Revision of New Source Performance Standards for the Phosphate Fertilizer Industry: Granular Triple Superphosphate Storage Facilities

On August 6, 1975 the Environmental Protection Agency (Agency) promulgated new source performance standards (NSPS) to limit emissions of total fluoride compounds from several affected facilities in the phosphate fertilizers industry. Amongst the affected facilities covered by the NSPS were triple superphosphate plants and granular triple superphosphate (GTSP) storage facilities. The NSPS for GTSP fertilizer storage facilities in 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart X were promulgated for the purpose of limiting total fluoride emissions resulting from the continuation during storage of the chemical reactions through which GTSP is manufactured. After an initial curing period, the GTSP fertilizers cease to emit appreciable quantities of fluorides. As now written, the NSPS cover all GTSP storage facilities and there is no provision to exempt facilities storing only cured fertilizers. Today's action clarifies the coverage of the NSPS to limit its applicability to those facilities which store fresh GTSP. As a result of today's action, the NSPS will include a work practice through which manufacturers will hold fresh GTSP in storage until it has cured prior to shipment to their customers. This limits the testing and recordkeeping requirements of Subpart X to only those facilities associated with the manufacture of GTSP and, thereby, removes any recordkeeping burden currently imposed upon downstream distributors and users of this product.