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Primary Aluminum Reduction Industry - National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

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Rule Summary

This rule includes technology-based NESHAP for each new or existing potline, pitch storage tank, paste production operation, and anode bake furnace located at a primary aluminum reduction plant that is considered a major source of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) under title III of the Clean Air Act (CAA). This NESHAP address emissions of HAP from the Primary Aluminum Production source category including carbonyl sulfide, hydrogen fluoride, polycyclic organic matter, metal HAP (e.g., lead, nickel and manganese), polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury. This rule also includes risk-based emission limits to address the residual risk remaining after implementation of the NESHAP. These standards implement sections 112(d) and (f) of the CAA, as amended.

Primary aluminum reduction plants electrolytically reduce refined bauxite to form aluminum. Once formed, the aluminum may be processed via casting (pouring molten aluminum into a mold), rolling, extrusion, etc. to meet the shape, strength and durability requirements of its final use. Aluminum is used extensively in consumer packaging (e.g., cans and foil), transportation applications (e.g., cars, planes and trains) and in the building industry.

Rule History

10/15/2015 - Final rule

01/15/2015 - Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of public comment period

12/08/2014 - Supplemental proposed rulemaking

01/19/2012 -  Proposed rule; extension of public comment period

12/06/2011 - Proposed rule

11/02/2005 - Final rule; amendments

03/17/2003 - Proposed rule; amendments

10/07/1997 - Final rule

09/26/1996 - Proposed rule and notice of public hearing

Additional Resources

Background Information Document

Fact Sheets

Basis and Purpose Document for the Development of Proposed Standards for the Primary Aluminum Industry

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

Related Rules

Primary Aluminum Reduction Plants: New Source Performance Standards

Secondary Aluminum Production: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

Compliance

Plain Language Guide to the Primary Aluminum NESHAP-40 CFR 63, Subpart LL National Emission Standards for Primary Aluminum:  Summary of Requirements for Implementing the NESHAP

Applicability Determination Index

Clarification of 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart LL Requirements Applicable to Potlines During Startup Periods

Inspection Checklist - Primary Aluminum NESHAP 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart LL