NESHAP

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are regulations established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They aim to control emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from a variety of sources. HAPs are pollutants that may cause serious health effects, including cancer, or adverse environmental effects. The standards are part of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.

NESHAP regulations apply to specific categories of stationary sources that emit any of the 187 listed hazardous air pollutants. These categories include major sources, which have the potential to emit 10 tons per year or more of a single HAP or 25 tons per year or more of any combination of HAPs, and area sources, which emit less than those amounts but can still pose health risks in local communities.

These standards are developed through a process that considers the health risks in local areas, technology and cost of reducing emissions, and other factors. They aim to reduce air toxics emissions as much as possible, considering these factors, to protect public health and the environment. Compliance with NESHAP often involves installing control technologies to reduce emissions, changing operational practices, and conducting regular emissions monitoring and reporting.