Nevada Mercury Control Program (NMCP)
The Nevada Mercury Control Program (NMCP) is a State regulatory program that requires mercury emissions controls on thermal units located at precious metal mines. The NMCP was adopted March 8, 2006 and made effective May 4, 2006. The NMCP regulatory authority is found in NAC 445B.3611 to NAC 445B.3689. The Program achieves mercury reduction via add-on control technologies. The NMCP requires that all precious metal processing facilities with SIC codes “1041” or “1044” be reviewed for applicability under the NMCP. At this time, the NMCP regulations focus on the potential for mercury emissions from thermal processing units only.
At the core of the NMCP is "NvMACT." NvMACT is the Maximum Achievable Control Technology designated by the NDEP in accordance with NAC 445B.3677. Pursuant to NAC 445B.3625, owners or operators that operate, construct or modify a thermal unit that emits mercury must apply for, and obtain, a Mercury Operating Permit to Construct (Mercury OPTC) to apply the NvMACT. Construction of a new or modified thermal unit that emits mercury requires a permit before construction begins.
Federal Permit Requirements for Gold Mines
- On 02/17/2011 the EPA promulgated 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart EEEEEEE "National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Gold Mine Ore Processing and Production Area Source Category", which requires all applicable sources to obtain a Title V permit (Class I), regardless of facility size.
- Certain gold facilities may be subject to State (NMCP) and Federal (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart EEEEEEE) permitting requirements.
