C.M.R. 06, 096, ch. 134 - REASONABLY AVAILABLE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY FOR FACILITIES THAT EMIT VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC-RACT)

SUMMARY: This regulation establishes Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements for facilities that emit or have the potential to emit forty (40) tons or more per year of volatile organic compounds (VOC).

BASIS STATEMENT

In the State of Maine, nine counties are classified as nonattainment for the federal ozone air quality standard. Volatile organic compounds (VOC), emitted by various industrial processes, contribute to the formation of ozone. This regulation will reduce the VOC emitted by facilities that have the potential to emit forty (40) tons or more of VOC per calendar year. Under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the State of Maine must submit plans to control, by May 31, 1995, VOC from all major stationary sources not covered by a Control Techniques Guideline (CTG) document.

In addition to the above Basis Statement, the Department has filed with the Secretary of State the response to representative comments received during the comment period.

BASIS STATEMENT FOR AMENDMENT OF FEBRUARY 8, 1995

The 1995 amendments to this rule reflect changes that clarify the applicability threshholds of facilities subject to recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The amendments also correct a conflict with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, regarding the implementation date for certain source categories. The amendments incorporate an evaluation of annualized costs of controls for any source that will also be subject to future federal MACT requirements.

In addition, the Department has incorporated other public comments and filed a Supplemental Basis Statement Response to Comment with the Secretary of State.