Policy Consideration in the Selection of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for the Tacoma Smelter

Abstract

This paper presents background information and the policy basis for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) that were proposed to limit inorganic arsenic emissions from the ASARCO smelter at Tacoma, Washington. The standard-setting approach used and the role public participation played in the development of the final standard are also discussed. Factors considered include the estimated community health risks and the uncertainties in these estimates; the need to reduce public exposure to arsenic and to protect health; the potentially available control measures; the economic impacts of plant closure on smelter employees and the local community; and the opinions of the local community as expressed in 3 days of public hearings and in over 650 comment letters.