EPA moves on new slate of emissions standards

The Environmental Protection Agency is considering new air emission standards for tile, sink and toilet manufacturers.  

The proposed National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Brick and Clay Manufacturing and Clay Ceramics Manufacturing rule would set work practice standards for kilns and force manufacturers to install leak protection systems under authority granted by the Clean Air Act.
 
{mosads}The EPA said pollutants like hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and hazardous metals are released into the air when brick products, tile, clay pipes, sinks and toilets are produced.
 
Standards adopted in 2003 and 2008 were both thrown out in courts after the Sierra Club, an environmental group, sued the EPA twice, alleging the agency failed to meet the appropriate deadlines for updating the rules.
 
“EPA’s proposal replaces the vacated standards and provides a flexible compliance pathway for these sources,” agency spokesman Robert Daguillard said in an email.
 
The proposed rule is expected to reduce toxic emissions by 440 tons per year nationwide, according to EPA estimates. The public has 60 days to comment.