National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs) in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40 Parts 61 and 63. The NASA Environmental Assurance Branch (EAB) assesses Kennedy Space Center activities and proposed projects to determine NESHAP applicability. The following list summarizes the main NESHAPs that potentially apply to Kennedy.

The Asbestos NESHAP applies to all Kennedy demolition and renovation activities regardless of the structure’s age. The Asbestos NESHAP specifies work practices to be followed to control asbestos emissions and protect workers. The Asbestos NESHAP also requires the owner to notify state and local regulatory agencies (such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection) before starting the asbestos abatement, demolition, or renovation activity.

The Aerospace NESHAP regulates coating operations associated with aerospace components and vehicles to reduce hazardous air pollutants emissions. Because Kennedy is a minor source of hazardous air pollutants, the Aerospace NESHAP does not apply to Kennedy operations.

The Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) NESHAP regulates emissions from stationary diesel and gasoline engines (such as electric power generators and fire extinguishing pump engines). The RICE NESHAP applies to certain engines at Kennedy. Because most of the existing stationary engines at Kennedy are only used for emergency purposes, these engines are either exempt from the RICE NESHAP or have minimal RICE NESHAP requirements. Prior to the installation, modification, or rebuilding of any stationary engine, Kennedy organizations and contractors shall coordinate with the NASA EAB to determine RICE NESHAP requirements.

The Site Remediation NESHAP regulates emissions from environmental cleanup activities and remediation systems that have hazardous air pollutant emissions greater than one ton per year. The Site Remediation NESHAP is potentially applicable to Kennedy. However, Kennedy is exempt from these requirements because Kennedy remediation activities are regulated under a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Operating/Corrective Action permit issued by the FDEP.

The Boiler NESHAP regulates emissions from boilers and process heaters. The Boiler NESHAP applies to Kennedy, but currently has minimal requirements based on the type of fuel used and current operational conditions.