Happy Thursday!
Did anyone read The Houston
Chronicle Business Section on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, their article titled,
“Tougher toxin rules eyed for plants – Feds could make industry monitor air
around sites for host of chemicals”?
In the article, it speaks about the new proposed EPA Rules for
which is looking into imposing stricter controls on toxins which petrochemical facilities
release into the air like ethylene oxide and benzene as well as others and having
them monitor the air around the facility’s fence line. Other changes the facility would need to do
is upgrade old valves and other equipment and inspect their pipelines for
leaks. One of the reasons for such stringent
EPA rules are many companies go over the legal limits for many of these toxic substances. Since the beginning of 2023 there has been 80
cases of companies going over Texas’ air pollution limits in Harris County
alone according to the Texas Department of Environmental Quality. Another reason is there has been an increase
in the number of new chemical and plastic facilities along the Gulf Coast. The plastics industry hasn’t seen real
changes to their rules in about twenty years. The proposed EPA rules are to
help improve the air quality for those who live near the facilities and hopefully
their health. The new EPA rules will
help the petrochemical plants be better neighbors for those who work and live
around them. The proposed EPA rule would
go into effect in 2024. If you would
like to read more of the article from The Houston Chronicle, please
click the link: EPA moves to crack down on toxic zones like Houston Ship Channel(houstonchronicle.com)
If you would like to read the proposed
EPA Rules Cliff Notes; please click the link: www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/202304/PROPOSED.%20HON.PR_OVERVIEW.Fact%20Sheet.FINAL_.4.6.23_0.pdf#:~:text=Two%20air%20toxics%20rules%20that%20apply%20to%20specific,located%20on%20the%20same%20site%20as%20chemical%20plants.
If you would like to read the
Press Release from the EPA about the rules, please click the link: Biden-Harris Administration Proposes Reforms to New Chemical Review Process to Protect PublicHealth, Promote Efficiency and Consistency | US EPA.
If you would like help in getting
your valves and equipment to help in improve your emissions before the new
rules go into effect, contact us via the email in the blog and check out our ESC's website!
We hope you have a great and
productive rest of your week!
*Disclaimer: Please note there may be a fee involved to read
the article in The Houston Chronicle.