Grain Elevators: New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)
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Rule Summary
Grain elevators are facilities at which grains are received, stored, weighed, and then distributed for direct use, process manufacturing, or export. They can be classified as either “country” or “terminal” elevators. Terminal elevators are further categorized as inland or export types. Operations other than storage, such as cleaning, drying, and blending, often are performed at elevators. The principal grains and oilseeds handled include wheat, corn, oats, rice, rye, barley, soybeans, and sorghum.
The New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for this sector was initially proposed in 1977 and promulgated in 1978. The EPA proposed amendments to the NSPS in 2014. In these actions, EPA identified particulate matter (PM) as the criteria air pollutant emitted in the largest quantities from grain elevators. PM is emitted when grain is transferred from one area to another. The proposed amendments seek to clarify the definition of grain loading and unloading stations, as well as requirements of certain unloading operations.
See the regulations in the section below for more details.
Rule History
11/07/2014 - Proposed Rule; Reopening of Public Comment Period: Standards of Performance for Grain Elevators (79 FR 66346)
09/16/2014 - Proposed Rule; Extension of Public Comment Period; Standards of Performance for Grain Elevators (79 FR 55413)
07/09/2014 - Proposed Rule: Standards of Performance for Grain Elevators (79 FR 39242)
11/05/1987 - Final Rule; correction
08/03/1978 - Final Rule
01/13/1977 - Proposed Rules
Additional Resources
06/27/2014 - Amendments Fact Sheet
View the supporting documents in the docket folder to find additional related documents to this rule.
Compliance
Applicability Determination Index (ADI). The ADI is maintained by EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) and provides a data base of memoranda dealing with applicability issues. The database is searchable by Subpart.