The EPA proposed this month more stringent restrictions on emissions from the 149 petroleum refineries in the US. The new rule would require monitoring of air at refinery fencelines to ensure compliance with standards. Coking units, tanks and flares would be subject to increased emission-control requirements, and the operational requirements of flares would be adjusted for high combustion efficiency of waste gases. Delayed coking units would be subject to maximum achievable control technology standards. During refinery startup, shutdown and malfunction periods, there would no longer be exemptions to emission limits. Enacting the proposed standards would reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds and toxic air pollutants. The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule, which must be finalized by April 17, 2015.

Source: EPA