EPA’s proposed update for petroleum refinery emission standards includes benzene concentration monitoring for the first time.

On May 15, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule updating toxic air pollution standards for petroleum refineries located near neighborhoods.  It is the first EPA proposal requiring monitoring of air concentrations for benzene around fence line perimeter of refineries to facilitate an annual average benzene concentration standard.  The proposed rule requires upgraded emission controls for storage tanks including smaller tanks, performance requirements for flares to properly destroy waste gases, and emissions standards for delayed coking units that are currently a major unregulated emissions source.

According to EPA, the updated rule would reduce 5,600 tons of toxic emissions including benzene, toluene, and xylene and 52,000 tons of volatile organic compounds annually.  The proposal is expected to cost approximately $240M, with an annualized cost of approximately $40M.  EPA projected that the proposed standards measures would not significantly impact petroleum product costs at the approximately 150 refiners across the U.S.

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review and revise national emission standards currently in place, taking into account developments in practices, processes, and control technologies.  EPA noted that its recent enforcement cases have resulted in the use of innovative emissions control practices, such as flare gas recovery and flare efficiency, demonstrating viability of the proposed standards.

EPA will take comment on the proposed rule for 60 days and plans to hold two public hearings before finalizing the standards in April 2015.

May 12, 2014 via Energy Solutions Forum.

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