EPA Tightens Hazardous Emission Standards for Wood Products
New maximum achievable control technology standards target a broad range of pollutants for major plywood and composite wood facilities.
The Environmental Protection Agency is amending national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) affecting the plywood and composite wood products (PCWP) source category. The rule establishes maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards through new work practices and emission limitations.
These requirements target a wide array of pollutants, including mercury, hydrogen chloride, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxin/furan. The standards also cover methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and total hazardous air pollutants such as formaldehyde, methanol, and phenol.
The amendments apply to lumber kilns and PCWP process units located at facilities classified as major sources of hazardous air pollutant emissions. This regulatory action resolves a 2007 partial remand of a 2004 rule and addresses a petition for reconsideration regarding a 2020 residual risk and technology review.
Compliance deadlines vary by construction date. Sources that began construction or reconstruction on or before May 18, 2023, must comply by July 6, 2029.
Facilities that commenced construction or reconstruction after May 18, 2023, face a tighter window, with compliance required by July 6, 2026, or upon startup if that occurs later.
The final rule becomes effective July 6, 2026.