Document 9L4n3yG5njN40qgbdap1mKgQR
Wednesday January 9, 1985
A
Part V
Environmental Protection Agency
40 CFR Part 61 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Vinyl Chloride; Proposed Rule and Notice of Public Hearing
VAB.0001178396
1182
Federal Register / Vol. 50, No. 6 / Wednesday, January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
comer of Highway 54 and Alexander
limit for relief valve discharges. (2)
AGENCY
J
*
Drive, Research Triangle Park. North
providing a compliance test procedure
Carolina. Persons interested in attending and a specific emission limit for
40 CFR Part 61
the hearing should call Ms. Shelby ,,
operators who perform stripping
>
Joumigan at (919) 541-5578 to verify that . operations in reactors, and (3) specifying
[AD-FRL-2707-4]
a hearing will occur. Persons wishing to requirements for leak detection and
*
. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Vinyl Chloride
present oral testimony should notify Ms. Shelby Joumigan. Standards Development Branch (MD-13), U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency,
repair programs for certain equipment in VC service. Additional minor administrative changes to the standard are being proposed and are explained
agency: Envoronmental Protection
Research Triangle Park. North Carolina later in this premable.
Agency (EPA).
27711, telephone number (919) 541-5578. ' Summary of Health* Environmental.
action: Proposed rule and notice of
Background Information Document
Energy, and Economic Impacts. Since no
public hearing.
The general findings of the review study major revisions to the standard are
are documented in "Vinyl Chloride--A being proposed, the impacts resulting
summary: The current emission standard for vinyl chloride (VC) was
Review of National Emission Standards'*, EPA-450/3-82-003 (NTIS-
from the current standard remain generally unchanged. In 1975, it was
promulgated under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act in 1976. A review of the
PB 84-114354). available from the
estimated that emissions of VC from
National Technical Information Service, plants producing ethylene dichloride
technological basis and administrative aspects of the standard has been completed, and the conclusions of the
5285 Port Royal Road. Springfield, Virginia 22181. The major technical analysis for the review study is *
(EDC), VC monomer and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) would be reduced from 96.000 Mg/yr to 4,910 Mg/yr under the
review are presented in this notice The contained in a separate document which current standard, representing an
conclusions are the basis for this action which (1) proposes administrative and
clarifying revisions to the standard and (2) announces decisions pertaining to other aspects of the current standard. This notice also withdraws proposed revisions to the current standard which
were published in the Federal Register on June 2,1977 (42 FR 28154).
If requested, a public hearing will be
held to provide interested persons an
opportunity for oral presentations of
data, views, or arguments concerning __
the proposed revisions to the current
standard^-;.
~ ~ ~.
dates: Comments. Comments must be received on or before March 25,1985;
may be obtained from the U.S. EPA
emission reduction of 91,000 Mg/yr of
Library (MD-35), Research Triangle.
VC (or 95 percent of VC emissions).
Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone
Emissions of volatile organic compounds
number (919) 541-2777. Please refer to . (VOC) and EDC are also reduced under
"Vinyl Chloride: Relief Valve Discharge _ the standard.
Standard." EPA-450/3-85-002, for the. ' V The estimated risks attributed to
technical document
exposure to VC from EDC/VC and PVC
Docket Docket No. A-81-21,
; plants in operation prior to the current
containing supporting information used standard were 5.5 cases per year for
in developing the proposed standard, is fiver angiosarcoma and 11 cases.per
available for public inspection and
year for all cancers. The risks attributed
copying between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., to exposure to VC from sources under
Monday through Friday, at EPA's
the current standard have been
Central Docket Section, West Tower
estimated to be 0.28 cases per year for
Lobby, Gallery 1. Waterside Mali 401M.' fiver angiosarcoma and 0.55 cases per
Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20480. A year for all cancers.
reasonable fee may be charged for.
In 1975. the estimated capital cost for
Public Hearing. If anyone contacts the copying:
existing plants to meet the VC standard
EPA requesting to speak at a public
FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
was $198 million, of which $15 million
hearing by January 301985. a public
Mr. Robert E. Rosensteel or Mr. Leslie B. was for EDC and VC monomer plants
hearing will be held on February 26.
Evans, (919). 541-5671, concerning
and $183 million was for PVC plants.
1985 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Persons
technical aspects of the industry and
The EPA estimated that the annualized
interested in attending the hearing
control technologies, and Mr. Fred
cost (including capital amortization, etc.)
should call Ms. Shelby Joumigan at (919) Dimmick or Mr. Glibert H. Wood, (919) to these plants to maintain the required
541-5578 to verify that a hearing will
541-5578, concerning regulatory . ^ emission levels would be $70 million per
occur.
decisions. The address for these
year.
~ Request to Speak at Hearing. Persons contacts is Emission Standards and wishing to present oral testimony must Engineering Division (MD-13), U.S.
Background
contact EPA by January 30,1985.
Environmental Protection Agency,
The VC standard was proposed on
Incorporation by Reference. The incorporation by reference of certain publications in these standards will be
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of the date of the Final rule.
*
addresses: Comments. Comments
Research Triangle Park. North Carolina
' 27711.
V L.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
*
Summary of Revisions to Current Standard
December 24,1975 (40 Fr 59532), and promulgated on October 21.1976 (41 Fr 46559). It is applicable to plants producing EDC by the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen chloride with ethylene, plants producing VC by any
should be submitted (in duplicate if
Revisions. Several administrative
process, and plants producting one or'
possible) to: Central Docket Section (A- changes are being proposed as a result more polymers containing any fraction
130), Attention Docket Number A-81--21, of a review of the national emission
of VC. These plants are subject to
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, standard for VG No major revisions are. different requirements at numerous VC
401 M Street, S.W., Washington. D.G
being proposed to the standard. As with emission points in the manufacturing
20460.
the current standard for VG the -
process. These requirements include
Public Hearing. If anyone contacts the EPA requesting to speak at a public hearing by January 30,1985, the public hearing will be held at EPA Auditorium.
revisions are being established under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act The significant administrative revisions include: (1) Reformatting the emission
numerical emission limits, equipment specifications, and work practices.
The standard was designed to minimize the health risks associated
Federal Register / Vol. 50, No. 6 / Wednesday, January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
1183
with VC by requiring reasonable control
measures. As stated in the preamble to the proposed standard (40 Fr 59532, December 24.1975), there is no-known
threshold level of effects for VC.
Therefore, the only approach that would
eliminate health risks associated with VC would ban its production and use.
This approach was not selected. Rather,
an approach was selected to minimize the health risks associated with VC by use of reasonablexontrol measure.
On November 19.1978. the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia . Circuit to review the standard. On
March 24,1977, the EDF and the EPA moved to dismiss the proceedings on the basis of a settlement agreement requiring the EPA to propose amendments which would require increased efficiency of existing control
equipment require more stringent control of new sources, and prohibit ' increases in emissions within the ' vicinity of an existing source due to new construction. The preamble to the ~ proposed amendments was to state that" the EPA's policy for regulating
carcinogens under Section 112 of the * Clean Air Act would include a general ~
goal of eliminating emissions of - ----- -
carcinogens and that the EPA would - *
initiate a review of the VC standard 3 M
years after the promulgation of the
amendments. -
t*
On June 2,1977, the amendments were*
proposed (42 FR 26154). Many comments7
pertaining to policy, technological - --:
feasibility, and procedural aspects of the
proposed amendments were received. -:
Review of these comments indicated -
that additional technical data and cost
information were required before the
proposed amendments, or revisions of
the proposed amendments, could be - -
promulgated.
......
Meanwhile, the EDF Hied a petition with the EPA requesting the establishment of a comprehensive program for regulating airborne
carcinogens under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act The aspects of the EDFs
petition concerning the development of standards under Section 112 were - -similar to those proposed in the June 2, ; ' 1977, amendments to the VC standard. ~ Based on the similarity of the proposed amendments and the EDFs requested
comprehensive program for regulating ' airborne carcinogens, the EPA believed that it should not take final action on the proposed VC amendments until after it : had acted on the EDFs petition.
On October 10.1979 (44 FR 56642), the EPA proposed "Policy and Procedures . . for Identifying. Assessing, and
Regulating Airborne Substances Posing
a Risk of Cancer." This proposal
addressed several issues which were
central to the proposed VC - * ............
amendments. It also articulated the
EPA's conclusion that Section 112 does
not express an intent to eliminate totally
all risks from emissions of airborne
carcinogens. The EPA's selection of the
level of control for a hazardous air
pollutant emission standard would not
be based on a policy that requires zero
emissions of carcinogens. This policy is
consistent with the basis for other
recent actions under Section 112. For
example, standards for benzene from
coke ovens and leaks from equipment
components in benzene service are not
based on a zero emissions policy but
rather on a reasonable level of control,' H
which considers emissions and health
risks.
-
The EPA believes it is not appropriate
to leave the proposed amendments to
the VC standard in effect or to
promulgate amendments based on the proposed amendments. Therefore, the:
June 2,1977, proposal is withdrawn. As
described in the following section of this
notice, the EPA began a review study to
obtain additional technical data and
cost information and to determie
whether other amendments to the ______
standard are needed. New amendments
developed as a result of the review
study are proposed in this notice.
Review of VC Standard
k *
Early in 1980 the EPA began a review -
of the VC standard. The primary ` ^
purpose of the review was to investigate
the adequacy and appropriateness of the
standard in light of policy decisions, -
health studies, control technology
developments, and enforcement and
compliance experience which have - -
occurred since the standard was first .
promulgated. The review consisted of a
screening study of: (1) Existing and new
control technologies, (2) sources not
regulated by the standard, and (3)
enforcement and compliance experience
since promulgation of the standard. '
Information and data evaluated during ;
ihis study were obtained through ~ "
literature searches, plant visits, and
interviews with industrial
*r
representatives and EPA regional
personnel involved in enforcement and
surveillance of the VC-emitting
industries. The information and data are
presented in a document that may be
obtained as described in the addresses
section of this preamble. Decisions - -
based on this review are summarized in
the next two sections of this preamble.
As another aspect of the review of the
VC standard, the EPA's Carcinogen
Assessment Group reviewed new health
studies that have become available -
since the standard was promulgated.
This review included a study of the
estimated carcinogenic strength of VC
(the VC unit risk number) and focused
on whether this number should be
changed to reflect new informaton.
Since the current standard was
promulgated, new occupational studies
have confirmed qualitatively that liver
and brain cancer incidence are
asociated with population exposure to
atmospheric VC. However, none of
these new studies have sufficient
exposure information to warrant a
refinement of the quantitative cancer
risk estimate.
*-
Findings and Conclusions of the Review
Study
'
_
_d
The findings and conclusions of the VC review study are presented in the
following subsections. The first subsection discusses the need and basis for the current standard. The second subsection addresses the level of control required by the current standard. The third subsection identifies source categories not covered by the current
standard and evaluates die - * appropriateness of regulating these
sources;
... . . -
-r
-m *
(1) Need and Basis for Current Standard
The current VC standard was-~ r.,.
established based on judgments - f ' - -
concerning the costs and benefits of the
standard to society. The standard is not -
designed to eliminate VC exposure risk
entirely. Rather, it strikes a balance
between public health protection and
the cost of that protection. Data ' * '
(evaluated before the current standard
was established) strongly indicate that
VC causes or contributes to the
development of angiosarcoma, other
cancers, and various noncarcinogenic
disorders in people with occupational
exposure and in animals with
-
experimental exposure to VC Although -
no dose-response data are available at
the concentrations of VC found in the
ambient air. the EPA concluded when
the standard was established that any
atmospheric concentration of VC poses
some public heath risk. To eliminate the
risk of VC exposure entirely, a complete
prohibition of all VC emissions would
be necessary. This would require the
closure of the entire industry and result
in serious, adverse economic impacts.
Furthermore, the EPA concluded at the
time the current standard was
established that a complete prohibition
of all VC emissions would not be
desirable or necessary. The EPA
128$
Federal Register / Voi. SO; No. 8 Wednesday,. January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
concluded this in view ol 1| the
beneficial uses oi VC products far which
desirable substitutes are not readily'
available? (2J the potential advene - ,, * J
health andpnvironxneafal impacts
associated withe VC substitutes that ~
have not been throughly studied; (3f the'
number ofemployees, particularly in
fabrication industries; who would _
become at least temporarily
'.;' ,
unemployed; and the availability of
control technology that is capable of /
substantially reducing emissions ofVC.
into the atmosphere. ..'. . ...
Although, all EDC. VC and PVC plants
have, now incorporated VC emission
controls, the maintenance of a Federal
standard for VC is still considered
necessary. The VC standard contains
requirements for the proper operation' '
andmaintenance of control devices and
the proper implementation of work - *7
practices. These requirements reflect an
appropriate balance between the need
to minimize health risks and the ' '
avoidance of unreasonable economic
and cbmiminity impacts wfafeltwould
result from standards designed to " - --
reduce risks to zero; Relative to the * ?! -
initial control costs; the additional cost
of maintaining- and implementing- the
Federal VC standard is small.
x t
Nevertheless*, if the Federal standard is
discontinued, these small costs may be.
sufficient to provide the industry with
an economic Incentive for dSsconthnrihg
the use ofproper control measures.
Thus, the continued maintenance of
Federal standards for the control ofVC
is necessary to ensure a continuation of
the cuiTent. level of control.
Additionally, the standard is important
for the'control of VC emissions from,
plants built in the future-The
consequence of not maintaining a .......
Federal standard would be to- increase
the carcinogenic risk to large segments
of the population. Ia1975r when the - -
standard was originally proposed, /
approximately 4kft miHTonr people lived
within a 5-mile radius of EDC. VC and
PVC plants.^ Accordingly. the EPAhaa
concluded that the maintenance of the
Federal standard for VC or reasonable
revision of the standard fe appropriate.
of Control
w
This subsection describes the statu*
of the technology-based level of control
for sources covered by the current
'*
standard* The present status of ~
emissions from, sources covered by the
current VC standard is presented in
Table 1.
Table r. Status of Current Emission Lev els From- Sources Covered- by* the Vinyl
CHLORIOE NESHAP
f -.
_ OwiwW (ms/yR
LflUVROn
1
fltaiow
f
OaiwlM'
m ^ fa . --
4 1
^1 n '(prior tff 1975 (CUffWtt *
.***
QnMotm fraak*,flioM.31610OO ing/yr EDC/VC taafcy.
*
rnmaryrrman,
^
I
- ' 910r jl
02
oanftQL.
4 i
- ,v - w-
s
Oifychtann* , '029/109, EDC .
non wil : oroduct
1
1.
W4
*
Fug!***-- ,, iWVK^lALasks pncoDP * '
375 -
-
f
l and- ' quqnw8
;
'
-
i Mot
; **
t* T bta 4 A dtacnvQV
k
X + * - !4
- **
*
.
&mmom kom * moom gt,00Q mg/y PVC taaty ^
control
CofiMnid
lOpyw. ' >' -13^.
A002kg/10a-
fay PVC *;
pmcfaicC , i
400 pp*
o*
A __
1.4
27
f .
r
i.04a
orv tom EPA
dtMatopa4 faan*
dm submtM dy indusm* tom 1975 vC-mndifd
poor to profnmgmionat
ptants mMttnQ currant suntfant
Ml PVC
* Oata wmrm not coitactad on EDC/VC otants onor to 1975s
<S*Md on tom EPA anmioni aadmaisa far tar txiat
dmpmman plants ars nat praasntad rtars-
typica*
and
**
10ppmvStandard. Emission sources
covered by this standard include EDC
purification and VC monomer formation
and purification equipment, monomer
recovery systems and other equipment
at PVC plants, and vents from fugitive,
emission capture systems-The standard
is based primarily on the control of
these emissions by incineration or other
primary control devices and specifies an
emission limit of 10 parts per million by-
volume (ppmvt of VC averaged aver a 3-
hour period.. The 10 ppmv standard
applies to control device bypass
streams* . . , .. . . _ . .--
\^
One of the amendments proposed in 1977 would have required reduction of the emission limit from 10 to 5 ppmv. The goal of the proposed 5 ppmv limit was to ensure that the standard -
continued to- approach, a "zero emission goat" by requiring owners and operators both to maximize the effectiveness of existing control systems and to design improved new control systems at the time of construction. The 5 ppnnr limit was not based on data for control technology different from that analyzed
at the time of the promulgation ofthe 10-
ppmv limit.
Comments received on- the proposed
1977 amendments stated that in. order to
meet a limit of 5 ppmv; a control device,
would have to- be capable of control at. a
level even lower than 5 ppmv to offset "
emission fluctuations; Commenfers also
stated that a change from 10 to 5 ppmv
would result izr little reduction fix mass
emissions ofVC Finaly, commenters
questioned the rationale of the "zero :
emission. goaF policy.. ~
Because the proposed 5 ppmv
emission limit was not based on data
from st control technology different from
that analyzed for the current standard
and because Iff ppmv represents the
lowest level ofcontrof which, has been_ '
consistently achieved, the EPA . ` ^ __
withdraws the proposed 5 ppmv limit
and affirms the original 10. ppmv IfiniLlf
such a technology had been Identified, it
could have been the basis of a revised
standard. However,, during the review
study no more advanced technology was
identified, even thnngh. additional data,
on incineratorecarbon adsorbers, and
solvent absorption control system* oa
existing plants were obtained Although
these (fata indicate that incinerators are
capable ofreducing emissions below id
ppmv.. 10 ppmv represents the lowest
level of control which has been
consistently achieved Based on this
information the EPA has concluded that
there is no improved or new control
technology that has been demonstrated
ta significantly and consistently reduce
emissions to a level below that required
by the current standard Therefore on
further technological investigation of. the
10 ppmv standard is planned
Oxychlorination Vent Standart&--0~2
g/kgEDCL The current oxychlorination
vent standard of 02 g of VC per kg of -
EDC does not require an add-on control
device; Instead, the limit can be
achieved at most plants by controlling
operating conditions and.at the
remaining plants through process. - _
modifications; At the time the original-
standard was written, incineration of
oxychlorination vent emissions was
investigated Because of expected high
energy costs associated with
-~
supplemental fuel requirements for
combustion, incineration was
determined not to be a reasonable '
method of control for this source. - '
The amendments proposed- in 1977
specified a level of 5 ppm for the *
oxychlorination vent; The proposed
requirement was based on installation ~
of an. oxygen feed system with an -
incinerator or equipment control device.
The use of oxygen feed in the EDC -
oxychiorinaton process decreases the
VAB.
Resister / Vol. 50. No. 8 / Wednesday, January
1185
volume of inert substances in the vent
stream and. consequently, the cost for supplemental fuel required for
incineration. Comments received on this proposed amendment focused primarily on the high expense and large energy requirements associated with the production of oxygen.
The review study identified no control technology for oxychlorination vents at
EDC/VC plants that had not been considered during the development of the original standard. Additionally, the EPA reevaluated the cost of retrofit incinerator controls and reached the same conclusion drawn in the . development of the original standards As before, the high cost associated with incinerating oxychlorination vents at
existing EDC/VC plants makes this level of control unreasonable. Thus, the current standard of 02 g/kg EDC is considered still to be the most
reasonable level of control for existing oxychlorination vents. In addition, the review study concluded that significant new construction or modification of EDC/VC plants is not expected. At this time, only one new EDC/VC facility is reportedly planned. (BF Goodrich has
plans to construct an EDC/VC facility in
Convent. Louisiana.) Oxychlorination vents at new EDC/VC plants will be regulated by the proposed standards of
performance for air oxidation processes (40 CFR Part SO Subpart III) or by the
BACT or LAER requirements of new source review regulations applicable in specific locations to a level comparable to that achievable through the use of incineration. Because the
technologically achievable level of control is assured through the current requirements, the EPA concluded that investigation of additional control (i.e.. incineration] was not required for oxychlorination vents.
Reactor Opening--0.02 g/kg PVC Product The current VC standard restricts emissions during .
polymerization reactor openings. The standard was based on reactor purging and on a reduction in the frequency of reactor openings. An increased level of control was not proposed in the 1977 amendments. (The level of control provided by the current standard. 0.02 g/kg of PVC productrreduces VC emissions to about 1.36 Mg per year for a model PVC plant.) During the review of the standard, no technology was identified that would provide additional VC reductions beyond the level of the current standard. Therefore, the EPA is not investigating further the control of reactor openings.
Combined Sources After Resin Stripping. The sources of VC emissions covered under the current standard
include, blend tanks, dryers, centrifuges,
storage silos, bagging operations, and any sources following the stripper. Control of these emissions is based on either stripping the PVC resin to a
specified (based on resin type) residual VC level (i.e.. 400 ppm for suspension, bulk, solution, and latex resins; and 2.000 ppm for dispersion resins) or controlling the emissions from all sources following the stripper with a control device. The 1977 proposed amendments would have required "new resins'* to be stripped to lower levels (Le.. 100 ppm for suspension, bulk, solution, and latex resins; and 500 ppm for dispersion resins). When the amendments were proposed, the EPA
believed that some resins could meet the proposed limits; whereas, for other resins the manufacturer would have been required to develop improved stripping technology or not to produce the resin.
Industry comments stated that most dispersion, copolymer, and bulk resins -
would suffer degradation if more . stringent emission limits were imposed. Additionally, the commenters noted the inherent difficulties in defining a "new . resin." Information submitted by _ . commenters indicated that minor adjustments to resin compositions are made routinely, and completely new resins are rarely, if ever, made. As a result of these comments, the EPA concluded that it is impossible in many cases to distinguish between new and existing resins and still have any resins covered by the proposed amendments. Further, the proposed amendments did
not address what levels of control could be achieved by improved stripping technology. For these reasons, the EPA chose to evaluate whether higher levels of control are achievable for ail resins. or only for some special classes of resins.
The review study found that resin stripping technology has improved since the current standard was promulgated, and that some processors can achieve lower resin residual VC levels than those required in the original standard. In certain cases, some resins can meet the more stringent levels specified in the previously proposed amendments. However, other processors manufacturing resins of differing grades and characteristics can only marginally comply with the original standard. Because of the wide variation in resin grades and characteristics, it cannot be concluded that, even though a particular resin made by one company can meet a particular level, any other resin or similar resins produced by another company could also meet that level. Furthermore, in some cases these
processors meeting the more stringent
limits proposed previously are stripping
these resins to this low level to offset
emissions from those resins which are
more difficult to strip. Without this
ability to average the emissions and
reductions among resins, these
processors might not achieve the current
standard. Exempting resin grades
known to be difficult to strip is not .
feasible because these resins cannot
readily be defined. For the foregoing
reasons, the EPA has concluded that
there is no demonstrated level of control
which could significantly and
consistently reduce residual VC levels
in resins to levels below that required
by the current standard. Therefore, the
EPA is not investigating further the
control*of the combined sources after
stripping.
Equipment Leaks. Because little was
known about leak detection and
elimination programs for control of
equipment leaks from components in VC
service, specific requirements for these
programs were not included in the
current standard. Instead, each plant
was required to institute and implement
a formalized leak detection and
elimination program incorporating both
a fixed-point monitor and a portable
monitor. PIant-an*eific programs we:
subject to approval by the 7
Administrator. Consequently, due to
erences among p ants
aSTveii as variations in leak definition!
and monitoring practices. erencesm
control of eaui
e
1 Since the standa
A has obtaine U)iih
t leaks fro onenis in VC serviceTVVith the
information obtained form the development of other standards, an effective leak detection and repair program based on use of a portable monitor can now be specified for
equipment covered by this program. The specific leak detection and repair requirements are discussed in the Administrative Revisions section of this preamble.
Relief Valve Discharge Standard. Sources of VC emissions covered by this standard include discharges from relief valves on pressure vessels, transfer lines, and other equipment in EDC/VC and PVC plants. The standard is based on emission control by a combination of equipment and process modifications, and operational procedures, found in plants during development of the standard. An exact combination of modifications and operational procedures was not specified. Instead a performance standard (i.e., an emission
VAB.0001178400
J
\
1186
Federal Register / Vol. 50. No. 6 / Wednesday. January 9. 1965 / Proposed Rules
4
standard] was established because it was believed that different combinations could be equally effective in controlling relief valve discharges. The current format of the standard prohibits all relief valve discharges except emergency discharges. Emergency discharges are described as those which could not have been avoided by taking measures to prevent the discharge (i.e,, those that are "nonpreventable"). Since the standard was promulgated, all plants have experienced some releases. Many of these releases are considered preventable by die EPA. Based on visits
to plants with good compliance histories, the EPA concluded that a level of performance reflecting compliance with the current format of the standard through the combined effects of equipment, process modifications and operational procedures remains reasonable, during the review, no technological level of control was found that would provide for a more stringent' standard. Therefore, the standard is still considered to reflect the appropriate level of control for these sources. However, as discussed in the Administrative Revisions section of the preamble, the EPA is proposing to revise the standard by setting limits for relief ^ valve discharges in a different format
Administrative Aspects of the Standard. Even though the EPA decided not to revise the level of control associated with the current VC standard, the EPA identified revisions to several administrative aspects of the standard. These revisions as well as those identified above, are discussed in the Administrative Revisions section of the preamble.
(3) Review of Sources Not Previously Covered
This subsection discusses the status of VC sources not covered by the current standard that were identified in the review study. For these sources, the EPA assessed whether a Federal standard was warranted. The EPA's assessment of these sources was based primarily on a quantitative analysis of VC emissions from these sources combined with a qualitative analysis of risks associated with exposure to VC from these sources. The EPA considers these analyses to be adequate in place of a thorough quantitative risk assessment for purposes of determining whether a Federal standard is warranted far these sources. Because these sources are already relatively well-controlled and the quantity of VC emission, and consequently, the risks associated with exposure to VC from these sources, are small in comparison
to sources covered by the VC standard, the EPA concluded that none of the additional sources identified in the review study warrant a Federal standard.
Miscellaneous Sources of VC Emissions. Miscellaneous sources are
plants other than PVC and EDC/VC plants that use VC as a raw material or produce VC as an intermediate or by product The EPA has identified four such plants, two of these plants produce 1.1,1-trichloroethane, one produces perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene and the fourth plant produces pesticides. (An additional 1.1.1-trichloroethane unit was constructed at a fourth location but has reportedly never operated. There are no plans to operate in the furture.) Review of VC emission sources at the identified plants showed them to be well controlled. Emissions of VC from these plants are primarily from fugitive sources and range from less than 1 Mg/ yr to 14 Mg/yr per plant In general, the VC NESHAP requirements for process vents and equipment in VC service are being met at the miscellaneous sources due to company policy considerations ' and State and local regulatory requirements. In addition, many of the equipment components in VC service would be covered by standards of performance for new sources and standards for sources in nonattainment areas. Based on the investigation of these sources, the EPA concluded that they are already relatively wellcontrolled and do not contribute significantly to VC exposure. For these reasons, additional requirements for miscellaneous sources of VC are not being proposed at this time.
PVC Fabrication Plants. There are about 8,000 fabrication plants which take the resin produced by PVC plants and fashion it into intermediate or final products. Emissions from these plants are estimated to be about 0.0035 Mg/yr per plant In comparison to VC production plants (which typically emit about 92 Mg/yr], PVC fabrication plants are small emitters of VC. If standards were developed for this category they would not result in reduced emissions because the best control for these plants is to reduce the VC levels in the resins being processed by the fabricators. Resin stripping beyond the level that process economics would dictate is already being done as a result of the EPA's current standard and OSHA's VC standard, based on the EPA's assessment of these sources, the EPA concluded that they do not contribute significantly to VC exposure. Therefore, the EPA believes that the evaluation of controls for PVC fabrication plants is .
unnecessary and that the current level
of control resulting from the EPA's
standard and OSHA's standard is still reasonable.
Landfills. Off-specification resins
containing VC has been taken to
landfills where the gaseous VC can be
released. However, the current EPA
standard intends that all resins,
including off-specification resins, be stripped to reduce the VC emissions
CJL.
from sources downstream from the
stripper. In order to clarify that 1tripping requirements also apply to the off-
landfills
removal of
EPA believes that the level of control resulting from the stripping requirements is reasonable: thus, VC emission requirements for landfills are not being proposed today. However, the EPA recognizes that VC may be emitted from hazardous was te landfills and is evaluating and may regulate under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA] volatile emissions (including VC] from landfills at hazardous waste disposal facilities. The EPA also recognizes that VC has been detected in municipal landfills. Therefore, in addition to assessing VC emissions from hazardous waste disposal facilities, a (RCRA] Subtitle D TASK FORCE has been formed which will assess all environmental releases including air emissions from Subtitle O facilities (a category which includes municipal landfills].
Administrative Revisions
As discussed in the Findings and Conclusions of the Review Study section of this preamble, the EPA identified several administrative revisions that are appropriate as a result of the review study. The rationale for the proposed administrative revisions is presented in this section of the preamble. These revisions include: (1) Reformatting the emission limit for relief valve discharges, (2) providing a compliance test procedure and a specific emission limit for operators who strip in the reactors. (3) specifying requirements for leak detection and repair program for equipment components in VC service, and (4) miscellaneous revisions.
Relief Valve Discharges
Background. The current format of the standard for relief valve discharges allows only "emergency" discharges (i.e.. discharges that could not be avoided by taking preventive measures). The standard applies to all pressure relief devices on pressure vessels.
!
{ j
VAB.000117
A
Federal Register / Vol. 50, No. 6 / Wednesday
1187
transfer lines, and other equipment in
of decreased discharges over the
hardware and operational procedures
EOC/VC and PVC plants. The control. compliance period. Following an initial implemented by each of the plants along
techniques considered as the basis of
drop in relief valve discharges after the with the attitudes adopted toward
the standard involve a combination of standard went into effect the frequency preventing relief valve discharges
equipment modifications, process >
and quantity of relief valve discharges represent the types of control measures
modifications, and operational
' by EDC/VC plants have decreased
that the standard intended. In particular,
procedures. An exact combination of ; slightly or remained relatively constant the EPA concluded that the low
modifications and operational
General Basis forNumerical Limits. frequency of discharges by the visited
procedures was not specified in the
In selecting the proposed numerical
plants was indicative of their degree of
current standard; rather, a performance limits, EPA first evaluated in detail the effort to prevent relief valve discharges.
standard (le^. an emission standard)
recent performance (1981 to 1983) of five Consistent with the goal of this
was established because different
PVC plants and one EDC/VC plant '
proposed revision, the EPA decided that
combinations of the modifications and These plants were chosen based on'
an alternative numerical emission limit
procedures were expected to be equally discussions with EPA Regional Office
based on performance resulting under
effective in controlling relief valve - -- personnel and industry and were
the current standard could be revised in
discharges. . V ___ _ - ~ . intended to represent plants with good ' a format that would be easier to _
Based on 8 years of enforcement and relief valve discharge records. In
understand by enforcement and industry
compliance experience, the EPA has
general, the EPA's evaluation of these " personnel " ;
. -7.. ,,
concluded that the relief discharge . - - plants indicates that each has adopted
The EPA investigated two basic ways
standard has resulted in: (1) Significant the combination of equipment
of expressing relief valve discharge
reductions in the frequency and quantity operational procedures and attitude 2'' performance for PVC plants. One format
of VC discharges from relief valves. (2) . toward prevention of relief discharges
is based on mass emissions, for ....
significant use of agency resources to : intended by the current standard, and
example, the pounds of VC discharged
evaluate individual discharges for
- that their resulting performance is ` ' per million pounds of PVC produced (lb
preventability. and (3) uncertainty oiv
consistent with compliance with the
VC/MM lb PVC). Based on a review of
the part of producers regarding whether current standard. The EPA's evaluation methods used by industry to determine -
they comply with the standard. -- - - found that a few discharges may .
the amount ofVC discharged from relief
Additionally, the EPA learned some of :,: continue to occur from some plants that valves, the EPAwas unable to identify a
- VC and PVC believe that this part of the comply with the standard. This ' *mm / A,, sufficiently accurate method for 7-- ^ ^
current standard applies only to - : . . observation is consistent with the
measuring discharge quantities from
discharges through safety relief valves expectation held by the EPA when the' *' * relief valves. At present producers are
and that discharges through other ' : . pressure relief devices, such as rupture
standard was written. . ,,e
T
R
________ m
1 w` * *
k v *
** *
e l^` ' ^
required only to estimate discharge - -1
t4
In order to revise the standard in
quantities for reporting purposes. - -
disks or manual or automatic vent
terms of numerical limits representing
Demonstration of compliance with a lb
valves, are not covered. This 7
compliance with the current format of
VC/MM lb PVC limit would require
- interpretation is not compatible with the - the standard, this evaluation separated producers to measure the amount of VC
intent behind the current standard. To
PVC and EDC/VC plants. For plants,
discharged during an incident Because
provide more efficient enforcement by
relief valve discharge performance data a suitable measurement method was not
decreasing the burden of individual
,, were further separated by source -
identified, the EPA decided not to
-
preventability assessments on the EPA. , (reactor vs. nonreactor} and by resin ' - redefine relief valve discharge . -
and to provide a better understanding to . type The EPA then-reviewed the - - * performance by PVC plants in a lb VC/
plant operators of the goal of the
performance of 25 additional PVC plants MM lb PVC format ; -r .. :.r-^ -r
standard, the EPA is proposing to
and 12 additional EDC/VC plants. The
Another format is based on the 1 *
reformat the standard for relief valve
EPA reviewed this large set of plants to frequency (i.e., number per unit time) of -
discharges and to define the emission
ensure that the level of performance
discharge from occurrences. No method
points covered by this standard to
demonstrated by the evaluated plants
for measuring the amount of VC -
include appropriately ail pressure relief could be achieved by all PVC and EDC/ discharged from relief valves is needed
devices. As discussed more completely VC plants.
because only the occurrence of a release
in the following sections, the EPA fs
The numerical limits presented in the is required for this format The - '
proposing to change the format of the
Findings section of this preamble are
occurrence of a discharge can be -
numerical limits in the standard to
based on an evaluation of the number of determined by monitoring process
reflect the number of discharges that
discharges representing the
parameters as well as inspecting relief
occur from those plants complying with the format of the current standard.
demonstrated performance level associated with compliance with the .
valve performance reports. Thus, of the two basis ways of expressing relief
The EPA found in the review study that efforts by ail EDC/VC and PVC
provisions of the existing standard. Format for Numerical Limits. The
valve performance that were *- considered, the EPA selected a format
producers to comply with the standard EPA visited the five PVC plants : ' based on the frequency of discharges.
are reflected in their preformance (in
evaluated in detail. As expected, the
Based on this decision, the EPA then
terms of size and frequency of
EPA found differences in the
considered how the format would be
discharges) since the standard went into combinations of hardware and
applied to PVC and EDC/VC plants. At
effect. In general, a reduction in the
operational procedures associated with PVC plants, the frequency of discharges
reported frequency and size of relief
control of relief valve discharges of each from polymerization reactors and
valve discharges by PVC producers has of the plants. Furthermore, no exact
associated process equipment may be
occurred since 1978. A further decrease relationship was found between the
related to the fact that a batch process is
in relief valve discharges by the PVC industry occurred between 1980 and 1981. Performance by the EDC/VC industry exhibited a less marked trend
effectiveness of specific hardware items and operational procedures and prevention of discharges. In the EPA's judgment the various combinations of
used to produce most types of PVC. For batch PVC production processes, the opportunity for discharges is related ta the number of times a new
VAB.0001178402
A
Federal Register / VoL 50, No. 9 / Wednesday. January 9, 1985 / Proposed
polymerization batch is initiated.
production of suspension and bulk
Expressing relief valve discharge
resins indicates that reactor discharge
performance for these plants with a
frequency generally is either less than
discharge-per-batch format accounts for 0.035 discharges/100 batches or is much
variations among plants in the number greater. (Recent reactor discharge .
of batches produced. The EPA selected frequencies for suspension resin plants
100 polymerization batches as a
with poorer performance levels ranged
convenient basis for expressing relief
between 0.059 and 0.101 discharges/100
valve discharge performance by PVC
batches.) Further examination of relief
plants with batch production processes valve discharge performance by
in a discharge frequency format
suspension resin producers indicates
Further, the EPA noted that the ability that only one plant experienced more
of batch PVC producers to limit the
than 4 discharges per year during the
discharge frequency may be different for - period from 1981 to 1983. Performance
reactor and nonreactor discharges and ... by this plant also exceeded 0.035
that reactor discharges may vary by
discharges/100 batches.
. -w.
resin,type at any plant Consequently,
The reactor discharge frequency
relief valve discharges by individual
associated with dispersion and latex
PVC plants (except for continuous
production is typically zero. However,
solution process plants) were classified for a typical dispersion or latex resin
according to type of discharge (i.e,, .. process with a low,production rate (Le..
reactor vs. nonreactor) and the reactor number of polymerization batches per .
discharges were separated by resin
year), a single emergency reactor
type. Nonreactor discharge sources at _ discharge in a given year would be -
PVC plants include blowdown tanks, ' equivalent to a discharge frequency-of
transfer lines, and storage vessels. ' ~_ about 0.035 discharges/100 batches. -
Because usage of this equipment is alaa ; Nonreactor Discharges. Nonreactor
related to some extent to the frequency "' discharge frequencies by PVC plants v
of batch polymerization operations, the / typically were either less than 0.025 ,
relief valve discharge performance by
discharges/100 batches or were much
nonreactor sources in PVC plants with greater. (Recent nonreactor discharge
batch production processes was also
frequencies reflecting poorer "l"
examined on the basis of number of
performance than the 0.025 level ranged
discharges/100 batches. " : '
between 0.048 and 0.225 discharges/100
Unlike the batch process used to
batches.) Furthermore,' with the ' *
produce other PVC resin types, the - exception of two producers, no more
solution PVC process is continuous.
than three discharges per year were
Thus relief valve discharge performance reported from nonreactor sources in
for the solution PVC process cannot be PVC plants during the period from 1981
expressed on a frequency per batch
to 1983.
basis. Instead, the relief valve discharge
Each of the five PVC plants that the
performance associated with the
EPA evaluated In detail was among
solution production process can only be those achieving 0.035 discharges/100
expressed in terms of the total number batches or less in each of the reactor
of discharges (reactor and nonreactor)
discharge categories and 0.025
per year.
. '
discharges/100 batches or less in the
Similarly, the EDC/VC production
nonreactor discharge category. The EPA
process is not a batch process, but is ' examined individual discharge incidents
continuous. Thus, relief valve discharge for the PVC producers whose recent
performance by EDC/VC plants also * performance has exceeded 0.035
cannot be expressed on a frequency per discharges/100 batches in one or more
batch basis. Moreover, the EPA was -
of the reactor discharge categories or
unable to detect a direct relationship
who exceeded 0.025 discharges/100
between discharge frequency and VC
batches and 3 discharges per year from
production at EDC/VC plants. Thus, the - nonreactor sources. In every case, the
EPA decided to define releif valve
EPA identified one or more discharges
discharge performance for EDC/VC ' that were preventable. Elimination of
plants on the basis of a total number of these preventable discharges indicates
annual discharges.
that these producers should have -
Findings. PVC Reactor Discharges.
achieved discharge frequencies
Suspension resins account for the
comparable to the five PVC plants that
highest percentage of total PVC production. The remaining PVC
the EPA evaluated in detail. Solution PVC Process. Discharge
production is in the form of bulk,
frequency from both reactor and
dispersion and solution, resins. (A small nonreactor sources by the single plant
amount of latex resin is produced by a producing PVC by the solution process
process closely related to the dispersion was zero during the period 1981 to 1983.
process.) Examination of relief valve
Previously, this plant experienced as
discharge performance associated with many as two discharges in a 12-month
N
period. Recent performance suggests that preventable discharges have been eliminated at this plant With the exception of a potential emergency discharge occurrence, future discharges at this plant are not anticipated.
EDC/VC Discharges. During the
review study, the EPA evaluated
performance by one EDC/VC plant in
detail. This plant experienced about four
discharges that could be considered
emergencies. Recent (1981 to 1983) relief
valve discharge performance data for
other EDC/VC producers indicates an
industry range of 0 to 7 discharges/yr.
Information obtained from plants during
the review indicated that where
applicable, similar types of equipment
process modifications and operational
procedures used to control relief valve
discharges from PVC plants also are ~
used at EDC/VC pants. The EPA
examined discharges by the EDC/VC
producers who exceeded four
discharges in one or more years since
1981 and found that one or more of the
discharges at each plant were <
preventable. Elimination of the '
preventable discharges would allow '
each of these plants to reduce their
annual discharge frequency to four or
fewer. '
'- -
-~
Summary ofNumerical Limits. Based
on the study of current relief valve
discharge performance by PVC and
EDC/VC plants, the EPA is proposing
that the following numerical limits for
relief valve discharges be added to the
standard. Each discharge causing an
exceedence of any numerical limit
presented below wocdd be const
violation
___________
individual discharge was preventable.
Category
Numerical Umtf
(i) Discharges from plants (suspension, sion, laws, but*
(*>
PVC
ess (inducting latsx resei). --butte resin
(B) Nonreactor sources
(21 Discharges from PVC plants (solution and other continuous processes}*
(3) Discharges from EDC/VC plants.
Q.G35 -- dtacharges/100
batchaa. not txcaading 4
discharges/Yr.
0.039
<ftacftarge/iOO
batchaa.
i-
0.035
'discharges/100
batches.
0.025
dschargee/100
batchaa, not exceeding 3
dtacnarges/yr.
1 dwcharge/yr.
4 discharges/yr.
Compliance Provisions. The EPA recognizes that all plants may experience an unavoidable relief valve discharge incident at some time. Examination of relief valve discharge performance by PVC plants with low
VAB.000117840*
4
discharge frequencies, indicated that
plants with the lowest polymerization
batch frequencies typically experience
about one discharge in a 12-month -
period. The EPA concluded that for most
plants a 12-month reporting period
(roiling every 8-months) was both
suitable and appropriate for determining
compliance with the proposed numerical
limits. For plants producing only a small
amount of a particular resin (i.e., low .
number of polymerization batches), an -
apparent violation of the standard may
result from a single discharge
occurrence during a 12-month - v . -
compliance period as described below. '
For a PVC plant producing a single --
resin type to meet die numerical limit for
reactor discharges (i.e,, 0.035
discharges/100 batches), it must .
experience and average of no more than
one discharge per 2,858 polymerization
batches over the preceding 12-month
period. An average reactor discharge .
frequency exceeding one discharge per .
2,858 batches would be a violation of the
standard. However, if the plant made
less than 2.858 polymerization batches
over the 12-month compliance period, a
single discharge occurrence would be an
apparent violation of the standard (i.e.,'
the discharge frequency per 100 batches
would exceed 0'035). Because
insufficient batches were made, the
reported discharge frequency per 100
batches would not correcdy reflect the
performance by that plant in comparison
to other plants complying with the '
standard. In rectifying the undue
compliance burden posed on plants with
small numbers of batches by the
discharge/100 batch format and the
selected 12-month compliance period,
the EPA is proposing to add additional
provisions affecting the number of
batches used to calculate the discharge
frequency. For PVC plants producing
less than 2,858 batches ofa particular
resin, the minimum number of 2.858
batches will be used when determining
compliance with the numerical limits.
PVC plants producing more than one
resin type must demonstrate compliance
separately for reactor discharges
occurring from different resin production
processes. Only the relief valve
discharges and polymerization batches
specific to each resin type are
considered for determining compliance.
However, for determining compliance
with the standard for nonreactor
discharges, the total number of
polymerization batches (regardless of
resin type) are counted.
'.t
- To determine the number of *
polymerization batches produced for
purposes of assessing compliance, the
following guidelines apply. A
"polymerization batch" consists of each operating history, relief valve discharge
sequence of charging VC and other
performance by certain plants is
materials to the reactor, heating reactor, expected to be much better than the
contents, polymerization of reactor
respective limits. For example,, some
contents, and removal (i.e., blowdown) new suspension resin PVC plants
of reactor contents. Any batch that is
produce about 5.000 batches during a
aborted following charging of VC to the 12-month compliance period. One and
reactor is nonetheless counted as a
two discharges at one of these plants
polymerization batch in assessing
during a compliance period would resuli
compliance. For PVC plants producing in a discharge performance of 0.02 and
bulk resin, a single "polymerization
0.05 discharges per 100 batches,
batch" includes both prepolymerization respectively. The second discharge
and postpolymerization reactor .
during the compliance period would be
operations.
r a violation of the proposed 0.035
Discharge frequency can be recorded discharges per 100 batches limit despite
in two ways. Discharge frequency can
the fact that the first discharge would .
be recorded on the basis of discharge
result in performance well below the
events (involving discharges from one or limit These types of plants were
more relief valves) or on individual
considered in selecting the proposed
relief valve discharges. In most cases,
limits and reporting procedures for relie
plants currently report discharges
valve discharges. The result that plants
individually when they occur from relief of this type must perform well below thi
valves on separate equipment. However, limits in the standard in order to be in
certain equipment such as V*
compliance is consistent with the
polymerization reactors that are
proposed limits, which were selected ta
equipped with multiple relief valves may represent an upper boundary on the
experience discharges simultaneously
number of allowable discharges
from more than one relief valve. Most _ intended by the standard. The EPA
plants currently report such multiple . expects that plants using the best
discharges from a single piece of -- . - technology and procedures should be -
equipment as a single discharge. Thus, - able to perform better than the proposet
the performance levels serving as the
limits.
basis for the numerical limits represent
Reporting Requirements. The current
individual discharges and not multiple standard for relief valve discharges
discharge events except when they
requires producers to report discharges
occur from a single piece of equipment within 10 days of the incident The EPA
For determining compliance with the
is proposing to eliminate the 10 day
numerical limits, discharge frequency is reporting requirements and to require
to be recordedon the basis of individual reporting of all discharges on a quarterly
discharges except when simultaneous
basis. Although compliance is to be
discharges occur from relief valves on ^ determined on a semiannual basis,
the same piece of equipment a- r~
quarterly reporting of discharges is
A relief valve discharge in considered appropriate because* violations of the
to be any venting through a pressure
standard may occur well before the end
relief device to prevent or relieve an
of the 6-month period. Quarterly
overpressure condition from equipment reporting notifies enforcement personnel
in VC service that results in emissions
of potential violations and violations
of VC directly or indirectly to the
that have already occurred prior to the
atmosphere. In determining whether or - end of the compliance period so that
not a relief valve discharge results in
corrective actions can take place sooner
emissions to the atmosphere, the
following the end of the compliance
controlling factor is the ultimate
period. Information to be included in the
disposition of the gases. Venting to a
semiannual report for individual relief
manifold or header system that
valve discharges is to be reduced to
ultimately discharges to the atomsphere include only the date, time, source,
constitutes a relief valve discharge. If
cause and estimated amount of each
the manifold or header discharges gases discharge occurrence. The semiannual
through a control device meeting the 10 report will also inlcude information on
ppmv VC emission limit the venting
compliance status.
does not constitute a relief valve
In addition, plants will now be
discharge.
required to maintain relief valve
For purposes of reporting compliance discharge records for 3 years, because of
status with the limits, plants will be
the potentially significant increase in the
required to calculate their discharge per - time period between a discharge
batch frequencies with sufficient
occurrence and reporting of the
precision to demonstrate that
discharge. _
performance is either equal to, below of
Effective Date of Revision. The
in excess of the limits. Based on
current standard as written will remain
VAB.0001178404
1190
)!
Federal Register / Vol. 50, No. 6 / Wednesday, January\9, 1985 / Proposed Roles
in effect for relief valve discharges until
the proposed revisions are promulgated.
The proposed administrative revisions
do not change the standard's original
intent and are intended only to set limits
to facilitate compliance and ...
--
enforcement efforts. Thus, the current
standard will continue to be enforced
until the revisions are promulgated. .
Stripping-in-Reactor Compliance Test
Procedure
'
The test method for measuring reactor opening losses was developed for resin stripping operations that take place in vessels separate from the reactor. Some PVC plants, including all bulk resin . manufacturers, however, do not use separate strippers to remove residual VC from the resin produced. Instead, these plants strip VC from the product resin in the reactor (postpolymerization reactor in the case of bulk resin . producers). For plants with reactor resin stripping operations, the concentration of VC in the reactor vapor space, as measured in accordance with the current standard, exceeds the 0.02g/kg of PVC requirement The high - ... concentrations result form VC monomer diffusing from the resin into the vapor space during the period following completion of the stripping operation (normally occurring under a vacuum that must be broken before die reactor can be emptied) and before the reactor is ..: completely emptied of PVC resin. According to the Federal Register notice of promulgation of the current VC standard (40 FR 46563, October 21,1976), any VC escaping from the resin after it has been stripped to acceptable levels is not intended to be counted as part of the reactor opening loss. However, the
current standard did not include in the . measurement method an acceptable method for determining what part of the VC in the vapor space has escaped from the resin after stripping is completed.
The current standard allows bulk resin producers to calculate reactor opening loss emissions from the
poatpolymerization reactor based on the number of reactor evacuations, the vacuum invloved and the volume of gas in the reactors. For nonbulk resin producers wi th reactor resin stripping operations, calculation of reactor opening loss emissions is more complicated due to the presence of water vapor in the reactor vapor space. Currently, waivers of testing for producers with nonbulk resin stripping operations in the reactor have been granted on a case-by-case basis by the EPA Regions, typically with the provision that residual VC samples are anlayzed on each batch. A variety of -
calculation methods are then used to
effectiveness ofleak detection and
establish the reactor opening loss.
repair programs. Some plants
Based on experience of the EPA
implemented rigorous programs and
Regional offices, a method for
others implemented programs lacking
determining the reactor opening loss
specific procedures or requirements.
that accounts for stripping in the reactor Accordingly, the effectiveness of leak
has been developed for use by all
detection and elimination programs
nonbulk resin producers with reactor . _ varies among the plants.
resin stripping operations and is included in the proposed revisions to the current VC standard, limitations for y resin residual and reactor opening loss \][ are added together to give a total allowable VC content from these two sources. The measured resin residual VC and the calculated reactor opening.
Since the current standard was promulgated, the EPA has obtained more information pertaining to the control of emission from equipment leaks. Based on this information and the review of the leak detection and
limination plans being implemented to
5sa would then be adrtod tngat
control emissions of VC the EPA
averaged over a 24-hour period^
ecided to specify leak detection and .
acco fl tQ main typa. I
repair requirements for certain
average meets the
gri standard
equipment components in VC service.
ant would pe considered to be in__ Although information obtained from
Compliance
development of other standards
reactor opehing loss requirements.
indicates that a routine leak detection
teak Detection and Repair - f '
and repair program with a portable monitor can be an effective emission
Background. The current standard
reduction technique without the .
requires implementation of a formalized requirement of a fixed point monitoring
program for detection of leaks from
system, the EPA concluded that fixed-
equipment in VC service and
point monitoring systems already in
elimination of these leaks. The
place have uses that justify their
formalized program includes a -
retention in the current standard. In
multipoint VC detector and a portable
particular, fixed-point monitors allow
volatile organic compound (VOC)' analyzer. The fixed-point monitoring
system continuously monitors VC concentrations in the work area around equipment in VC service and sounds an alarm when concentrations exceed a prescribed level. The portable monitor is used independently to screen individual equipment components for leaks. Rather than specifying the number of points to be monitored, the sensitivities of the multipoint detector, the VC concentration that indicates a leak, and the actions to be taken to repair leaks, the current standard requires each plant owner or operator to prepare a program plan containing these specifications and to submit the plan to the EPA for approval. Plant owners or operators are required to submit data on background concentrations of VC in different areas of the plant to use in determining the VC concentration that should be designated
for quick detection of certain large VC leaks that might otherwise go undetected until the next routine portable monitor screening. The EPA recognizes that existing fixed-point monitoring plans will need to be . reviewed in light of the leak detection and repair requirements being specified at this time'. The complexity of existing fixed-point monitoring plans, in terms of number and distribution of monitoring points, varies greatly among plants. Consequently, some plant owners or operators may want to alter the number of points that are monitored and the distribution of monitoring locations to better complement the specified
portable monitoring requirements. Such changes to existing fixed-point monitoring plans will be allowed providing they do not alter the plant's ability to detect large VC leaks.
as indicating a leak. Plans, therefore,
The proposed revisions are primarily
were tailored by each plant and
intended to standardize control of VC
reviewed by the the EPA Regional -
emissions from equipment leaks. In
Offices.
_ doing this, the EPA is concerned that
The EPA found in the review study
existing effective plans not be
that differences in leak detection and
inappropriately changed. The proposed
elimination programs exist among PVC revisions include provisions that allow
and EDC/VC production plants and
plants with existing effective plans to
miscellaneous sources and that site-
periodically demonstrate the
specific differences include variations in effectiveness of their plans without
leak definitions and monitoring
additional reouiramanta. Accordingly.
practices. The definition and monitoring
practices, along with repair practices,
are primary influences im the control
Reaster / Vol. 50, No. 6 / Wednesday
1191
detection and repair requirements on effective existing plans. ' >.
Leak Detection and Repair Requirements. The EPA established leak detection and repair requirements (40 CFR Part 81 Subpart V) for certain equipment in volatile hazardous air pollutant (VHAP) service on June 8, 1984. These requirements were established in conjunction with the final standard for benzene equipment leaks. The requirements of Subpart V generally apply to pumps, compressors, pressure relief devices, sampling connection systems, open-ended valves or lines, valves, flanges and other connectors, and product accumulator vessels. These requirements reflect the level of control that the EPA considers reasonable for equipment covered by developing .standards for VHAP. The EPA is therefore proposing to add VC to the list of substances covered by Subpart V.
Subpart V would substantively affect only valves and flanges in VC service within this industry. All other equipment in VC service are already required by the VC standard to comply with equipment and work practice standards consistent with those in Subpart V. For example, pumps and compressors meeting the dual mechanical seal requirements of the current VC standard will be in compliance with the Subpart V requirements. In addition, the sampling connection systems requirements of Subpart V are essentially the same as the current standard. The use of rupture discs for controlling leaks from pressure relief
devices, as required by the VC standard, is consistent with the "no detectable emissions'* requirement included in Subpart V. Requirements for controlling leaks from pressure relief devices are described in more detail later in this section. Thus. Subpart V will affect primarily valves and flanges in VC service by requiring a specific monitoring schedule, leak definition and repair provisions.
Compliance with the provisions of Subpart V will be used to determine compliance with the portable monitor leak detection and elimination
requirements in the current VC standard (40 CFR 81.65(bH8](ii)), and therefore, ihe current standard is being revised to reflect this change. However, process units within VC and PVC plants in which the percentage of leaking valves is equal to or less than 2.0 percent are considered by the EPA to be effectively controlling VC emissions from leaking valves. For these process units, the existing leak detection and elimination program will continue to be allowed while the percentage of leaking valves is
2.0 percent or less. Any process unit in which the percentage of leaking valves is found to exceed 2.0 percent will be required to comply with the provisions of Subpart V.
The Subpart V requirements for valves are based on a leak detection and repair program that requires (1) monthly monitoring for valves in gas/ vapor and light liquid service, (2) an initial attempt at repairing these valves within 5 days after detection of a leak, (3) repair of leaking valves within IS days after detection of the leak unless repair would require a process unit shutdown, and (4) repair of valves during the next process unit shutdown after repair is delayed until a process unit shutdown. Valves found not to leak for 2 successive months can be monitored quarterly until leaks are detected. Monitoring of equipment to detect leaks is conducted in accordance with Method 21 and a leak is defined as a measured organic concentration equal to or greater than 10,000 parts per
million by volume (ppvm); For a complete description of the leak detection and repair requirements, see Subpart V (49 FR 23498, June 8.1984).
In addition. Subpart V contains
standards for other types of equipment (e.g., flanges, and open ended valves or linesJ. Standards for flanges include monitoring with a portable instrument under prescribed procedures within 5 days of observing evidence of a potential leak by visual, audible or other means. Open-ended valves or lines are required to be capped, blinded or fitted with a second valve. These provisions are not expected to significantly affect producers with these types of equipment in VC service. The equipment and procedures employed as normal practice by these producers or as a result of the current VC standard are expected generally to ensure compliance with Subpart V.
Pressure ReliefDevices, The EPA proposed and promulgated the work practices, equipment design and operational standards in the current
standard before explicit legal authority existed in Section 112. These
requirements are found in $ 81.65(b). In August of 1977, Congress amended Section 112 to allow the use of these requirements. Section 112 of the Clean Air Act requires that an emission standard (i.e., a performance standard) be established for control of a hazardous air pollutant unless, in the judgment of the EPA, it is not feasible to prescribe or enforce such a standard. An emission standard allows for some flexibility in complying with the standard, since any control technique
that achieves that standard may be applied. Section 112(e)(2) defines the following conditions under which it is not feadibie to prescribe or enforce an emission standard: (1) If the pollutants cannot be emitted through a conveyance designed and constructed to emit or capture the pollutant; or (2) if the
application of measurement methodology is not practicable due to technological or economic limitations. Section 112(e)(1) allows that if an emission standard is not feasible to prescribe or endorce, then the EPA may istead promulgate a design, equipment work practice, or operational standard, or combination thereof.
The EPA has reviewed the design, equipment work practice and operational requirements contained in the current VC standard. The only sources covered by the current standard
with one of the requirements for which a performance standard (i.e., an emission
standard) is feasible are pressure relief devices. As discussed below, the EPA is setting a "no detectable emissions" limit for these sources. For the other sources, the EPA is reinstating those requirements as set forth in the current standard.
The EPA selected the use of rupture disks as the basis for the current standard for pressure relief devices. When the integrity of ruptures disks is maintained, equipment leaks through the relief device are eliminated. Rupture
disks normally maintain their integrity unless an overpressure occurs. After the, occurrence of an overpressure, replacement of the rupture disk once again eliminates equipment leaks of VC through the pressure relief device.
For emission control techniques that eliminate equipment leaks, such as the use of rupture disks, a "no detectable emissions" limit is feasible. An instrument reading of less than 500 parts per million by volume (ppmv) above a background concentration based on Reference Method 21 can be used to indicate whether equipment leaks have been eliminated; that is, that the equipment has "no detectable emissions."
The "no detectable emission" limit would not apply to discharges through the pressure relief device during
overpressure relief. (These releases are covered under 55 61.64(a) and 61.65(a).)
The standard would specify, however, that the relief device be returned to a state of "no detectable emissions" within 5 days after such a discharge. The standard would further require an annual test to verify the "np detectable emissions ' status of the presa^rf devices and a test after each over
1192
*
Federal Register / Vol. SO. No. 0 / Wednesday. January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
pressure relief. This administrative change implements the basis of this standard consistent with the requirements of Section 112(e).
Miscellaneous Revisions : ; '
Based on discussions with the EPA
regional personnel regarding their .
experience in administering the current
VC standard, the EPA is proposing
several additional administrative
revisions that would facilitate -
compliance and enforcement efforts ...
associated with the current standard.
These revisions represent minor changes
to the standard. A brief description of .
these administrative revisions and the
basis foe making them follows. ...
Definition of Leak. Exhaust Gas and
Reiief Valve Discharge. Functional
definitions of "leak"*, "exhaust gas1* and
"relief valve discharge" are being added
to the standard to clarify die * "*
applicability of the standard to each of
these types of VC emissions. During _ J^
their review of enforcement and ._
compliance experience since the ~
standard was promulgated, the EPA
discovered several cases of confusion
over the intended meaning of "leak" ~
"exha'ust gas" and "relief valve j '
discharge." These three distinct ~ -
categories of VC emissions are being
defined in the revised standard to
provide compliance and industry ' ` -
personnel with a clear understanding of
which part of the standard applies to
any given discharge of VC emissions to
the atomosphere.
.....
Definition ofEDC and VC " \
Purification. In the past, some plants - - -
have misinterprented which equipment
components are included in EDC
purification and VC purification
processes with the result that emissions
from certain equipment intended to be
covered by the standard may not have
been controlled. The definitions of "EDC
purification" and "VC purification'* are
being revised to clarify that all
purification equipment following EDC
and VC formation were subject to
regulation under the current standard.
10 ppmv Standard. Two clarifying
revisions are being made to the 10 ppmv
regulations to improve understanding of
the applicability of this part of the
standard. First, although the test method
for determining compliance with the 10
ppmv standard specifies that the
average results from three labour
sampling runs be used, this 3-hour
averaging period is not specified in the
10 ppmv requirements. Specifying that
emissions may not exceed 10 ppmv over
a 3-hour averaging period clarifies that
instantaneous compliance with the 10
ppmv standard is not an intended
requirement. Moreover, specification of
the 3-hour averaging period is intended to clarify that the 10 ppmv standard
applies to VC emissions in all exhaust
gas streams covered by the 10 ppmv
requirements, including any control
device bypass streams. Requirements
for calculating the VC content in
bypassed emissions for purposes of
reporting VC emissions in excess of the
10 ppmv standard are being added to
the regulation. The EPA may use these calculations along with continuous -
emission monitoring results as - indications of noncompliance if they
show clearly that emissions in excess of
the 10 ppmv requirements occurred.
The second clarifying revision to the
10 ppmv standard involves the
specification that the 10 ppmv '
,,
requirements apply to each exhaust gas
stream from the coveted equipment. The
purpose of this revision is to clearly
prohibit plants from using dilution with
other exhaust gas streams as a
-
technique for meeting the 10 ppmv
requirement This revision is not
intended to prohibit the common
practice of combining two or more
exhaust gas streams in a common
header leading to a control device.
According to the revised 10 ppmv _ '17 ;
requirements, combining an exhaust gas
stream containing more than 10 ppmv
VC with another exhaust gas stream ..
containing less than 10 ppmv VC is
allowed only when the combined stream
is ducted to the control device.
--
Relief Valve Definition. The current
standard for relief valve discharges was
intended to apply hot only to safety
relief valves but to all types of pressure
relief devices. A definition of n
valve" is bein posed
revT that
current___________ _____ . _
applied to rupture discs, manual
^
vents
W m.
M
nrnreaa equipment friun umorfS
overpressure caondfliiitionjLJEhe definition of relief valve in the is not intended to include pressure control valves used to control flow to. an incinerator or other control device. However, the current relief valve discharge standard (fid cover emissions from pressure control valves. Also not included in the definition of relief valve are pressure control systems such as polymerization reaction shortstop . systems or refrigerated water systems which act to reduce pressure by means other than venting.
Reactor Opening Loss Requirements for Bulk PVC Resin Producers. Bulk PVC resin production differs from production of other types of PVC resin in that the polymerization reaction is*
carried oat in two separate vessels. The reaction is initiated in the
"prepolymerization" reactor and the
reactor contents are then transferred to
the "postpolymerization" reactor where
the reaction is completed. Stripping of
residual VC in bulk resin is performed
following the postpolymerization step in
the reactor vessel. The
postpolymerization reactor generally is
opened after every batch and must
comply with the reactor opening less
limits specified in the standard. Because
the prepolymerizatioa reactor is opened
less frequently and because
determination of gross product (for
reactor opening loss estimation) is
difficult the EPA has allowed plants to
meet the equipment opening
requirements for minimizing VC - -
emissions from polymerization reactor
openings. The reactor opening loss -
requirements are being revised at this time to specifically exclude
prepolymerization reactors. Accordingly, VC emissions from all
opening of prepolymerizatioa reactors
will be subject to the equipment opening
requirements. This revision is intended
to clarify and improve the consistency
of the equirements of the revised ,
standard as they apply to balk PVC
resin producers in light of actual -
industry practice- No reduction in VC
emission control stringency will result
from the change in requirements for
prepolymerization reactors.
Inprocess Wastewater Requirements
for Gasholder Seals. Under the current
standards, the VC content of inprocesa
wastewater must be reduced to less
than 10 ppm exposure of the wastewater to the atmosphere. Zn the case of
gasholder water seals, the VC content in
the exposed water seal may exceed 10
ppm during normal operation of the
gasholder. Experience since the '
standard was promulgated indicates that compliance with the atmospheric
exposure limit is not practicable for this
particular inprocess wastewater source. Consequently, the definition of
inprocess wastewater is being revised to exclude the exposed water seal of
gasholders. The inprocess wastewater
stripping requirements will continue to
apply to wastewater after removal from
the gasholder seal. -
- . ..
Elimination of30-Day Limit on
Equivalency Requests. The current standard specifies a 30-day. limit for existing sources to submit requests for use of equivalent methods. Because such
a limit poses a restriction on initiative by industry to develop alternative, and potentially more effective, control
measures, the 30-day limitation is being eliminated.
V
VAB.000117840"
Federal Register
f
Wednesday, January 9. 1985 / Proposed
Other. In addition to the revisions described above, a review of the
recordkeeping and reporting . requirements of the current standard was performed to identify ways to ease recordkeeping and reporting burden on plants and to identify any additional recordkeeping and/or reporting needs. The EPA identified two areas where the
reporting burden on plants could be reduced. The current reporting requirements for residual VC monomer specifications and reactor opening measurements require that results of all compliance tests be reported in . .,
semiannual reports. The EPA is proposing to allow plants to report only test results that show exceedences of
the respective standards. If no exceedences occur, plants will be required to indicate that fact in the semiannual report This type of exception reporting is currently allowed
for demonstration of compliance with the 10 ppmv standard for process vents. The second area is the requirement to report reliefvalve discharges within 10 days of their occurrence. The EPA is proposing to allow plants to report relief valve discharge occurrences on a quarterly basis rather than within 10 days of their occurrence. Furthermore, the reporting requirements for relief .
valve discharges have been streamlined by dropping the need to report actions taken and implemented preventive measures for each discharge.. .... ,, _ ,
Information on the date. time, source*
cause and estimated amount of
individual relief valve discharge will be
included with the semiannual reports > j
along with information on compliance
status. . .
r
. ..
Additional semiannual reporting requirements being added for PVC producers are the number of reactor openings and the design capacity
number of polymerization batches for -- each resin type. This requirement will
provide general information to facilitate review of industry-wide compliance
tatus during past reporting periods.
Specific recordkeeping and reporting requirements are included as part of the revisions to the leak detection and ' repair requirements. The recordkeeping requirements include prepara initial los to record equipment-
identifi
taggTng oTequipment components which leak, and maintaining a record of
equipment leaks and repair action. Included in the reporting requirements
are the number of equipment leaks and the repair status of leaking components. Depending on the particular leak detection and repair program in place, these requirements may represent an
increase or decrease in the overall
recordkeeping and reporting currently
practiced by individual plants.
The EPA concluded that the current
recordkeeping requirements, as
specified in 40 CFR 81.71, are still
appropriate. However, the EPA is
proposing to extend the current
recordkeeping requirements for all
[vines from 2 to 3 years,
e net impact of the revised . .
recordkeeping and reporting
-*
requirements proposed by the EPA is
estimated to be a decrease in a
paperwork burden of about 2.8 perso>
ears. _______
ouldbe noted that all
Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and liability
Act (CERCLA) Section 101(14)
hazardous substances such as vinyl
chloride are subject to reporting
requirements under Section. 103(a) of
CERCLA CERCLA requires that persons
in charge of vessels or facilities from
which hazardous substances have been
released in quantities (RQs) 1C... ;
immediately notify the National v-_.-
Response Center (NRC) of the released
The toll-free 24-hour telephone number
of the NRC is 800-124-8802 and in -
Washington. D.C. metropolitan area it is
(202) 428-2875. (See CERCLA Section
103 and 48 FR 23552. May 25,1983.)
Vinyl chloride was assigned a
statutory 1 pound reportable quantity
under Section 101(14) until adjusted by
regulation, and is presently undergoing
assessment for both chronic toxicity and
carcinogenicity. Its RQ will be adjusted
pending the outcome of these reviews by
the Office of Emergency and Remedial
Response. Federally permitted releases
under CERCLA (See CERCLA Section
101(1) and 48 FR 23552) are not subject
to CERLA notification requirements or
liabilities. However, releases of
1
hazardous substances that are not
subject to a permit or control regulation
must be reported.
-
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 requires that adverse effects of all Federal regulations upon small
businesses be identified. According to the current guidelines of the Small Business Administration (SBA), a small
business that produces or processes VC is one that has 500 employees or less. Currently, none of the existing producers or processors that are affected by the standard are estimated to be small by this definition. Since none of the companies meets the SBA * definition of small business, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required. Even if a required.Ineproposed administrative
revisions do not increase the cost of compliance with the standard.
Public Hearing
,, .
If requested, a public hearing will be
held to discuss the proposed revisions to
the VC standard in accordance with
sections 112(b)(1)(B) and 307(d)(5) of the
Clean Air Act Persons wishing to make
oral presentations on the proposed
- revisions should contact the EPA at the
address given in the aooresses section
of this preamble. Oral presentations will
be limited to 15 minutes each. Any
member of the public may file a written
statement before, during, or within 30
days after the hearing. Written
statements should be addressed to the`
Central Docket Section address given in
the addresses section of this preamble.
A verbatim transcript of the hearing
and written statements will be available
. for public inspection and copying during
normal working hours' aVthe EPA's
Central Docket Section In Washington. v
' D.C. (see addresses section of this
preamble).
1F '
* T-
* m-b
f
Docket -
t- nr-1
* * *
aMW'^ "1 *
w
J*
* The docket is anorganizecT and
complete file of all the information 3
submitted to or otherwise considered, by
the EPA in the development of this
proposed rulemaking. The principal
purposes of the docket are: (1) To allow
interested parties to identify and locate
documents so that they can effectively
participate in the rulemaking process,
and (2) to serve as the record in case of
judicial review (except for interagency
review materials [ 307(d)(7(A)J).
Miscellaneous . _ .
+
In accordance with section 117 of the Act. publication of this proposal was preceded by consultation with
appropriate advisory committees, independent'experts, and Federal departments and agencies. The Administrator will welcome comments on all aspects of the proposed regulation, including health, and economic and technological issues.
The information collection requirements in this proposed rule have been submitted for approval to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Comments on these requirements should be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, marked "Attention: Desk Officer for EPA". as well as to the EPA docket described above. The final rule will respond to any OMB or public -- * ' comments on the information collection requirements. -
VAB.0001178408
/
1194
Federal Register / VoL 50, No. 6 / Wednesday, January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
Under Executive Order 12291, the EPA
must judge whether a regulation is
"major" and therefore subject to the
requirement of a Regulatory Impact
Analysis. This regulation is not major
because: (1) The national annualized
compliance costs, including capital
charges resulting from the standards
total less than $100 million: (2) the
standards do not cause a major increase
in prices or production costs; and (3) the
standards do not cause significant
adverse effects on domestic competition,
employment investment productivity,
innovation or competition in foreign
markets.
-
This regulation was submitted to the
Office of Management and Budget for
review as required by Executive Order
12291. Any comments from OMB to EPA
and any SPA response to those
comments are included in Docket
Number A-81-21. The docket is
available for public inspection at EPA's
Central Docket Section, West Tower -
Lobby, Gallery 1, Waterside Mall, 401M
Street SW., Washington. D.C. 20460.
Pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C.
605(b), I hereby certify that this rule, if
promulgated, will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities because no
small entities are affected.
4
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 61
Air pollution control Asbestos, Beryllium, Hazardous materials. Mercury, Vinyl chloride. .
Dated: Dated December 31,1964.
Alvin L. Aim.
Acting Administrator. ... . _
PART 61--(AMENDED]
n
It is proposed to amend 40 CFR Part 61 as follows:
1. The proposed changes to 40 CFR Part 61 proposed at 42 FR 28154, June 2, 1977 are withdrawn.
2. By revising the definitions in existing 61.61(j). (1), (o) and (p) for "in
process wastewater", "in vinyl chloride service", "ethylene dichloride purification" and "vinyl chloride
purification" and by adding definitions for the terms "relief value", "leak", *4exhaust gas", "relief valve discharge and "3-hour period" in new paragraph (v), (w), (x), (y) and (zj.
3 61.61 Definitions.
(j) "Inprocess wasterwater" means
jch. during manufacturing or orocessing, comes into direct contact
viiud chloride or polyvinyl chtori or results from the production'^.
any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, by-product, or waste
product containing vinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride but which has not been discharged to a wastewater treatment process or discharged untreated as wastewater. Gas-holder
seal water is not inprocess wastewater until it is removed from the gasholder.
(1] "In vinyl chloride service" means that a piece of equipment either contains or contacts a liquid that is at least 10 percent vinyl chloride by weight or a gas that is at least 10 percent by volume vinyl chloride as determined according to the provisions of $ 61.67(h). The provisions of 3 61.67(h) also specify how to determine that a piece of equipment is not in vinyl chloride service. This definition must be used in place of the definition of "VHAP service" in Subpart V of this part #***
(o) "Ethylene dichloride purification"
includes any part of the process of
ethylene dichloride production which
follows ethylene dichloride formation. (p) "Vinyl chloride purificationff
includes any part of the process of vinyl
chloride production which follows vinyl
chloride formation.
* *_ * *
~^
i
(v) "Relief valve" means each
pressure relief device including pressure
relief valves, rupture disks, manual
vents and other pressure relief systems
used to protect process components
from overpressure conditions. "Relief
valve" does not include control valves *
used to control flow to an incinerator or
.other air pollution control device.
(w) "Leak" means any of several
events that indicate interruption of
confinement of vinyl chloride within,
process equipment Leaks include events
regulated under Subpart V of this part
such as: (1) An instrument reading of
10,000 ppm or greater: (2) indications of
liquid dripping; (3) a sensor detection of
failure of a seal system, failure of a
barrier fluid system, or both; and (4)
detectable emissions as indicated by an
instrument reading of greater than 500
ppm above background. Leaks also
include events regulated under
3 61.85(b)(8)(i) of detection of ambient
concentrations in excess of background
concentration. Emissions of vinyl
chloride not regulated under 3 61.81 (a)
and (b); 3 81.63(a); 61.64 (a), (b). (c).
(d), (e) and (f); and 3 61.65 (a) and (b)(1),
(b)(2). (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), (b)(7)
and (b)(9) shall be considered a leak. A
lie/ valve discharge is not a leak.
Exhaust gas" means any offgas
discharged directly or ultimately to the
tmosphere that was initially contained
ih or was in direct contact with the
equipment for which 10 ppm emissi
(U
limits are prescribed in 61.62 (a) and (b): 3 81.63(a); 3 81.64 (a)(1), (a)(2), (b). (c) and (d); 3 61.05 (b)(l)(ii). (b)(2), (b)(5), (b)(6)(ii) and (b)(9)(ii). A leak as defined in paragraph (w) of this section is not an exhaust gas.
(y) "Relief valve discharge" means any nonleak discharge through a relief valve.
(z) "3-hour period" means any three consecutive 1-hour periods (each hour commencing on the hour).
3. By changing " all exhaust gases" to "each exhaust gas stream" and making other minor clarifying revisions in S 61.62(a). 3 61.63(a). and 3 61.64 (a)(1), (b), (c) and (d) as follows:
3 61.62 Emission standard for ethylene dlchioride plants.
(a) Ethylene dichloride purification: The concentration of vinyl chloride in each exhaust gas stream from any equipment used in ethylene dichloride purification is not to exceed 10 ppm (average for 3-hour period or as determined in accordance with 3 61.67(g)(1)], except as provided in 3 61.65(a). This requirement does not preclude combining of exhaust gas streams provided the combined steam ducted through a control system from which the concentration of vinyl chloride in the exhaust gases does not exceed 10 ppm. or equivalent as provided in 3 61.66. This requirement does not apply to equipment that has been opened, is out of operation, and met the requirement in 3 61.65{b](6)(i) before being opened.
3 61.63 Emission standard for vinyl chloride plants.
An owner or operator of a vinyl chloride plant shall comply with the requirements of this section and 3 61.65
(a) Vinyl chloride formation and purification: The concentration of vinyl chloride in each exhaust gas stream from any equipment used in vinyl chloride formation and/or purification is not to exceed 10 ppm (average for 3-hcui period or as determined in accordance with 61.67(g)(1)), except as provided in 61.65(a). This requirement does not preclude combining of exhaust gas streams provided the combined steam is ducted through a control system from which the concentration of vinyl chloride in the exhaust gases does not exceed 10 ppm, or equivalent as provided in 3 81.68. This requirement does not apply to equipment that has been opened, is out of operation, and met the requirement in | 61.65(b)(6)(i) before being opened.
VAB.00011784C9
k
Federal Register / Vol. 50. No. 6 / Wednesday, January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
1195
61.64 Emission standard for polyvinyl. chloride plants.
(2) The reactor opening loss from each 7.By revising paragraph (a) to 9 61.85
reactor is not to exceed 0.02 g vinyl
as follows:
`An owner or operator, of a polyvinyl chloride plant shall comply with the requirements of this section and 61.65.
(a) Reactor. The following requirements apply to reactors:
chloride/kg (0.00002 lb vinyl chloride/lb) of poly vinyichloride product, except as provided in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) , of this section, with the product determined on a dry solids basis. This
9 61.65 Emission stsndard for sthylsno dichlortde, vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride plants
An owner or operator of an ethylene
(1} The concentration of vinyl chloride
in each exhaust gas stream from each
reactor is not to exceed 10 ppm (average
for 3-hour period or as determined in
accordance with 9 61.87(g)(1)], except as
provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this
section and 9 61.65(a). * _ * \*
rr
requirement does not apply to -
prepolymerization reactors in the bulk
process. This requirement does apply to
postpolymerization reactors in the bulk
process, where the product means the
gross product of prepolymerization and
postpolymerization.
*#*
*
...
dichloride, vinyl chloride, and/or polyvinyl chloride plant shall comply with the requirements of this section.
(a) Relief valve discharges. (1) Polyvinyl chloride plants (suspension, dispersion, latex, and. bulk processes).
(1) Reactor. The number of discharges to the atmosphere from relief valves on
*
(b) Stripper. The concentration of vinyl chloride in each exhaust gas stream from each stripper is not to
5. By revising paragraph (e)
introductory text and adding paragraph
(e)(3) to 9 81.64 as follows:
'-
polyvinyl chloride reactors in vinyl chloride service is not to exceed the following limits except as provided in
exceed 10 ppm (average fbr 3-hour -
period or as determined in accordance
with $ 61.67(g)(1)), except as provided in
. 9 61.65(a). This requirement does not
apply to equipment that has been
opened, is out of operation, and met the
requirement in 5 61.65{b)(6)(i) before -- -
being opened.
-"
(c) Mixing, weighing, andholding
containers. The concentration of vinyl -
chloride in each exhaust gas stream 1 "
. from each mixing, weighing, or holding ~~
container in vinyl chloride service which
precedes the stripper (or the reactor if
the plant has no stripper) in the plant
process flow is not to exceed 10 ppm
(average for 3-hour period or as
determined in accordance with
9 61.64- Emlssiop standard for polyvinyl
chloride plants.
............
'* *
(e) Sources following the stripperfs). The following requirements apply to emissions of vinyl chloride to the ' atmosphere from the combination of all sources following the stripperfs) [or the reactor(s) is the plant has no stripperfs)] in the plant process flow including butnot limited to, centrifuges,
concentrators, blend tanks, filters. dryers, conveyor air discharges, baggers, storage containers, and inprocess wastewater, except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section: **d
/ *
paragraph (a)(l)(iii) of this section. For all reactors producing suspension resins within a PVC plant, the number of relief valve discharges is not to exceed 0.035 discharges per 100 polymerization -:
batches nor 4 discharges per year. For all reactors producing dispersion and latex resins within a PVC plant the number of relief valve discharges is not to exceed 0.035 discharges per 100 - polymerization batches. For all reactors including prepolymerization and - postpolymerization reactors, producing bulk resins within a PVC plant the number of relief valve discharges is not to exceed 0.035 discharges per 100 polymerization batches.
*
(ii) The number of discharges to the
61.67(g)(1)), except as provided in
(3) The provisions of this paragraph
9 61.65(a). This requirement does not ; apply at all times including when off-
atmosphere from.relief valves on equipment (excluding polyvinyl chloride
.apply to equipment that has been - specification or other types of resins are reactors] in vinyl chloride service is not
opened, is out of operation, and met the made.
~ -i
to exceed 0.025 discharges per 100
requirement in 9 61.85(b](6)(i) before being opened.
(d) Monomer recovery system. The
`*
-
-,
. -
.-
*
6. By adding paragraph (f) to 9 61.64
as follows:
polymerization batches nor 3 discharges per year except as provided in paragarph (a)(l)(iii) of this section.
concentration of vinyl chloride in each 9 61.64 Emission standard for polyvinyl exahust gas stream from each monomer chloride plants
(iii) The limits specified in paragraphs (a](l)(i) and (a](l)(ii) of this section may
recovery system is not to exceed 10 ppm
be exceeded when only one relief valve
(average for 3-hour period or as determined in accordance with 9 61.87(g)(1)), except as provided in
9 61.65(a). This requirement does not apply to equipment that has been ' opened, is out of operation, and met the requirement in 9 61.85(b)(6)(i) before being opened. ^
(f) Reactor used as stripper. When a ' nonbulk resin reactor is used as a
stripper this paragraph may be applied in lieu of 9 81.64 (a)(2) and (e)(1):
(1) The weighted average emissions of vinyl chloride from reactor opening loss and all sources following the reactor used as a stripper from all grades of
discharge to the atmosphere occurs during the 12-month period preceding the close of the 6-month reporting period.
(2) Polyvinyl chloride plants (solution and other continuous PVC production processes). The number of discharges to the atmosphere from relief valves on all
***
polyvinyl chloride resin stripped in the . equipment in vinyl chloride service is
4. By revising existing paragraphs
reactor on each calendar day may not
not to exceed 1 discharge per year.
9 81.64(a)(2) and by removing (a)(3) as
exceed: -
..
(3) Ethylene dichloride and vinyl
follows:
--
(i) 202 g/kg (0.00202 lb/lb) of polyvinyl chloride plants. The number of
-w
9 61.64 Emission standard for polyvinyl
chloride plants.
M j-
An owner or operator of a polyvinyl
chloride plant shall comply with the
requirements of this section and 9 61.65.
(a) Reactor. The following
~
requirements apply to reactors:
**
chloride product for dispersion polyvinyl chloride resins, excluding latex resins, with the product determined on a dry solids basis.
(ii) 0.42 g/kg (0.00042 Ib/lb) of polyvinyl chloride product for all other polyvinyl chloride resins, including latex resins, with the product determined on a dry solids basis.
discharges to the atmosphere from relief
valves on equipment in vinyl chloride
service is not to exceed 4 discharges per
year.
V --
(4) Each relief valve discharge that contributes to a relief valve discharge frequency in excess of any limit
prescribed in paragarphs (a)(1), (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this*paragraph constitutes
/
a
I
*
PI \
VAB.0001178410
1196
Federal Register / Vol. 50, No. 6 / Wednesday, January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
an individual violation of the respective limit
(5) For every relief valve discharge to the atmosphere, the owner or operator shall record the identity of the source, the date and time of the discharge, the cause of the discharge, the approximate total vinyl chloride loss during the discharge, and the method used for determining the vinyl chloride loss. This information shall be submitted in writing to the Administrator as part of the reporting requirements of paragraph $ 81.70. This information shall be retained and made available for inspection by the Administrator for a . minimum of 3 years.
8.By revising paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(8)(i), (b)(8)(iii), (b)(8)(iv) and (h)(8)(vi) to S 61.85 as follows:
61.65 Emission standard for ethylene dfchiorid*, vinyl chloride and polyvinyl
chloride plants. .
An owner or operator of an ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride, and/or polyvinyl chloride plant shall coi
with the requirements of this sec (a) * * * *; - -- -
(b) Fugitive emission sources V.
** *
----
; *" *'
-
.; ;
-T_ `
*
/ '' -
(3) Leakage from pump, compressor, and agitator seals: (i) Rotating pumps. Vinyl chloride emissions from seals on all rotating pumps in vinyl chloride
service are to be minimized by installing sealless pumps, pumps with double mechanical seals or equivalent as provided in 61.66. If double mechanical seals are used, vinyl chloride emissions from the seals are to be minimized by maintaining the pressure between the two seals so that any leak that occurs is into the pump; by ducting any vinyl chloride between the two seals through a control system from which the concentration of vinyl chloride in the exhaust gases does not exceed 10 ppm: or equivalent as provided in 01.66.
(ii) Reciprocating pumps. Vinyl
chloride emissions from seals on all reciprocating pumps in vinyl chloride ~ service are to be minimized by installing double outboard seals, or equivalent as
provided in $ 61.66. If double outboard seals are used, vinyl chloride emissions from, the seals are to be minimized by maintaining the pressure between the two seals so that any leak that occurs is
into the pump; by ducting any vinyl chloride between the two seals through a control system from which the concentration of vinyl chloride in the exhaust gases doei not exceed 10 ppm; or equivalent as provided in 3 61.66.
(iii) Rotating compressor. Vinyl chloride emissions from seals on all
r
rotating compressors in vinyl chloride service are to be minimized by installing compressors with double mechanical seals, or equivalent as provided in S 81.66. If double mechanical seals are used, vinyl chloride emissions from the seals are to be minimized by maintaining the pressure between the two seals so that any leak that occurs is into the compressor; by ducting any vinyl chloride between the two seals through a control system from which the concentration of vinyl chloride in the exhaust gases does not exceed 10 ppm; or equivalent as provided in 3 61.66.
(iv) Reciprocating,compressors. Vinyl chloride emissions from seals on all reciprocating compressors in vinyl chloride service are to be minimized by installing double outboard seals, or equivalent as provided in S 61.66. If double outboard seals are used, vinyl. chloride emissions from the sealsare to
between a control system from which the ; concentration of vinyl chloride in the exhaust gases does not exceed 10 ppm; or equivalent as provided in 3 6136
(v)Agitator. Vinyl chloride emissions from seals on all agitators in vinyl
chloride service are to be minimized by installing agitators with double mechanical seals, or equivalent as provided in $ 61.66. If double mechanical seals are used, vinyl chloride emissions from the seals are to be minimized by maintaining the pressure between the two seals so that any leak that occurs is into the agitated vessel; by ducting any vinyl chloride between the two seals through a control system from which the concentration of vinyl chloride in the exhaust gases does not exceed 10 ppm; or equivalent as provided in 61.66.
* `* # *
k*
~"
(8) Leak detection and elimination.
(i) It includes a reliable and accurate vinyl chloride monitoring system for detection of major leaks and identification of the general area of the plant where a leak is located. A vinyl chloride monitoring system means a device which obtains air samples from one or more points on a continuous sequential basis and analyzes the samples with gas chromatography or, if the owner or operator assumes that all hydrocarbons measured are vinyl chloride, with infrared spectrophotometry, flame ion detection, or an equivalent or alternative method.
(iii) It provides for an acceptable
calibration and maintenance schedule for the vinyl chloride monitoring system and portable hydrocarbon detector. For
the vinyl chloride monitoring system, a L. _ _
daily spaa check is to be conducted witn t *?
aa (c'ortnncrpennttrraattiinonn nf1 vinvl nhlnrirle Aniinl r
to the concentration defined as a leak
according to paragraph (b)(8)(vi) of this
section. The calibration is to be done _
with either
~-
- (A) A calibration gas mixture
prepared from the gases specified in
sections 5.2.1 and 5J2L2 of Test Method
106 and in accordance with section 7.1 of test Method 106. or
(B) A calibration gas cylinder standard containing the appropriate concentration of vinyl chloride. The gas
composition of the calibration gas .
cylinder standard is to have been
certified by the manufacturer. The
manufacturer must have recommended a
maximum shelf-life for each cylinder so
that the concentration does not change
greater than 5 percent from the
certified value. The date of gas cylinder
preparation, certified vinyl chloride
concentration and recommended
~
maximum shelf life must have been
affixed to the cylinder before shipment
from the manufacturer to the buyer. If a
gas chromatograph is used as the vinyl
chloride monitoring system, these gas mixtures may be directly used to
prepare a chromatograph calibration
curve asdescribed in section 7.3 of Test
Method 106. The requirements in section 5.2.3.1 and 5.2.3.2 of Test Method 106 for
certification of cylinder standards and for establishment and verification of
calibration standards are to be followe
(iv) The location and number of points
to be monitored and the frequency of
monitoring provided for in the program
are acceptable when they are compared
with the number of pieces of equipment
in vinyl chloride service and the size
and physical layout of the plant
fvi) It contains a
itinn nf IpaJt
vinyl
ip thn areas of the plant to
be monitored by the vinyl chloride
monitoring system. Measurements of
background concentrations of vinyl
chloride in the areas of the plant to b
monitored by the vinyl chloride
monitoring system are to be included
with the description of the program,
definition of leak for a given plant may
vary among the different areas within
the plant and is also to change over time
as background concentrations in the
plant are reduced.
VAB.0001178411
9. Byjevising paragraph (b)(4) to
61.65 as follows:
- '- :
$61.66 Emission standard for ethylene dichlorlde, vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride plants
(b) Fugitive emission sources. " .
* * . *
-' ~
(4) Leaksfrom relief valves* Vinyl chloride emissions due to leaks from each relief valve on equipment in vinyl chloride service shall comply with : ' $ 61.242-4of Subpart V of thispart # * # *
- ,*
10. By revising paragraph (b)(7) of $ 61.65 as follows:
-M ___
$ 61.65 Emission standard for sthylsno dlehloride, vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride plants. * * ' - . * # # " 1* 1
*
mf
- (b) Fugitive emission sources* v --
. i *
jb
-4
(7) Samples. Unused portions of '
samples containing at least 10 percent
by weight vinyl chloride are to be -
returned to the process or destroyed in a
control device from which the
-
concentration of vinyl chloride in the
exhaust gas does not exceed 10 ppm. ;
Sampling techniques are to be such that
sample containers in vinv) chloride an*-
purged into a closed process system. ^ *
11. By revising paragraphs (b)(8) '
introductory text (b)(8)(H), and (b)(8)(v)
to $ 61.65 as follows:
*
^
_.
F1
$ 61.65 Emission standard lor ethylene
diehioride, vinyl chloride and polyvinyl
chloride plants.
.
*
'
r *
,*
_ - * *
"v --
"
^
(b) Fugitive emission sources . -
--l
(8) Leak detection and elimination.
Vinyl chloride emissions due to leaks
from equipment in vinyl chloride service are to be minimized by instituting and
implementing a lead detection and repair program consistent with the provisions of Subpart V of this part The program is to be implemented within 90 days of the effective date of these '
regulations, unless a waiver of
compliance is granted under $ 61.11. Approval of a program will be granted by the Administrator provided he finds:
(1) * * * (ii) It includes a reliable and accurate portable hydrocarbon detector to be used consistent with the provisions of Subpart V of this part An owner
operator is exempt from s Qi.24Z-l(d), 3 61.242-7 (a), (b) and (c), $ 61.246 and $ 61.247 of Subpart V of this part for any jrocess unit in which the eaking valves is dem eoual to
Bl
'ttr'
determined in accordance with the
following:
__
(A) A performance test as specified in
paragraph (b)(8)(ii)(C) of this section
shall be conducted initially within 90
days of the effective date of these
regulations, annully and at times
requested, by the Administrator.
(B) For each performance test, a
minimum of 200 or 90 percent of the total
valves in VOC service (as defined in
$ 60.481 of Subpart W of Part 60) within
the process unit shall be randomly -
selected and monitored within 1 week
by the methods specified in $ 61.245(d) of Subpart V of this part If an
instrument reading of 10,000 ppm or
greater is measured, a leak is detected.
The leak percentage shall be determined
by dividing the number of valves in VOC service for which leaks are
detected by the number of tested valves in VOC service.
(C) If a leak is detected, it shall be '
repaired in accordance with $ 61.242-7 (d) and (e) of Subpart V of this part
(D) The results of the performance test
shall be submitted in writing to the . .
Administrator in the first semiannual report following the performance test as
part of the reporting requirements of .,
61.70. . . ........ .. : -
.
r4
(E) Any process unit in which the
percentage of leaking valves is found to be greater than 2.0 percent must comply
with all provisions of Subpart V of this part within 90 days.
(v) It contains a plan of action to be taken when a leak is detected consistent with Subpart V of this part
_ _* *
12. By revising $ 61.66 as follows:
$61.66 Equivalent equipment and
procedures.
*i
4
*
Upon written application from an
owner or operator, the Administrator
may approve use of equipment or
procedures which have been
demonstrated to his satisfaction to be
equivalent in terms of reducing vinyl
chloride emissions to the atmosphere to
those prescribed for compliance with a
specific paragraph of this subpart
13. By revising paragraph (f) of $ 81.67
as follows:
,4
$61.67 Emission teats. * -* * *
(f) The owneror operator shall retain
at the plant and make available, upon
request for inspection by the
Administrator, for a minimum of 3 years,
records of emission test results and -
udetennin
^emissions
- f-
'T
<yk*F'
14. By revising paragraphs (g)(3) introductory text (g}(3)(i), and (g)(3)(iii) of $ 61.87 as follows:
$61.67 Emission tests.
(s) *: * v
(3) When a stripping operation is used
to attain the emission limits in $ 61.84
(e) and (f), emissions are to be
determined using Test Method 107 as follows: .
(i) The number of strippers (or reactors using as strippers) and samples
and the types and grades of resin to be
sampled are to be determined by the Administrator for each individual plant
at the time of the test based on the
plant's operation.
(ii) * * *
(iii) The corresponding quantity of
material processed by each stripper (or
reactor used as a stripper) is to be
determined on a dry solids basis and by
a method submitted to and approved by
the Administrator.
-
15. By revising paragraph (g)(5)
introductory text and adding paragraph
(g)(6) to $ 61.87 as follows:
-
$*61.67 Emission teste.
(gr *.*.
;
(5) The reactor opening loss for which
an emission limit is prescribed in _
61.64(a)(2) is to be determined. The -
number of reactors for which the
determination is to be specified by the
Administrator for each individual plant
at the time of the determination based
on the plant's operation. ****
(6) For a reactor that is used as a stripper, the emissions of vinyl chloride from reactor opening loss and all sources following the reactor used as a stripper for which an emission limit is prescribed in $ 61.64(f) are to be determined. The number of reactors for which the determination is to be made is to be specified by the Administrator for each individual plant at the time of the determination based on the plant's operation.
(i) For each batch stripped in the reactor, the following measurements are to be made:
(A) The concentration (ppm) of vinyl chloride in resin after stripping, measured according to paragraph (g)(3) of thjjiisctpirr--------
) The reactor vacuum (mm Hgfa ^agd of strip from plant instrument; an
(C)The reactortemperature (*C) at end of strip from plant instrument.
VAB.0001178412
xr***rh*'
1198
Federal Register / Vol. 50, No. 6 / Wednesday, January 9, 1985 f Proposed Rules
(11} For each batch stripped in the
reactor, the following information is to
be determined:
_
-
. (A) The vapor pressure (mm Hg) of
water in the reactor at end of strip from
the following table:
Atictaf wro
H*Q V8D0T
mm
(mm Hg)
Riidot
tampara* turn fCJ
vpor
MM (mm HO)
Raactor vapor tamoaralift (*Q
Hrf> vapor
MM (mm H#
* 40 44211
553 583 u
. si 158,4 . . a
82 103.0
' 83
- 63 171.4
. 84
4a 84a
84 179-3
65
44 68.3
85 187.3
88
40 71.0 4* 73L6
"`00 190.1 - 07 I 206.0
87 00
47 79.8
68 214-2
48 - 83.7
80 223.7
50
48 88.0
70 233.7 - 01
50 92.5
- 71 243a
02
51 07-2
72 254.8
93
. S3 53
` 54
102.1 .. V "
107.2
74
nzs
75
265.7 277a 280.1
94.
- *- 90 98
55 IlfcO 1 '
30114 - * 57
56 iaaa
. 77 314.1
- 90
57 129.0
78 3273
99
58 136.1
.70 341.0 r
100
' 50 142.6
80 35811
.i
80 148.4
61 380.7
384.9
400.0
4106 4336 450.0 488.7 407.1 506,1 5256 5406 5076 588.6 8106 5336 6876 682.1 7073 7333 7606
m6
*1
i
T -J-
- W mm-
(B) The partial pressure (mm Hg) of
vinyl chloride in reactor at end of strip
from the following equation:
--
'*
*
**
1
* # * 1 1 --' *
^
PPVA*70O-RV-VPW ' `
. i. -- -
Where:
"
*
-.
PPVC*partialpressure of viny! chloride, in
mm Hg ; - - -
-
700*atmospheric pressure at 0*0, in mm Hg
RV^k absolute value of reactor vacuum* in -
mmHg
VPW vapor pressure of water, in mm Hg
(C) The reactor vapor space volume (m3) at end of strip from the following equation:
nvsvac-wv- pvcw
RVSV reactor vapor space volume, in m*
PVCW*dry weight of polyvinyl chloride in reactor from recipe, in kg
833--typical density of polyvinyl chloride, in kg/ma
(iii) For each batch stripped in the reactor, the combined reactor opening loss and emissions from all sources following the reactor used as a stripper is to be determined using the following equation:
C(PPMVC)(10*1
where:
C*g vinyl chloride/kg polyvinyl chloride
product
. ..
PPMVC*concentration of vinyl chloride in
resin after stripping, in ppm
10-**conversion factor for ppm
PPVC-partial pressure of vinyl chloride
determined according to paragraph "
(g)(6)(ii)(B) of thia section, in mm Hg
RVSV * reactor vapor space volume
determined according to paragraph
(g)(8)(u)(C) of this section, in m3
1.002* ideal gas constant in g--*K/mm Hg--
. ma for vinyl chloride -
PVCW*dry weight of polyvinyl chloride in
reactor from recipe, in kg
.
273 *convarrion factor for *C to *K
RT*reactor temperature, in *C
*t
.-
'*
,, ** '
4m
18. By adding paragraph (h) to $ 81.87
as follows:
^ ^r
-
h '
*
*
<____
^* - J
-
--*
' '-------
#
'
(h)(1) Each piece of equipment within
a process unit that can reasonably
contain equipment in vinyl chloride
service is presumed to be in vinyl
chloride service unless an owner or
operator demonstrates that the piece of
equipment is not in vinyl chloride
service. For a piece of equipment to be
considered not in vinyl chloride service,
it must be determined that the percent
vinyl chloride content can be reasonably
expected not to exceed 10 percent by
weight for liquid streams and 10 percent
by volume for gas streams. For purposes
. of determining the percent vinyl chloride
content of the process fluid that is
contained in or contacts equipment,
procedures that conform to the methods
described in ASTM Method D-22B7
(incorporated by reference as specified
in 61.18) shall be used.
-
(2)(1) An owner or operator may use
engineering judgment rather than the
procedures in paragraph (h)(1) of this
section to demonstrate that the percent
vinyl chloride content does not exceed
10 percent by weight for liquid streams
and 10 percent by volume for gas
streams, provided that the engineering
judgment demonstrates that the vinyl
chloride content clearly does not exceed
10 percent. When an owner or operator
and the Administrator do not agree on
whether a piece of equipment is not in
vinyl chloride service, however, the
procedures in paragraph (h)(1) of this
section shall be used to resolve the
disagreement*
t-..
(ii) If an owner or operator determines
that a piece of equipment is in vinyl
chloride service, the determination can
(PPVC)(RVSV)(1.002) (PVCW)(273+RT) ~ ' -
be revised only after following the procedures in paragraph (h)(1) of this section.
a
(3) Samples used in determining the percent vinyl chloride content shall be representative of the process fluid that is contained in or contacts the equipment*
17. By adding paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) to 61.68 as follows:
* -i _J
w*
61.68 Emission monitoring.
f * e
--H
-h ^ '
(d) When exhaust gas(es), having
emission limits that are subject to the
requirement of paragraph (a) of this
section, are emitted to the atmosphere -
around the control system and required
vinyl chloride monitoring system, the
vinyl chloride content of the emission
shall be calculated (in units of each
applicable emission limit} by best
practical engineering judgment based on
the discharge duration and known VC
concentrations in the affected
equipment as determined in accordance
with 81.67(h) or other acceptable .
method. <
~-
(e) For each 3-hour period, the vinyl
chloride content of emissions subject to
the requirements of paragraphs (a) and
(d) of this section shall be averaged
(weighted according to the proportion of
time that emissions were continuously
monitored and that emissions bypassed
the continuous monitor) for purposes of
reporting excess emissions under
61.70(c)(1). .
(f) For each vinyl chloride emission to . the atmosphere determined in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section to be in excess of the applicable emission limits, the owner or operator shall record the identity of the source(s), the date, time, and duration of the excess emission, the cause of the emission, the approximate total vinyl chloride loss during the excess emission,
and the method used for determining the vinyl chloride loss. This information shall be retained and made available for inspection by the Administrator as required by 61.71(a). ^
18. By changing the title from
"Semiannual report" to "Reporting" and
by revising paragraph (a) of 61.70 as follows:
VAB.000117*413
Federal Register / Voi. 50. No. 0 / Wednesday. January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
1199
5 61.70 Reporting.
(a)(1) The owner or operator of any
source to which this subpart applies
shall submit to the Administrator on
September 15 and March 15 of each year
a report in writing containing the
information required in paragraphs, (c).
(d) and (e) of this section and on
December 15 and June 15 of each year a
report in writing containing the
information required in paragraph (e) of
this section, except as provided in
paragraph (a)(2).
(2) In the case of an existing source
that submits semiannual reports on an
approved fixed schedule other than
September 15 and March 15. the
approved semiannual reporting schedule
shall be used to report the information
required in paragraphs (c). (d) and (e) of
this section. In addition, the information
required in paragraph (e) of this section
will be reported exacdy 3 months
following the semiannual reporting <
dates."
"'
(3) The first report is to be submitted ,
following the first full 3 month reporting
period after the initial report is
submitted.
-r
` * >
^- "
19. By revising paragraph (c)(1) of
9 01.70 as follows:
.
p_
61.70 Reporting.
*****
T
P
(c) * * *
(1) The owner or operator shall Include in the report a record of the vinyl chloride content of emissions for each 3-hour period during which average
emissions are in excess of the emission limits in 51.62 (a) or (b). 61.63(a), or " 61.64 (a)(1), (b), (c), or (d), or during which average emissions are in excess of the emission limits specified for any control system to which reactor emissions are required to be ducted in 61.64(a)(2) or to which fugitive emissions are required to be ducted in 5 61.65 (b)(i)(ii), (b)(2), (b)(5). (b)(6)(ii). or (b)(9)(ii). If emissions in excess of the ' emission limits are not detected, the report shall contain a statement that no excess emissions have been detected. The emissions are to be determined in accordance with 9 61.68(e).
20. By revising paragraph (c)(2) introductory text, removing paragraphs (c) (2)(iv), revising paragraph (c)(2)(iii) and revising (c](2)(v) and (c)(2)(vi)
introductory text to 81.70 as follows:
61.70 Reporting.2
(2) In polyvinyl chloride plants for which a stripping operation is used to attain the emission level prescribed in 9 81.64(e), the owner or operator shall include in the report a record of the
vinyl chloride content in the polyvinyl chloride resin.
(i) * * * fii) * * * {iii) The vinyl chloride content in each sample is to be determined by Test Method 107 as prescribed in 9 61.87(g)(3). (iv) [Reserved] (v) The report to the Administrator by the owner or operator is to include a record of any 24-hour average resin
where:
A 24-hour average concentration of type. 7)
resin in ppm [dry weight basis). <2*-Total production of type 7i rosin over the
24-hour period, in kg. r.
7i=Type of resin: ;L2... nr where at is
. total number of resin types produced during the 24-hour period. Ms Concentration of vinyl chloride in one
sample of grade Gt resin, in ppm. Ps Production of grade Gt resin represented
by the sample, in kg.
G4 s Grade of resin: e.g^ G,, G* and G*
n=Total number of grades of resin produced during the 24-hour period.
d
If no 24-hour average resin vinyl chloride concentrations in excess of the limits prescribed in. 61.64(e) are ' measured, the report shall state that no excess resin vinyl chloride _ concentrations were measured. ~
(vi) The owner or operator shall retain at the source and make available for inspection by the Administrator for a minimum of 3 years records of all data needed to furnish the information required by paragraph (c)(2)(v) of this section. The records are to contain the following information:
(A)* *
(B) * *
21.By revising paragraph (c)(3) of 61.70 as follows:
- l
*
9 61.70 Reporting.
* * #* *
(C)* * * (3) The owner or operator shall ` ' include in the report a record of any emissions from each reactor opening in excess of the emission limits prescribed in 61.64(a)(2). Emissions are to be determined in accordance with 61.67(g)(5), except that emissions for each reactor are to be determined. If emissions in excess of the emission limits are not detected, the report shall
vinyl chloride concentration, as determined in this paragraph, in excess of the limits prescribed in 61.64(e). Th vinyl chloride content found in each sample required by paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c](2)(ii) of this section shalTbe averaged separately for each type of resin, over each calendar day and weighted according to the quantity of each grade of resin processed by the 8tripper(s) that calendar day. according to the following equation:
**
iclude a statement that excess
emissions have not been detected.
*** /
22. By adding paragraph (c)(4) ta
9 61.70 as follows;
'-
- ,-r
61.70 Reporting
-
4 i.
ll *
(cj* * *
..
(4)In polyvinyl chloride plants for
which stripping in the reactor is used to
attain the emission level prescribed in
61.64(f), the owner or operator shall
include in the report a record of the
vinyl chloride emissions from reactor
opening loss and all sources following
the reactor used as a stripper.
(i) One representative sample of
polyvinyl chloride resin is to be taken
from each, batch of each grade of resin
immediately following the completion of
the stripping operation, and identified
by resin type and grade and the date
and time the batch is completed. The
corresponding quantity of material _
processed in each stripper batch is to be recorded and identified by resin type and grade and the date and time the batch is completed.
(ii) The vinyl chloride content in each
sample is to be determined by Test
Method 107 as prescribed in 61.67(g)(3).
(iii) The combined emission from
reactor opening loss and all sources
following the reactor used as a stripper
are to be determined for each batch
stripped in a reactor according to the
procedure prescribed in 9 81.67(g)(8).
(iv) The report to the Administrator by the owner or operator is to include a record of any 24-hour average combined
reactor opening loss and emissions from all sources following the reactor used as
a stripper as determined in this
paragraph, in excess of the limits prescribed in 9 81.64(f). The combined reactor opening loss and emissions from
VAB.0001178414
h
1200
Federal Register / Vol. 50. No. 6 / Wednesday. January 9, 1985 / Proposed Rules
all sources following the reactor used as a stripper associated with each batch are to be averaged separately for each type of resin, over each calendar day and weighted according to the quantity
of each grade of resin stripped in reactors that calendar day as follows:
For each type of resin (suspension, dispersion-,- latex, bulk, other), the following calculation is to be performed:
X
n
A
r Pr c.
f-X S1G1
Pp cr
G1G1
+
PGZ gg,
+
P6 GG ,0 n
* T ,
Q
Where:
.
A 24-hour average combined reactor
opening lose and emissions from all sources following the reactor used as a stripper, in g vinyl chloride/kg product (dry weight basis). Q*Total production of resin in batches for which stripping is completed during the 24-hour period, in kg. :
C= Average combined reactor opening lose and emissions from all sources following the reactor used as a stripper of all -
` batches of grade G* resin for which ~ ' stripping is completed during the 24-hour period in g vinyl chloride/kg product (dry weight basis) (determined according to procedure prescribed in 3 81.87(g)(6)).
P*Production of grade G| resin in the
batches for which C is determined, in kg. Gi** Grade of resin: e.g., Gv. G*. and G*. . v
n* Total number ofgrades of resin in batches
for which stripping is completed during
the 24-hour period.
1
*
If no 24-hour average combined reactor opening loss and emissions from all sources following the reactor used a ' stripper in excess of the limits
prescribed in S 61.64(f) are determined, the report shall state that no excess vinyl chloride emissions were determined.
23. By adding paragraphs (d), te) and
(f) to 5 61.70 as follows:
p __ m
61.70 Reporting.
(d) The owner or operator shall include in the report a record of relief valve discharges as prescribed in 61.65(a)(4), and the owner or operator shall report exceedences of the relief valve discharge frequency limits prescribed in 61.65(a) to be determined as follows: -
(1) For polyvinyl chloride plants producing dispersion, latex or bulk resins, the relief valve discharge frequency from poiyvinly chloride reactors is to be determined using the following equation..Separate calculations are to be made for each resin type (t) as defined:
N
Y
Where Ft-relief valve discharge frequency per 100
polymerization batches from all reactors producing resing type t ... N total number of relief valve discharges during the 12-month period preceding the close of the 6-month reporting period from all reactors producing resin type t Y * total number of polymerization batches of resin type t during the 12-month period preceding the close of the 8-month reporting period divided by 100 ~ t resin type: dispersion (Including latex) or bulk resin type '7
(2) For polyvinyl chloride plants producing suspension resins, the relief valve discharge frequency from polyvinyl chloride reactors is to be determined in two ways using the following equations: '
,w '
F-- --; and F* -- N
-V
where
F,,=relief valve discharge frequency per 100 polymerization batches from all reactors producing suspension resin
Ft = relief valve discharge frequency per 12month period from all reactors producing suspension resin
N = total number of relief valve discharges during the 12-month period preceding the close of the 6-month reporting period from all reactors producing suspension resin
Y=total number of polymerization batches of suspension resin during the 12-month period preceding the close of the 6-month reporting period divided by 100
(3) For polyvinyl chloride plants producing suspension, dispersion, latex, or bulk resins, the relief valve discharge frequency from all other equipment (excluding polyvinyl chloride reactors) is to be determined in two ways using the following equations:
N
F. : and FiN
Y
where
F, relief valve discharge frequency per 100 polymerization batches from ail equipment (excluding reactors)
Fi relief valve discharge frequency per 12month period from all equipment (excluding reactors)
N total number of relief valve discharges during the 12-month period preceding the close of the 6-month reporting period from all equipment (excluding reactors)
Y total number of polymerization batches of all resin types combined divided by 100
0
(4) For polyvinyl chloride plants using the solution procesa or any other continuous production process, the relief
valve discharge frequency is the
summation of each relief valve
discharge from all equipment types
during the 12-month period preceding
the close of the 6-month reporting
period.
.
(5) For ethylene dichloride/vinyl chloride plants, the relief valve discharge frequency is the summation of
each relief valve discharge from all _ equipment types during the 12-month
period preceding the close of the 6month reporting period.
(6) A polymerization batch consists of each sequence of charging VC and other materials to the reactor, heating reactor contents, polymerization of reactor contents, and removal of reactor contents including any incomplete sequence that is aborted after charging VC to the reactor. For bulk resin production plants, a single "polymerization batch" includes both prepoiymerization and
postpolymerization reactor operations.
(e) The owner or operator shall include in the report the number of relief
valve discharges to the atmosphere during the 3-month period preceding the report from each of the following
sources: suspension resin production reactors: dispersion and latex resin production reactors: bulk resin
production reactors; all nonreactor equipment in PVC plants; all equipment used in solution process and other continuous process PVC plants: and all equipment in EDC/VC plants: any other source.
(f) The owner or operator shall include in the report the number of reactor openings and the design capacity of the number of polymerization batches for each type of resin in each plant during the 6-month period preceding the report. The design capacity of the number of polymerization batches may be defined
.000117S 415
I
Federal Register / Vol. 50. No. 6 / Wednesday, January 9. 1965 / Proposed Rules
initially and remain unchanged unless
significant changes to the design .. capacity occur.
24. By revising* paragraph (a)
introductory text of 61.71 as follows:
y
$61.71 Recordkeeping.
m
(a) The owner or operator of any source, to which this subpart applies - shall retain the following information at the source and make it available for inspection by the Administrator for a
. minimum of 3 years:
25. By adding the words "vinyl j chloride** to the definition of the term
I
"volatile hazardous air pollutants'* in $ 61.241 of Subpart V as follows:
.$61,241 Definitions.
'
P MTM
"Volatile hazardous air pollutant" or
,rVHAP**means.a substance regulated
under this part for which a standard for
: equipment leaks of the substance has
been proposed and promulgated.
Benzene is a VHAP. Vinyl chloride is a
VHAP. : ' -
a
(Sec. 112 Clean Air Act of 1976) *3.
+ ,
-*
(FR Doc. 85-509 Filed 1-6-85: 8:45 am]
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