On January 11, 2022, EPA Proposed revised National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Primary Copper Smelters
As required by the Clean Air Act (CAA), on January 11, 2022, the U.S. EPA proposed a rule that would revise the NESHAPs for Primary Copper Smelters for both major and area sources in the category. EPA proposed these revised standards after conducting the Residual Risk and Technology reviews required 8 years after EPA establishes the original NESHAP. This rule will directly impact Tribes in Arizona and will have national implications for all Tribes. The two major and one area source facilities are located near the San Carlos Apache Reservation and the Ute Indian Tribe. The residual risk analysis indicates that the risk from these two smelters is unacceptable for public health and requires additional controls to reduce the risks.
- NTAA created a Fact Sheet on this proposed rule to share with your Tribal leadership and/or your community.
- Here is NTAA’s Comment Letter that was submitted to the U.S. EPA on February 25, 2022.