Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 2/24/11

The Environmental Protection Agency issued final rules this week for emissions from boilers and incinerators that are less severe than its original proposals, but could still impact meat processors.

The so-called “Boiler-MACT” (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) rules aim to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants from existing and new industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers.

The requirements to cut air pollutants such as mercury and dioxin would set emission limits for boilers used in paper pulp mills, refineries and chemical and manufacturing plants. Existing boilers that exceeded the limits would have to be upgraded or replaced.

The EPA rule, a fact sheet, and other information can be viewed here.

"Today, EPA announced a balanced rule to ensure Americans will have cleaner air, while also retaining important energy choices such as biomass that provide heat and power to rural hospitals and schools,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. “We will continue to work with EPA to ensure that affected owners have the information they need to comply with the new rule when it takes effect in 2014."

The National Association of Manufacturers, however, said the final rules are still too stringent.

“The new Boiler MACT rule will have an immediate, negative impact on manufacturers’ bottom lines at a time when they are trying to rebound economically and create jobs. This is a harsh, inflexible rule that will cost jobs, hurt global competiveness and may discourage projects that could otherwise lead to environmental improvements,” said (NAM) Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse.

“This is the latest example of the EPA’s aggressive, overreaching agenda. We urge the EPA to undertake a common-sense approach that encourages economic growth, job creation and thoughtful regulatory policy,” Newhouse added.