Boiler MACT Help

Are you ready for Boiler MACT?
(photo courtesy of Victory Energy)

In March 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) imposed a rule for stricter emissions limits on industrial boilers, commercial boilers and process heaters. The rule is known as Boiler MACT (which stands for "maximum achievable control technology".  It is intended to affect the emissions of hazardous air pollutants with reduction to the highest degree possible, while still considering the costs incurred by achieving these reductions.

On January 31, 2013, after several stops and starts, the EPA published final amendments to the Boiler MACT rule.

There are two classes of pollution sources - area sources (minor) and major sources. For major sources the compliance deadline is January 31, 2016.  

The rules will require some large facilities to undertake broad energy use assessments. The assessment includes inspections of boilers, operation & maintenance procedures, and drawings. A list of suggested efficiency improvements, with projected costs and an expense-recouperation timeline, must also be submitted. 

Time is running out if you're a major source of HAP (hazardous air pollutants) and you need to act. The web site boilermactsolutions.org is an excellent resource and a great place to start.