40 C.F.R. §§ 60.482-1a–60.482-10a

10 sections in range

§60.482-1a. Standards: General.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-1a

(a)

Each owner or operator subject to the provisions of this subpart shall demonstrate compliance with the requirements of §§ 60.482-1a through 60.482-10a or § 60.480a(e) for all equipment within 180 days of initial startup.

(b)

Compliance with §§ 60.482-1a to 60.482-10a will be determined by review of records and reports, review of performance test results, and inspection using the methods and procedures specified in § 60.485a.

(c)

(1)

An owner or operator may request a determination of equivalence of a means of emission limitation to the requirements of §§ 60.482-2a, 60.482-3a, 60.482-5a, 60.482-6a, 60.482-7a, 60.482-8a, and 60.482-10a as provided in § 60.484a.

(2)

If the Administrator makes a determination that a means of emission limitation is at least equivalent to the requirements of § 60.482-2a, § 60.482-3a, § 60.482-5a, § 60.482-6a, § 60.482-7a, § 60.482-8a, or § 60.482-10a, an owner or operator shall comply with the requirements of that determination.

(d)

Equipment that is in vacuum service is excluded from the requirements of §§ 60.482-2a through 60.482-10a if it is identified as required in § 60.486a(e)(5).

(e)

Equipment that an owner or operator designates as being in VOC service less than 300 hr/yr is excluded from the requirements of §§ 60.482-2a through 60.482-10a if it is identified as required in § 60.486a(e)(6) and it meets any of the conditions specified in paragraphs (e)(1) through (3) of this section.

(1)

The equipment is in VOC service only during startup and shutdown, excluding startup and shutdown between batches of the same campaign for a batch process.

(2)

The equipment is in VOC service only during process malfunctions or other emergencies.

(3)

The equipment is backup equipment that is in VOC service only when the primary equipment is out of service.

(f)

(1)

If a dedicated batch process unit operates less than 365 days during a year, an owner or operator may monitor to detect leaks from pumps, valves, and open-ended valves or lines at the frequency specified in the following table instead of monitoring as specified in §§ 60.482-2a, 60.482-7a, and 60.483.2a:

(2)

Pumps and valves that are shared among two or more batch process units that are subject to this subpart may be monitored at the frequencies specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, provided the operating time of all such process units is considered.

(3)

The monitoring frequencies specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section are not requirements for monitoring at specific intervals and can be adjusted to accommodate process operations. An owner or operator may monitor at any time during the specified monitoring period (e.g., month, quarter, year), provided the monitoring is conducted at a reasonable interval after completion of the last monitoring campaign. Reasonable intervals are defined in paragraphs (f)(3)(i) through (iv) of this section.

(i)

When monitoring is conducted quarterly, monitoring events must be separated by at least 30 calendar days.

(ii)

When monitoring is conducted semiannually (i.e., once every 2 quarters), monitoring events must be separated by at least 60 calendar days.

(iii)

When monitoring is conducted in 3 quarters per year, monitoring events must be separated by at least 90 calendar days.

(iv)

When monitoring is conducted annually, monitoring events must be separated by at least 120 calendar days.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, as amended at 89 FR 43070, May 16, 2024; 89 FR 55522, July 5, 2024; 89 FR 74136, Sept. 12, 2024]

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, as amended at 89 FR 43070, May 16, 2024; 89 FR 55522, July 5, 2024; 89 FR 74136, Sept. 12, 2024]

§60.482-2a. Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-2a

(a)

(1)

Each pump in light liquid service shall be monitored monthly to detect leaks by the methods specified in § 60.485a(b), except as provided in § 60.482-1a(c) and (f) and paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of this section. A pump that begins operation in light liquid service after the initial startup date for the process unit must be monitored for the first time within 30 days after the end of its startup period, except for a pump that replaces a leaking pump and except as provided in § 60.482-1a(c) and paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of this section.

(2)

Each pump in light liquid service shall be checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal, except as provided in § 60.482-1a(f).

(b)

(1)

The instrument reading that defines a leak is specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section.

(i)

5,000 parts per million (ppm) or greater for pumps handling polymerizing monomers;

(ii)

2,000 ppm or greater for all other pumps.

(2)

If there are indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal, the owner or operator shall follow the procedure specified in either paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section. This requirement does not apply to a pump that was monitored after a previous weekly inspection and the instrument reading was less than the concentration specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section, whichever is applicable.

(i)

Monitor the pump within 5 days as specified in § 60.485a(b). A leak is detected if the instrument reading measured during monitoring indicates a leak as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section, whichever is applicable. The leak shall be repaired using the procedures in paragraph (c) of this section.

(ii)

Designate the visual indications of liquids dripping as a leak, and repair the leak using either the procedures in paragraph (c) of this section or by eliminating the visual indications of liquids dripping.

(c)

(1)

When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 60.482-9a.

(2)

A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected. First attempts at repair include, but are not limited to, the practices described in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section, where practicable.

(i)

Tightening the packing gland nuts;

(ii)

Ensuring that the seal flush is operating at design pressure and temperature.

(d)

Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided the requirements specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (6) of this section are met.

(1)

Each dual mechanical seal system is—

(i)

Operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is at all times greater than the pump stuffing box pressure; or

(ii)

Equipped with a barrier fluid degassing reservoir that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or connected by a closed vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 60.482-10a; or

(iii)

Equipped with a system that purges the barrier fluid into a process stream with zero VOC emissions to the atmosphere.

(2)

The barrier fluid system is in heavy liquid service or is not in VOC service.

(3)

Each barrier fluid system is equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(4)

(i)

Each pump is checked by visual inspection, each calendar week, for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seals.

(ii)

If there are indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the owner or operator shall follow the procedure specified in either paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(A) or (B) of this section prior to the next required inspection.

(A)

Monitor the pump within 5 days as specified in § 60.485a(b) to determine if there is a leak of VOC in the barrier fluid. If an instrument reading of 2,000 ppm or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(B)

Designate the visual indications of liquids dripping as a leak.

(5)

(i)

Each sensor as described in paragraph (d)(3) is checked daily or is equipped with an audible alarm.

(ii)

The owner or operator determines, based on design considerations and operating experience, a criterion that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(iii)

If the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both, based on the criterion established in paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this section, a leak is detected.

(6)

(i)

When a leak is detected pursuant to paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(A) of this section, it shall be repaired as specified in paragraph (c) of this section.

(ii)

A leak detected pursuant to paragraph (d)(5)(iii) of this section shall be repaired within 15 days of detection by eliminating the conditions that activated the sensor.

(iii)

A designated leak pursuant to paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(B) of this section shall be repaired within 15 days of detection by eliminating visual indications of liquids dripping.

(e)

Any pump that is designated, as described in § 60.486a(e)(1) and (2), for no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a), (c), and (d) of this section if the pump:

(1)

Has no externally actuated shaft penetrating the pump housing;

(2)

Is demonstrated to be operating with no detectable emissions as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background as measured by the methods specified in § 60.485a(c); and

(3)

Is tested for compliance with paragraph (e)(2) of this section initially upon designation, annually, and at other times requested by the Administrator.

(f)

If any pump is equipped with a closed vent system capable of capturing and transporting any leakage from the seal or seals to a process or to a fuel gas system or to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 60.482-10a, it is exempt from paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section.

(g)

Any pump that is designated, as described in § 60.486a(f)(1), as an unsafe-to-monitor pump is exempt from the monitoring and inspection requirements of paragraphs (a) and (d)(4) through (6) of this section if:

(1)

The owner or operator of the pump demonstrates that the pump is unsafe-to-monitor because monitoring personnel would be exposed to an immediate danger as a consequence of complying with paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2)

The owner or operator of the pump has a written plan that requires monitoring of the pump as frequently as practicable during safe-to-monitor times, but not more frequently than the periodic monitoring schedule otherwise applicable, and repair of the equipment according to the procedures in paragraph (c) of this section if a leak is detected.

(h)

Any pump that is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site is exempt from the weekly visual inspection requirement of paragraphs (a)(2) and (d)(4) of this section, and the daily requirements of paragraph (d)(5) of this section, provided that each pump is visually inspected as often as practicable and at least monthly.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§60.482-3a. Standards: Compressors.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-3a

(a)

Each compressor shall be equipped with a seal system that includes a barrier fluid system and that prevents leakage of VOC to the atmosphere, except as provided in § 60.482-1a(c) and paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this section.

(b)

Each compressor seal system as required in paragraph (a) of this section shall be:

(1)

Operated with the barrier fluid at a pressure that is greater than the compressor stuffing box pressure; or

(2)

Equipped with a barrier fluid system degassing reservoir that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or connected by a closed vent system to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 60.482-10a; or

(3)

Equipped with a system that purges the barrier fluid into a process stream with zero VOC emissions to the atmosphere.

(c)

The barrier fluid system shall be in heavy liquid service or shall not be in VOC service.

(d)

Each barrier fluid system as described in paragraph (a) shall be equipped with a sensor that will detect failure of the seal system, barrier fluid system, or both.

(e)

(1)

Each sensor as required in paragraph (d) of this section shall be checked daily or shall be equipped with an audible alarm.

(2)

The owner or operator shall determine, based on design considerations and operating experience, a criterion that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(f)

If the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier system, or both based on the criterion determined under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, a leak is detected.

(g)

(1)

When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 60.482-9a.

(2)

A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(h)

A compressor is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, if it is equipped with a closed vent system to capture and transport leakage from the compressor drive shaft back to a process or fuel gas system or to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 60.482-10a, except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section.

(i)

Any compressor that is designated, as described in § 60.486a(e)(1) and (2), for no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a) through (h) of this section if the compressor:

(1)

Is demonstrated to be operating with no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, as measured by the methods specified in § 60.485a(c); and

(2)

Is tested for compliance with paragraph (i)(1) of this section initially upon designation, annually, and at other times requested by the Administrator.

(j)

Any existing reciprocating compressor in a process unit which becomes an affected facility under provisions of § 60.14 or § 60.15 is exempt from paragraphs (a) through (e) and (h) of this section, provided the owner or operator demonstrates that recasting the distance piece or replacing the compressor are the only options available to bring the compressor into compliance with the provisions of paragraphs (a) through (e) and (h) of this section.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§60.482-4a. Standards: Pressure relief devices in gas/vapor service.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-4a

(a)

Except during pressure releases, each pressure relief device in gas/vapor service shall be operated with no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, as determined by the methods specified in § 60.485a(c).

(b)

(1)

After each pressure release, the pressure relief device shall be returned to a condition of no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, as soon as practicable, but no later than 5 calendar days after the pressure release, except as provided in § 60.482-9a.

(2)

No later than 5 calendar days after the pressure release, the pressure relief device shall be monitored to confirm the conditions of no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, by the methods specified in § 60.485a(c).

(c)

Any pressure relief device that is routed to a process or fuel gas system or equipped with a closed vent system capable of capturing and transporting leakage through the pressure relief device to a control device as described in § 60.482-10a is exempted from the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(d)

(1)

Any pressure relief device that is equipped with a rupture disk upstream of the pressure relief device is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, provided the owner or operator complies with the requirements in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(2)

After each pressure release, a new rupture disk shall be installed upstream of the pressure relief device as soon as practicable, but no later than 5 calendar days after each pressure release, except as provided in § 60.482-9a.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§60.482-5a. Standards: Sampling connection systems.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-5a

(a)

Each sampling connection system shall be equipped with a closed-purge, closed-loop, or closed-vent system, except as provided in § 60.482-1a(c) and paragraph (c) of this section.

(b)

Each closed-purge, closed-loop, or closed-vent system as required in paragraph (a) of this section shall comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section.

(1)

Gases displaced during filling of the sample container are not required to be collected or captured.

(2)

Containers that are part of a closed-purge system must be covered or closed when not being filled or emptied.

(3)

Gases remaining in the tubing or piping between the closed-purge system valve(s) and sample container valve(s) after the valves are closed and the sample container is disconnected are not required to be collected or captured.

(4)

Each closed-purge, closed-loop, or closed-vent system shall be designed and operated to meet requirements in either paragraph (b)(4)(i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this section.

(i)

Return the purged process fluid directly to the process line.

(ii)

Collect and recycle the purged process fluid to a process.

(iii)

Capture and transport all the purged process fluid to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 60.482-10a.

(iv)

Collect, store, and transport the purged process fluid to any of the following systems or facilities—

(A)

A waste management unit as defined in 40 CFR 63.111, if the waste management unit is subject to and operated in compliance with the provisions of 40 CFR part 63, subpart G, applicable to Group 1 wastewater streams;

(B)

A treatment, storage, or disposal facility subject to regulation under 40 CFR part 262, 264, 265, or 266;

(C)

A facility permitted, licensed, or registered by a state to manage municipal or industrial solid waste, if the process fluids are not hazardous waste as defined in 40 CFR part 261;

(D)

A waste management unit subject to and operated in compliance with the treatment requirements of 40 CFR 61.348(a), provided all waste management units that collect, store, or transport the purged process fluid to the treatment unit are subject to and operated in compliance with the management requirements of 40 CFR 61.343 through 40 CFR 61.347; or

(E)

A device used to burn off-specification used oil for energy recovery in accordance with 40 CFR part 279, subpart G, provided the purged process fluid is not hazardous waste as defined in 40 CFR part 261.

(c)

In-situ sampling systems and sampling systems without purges are exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§60.482-6a. Standards: Open-ended valves or lines.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-6a

(a)

(1)

Each open-ended valve or line shall be equipped with a cap, blind flange, plug, or a second valve, except as provided in § 60.482-1a(c) and paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section.

(2)

The cap, blind flange, plug, or second valve shall seal the open end at all times except during operations requiring process fluid flow through the open-ended valve or line.

(b)

Each open-ended valve or line equipped with a second valve shall be operated in a manner such that the valve on the process fluid end is closed before the second valve is closed.

(c)

When a double block-and-bleed system is being used, the bleed valve or line may remain open during operations that require venting the line between the block valves but shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section at all other times.

(d)

Open-ended valves or lines in an emergency shutdown system which are designed to open automatically in the event of a process upset are exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section.

(e)

Open-ended valves or lines containing materials which would autocatalytically polymerize or would present an explosion, serious overpressure, or other safety hazard if capped or equipped with a double block and bleed system as specified in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section are exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§60.482-7a. Standards: Valves in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-7a

(a)

(1)

Each valve shall be monitored monthly to detect leaks by the methods specified in § 60.485a(b) and shall comply with paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section, except as provided in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section, § 60.482-1a(c) and (f), and §§ 60.483-1a and 60.483-2a.

(2)

A valve that begins operation in gas/vapor service or light liquid service after the initial startup date for the process unit must be monitored according to paragraphs (a)(2)(i) or (ii), except for a valve that replaces a leaking valve and except as provided in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section, § 60.482-1a(c), and §§ 60.483-1a and 60.483-2a.

(i)

Monitor the valve as in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. The valve must be monitored for the first time within 30 days after the end of its startup period to ensure proper installation.

(ii)

If the existing valves in the process unit are monitored in accordance with § 60.483-1a or § 60.483-2a, count the new valve as leaking when calculating the percentage of valves leaking as described in § 60.483-2a(b)(5). If less than 2.0 percent of the valves are leaking for that process unit, the valve must be monitored for the first time during the next scheduled monitoring event for existing valves in the process unit or within 90 days, whichever comes first.

(b)

If an instrument reading of 500 ppm or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(c)

(1)

(i)

Any valve for which a leak is not detected for 2 successive months may be monitored the first month of every quarter, beginning with the next quarter, until a leak is detected.

(ii)

As an alternative to monitoring all of the valves in the first month of a quarter, an owner or operator may elect to subdivide the process unit into two or three subgroups of valves and monitor each subgroup in a different month during the quarter, provided each subgroup is monitored every 3 months. The owner or operator must keep records of the valves assigned to each subgroup.

(2)

If a leak is detected, the valve shall be monitored monthly until a leak is not detected for 2 successive months.

(d)

(1)

When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but no later than 15 calendar days after the leak is detected, except as provided in § 60.482-9a.

(2)

A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(e)

First attempts at repair include, but are not limited to, the following best practices where practicable:

(1)

Tightening of bonnet bolts;

(2)

Replacement of bonnet bolts;

(3)

Tightening of packing gland nuts;

(4)

Injection of lubricant into lubricated packing.

(f)

Any valve that is designated, as described in § 60.486a(e)(2), for no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if the valve:

(1)

Has no external actuating mechanism in contact with the process fluid,

(2)

Is operated with emissions less than 500 ppm above background as determined by the method specified in § 60.485a(c), and

(3)

Is tested for compliance with paragraph (f)(2) of this section initially upon designation, annually, and at other times requested by the Administrator.

(g)

Any valve that is designated, as described in § 60.486a(f)(1), as an unsafe-to-monitor valve is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if:

(1)

The owner or operator of the valve demonstrates that the valve is unsafe to monitor because monitoring personnel would be exposed to an immediate danger as a consequence of complying with paragraph (a) of this section, and

(2)

The owner or operator of the valve adheres to a written plan that requires monitoring of the valve as frequently as practicable during safe-to-monitor times.

(h)

Any valve that is designated, as described in § 60.486a(f)(2), as a difficult-to-monitor valve is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if:

(1)

The owner or operator of the valve demonstrates that the valve cannot be monitored without elevating the monitoring personnel more than 2 meters above a support surface.

(2)

The process unit within which the valve is located either—

(i)

Becomes an affected facility through § 60.14 or § 60.15 and was constructed on or before January 5, 1981; or

(ii)

Has less than 3.0 percent of its total number of valves designated as difficult-to-monitor by the owner or operator.

(3)

The owner or operator of the valve follows a written plan that requires monitoring of the valve at least once per calendar year.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§60.482-8a. Standards: Pumps, valves, and connectors in heavy liquid service and pressure relief devices in light liquid or heavy liquid service.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-8a

(a)

If evidence of a potential leak is found by visual, audible, olfactory, or any other detection method at pumps, valves, and connectors in heavy liquid service and pressure relief devices in light liquid or heavy liquid service, the owner or operator shall follow either one of the following procedures:

(1)

The owner or operator shall monitor the equipment within 5 days by the method specified in § 60.485a(b) and shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section.

(2)

The owner or operator shall eliminate the visual, audible, olfactory, or other indication of a potential leak within 5 calendar days of detection.

(b)

If an instrument reading of 10,000 ppm or greater is measured, a leak is detected.

(c)

(1)

When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but not later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 60.482-9a.

(2)

The first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after each leak is detected.

(d)

First attempts at repair include, but are not limited to, the best practices described under §§ 60.482-2a(c)(2) and 60.482-7a(e).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§60.482-9a. Standards: Delay of repair.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-9a

(a)

Delay of repair of equipment for which leaks have been detected will be allowed if repair within 15 days is technically infeasible without a process unit shutdown. Repair of this equipment shall occur before the end of the next process unit shutdown. Monitoring to verify repair must occur within 15 days after startup of the process unit.

(b)

Delay of repair of equipment will be allowed for equipment which is isolated from the process and which does not remain in VOC service.

(c)

Delay of repair for valves and connectors will be allowed if:

(1)

The owner or operator demonstrates that emissions of purged material resulting from immediate repair are greater than the fugitive emissions likely to result from delay of repair, and

(2)

When repair procedures are effected, the purged material is collected and destroyed or recovered in a control device complying with § 60.482-10a.

(d)

Delay of repair for pumps will be allowed if:

(1)

Repair requires the use of a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system, and

(2)

Repair is completed as soon as practicable, but not later than 6 months after the leak was detected.

(e)

Delay of repair beyond a process unit shutdown will be allowed for a valve, if valve assembly replacement is necessary during the process unit shutdown, valve assembly supplies have been depleted, and valve assembly supplies had been sufficiently stocked before the supplies were depleted. Delay of repair beyond the next process unit shutdown will not be allowed unless the next process unit shutdown occurs sooner than 6 months after the first process unit shutdown.

(f)

When delay of repair is allowed for a leaking pump, valve, or connector that remains in service, the pump, valve, or connector may be considered to be repaired and no longer subject to delay of repair requirements if two consecutive monthly monitoring instrument readings are below the leak definition.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§60.482-10a. Standards: Closed vent systems and control devices.

40 C.F.R. § 60.482-10a

(a)

Owners or operators of closed vent systems and control devices used to comply with provisions of this subpart shall comply with the provisions of this section.

(b)

Vapor recovery systems (for example, condensers and absorbers) shall be designed and operated to recover the VOC emissions vented to them with an efficiency of 95 percent or greater, or to an exit concentration of 20 parts per million by volume (ppmv), whichever is less stringent.

(c)

Enclosed combustion devices shall be designed and operated to reduce the VOC emissions vented to them with an efficiency of 95 percent or greater, or to an exit concentration of 20 ppmv, on a dry basis, corrected to 3 percent oxygen, whichever is less stringent or to provide a minimum residence time of 0.75 seconds at a minimum temperature of 816 °C.

(d)

Flares used to comply with this subpart shall comply with the requirements of § 60.18.

(e)

Owners or operators of control devices used to comply with the provisions of this subpart shall monitor these control devices to ensure that they are operated and maintained in conformance with their designs.

(f)

Except as provided in paragraphs (i) through (k) of this section, each closed vent system shall be inspected according to the procedures and schedule specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section.

(1)

If the vapor collection system or closed vent system is constructed of hard-piping, the owner or operator shall comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section:

(i)

Conduct an initial inspection according to the procedures in § 60.485a(b); and

(ii)

Conduct annual visual inspections for visible, audible, or olfactory indications of leaks.

(2)

If the vapor collection system or closed vent system is constructed of ductwork, the owner or operator shall:

(i)

Conduct an initial inspection according to the procedures in § 60.485a(b); and

(ii)

Conduct annual inspections according to the procedures in § 60.485a(b).

(g)

Leaks, as indicated by an instrument reading greater than 500 ppmv above background or by visual inspections, shall be repaired as soon as practicable except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section.

(1)

A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after the leak is detected.

(2)

Repair shall be completed no later than 15 calendar days after the leak is detected.

(h)

Delay of repair of a closed vent system for which leaks have been detected is allowed if the repair is technically infeasible without a process unit shutdown or if the owner or operator determines that emissions resulting from immediate repair would be greater than the fugitive emissions likely to result from delay of repair. Repair of such equipment shall be complete by the end of the next process unit shutdown.

(i)

If a vapor collection system or closed vent system is operated under a vacuum, it is exempt from the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(2) of this section.

(j)

Any parts of the closed vent system that are designated, as described in paragraph (l)(1) of this section, as unsafe to inspect are exempt from the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(2) of this section if they comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this section:

(1)

The owner or operator determines that the equipment is unsafe to inspect because inspecting personnel would be exposed to an imminent or potential danger as a consequence of complying with paragraphs (f)(1)(i) or (f)(2) of this section; and

(2)

The owner or operator has a written plan that requires inspection of the equipment as frequently as practicable during safe-to-inspect times.

(k)

Any parts of the closed vent system that are designated, as described in paragraph (l)(2) of this section, as difficult to inspect are exempt from the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(2) of this section if they comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (3) of this section:

(1)

The owner or operator determines that the equipment cannot be inspected without elevating the inspecting personnel more than 2 meters above a support surface; and

(2)

The process unit within which the closed vent system is located becomes an affected facility through §§ 60.14 or 60.15, or the owner or operator designates less than 3.0 percent of the total number of closed vent system equipment as difficult to inspect; and

(3)

The owner or operator has a written plan that requires inspection of the equipment at least once every 5 years. A closed vent system is exempt from inspection if it is operated under a vacuum.

(l)

The owner or operator shall record the information specified in paragraphs (l)(1) through (5) of this section.

(1)

Identification of all parts of the closed vent system that are designated as unsafe to inspect, an explanation of why the equipment is unsafe to inspect, and the plan for inspecting the equipment.

(2)

Identification of all parts of the closed vent system that are designated as difficult to inspect, an explanation of why the equipment is difficult to inspect, and the plan for inspecting the equipment.

(3)

For each inspection during which a leak is detected, a record of the information specified in § 60.486a(c).

(4)

For each inspection conducted in accordance with § 60.485a(b) during which no leaks are detected, a record that the inspection was performed, the date of the inspection, and a statement that no leaks were detected.

(5)

For each visual inspection conducted in accordance with paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section during which no leaks are detected, a record that the inspection was performed, the date of the inspection, and a statement that no leaks were detected.

(m)

Closed vent systems and control devices used to comply with provisions of this subpart shall be operated at all times when emissions may be vented to them.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 72 FR 64883, Nov. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Source

Source: 36 FR 24877, Dec. 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.