TDEC To Check USN NOX Emissions

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

Tennessee environmental officials have told a local activist that they will consider the results of recently performed performance tests at a Greene County chemical firm to ensure that it is operating within specified emission limits.
In an email to Park Overall, James Johnston of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, said that while the purpose of the recent performance tests was different from the initial 2016 performance test at US Nitrogen LLC, the agency will review the test results from tests performed from April 13-15 and determine if those results indicate the company is in compliance with limits on nitrous oxide emissions.
The email to Overall comes just one day after TDEC approved an amendment to US Nitrogen's operating permit. The company had requested approval for an alternative method of determining compliance with emission limits.
The permit was initially issued late last year. It will not expire until April 1, 2029.
Under the permit US Nitrogen is limited to emissions of .38 pounds per ton on ammonia produced. The permit also sets limits on emissions from two ammonia trains the facility utilizes.
US Nitrogen had requested a change in its permit on March 24 and Overall had responded on April 7 requesting that the recently completed performance tests be considered in determining compliance.
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