Controlling VOC Emissions from Process-Unit-Turnaround and Vacuum-Producing Systems in Petroleum Refineries
Rules in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 115 for controlling emissions of volatile organic compounds from process-unit-turnaround and vacuum-producing systems in petroleum refineries. These rules are part of the State Implementation Plan strategy to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone.
Areas Affected
- Beaumont–Port Arthur area (Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties)
- Corpus Christi area (Rules apply in Nueces County)
- Dallas–Fort Worth area (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties)
- El Paso area (El Paso County)
- Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area (Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties)
- Northeast Texas area (Rules apply in Gregg County)
- Victoria area (Victoria County)
Rule Citation
30 TAC Chapter 115, Subchapter D, Division 1 
Rule Description
- Requires a 90% reduction in VOC emissions from a steam ejector or mechanical vacuum pump in a petroleum refinery.
- Includes testing, monitoring, and record-keeping requirements.
Rule History
The Chapter 115 rule history for process unit turnaround and vacuum-producing systems in petroleum refineries (PDF) discusses revisions to the rules, including their proposal and adoption, the associated State Implementation Plan revision, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval.
Compliance Resources
- The Decision Support System can help you determine if you are subject to the Chapter 115 rules for process unit turnaround and vacuum-producing systems in petroleum refineries.
- Resources for small businesses and local governments
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards
- EPA Test Methods
- EPA performance specifications for continuous emission-monitoring systems and CEMS quality-assurance procedures
Related Information
- The Chapter 115 Stakeholder Group helps the agency with air quality issues
- State plan to meet the national ozone standard
- Emissions banking and trading program
- Air permitting and registration
- Tax relief for pollution-control property
- Point source emissions inventory
Contact Information
- Contact the Stationary Source Programs Team for additional information about stationary source rules.
- Sign up to receive e-mail updates on SIP-related information, including information on stationary source rules. Select SIP Hot Topics under the Air Quality heading.
