August 25, 2010
US amends emissions standard for feed companies
In a direct final rule, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued amendments to its national emissions standard for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for approximately 1,800 sources that produce animal feed, not including pet feed.
Issued on January 5, 2010, the NESHAP applies to area sources of hazardous air pollutants that use one or more additives or premixes that contain 0.1% or greater chromium (Cr) or 1% or greater manganese (Mn).
Among the NESHAP requirements, all new and existing facilities must perform housekeeping to minimise dust in areas of the facility where materials containing Cr and Mn are stored, used, or handled, and maintain and operate all process equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and in a manner to minimise dust creation.
Existing and new facilities with an average daily feed production exceeding 50 tonnes per day must install and operate a cyclone that achieves a 95% or greater reduction in particulate matter emissions.
Compliance for existing sources is required by January 5, 2012. Sources that started up between July 27, 2009, and January 5, 2010, were required to be in compliance by January 5, 2010.