To make the transition as smooth as possible between the Federal plan and subsequently approved State plans, EPA incorporated compliance schedules already negotiated with MWC owners and operators into the final Federal plan. Implementation of the MWC emission guidelines through the Federal and State plans will reduce toxic air pollutant emissions by 112,000 tons per year. The standards reduce dioxin emissions by 99 percent, as well as sharply reduce other air pollutants like mercury, lead, and cadmium. These pollutants can cause adverse effects to the public health and the environment. For instance dioxin, lead and mercury can bioaccumulate in the environment.
Acid gases contribute to the acid rain that damages lakes and harms forests and buildings.
Additionally, nitrogen oxides emissions can contribute to ground level ozone, which is associated with a number of adverse health and environmental effects. This Federal plan ensures that emissi on limits and other requirements are in place for MWC units located in States that have not submitted approvable State plans. The Federal plan ensures that the MWC rules are implemented and enforced until State plans are approved, thus ensuring the health and environmental benefits envisioned by the 1995 rules. It represents the strongest action ever taken to control emissions from municipal incinerators. It signifies the Administrations's aggressive efforts to protect the health of the American people.