National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Group I Polymers and Resins

This action promulgates national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) from existing and new plant sites that emit organic hazardous air pollutants (HAP) identified on the EPA's list of 189 HAP. The organic HAP are emitted during the manufacture of one or more elastomers. In the production of elastomers, a variety of organic HAP are used as monomers or process solvents. Available emissions data gathered in conjunction with the development of the elastomer standards show that the following organic HAP are those which have the potential for reduction by implementation of the standard: Styrene, n-hexane, 1,3- butadiene, acrylonitrile, methyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, carbon tetrachloride, chloroprene, and toluene. Some of these pollutants are considered to be mutagens and carcinogens, and all can cause reversible or irreversible toxic effects following exposure. The potential toxic effects include eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation; liver and kidney toxicity, and neurotoxicity. These effects can range from mild to severe. The rule is estimated to reduce organic HAP emissions from existing affected sources by over 6,300 megagrams per year (Mg/yr). The majority of the organic HAP regulated by these standards are also volatile organic compounds (VOC). In reducing emissions of organic HAP, VOC are also reduced. The rule implements section 112(d) of the Act, which requires the Administrator to regulate emissions of HAP listed in section 112(b) of the Act. The intended effect of this rule is to protect the public by requiring the maximum degree of reduction in emissions of organic HAP from new and existing major sources that the Administrator determines is achievable, taking into consideration the cost of achieving such emission reduction, and any nonair quality, health and environmental impacts, and energy requirements.