US EPA Proposed Amendments to MSW Combustors Emission Limits

As noted in the prior edition of IASN, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing amendments to the new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines (EG) for large municipal solid waste (MSW) combustors. This would apply to units that have the capacity to combust more than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste.

The proposed amendments would revise all emission limits in the EG, except for carbon monoxide (CO) limits for two combustor subcategories, and all nine emission limits in the NSPS. There are several requirements which are described in detail on the Federal Register, under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0183. Additional background information can be found on the EPA website.

The proposed amendments may have significant financial and operational implications for Municipal Waste Combustors and the communities that utilize them for waste management.

The EPA is accepting comments until March 25, 2024. SWANA has submitted a request to the EPA to extend the comment period by a month is working on comments on these proposed regulations. Talking points will include the role of these facilities in many integrated solid waste management systems.

If you have any feedback, please contact Kristyn Oldendorf at koldendorf@swana.org.