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Tag: neshap

Annual NESHAP Reporting Reminder

As we move into the New Year in 2025, it is an ideal time for small businesses subject to air quality regulations, such as National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), to assess their compliance and prepare for upcoming recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Ensuring your facility’s adherence to these regulations helps maintain environmental standards and avoid potential penalties.

Steps to Ensure Compliance

  1. Review Your Air Quality Permits
    • Begin by examining your facility’s air permits. Take note of all recordkeeping and reporting obligations, including due dates for submissions. If you cannot locate your permits, Pennsylvania DEP has a public records portal on their website where you can locate copies of existing air permits.
  2. Understand Your Reporting Requirements
    • Facilities subject to NESHAPs such as the 6X and RICE rule are reminded that annual compliance reports must be submitted by January 31, 2025. These reports often include certifications of compliance as well as documentation of any deviations and corrective actions taken. Remember, regulatory agencies such as DEP and EPA often understand that occasional deviations can occur; the key is to promptly identify issues and address them accordingly.

  3. Check for Additional Reporting Obligations
    • Not all NESHAPs require annual compliance reports, and due dates may vary for those that do. Make sure to verify the specific requirements applicable to your facility.

Common NESHAPs with January Reporting Deadlines

Several area source National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) have annual compliance reporting deadlines at the end of January. Notable examples include:

Need Assistance? If you have questions about your compliance responsibilities or need help navigating air-quality regulations, Pennsylvania’s Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) is here to help. Contact us for guidance tailored to your small business needs.

By staying proactive and informed, you can ensure a successful start to the new year and continued compliance with environmental standards

Proposed Rulemaking for Dry Cleaning Facilities

EPA has proposed amendments to the National Perchloroethylene Air Emission Standards for Dry Cleaning Facilities. This proposal would add provisions which would require all dry-to-dry machines at new and existing facilities to have both refrigerated condensers and carbon adsorbers as secondary controls.
The request for comment period is currently open.  EPA seeks comments and information regarding the number of third generation and earlier model dry cleaning machines that potentially could still be in operation.  In addition, EPA seeks information on dry cleaning practices, processes, and control technologies that could reduce emissions from hazardous air pollutions, or HAPs, for fourth generation (or better) dry cleaning machines.
A copy of the rule summary, the new proposed rule, and fact sheets can be found here.
General speaking, most dry cleaning facilities and operations are small businesses.  Estimates from EPA report that there are approximately 10,000 to 15,000 perchloroethylene dry cleaning facilities in the United States.  Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic it is estimated that 10-15% of perc dry cleaners have closed.
Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC.  He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management.  He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.