January 9, 2008

EPA Finalizes Regulations for Surface Coating & Paint Stripping Operations

On January 9, 2008 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the “National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources” (40 CFR 63, subpart HHHHHH). This new regulation will affect paint stripping operations, motor vehicle and mobile equipment spray-applied surface coating operations, and miscellaneous surface coating operations. Businesses that perform these activities could be subject to the rule:

• paint stripping operations that use Methylene Chloride (MeCl) to remove dried paint from wood, plastic, or metal;
• operations that spray-apply surface coatings to motor vehicle and mobile equipment; and
• miscellaneous surface coating operations using spray application of coatings containing any target Hazardous Air Pollutants (i.e. Chromium, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, or Cadmium) to any metal or plastic parts or products that are not motor vehicles or mobile equipment.

While requirements are specific to the type of operation, they can include training of operators, notification, reporting, recordkeeping, and minimization plans (for MeCl). As of the date of this rule, new sources must comply with the requirements upon startup of operations. Existing sources must comply by January 9, 2011.

To view the new rule, visit: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/2008/January/Day-09/a24718.htm.

To request no cost, confidential assistance in complying with this or other air quality regulations, contact us.