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TOMORROW: EPA to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Updates to Emission Standards for Refineries

Release Date: 08/04/2014
Contact Information: Joe Hubbard or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

DALLAS – (Aug. 4, 2014) Tomorrow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public hearing in Houston, Texas on the proposed updates to emissions standards for refineries to protect nearby neighborhoods and improve air quality.

After receiving input from stakeholders including community groups, industry and states, EPA is proposing new monitoring requirements and common-sense measures to further reduce toxic pollution from flaring and other processes. Exposure to toxic air pollutants, such as benzene, can cause respiratory problems and other serious health issues, and can increase the risk of developing cancer.

EPA is issuing this proposal to determine new developments in practices, processes and control technologies as required by the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act tasks EPA to evaluate current emissions standards to determine its risk to human health and the environment.

The proposal would add additional emission control requirements for storage tanks, flares and coking units at petroleum refineries. EPA is also proposing to require monitoring of air concentrations of fenceline communities to ensure proposed standards are being met and that neighboring communities are not being exposed to unintended emissions.

Preregistration has ended but those interested in speaking are still able to sign up on site.

WHO: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Alvin D. Baggett Recreation Building
1302 Keene Street
Galena Park, Texas

Media wishing to attend should RSVP to r6press@epa.gov

More information about the proposal can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/petref.html

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.htm