Environment and Energy
EPA Proposes New Standards for EAF and AOD Steelmaking
Written by Laura Miller
May 16, 2022
The US Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new and revised standards of performance for electric arc furnace (EAF) and argon-oxygen decarburization (AOD) vessels used in the steel industry.
The proposed standards would apply to all new EAF facilities constructed after May 16, 2022. The standards suggest limiting total particulate matter (PM) emissions from all pollution control devises installed on EAF and AOD vessels to 79 milligrams PM per kilogram steel (or 0.16lbs PM per ton of steel produced). Visible emissions from EAF and AOD that exit the melt shops would be limited to an opacity of 0% during all phases of operations.
The EPA has also proposed that all emission limits apply at all times, that mandatory compliance testing occurs at least once every five years, and that reporting electronically.
Amendments for certain provisions in the standards have been proposed for EAFs constructed between Oct. 21, 1974, and Aug. 17, 1983, and for EAF and AOD vessels constructed between Aug. 17, 1983, and May 16, 2022.
The EPA is seeking comments on the proposed standards, with a deadline of July 15. A virtual public hearing will also be held if one is requested before May 23.
By Laura Miller, Laura@SteelMarketUpdate.com
Laura Miller
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