EPA issued a final rule last week setting the first standards to reduce emissions of certain air pollutants from large, stationary diesel engines.

The rule regulates emissions of formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein and other toxic air pollutants from diesel engines, which pollutants are known or suspected carcinogens, as well as known to cause environmental damage.

The emission limits apply to existing diesel engines meeting certain criteria for age, size, and use. To comply, owners and operators of the largest of the engines will need to install emissions controls to engine exhaust systems, as well as comply with operating requirements that will limit emissions.

Emergency engines used at most residences, hospitals and other institutional facilities, and commercial facilities such as shopping centers are not covered by this rule.

EPA estimates the rule will, by full implementation in 2013, reduce annual air toxics emissions by 1,000 tons, particle pollution by 2,800 tons, carbon monoxide emissions by 14,000 tons, and organic compound emissions by 27,000 tons.

EPA will issue final emissions standards for similar existing stationary engines that burn gasoline, natural gas and landfill gas, known as spark ignition engines, by August 10, 2010.

For more information contact Steve O’Day or Phillip Hoover.