On April 5, 2024 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final revisions for 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart O, Appendix A (Appendix A) to heighten its efforts to regulate ethylene oxide (EtO).
EtO is a pollutant used in various industrial processes. As part of its goal to protect public health and the environment, the EPA has introduced new rules aimed at significantly reducing EtO emissions from chemical plants and commercial sterilization facilities.
This blog post examines the latest EPA regulations on EtO and explores how Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) can help facilities comply with these stringent new EtO Regulations.
Overview of the New EPA Ethylene Oxide Regulations
The new EPA Ethylene Oxide Regulations have been released throughout 2024 and focus on reducing the cancer risks associated with exposure to this hazardous air pollutant. The key regulatory changes fall under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The following are the updates made in 2024:
- In March 2024, the EPA announced updates to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilizers. These updates are specifically designed to lower EtO emissions from sterilization facilities, significantly reducing long-term cancer risks for individuals living in proximity to these operations.
- In April 2024, the EPA finalized rules to drastically cut emissions of EtO and other toxic air pollutants from chemical manufacturing facilities. These rules are part of a broader effort to mitigate air toxics-related health risks in communities located near these industrial plants.
Key Requirements for CEMS under the New EPA Ethylene Oxide Regulations
The specific CEMS requirements outlined in the Subpart O revisions include the following:
Performance Specifications
CEMS must be installed, operated, and certified according to the EPA’s Performance Specification 19 (PS-19) and undergo ongoing quality assurance under Procedure 7 (P7). These specifications include tests for interference, level of detection, response time, and measurement error, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring system.
Ongoing Quality Assurance
Facilities must implement a robust Quality Control (QC) program that includes daily calibration drift checks, routine maintenance, accuracy audits, and corrective actions for malfunctioning CEMS. These procedures are essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding data loss or reporting inaccuracies.
Want to learn more about the Quality Assurance Filing Process? Read our blog post on the subject.
Reporting Requirements
Facilities are required to submit electronic and hardcopy monitoring plans, as well as quarterly reports detailing the results of all certification, recertification, and quality assurance tests.
Given the complexity of these requirements, facilities must start planning and implementing their CEMS strategies now. The compliance deadlines for facilities constructed on or before April 13, 2023 range from two to three years after the final rule’s publication on April 5, 2024. This can vary depending on the facility size and major source status.
To learn more about Monitoring Plans, read our blog post “Understanding Monitoring Plans: A Comprehensive Overview.
How ESC Spectrum Can Help You Comply With New EPA Ethylene Oxide Regulations
The EPA’s new regulations on ethylene oxide emissions present significant challenges for affected facilities, but with the right tools, compliance is achievable. ESC Spectrum are experts in building custom CEM Systems as well as equipment and shelters backed by 24/7 support and maintenance services.
Our StackVision and Prism Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) and Analyzer Systems support regulatory compliance and monitoring needs.
Our Reporting team is on standby to help your facility meet compliance in its reporting to the EPA. Learn more about our Reporting Services today.
Interested in learning more about regulations and staying in compliance? Read our Definitive Guide to Air Emissions Regulations.
For more information on how ESC Spectrum can assist your facility in meeting these new regulatory requirements, contact us today. We offer a range of CEMS solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your operation and ensure compliance with the latest EPA regulations.
Dan Napolitan - Marketing Specialist I
Dan joined ESC Spectrum in August of 2023 as a Marketing Specialist I. He started this position shortly after graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. Prior to working with ESC Spectrum, Daniel gained experience in the digital marketing field doing SEO and keyword research to produce successful organic content. He is now responsible for completing various marketing tasks such as blog writing, social media posts, paid search advertisements, web analytics, and more.
Contact Dan at dnapolitan@escspectrum.com for questions or comments.
