EPA recently sent information requests to 1,000 aerospace manufacturers and 152 petroleum refineries seeking toxic air emissions data. See 75 Fed. Reg. 59,710; 75 Fed. Reg. 60,107 (September 28-29, 2010). The purpose of these information requests is to determine whether future controls are needed to limit hazardous emissions. EPA must either promulgate additional standards against any residual risk or make an official determination that no further controls are necessary.
Sought by EPA is further insight into hazardous air pollutants emitted from coatings and spray booths, storage tanks and other processes despite existing controls in place. EPA also requests additional information about the types of emissions control devices being used and emissions during startup, shutdown and malfunction scenarios. Similar information also is sought from petroleum refineries.
EPA will accept comments on the information request for aerospace manufacturing and rework facilities until October 28th and for petroleum refineries until November 29th.