A Discussion of MACT Standards as They Relate to Agriculture

Abstract

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has promulgated (or will promulgate)National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for certain source categories. Thesestandards, otherwise known as Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards, are intended toprotect the public health by requiring existing and new major sources of hazardous air pollutants tocontrol emissions of these pollutants. Several of the Maximum Achievable Control Technologystandards have a direct impact on sources in the agriculture and forest products industries.<br><br>New and existing affected sources at major source facilities are subject to emissions control andwork practice requirements. This paper provides an overview of the standards, control requirements,test methods and compliance procedures, inspection and monitoring requirements, andrecordkeeping and reporting requirements that apply to several affected sources in the agricultureand forest products industries. Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards require facilitiesto more effectively monitor parameters related to emissions of hazardous air pollutants. However,facilities that proactively implement site-friendly methods of demonstrating compliance with MaximumAchievable Control Technology standards can potentially reap operational benefits.