91011DDK
91011DDK
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Response to Comments
Final Report
Response to Comments
June 2001
Disclaimer
This report has been reviewed by the Emission Standards Division of the Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and approved for
publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products is not intended to constitute
endorsement or recommendation for use. Copies of this report are available through the Library
Services (MD-35), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711,
or from the National Technical Information Services 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA
22161.
II
Environmental Protection Agency
Petroleum Refineries: Catalytic Cracking Units, Catalytic Reforming Units, and Sulfur
Recovery Units - Background Information for Promulgated Standards and Response to
Comments
Prepared by:
I. The promulgated standards will regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP)
emitted from Petroleum Refinery process vents. Only those process vents that are part of
major sources under section I I 2(d) of the CAA are regulated. The final standards will
reduce emissions of several organic, inorganic, reduced sulfur, and metallic compounds
identified in the CAA list of hazardous air pollutants.
2. Copies of this document have been sent to the following Federal Departments: Labor,
Health and Human Services, Defense, Office of Management and Budget, Transportation,
Agriculture, Commerce, Interior, and Energy; the National Science Foundation; and the
Council on Environmental Quality. Copies have also been sent to members of the State
and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators; the Association of Local Air
Pollution Control Officials; EPA Regional Administrators; and other interested parties.
111
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.fi Fahrk Filters as MACT Floor or Beyond the Floor Tedrnology . . . . . 1-8
1.8 Ni Alternative Standard (lhs per 1,000 lhs of c.oke hurn-off) ....... 1-12
1-23
1.17 Pollution Prevention Tedrnologies for PM and IIAP Metals from FCCU
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Require1nenls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
iv
2.7 Formal of Proposed Standard for Organic. IIAP .................. 2-5
3.10 Sulfur Rer:overy Pits, Stretford Solution Tanks, and Non-Claus SRU
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-fi
3.11 NSPS Exemption for Small SRU .............................. 3-7
4.1 Flow Meter Alternatives for CCU Regenerator By-Pass Lines ....... 4-1
4.3 Continuous Monitoring Option for CCU By-Pass Valves ........... 4-2
5.3 Monitoring Requirements for Other Wet Sr:ruhher Designs ........ 5-4
5.4 Continuous 0 2 Monitor for Full Burn CCU Regenerators .......... 5-5
Ilealer Less than 44 MW Where the Vent Stream is Not Introdur:ed into
5.9 Ar:r:urar:y and Calihration Requirements for CCU and CRU with Wet
5.11 Monitoring Requirements for CRU With Internal Sr:ruhhers ....... 5-11
v
5.15 Opar:ity Monitoring for Non-NSPS CCU ....................... 5-14
5.18 Method 2fi vs Method 2fiA for IICl Emissions from CRU ......... 5-15
5.19 Monitoring Requirements for SRU without Comhustion Devke .... 5-lfi
5.20 Monitoring Requirements for Flares .......................... 5-lfi
7-3
7.4 IIAP Emissions from Startup, Shutdown and Upset Conditions ..... 7-3
8.3 Triggering the NSPS due lo Emissions from Flares and Comhustion
lJevir:es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
9.5 Cost Estimates for CCU Catalyst Regenerator Vents ............... 9-4
9.fi Cost Effor:tiveness Estimates for CCU Catalyst Regenerator Vents ... 9-4
9.7 Low Ilealth Risk Does Not Warrant Proposed Controls ............ 9-5
vi
9.9 CRU Catalyst Regenerator Vent Emission Rates .................. 9-7
9.14 Effoc.t of CO Monitoring on Complianc.e Costs for Full Burn CCU .. 9-10
vii
LIST OF ACRONYMS
API
Amerkan Petroleum Institute
hhl
Barrel
BID
Bac.kground information doc.umenl
hpd ............... .
Barrels per day
CAA .............. .
Clean Air Ac.t
CARB ............. .
California Air Resourc.es Board
CCU .............. .
Catalytic. c.rac.king unit(s)
CEMS ............. .
Continuous emission monitoring syslem(s)
c~o ............... .
Carhon monoxide
CUMS ............. .
Continuous opadty monitoring syslem(s)
cos .............. .
Carhonyl sulfide
CPMS ............. .
Continuous parameter monitoring syslem(s)
CRU .............. .
Catalytic. reforming unit(s)
Carhon disulfide
viii
mg/yr
Milligram(s) per year
J\1W .............. .
Megawall
NAAQS ........... .
National Amhient Air Quality Standard(s)
NESIIAP ......... .
National Emission Standard for Ilazardous Air Pollutants
Ni ................ .
Nkkel
NOX ............... .
Nitrogen oxide
NSPS ............. .
New sourr:e performanr:e standard
02 ................ .
Oxygen
OAQPS ............ .
Offke of Air Quality Planning and Standards
pll
perr:ent hydrogen (i.e., addity or alkalinity)
PM
Partkulate maller
POM .............. .
Polyr:ydk organk maller
ppm .............. .
Parts per million
ppmv ............. .
Parts per million hy volume
ppmw ............. .
Parts per million hy weight
psig ............... .
Pounds per square ind1 gauge
RFG .............. .
Reformulated gasoline
ix
LIST OF COMMENTERS
x
Name Affiliation Docket No.
Gary C. Furlong Sunor:o, Inr:. IV-D-43
xi
{This page is inlenlionally hlank)
1.0 CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR CCU CATALYST REGENERATOR VENTS
Comment: Commenter IV-lJ-4fi helieves EPA violates ser:tion 112 of the CAA
hy using PM and CO as surrogates for metal IIAP and organk IIAP. Ser:tion 112
requires emission standards for IIAP listed for regulation, whid1 does not indude PM
or CO. Although EPA r:akulates an alternative limit assuming that Ni is a surrogate
for all other metal IIAP, the agenr:y seler:ls the NSPS as the J\1ACT floor without
drnrar:lerizing the proportion of emilled PM that are hazardous metals, non-hazardous
metals, and unhurned r:arhonar:eous materials or the metals emission r:ontrol
performanr:e of the PM emission r:ontrols in light of varying metal feed rate
1-1
parameters. EPA did not drnrac.lerize the relationship of IIAP organks lo CO. The
c.ommenler points out that during the Industrial Comhustion Coordinated
Rulemaking, EPA c.onsultanls explidtly stale that CO alone c.ould not he related lo
emissions of d1lorinated dihenzo-dioxins/furans from c.omhustion sourc.es.
The organic. IIAP emissions from CCU are c.ontained in the same exhaust gas
stream from CCU c.atalyst regenerator as any CO, TIIC or VOC emissions and all of
these c.arhon-hased emissions are a result of inc.omplete c.omhustion in the c.atalysl
regeneration step. The c.ontrol methods for these pollutant types, induding organic.
IIAP, are the same, i.e., "r;omplete c.omhustion." The EPA has determined that for
CCU, CO is a reasonahle indkator of c.omplete c.omhustion. As for the c.ommenl that
during EPA's Industrial Comhustion Coordinated Rulemaking, EPA c.onsultanls
explidtly stale that CO alone c.ould not he related lo emissions of d1lorinated
dihenzo-dioxins/furans from c.omhustion sourc.es, the EPA feels that is point is not
relevant lo CCU hec.ause it is not expec.ted that these units have lJ/F emissions. The
c.urrently availahle sourc.e lest data all show lJ/F IIAP levels that are helow the lest
method detec.tion limits; there are no data that c.onfirm the presenc.e of lJ/F IIAP in the
refinery CCU vent stream.
As for the other type of units regulated in this sourc.e c.ategory, no surrogate is
used for II Cl from CRU. COS and CS 2 are the main IIAP emilled from the final sulfur
1-2
plant vent and TRS is a reasonahle indkator of these sulfur IIAP. These redur:ed
sulfur r:ompounds are r:ontained in the same sulfur plant vent emission stream as the
SOx suhjer:l lo the NSPS and the r:ontrol methods are the same (thermal and r:atalytk
oxidizers). TRS is an exr:ellenl surrogate for these sulfur IIAP r:ompounds sinr:e
redur:ed sulfur r:ompounds r:onsisl of the two sulfur IIAP plus I1 2 S (the nonIIAP).
TRS (expressed as SOJ is a reasonahle indkator of redur:ed sulfur IIAP.
There are not suffidenl data lo estahlish a firm statistkal relationship hetween
PM and metal IIAP, CO and organk IIAP, and S0 2 and redur:ed sulfur IIAP.
Ilowever, sinr:e the MACT floor determinations were made hased on the tedrnologies
in use al the units and the surrogates were used only lo drnrar:lerize the proper
performanr:e of the units, a predse statistkal relationship hetween surrogate and IIAP
is nol ner:essary in this partkular situation.
Commenters IV-lJ-2fi, IV-lJ-31, and IV-IJ-5fi state that the proposed IIAP metal
emission limit adopted from the NSPS (1.0 lh of PM per 1,000 lhs of r:oke hurn-off) is
less stringent than the allowahle MACT floor and does not refler:l the level of r:ontrol
already met hy more than 12 perr:enl of existing sourr:es using an ESP, Venturi
sr:ruhher, or fahrk filter. They point lo EPA data for 2fi units whid1 refler:l a median
emission rate of 0.81 and a mean of 0.8fi lh per 1,000 lhs of r:oke hurn-off. These
r:ommenlers urge EPA lo lower the proposed limit lo 0.81 lh/1,000 lh of r:oke, the
median PM emission rate in the datahase.
If the information gathered indkates that more than 12 perr:enl of the existing
units or sourr:es are r:urrently suhjer:l lo the NSPS for that sourr:e r:ategory and no
more stringent rules apply, the NSPS thus represents the average emission limitation
1-3
The r:ommenlers' points were rer:ently addressed hy the IJ.C. Cirr:uit in Sierra
Cluh v. EPA (Mardi 2, 1999). That r:ase holds that EPA r:an reasonahly interpret the
MACT floor methodology so long as the Agenr:y's methodology in a partkular rule
allows it lo "make a reasonahle estimate of the performanr:e of the lop 12 perr:enl of
units" and that evaluating how a given MACT tedrnology performs is a permissihle
means of estimating this performanr:e. In developing emission limits, EPA r:annol
estahlish a limit hased on the median value only, without allowing for the
ad1ievahility of that limit in prar:Lke. The EPA helieves that the NSPS levels seler:ted
lo drnrar:lerize the MACT floor performanr:e adequately ar:r:ounl for the variahility
inherent in the pror:esses themselves and the air pollution r:ontrol tedrnologies, and
indkates what levels are r:onsistently ad1ievahle in prar:Lke.
Based on the information and data availahle, the EPA r:onduded that the
MACT floor determination for existing CCU sourr:es of metallk IIAP (i.e., use of a PM
r:ontrol devke sud1 as an ESP or Venturi sr:ruhher) also represents the IIAP emission
r:ontrol that is ad1ieved in prar:Lke hy the hest-r:ontrolled similar sourr:e in the sourr:e
r:ategory. Therefore, the J\1ACT floor for new sourr:es is the same as that for existing
sourr:es of metallk IIAP. No tedrnology has heen demonstrated in this industry lo
provide a level of r:ontrol more stringent than the J\1ACT floor for metallk IIAP.
Response: We agree that the Tier 2 rule will also affer:t the refinery produr:Lion
pror:esses and may affer:t the volume, drnrar:leristks, and environmental fate of
pollutants now emilled hy refineries.
1-4
For some refineries, the Tier 2 rule signifkantly impar:Ls its CCU. These
refineries will have r:onslrur:Lion projer:ls adding hydrotreating of the feed lo the CCU.
For these refineries, we extended the r:omplianr:e date lo allow more Lime for
r:onslrur:Lion projer:ls. We helieve that this will enr:ourage refinery owners and
operators lo employ hydrotreating of the feedstor:k lo r:omply with the Tier 2 rule. As
disr:ussed in more detail helow, we helieve that hydrotreating the feedstor:k has
inr:reased environmental henefits relative lo other methods of redudng gasoline
sulfur.
The extended r:omplianr:e date for existing CCU is hased on when and how a
refinery produr:es low sulfur gasoline lo meet the Tier 2 limit. Ilydrotreating the feed
lo the CCU is one of the means of produdng low sulfur gasoline. As disr:ussed further
helow, hydrotreating the feedstor:k provides environmental henefits not realized with
other methods of produdng low sulfur gasoline. It is also, unfortunately, signifkantly
more expensive than other methods of redudng the sulfur r:onlenl of gasoline.
Some fadlities will take longer than 3 years lo r:omply with the Tier 2
standards. Should these fadlities eler:l lo install hydrotrealmenl units for the feed lo
the CCU, these new units will not he operating al the r:omplianr:e date for the J\1ACT
standard, 3 years after promulgation. To avoid nonr:omplianr:e, an owner or operator
would he required lo install expensive PM r:ontrols lo r:omply with the MACT
1-5
standard. These new r:ontrols might then her:ome redundant with the later startup of
the hydrotrealmenl unit for the feed lo the CCU. Therefore, if the owner or operator
eler:ls lo install a hydrotrealmenl unit for the feed lo the CCU, the J\1ACT r:omplianr:e
date for the CCU her:omes the same as the Tier 2 r:omplianr:e date.
Linking the r:omplianr:e dates for the two rules, in this partkular inslanr:e for
those refineries that eler:l lo hydrotreal the CCU feedstor:k, will allow the refinery lo
r:oordinale hoth dedsion making and the ar:Lual r:onslrur:Lion projer:ls and, thus,
minimize disruption lo the refinery operations. We helieve that not linking the
r:omplianr:e dates for the two rules r:ould result in an environmental henefit heing
foregone and that linking them will result in a net environmental henefit her:ause the
numher of pror:ess unit shutdowns and startups would he minimized. Shutdowns
and startups r:an result in r:onsiderahly more emissions lo the atmosphere than
operations under normal r:onditions. An estimate of the emissions redur:Lions that
would result from linking the r:omplianr:e dates for the CCU standards and Tier 2 fuel
standards is not possihle al this Lime. This is her:ause we lar:k information regarding
how the refineries will d1oose lo r:omply with the fuel standards and the unr:ertainties
assodated with startup and shutdown of these refinery operations.
Linking the CCU r:omplianr:e date lo the Tier 2 fuel standards' r:omplianr:e date
(i.e., the date the refinery produr:es low sulfur gasoline al 30 ppm) will not result in an
overall or r:omplete delay of the MACT standards for all CCU. While we helieve that
linking the r:omplianr:e dates will serve as an inr:entive lo hydrotreal the CCU
feedstor:k, we nevertheless exper:l that the majority of fadlities will r:omply with the
fuel standards without implementing CCU feedstor:k hydro treating. In some r:ases,
even those that eler:l lo hydrotreal the feedstor:k will r:omply in 5 years or less lo take
advantage of the various pooling, averaging, hanking, and trading options provided in
the final Tier 2 standards. The remainder of refineries will hegin produr:Lion of low
sulfur gasoline over the next 10-year period, although most are ex per: Led lo he in full
r:omplianr:e (i.e., produdng gasoline al the 30 ppm annual average) hy the year 200fi.
In no r:ase will refineries he allowed any later than Der:emher 31, 2009, lo r:omply
with the standard for CCU, whid1 r:orresponds lo the final Tier 2 r:omplianr:e date.
1-fi
and lo the Ilg r:onlenl of the r:rude oil. Otherwise, EPA should defer the Ilg portion of
the rulemaking until more researd1 is r:ondur:ted.
Commenlers IV-lJ-31 and IV-IJ-5fi spedfkally ask EPA lo evaluate MACT for
existing sourr:es hased on the lowest r:rude Ilg r:onlenl used hy the lop 12 perr:enl of
existing refineries and MACT for new sourr:es hased on the lowest Ilg r:onlenl r:rude
oil availahle that still meets refinery performanr:e drnrar:leristks. This r:ommenler
also notes that sinr:e the preamhle stales that use of feedstor:ks with lower metal
r:onlenl is a form of pollution prevention, this rationale also applies lo Ilg.
Commenlers IV-lJ-4fi and IV-IJ-5fi helieve EPA erred under ser:tion 112 and
ahused its disr:retion in determining that unr:ontrolled Ilg emissions r:onstitute the
MACT floor. These r:ommenler argue:
• The J\1ACT floor for existing sourr:es should he the average of the hesl
performing 5 sourr:es or 2. 75 x 10- 2 lhs of Ilg per mm hhl. New sourr:e MACT
should he equal lo the hesl performing sourr:e in the Ilg emissions datahase,
1.00 x 1o<i lhs of Ilg per mm hhl. [Nole: EPA dalahase shows 0.443 and 0.07,
respectively for these lwo numbers]
1-7
Response: The EPA has c.onduc.ted a review of availahle data and tedrnology
and has c.onduded that there are no demonstrated tedrnologies that c.ontrol volatile or
gaseous Ilg emissions from CCU regenerator vents. A supplier of EIJV sc.ruhher
tedrnology was c.onlac.ted and sourc.e lest and performanc.e data doc.umenting Ilg
removal effidendes were requested. No data were rec.eived lo suhstantiate or
doc.umenl the c.ommenlers daim of Ilg removal. There are a numher of emerging
tedrnologies that show promise in the c.ontrol of these emissions hut none have heen
shown lo he applkahle lo CCU vents. (See 1999 Critical Review - Mercury
Measurement and /ls Control, T.D. Brown, el al, AWJ\1A June 23, 1999.) Therefore, the
MACT floor for Ilg emissions for new and existing units is no c.ontrol. The c.ommenl
that EPA should simply take the average of the hesl performing sourc.es lo determine
the MACT floor for hoth new and existing sourc.es ignores the fac.t that no c.ontrol
tedrnique c.ould he identified for the units with the lowest Ilg emissions. Without
identifkation of a Ilg c.ontrol tedrnique, a standard hased on the hesl five performing
units for existing sourc.es and the hesl single performing sourc.e in the Ilg emissions
datahase would not he ad1ievahle in prac.Lke ac.ross the industry. In addition, the
values or limits reported hy the c.ommenler are inc.onsistenl with the availahle sourc.e
lest data in the c.urrenl refinery vent datahase.
The EPA has also examined pollution prevention and sourc.e reduc.Lion c.ontrol
tedrniques for Ilg emissions c.ontrol. EPA agrees that pre-treatment tedrniques sud1
as hydrotreating the CCU feed would have an impac.l on Ilg and other IIAP metal
emissions. We c.ollec.ted additional data after proposal lo assess the environmental
impac.ls and performanc.e of hydrotrealmenl, induding Ilg removal, hut c.urrently
availahle data are not adequate lo drnrac.lerize the predse Ilg removal that c.ould he
expec.ted and what fac.tors in the proc.esses influenc.e these removal rates.
Comment: Commenlers IV-IJ-30, IV-lJ-31, and IV-IJ-5fi do not agree with EPA's
preamhle statement that "no additional c.ontrol tedrnology options were identified
that had heen demonstrated lo he more effoc.Live than the MACT floor tedrnologies
that would ad1ieve signifkanl additional reduc.Lions in IIAP emissions." They point
out that EPA only ac.knowledges wet sc.ruhhers and ESP for c.ontrolling partkulates
and metal IIAPs when fahrk filters are in wide use and far more effoc.Live for
partkulate and metal IIAP. The EPA must ac.knowledge this tedrnology as a potential
c.ontrol devke and evaluate its applkahility for metal IIAP c.ontrol on FCCU
regenerator vents.
Response: We agree with the c.ommenlers that fahrk filters are Lypkally used
for the c.ontrol of partkulates and IIAP metals. Ilowever, this tedrnology is not in use
in this industry in large part for tedrnkal reasons sud1 as the high temperature of the
gas stream that impac.ls operation and operating c.osls, and the more frequent down
Lime for this type of c.ontrol devke again assodated with mainlenanc.e. In fac.t, we are
aware of only one plant that is reportedly using this c.ontrol method. At this plant,
the CCU vent c.ontrol c.onfiguration indudes heal rec.overy, a dry lime sc.ruhher, and a
1-8
haghouse. The smaller CCU al the refinery is a residual oil CCU (referred lo a the
ROSE unit) and was designed lo pror:ess very poor quality r:rudes. The dry lime
sr:ruhher was induded in the pror:ess design lo remove sulfur (i.e., SOx) from the CCU
r:atalysl regeneration vent flue gas. The haghouse was induded in the pror:ess design
lo remove the lime from the flue gas after the dry lime sr:ruhher. That is, the haghouse
was not installed lo r:ontrol PM emissions from the CCU hut rather lime dust
emissions from the lime sr:ruhher. The PM loading lo the haghouse, for this r:ontrol
sr:enario, is primarily lime dust entrained from the dry lime sr:ruhher. The haghouse
itself is a 12 r:omparlmenl haghouse with 400+ hags per r:omparlmenl. The fadlity
operator sights operational diffkulties hoth with the dry lime sr:ruhher (lime handling
area and disposal) as well as haghouse operation (leak deter:tion and repair) in
addition Lo high operating and maintenanr:e r:osts. Based on this information and
other far:tors EPA does not r:onsider this r:ontrol system Lo he the"hest of the hest"
performing tedrnologies for redudng IIAP emissions from the CCU regenerator vent.
These tedrnkal r:onsiderations would make the applkation of this air pollution
r:ontrol tedrnology lo this industry somewhat unr:ertain. Performanr:e in this type of
applkation is not demonstrated or dor:umented. Wet sr:ruhhers and ESP are the
dominant r:ontrol methods for metal IIAP (PM) emissions from FCCU and dearly
r:omprise the J\1ACT floor tedrnology.
1-9
de minimus relief. The c.ommenlers support a standard of 0.38 lpy hased on this
approadi.
Response: The data availahle lo EPA indkates that 12 perc.enl of the refinery
industry meets an emission limitation of 0.029 lh/hr (0.125 lpy), whid1 was used lo
drnrac.lerize performanc.e of the MACT floor tedrnology. The emission limitation in
this formal was selec.ted lo provide additional flexihility lo the own/operator and was
meant lo provide a means for the owner or operator lo demonstrate c.omplianc.e
regardless of what c.omhination of treatment and operational prac.Lkes were used lo
ad1ieve the emissions limit. It is also important lo note that ead1 c.omplianc.e option
within a partkular standard does not need lo he availahle lo every refinery; all
1-10
refiners c.an c.omply hy installing the J\1ACT tedrnology. The EPA rejec.Ls the 100 Lo
200 grams per hour limit suggested hy some c.ommenlers. These high limits are
provided without any supporting doc.umentation and appear lo he selec.ted on the
hasis of emission values higher than 90% of the refinery industry.
The EPA c.onsiders the Ni emission limit alternative standard lo he hoth useful
and nec.essary. The purpose of the J\1ACT program is lo c.ontrol IIAP emissions.
Although PM c.ontrol is strongly related lo metal IIAP emissions, it is only one of the
two primary fac.tors. If the refinery operates with low metal IIAP E-Cat c.onc.enlrations
and relatively low PM emissions, additional PM emission c.ontrols may he an
ineffoc.tive and unnec.essary requirement lo ensure low metal IIAP emissions.
Consequently, no limitation of this sec.ond metal IIAP emission limit is required or
justified in order lo exac.l some additional level of PM c.ontrol on fadlities that
otherwise meet the metal IIAP J\1ACT floor (as measured using Ni as the surrogate).
In short, no PM c.ontrols are required if a unit meets the Ni standard.
1-11
and the r:onversion far:tor approad1 heller equates lo the NSPS PM standard. The first
Ni alternative (a mass-hased formal in lh/hr) is representative of the lowest emilling
sourr:es, regardless of pror:essing r:apadty and r:annol he related lo the rate-hased
(lh/1,000 lhs of r:oke hurn-off) PM standard that rer:ognizes the wide variety of
pror:essing r:apadty within the industry. Most of the units that r:an r:omply with the
PM standard r:annol r:omply with the mass-hased standard due lo their greater size.
Larger units should not he suhjer:l lo a more restrktive Ni limit than smaller units due
Lo their greater pror:essing r:apadty.
1-12
Commenlers IV-IJ-30, IV-lJ-31, and IV-IJ-5fi strongly disagree that EPA should
provide the ser:ond Ni alternative al the level suggested hy industry (i.e., O.OOfi lhs per
1,000 lhs of r:oke hurn). They stale that this alternative is nol tedrnkally equivalent
lo the MACT floor, is not proler:Live of the environment as it is set al a level that
allows all refiners lo pror:ess heavy feeds with no r:ontrol devke, and it is diffkult lo
enforr:e. Many refiners with nkkel E-Cat levels an order of magnitude helow 7,000
ppmw (the highest Ni on E-Cat level in the datahase) would not require any
partkulate r:ontrols and most others r:ould r:omply with only a third stage high
effidenr:y r:ydone rather than the MACT floor tedrnology. Based on EPA data and
analyses, the average nkkel on E-Cat is less than 500 ppmw. Additionally, many
refiners pror:ess virgin gas oil or hydrotreated feed low in metals. The Ni on E-Cat in
these r:ases is less than 1,000 ppmw. The r:ommenlers r:onlend that the ar:Lual Ni
emission rate will inr:rease under the industry's rer:ommended worst-r:ase approad1
and that a standard al the worst-r:ase level r:ould result in inr:reased emissions of
metal IIAP and other pollutants (SOx, C0 2 , and PM) over Lime her:ause refiners r:ould
pror:ess heavier feeds with higher Ni level, given the overall industry trend towards
pror:essing of dirtier r:rude.
Commenlers IV-IJ-30, IV-lJ-31, and IV-IJ-5fi also point out that the alternative
formal may present r:omplianr:e and monitoring prohlems her:ause refiners must
drnnge the feed frequently depending on produr:l demand, r:rude prkes and operating
requirements and the Ni emission rate varies widely as a result. Under these
r:onditions the refiner r:an not direr:tly measure the Ni emission rate. To do so
requires information on the r:oke hurn rate, PM emission rate, and the instantaneous
metal r:onlenl of the r:atalysl inventory or the Ni r:onlenl of the feed (all of whid1 vary
with Lime). Refineries also may trade the r:atalysl inventory so it may not he relied
upon for r:omputing the IIAP metals emission rate. These r:ommenlers helieve this
additional option is an invitation lo non-r:omplianr:e and that a unit that demonstrates
initial r:omplianr:e may not he in r:omplianr:e if it later pror:esses a heavier feed.
Response: After r:areful review of all the information and data r:oller:ted
following proposal and rer:eived as part of the puhlk r:ommenls, the EPA has dedded
lo indude an additional metal IIAP alternative for CCU formalled in terms of Ni
emissions per 1,000 lhs of r:oke hurn. It has heen r:onduded that this partkular
formal (i.e., lh Ni/ 1,000 lhs r:oke hurn) does ar:r:ounl for the wide variation of
pror:essing r:apadty within the industry and provides adequate means of determining
r:ontinuous r:omplianr:e. However, it also has heen r:onduded that the approad1 of
using E-Cat Ni r:onr:enlration lo make a direr:l r:onversion of the PM emission standard
lo a Ni limit is not appropriate. The r:onversion far:tor approad1 does not lend itself lo
determining a Ni emission value that is tedrnkally equivalent or relates har:k lo use of
the MACT floor tedrnology. The EPA has not heen ahle Lo estahlish a rationale that
would support the determination or derivation of a ser:ond alternative Ni emission
limit value hased on using the PM limit and the Ni r:onr:enlration in the CCU r:atalysl
fines lo r:onverl the PM mass lo an equivalent Ni mass. Use of the Ni fines (or E-Cat)
r:onr:enlration as a r:onversion far:tor would not result in a emission limit that is
tedrnkally equivalent lo the J\1ACT floor sinr:e the E-Cat Ni r:onr:enlration in no way
1-13
refler:Ls the performanr:e of the J\1ACT floor tedrnology. The Agenr:y has no data or
information Lo relate E-Cat metals r:onr:entration Lo the hest performing fadlities (i.e.,
E-Cat metal r:onr:enlration does not refler:l or relate lo r:ontrol devke performanr:e). In
rejer:ting this r:onversion approad1, the EPA is also rejer:ting the argument that a
worst-r:ase r:onversion far:tor is ner:essary or appropriate.
Nonetheless, the EPA feels that the alternative formal in terms of lhs Ni/1,000
lhs r:oke hurn has r:onsiderahle merit even though the rer:ommended approad1 lo
determining or r:akulating the spedfk emission limit hased on an E-Cat r:onversion
far:tor is not appropriate. This partkular formal allows for flexihle r:omplianr:e on the
part of the FCCU owner/operator. A r:omplianr:e option in this formal is suitahle for
those large units that r:annol, in some part her:ause of their size, meet the lh/hr limit.
An emission limit expressed in this formal r:an he met hy using front-end
hydrotreating, in-pror:ess operational drnnges, or end of pipe add-on r:ontrols alone or
in r:omhination. We have therefore used the refinery datahase lo develop a Ni
emission limit in this partkular formal using an analysis hased on the availahle
emissions lest data normalized in terms of r:oke hurn rate. Although the r:urrently
availahle sourr:e lest data is somewhat limited and is generally assumed lo he
representative of the lowest Ni emillers ar:ross the industry, it does allow an analysis
lo determine an appropriate emission limit lo drnrar:lerize the performanr:e of the
MACT floor tedrnology following EPA's hask J\1ACT floor determination r:riteria.
This analysis thus provides an emission limit in the alternative formal (Ni emissions
per unit r:oke hurn) that is refler:tive of the MACT floor tedrnology.
As there are 124 FCCU in the U.S. and its territories; the fith perr:entile of the
industry would he represented hy the emission redur:tions ad1ieved hy the 7'h and 8th
ranked units. Through review of the emission data, we found that the average
emission rates as well as ead1 individual lest run result for the lop 8 ranked CCU are
all helow 0.001 lh Ni/1,000 lhs r:oke hurn. The average emission rate for the gth ranked
fadlity is more than Lwke that of the 8th ranked fadlity. Therefore, only the lop 8
units are r:onsidered in selling the emission limit. Based on our data analysis, we
determined that the emission limit of 0.001 lh Ni/1,000 lhs r:oke hurn adequately
drnrar:lerizes performanr:e of the MACT floor tedrnology while taking into ar:r:ounl
pror:ess and measurement variahility (see Figure 1). This analysis provides an
1-14
emission limit in the alternative formal (Ni emissions per unit c.oke hurn) that is
reflec.tive of the MACT floor tedrnology. This emission limit is induded in the final
rule as an alternative lo the PM or Ni lh/hr limit.
1.9 Use of the Arithmetic Mean, Median, Geometric Mean, 90 111 Percentile Value,
or Highest Value as the Representative Concentration Used in the Factor for
Conversion of PM to Ni
1-15
Figure 1. Available NI Emission Test Data for FCCUs in lbs Ni/1000 lb coke bum
4.50E-03
4.CIJE-03
3.50E-03
~
...
,& 3.00E-03
~
.,
0
,.... .D 2.50E-03
3ii
,....
I
:0
=i
"'c
~
2.00E-03
Ill
II> •
E
w 1.50E-03
z
1.00E-03
5.00E-04
~
O.OOE-tOO
2 3 4 5 *
6
FCOJ Rank
7 8 9 10 11 12
The Agenr:y has no data or information Lo relate E-Cat metals r:onr:entration Lo the hest
performing fadlities (i.e., E-Cat metal r:onr:entration does not refler:L or relate Lo
r:ontrol devke performanr:e).
The EPA has r:onduded that use of the worst r:ase Ni E-Cat in a direr:l
r:onversion of the PM limit lo a Ni limit is in no way refler:Live of or linked lo Ni
emission r:ontrol or the MACT floor tedrnology. The EPA analysis indkates that an
alternative standard hased on the highest Ni E-Cat r:onr:enlration lo r:onverl PM lo Ni
would require al most two fadlities lo add r:ontrols; the industry analysis shows the
numher of fadlities adding r:ontrols dropping from 45 lo six fadlities. In addition, a
standard al this high level r:ould in the long term result in inr:reased emissions of
metal IIAP rather than their r:ontrol given the general trend in the industry lo pror:ess
lower quality r:rudes.
1-17
IV-IJ-28 does not helieve the amount of c.oke hurn-off, even if used in the NSPS, is the
proper surrogate for IIAP metals hec.ause it does not c.orrelate well with the metal
c.ontenl of the feed. This c.ommenter rec.ommends a limit hased on the IIAP metal
c.onlenl of the feed (sud1 as Ni), amount (hhl/hr) of feed proc.essed, limits on c.atalysl
fines exiting the regenerator, and partkulate removal (over 99.9 perc.enl). The
maximum emission limit in lh/hr of Ni for ead1 unit c.an he derived from maximum
allowahle E-Cat of Ni on emilled partkulates and the maximum allowahle lh/hr of
partkulate emilled.
Comment: Commenlers IV-lJ-2fi, IV-IJ-28, and IV-IJ-5fi helieve the 500 ppmv
CO limit is loo high. Commenter IV-lJ-2fi explains that although over 12 perc.enl of
the existing CCU are required lo c.omply with the NSPS, no data is presented lo
indkate the ac.Lual performanc.e level (ac.c.ording lo the c.ommenler). The c.ommenler
c.onlends that this is c.onlrary lo sec.Lion 112, whid1 requires that MACT limits lo he
hased on operating data from the lop 12 perc.enl. Bec.ause sourc.es Lypkally operate
under their permilled limit, ac.Lual performanc.e is prohahly under 500 ppmv. CO
levels under 100 ppmv are readily availahle whid1 is evidenc.ed hy the provision
exempting them from monitoring if they demonstrate operation al less than 50 ppmv
for 30 days. The 500 ppmv also fails lo ar;r;ounl for the lower operating effidenc.y that
results in higher operating c.osls. Commenter IV-IJ-28 agrees and provides data in
support showing that ac.Lual CO emissions from four refineries are all 50 ppm or
under; ac.Lual CO emissions from one refinery with a 500 ppmv limit is 10 ppm.
Organic. IIAP emissions even al the 50 ppmv level are signifkanl as slac.k lest results
for a 54,000 hhl/day CCU show c.yanide c.ompounds of 4.8 lo 5.2 lhs/hr and henzene
emissions up lo 1.fi lhs/hr. This c.ommenler rec.ommends a limit of ahoul 100 ppm for
1-18
Commenter IV-lJ-54 disagrees. While EPA c.orrec.tly c.ondudes that more than
12 perc.enl of the CCU are suhjec.l lo the CO limit in the NSPS, there are no data in the
rec.ord lo demonstrate that these units c.an reliahly and c.ontinuously meet the NSPS
limit. EPA should review the periodic. reports required hy 40 CFR fi0.7(c.) lo heller
evaluate this issue and c.onsider averaging Limes longer than 1-hour for the final
standard.
Response: We do not agree with the c.ommenlers who assert that the MACT
floor must he hased solely on operating data. The CAA requires a minimum level or
"floor" for existing sourc.es for c.ategories or suhc.ategories with 30 or more total
sourc.es that c.an he less stringent than the standards for new sourc.es hut c.annol he
less stringent than the average emission limitation ad1ieved hy the hest-performing 12
perc.enl of existing sourc.es. After the floor has heen determined, EPA must set
standards that are tedrnkally ad1ievahle and no less stringent than the floor that c.an
he met hy all sourc.es within the c.ategory or suhc.ategory.
We disagree that the limit needs lo he set al a lower limit (e.g., 100 ppmv).
First, a requirement for a lower CO limit presupposes that organic. IIAP emissions are
further reduc.ed al lower CO levels. The availahle emissions data do not support that
supposition. Although the organic. IIAP emissions for CCU operating al or helow 500
ppmv CO were signifkantly less than the organic. IIAP emissions for CCU operating
ahove 500 ppmv CO, no reduc.Lion in total organic. IIAP is seen from 500 lo 100 ppmv,
hased on the availahle data. As demonstrated hy the data presented hy the
c.ommenlers, IIAP emissions or;r;ur al all levels of CO within this c.onc.enlration range.
At the very low CO levels, it appears that aromatic. IIAP c.onc.enlrations may he
reduc.ed hut other IIAP (e.g., formaldehyde) c.onc.enlrations inc.rease. Consequently,
1-19
Under the slruc.Lure of the final rule, FCCU without an add-on c.ontrol devke, a
c.omhustion devke in this c.ase, would he required lo install and operate a CEMS lo
monitor the CO emissions direc.tly for c.omplianc.e with the 1-hour standard of 500
ppmv. The 500 ppmv 1-hr average value was set in the 1973 NSPS spedfkally lo
ar;r;ommodate c.omplete-hurn units. From the availahle CO sourc.e lest data for non
NSPS units, it has heen c.onduded that existing non-NSPS units should he suhjec.l lo
the same standard, i.e., they routinely ad1ieve the 500 ppmv 1-hr average. The EPA
went lo the Stales lo ohtain additional data on partial-hum units and the limited data
we rec.eived did not support a longer averaging Lime for these units. A longer
averaging Lime would allow signifkanl periods of operation al CO levels ahove 500
ppmv, whid1 would reduc.e the IIAP emission c.ontrol effidenc.y for the unit.
The 500 ppmv limit is hased on a short-term averaging Lime of 1-hour and is set
al this value lo ar;r;ounl for proc.ess fluc.Luations and sourc.e lest variahility. That is,
given a 500 ppmv limit evaluated on a 1-hour hasis, refiners are forc.ed lo operate al
mud1 lower CO levels (e.g., 50 - 100 ppmv) lo c.omply with the standard during
proc.ess fluc.Luations. If the limit were hased on a longer-term average, a lower limit
c.ould he selec.ted that would he mud1 doser lo ac.Lual operating levels over the long
term. Ilowever, c.ommenlers did not provide the historic.al data needed lo analyze the
alternative CO or averaging Lime limits. For these reasons, we did not revise the limit
or the averaging Lime.
Response: The EPA has determined that the c.onc.entration formal (i.e.,
500 ppmv for CO) that was proposed for c.ontrol of organic. IIAP provides a reasonahle
and adequate drnrac.lerization of the performanc.e of c.omplete c.omhustion proc.esses
applkahle lo CCU, the MACT floor tedrnology. This formal is also c.onsistenl with
the regulatory formal of the NSPS for these units. Furthermore, the c.onc.enlration
formal lends itself lo direc.l measurement using a CEMS. The formal rec.ommended hy
the c.ommenler, using unit throughput lo normalize the emission limit, does not
provide any advantages for this sourc.e c.ategory. It c.omplkates c.omplianc.e
monitoring and it does not c.orrelate as direc.tly Lo the performanc.e of the c.ontrol
tedrnology. Therefore, we are c.onfidenl that the proposed formal for the organic. IIAP
limits is adequate lo drnrac.lerize performanc.e of the unit and lo ad1ieve a long term
1-20
r:ontrol of organk IIAP emissions without restrkting the operating flexihility of the
uni l.
Response: While we understand that SOx and NOx emissions are of r:onr:ern,
EPA r:an nol designate IIAP standards under ser:tion 112 for the r:ontrol of r:riteria or
1-21
amhienl pollutants regulated elsewhere under the CAA, e.g., r:riteria pollutants are
suhjer:l lo the NSPS requirements of ser:tion 111. Therefore, we did not indude SOx
r:ontrol requirements for FCCU.
We did investigate the EIJV sr:ruhher lo determine its performanr:e for IIAP
redur:tion. As previously disr:ussed, no data were ohtained lo support the r:ommenlers
r:onlention that EIJV sr:ruhhers are effor:tive for volatile metal IIAP r:ontrol.
Response: First, the EPA was unahle lo r:onfirm appredahle lJ/F emissions
from the CCU vent. With the support of EPA, CARB r:ondur:ted a detailed emissions
sourr:e lest al one r:omplete r:omhustion FCCU with no other post-r:omhustion devke
in order lo assess the potential of FCCU lo emit dioxins, PCB and a variety of other
IIAP (hoth metallk and organk IIAP). In this lest, fi-hour sampling runs were
employed lo enhanr:e the lower deter:tion limits resulting from the analyses.
Nonetheless, only the or:tad1loro isomers of dioxin and furan were deter:ted in the
measurements. These are the least loxk of the lJ/F isomers; the mass emission rate of
dioxins in terms of 2,3,7,8-TCIJIJ loxidty equivalents (TEQ) for the deter:ted lJ/F
isomers ranged from 2 lo 13 mkrograms per year (µg/yr) for the three sourr:e lest runs
performed. Based on deter:tion limits for those lJ/F isomers not deter:ted during the
lest, the 2,3,7,8-TCIJIJ TEQ is r:akulated lo he 3 lo 5 mg/yr. None of the PCB isomers
were deter:ted in any of the three slar:k samples r:oller:ted for PCB analysis during the
sou rr:e Les l.
Similar lest results were ohserved during a sourr:e lest of a CO hoiler pror:essing
FCCU exhaust gases. This CO hoiler also rer:eived waste sludge from the wastewater
treatment fadlity al the refinery; as a result this hoiler was tested as a hazardous
waste indneralor. The 2,3,7,8-TCIJIJ TEQ emissions rate reported, largely hased on
deter:tion limits, ranged from 2 lo 10 mg/yr. The lest summary data provided was not
adequate lo r:akulate the TEQ for deter:ted isomers only, hut the TEQ hased on
deter:tion limits was similar lo those measured during the CARB sourr:e lest.
Based on the lar:k of signifkanl deter:tahle amounts of lJ/F and PCB measured
during these sourr:e tests, and the lar:k of any other data lo support that the FCCU
r:ontains a sourr:e of d1lorine, whid1 is ner:essary lo generate dioxins, the FCCU was
not r:onsidered lo he a signifkanl sourr:e of lJ/F emissions. Additionally, no
signifkanl difforenr:e was seen hetween r:omplete r:omhustion units with no post
r:omhustion devke and a partial r:omhustion FCCU that employs a post-r:omhustion
devke. Again, the lar:k of a sourr:e of d1lorine is thought lo he the primary reason for
the low lJ/F formation in the CCU regenerator vent gas.
1-22
Ser:ond, the proposed J\1ACT standard, although not direr:tly developed for lJ/F
emissions (her:ause of the lar:k of verified lJ/F emissions), is r:onsidered hy EPA lo
provide suhstantive lJ/F emission r:ontrol. Ser:tion 112 authorizes the development of
tedrnology-hased standards; J\1ACT standards are hased on the tedrnology in use al
the hest-r:ontrolled fadlities. lJ/F emission r:ontrol may he effor:ted hy limiting
d1lorine, providing r:omplete r:omhustion, and/or effor:tive PM removal (mud1 of the
lJ/F r:ongeners r:ondense onto PM). As d1lorine is an unwanted r:onlaminanl in
gasoline and may adversely affor:t CCU r:atalysl performanr:e, the refineries have a
huilt-in er:onomk inr:entive lo minimize the amount of d1lorine that enters the CCU
pror:ess. Beyond limiting d1lorine, the J\1ACT standard effor:tively estahlishes the
requirements that should minimize lJ/F emissions, if any lJ/F r:ompounds are
generated. As none of the existing units regulated hy the sourr:e r:ategory had spedfk
lJ/F or other r:ontrol systems in-plar:e that had a higher demonstrated lJ/F removal
effidenr:y than those required hy the MACT standard, no IIAP spedfk emission limits
were proposed for these partkular organk IIAP.
Response: We have induded an option in the final rule that allows the owner
or operator lo eler:l lo r:omply with the NSPS limit and monitoring requirements,
whid1 indudes the varianr:e for additional PM generated hy r:omhustion operations
used as r:ontrol devkes. We also revised the lest requirements of the rule lo allow
measurements of PM ahead of the CO hoiler or other pror:ess equipment rather than
only al the exhaust vent. We helieve this should resolve the r:ommenler's r:onr:ern
1-23
1.17 Pollution Prevention Technologies for PM and HAP Metals from FCCU
Comment: Commenter IV-lJ-52 asks EPA Lo address the ACT"' and IJEMET"'
tedrnologies as availahle and dor:umented pollution prevention tedrnologies that
redur:e the sourr:e of metal IIAP emissions from fluid CCU. Tedrnkal papers are
provided as support. Ar:r:ording lo the r:ommenler, hydrotreating of the CCU feed was
identified as a sourr:e redur:Lion tedrnique; although, it is an energy intensive high
pressure hydrogen pror:ess whid1 generates a hazardous waste and is physkally
disr:onner:ted from the CCU (as are these two noted technologies). The tedrnologies
are availahle and have heen inr:orporated in the FCCU drr:ulating r:atalysl system al
one refinery lo redur:e PM and metal emissions.
Response: The EPA rer:ognizes the ACT and IJEMET tedrnologies as potential
tedrnologies for redudng metal IIAP r:onlenl of the E-Cat and therehy redudng metal
IIAP CCU emissions. Similar Lo hydrotreating, these pror:esses may help a refinery Lo
meet the Ni emission limit alternatives (i.e., the Ni lh/hour limit or the Ni lh/1,000 lh
r:oke hurn limit) hut no requirement spedfk for their use is induded in the final rule.
1-24
1-25
are entrained in the flue gas and emilled lo the atmosphere. As disr:ussed previously,
PM emission r:ontrols have a direr:l hearing on the ser:ond far:tor, i.e., PM emission
rate, and therefore the metal IIAP emission rate at a r:onstanl E-Cat r:onr:entration.
Ilydrotreating has a mud1 less direr:l affer:t on the metal IIAP emission rate. As
disr:ussed in the BID and as pointed out in the r:ommenls, hydrotreating hoth redur:es
the metal IIAP r:ontenl of the CCU feed and it inr:reases r:atalyst life. With the
inr:reased r:atalysl life, the operator, in some situations, r:an lower the r:atalysl
replar:emenl rate whid1 lends lo inr:rease E-Cat metal IIAP r:onr:enlrations, and lends
lo negate or off-set mud1 of the effer:t of the lower metal IIAP feed r:onlenl's impar:l on
CCU metal IIAP emissions. E-Cat Ni r:onr:enlrations were examined for refineries that
hydrotreal their CCU feed. The data varied over a r:onsiderahle range and were
r:omparahle lo the Ni E-Cat r:onr:enlrations for nonhydrotreating units. More
importantly, hydrotreating tedrnology is not applkahle or availahle lo all refinery
r:onfigurations. As sud1, hydrotreating alone r:ould not he r:onsidered a J\1ACT floor
tedrnology lo redur:e metal IIAP emissions from the CCU r:atalysl regenerator vent.
Response: We have no data on emissions from this ar:Livity and r:an not assess
it quantitatively. Ilowever, the EPA did examine these sourr:es during the information
gathering stage of this rulemaking and it was judged that these sourr:es were not
signifkanl and as sud1 did not warrant indusion in the standards. We will gather
1-Zfi
additional information following promulgation of this rule as part of the rule
development pror:ess for residual risk standards.
1-27
Commenter IV-IJ-59 stales that c.ontrols for semi-regenerative units are not
warranted al all hec.ause of low emissions of IIAPs (100 lhs/yr per unit) and total
pollutants (under 1,000 lhs/yr per unit) and high c.osls lo c.ontrol emissions under 5
psig. This plant uses an internal sc.ruhher spray system of c.austk injec.Lion prior lo
the CHU heal exdrnnger hundles whid1 they did not identify as c.ontrol equipment in
earlier responses lo our information c.ollec.Lion requresl. Ac.c.ording lo the c.ommenler,
this type of c.ontrol is c.ommon prac.Lke for semi-regenerative units. If EPA does not
exdude semi-regenerative units, EPA should determine the MACT floor with respec.l
lo IICl emissions as internal c.austk spray injec.Lion.
A summary of c.ontrol system data show that 28 perc.enl of c.ontinuous CHU use
multiple stage sc.ruhhers c.ompared lo fi perc.enl using a single stage sc.ruhher. For
c.ydk CHU, 3fi perc.enl use multiple stage sc.ruhhers c.ompared lo 11 perc.enl using
single sc.ruhhers. Seventy-two perc.enl of the semi-regenerative units use a
single-stage sc.ruhher while only 3 perc.enl use a multiple stage system. Based on
these data, EPA determined that the J\1ACT floor for c.ontinuous and c.ydk CHU is the
multiple-stage sc.ruhher while the floor for semi-regenerative units is the single stage
sc.ruhher.
2-1
Due lo the limited data availahle on the performanr:e of IICl sr:ruhhers for CRU,
we drnrar:lerized the performanr:e of IICl sr:ruhhers hased on industry surveys and
sourr:e lest data on IICl sr:ruhhers used in the steel pkkling industry. In the preamhle
lo the proposed standard, we disr:ussed the similarities of the IICl emission streams
and the hasis for the 97% removal effidenr:y for multiple stage sr:ruhhers and the 92%
effidenr:y for semi-regenerative sr:ruhhers. We seler:ted the 92% effidenr:y for semi
regenerative pror:esses hased on the availahle data and engineering design
r:onsiderations of the various types of single stage sr:ruhhers and the effidenr:y that
r:an he reasonahly exper:ted for all semi-regenerative CRU.
The J\1ACT floor for new and existing r:ontinuous and r:ydk CRU are the same.
This is her:ause the r:atalysl regeneration vent on the lop-performing r:ontinuous and
r:ydk CRU apply the same work prar:Lkes or r:ontrol devkes as the lop 12 perr:enl of
existing r:ontinuous and r:ydk CRU. In other words, the floor for existing units is
hased on the lop 12 perr:enl of existing r:ydk and r:ontinuous CRU and the floor for
new units is hased on the lop-performing units, whid1 are the same in this r:ase.
The J\1ACT floors for new and existing semi-regenerative CRU differ. The
MACT floor for existing semi-regenerative units is hased on the lop 12-perr:enl, whid1
use single-stage sr:ruhhers (induding internal r:austk spray systems). The
r:onr:enlration limits are induded in the rule lo allow for the use of these systems.
Our data shows that two semi-regenerative CRU use multiple stage sr:ruhhers lo
r:ontrol r:atalysl regeneration r:oke hurn vents. As these are the hest-r:ontrolled
semi-regenerative units, we determined that multiple-stage sr:ruhhers r:onstitute the
MACT floor for new semi-regenerative units. Requiring high effidenr:y IICl sr:ruhhers
for existing semi-regenerative units is dearly heyond the J\1ACT floor and would
require replar:emenl of existing r:ontrols al 72% of the units for nominal additional
IIAP removal. Therefore, requiring "state-of-the-art" r:ontrol devkes on this
inlermillenl vent al existing units was not induded in the final rule.
The EPA refinery information and data regarding IIAP emissions from semi
regenerative CRU indkates that these units r:an he signifkanl sourr:es of IIAP
emissions during the various regeneration r:ydes and that air emissions r:ontrols and
operational prar:Lkes of one type or another Lypkally are used lo redur:e these
emissions.
2-2
Response: The EPA agrees with the r:ommenlers that sinr:e 5 psig is the limit in
those Stales with fadlities representing the MACT floor, a limit of 5 psig is
appropriate. We have revised the final rule lo eliminate the differential pressure limit
and drnnge the rear:lor vent pressure r:utoff level from 1 psig lo 5 psig. The r:ontrol
requirements apply lo depressuring and purging operations until the rear:lor is
depressurized lo this level.
2-3
Comment: Commenter IV-F-3.1 points out that the perr:enl redur:tion standards
for IICl emissions during r:oke hurn-off and r:atalysl regeneration in CRU are hased on
the performanr:e of sr:ruhhers in the steel pkkling industry. Ar:r:ording lo the
r:ommenler, there are tedrnkal difforenr:es in sr:ruhher drnrar:leristks, sud1 as the
numher of trays and par:king depth and it is not dear that the proposed redur:tions are
heing ad1ieved hy sr:ruhhers for refinery CRU. The industry is in the pror:ess of
r:ondur:ting tests lo determine if the proposed standards represent the floor and will
suhmit the results.
2-4
Response: The EPA ar:knowledges the presenr:e of lJ/F emissions in the CRU
r:atalysl regeneration vent stream and the EPA's refinery datahase r:ontains relevant
information and data on these emissions. We have also worked dosely with Regional,
State, and lor:al agendes Lo r:oller:L additional information on lJ/F emissions
throughout the r:ourse of this rule making; and those efforts are r:ontinuing. For
example, we r:ollahorated with CARB on sourr:e testing of CRU vent streams lo lest
direr:tly for lJ/F during r:oke hurn. Based on the temperature and r:ompositional
drnrar:leristks of the purge r:yde venting, lJ/F emissions during/from this r:yde are not
exper:ted.
The EPA did not estahlish a spedfk emission standard for lJ/F in this rule.
Although, it should he noted that the J\1ACT floor tedrnology determined for CRU
inorgank emissions, wet sr:ruhhers, also is antidpated lo effor:t some r:ontrol of lJ/F
emissions.
A preliminary risk assessment was performed for the CRU vent hased on the
lJ/F emissions measured during the CARB sourr:e lest. No signifkanl risks were found
that justified implementing r:ontrols heyond the floor. Ilowever if, after r:oller:Lion of
additional information, it is later determined that the lJ/F emissions pose an
unar:r:eptahle risk we will regulate the CRU r:atalysl regeneration stream under the
risk standards.
The presenr:es (or ahsenr:e ) of lJ/F emissions from the CCU vent are disr:ussed
in r:ommenl/response 1.15.
2-5
Response: We agree with the r:ommenler's suggestion and revised the proposed
rule lo refer lo "use of a r:ontrol devke that meets the requirements in 40 CFR fi3.11."
If a fadlity uses a r:omhustion tedrnology other than flares that ad1ieves 98%
deslrur:tion effidenr:y, they r:an request approval of an alternative standard along with
performanr:e lest, monitoring, and rer:ordkeeping/reporting requirements.
Response: We did not indude an opadty limit for flares direr:tly in the CRU
standards her:ause the rule requires flares used lo r:omply with the rule meet the
design and operating requirements in 40 CFR fi3.11 of the NESIIAP General
Provisions, whid1 in turn requires flares lo operate with no visihle emissions.
2-fi
emissions of IICl using the same rationale as for the alternative Ni standard (lhs/hr).
This c.ommenler suggests a limit of one lo two lpy of IICl.
2-7
Comment: Sim-:e suhstantive data were not availahle, EPA selec.ted the NSPS
limit as the J\1ACT floor for SHU. Commenter IV-lJ-2fi helieves EPA should instead
c.ollec.l data lo determine the ac.Lual emissions level of the lop performing units lo
estahlish limits hased on proven performanc.e reflec.Ling c.urrenl c.ontrol tedrnology.
Ilistorkally, units suhjec.l lo the NSPS operate with emissions lower than the required
limits. Thus, the ac.Lual level of performanc.e of the lop performing units is prohahly
lower than the proposed rule. Commenter IV-IJ-5fi helieves that selec.Lion of the NSPS
as the J\1ACT floor does not c.omply with sec.Lion 112(d) or Congressional intent in
estahlishing J\1ACT floors. Spedfkally, as estahlished the J\1ACT floor: (1) must he al
least as stringent if not more stringent than BACT, (2) does not c.onsider sulfur
pretreatment via c.atalytk hydrotrealmenl, (3) does not require hac.kup units and/or
parallel trains, (4) does not require c.ontinuous monitoring systems required hy the
NSPS, (5) relied on limited data from only one refinery Lo estahlish the floor, and (fi)
will not reduc.e the elevated levels of S0 2 resulting from upset c.onditions and
assodated health threats lo surrounding c.ommunities. Ac.c.ording lo the c.ommenler,
the EPA must c.ollec.l more data on COS and CS 2 (and II 2 S) from refineries and make
the data puhlidy availahle for review.
We agree that most SHU will operate a lower emission level over the long term
in order lo c.omply with the short term not lo he exc.eeded standard of the NSPS. This
issue also had heen disc.ussed previously in c.ommenl/response 1.11. The selec.Lion of
an operating limit for unit emissions is lo a large extent dependent on the averaging
Lime used lo drnrac.lerize the emissions or unit operation. In general, emission limits
formalled in the short term, not lo he exc.eeded values must take into ar;r;ounl
variations in the proc.ess operations and the lest methods used lo measure emissions.
3-1
would not redur:e the emissions from the SRU. Ilydrotrealmenl redur:es or removes
the sulfur from refinery streams up-stream of the SRU and the removed sulfur
(typkally in the form of I1 2 S) is sent lo the SRU for sulfur rer:overy.
With regard Lo the r:omment that EPA estahlished the MACT floor hased on
limited data from one refinery, this r:ommenl is haseless and hlatantly false as the
estahlishmenl of the MACT floor was hased on data r:oller:ted from a nationwide
survey of SRU.
Commenter IV-IJ-5fi stales that more than 12% of the sour r:rude pror:essing
refineries in Texas, the nation's largest oil refining Stale are required hy permit lo
operate SRU with har:kup units and/or parallel trains. The r:ommenlers maintain that
EPA must require as J\1ACT for sulfur removal 100% har:kup SRU in parallel trains or
multiple trains espedally sinr:e SRU experienr:e signifkanl downtime and operating
prohlems. In support, the r:ommenler desr:rihes serious upset and mainlenanr:e
prohlems al a numher of lor:al refineries, and for one refinery in partkular, the high
numher of NSPS violations resulting from an undersized and poorly designed SRU
and use of off-sper: refinery fuel gas, the 2,000 Lons or more of exr:ess S0 2 emissions
from malfunr:tions, NAAQS exr:eedanr:es of primary and ser:ondary standard, and
repeated dtizen r:omplainls.
3-2
ar;r;ounl for releases through hy-pass lines. Ilowever, EPA c.annol address the need for
a hac.k-up SHU requirement under this J\1ACT rulemaking; this would he an issue
c.overed in the Stale Implementation Plan relating lo c.riteria pollutant emissions.
Commenlers IV-lJ-47, IV-lJ-48, and IV-IJ-53 ask EPA lo exempt sulfur plants
are not part of a refinery hut whid1 rec.eive gases lo provide redundant emergenc.y or
mainlenanc.e hac.kup for a refinery sulfur plant. If this drnnge is not made, these
third-party plants are likely lo terminate their agreements with adjac.enl refineries
instead of spending the money lo install c.ontrols for a plant that rec.eives flow a
c.ouple of Limes a year during emergendes, mainlenanc.e, or upsets. This would result
in the refinery having lo flare the gases and would inc.rease emissions of sulfur.
Response: We do not have, and the c.ommenler did not provide, spedfk data
lo know the volume of sulfur c.ontaining gases (or the resulting emissions) sent lo
off-site fadlities for redundant emergenc.y or mainlenanc.e hac.kup. The NSPS stales
that a sulfur rec.overy plant need not he onsite lo he suhjec.l lo the rule. Ilowever,
under sec.Lion 112, the definition of major sourc.e refers lo any stationary sourc.e or
group of stationary sourc.es loc.ated within a c.ontiguous area and under c.ommon
c.ontrol that emits a spedfied level of IIAPs individually (10 lpy or more) or
c.ollec.Lively (25 lpy or more). We are not c.ertain that the off-site fadlity dearly meets
the c.riteria for "r;ontiguous area" and that the lease agreement denotes "under c.ommon
c.ontrol." Based on the information presented, we do not helieve that gases rec.eived hy
a third party plant solely for redundant emergenc.y or mainlenanc.e hac.kup would
meet the IIAP threshold levels for major sourc.e status. For these reasons, we
exduded off-site sulfur rec.overy plants rec.eiving gases solely for redundant
emergenc.y or mainlenanc.e hac.kup as an affec.ted sourc.e under the rule. These plants
may he suhjec.l lo NSPS requirements, however.
Response: The c.ommenler did not provide any data lo support the c.onlention
that hydrotrealmenl reduc.es S0 2 emissions from SHU. Based on the information al
3-3
hand, hydrotrealmenl would not redur:e the emissions from the SRU hut rather, it is
an lid pated lo inr:rease the sulfur load lo the sulfur rer:overy plant. Ilydrotrealmenl
redur:es or removes the sulfur from refinery streams up-stream of the SRU and the
removed sulfur (typkally in the form of I1 2 S) is sent lo the SRU for sulfur rer:overy.
The EPA is examining hydrotrealmenl as a part of the efforts lo redur:e emissions of
IIAP metals and in r:oordination of the MACT standard with the Tier 2 fuel standards.
We are aware of the wide spread use of hydrotrealmenl in the refining industry hut
are not requiring its use as a part of the IIAP r:ontrol sdrnme for refinery CCU and
SRU vents for a numher of reasons whid1 have heen disr:ussed previously (see
r:ommenl/response 1.19). We antidpale refineries lo expand hydrotrealmenl r:apadty
in r:omplying with the Tier 2 fuel standards, hut we also an lid pale that this will
inr:rease r:urrenl SRU sulfur loads and r:ause many refineries lo expand or huild new
SIUJ.
Comment: Commenter IV-IJ-28 helieves the proposed J\1ACT standard for TRS
emissions from SRU is appropriately more stringent than the NSPS where it requires a
thermal oxidizer following the tail gas unit, r:onsistenl with hesl industry prar:Lkes.
This r:ontrol tedrnique should apply lo all SRU. The r:ommenler rer:ommends that
the MACT standard he applied lo NSPS units. Ile suggests a 3-5 year phase in period
lo r:orrespond with refinery turnaround periods. Commenter IV-lJ-4fi interprets the
preamhle (fi3 FR 4889fi) lo daim that tail gas treatment al SRU is equivalent lo a fume
indneralor in the level of r:ontrol. The r:ommenlers does not ar:r:epl this statement
her:ause cos and cs2 emissions will he higher from tail gas units that do not have a
fume indneralor in-line hefore disdrnrge.
Response: The MACT standard for SRU is hased on the NSPS in 40 CFR Part fiO
and should he r:onsidered equivalent in stringenr:y. The r:onr:enlration standard is
used lo allow owner or operators a greater degree of flexihility that would he
permilled if an equipment standard (i.e., indneralor) was used. The r:onr:enlration
standard refler:ls a high effidenr:y SRU. Some tail gas treatment units gel high
rer:overies and thus there is no need for indneration of the off-gas. Indneration
would he required for those units with a low rer:overy effidenr:y.
3-4
Response: We did not drnnge the redur:ed sulfur IIAP standard lo inr:orporale
an output hased formal her:ause, in this r:ase, the revised formal would require an
additional r:onversion step. We are not aware of any advantages that would result
from this additional r:omplkation; there are, however, some disadvantages. The
additional r:onversion step would r:reale opportunities for potential errors and the
revised formal would r:onflkt with the NSPS.
3-5
amine sc.ruhhing of the tail gas sulfur. The amount of COS in the hydrogenated tail
gas is determined hy the equilihrium of the following mac.Lion: C0 2 + I1 2 S
< = = = = = > COS + I1 2 0. The equilihrium c.onc.enlration level of COS is normally
50-fiO ppmv. If COS levels are over the drnmkal equilihrium level of ahoul fiO ppm of
COS, it is due in part lo low partial pressure of I1 2 • Normally, the COS is not
c.onsidered a IIAP al this level and it seldom is dose lo 300 ppmv.
3.10 Sulfur Recovery Pits, Stretford Solution Tanks, and Non-Claus SRU
Certain types of tail gas treatment units sud1 as Stretford units use a series of
open vessels as part of the solution drc.ulation loop and a direc.l air c.onlac.l c.ooling
lower lo c.ool the solution. Emission data are not availahle lo ar;r;urately assess IIAP
emissions from these units. Based on proc.ess c.onsiderations there are no signifkanl
I1 2 S, COS, or CS 2 emissions under normal operation ar;r;ording lo Commenter IV-IJ-53.
Commenter IV-IJ-39 explains that his c.ompany does not vent vapors from Stretford
tanks or Stretford solution c.ooling lowers hec.ause there is lillle opportunity for the
formation of COS or CS 2 in the proc.ess whid1 reduc.es all sulfur spedes lo I1 2 S.
Controls would he infoasihle hec.ause the tanks are large and use a large quantity of air
in the oxidation step. The air also hears the elemental sulfur formed al the lop of the
lank. If the tanks were c.overed and suffidenl freehoard c.ould he added, it is undear
what tedrnology might he used lo c.ontrol the low level of COS and CS 2 in the stream.
Similar prohlems pertain lo the endosure of the direc.t-c.onlac.l c.ooling lower.
3-fi
Commenlers IV-IJ-39, IV-IJ-53, and IV-lJ-54 helieve emissions are exper:ted lo he
lower than the proposed standard for SHU and should he r:onsidered de minimus.
Comment: Commenter IV-G-2 helieves the final standard should indude the
NSPS exemption for SHU with r:apadties less than 20 long Lons of sulfur per day.
Ar:r:ording lo the r:ommenler, Stale and lor:al regulations indude adequate r:ontrol
requirements. In support, the r:ommenler dtes the Agenr:y's rationale for the
exdusion in 1978 as lo lessen the er:onomk impar:l on small refineries and enr:ourage
installation of sulfur plants al small refineries. The r:osl for a small unit lo meet the
sulfur standard is al least $2 million ar:r:ording lo the r:ommenler for a very small
inr:remental inr:rease in r:ontrol.
Response: We did not indude the exemption for small SHU her:ause MACT
standards under ser:Lion 112 are tedrnology-hased rather than r:ost-hased. The NSPS
r:ut-off estahlished in 1978 was hased on a r:ost-effor:Liveness analysis. Tedrnology for
the r:ontrol of emissions from these sourr:e is well-demonstrated and our er:onomk
analysis does not indkate any er:onomk impar:l on the industry as a result of
r:ontrolling these units.
3-7
The c.ommenlers suggest a waler seal pol that has suffidenl head pressure in
the drum lo prevent flow through the hy-pass slac.k with monitoring of the liquid level
of the waler seal. This provides a c.ontinuous measure of where gas is heing diverted,
so there is no need for an hourly visual inspec.tion. They also suggest elec.lronk
hypass valve position monitoring (whid1 provides c.ontinuous doc.umentation of the
valve position sud1 that hourly inspec.tions would not he needed), a flow indkator or
a level indkator (or other alternative devke that determines al least hourly whether a
vent stream is present in the hy-pass line) or a hlind flange. A hlind flange c.an assure
a no-flow c.ondition as does the drnin-loc.ked or c.ar-sealed valve. As with a dosed
valve, a monthly visual inspec.tion c.ould he required. Suggested language for
§fi3.15fi5(h)(1) of the rule is induded in their c.ommenls lo he more c.onsistenl with
the MACT I rule.
Response: We agree that the requirements for a hy-pass line c.an he more
flexihle lo ar;r;ommodate different types of systems that provide the same information
as a flow indkator. The purpose of the monitoring is lo ensure that ead1 hy-pass
event is rec.orded and reported lo EPA. This c.an he done just as well using elec.lronk
hy-pass valve position monitoring that provides a c.ontinuous rec.ord of the valve
position, or hy a flow indkator or level indkator that determines on an hourly hasis
whether or not vent stream flow is present. If a c.ontinuous rec.ord of the valve
position for ead1 hour is done hy a rec.ording system, hourly visual inspec.tions would
not he needed. If a c.ontinuous rec.order is not used, you would need lo make visual
inspec.tions every hour and rec.ord whether a vent stream is present. A hlind flange
also c.an he used lo assure a no-flow c.ondition as suggested hy the c.ommenler as long
as it is holted in plac.e. Plants that want lo use a system other than a flow indkator,
level rec.order, elec.lronk valve position monitor must request the use of an alternative
c.ontrol system and provide doc.umentation supporting their equivalenc.y lo the rule
requirements.
Comment: Commenlers IV-lJ-37, IV-lJ-47, and IV-IJ-53 request that EPA revise
the proposed requirements for hy-pass lines hy deleting the provision for installation
4-1
of a flow monitor al the enlranc.e lo any hy-pass line that c.ould divert the vent stream
from the c.ontrol devke lo the atmosphere or revise the language lo allow installation
al or as near as prac.Lkal lo the enlranc.e lo any hy-pass line. The requirement for
installation at the entranc.e of the hy-pass line needlessly restrkts the loc.ation of the
devke hut also in effoc.t requires that the devke he a flow indkator. Site spedfk
piping c.onfigurations may predude installation al the enlranc.e, hut this does not
impair the ahility lo determine whether or not flow is present in the line.
Response: The EPA agrees with the c.ommenl and has revised the final rule
ar;r;ordingly. It was not our intention lo needlessly restrkl the type of monitoring
devke used (if equivalent) or the loc.ation of the devke as long as the owner or
operator maintains the ahility lo determine whether or not flow is present in the line.
Comment: Commenter IV-lJ-40 asks EPA lo indude in the final rule an option
for the use of c.ontinuous monitoring of hoth the CO hoiler slac.k and the hy-pass slac.k
lo verify that the c.omhined emissions do not exc.eed the organic. and inorganic. IIAP
standards for CCU. The c.ommenler requests an alternative hec.ause the size of the
hy-pass line and loc.ation/design of the hy-pass valve make it diffkult lo ad1ieve a zero
perc.ent leakage rate even with redesign or replac.emenl, resulting in a small flow
during normal operations when the valve is in a dosed position.
4-2
5-1
Under the slrur:Lure of the final rule, a FCCU without an add-on r:ontrol devke,
a r:omhustion devke in this r:ase, would he required lo install and operate a CEMS lo
monitor the CO emissions direr:tly for r:omplianr:e with the 1-hour standard of 500
ppmv. The 500 ppmv 1-hr average value was set in the 1973 NSPS spedfkally lo
ar:r:ommodate r:omplete hurn units. (See Bar:kground Information For Proposed New
Sourr:e Performanr:e Standards, Volume 1, MAIN TEXT, APIJ-1352a, Tedrnkal Report
No. 7.) Without any data that shows otherwise, it has heen r:onduded that existing
nonNSPS units should he suhjer:l lo the same standard, i.e., the 500 ppmv 1-hr
average rather than a higher standard that would result from inr:orporating a longer
averaging Lime. The EPA went lo the Stales lo ohtain data on partial hurn units and
the limited data we rer:eived did not support a longer averaging Lime for these units.
The data previously on hand supported a 1-hour limit for these units. Other
r:ommenlers slated that the 500 limit was loo high; whid1 generally agrees with the
NSPS analysis that showed a value of ahoul 25 ppmv as appropriate for partial hurn
units with a CO hoiler.
Another far:tor that would have lo he r:onsidered if the Agenr:y were lo r:onsider
a drnnge in the averaging Lime of the standard is that the NSPS limit of 500 ppm on a
1-hour hasis takes into r:onsideration flur:Luations in CO r:onr:enlration resulting from
pror:ess operation and lest method variahility, as disr:ussed previously in
r:ommenl/response 1.11. Changing the averaging Lime would also require a drnnge in
the numerkal emission limit lo r:orrespond lo the inr:rease averaging Lime. We do not
have the historkal data lo make this determination al this Lime. The 500 ppmv limit
is hased on a short-term averaging Lime of 1-hour and is set al this value high lo
ar:r:ounl for pror:ess flur:Luations and sourr:e lest variahility. That is, given a 500 ppmv
limit evaluated on a 1-hour hasis, refiners are forr:ed lo operate al mud1 lower CO
levels (e.g., 50 - 100 ppmv) lo r:omply with the standard during pror:ess flur:Luations.
If the limit were hased on a longer-term average, a lower limit r:ould he seler:ted that
would he mud1 doser lo ar:Lual operating levels over the long term. Ilowever,
r:ommenlers did not provide the data needed lo analyze the alternative CO or
averaging Lime limits for existing non-NSPS full-hurn units. For these reasons, we did
not revise the limit or the averaging Lime.
Regarding the difforenr:e in total organk IIAP emissions from r:omplete versus
partial r:omhustion units, the EPA r:onduded that r:omplete r:omhustion units had
similar total organk IIAP emissions as partial r:omhustion units that are followed hy a
5-2
CO hoiler. Ilowever, all of the organic. IIAP data used in that analysis were for full
hurn or r:omplete r:omhustion units with CO levels helow 500 ppmv.
5-3
c.omhined with gas stream temperature provide a more reliahle and equally ar;r;urale
measure of the parameter. Therefore, this type of monitoring is allowed in the rule
under c.ertain provisions.
5-4
Response: The 0 2 monitor is needed lo assess full hurn operation of the unit
and have heen in use hy NSPS units for over 25 years. While we do not helieve that
monitoring this parameter onr:e per day would provide the information ner:essary lo
ensure r:ontinuous r:omplianr:e, we do not oppose alternative plar:emenl of the
monitor downstream, of the partkulate r:ontrol devke provided no air is introdur:ed
that would r:orrupl measurements.
Commenter IV-lJ-54 opposes r:akulating and rer:ording the r:oke hurn rate if the
sourr:e is eler:ting lo r:omply with the alternative Ni limit, where it is irrelevant. Ile
agrees with the need lo monitor and rer:ord the r:oke hurn rate as an operating
parameter for a sourr:e suhjer:l lo the PM standard, hut the rate is only a r:akulational
parameter and should not he enforr:eahle in its own right in that there should not he a
violation if the rate is exr:eeded so long as the standard is met.
We also agree with the r:ommenlers regarding the role of r:oke hurn rate as a
r:akulated parameter rather than a monitored parameter where a r:ontrol devke is
5-5
present. Ilowever, the performanr:e of most PM r:ontrol devkes are affor:ted hy the
gas flow rate (whid1 is direr:tly proportional lo the r:oke hurn rate). For example, gas
velodty through an ESP is an important operational parameter that affor:ts ESP
performanr:e. As a result, we have revised the proposed requirements for CCU
r:atalysl regeneration vents for those units that are not suhjer:l lo (or eler:Ling lo r:omply
with) the PM standard of 1 lh/1,000 lhs of r:oke hurn-off. These units r:an use gas flow
rate monitors or other parameters lo determine flow rate (as disr:ussed in
r:ommenl/response 5.2), rather than r:oke hurn rate as their monitored parameter.
We also agree with the r:ommenlers that a CCU r:atalysl regeneration vent that
is suhjer:l lo the Ni standard (lh/hr), must monitor the E-Cat Ni r:onr:enlration as well
as r:ontrol devke operating parameters. The final rule requires you lo measure the
E-Cat Ni r:onr:enlration lo determine a site-spedfk operating limit for the unit.
Following the performanr:e lest, you must determine and rer:ord the weekly E-Cat Ni
r:onr:enlration. We did not seler:l a monthly average E-Cat operating limit as suggested
hy the r:ommenlers her:ause this is loo infrequent and does not r:orrelate lo r:oke
emission limit. Lillle or no r:osl is assodated with weekly determinations her:ause
most plants already determine the E-Cat on a more frequent hasis as a pror:ess r:ontrol
parameter. An equation is provide in the rule lo r:akulate the site spedfk operating
limit value for the unit. An exr:ursion from the estahlished E-Cat range or estahlished
pror:ess/r:ontrol devke operating parameter values would he reported as a deviation
from the operating standard.
We do not agree with the r:ommenlers that r:oke hurn rate should he the
monitored parameters for CCU r:atalysl regenerator vents not equipped with a r:ontrol
devke. For these situations, we have also added spedfk monitoring requirements.
This indudes use of a CUMS her:ause there appears lo he a stronger r:orrelation
hetween partkulate emissions and opadty than r:oke hurn rate and PM emissions.
For unr:ontrolled units eler:Ling lo r:omply with the Ni standard, gas flow rate and E
Cat Ni r:onr:enlration are also required monitoring parameters.
If a CUMSis used, and you are suhjer:l lo (or eler:l lo r:omply with) the PM
standard of 1 lh/1,000 lhs of r:oke hurn-off, you must measure the opadty of emissions
during the initial performanr:e lest and the r:oke hurn rate. This is the same
requirement as for NSPS units. If you eler:l lo r:omply with the Ni standard (lh/hr),
you must measure the opadty of emissions during the initial performanr:e lest and the
E-Cat Ni r:onr:enlration and gas flow rate. Using the opadty data from the lest, you
must estahlish a site-spedfk operating standard hased on the values al the Lime of the
sourr:e lest. Any 1-hour period over the site-spedfk value determined for your unit
(for non-NSPS units) must he reported as a deviation from the operating standard.
Ilowever with regard lo overall monitoring requirements, the final rule has
heen revised lo refler:l the far:t that Federal requirements for Stale implementation
plans (40 part 51, appendix P) require CUMS for all CCU with pror:ess r:apadty greater
than 20,000 hpd. Consequently, CUMS were added lo the final rule for all CCU
greater than 20,000 hpd. Ilowever, as waler vapor in wet sr:ruhher exhausts interfere
5-fi
with CUMS, parameter monitoring is still the only monitoring method applkahle lo
CCU using wet sc.ruhhers. Those units helow the 20,000 hpd c.apadty c.ut-off have the
d1oke of CUMS or parameter monitoring.
Comment: Commenlers IV-IJ-30 and IV-lJ-31 request that EPA reinstate the
requirement for hiennial performanc.e tests induded in the P-J\1ACT doc.umenl
partkularly for any unit suhjec.l lo a Ni standard. Complianc.e with the Ni alterative
c.an only he verified after c.onfirming the partkulate emission rate, the c.oke hurn rate,
the E-Cat, and the feed quality. The c.ommenlers also rec.ommends that EPA require
monitoring of the CCU feed rate on a regular hasis and report the quality of feed lo the
unit on a monthly or quarterly hasis.
Response: In the final rule, we are not requiring repeal performanc.e lest for
those units that elec.l lo c.omply with the CCU standard formalled in terms of Ni
emissions. These units must perform and initial performanc.e lest lo determine their
Ni emissions and must determine their Ni E-Cat c.onc.enlration during the lest. For
units greater than 20,000 hpd c.apadty, this is used as input lo determining a
maximum operating value (hased on opadty, gas flow rate, and E-Cat Ni
c.onc.enlration) that is not lo he exc.eeded during operation of the unit. Although CCU
feed rate and feed quality are important parameters that influenc.e the Ni E-Cat
c.onc.enlration, it is also nec.essary lo know the c.atalysl replac.emenl rate lo c.akulate a
value for E-Cat or Ni emissions. Direc.l weekly E-Cat Ni c.onc.enlration measurements
are a more direc.L and timely assessment of the E-Cat Ni c.onc.entration and adding
these additional parameters is unnec.essary and hurdensome. For those units that are
less than 20,000 hpd and are using an ESP or wet sc.ruhher as a c.ontrol devke,
c.ontinuous c.omplianc.e also will he hased on monitoring of c.ontrol devke operating
values. For those units that are less than 20,000 hpd and that do not have these
c.ontrol devkes, c.ontinuous c.omplianc.e will he determined hased on maintaining a
site-spedfk opadty as measured hy a CUMS. Given these requirements, we do no
feel that it is nec.essary lo require repeal performanc.e lest lo ensure c.ontinuous
c.omplianc.e. For those situations where there is any unc.ertainty on the part of the
Agenc.y regarding c.omplianc.e, the EPA has the authority under sec.Lion 114 of the
CAA lo request a sourc.e lest lo determine c.omplianc.e.
5-7
the entire temperature rer:ording system. The r:ommenler suggests that a fi-month
frequenr:y would he more reasonahle for this requirement
Response: We agree with the r:ommenler's suggestion and revised the proposed
rule lo require r:alihration of the temperature rer:ording system (devke and rer:order)
every fi months.
Comment: Commenter IV-IJ-53 questioned why the proposed rule allows CCU
with a CO (waste heal) hoiler that has a design heal input r:apadty of al least 44 MW
lo he exempt from the requirement lo install and operate a CEMS or CPMS.
Response: As proposed, the rule does allow CCU with a CO (waste heal) hoiler
that has a design heal input r:apadty of al least 44 MW lo he exempt from the
requirement lo install and operate a CEMS or CPMS. The EPA has re-examined
whether these CO hoilers operate in a manner similar lo Lypkal industrial hoilers,
hoilers that served as the hasis for the exemption, and whether they ad1ieve
equivalent organk r:ompound deslrur:Lion effidendes.
A review of the tedrnkal hasis for the original hoiler-size exemption shows that
a mathematkal model was developed lo estimate the furnar:e residenr:e Lime and
temperature profiles for a variety of industrial hoilers. This model predkts mean
furnar:e residenr:e Limes of from 0.25 lo 0.83 ser:onds for natural gas-fires walertuhe
hoilers in the size range from 4.4 lo 44 MW (15 lo 150 x 10(; Btu/hr). In industrial
hoilers al or ahove the 44 MW size, residenr:e Limes and operating temperatures
ensure a 98% VOC destrur:Lion effidenr:y. Furnar:e temperatures for this range of
industrial hoiler sizes are al or a hove 2,200 "F, with peak furnar:e temperatures
or:r:urring in exr:ess of 2,810 "F.
5-8
1. The hask firing rate should produr:e a temperature of 1,800 "Fin the furnar:e, lo
provide safe and stahle r:omhustion of the fuels.
2. Air is supplied hy the forr:ed draft fan lo provide 2% 0 2 leaving the unit when
hurning gases and supplemental fuel.
The literature also reports that sinr:e there are only slight variations in the
operation of the FCCU, the hoiler is normally hase loaded. It handles all the gases
from the regenerator regardless of the C0 2 /CO ratio. A drnnge in this ratio merely
affor:ts the quantity of supplementary fuel ner:essary lo maintain the required furnar:e
temperature of 1,800 "F. This temperature provides a reasonahle operating margin for
possihle variation in the operation of the regenerator or the hoiler.
Regeneration gases from the FCCU are normally delivered lo the inlet of the CO
hoiler dur:lwork al ahoul 1,100 "F, and 2 psig. When the regenerator gases first pass
through an ESP, the inlet gas lo the predpitator must he r:ooled helow 500 "F. The CO
hoiler would then rer:eive regeneration flue gas hetween 450 and 500 "F. The CO
hoiler's firehox temperature is also reported in this reforenr:e lo he hetween 1,800 and
2,000 "F. The firehox temperatures for CO hoilers do not appear lo he generally as
high as those reported for r:onventional natural gas fired industrial hoilers; however,
the CO hoiler operating temperatures are ahove the Lypkal operating range for most
high effidenr:y thermal oxidizers.
5.9 Accuracy and Calibration Requirements for CCU and CRU with Wet
Scrubbers
5-9
c.alihration every 3 months for c.ydk and c.ontinuous CRU and prior lo regeneration
for semi-regenerative CRU (or quarterly, whidrnver is less stringent). Commenter
IV-lJ-49 suggests c.alihration al the same Lime as the CRU regeneration for c.ydk and
c.ontinuous CRU and prior lo regeneration for semi-regenerative CRU.
Comment: Commenter IV-lJ-Zfi does not c.onsider the daily average upstream
temperature and the daily average temperature ac.ross the c.atalysl hed is the hesl way
lo monitor r;atalytk indneralors. If the voe loading of the pror;ess is variahle, the
temperature rise ac.ross the c.atalysl will vary ar;r;ordingly. The temperature rise is
roughly direc.tly proportional lo the voe r;onc.enlration entering the r;atalysl. If the
voe loading is low for a r;onsiderahle period of Lime, the temperature rise will also he
low even though the c.atalysl may he performing al the required deslruc.Lion effidenc.y.
Ile suggests annual testing of the c.atalysl and inspec.Lion of the oxidizer for
medrnnkal integrity. However, maintaining a preset c.atalysl inlet temperature is the
most c.ommon c.ontrol mode for a c.atalytk oxidizer.
5-10
Comment: Commenlers IV-D-47 and IV-D-53 stale that pressure drop and gas
flow rate are not appropriate operating parameter lo he monitored for CRU with
internal sc.ruhhers. Internal sc.ruhhers are different hec.ause they do not use trays or
pac.king lo promote liquid-gas c.onlac.l. Typkally, these unit are drnrac.lerized hy
liquid injec.Lion into the regeneration gas stream followed hy liquid removal in a
gas-liquid separator vessel. Pressure drop c.an he c.aused hy fillings, heal exdrnnger
tuhes, and other ohstruc.Lions instead of a sc.ruhher lower c.ontaining trays or pac.king.
Measurement of gas flow rate is a prohlem. This is Lypkally measured using orifke
plates. These type of plates will not provide an ar;r;urale measurement of gas flow
during the regeneration proc.ess. In some systems, the loc.ation of the plate will not
provide a measurement of total flow lo the sc.ruhher. In these systems, the plate
would have lo he reloc.ated or additional flow measurement devkes would have lo he
installed lo ar;r;ounl for the addition of other streams. They rec.ommend revising the
proposed rule lo distinguish hetween an external sc.ruhher using trays or pac.king and
an internal sc.ruhher where only the gas flow rate and total waler (or sc.ruhhing liquid)
flow rate lo the sc.ruhher would he monitored.
Response: The proposed standard did not require monitoring of pressure drop
and gas flow rate for CRU with no add-on c.ontrol devkes. The proposed standard
required the owner or operator lo indude rec.ommended monitoring requirements in
the part 70 or part 71 permit applkation. As disc.ussed in c.ommenl/response 5.7, the
pressure drop monitoring requirement for CRU wet sc.ruhhers was also dropped. In
addition, we have added spedfk requirements lo the final rule and darified the
language in the rule lo distinguish hetween units with an add-on c.ontrol devke (i.e,
wet sc.ruhher) and no add-on c.ontrol devke (internal sc.ruhhing system). These
requirements indude a initial performanc.e lest lo measure IICl emissions with EPA
Method 2fi and during suhsequenl regeneration periods monitoring of the IICl
emission c.onc.enlration every 4-hours during the c.oke hurn and rejuvenation c.ydes
using c.olorimelrk methods sud1 Draeger tuhes.
5-11
for TRS are c.ommerdally availahle c.urrently used al a numher of Texas refineries lo
demonstrate c.omplianc.e with the NSPS. Due lo the TRS emissions from refineries
and numerous exc.eedanc.es, more ar;r;urale information is needed lo assess
c.omplianc.e than operating parameter values.
A CEMS for TRS emissions also is required for SRU with no add-on c.ontrol
devke. The c.osl of CEMS for these units is reasonahle and does not pose any
ec.onomk hardship for plants that do not use a c.ontrol devke. The Agenc.y is also
c.onfidenl that in those c.ases where proc.ess or c.ontrol devke parameter monitoring is
allowed in plac.e of a CEMS, that this provides adequate assuranc.e of c.ontinuous
c.omplianc.e.
Response: The EPA feels that the monitoring requirements in the final rule
whid1 are hased on the "top down" monitoring approad1 are adequate lo ensure
c.ontinued c.omplianc.e for these refinery units. The use of CEMS, CUMS, and CPMS
as appropriate eliminates the need for repeal sourc.e tests. Therefore, the final rule
does not indude requirements for annual or repeal slac.k tests. The EPA regions c.an
use the sec.Lion 114 authority under the CAA lo request a sourc.e lest should they
helieve there is premature wear of proc.ess or c.ontrol devke c.omponenls that would
5-12
result in inr:reased loading lo the r:ontrol devke and/or inr:reased emissions lo the
atmosphere.
Response: The EPA did r:oller:L r:onsiderahle information on the ESP plate area
used for these devkes when applied lo CCU r:atalysl regeneration vents. The
information and data were used in the r:ontrol devke designing and r:osting efforts.
Ilowever, we did not indude a design or equipment spedfkation standard in the CCU
standards her:ause the presr:ription of a performanr:e standard was feasihle and thus
takes priority over estahlishing an equipment standard. We have taken the
r:ommenlers rer:ommendation and revised the performanr:e lest and rer:ordkeeping
requirements lo require the owner or operator lo maintain rer:ords on suhsequenl use
of any r:ondition agents used during and after the performanr:e lest. Additionally, we
have modified the ESP monitoring requirement lo indude ar:Lual gas flow rate through
the ESP as this is a key parameter in ESP r:ontrol effidenr:y given a fixed plate area.
Response: We agree with the r:ommenler and induded the NSPS requirements
as an option for "non-NSPS" affer:ted sourr:es in the final rule. Ber:ause data from
these systems will he used lo demonstrate initial and r:ontinuing r:omplianr:e,
r:ontinuous emission and opadty monitoring systems must meet the operation,
mainlenanr:e, and quality assuranr:e requirements in the NESIIAP General Provisions
and the requirements of ead1 applkahle performanr:e spedfkation in Appendkes B
and F of 40 CFR Part fiO. As disr:ussed in other responses, opadty monitoring
requirements have heen added lo the final rule sud1 that those CCU with a
throughput greater than 20,000 hpd and not using a wet sr:ruhher are required lo
install and operate a CUMS. Again, this requirement is hased on the stale
implementation plan requirement in 40 CFR Part 51, Appendix P.
5-13
Response: The EPA agrees that the monitoring of proc.ess and c.ontrol devke
operating parameters should he done in terms of hourly averages and we have revised
the final rule lo spedfy monitoring data c.ollec.Lion in terms of hourly averages. We
have not however revised the designations of the operating standards (i.e., previously
referred lo as exc.ess emissions for c.ontrol devkes) that were proposed in terms of a
24-hour average. The short term fluc.Luations of the c.ontrol devke operating
parameters is not expec.ted lo have a signifkanl influenc.e on the overall emission
levels for these units. Therefore, as was done for this sourc.e c.ategory in the initial
refinery standards (i.e., J\1ACT I) for proc.ess vents and other organic. sourc.e c.ontrol
devkes, the designation of operating standard is made in terms of 24-hour averages in
most c.ases. Any deviation from these operating standard values is required lo he
reported Lo the Administrator.
5-14
5-15
for using an air or 0 2 dilution or oxidation system that r:onverls the redur:ed sulfur lo
so2 as an alternative lo a redur:ed sulfur monitor.
5.20 Monitoring Requirements for Flares
Response: We agree with the r:ommenler that there are more modern methods
for flare testing that are rapidly her:oming availahle and EPA will he looking al these
in the near fulure. However, the flare provisions in fi3.11 of the NESHAP General
Provisions do indude requirements lo ensure that flares are properly sized and
operate ar:r:ording lo their design and these design requirements were hased on a 98%
deslrur:tion effidenr:y. Testing of flares is not heing required in the final rules.
Commenlers IV-IJ-39, IV-lJ-47, and IV-IJ-53 helieve the proposed rule should
he made r:onsistenl with the NESHAP for Hazardous Organks from the Synthetk
Organk Chemkal Manufar:turing Industry (HON rule). Here, six exr:eedanr:es or
exr:ursions are allowed during the first semi-annual period. The numher of exr:used
exr:eedanr:es or exr:ursions is then redur:ed hy one for ead1 sur:r:essive reporting period
until the sixth period. From the sixth period onward, only one exr:eedanr:e or
exr:ursion is allowed. Commenter IV-IJ-59 requests that EPA adopt the NSPS
requirements for reporting emission exr:eedanr:es and monitoring system
malfunr:tions. Here, additional information is requested onr:e a reasonahle perr:entage
threshold has heen exr:eeded.
5- lfi
Commenter IV-IJ-53 asks that "exr:eedanr:e", "exr:ursion", and "violation" he
defined, that the requirement for 75% perr:enl data availahility not aulomatkally
trigger an exr:ess emissions report, and that provisions he added for gaps in
monitoring data used lo verify r:omplianr:e. This r:an he done in a way similar lo the
NSPS where if the duration of monitoring malfunr:Lions is greater than 5% of the
operating Lime for the period, a higher level of reporting detail is required.
Response: In the final rule, the EPA has revised the formal and terminology
used in the rule and no longer uses the terms "exr:eedanr:es", "exr:ursions", "exr:ess
emissions", and "violations". The final rule uses the term "deviation" rather than
"exr:eedanr:e," or "exr:ursion," elr:. A deviation is any inslanr:e in whid1 an affor:ted
sourr:e or the owner or operator or an affor:ted sourr:e: (1) fails lo meet any ohligation
or requirement in the rule, (2) fails lo meet any term or r:ondition in the operating
permit, or (3) fails lo meet any emission limitation or work prar:Lke standard during
startup, shutdown, or malfunr:Lion regardless of whether or not the failure is
permilled hy the rule. Consistent with §fi3.fi(e), we (the EPA) will determine if a
deviation is a violation of the NESIIAP. Under the new NESIIAP formal, these
provisions are heing induded in new MACT standards lo improve the understanding
and r:onsistenr:y of our rules.
The final rule retains the 75% data availahility requirement for CPMS.
Ohtaining the required monitoring data for 75% of the hours the pror:ess operates is
the hask method of demonstrating r:ontinuous r:omplianr:e if you use a CPMS. The
final rule does not indude provisions for filing data gaps using alternative monitoring
pror:edures. Plant owners and operators r:an use a har:kup monitoring system for this
purpose or apply lo EPA for approval of an alternative parameter or monitoring
method for use when the primary system fails.
5-17
Comment: Commenter IV-lJ-27 says a wet sc.ruhher c.an operate with 100%
fresh feed during a slac.k lest hut run some perc.entage rec.yde during normal
operation. A worst c.ase slac.k lest would he the maximum amount of rec.yde a sourc.e
would use. This c.ould also he induded as a parameter for exc.ess emission
determinations.
fi-1
Response: The EPA agrees with the c.ommenler that additional metal IIAP data
would he useful in developing the residual risk standards in the fulure. Ilowever it
did not seem reasonahle lo require that those fadlities that drnse lo c.omply with the
PM standard he required lo analyze for the IIAP metals. On the other hand, fadlities
c.onduc.ting a performanc.e lest lo c.omply with the Ni standard c.ould ohtain this data
al the lowest inc.remental c.osl. Therefore, the performanc.e lest requirements for
fadlities c.omplying with the Ni standard indude determining and reporting the
c.onc.entrations for other metal IIAP in addition Lo Ni.
Response: The final standards do not c.ontain any requirements that would
direc.tly c.all for a repeat performanc.e Lest. Under the final rule, a repeat performanc.e
lest may he c.onduc.ted as part of the owner or operator efforts lo drnnge the
estahlished level of c.ontrol devke or proc.ess operating parameters. When drnnging
these values the owner or operator may c.onduc.l a performanc.e lest, a performanc.e
lest in c.onjunc.tion with an engineering assessment, or simply c.onduc.l an engineering
assessment lo verify that, al the new c.ontrol devke or proc.ess parameter level, the
unit c.omplies with the applkahle emission standard. Under the final rule, you must
estahlish a revised value for the monitored proc.ess or operating parameter lo
determine or demonstrate c.omplianc.e under the new operating c.onditions if any
drnnge lo the proc.ess or operating c.onditions (induding hut not limited lo drnnges in
c.atalysl, foedstoc.k, c.apadty, c.ontrol devke or c.aplure system) that c.ould result in a
drnnge in the c.ontrol system performanc.e has heen made sinc.e the last performanc.e
or c.omplianc.e tests or assessments were c.onduc.ted. The repeal performanc.e lest
requirements were dropped hec.ause the monitoring requirements for the CCU were
enhanc.ed (CUMS, etc.., see c.ommenl/responses 5.4 and 5.10) so that c.omplianc.e with
the emissions standards c.an he assured without requiring additional sourc.e tests.
fi-2
6.5 Test Conditions for CCU Regenerator Vent
Response: The EPA agrees with the c.ommenl and has revised the performanc.e
lest requirements sud1 that the lest c.an now he c.onduc.ted under c.onditions that
drnrac.lerize the unit operating c.onditions that are representative for the unit and
c.ontrol devke under the c.urrenl c.onfiguration of the proc.ess operations. Monitored
operating parameters that are measured during the lest lo estahlish the appropriate
operating range for the proc.ess or c.ontrol devke c.an he adjusted or revised hased on
the lest data al representative c.onditions and engineering analysis lo set the maximum
c.onditions for the parameter values used lo show c.ontinuous c.omplianc.e. The final
rule also indudes equations lo he used lo adjust c.ertain operating limits when the
c.ontrol variahles are expec.ted lo he linearly related.
Response: As noted in the previous response, under the final rule EPA allows
that monitored operating parameters measured during the performanc.e lest lo
estahlish the appropriate operating range for the proc.ess or c.ontrol devke c.an he
adjusted or revised hased on the lest data al representative c.onditions and engineering
analysis lo set the maximum c.onditions for the parameter values used lo show
c.ontinuous c.omplianc.e. For c.ertain c.onditions, appropriate equations have heen
added lo the rule lo aide in making these adjustments.
fi-3
6.7 Performance Test for Organic HAP from CCU
Comment: Commenter IV-lJ-43, IV-lJ-49, and IV-IJ-59 asks that the final rule
allow the performanr:e lest lo he sdrnduled anytime during the 3-year r:omplianr:e
window after promulgation, plus 150 days. This will alleviate any potential
sdrnduling prohlems due lo the shortage of qualified slar:k testing firms. A fadlity
should not have lo wait until the proposed testing period her:ause most fadlities will
see if they r:an ad1ieve r:omplianr:e without r:ontrols and sud1 testing must he done
well hefore the final r:omplianr:e date. Testing for newly installed r:ontrols also needs
lo he performed prior lo the r:omplianr:e date so that adjustments r:an he made if
needed.
Response: The point made hy the r:ommenler is valid. We have revised the
rule lo drnnge requirements for the performanr:e lest report lo provide for the initial
performanr:e lest and report anytime from the date of promulgation of the final rule lo
the date 150 days after the r:omplianr:e date (3 years from the promulgation date). In
this way, you, the owner or operator, r:an do your performanr:e lest and lest reports
anytime from the date of promulgation or the next 3 year period. Ilowever, the
performanr:e lest and report must not he any later than 150 days after the 3-yr period.
fi-4
6.9 Equation 2 for Calculating Coke Burn-off Rate
Comment: Commenlers IV-lJ-47, IV-lJ-48, and IV-IJ-53 stale there should not
he a perr:enl in the denominator of the r:onslanl K2 • In Equation 2 for r:oke hurn rate in
the proposed rule.
Response: We agree with the r:ommenl; the indusion of the perr:enl symhol
was a Lypographkal error and it has heen removed from the final equation.
Response: EPA has maintained the use of Method 5B and 5F in the final rule lo
allow the owner or operator lo dedur:l or suhtrar:l the mass of sulfate PM measure
during the performanr:e lest. This frar:Lion of the sample would not have any IIAP
metals and therefore should not he r:ounted in the results. We should also point out
that the final rule does not indude use of Method 18 for organk IIAP her:ause of
tedrnkal limitations with this method as applied lo CCU.
fi-5
{This page inlenlionally hlank)
7.0 STARTUP, SHUTDOWN, MALFUNCTION, AND MAINTENANCE
Ac.c.ording lo the c.ommenlers the industry average for CCU turnarounds is 4-fi
years and up lo 10 years for an ESP or wet sc.ruhher. Preventative mainlenanc.e is
needed more frequently. The turnaround proc.ess Lypkally takes ahoul four lo six
weeks. Provisions for planned mainlenanc.e have heen adopted hy Texas, California,
New Mexko, and Louisiana and Montana has a provision c.alling for annual shutdown
of the CO hoiler for routine inspec.Lion and mainlenanc.e. Commenter IV-lJ-37 also
disc.usses c.ases where a c.ontrol devke, sud1 as a wet sc.ruhher, is c.ommon lo two
CCU. Fadlities with a unit sharing c.ommon c.ontrol equipment c.an not turn around
hoth units al the same Lime. For this reason, plants need lo shutdown the c.ontrol
equipment during every other sdrnduled turnaround. The c.ommenler does not
helieve it is reasonahle lo require redundant c.ontrol systems due lo the c.osls, the
infrequent nature of downtimes, the resulting emissions, and the ec.onomk penalty lo
the refinery assodated with shutdown of a major proc.ess unit. This c.ommenler
rec.ommends the final rule indude provisions allowing, suhjec.l lo approval hy the
applkahle permilling authority, that would require the SSMP lo indude spedfk steps
lo minimize emissions during a planned mainlenanc.e period. Sud1 a plan might
spedfy that the site c.onduc.l amhienl air quality monitoring lo ensure that CO and PM
standards are not exc.eeded.
Commenter IV-lJ-42 explains how flue gas diversion devkes and hy-pass slac.ks
are used lo allow c.ontinued operation of the CCU when the c.ontrol devkes are out of
servke for medrnnkal repairs. The c.ommenler also disc.ussed how malfunc.Lions
require a hy-pass of c.ontrol devkes or may c.ause a c.ontrol devke lo shutdown while
the unit c.ontinues lo operate. The c.ommenler suggests that short duration
exc.eedanc.es he allowed for c.ontrol devke startups, shutdowns, and malfunc.Lions.
These emissions may remain estimated hut not monitored; the magnitude of the
emissions c.an he limited hy selling duration limits.
7-1
You must indude a c.opy of the request in the c.omplianc.e report due for the period
hefore the planned mainlenanc.e is sdrnduled lo hegin. In the c.omplianc.e report due
after the routine planned mainlenanc.e is c.omplete, you must provide followup
information on the mainlenanc.e induding the numher of hours the c.ontrol devke did
not operate.
Other than the situation disc.ussed ahove, the rule does not exc.use or exempt
the refinery owner or operator from meeting the spedfied emission limits and
7-2
monitoring requirements during periods when the r:ontrol devke is not in operation;
this would indude periods of r:ontrol devke startup, shutdown, and malfunr:tion.
Response: The Agenr:y does not have adequate industry-wide data on the
operating prar:Lkes for these units during pror:ess turnarounds lo formulate the type of
work prar:Lke standards that the r:ommenler rer:ommends.
7-3
Response: The EPA, under the General Provisions lo 40 CFR Part fi3, spedfies
requirements assodated with startup, shutdown and malfunr:tions. We did not
indude spedfk provisions in this rule for testing or reporting of IIAP emissions
during these periods and did not indude them in the impar:l analysis for the rule.
Comment: Commenters IV-lJ-4fi and IV-IJ-5fi do not agree that the proposed
rule should allow a sourr:e lo report only those malfunr:tion events that were not
managed in ar:r:ordanr:e with the startup, shutdown, and malfunr:tion event. All
malfunr:tion periods should he reported immediately and in quarterly rather than
semi-annual reports. All exr:ess emission events should he r:onsidered as potential
violations.
Response: The EPA's Part fi3 General Provisions do this (i.e., allow a sourr:e lo
report only those malfunr:tion events that were not managed in ar:r:ordanr:e with the
SSMP) lo redur:e reporting hurden. Ilowever, these events must he reported in the
next semi-annual report. The EPA will determine whether the deviation that or:r:urs
during a startup, shutdown, or malfunr:tion is a violation ar:r:ording lo §fi3.fi(e).
7-4
Response: Ber:ause of the wide range of questions and interpretations ahoul the
status and requirements for NSPS units, we have revised the proposed rule lo
explidtly stale all requirements. First, all FCCU and SRU are affor:ted sourr:es under
this NESIIAP. This indudes units suhjer:l lo the NSPS and those that are not.
Ser:ond, the requirements of this rule in no way drnnge the NSPS requirements. A
unit that is suhjer:l lo the NSPS must r:omply with all NSPS requirements. To redur:e
regulatory overlap, the requirements of this rule for the r:ontrol of IIAP r:ontain
portions of the emission standards and monitoring requirements of the NSPS. For a
FCCU r:atalysl regenerator vent suhjer:l lo the NSPS for PM emissions, the IIAP metal
emission limits are the same as the PM emission limits in 40 CFR fi0.102; the IIAP
metal monitoring requirements for FCCU r:atalysl regenerator vents are the same as
the NSPS requirements in 40 CFR fi0.105(a)(1), 40 CFR fi0.105(r:), and 40 CFR
fi0.105(d). For a FCCU r:atalysl regeneration vent suhjer:l lo the NSPS for CO
emissions, the IIAP organk emission limit is the same as the NSPS limit in 40 CFR
fi0.103 and the monitoring requirements are the same as the NSPS requirements in 40
CFR fi0.105(a)(2). For a Claus SRU over 20 long Lons per day suhjer:l lo the NSPS for
SOx, the IIAP organk (sulfur) limits are the same as the NSPS emission limits in 40
CFR fi0.104(a)(2) and the monitoring requirements are the same as the NSPS
requirements in 40 CFR fi0.105(a)(5).
The NSPS does not require that data from CUMS or CEMS he used lo
determine r:omplianr:e. Under NSPS, a sourr:e lest Lypkally is required for this
purpose. Under NESIIAP, however, data from the CUMS and CEMS are used lo
8-1
determine r:omplianr:e. For this reason, the CUMS and CEMS must he operated lo
meet the applkahle performanr:e spedfkations in appendix B lo 40 CFR Part fiO and
the quality assuranr:e requirements in appendix F lo 40 CFR Part fiO. Appendix F
provides detailed pror:edures for r:ondur:Ling daily r:alihration drift drnr:ks and
quarterly relative ar:r:urar:y audits for CEMS. These may he a new requirement for
some plants. Other requirements for r:ontinuous monitoring systems in§ fi3.8 of the
NESIIAP General Provisions plants are:
+ Condur:l daily r:alihration drift drnr:ks (low-level and high-level) and adjust the
low-level and high-level drifts whenever the 24-hour low-level drift exr:eeds
two Limes the limit of the applkahle performanr:e spedfkation. Clean all
optkal and instrumental surfar:es exposed lo effluent gases hefore making
adjustments and whenever the r:umulative aulomalk zero r:ompensation (if
applkahle) exr:eeds 4 perr:enl opadty
+ If system is out of r:ontrol, take r:orrer:Live ar:Lion and repeal all ner:essary tests
until system meets all applkahle performanr:e spedfkations
+ Keep ner:essary parts for routine repairs readily availahle and immediately
repair or replar:e parts lo r:orrer:l routine or otherwise predktahle malfunr:Lions
as defined in the startup, shutdown, and malfunr:Lion plan
+ Develop and implement quality r:ontrol program induding wrillen prolor:ol that
desr:rihes pror:edures for r:alihrations, r:alihration drift determinations and
adjustments, preventative mainlenanr:e, data rer:ording/r:akulations/reporting,
ar:r:urar:y audit pror:edures, and r:orrer:Live ar:Lion program
Several r:ommenlers asked how exr:ess emissions and hy-passes from NSPS
units would he treated. It is true that under ser:Lion 112 standards, exr:ess emissions
determined not lo he result of startup, shutdown, or malfunr:Lions may he found lo he
violations suhjer:l lo finandal penalties. Under the final rule, the EPA has revised the
formal and eliminated use of the terms "exr:eedanr:es", "exr:ursions", "exr:ess
emissions", and "violations". Under the new formal, we have estahlished operational
standards for r:ontinuous r:omplianr:e with emission limits and parameter monitoring.
For example, the owner or operator must estahlish a minimum operating temperature
for any thermal vapor indneralors used as r:ontrol devkes and must monitor the
r:omhustion temperature r:ontinuously. Similar performanr:e related parameter values
must he estahlished (and monitored) for other r:ontrol devke types and/or pror:esses as
spedfied in the rule. The rule estahlishes the emission and operating limits hut the
rule does not spedfy situations or define the r:onditions where a "deviation" from the
operating standard has or:r:urred. Going outside the estahlished range for the
operating parameter or exr:eeding the emission limit under any drr:umslanr:e is a
deviation, whid1 must he reported lo the permilling authority. In addition, the final
rule does not estahlish spedfk situations where "deviations" from the emission limits
or operating requirements are r:onsidered "violations" of the rule. In estahlishing the
operating limits, we fully r:onsidered the appropriate NSPS definitions of r:onditions
8-2
that c.onstitute exc.ess emissions or violation that take into ar;r;ounl proc.ess and
c.ontrol devke fluc.Luations over Lime.
We also revised the rule lo make the reporting requirements the same for these
units lo eliminate duplkation and added a provision allowing the Stale permilling
authority lo c.onsolidate reports lo reduc.e any other duplkation. In other words, the
same report may he suhmilled for NSPS and NESIIAP reporting purposes, hut
deviations from the operating standards (formerly referred lo as exc.ess emissions)
under sec.Lion 112 determined not lo he the result of startup, shutdown, or
malfunc.Lion events may he assessed as violations that are suhjec.l lo finandal
penalties. Emissions from any hy-pass for an affoc.ted unit (induding a unit suhjec.l lo
the NSPS) would he identified in the periodic. report required hy this rule.
Commenlers IV-lJ-25 and IV-lJ-44 helieve that the proposed rule does or should
exempt FCCU or Claus SHU already suhjec.l lo and in c.omplianc.e with the NSPS.
These units are affoc.ted sourc.es under the J\1ACT rule. If we exempted NSPS units
from the J\1ACT rule, we would not know if they are meeting NESIIAP requirements.
These units are not exempted from MACT requirements in the final rule.
Comment: Commenter IV-lJ-25 urges EPA lo make Suhparl UUU more dear
than the NSPS, partkularly in the definitions of affoc.ted fadlity and existing fadlity.
8-3
The rule should indude provisions defining whether an existing sourr:e r:an he
rer:onslrur:ted hy the addition of a ser:ond unit or whether only the added unit
her:omes a new sourr:e. Ile explains that a refinery r:an install a new sulfur rer:overy
plant lo pror:ess I1 2 S and TRS from the sourr:es r:ontrolled hy an existing sulfur
rer:overy plant. The NSPS fails lo darify if the addition of the ser:ond plant
r:onstitutes the addition of a new unit or the modifkation of an existing unit. If
Suhparl UUU indudes separate standards for new/rer:onslrur:ted sourr:es, a provision
darifying this situation needs lo he added.
Response: The affor:ted sourr:es under Suhparl UUU are ead1 existing, newly
r:onslrur:ted, or rer:onslrur:ted FCCU, CRU, and SRU. The only r:ase under the J\1ACT
standards where standards differ for existing versus new or rer:onslrur:ted sourr:es is
for inorgank IIAP (i.e., II Cl) from CRU. Under the example given for sulfur rer:overy
plants, a newly r:onslrur:ted Claus sulfur rer:overy plant would he suhjer:l lo the MACT
standard for (sulfur) organk IIAP and the NSPS for sulfur oxides. The NSPS
standards are for the r:ontrol of r:riteria pollutants rather than IIAP. Under NESIIAP,
the addition of a ser:ond unit triggers the new sourr:e standard for the unit her:ause
rer:onslrur:tion entails the replar:emenl of existing r:omponenls. In the sulfur plant
example, the new sulfur plant (whether Claus or other type) would he suhjer:l lo the
MACT limit for organk IIAP and the assodated monitoring requirements. These
standards are the same for new and existing affor:ted sourr:es. We r:an not modify the
NSPS under this rulemaking lo make the darifkation requested hy the r:ommenler.
We r:an, however, darify the role of a rer:onslrur:ted affor:ted unit under NESIIAP.
Under the NESIIAP General Provisions "rer:onslrur:tion" means "the replar:emenl of
r:omponenls of an affor:ted or a previously unaffor:ted stationary sourr:e lo sud1 an
extent that:
8.3 Triggering the NSPS due to Emissions from Flares and Combustion
Devices
8-4
"modifkation" under 40 CFR fi0.14. Commenlers IV-lJ-48 and IV-lJ-54 support the
exdusion of streams routed lo fuel gas systems and urge EPA lo darify that any
stream routed loafuel gas system does not trigger the NSPS. Commenlers IV-lJ-47
and IV-IJ-53 helieves the rule should he darified lo spedfkally exdude triggering the
NSPS hy venting TOC emissions lo a flare.
Response: One of the options for the r:ontrol of TOC emissions from CRU
allows venting emissions from the regenerator lo a r:omhustion devke or a flare that
meets the requirements for r:ontrol devkes in §fi3.11 of the NESIIAP General
Provisions. The r:ommenler is r:orrer:l in that the sulfur oxide standards in 40 CFR
fi0.104 of the NSPS (Suhparl J) indude a limit for II 2 S emissions from fuel gas
r:omhustion. CEMS for S0 2 or II 2 S are required, as well as assodated rer:ordkeeping
and reporting requirements. However, it should he pointed out that it is r:urrently
r:ommon industry prar:Lke lo vent the CRU emissions lo the fuel gas system or flare.
As sud1, the numher of units that would signifkantly inr:rease the amount offuel gas
r:omhusted as a result of this rule is r:onsidered lo he small. Also, the sulfur r:onlenl of
the vented gases is very low in sulfur r:onr:enlration; sulfur dear:Livales the CRU
r:atalysl and is Lypkally removed from the feed stream prior lo the CRU. The EPA is
reviewing the issue of triggering NSPS requirements as a result of J\1ACT r:omplianr:e
efforts and is r:onsidering different solutions whid1 may induding revising the NSPS
monitoring requirements or issuing a polky direr:Live. It must also he pointed out that
applkahility Lo NSPS is a separate determination that is made on a r:ase hy r:ase hasis
and no hlanket exdusions are induded in the final refinery MACT standards for
venting CRU emissions lo flares.
Comment: Commenter IV-lJ-40 explains that stale and lor:al requirements and
permit r:onditions often provide equivalent emission limits that are as stringent or
more stringent than the proposed MACT standard. EPA should modify the
applkahility language lo allow a units suhjer:l lo Stale/lor:al regulations or permit
r:onditions that are equivalent lo or more stringent than the MACT standard lo he
r:onsidered in r:omplianr:e with the J\1ACT standard and all assodated requirements,
in the same way provided lo NSPS units.
Response: We appredate the general idea hehind the r:ommenl (i.e., avoiding
duplkative or regulatory overlap and unprodur:Live regulatory requirements);
however, determining whether rules are equivalent (or more stringent) is not
ner:essarily that easy. Far:lors sud1 as lest methods, averaging Limes, formal/units are
only some of the items lo r:onsider in making sud1 a determination. The EPA held
several meetings with Stale regulators in an allempl lo identify Stale requirements
that were equivalent lo or more stringent than the proposed MACT standard. No sud1
Stale requirements were identified. Considerahle resourr:es would he required lo
make sud1 determinations on a generk hasis on all the regulations r:overing the units
affor:ted hy this rule. Equivalenr:y is a r:ase-hy-r:ase determination made hy the
applkahle permilling authority.
8-5
Response: In its initial estimates, the EPA used a mid-range emission fac.tor
approad1 hec.ause industry representatives argued that the refineries for whid1 metal
IIAP emissions data were availahle were predominantly loc.ated in California whid1
has strkl fuel standards, had low Ni feed c.onc.enlrations, and were all well c.ontrolled
for PM emissions. Therefore, using a direc.l average or median value of the data that
was c.onsidered hy industry lo he hiased and not representative of the industry
nationwide was inappropriate.
9-1
data on metal IIAP emissions and will make a determination in the fulure.
Additionally, Ni emission far:tors for utility hoilers hurning liquid fuels are not
applkahle Lo CCU regenerators as the emission medrnnism for PM and metal IIAP are
different. Use of these utility hoiler emission far:tors is not appropriate for estimating
CCU regenerator vent emissions.
The API datahase, as provided lo EPA, does not r:ontain site spedfk data on
CCU feed quality (e.g., Ni r:onlenl, r:onr:arhon, or API gravity) or r:ontrol devke
spedfk data (sud1 as unit-spedfk plate area for ESP). These data are r:onsidered lo
he r:onfidential husiness information hy many refiners; and the industry/trade
assodation work group that r:oller:ted the plant data were unahle lo share this type of
informa Lion and da la with the EPA in a r:oller:Live manor.
9-2
sper:ulative given the unr:ertainty assodated with the industry's operational response
lo the Tier 2 fuel standards. Depending on industry's Tier 2 r:omplianr:e approad1,
CCU feed metal IIAP r:onlenl r:ould see a downward trend in spite of inr:reases in
r:rude metal IIAP r:onlenl. To the extent possihle, we are r:oordinating r:omplianr:e
efforts hetween this rule and the Tier 2 fuel standards.
Comment: Commenters IV-D-30, IV-D-2fi, IV-D-31, and IV-D-5fi ask EPA Lo add
the impar:ls of der:reases in SOx emissions that would or:r:ur with wet sr:ruhhers. In
some r:ases, SO:i may he r:onsidered a IIAP. They also request impar:l analyses of the
effer:t of the standard on D/F and Ilg emissions.
Response: We agree with the r:ommenler that SOx emissions are exper:ted lo he
redur:ed when a wet sr:ruhher is used lo r:ontrol CCU PM emissions. Conr:urrenl SOx
emissions redur:tions have heen estimated and are reported in drnpler fi of the BID for
the proposed standards .. Ilowever, SOx is not a listed IIAP nor is it "r:onsidered" a
IIAP for regulatory purposes. We have not induded an analysis of the impar:l of the
standard on D/F and Ilg emissions; an impar:ls analysis was not done her:ause there
9-3
are no data that indkate that there are appredahle lJ/F emissions from FCCU or data
regarding Ilg emissions removal effidenr:y for FCCU sr:ruhhers.
Response: The EPA has modified the r:ontrol r:osl input parameters using a
retrofit r:osl far:tor of 1.35, an exhaust gas temperature of 500 degrees, a mean partide
diameter hased on Region V sourr:e lest data, and an ESP seler:ted r:ontrol effidenr:y of
95%. With the revised inputs, the resulting ESP design (used in the r:osting) has a
spedfk r:oller:tion area (SCA) of 500 ftsq/m-adm, whid1 is r:onsistenl with the SCA's
for ESP that meet the NSPS PM emission limit as r:onfirmed hy industry supplied
data.
9-4
lo $10,000 per Lon redur:ed. EPA should use its latitude under the CAA lo develop a
regulation that is not unner:essarily restrktive or r:ostly.
On the other hand, Commenlers IV-IJ-30, IV-lJ-31, and IV-IJ-5fi disagree with
the r:osl effor:tiveness as a dedsion r:riteria, partkularly when estimates are hased on
a single pollutant her:ause they do not indude the suhstantial redur:tions in other
pollutants or the assodated henefits. These andllary redur:tions are an important
r:omponenl of aggregate risk redur:tion and monetary henefits. When these redur:tions
are r:onsidered, the r:osl effor:tiveness is very low and the rule is henefidal.
Response: As noted in the prer:eding response, we have revised the r:osls and
emission impar:Ls of the proposed MACT rule hased on the information and data
rer:eived during the r:ommenl period. The r:ost-effor:tiveness numhers espedally for
the inorgank (i.e., metal) IIAP are high; however, the r:ost-effor:tiveness for the entire
rule is moderate al ahoul $4,200/Lon of pollutants r:ontrolled, as is the r:omhined r:ost
effor:tiveness for hoth the refinery J\1ACT standards al ahoul $2,000/Lon. These values
are r:omparahle lo the r:ost-effor:tiveness of other rules for the numher of sourr:es
impar:ted. And although high, the r:osls are not r:onsidered unreasonahle.
We agree that the r:onr:urrenl and andllary redur:tions assodated with the
r:ontrol of IIAP hy the proposed MACT standards are an important r:omponenl of
aggregate risk redur:tion and monetary henefits and these redur:tions should he
r:onsidered in assessing the merits of the rule.
9-5
Again, it also must he emphasized that the J\1ACT standards are not risk hased
hut are tedrnology hased standards. Risk and c.ost-effec.Liveness arguments are
appropriate for c.ontrol options heyond the floor or for the indusion of area sourc.es
neither of whid1 is the c.ase with this sourc.e c.ategory rulemaking. Risk will he
evaluated and c.onsidered in the sec.ond phase of the NESIIAP standard selling
proc.ess.
Comment: Commenlers IV-D-41, IV-D-31, and IV-D-5fi helieve the data set on
emissions tests was not adequate. Only a few of the nearly 70 pollutants were tested
and tests were made on loo few units. Test data on CCU c.ame from a set of 8
fadlities; no data were availahle for emission rates al other units and for other
pollutants. This is why emission fac.tors had lo he extrapolated lo other units.
Information on partkulate emission rates from CCU (the hasis for projec.Ling model
unit and nationwide emission estimates) also are ahsenl. Data on other variahles also
were inc.omplete (e.g., feed quality data and ESP plate areas). Feed quality data is
c.rudal lo understanding the relationship hetween feed quality and IIAP metal
emissions. The datahase for CRU was even more limited and pertained only lo the
c.oke hurn c.yde even though there are many different c.ydes (d1loriding c.yde,
sulfiding step, and purge c.yde). EPA should add this information lo the BID for the
final standards. Some of the emission fac.tor information and additional data are
availahle in the API report. "Charac.lerization of Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions
from FCCU, CRU, and SRU Refinery Proc.ess Vents, Final Report, Volumes I-III
Proc.ess and IIAP Emissions Survey."
Response: EPA is aware of the lac.k of IIAP data and lest data; however, the
availahle data in the EPA refinery vent datahase is adequate lo support the analyses
c.onduc.ted as the hasis for the proposed standards. We have requested the
9-fi
doc.umenl/data reforenc.ed hy the c.ommenler (the report has heen added lo the projec.l
doc.ket) hut data reforenc.ed hy the c.ommenler is not in the version of report as
released hy the industry. As disc.ussed in c.ommenl/response 9.2, mud1 of the proc.ess
operating data dted hy the c.ommenters is c.onsidered hy some refiners Lo he
c.onfidential husiness information whid1 made the transfer of data from the industry
work group a mud1 more c.omplkated undertaking.
Comment: Commenlers IV-D-41 and IV-D-5fi stale that EPA should review the
emission estimates and the suitahility of the c.ontrols for c.riteria pollutants for CHU
c.atalysl regenerator vents. Ac.c.ording lo the c.ommenler, emissions of partkulates and
SOx from a large c.ontinuous CHU are c.omparahle lo those of a CCU.
Response: The c.ommenler did not provide any data lo support the c.ommenl
that partkulates and SOx emissions from a large c.ontinuous CHU are c.omparahle lo
those of a CCU. The data availahle in the EPA datahase do not support this
c.onlention and a c.omparison of vent flow rates for c.ontinuous CHU regenerators and
CCU regenerators makes this assertion very duhious. As mentioned previously, EPA
does not have the authority lo regulate c.riteria pollutants under sec.Lion 112 of the
CAA.
Comment: Commenlers IV-D-41 and IV-D-5fi ask EPA lo expand the tahle of
emissions from CHU c.atalysl regenerator vents in the BID for the proposed standards.
Sinc.e the variety and magnitude of CHU c.atalysl regenerator vent emissions varies in
the different c.ydes of c.atalysl regeneration, EPA should spedfy the c.yde lo whid1 the
data pertain and ensure that emission fac.tors for all c.ydes are presented.
9-7
As noted previously, the API datahase, as provided lo EPA, does not c.ontain
site spedfk data on CCU feed quality (e.g., Ni c.onlenl, nonc.arhon, or API gravity).
Based on rec.enl data ohtained hy EPA regarding Ni E-Cat c.onc.entrations, more site
spedfk and unit spedfk emission estimates have heen c.akulated. These E-Cat hased
estimates provide an ar;r;urale ar;r;ounl of c.urrenl haseline emissions and projec.ted
emission reduc.Lions. Data regarding FCCU feeds quality drnnges are among those
operating parameters that c.ertain refiners c.onsider Lo he c.onfidential and are
unavailahle lo EPA al this Lime.
Using the data availahle lo the Administrator, the EPA c.ould not quantitatively
demonstrate that hydrotreating of CCU feed signifkantly reduc.ed metal IIAP
emissions from the CCU regenerator vent. Instead, the revised emission approad1
9-8
employs E-Cat Ni r:onr:enlrations whid1 are more direr:tly linked lo Ni emissions (as a
surrogate for total metal IIAP emissions).
In addition, analysis of CCU feed quality al this Lime is highly sper:ulative given
the unr:ertainly assodated with the industry's operational response lo the Tier 2 fuel
standards. Depending on industry's Tier 2 r:omplianr:e approad1, FCCU foed's metal
IIAP r:onlenl r:ould see a downward trend in spite of inr:reases in r:rude metal IIAP
r:onlenl. To the extent possihle, we are r:oordinating r:omplianr:e efforts hetween this
rule and the Tier 2 fuel standards.
Comment: Commenlers IV-lJ-41 and IV-IJ-5fi urge EPA lo reestimate the r:osls
for ESPs needed lo r:omply with the standards hased on a lower spedfk r:oller:Lion
area. The EPA used a spedfk r:oller:Lion area of 717 ff/1,000 adm, whid1 seems high
espedally given the 90% effidenr:y assumption. EPA should use an effidenr:y of 98%
or higher for effor:Live r:ontrol of the finer r:atalysl partides. Industry data indkates
that existing units have ESP with spedfk r:oller:Lion areas ranging from under 100 lo
ahoul 550 ff/1,000 adm; data provided hy API indkate that the PM NSPS is
ad1ievahle hy ESP with spedfk r:oller:Lion area of ahoul 350 ff/1,000 adm. Cost
estimates with an ESP douhle the required size overestimates the r:ontrol r:osls.
Response: Upon further review, it was found that the primary reason for the
low removal effidenr:y while having a high spedfk r:oller:Lion area was the use of the
mean partide size distrihution in the design rather than the mean mass partide
distrihution. The ESP r:osl estimates were revised lo r:orrer:l this error; see
r:ommenl/response 9.5.
Response: The design pressure drop is dependent on the mean partide size
diameter of the PM emissions. Availahle data regarding partide size distrihution for
CCU emissions suggests that the partide diameter used in our r:akulations is
reasonahle (i.e., 4 µm). The estimated r:osls for Venturi sr:ruhhers used in the impar:ls
analysis agrees well with design r:osl estimates provided hy a wet sr:ruhher vendor.
Alternatively, using 1 µm, the design pressure drop is 25 indrns of waler, whid1
inr:reases the estimated operating r:osls hy approximately 15 perr:enl.
We did not indude the r:ost of sr:ruhhing with r:austk as an S0 2 r:ontrol option
her:ause the rule is intended lo r:ontrol IIAP and any additional r:osl of r:ontrolling any
r:riteria pollutants is Lypkally not induded in the impar:ls analysis.
9-9
Comment: Commenlers IV-lJ-51 and IV-lJ-54 helieve the r:omplianr:e r:osls for
r:omplete r:omhustion units are potentially very large and have not heen r:onsidered in
the proposed rule. Some potential r:omplianr:e methods indude: (1) returning unit lo
partial r:omhustion regeneration and rer:ommission existing CO hoiler or huild new
one if needed, (2) retain r:omplete r:omhustion regeneration hut reroute flue gas lo a
hoiler or pror:ess healer (existing or new), (3) raise normal slar:k 0 2 hy redudng unit
feed rate, r:atalysl drr:ulation rate, and r:onversion, and raising regen temperature, (4)
raise normal slar:k 0 2 hy inr:reasing regen hlower rate, or (5) raise normal slar:k 0 2 hy
enrid1ing regen hlower air with 0 2 • Commenter IV-IJ-53 helieves up lo 40% of
existing non-NSPS r:omplete r:omhustion units would need lo r:onsider one of these
modifkations lo r:omply, with an overall industry wide r:osl of $130 lo 2fi0 million per
year.
Comment: Commenlers IV-lJ-41 and IV-IJ-5fi stale that EPA should explain in
the BID for the final rule how the r:ontrol equipment were seler:ted for r:osting. For
example, did EPA use a r:osl minimization algorithm lo dedde hetween different ESP,
sr:ruhhers, and other potential r:ontrol'? Also, did EPA r:osl a r:omhined r:ontrol devke
(r:omhining flue gases from multiple CCU or CIUJ)'?
9-10
Comment: Commenter IV-IJ-35 asks EPA lo revise the estimates for annual
natural gas requirements for indneralors. The c.ommenler explains that Beavon
Stretford sulfur plants normally do not require indneration of the tail gas due lo the
low II 2 S c.onc.enlration exc.epl during plant upsets. In c.omparison, Lypkal tail gas
plants with amine sc.ruhhing plants (i.e., SCOT) require indneration under California
rules if the tail gas II 2 S c.onc.enlration exc.eeds 10 ppm. Therefore, the requirement for
1.5 hillion c.uhk feet of natural gas annual (pg. 48905 of preamhle) for indneration
applies lo the amine sc.ruhhing plants and not lo Beavon-Stretford plants.
Response: The J\1ACT standards under sec.Lion 112 are tedrnology hased
standards. The sec.ond phase of the NESIIAP standard selling proc.ess involves
examining the risk assodated with the IIAP sourc.e c.ategories. The health and general
pollution impac.ls from persistent hioar;r;umulative loxk suhstanc.es released from
refineries, and dusters of refineries in partkular, will he c.omprehensively addressed
in that standard selling effort.
9-11
Response: This rule does not require a henefits analysis for an offidal
regulatory impac.ts analysis however we have estimated the non-IIAP pollutant
reduc.Lions and have c.onsidered the henefits of non-IIAP pollutant reduc.Lions
indirec.tly in estahlishing the level of the standard and other assodated regulatory
requirements.
9-12
Comment: Commenter IV-IJ-5fi stales that this Exer:utive Order applies lo any
rule determined lo he "er:onomkally signifkant" as defined under Exer:utive Order
1288fi and that r:onr:erns an environmental health or safety risk that EPA has reason lo
helieve may have a disproportionate effer:t on d1ildren. Due lo the large population of
d1ildren living near refineries in Texas and the other parts of the U.S., Commenter
IV-IJ-5fi urges EPA lo require more stringent J\1ACT standards in r:omplianr:e with this
order.
These standards are not r:overed hy the Exer:utive Order her:ause the final
standards are not er:onomkally signifkanl and her:ause EPA is preduded from
r:onsidering health or safety risks in the development of MACT standards under
ser:tion 112(d) of the CAA. Ser:tion 112(d) requires determination of the minimum
level of stringenr:y (i.e., the J\1ACT floor) lo he hased solely on the performanr:e of
tedrnology.
There is no douht that refineries are major sourr:e emillers of IIAP and also
release high levels of non-IIAP r:riteria/amhienl pollutants. The tedrnology-hased
standards developed under ser:tion 112(d) for petroleum refineries greatly redur:e
these emissions. Implementation of the first stage of air loxk rules for this industry,
puhlished in 1995 (fiO FR 43244) hegan in 1998. When fully implemented, this rule
will redur:e emissions of eleven IIAP hy 59 perr:enl from r:urrent levels and non-IIAP
VOC hy over fiO perr:enl. Today's final rule, whid1 r:overs pror:ess vents from units not
suhjer:l lo the first rule, will redur:e metal and organk IIAP from these units hy 87
perr:enl, with a total emission redur:tion of IIAP and amhienl pollutants of well over
100,000 Lons per year. In addition, it may he reasonahle lo exper:l further emission
redur:tions as the industry inr:reases the use of hydrotrealmenl in response lo the Tier
2 fuel standards.
10-1
We understand many of the c.onc.erns dted hy this c.ommenler, hut c.an not
resolve them in the c.onlexl of this rulemaking as the effec.t of this rule will c.ertainly
he lo dec.rease emissions and any assodated disproportionate hurden on spedal
segments of the population. The proper avenue for investigating this issue lies in the
environmental permilling proc.ess. The EPA's "Interim Guidanc.e for Investigating
Title VI Administrative Complaints Challenging Permits" provides detailed
information on the proc.ess for filing c.omplainls under Title VI of the Civil Rights Ac.l
10-2
alleging disr:riminalory effor:ts resulting from the issuanr:e of pollution r:ontrol permits
hy stale and lor:al government agendes that rer:eive EPA funding.
Comment: Commenter IV-IJ-39 helieves the r:osls of the rule are signifkanl and
will exr:eed $100 million. Ber:ause the rulemaking is signifkanl, analysis under
Exer:utive Order 128fifi is required. Commenlers IV-IJ-30, IV-lJ-31, and IV-IJ-5fi daim
that the full review pror:edures of Exer:utive Order 128fifi apply lo this rule making if
EPA adopts the induslry-rer:ommended Ni alternative her:ause this option is likely lo
"adversely affor:t in a material way... the environment."
Response: Exer:utive Order 128fifi is hased on annual r:osls and not r:apital
r:osls. The annual r:osls of this rule are under $fi0 million and well helow the $100
million/yr r:riterion for a major rule under the Exer:utive Order. In response lo the
r:onr:erns voked hy other r:ommenlers, EPA did not adopt the induslry-rer:ommended
industry alternative and r:annol agree with the r:ommenlers that the final rule
"adversely affor:ts in a material way... the environment."
10-3
The Offke of Mohile Sourc.es has rec.ently finalized the Tier 2 standards that
will limit the amount of sulfur in gasoline. Some petroleum refineries may c.omply
with the gasoline sulfur standards hy removing ho th sulfur and metals from the feed
lo the CCU) and therehy reduc.e metallic. IIAP emissions from the CCU regeneration
vent. We have moved the Petroleum Refineries--Catalytk Crac.king (Fluid and Other)
Units, Catalytic. Reforming Units, and Sulfur Plant Units sourc.e c.ategory lo the
10-year hin lo gain understanding of the effoc.ts of the gasoline sulfur standards on
refineries, dedde how our final J\1ACT rule should address these effoc.ts, and
c.oordinale the implementation and c.omplianc.e aspec.ls of the MACT rule with the
sdrndule for implementation of the gasoline sulfur program.
11-1
the relevant standard must he suhmilled within 120 days after the sourr:e her:omes
suhjer:l lo the relevant standard. If you have a new or rer:onslrur:ted sourr:e that had
an initial startup after the effor:tive date where an applkation for approval or
rer:onslrur:tion is not required, you must notify the Administrator EPA that the sourr:e
is suhjer:l lo the relevant standard within 120 days after startup. In response lo the
request, we have added these requirements lo the tahle in the final rule summarizing
the initial notifkation requirements.
We understand the need for more frequent and up-to-date fadlity data. EPA is
working lo resolve this prohlem hy forming the Offke of Environmental Information.
In the future, we helieve this will help you ohtain more and heller environmental data
on the fadlities in your area.
Response: We think this is a good idea partkularly due lo interest in the Tier 2
rule. It also is a good way lo review the effor:tiveness of the standard and emission
11-2
reduc.Lion and ac.Lual c.osls. We will follow-up on this suggestion after the rule is
implemented should our resourc.es permit.
11-3
Response: We incorporated many of the comm enters' suggestions. The final rule adds
new definitions for "process vent", "fuel gas, and "fuel gas system". The new definition of
"process vent" is based on the definition used in the MACT I rule modified for the affected
sources subject to this rule. We did not include language from the MACT I rule relating to rule
exemptions because these exemptions, where applicable, are covered under the applicability
section of the rule and need not be repeated in this definition. The new definition of "fuel gas"
and "fuel gas system" are directly from MACT I. We clarified the definition of "incinerator" to
describe thermal and catalytic types and added the definition of "boiler" to distinguish "fired" vs
"non-fired" types, as suggested.
Commenters also suggested changes that make the rule consistent when referring to the
CCU catalyst regenerator vent. As discussed in a previous response to comment, Item 1.1, the
final rule applies only to process vents on FCCU catalyst regenerators. We revised the proposed
definition of "catalytic cracking unit" to be identical to the NSPS which defines "fluid catalytic
cracking unit" and "fluid catalytic cracking unit catalyst regenerator". We also corrected the
proposed rule to remove the inadvertent reference to TOC.
Reconciling comments on the applicability of the General Provisions was more difficult.
There are cases, however, where we disagree with the commenter's recommendations. Our
reasons are summarized below.
(I) Performance test notification requirements under § 63. 7(b ). We do not agree
that these notifications should not apply because they are not required under MACT I. The
MACT I rule does require performance tests for some process vents, but many of the other types
of affected sources (storage tanks, loading racks, wastewater, etc.) have different requirements.
The process units regulated under today's final rule have much higher emissions and the tests are
more complex - particularly if the plant is complying with the PM or Ni standards for CCU.
This notification gives notice to the permitting authority in the case that he/she wants to observe
the test.
(2) Quality assurance program requirements under§ 63. 7(c). We do not agree that
these requirements should not apply because they are not required under MACT I and not
requiring them would reduce recordkeeping/reporting burden. These QI A requirements are
necessary to ensure the validity of performance tests and continuous monitoring data.
11-4
and maintenance requirements are not included in MACT I because there are no requirements for
COMS or CEMS.
(4) Quality control program requirements under§ 63.S(d). The results of a quality
control program are considered in determining the validity of monitoring data. Like the general
provisions, the rule requires a site-specific performance evaluation test plan prior to a
performance evaluation conducted for a COMS or CEMS. Like the General Provisions, the rule
also requires a written quality control program as part of the notification of compliance status
report that describes procedures that will be used for calibrations, drift adjustments, preventative
maintenance, data recording, calculations, and reporting, accuracy audit procedures, and
corrective action for a malfunctioning monitoring system. The quality control program covers all
monitoring systems (whether a COMS, CEMS, or CPMS) and requires a written protocol that
describes procedures for calibrations, determination and adjustment of calibration drift,
preventative maintenance, data recording/calculations/reporting, and accuracy audit procedures,
including sampling and analysis methods. The program for corrective action for a
malfunctioning continuous monitoring system can be included in this quality control plan or in
the SSMP. We believe these requirements are necessary to ensure the proper operation and
maintenance of monitoring systems and are not burdensome. As explained above, the MACT I
sources and monitoring requirements differ from this rule and not requiring a quality control plan
under MACT I is not relevant to this rule.
For burden reduction purposes, we are not requiring a site specific test plan prior to any
performance test required by this rule as described in the quality assurance program requirements
in 40 CFR 63.7(c)(2)(i) of the NESHAP General Provisions and we are not requiring a
site-specific performance evaluation test plan as described in the quality control program
requirements in 40 CFR 63.8(e)(2 through (e)(3). We are requiring that you report the results of
the performance test and performance evaluation in the notification of compliance status report
and we are requiring that you prepare and implement a written quality control program as
described in 40 CFR 63.8(d).
(5) Requirements for reduction of monitoring data under§ 63.S(g). This provisions
relates to data reduction for continuous emission monitoring systems and continuous opacity
monitoring systems which are used by numerous plants in this industry as a result of the NSPS
requirements. Separate provisions are included in the rule for the reduction of monitoring data
from continuous parameter monitoring systems on a I-hour or 24-hour averaging period. We
added an explanatory note to the entries for 40 CFR 63.8(g)( I) through (g)(4) of Table 44 to
clarify the applicability of this provision. The provisions of 40 CFR 63.8(g)(5) apply to all types
of monitoring systems at all plants.
11-5
(7) Notification requirements for opacity and visible emission observations under
§ 63.9(f). We have retained this requirement in the final rule because plants using flares as a
means of compliance must do a Method 22 test to demonstrate no visible emissions are present.
While the final rule also includes opacity standards for plants opting to meet the NSPS
requirements and provisions for site-specific opacity standards for fluid catalytic cracking unit
catalyst regenerator vents that do not use a wet scrubber as an add-on control device, compliance
with these requirements is demonstrated using a COMS rather than Method 9 and the results of
these tests are included in the notification of compliance status report along with the results of
performance tests. We do not agree that the notification requirement should not be included
because it was not included in MACT I because MACT I does not include opacity and visible
emission standards. We also do not agree with the commenter's assertions that this requirement
should not be included because the provisions of 40 CFR 63.6 (compliance with opacity and VE
standards) do not apply. They do apply if VE observations are made. For this reason, the final
rule also retains the requirement in* 63.1 O(d)(3) for reporting the results of opacity or visible
emission observations.
11-fi
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
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Background Information for Promulgalnd Standards and
Rnsponsn lo C:ommnnls
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This report prm·ides the haekground infonnation for the final NLSI IAP to control ha1ardous air pollutants
(I IAP) from eatalytie eraeking units. eatalytie refonning units. and sulfur reem·ery units at petroleum
refineries. This document contains summaries ofpuhlie comments reeei\·ed on the proposed rnle and LPA
responses.
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