The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced several updates to its AP-42 Compilation of Air Emission Factors and related resources, offering crucial information for environmental professionals and stakeholders. These revisions and releases are vital for accurate air emissions estimations and regulatory compliance, reflecting ongoing efforts to refine environmental data and tools. For those interested in regulatory frameworks and how governmental bodies like the EPA manage environmental data, examining these updates can provide a practical case study in policy implementation and the documentation processes involved, somewhat akin to observing comparative government approaches in action through environmental policy.
Key updates include an extension of the public comment period for AP-42 Chapter 9 Section 4 concerning Livestock and Poultry Feed Operations. Originally set to close earlier, the deadline is now extended to May 19, 2025. This extension allows stakeholders additional time to review the draft chapter and associated emission model reports for animal feeding operations and VOC emissions from animal sectors. The EPA encourages comments to be submitted to the NAEMS Group at [email protected], ensuring all voices are heard in this critical update process.
In related news, the EPA had previously drafted this new AP-42 Chapter 9 Section 4, including the emission model reports. This draft, made available on November 19, 2024, initiated the original 90-day public review period. This chapter and its models are accessible on the EPA website, inviting thorough scrutiny and feedback to enhance the accuracy and applicability of emission factors for livestock and poultry feed operations. The ongoing public comment period underscores the EPA’s commitment to collaborative improvement of its environmental data resources.
Furthermore, on October 18, 2024, the EPA released draft revisions for AP-42 Chapter 11, Section 7, focusing on Ceramic Products Manufacturing. These newly drafted and revised emission factors are available for review, with comments accepted until December 17, 2024. This update is significant for the ceramic manufacturing industry, providing the latest data for emissions estimations in this sector.
Adding to these revisions, the EPA finalized AP-42 Chapter 7, Section 1 – Organic Liquid Storage Tanks on October 10, 2024. Accompanying this finalization are the EPA’s responses to public comments and a summary of changes made during the revision process. This finalized section and supporting documentation can be found on the EPA website, offering clarity and updated methodologies for estimating emissions from organic liquid storage tanks.
Finally, on October 9, 2024, the EPA launched TANKS 5.1, an updated and final version of the TANKS 5.0 Beta application. This updated application includes a range of improvements, additional features, and bug fixes, enhancing its usability and reliability for users. To stay informed about future application updates, the EPA recommends signing up for the CHIEF Listserv through email.
These recent updates from the EPA highlight its continuous effort to refine and improve the AP-42 emission factors and related tools. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with these updates, particularly by providing comments during the open periods, to contribute to the accuracy and effectiveness of these critical environmental resources. The availability of updated chapters and the new TANKS 5.1 application ensures that environmental professionals have access to the most current and reliable data for emissions management and regulatory compliance.
