In an effort to increase flexibility, EPA is encouraging facility owners and operators to use pollution prevention techniques to reduce emissions from process vents at glycol dehydration systems the largest single air pollutant emission point at oil and natural gas production facilities. The oil and natural gas production rule will affect approximately 440 facilities nationwide. The natural gas transmission and storage rule will affect approximately seven facilities nation-wide. Hydrochloric acid and chlorine can be released to the atmosphere during the steel pickling process. Hydrochloric acid is emitted from processing tanks used in continuous and batch pickling lines, from acid regeneration plants, and from storage tanks containing virgin or regenerated acid.
Chlorine is emitted from acid regeneration plants.
Chronic exposure to hydrochloric acid can cause inflammation of the stomach, respiratory system, and skin, as well as sensitivity to sunlight. Acute exposure to high levels of chlorine can result in vomiting, chest pain, lung problems, and even death. At lower levels, chlorine is a potent irritant to the eyes, the upper respiratory tract, and the lungs. EPA s rule establishes limits for hydrochloric acid emissions from pickling lines, acid regeneration plants, and acid storage tanks. It also establishes limits for chlorine emissions from acid regeneration plants.