DEP Advisory Committee To Discuss Reducing Heating Oil Sulfur Limits, RACT For Some Existing Oil & Gas Facility Air Emissions

The agenda for the January 24 DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting includes a presentation and discussion of reducing heating oil sulfur limits from 500 ppm to 15 ppm and concepts for Reasonably Available Control Technology standards for reducing methane emissions from existing oil and gas operations.

Heating Oil Sulfur Standard

DEP originally adopted the 500 ppm sulfur standard for heating oil in 2013 and, considered, but did not adopt the lower standard because of a concern over available supplies to meet the requirement.

In the presentation prepared for the Committee, DEP says supplies of heating oil on the east coast and nationwide with 15 ppm or less of sulfur is no longer a concern.  DEP also notes Philadelphia adopted the 15 ppm standard in 2014.

DEP said its Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee is due to review the draft regulation change on February 8.

RACT For Oil & Gas Emissions

DEP will discuss RACT limits requiring a 95 percent reduction in volatile organic compound emissions from some existing sources like storage tanks, pneumatic pumps and centrifugal compressors.

In addition, DEP proposes a zero VOC emissions standard at natural gas processing plants as well as a leak detection and repair program covering equipment leaks.

DEP noted EPA published a Control Technology Guideline covering oil and gas VOC emissions from existing sources in October 2016 and requires states-- DEP-- to submit State Implementation Plan revisions covering these sources by October 27, 2018.

DEP said EPA has applied for an implementation deadline of January 1, 2021 for state RACT requirements.

DEP’s Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee had a discussion of the RACT concepts at its December 14 meeting.

The meeting will be held in the 12th Floor Conference Room of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at 10:00.

For copies of available handouts and more information, visit DEP’s Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee webpage.  Questions should be directed to Nancy Herb, 717-783-9269 or send email to: nherb@pa.gov.