3M owns and operates an existing hazardous waste incinerator at its Cottage Grove, Minnesota, facility. 3M violated the carbon monoxide (CO) emission standard, 100 parts per million by volume, dry basis corrected to 7 percent oxygen (ppmV @ 7% O2), set forth at 40 C.F.R. 63.1219(a)(5)(i) of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from Hazardous Waste Combustors, on 54 days over the past 4 years. During these exceedances, the time-weighted average concentration of CO was 159.2 ppmV @ 7% O2.
The Administrative Compliance Order (ACO) requires 3M to implement measures when processing containers and drums to prevent CO exceedances. These measures include: updating standard operating procedures; performing supplemental training; modifying equipment to optimize drum processing; implementing predictive maintenance technology to monitor shredder bearing condition; and developing and implementing an inspection and replacement procedure to maintain seals on augers. The ACO also requires 3M to perform root cause analyses of events where the CO emission concentration from the hazardous waste incinerator exceeds 50 ppmV @ 7% O2, and submit follow-up reports regarding corrective and preventative actions taken. Under a separate Consent Agreement and Final Order, 3M will pay a civil penalty.