The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking tighter standards for airborne emissions of mercury from new and existing sewage-sludge incineration units. Such units often are located at wastewater-treatment facilities.
The proposal, announced on Sept. 30, would cut mercury emissions by 75%, EPA says. The agency plan would require many wastewater-treatment facilities to install controls such as high-efficiency scrubbers and fabric filters. The proposal would not apply to incinerators at commercial, industrial and institutional facilities.