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Controlling HRVOC Emissions

Rules in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 115 for controlling emissions of highly reactive volatile organic compounds. These rules are part of the state implementation plan strategy to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone.

Areas Affected

Rule Citation

30 TAC Chapter 115, Subchapter H   

Rule Description

  • First adopted on December 13, 2002 after results from the Texas 2000 Air Quality Study (TexAQS) revealed that:
    • VOC emissions from stationary sources were likely significantly understated in earlier emissions inventories; and
    • HRVOCs play a significant role in ground-level ozone formation in the HGB area.
  • HRVOCs are defined as:
    • ethylene and propylene in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller Counties; and
    • ethylene, propylene, 1,3-butadiene, and butenes in Harris County.
  • Reduce HRVOC emissions from flares, process vents, cooling towers, and fugitives.
  • HRVOC rules are performance based, emphasizing monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting, and enforcement, rather than establishing individual unit emission rates.
  • The HRVOC Emissions Cap and Trade (HECT) Program is a market-based cap-and-trade program that implements an annual HRVOC emission cap for applicable facilities in Harris County.

Rule History

The Chapter 115 rule history for HRVOC gives information on revisions to the rules, including the rule proposal and adoption, the associated state implementation plan revision, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval of the rules.

Compliance Resources

Related Information

Contact Information