On Jan. 17, 2007, the proposed settlement agreement between the American Foundry Society (AFS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Iron and Steel Foundries, also known as Iron & Steel MACT (maximum achievable control technology), was published in the Federal Register. Due to industry concerns and the need to clarify several requirements, AFS filed a legal challenge against the final rule, which was issued on April 22, 2004. This settlement agreement marks the culmination of industry efforts to negotiate with EPA and reach resolution on each issue identified under the lawsuit. Public comment on the proposed settlement agreement is open until Feb. 16, 2007.

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA is required to regulate the emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from major sources within specific industrial source categories, including iron and steel metalcasting facilities. A major source is defined as a facility that emits 25 tons/yr of a combination of HAPs or 10 tons/yr of any one HAP. Iron and steel facilities that are major sources of HAPs will have to be in full compliance with the new standards by April 23, 2007.

The proposed changes to the current Iron & Steel MACT and a copy of the Federal Register notice, including how to submit comments, can be found on the AFS website at www.afsinc.org/MACT. For more information on the Iron & Steel MACT, contact the AFS Washington Office at 202/842-2864