EPA issued a final rule to reduce toxic air pollution from synthetic organic chemical plants and polymers and resins plants. The rule is expected to advance environmental justice by reducing toxic air pollutants by 6,200 tons per year and reducing the number of people with elevated cancer risks from toxic air pollution by 96%. EPA further expects the rule to better protect children, who are more at risk of exposure and more susceptible to the targeted chemicals.
The rule applies to certain equipment and processes at about 200 plants that make synthetic chemicals, with a particular focus on emissions from commercial sterilization facilities. The rule is expected to reduce both ethylene oxide and chloroprene emissions, which are linked to certain types of cancer, as well as air toxics, including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride. The new rule imposes greater fenceline monitoring requirements for operators using, storing or emitting the covered chemicals, and requires that any operator whose facilities are excessively emitting to find and repair the source of the emission. Learn more about the chemical plant final rule here.