The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an advanced final rule for comment setting standards for ultra low sulfur fuel oil.

The summary of the rule provided by DEP said the proposed rulemaking contained a sulfur limit of 15 parts per million (ppm) for No. 2 and lighter commercial fuel oil. The draft final rulemaking changes this limit to 500 ppm.

The Department received a number of comments indicating that the 15 ppm limit was not necessary to reduce SO2 and PM2.5 emissions from heating oil and was not necessary for use in high efficiency boilers

The proposed rulemaking contained a compliance date of May 1, 2012, for revised sulfur limits. The draft final rulemaking changes the compliance date for revised sulfur content limits to July 1, 2016.

The actual text of the advanced final rule will be published on DEP’s website.

Pennsylvania Bulletin - June 23, 2012

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice extending the comment period on its proposed low flow protection policy to July 16.

The proposed Policy was developed over the past year—based on scientific advances in ecosystem flow protection—to improve low flow protection standards associated with approved water withdrawals.

For more information, visit SRBC’s Low Flow Protection Policy webpage.

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

6/25/2012