40 C.F.R. §§ 61.242-1–61.242-11

11 sections in range

§61.242-1. Standards: General.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-1

(a)

Each owner or operator subject to the provisions of this subpart shall demonstrate compliance with the requirements of §§ 61.242-1 to 61.242-11 for each new and existing source as required in 40 CFR 61.05, except as provided in §§ 61.243 and 61.244.

(b)

Compliance with this subpart will be determined by review of records, review of performance test results, and inspection using the methods and procedures specified in § 61.245.

(c)

(1)

An owner or operator may request a determination of alternative means of emission limitation to the requirements of §§ 61.242-2, 61.242-3, 61.242-5, 61.242-6, 61.242-7, 61.242-8, 61.242-9 and 61.242-11 as provided in § 61.244.

(2)

If the Administrator makes a determination that a means of emission limitation is at least a permissible alternative to the requirements of § 61.242-2, 61.242-3, 61.242-5, 61.242-6, 61.242-7, 61.242-8, 61.242-9 or 61.242-11, an owner or operator shall comply with the requirements of that determination.

(d)

Each piece of equipment to which this subpart applies shall be marked in such a manner that it can be distinquished readily from other pieces of equipment.

(e)

Equipment that is in vacuum service is excluded from the requirements of § 61.242-2, to § 61.242-11 if it is identified as required in § 61.246(e)(5).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984]

§61.242-2. Standards: Pumps.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-2

(a)

(1)

Each pump shall be monitored monthly to detect leaks by the methods specified in § 61.245(b), except as provided in § 61.242-1(c) and paragraphs (d), (e), (f) and (g) of this section.

(2)

Each pump shall be checked by visual inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal.

(b)

(1)

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

(2)

If there are indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal, 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 § 61.242-10.

(2)

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

(d)

Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid system is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, provided the following requirements 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 § 61.242-11; or

(iii)

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

(2)

The barrier fluid is not in VHAP service and, if the pump is covered by standards under 40 CFR part 60, 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)

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

(i)

If there are indications of liquid dripping from the pump seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the pump shall be monitored as specified in § 61.245 to determine the presence of VOC and VHAP in the barrier fluid.

(ii)

If the monitor reading (taking into account any background readings) indicates the presence of VHAP, a leak is detected. For the purpose of this paragraph, the monitor may be calibrated with VHAP, or may employ a gas chromatography column to limit the response of the monitor to VHAP, at the option of the owner or operator.

(iii)

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

(5)

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

(6)

(i)

The owner or operator determines, based on design considerations and operating experience, criteria applicable to the presence and frequency of drips and to the sensor that indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both.

(ii)

If indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal exceed the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, or if, based on the criteria established in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, the sensor indicates failure of the seal system, the barrier fluid system, or both, a leak is detected.

(iii)

When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as practicable, but no later than 15 calendar days after it is detected, except as provided in § 61.242-10.

(iv)

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

(e)

Any pump that is designated, as described in § 61.246(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 paragraphs (a), (c), and (d) 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 method specified in § 61.245(c), and

(3)

Is tested for compliance with paragraph (e)(2) 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 fuel gas system or to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 61.242-11, it is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section.

(g)

Any pump that is designated, as described in § 61.246(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

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, as amended at 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984; 55 FR 28349, July 10, 1990; 65 FR 78281, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, as amended at 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984; 55 FR 28349, July 10, 1990; 65 FR 78281, Dec. 14, 2000]

§61.242-3. Standards: Compressors.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-3

(a)

Each compressor shall be equipped with a seal system that includes a barrier fluid system and that prevents leakage of process fluid to atmosphere, except as provided in § 61.242-1(c) and paragraphs (h) and (i) of this section.

(b)

Each compressor seal system as required in paragraph (a) 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 § 61.242-11; or

(3)

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

(c)

The barrier fluid shall not be in VHAP service and, if the compressor is covered by standards under 40 CFR part 60, shall not be in VOC service.

(d)

Each barrier fluid system as described in paragraphs (a)-(c) of this section 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 unless the compressor is located within the boundary of an unmanned plant site.

(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 fluid 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 § 61.242-10.

(2)

A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 5 calendar days after eack 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 § 61.242-11, except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section.

(i)

Any Compressor that is designated, as described in § 61.246(e)(2), for no detectable emission as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background is exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (a)-(h) 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 method specified in § 61.245(c); and

(2)

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

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78281, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78281, Dec. 14, 2000]

§61.242-4. Standards: Pressure relief devices in gas/vapor service.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-4

(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 measured by the method specified in § 61.245(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 each pressure release, except as provided in § 61.242-10.

(2)

No later than 5 calendar days after the pressure release, the pressure relief device shall be monitored to confirm the condition of no detectable emissions, as indicated by an instrument reading of less than 500 ppm above background, as measured by the method specified in § 61.245(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 from the pressure relief device to a control device as described in § 61.242-11 is exempt 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 § 61.242-10.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78281, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78281, Dec. 14, 2000]

§61.242-5. Standards: Sampling connecting systems.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-5

(a)

Each sampling connection system shall be equipped with a closed-purge, closed-loop, or closed vent system, except as provided in § 61.242-1(c). Gases displaced during filling of the sample container are not required to be collected or captured.

(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)

Return the purged process fluid directly to the process line; or

(2)

Collect and recycle the purged process fluid; or

(3)

Be designed and operated to capture and transport all the purged process fluid to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 61.242-11; or

(4)

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

(i)

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; or

(ii)

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

(iii)

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.

(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

Amendments

[65 FR 78281, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[65 FR 78281, Dec. 14, 2000]

§61.242-6. Standards: Open-ended valves or lines.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-6

(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 § 61.242-1(c).

(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) 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

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

§61.242-7. Standards: Valves.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-7

(a)

Each valve shall be monitored monthly to detect leaks by the method specified in § 61.245(b) and shall comply with paragraphs (b)-(e), except as provided in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section, § 61.243-1 or § 61.243-2, and § 61.242-1(c).

(b)

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

(c)

(1)

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.

(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 § 61.242-10.

(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; and

(4)

Injection of lubricant into lubricated packing.

(f)

Any valve that is designated, as described in § 61.246(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) 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 measured by the method specified in § 61.245(c); and

(3)

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

(g)

Any valve that is designated, as described in § 61.246(f)(1), as an unsafe-to-monitor valve is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) 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); and

(2)

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

(h)

Any valve that is designated, as described in § 61.246(f)(2), as a difficult-to-monitor valve is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) 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 is an existing process unit; and

(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: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

§61.242-8. Standards: Pressure relief services in liquid service and connectors.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-8

(a)

If evidence of a potential leak is found by visual, audible, olfactory, or any other detection method at pressure relief devices in liquid service and connectors, the owner or operator shall follow either one of the following procedures, except as provided in § 61.242-1(c):

(1)

The owner or operator shall monitor the equipment within 5 days by the method specified in § 61.245(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.

(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 § 61.242-10.

(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 § 61.242-7(e).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

§61.242-9. Standards: Surge control vessels and bottoms receivers.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-9

Each surge control vessel or bottoms receiver that is not routed back to the process and that meets the conditions specified in table 1 or table 2 of this subpart shall be equipped with a closed-vent system capable of capturing and transporting any leakage from the vessel back to the process or to a control device as described in § 61.242-11, except as provided in § 61.242-1(c); or comply with the requirements of 40 CFR 63.119(b) or (c).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

§61.242-10. Standards: Delay of repair.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-10

(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.

(b)

Delay of repair of equipment for which leaks have been detected will be allowed for equipment that is isolated from the process and that does not remain in VHAP service.

(c)

Delay of repair for valves 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 § 61.242-11.

(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.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, as amended at 65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

§61.242-11. Standards: Closed-vent systems and control devices.

40 C.F.R. § 61.242-11

(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, except as provided in § 61.242-1(c).

(b)

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

(c)

Enclosed combustion devices shall be designed and operated to reduce the VHAP emissions vented to them with an efficiency of 95 percent or greater, or to an exit concentration of 20 parts per million by volume, on a dry basis, corrected to 3 percent oxygen, whichever is less stringent, or to provide a minimum residence time of 0.50 seconds at a minimum temperature of 760 °C.

(d)

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

(e)

Owners or operators of control devices that are 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 design.

(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 paragraph (f)(1) or (2) of this section, as applicable.

(1)

If the vapor collection system or closed vent system is constructed of hard-piping, the owner or operator shall comply with the following requirements:

(i)

Conduct an initial inspection according to the procedures in § 61.245(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 § 61.245(b); and

(ii)

Conduct annual inspections according to the procedures in § 61.245(b).

(g)

Leaks, as indicated by an instrument reading greater than 500 parts per million by volume 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 (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 (2) of this section if they comply with the following requirements:

(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 paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (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 (2) of this section if they comply with the following requirements:

(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 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 following information:

(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 § 61.246(c).

(4)

For each inspection conducted in accordance with § 61.245(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

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984, as amended at 51 FR 2702, Jan. 21, 1986; 65 FR 62158, Oct. 17, 2000; 65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]

Source

Source: 49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

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

Source

Source: 38 FR 8826, Apr. 6, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[49 FR 23513, June 6, 1984; 49 FR 38946, Oct. 2, 1984, as amended at 51 FR 2702, Jan. 21, 1986; 65 FR 62158, Oct. 17, 2000; 65 FR 78282, Dec. 14, 2000]