SOCMA: Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates

Area Sources
EPA is proposing national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for different area source categories. EPA has identified a total of 70 area source categories which represent 90 percent of the emissions of the 30 listed air toxics. No proposed rules have been introduced yet for the categories most relevant for SOCMA members.
Current Status: The proposed rule was issued on September 19, 2008. Comments are due on January 5, 2009.
For more information: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/area/misc_chem_prop_fs_091908.pdf  

Definition of Solid Waste (DSW)
SOCMA strongly believes that certain secondary materials currently regulated as hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) should be exempt from regulation because they may be reused or recycled in other operations.
Current Status: Re-proposed Rule; Comments submitted June 25, 2007.  Final rule issued October 2008.
For more information: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/dsw/abr.htm

Once In, Always In
The Once In, Always In proposed amendments would do away with the once in, always in policy and establish procedures for major sources could become area sources. The proposal provides that a major source can become an area source at any time, including after the first substantive compliance date of an applicable MACT standard, so long as it limits its potential to emit below major source thresholds (10 tons per year of any single HAP). SOCMA believes that achieving HAP reductions via pollution prevention is a win-win for industry and the environment.
Current Status: Proposed Amendments, SOCMA submitted comments on May 4.  Provision in HR 2764, signed into law December 2007, prohibits EPA from rescinding the policy.
For more information: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3/fact_sheets/OIAIpropfs.html

Spill, Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC)
The 2002 SPCC rule applies to owners or operators of facilities that store or use oil and oil products and who could discharge oil in amounts that may harm navigable waters or adjoining shorelines.  The proposed amendments are expected to yield annualized cost savings ranging from $1 million to $251 million, depending on the type of facility.
Current Status: Final Rule; SPCC plans must be implemented by July 1, 2009. Proposed Amendments; SOCMA submitted comments on December 14, 2007.  EPA finalized Amendments; Proposed rule to extend compliance date to November 20, 2009.
For more information: http://www.epa.gov/oilspill/spcc.htm

Subpart YYY
EPA is developing NSPS for wastewater generated from process units that produce Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI) products.
Current Status: Proposed Rule
For more information: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nsps/socww/socwwpg.html

Globally Harmonized Systems
OSHA, other Federal agencies, and stakeholder representatives have participated in long-term international negotiations to develop a Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
Current Status: Proposed Rule 
For more information: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=16473