EPA's urban air toxics strategy
In section 112(k) of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), Congress determined that emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from small sources in urban areas might present significant risks to public health. Among other things, section 112(k)(3) requires EPA to prepare a comprehensive strategy to control emissions of HAPs from area sources in urban areas. An area source is defined in the Act as any source of HAPs that does not meet the threshold limit as a major source. The comprehensive strategy is to: (1) identify at least 30 HAPs which pose the greatest threat to public health in the largest number of urban areas; (2) identify the source categories accounting for at least 90% of the emissions; (3) specify actions necessary to achieve a reduction in cancer risk of at least 75%; and (4) identify research needs. In 1997, EPA identified 40 pollutants as potentially meeting the criteria of section 112(k) and released a detailed inventory of emissions of these pollutants in larger urban areas, smaller urban areas, and rural areas. The sources were categorized into major sources, area sources, and mobile sources. The emission inventory data came from existing EPA databases, including the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards program, locating and estimating projects, emission factor development projects, the Toxics Release Inventory, the Great Waters Program, and other studies. On August 31, 1998, EPA released a draft of the Integrated Urban Air Toxics Strategy. In the draft strategy, the number of pollutants was reduced to 30. In addition, EPA listed 34 source categories for possible regulation under section 112(k). This paper will identify the pollutants and the sources being targeted and summarize the likely schedule for regulatory development. Finally, it will recommend actions and timing for meeting the likely regulatory requirements.
- Research Organization:
- Sciences International, Inc. (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20002249
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-990608--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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