National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing

This action promulgates national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for taconite iron ore processing facilities. The final standards establish emission limitations for hazardous air pollutants (HAP) emitted from new and existing ore crushing and handling operations, ore dryers, indurating furnaces, and finished pellet handling operations. The final standards will implement section 112(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) by requiring all major sources to meet HAP emission standards reflecting application of the maximum achievable control technology (MACT). The HAP emitted by taconite iron ore processing facilities include metal compounds (such as manganese, arsenic, lead, nickel, chromium, and mercury), products of incomplete combustion (including formaldehyde), and the acid gases hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). Exposure to these substances has been demonstrated to cause adverse health effects, including chronic and acute disorders of the blood, heart, kidneys, reproductive system, respiratory system and central nervous system. Some of these substances are considered carcinogens. However, it should be noted that the extent and degree to which the health effects may be experienced depend on: Pollutant-specific characteristics (e.g., toxicity, half-life in the environment, bioaccumulation, and persistence); The ambient concentrations observed in the area (e.g., as influenced by emission rates, meteorological conditions, and terrain); The frequency and duration of exposures; and Characteristics of exposed individuals (e.g., genetics, age, pre-existing health conditions, and lifestyle), which vary significantly within the general population.