 minutes.
(iii) The periods specified in Sec. 63.1109(e)(7). Indicate the
date and start time for the period, and the net heating value operating
parameter(s) determined following the methods in Sec. 63.670(k)
through (n) of subpart CC as applicable.
(iv) For flaring events meeting the criteria in Sec. 63.670(o)(3)
of subpart CC and Sec. 63.1103(e)(4)(iv):
(A) The start and stop time and date of the flaring event.
(B) The length of time that emissions were visible from the flare
during the event.
(C) Results of the root cause and corrective actions analysis
completed during the reporting period, including the corrective actions
implemented during the reporting period and, if applicable, the
implementation schedule for planned corrective actions to be
implemented subsequent to the reporting period.
(v) For pressure-assisted multi-point flares, the periods of time
when the pressure monitor(s) on the main flare header show the burners
operating outside the range of the manufacturer's specifications.
(vi) For pressure-assisted multi-point flares, the periods of time
when the staging valve position indicator monitoring system indicates a
stage should not be in operation and is or when a stage should be in
operation and is not.
(5) Ethylene production maintenance vent reports. For maintenance
vents subject to the requirements Sec. 63.1103(e)(5), Periodic Reports
must include the information specified in paragraphs (e)(5)(i) through
(iv) of this section for any release exceeding the applicable limits in
Sec. 63.1103(e)(5)(i). For the purposes of this reporting requirement,
owners or operators complying with Sec. 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(D) must
report each venting event conducted under those provisions and include
an explanation for each event as to why utilization of this alternative
was required.
(i) Identification of the maintenance vent and the equipment served
by the maintenance vent.
(ii) The date and time the maintenance vent was opened to the
atmosphere.
(iii) The LEL, vessel pressure, or mass of VOC in the equipment, as
applicable, at the start of atmospheric venting. If the 5 psig vessel
pressure option in Sec. 63.1103(e)(5)(i)(B) was used and active
purging was initiated while the LEL was 10 percent or greater, also
include the LEL of the vapors at the time active purging was initiated.
(iv) An estimate of the mass of organic HAP released during the
entire atmospheric venting event.
(6) Bypass line reports. For bypass lines subject to the
requirements in Sec. 63.1103(e)(6), Periodic Reports must include the
date, time, duration, estimate of the volume of gas, the concentration
of organic HAP in the gas and the resulting mass emissions of organic
HAP that bypass a control device. For periods when the flow indicator
is not operating, report the date, time, and duration.
(7) Decoking operation reports. For decoking operations of an
ethylene cracking furnace subject to the requirements in Sec.
63.1103(e)(7) and (8), Periodic Reports must include the information
specified in paragraphs (e)(7)(i) through (iii) of this section.
(i) For each control measure selected to minimize coke combustion
emissions as specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(7)(ii) through (v), report
instances where the control measures were not followed.
[[Page 40440]]
(ii) Report instances where an isolation valve inspection was not
conducted according to the procedures specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(8).
(iii) For instances where repair was delayed beyond 1 calendar day
as specified in Sec. 63.1103(e)(7)(i), report the information
specified in Sec. 63.1109(h)(1).
(8) Ethylene production pressure relief devices reports. For
pressure relief devices subject to the requirements of Sec.
63.1107(h), Periodic Reports must include the information specified in
paragraphs (e)(8)(i) through (iii) of this section.
(i) For pressure relief devices in organic HAP gas or vapor
service, pursuant to Sec. 63.1107(h)(1), report any instrument reading
of 500 ppm or greater.
(ii) For pressure relief devices in organic HAP gas or vapor
service subject to Sec. 63.1107(h)(2), report confirmation that any
monitoring required to be done during the reporting period to show
compliance was conducted.
(iii) For pressure relief devices in organic HAP service subject to
Sec. 63.1107(h)(3), report each pressure release to the atmosphere,
including duration of the pressure release and estimate of the mass
quantity of each organic HAP released; the results of any root cause
analysis and corrective action analysis completed during the reporting
period, including the corrective actions implemented during the
reporting period; and, if applicable, the implementation schedule for
planned corrective actions to be implemented subsequent to the
reporting period.
* * * * *
(g) * * *
(1) Submission to the Environmental Protection Agency. All reports
and notifications required under this subpart shall be sent to the
appropriate EPA Regional Office and to the delegated State authority,
except that request for permission to use an alternative means of
emission limitation as provided for in Sec. 63.1113 shall be submitted
to the Director of the EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MD-10, Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711. The EPA Regional Office may waive
the requirement to submit a copy of any reports or notifications at its
discretion, except that electronic reporting to CEDRI cannot be waived,
and as such, compliance with the provisions of this paragraph does not
relieve owners or operators of affected facilities of the requirement
to submit electronic reports required in this subpart to the EPA.
(2) Submission of copies. If any State requires a notice that
contains all the information required in a report or notification
listed in this subpart, an owner or operator may send the appropriate
EPA Regional Office a copy of the report or notification sent to the
State to satisfy the requirements of this subpart for that report or
notification, except that performance test reports and performance
evaluation reports required under paragraph (a)(10) of this section
must be submitted to CEDRI in the format specified in that paragraph.
* * * * *
0
26. Section 63.1111 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) introductory
text, (b) introductory text, and (c) introductory text to read as
follows:
Sec. 63.1111 Startup, shutdown, and malfunction.
(a) Startup, shutdown, and malfunction plan. Before July 6, 2023,
the requirements of this paragraph (a) apply to all affected sources
except for acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected sources and
polycarbonate production affected sources. On and after July 6, 2023,
the requirements of this paragraph (a) apply to all affected sources
except for acrylic and modacrylic fiber production affected sources,
ethylene production affected sources, and polycarbonate production
affected sources.
* * * * *
(b) Startup, shutdown, and malfunction reporting requirements.
Before July 6, 2023, the requirements of this paragraph (b) apply to
all affected sources except for acrylic and modacrylic fiber production
affected sources and polycarbonate production affected sources. On and
after July 6, 2023, the requirements of this paragraph (b) apply to all
affected sources except for acrylic and modacrylic fiber production
affected sources, ethylene production affected sources, and
polycarbonate production affected sources.
* * * * *
(c) Malfunction recordkeeping and reporting. Before July 6, 2023,
the requirements of this paragraph (c) apply only to acrylic and
modacrylic fiber production affected sources and polycarbonate
production affected sources. On and after July 6, 2023, the
requirements of this paragraph (c) apply only to acrylic and modacrylic
fiber production affected sources, ethylene production affected
sources, and polycarbonate production affected sources.
* * * * *
0
27. Section 63.1112 is amended by revising paragraph (d)(2) to read as
follows:
Sec. 63.1112 Extension of compliance, and performance test,
monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting waivers and alternatives.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(2) Recordkeeping or reporting requirements may be waived upon
written application to the Administrator if, in the Administrator's
judgment, the affected source is achieving the relevant standard(s), or
the source is operating under an extension of compliance, or the owner
or operator has requested an extension of compliance and the
Administrator is still considering that request. Electronic reporting
to the EPA cannot be waived, and as such, compliance with the
provisions of this paragraph does not relieve owners or operators of
affected facilities of the requirement to submit electronic reports
required in this subpart to the EPA.
* * * * *
0
28. Section 63.1113 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as
follows:
Sec. 63.1113 Procedures for approval of alternative means of
emission limitation.
(a) * * *
(2) Any such notice shall be published only after public notice and
an opportunity for public comment.
* * * * *
0
29. Section 63.1114 is amended by revising paragraph (b) introductory
text and adding paragraph (b)(6) to read as follows:
Sec. 63.1114 Implementation and enforcement.
* * * * *
(b) In delegating implementation and enforcement authority of this
subpart to a state, local, or tribal agency under subpart E to this
part, the authorities contained in paragraphs (b)(1) through (6) of
this section are retained by the EPA Administrator and are not
transferred to the State, local, or tribal agency.
* * * * *
(6) Approval of an alternative to any electronic reporting to EPA
required by this subpart.
[FR Doc. 2020-05898 Filed 7-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P