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EPA/AR RIN: 2060-AN99 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: NESHAP: Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants--Amendments 
Abstract: This rule was promulgated in 2003 in 40 CFR part 63, subpart V (NESHAP), to require MACT for both major and area sources. The pollutant of concern is elemental mercury. At the time of the rule, 12 plants existed in the U.S. In 2003, NRDC submitted a petition for reconsideration requesting EPA to more accurately quantify the fugitive emissions of mercury from this industry and to set numerical standards, among other items. EPA granted NRDC's petition for reconsideration and, in response to NRDC's concerns, initiated a testing and monitoring study to evaluate and better characterize fugitive emissions from mercury cell chlor-alkali plants. The results of this study will improve EPA's ability to predict mercury emissions from chlor-alkali plants and to evaluate the next steps in the reconsideration. Currently, there are only 8 plants operating in the US, with three plants expecting to close or convert by 2008. The Chlorine Industry, in its 2005 report to the Great Lakes Bi-National Toxic Strategy, reported that only 3 tons of mercury were unaccounted in 2005, significantly lower than the 65 tons reported as unaccounted in the preamble to the MACT rule in 2003. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 63   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 7412   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  06/11/2008  73 FR 33258   
NPRM Comment Period End  08/11/2008    
Final Action  05/00/2009    
Additional Information: SAN No. 5095; EPA publication information: NPRM - http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/2008/June/Day-11/a12618.pdf; EPA Docket information: EPA–HQ– OAR–2002–0017
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Donnalee Jones
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
D243-02,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-5251
Fax:919 541-3207
Email: jones.donnalee@epa.gov

Nick Hutson
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code D243-01,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-2968
Fax:919 541-4991
Email: hutson.nick@epa.gov