When Formosa Plastics faced new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations requiring smokeless flare operation and enhanced hydrocarbon destruction monitoring, they turned to our team to help navigate the complex technical and regulatory landscape. We led the effort to modernize their flare systems across multiple facilities, ensuring compliance while minimizing operational disruptions.
Navigating complex regulations
We provided comprehensive air quality permitting support for nine chemical plants, securing Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) air permit modifications and revising six Title V operating permits. Our permitting experts — a team of local professionals with significant regulatory experience — worked directly with EPA and state agencies to negotiate favorable permit terms that balanced environmental compliance with operational feasibility.
Our team also developed a new flare monitoring strategy tailored to meet EPA requirements. This included detailed Best Available Control Technology analysis and toxic air pollutant reviews, ensuring that Formosa’s upgraded systems met the highest standards for emissions control.
Engineering solutions that drive results
To meet the smokeless operation mandate, we helped design and integrate four enclosed ground flares to complement their existing modified elevated flare systems. We conducted ambient impact modeling to assess environmental effects and supported the engineering team with technical documentation and system specifications.
Our proactive approach allowed us to identify critical regulatory changes early, guiding Formosa through available compliance pathways and avoiding costly delays. We also prepared and submitted all necessary documentation for PSD and New Source Review permitting, ensuring a smooth approval process.
