A recent analysis by the U.S. EPA concluded the risks to human health and the environment from air toxics emitted from petroleum refineries are low enough that no further controls are warranted.

As a result of the analysis, the EPA is proposing two options for controlling air emissions from refineries. The first option is to change nothing.

The second option would require additional emissions reductions for certain storage vessels and wastewater treatment units. Under this alternative, refineries could reduce air toxics emissions by 1,000 to 4,600 tons per year from 153 facilities, according to EPA estimates. The agency estimates these reductions could result in a in a nationwide cost of $1.1 million to a nationwide savings of as much as $4 million due to reductions in product loss.

The EPA is seeking comments on both proposals.

The agency analyzed petroleum refinery emissions as part of a Clean Air Act requirement that the agency examine potential risks posed by refinery emissions to determine if existing emissions regulations need adjusting. The agency issued maximum achievable control technology, or MACT, standards for refineries in 1995 that reduced nationwide emissions of air toxics by an estimated 53,000 tons per year.

The EPA will accept public comment on its proposed two options for 60 days following publication of the proposed action in the Federal Register. Additional information about the proposed rule is available online at www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3fs.html .

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