ACTION BUILDS ON 1990 CLEAN-AIR ACT COMPLIANCE

Some of the many CAA deadlines and numbers that are pertinent to this article come from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as follows: Phase I of SO2 emissions reductions begins January 1, 1995 and affects 261 units in 110 coal-burning power plants in 21 eastern and midwest states. Phase 11 begins January 1, 2000 and imposes tighter emissions limits on these plants and sets restrictions on smaller, cleaner plants fueled by coal, oil and gas. This affects 2500 units at 1000 power plants. Continuous emission monitors (CEMs) must be in place on Phase I units by November 15, 1993 and on Phase II units by January 1, 1995. In addition, the legislation calls for a 2-million-ton cut in NOx emissions by 2000. This is to come from demands under the acid rain requirements (Title IV) of the CAA and is in two parts. The EPA is to set emission limits for tangential-fired and dry-bottom boilers by mid-1992 and all other boilers by 1997. CEMs also are required for NOx emissions. For more details, contact the EPA.