The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule specifically targeting ethylene oxide and chloroprene emissions from chemical plants.
Once implemented, the rule aims to decrease both ethylene oxide and chloroprene emissions from covered processes and equipment by nearly 80%. A requirement for fenceline monitoring for key chemicals is included, with EPA making the data publicly available.
This action is part of recent efforts to address ethylene oxide emissions, following a rule to reduce emissions from commercial sterilization facilities.
The EPA's rule applies to certain equipment and processes at about 200 plants producing synthetic organic chemicals and polymers. It targets reducing long-term exposure to ethylene oxide and chloroprene. Additionally, the rule aims to reduce emissions of other chemicals such as benzene and 1,3-butadiene.
Requirements in the final rule largely match the proposal. Fenceline monitoring requirements are included for covered processes and equipment emitting specified chemicals, with modified compliance deadlines based on feedback.
In response to the ruling, the Texas Chemistry Council (TCC) released a statement, stating “The business of chemistry is committed to protecting our employees and communities while providing the innovative products and materials made possible by chemistry. Our members adhere to state and federal regulations and utilize the best available control technologies to ensure compliance with standards that are protective of human health and the environment."
TCC added "TCC will be reviewing closely the EPA rule and its potential implications for the business of chemistry in Texas. This rule will have significant ramifications for the production of key chemistries such as ethylene oxide, which is essential to the everyday products used by Americans, as well as for products of national policy priorities including electric vehicles, battery storage, domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and medical safety.
TCC has argued that the EPA has been using a flawed Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment for ethylene oxide in developing its rule. As a result, the EPA’s risk value is 23,000 times lower than what is naturally found in the human body. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Toxicology Department has highlighted fundamental flaws in the development of the IRIS value and has urged EPA to consider TCEQ’s scientific, peer-reviewed Effect Screening Level (ESL) for ethylene oxide.
TCC remains committed to advocating for scientifically-sound regulations based on accurate and reliable data. We strongly oppose the use of the EPA’s deeply flawed IRIS value as a benchmark in their regulatory decision-making. Unfortunately, the IRIS value’s continued application in this rule, along with EPA’s reliance on outdated emissions data, has led to a final rule based on inflated risks and speculative benefits.”
