New EPA Proposed Standards for Air Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste Burning Facilities

An announcement by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called for the setting of higher compliance standards for air emissions from large solid waste facilities burning municipal waste. This action comes from the requirement of the Clean Air Act, which includes the review of these standards every five years. Through these air pollution standards, approximately 14,000 tons per year of air emissions would be reduced. This would move forward the cause of environmental justice through the improvement of air quality in neighborhoods that have been affected by harmful air pollution.

The upcoming newly proposed standards will take into account the availability of advanced and cost-effective pollution control technologies. The stronger air emission standards being proposed will affect the following pollutants:

• Particulate Matter (PM)
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
• Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Lead (Pb)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Mercury (Hg)
• Dioxins/Furans

There are 57 facilities with 152 units that would be affected by these proposed standards. These facilities have the potential to combust municipal solid waste of more than 250 tons per day. The EPA expects that the reductions of the harmful pollutants mentioned above will result in benefits to public health, as well as economic benefits. This proposal was published in the January 23, 2024 Federal Register, and comments will be accepted by the EPA for 60 days.

Walden will continue to monitor this proposal. If you have questions, contact our experienced consultants at 516-271-1948.