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Magnetic Tape Manufacturing Operations: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

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Rule Summary

This action promulgates final standards that limit the emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) from existing and new magnetic tape manufacturing operations located at major sources. Magnetic tape manufacturing is part of the industrial paper coating category, which includes coating of foil and plastic film. Several solvent and particulate HAP are used in the magnetic tape manufacturing industry. The solvent HAP used in this industry include:

  • methyl ethyl ketone (MEK),
  • toluene,
  • methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK),
  • toluene diisocyanate,
  • ethylene glycol,
  • methanol,
  • xylenes,
  • ethyl benzene, and
  • acetaldehyde

The HAP solvents that are used to the greatest extent are MEK, toluene, and MIBK.

These final standards implement section 112(d) and 112(h) of the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (the Act). The purpose of this final rule is to protect the public by requiring all new and existing major sources to control emissions to the level corresponding to the maximum achievable control technology (MACT).  Once final, the MACT is estimated to reduce HAP emissions from these sources by 2,300 tons per year.

Rule History

04/07/2006 – Final Action

10/24/2005 – Proposed Action; Request for Public Comment

04/09/1999 – Proposed Rule & Direct Final Rule

12/15/1994 – Final Rule

03/11/1994 – Proposed Rule

Additional Resources

Fact Sheet: Final Air Toxics Rule for Magnetic Tape Manufacturing Industry

Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions from Magnetic Tape Manufacturing Operations: Background Information for Promulgated Standards

View the supporting documents in the docket folder to find additional related documents to this rule.

Related Rules

Magnetic Tape Manufacturing Industry: New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)