Lead-acid and AGM batteries, particularly those manufactured with renewable energy sources, have significantly lower CO2 emissions than other battery chemistries. In September 2023, Sphera Solutions released a new study that compared the cradle-to-grave impact of lead-acid and AGM batteries versus Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) models.
The lead acid battery manufacturing source category consists of facilities engaged in producing lead acid batteries. The EPA first promulgated new source performance standards for lead acid battery manufacturing on April 16, 1982.
Which lead acid battery manufacturing facility has the highest fugitive lead dust emissions?
Available information, including information provided by Clarios, indicates that the area at a lead acid battery manufacturing facility with the highest potential for fugitive lead dust emissions is the lead oxide unloading and storage operations area.
Can lead acid battery manufacturing plants control lead emissions with fabric filters?
Through the BSER review conducted for the source category, we found that since the promulgation of the NSPS in 1982, it has become feasible and common for lead acid battery manufacturing plants to control lead emissions from several processes with fabric filters.
When did lead acid batteries become a source performance standard?
Lead acid batteries were first established as a performance standard on January 14, 1980. New source performance standards were first proposed in 40 CFR part 60, subpart KK for the Lead Acid Battery Manufacturing source category on this date ( 45 FR 2790 ). The EPA proposed lead emission limits based on fabric filters with 99 percent efficiency for grid casting and lead reclamation operations.
Thus, while the 99% recycling statistic is important, it may understate the potential for lead contamination via this process. However, the situation would definitely be much worse if these batteries were being landfilled, as a single lead acid battery in a landfill has the potential to contaminate a large area. Lithium-ion batteries
Should lead acid battery manufacturers be required to perform performance tests?
The EPA is proposing to include in the Lead Acid Battery Manufacturing NSPS subpart KKa compliance provisions to require owners or operators of lead acid battery manufacturing affected sources to conduct performance tests once every 5 years.