Solid Waste Authority warns EPA draft limits could force costly retrofits, earlier closure of REF‑1

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County was briefed on proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revisions to Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for large combustor units and directed staff to seek broader industry and legislative help to extend the federal comment period and evaluate impacts.

Executive Director Dan Pelowitz said EPA’s draft would apply to existing waste‑to‑energy units that combust more than 250 tons per day, including the Authority’s Renewable Energy Facility 1 (REF‑1) and Renewable Energy Facility 2 (REF‑2). “We support all environmental standards intended to protect public health where necessary. I want to make that clear,” Pelowitz said, adding the concern is “where and how they’re established and whether they’re achievable or not.”

Pelowitz told board members the proposed rule would lower emission limits and remove longstanding exclusions for startup, shutdown and malfunction periods. He warned that change, combined with EPA’s expectation of continuous operation of emissions monitors, could produce frequent permit…