EPA Hearing on EtO Draws Debate

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency held a public hearing in Washington, D.C., Jan. 16, to allow stakeholders to speak directly to the Agency about proposed changes to the regulation of ethylene oxide (EtO).

Specifically, EPA is proposing amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing category, often called MON. These amendments would require risk reviews to address EtO emissions from storage tanks, process vents and equipment leaks. In addition, EPA would require additional start/stop monitoring by manufacturers of EtO.