EPA Proposes New Limits on Gas Distribution Facilities

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday finalized a rule strengthening toxic air pollution standards at gasoline distribution facilities, including storage tanks, loading operations and equipment leaks. 

The action — from which gas stations are exempt — is expected to reduce emissions of air toxics, including benzene, hexane, toluene and xylene, by 2,220 tons per year, and emissions of volatile organic compounds by 45,400 tons per year. 

“These rules will protect public health for communities near gas distribution facilities, which are disproportionately communities of color and low-income communities,” said Joseph Goffman, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, in a written statement. 

“By helping to reduce exposures to toxic air emissions, these actions will help communities breathe cleaner air, improving lives in communities already overburdened by pollution,” Goffman added.

According to both the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to the toxic emissions can cause a wide range of health problems ranging from damage to the immune system to neurological, reproductive, developmental and respiratory issues.

People exposed to these emissions also known as volatile organic compounds, have an increased chance of being stricken with cancer.

Before announcing its final rule, the EPA considered information gathered during a public comment period and made several adjustments to enhance environmental protection while ensuring no significant impacts on small businesses or gas prices.  

The EPA also said on Thursday that it is finalizing its New Source Performance Standards for Bulk Gasoline Terminals to reflect the best system of emissions reduction for loading operations and equipment leaks. 

Because the rules will reduce air emissions, such as leaks at these facilities, EPA officials said some of these reductions will actually result in annualized cost savings — making the standards a win-win for companies, consumers and environmental justice communities. 

The final action includes revisions related to emissions during periods of startup, shutdown and malfunction; monitoring and operating provisions for control devices; and electronic reporting.  

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