On August 5, 2013, U.S. EPA issued updates to its 2012 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the oil and gas industry, amending the performance standards for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from storage tanks. Updates to the 2012 NSPS include clarification of the types of tanks that are considered “affected facilities,” alternative emission limits for tanks where emissions have declined, and phased-in compliance deadlines and VOC performance standards for tanks subject to the rule, among others. The revised rule establishes the following compliance deadlines:
· April 15, 2014 for tanks that come online after April 12, 2013, or within 60 days after startup, whichever is later.
· April 15, 2015 for tanks constructed between August 23, 2011 and April 12, 2013.