New Developments in Fenceline Monitoring: EPA Method 325 & the Expanded HON Rule

To reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions, the EPA has incorporated fenceline monitoring into recent Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards. First implemented in 2015 as part of the Refinery Sector Rule, this monitoring relies on EPA Method 325 to assess fugitive emission controls. Since 2018, over 130 U.S. petroleum refineries have deployed passive diffusion sorbent tubes around their fencelines to continuously monitor benzene concentrations over 14-day intervals. Elevated benzene levels have alerted facilities to uncontrolled emission sources, triggering corrective actions.

The recent update to the EPA’s HON (Hazardous Organic NESHAP) rule extends fenceline monitoring requirements to chemical plants that manufacture synthetic organic chemicals, polymers, and resins. These facilities must now monitor 1,3-butadiene, benzene, chloroprene, and ethylene dichloride using EPA Method 325.

This webinar will provide an overview of EPA 325A (Sampler Deployment and VOC Sample Collection) and 325B (Sampler Preparation and Analysis), discuss performance expectations, and address challenges with expanding EPA 325 to chemical plants. The EPA’s proposal to revise Methods 325A and 325B to include additional sorbents and analytes and align with current laboratory best practices will also be covered.

Original Airdate:  Tuesday, October 29, 2024
 
Length:  60 minutes 

Presenters: Heidi Hayes & Kesler Krieg - Eurofins Environment Testing Air Toxics