EPA to require “major source” refineries to monitor fence lines for benzene
Recent rule changes announced by EPA would put an end to most visible flare emissions of toxic chemicals at refineries nationwide and the refineries would have to install monitors on their sites and around their fence lines to measure for carcinogenic benzene gas.
EPA officials said that when fully implemented in 2018, the rule changes will result in a reduction of 5,200 tons per year of toxic air pollutants and 50,000 tons per year of volatile organic compounds. The rule changes also will result in a reduction in greenhouse gases equivalent to about 660,000 tons per year of carbon dioxide, EPA officials said.