Colorado Tightens Restrictions on Toxic Air Contaminants
New regulations require industrial facilities to slash emissions of five high-priority pollutants to protect public health.
State regulators have adopted a suite of new measures designed to curb the emission of five high-priority toxic air contaminants from industrial sources across Colorado.
The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission approved the regulations targeting benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium compounds and hydrogen sulfide. Under the new rules, affected facilities must implement advanced technologies, modify work practices and transition to less toxic materials to reduce their environmental impact.
The move stems from the Public Protections from Toxic Air Contaminants Act, which required the state to establish health-based standards for pollutants linked to cancer, birth defects and other chronic health conditions.
The regulations target specific industrial processes known to be primary sources of these toxins:
- Benzene: Petroleum refineries.
- Ethylene oxide: Sterilization facilities.
- Formaldehyde: Stationary internal combustion engines and turbines.
- Hexavalent chromium: Chrome plating operations.
- Hydrogen sulfide: Asphalt processing, roofing product manufacturing and manure digesters.
While the rules apply to both existing and new facilities, new sources of pollution will be held to more stringent control requirements. The commission stated that the regulations prioritize emission reductions in “disproportionately impacted” communities; areas defined by state law as bearing a higher burden of environmental hazards.
The Air Pollution Control Division developed the requirements following outreach with industry stakeholders and residents in affected areas. The commission is scheduled to review the list of priority contaminants and the effectiveness of these controls every five years to determine if additional pollutants should be regulated.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is Assistant Editor of EPOnline.com.
