[Archived Alerts]

Fiberglass and Plastic Composite Producers Subject to EPA's New Hazardous Air Pollutant Rule

For more information, contact Lou Corio at 410.312.7912.

The EPA recently released a new rule for hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions from reinforced plastic composite production, including processes used to manufacture products such as fiberglass with thermoset resins, and gel coats. Under this new rule, affected sources are required to incorporate pollution prevention techniques in their production processes. Certain new large facilities are also required to install air pollution control equipment.

All existing sources of these pollutants are required to comply with the new rule by April 21, 2006, however, "new" affected sources that are now in operation had to be in compliance on April 21, 2003. Any facility that commenced construction after August 2, 2001, at a site where there were no existing reinforced plastic composite operations, is categorized as a "new" source.

What facilities are affected by this rule?
This EPA rule applies to "major" sources that emit HAPs such as styrene, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and methylene chloride (dicloromethane). These substances evaporate from the resin during the application and/or curing process. A facility is considered a "major" source when it has the potential to emit 10 tons per year or more of any single HAP, or 25 tons per year or more of any combination of HAPs.

Techniques for lowering hazardous emissions include using raw materials containing low amounts of HAPs; non-atomized resin application; and covering open resin baths and tanks. However, for existing sources that have total HAP emissions from centrifugal casting and continuous lamination/casting operations of 100 tons per year or greater, these sources must meet an emission limit based on 95% control of HAP emissions, necessitating the installation of air pollution controls. Facilities emitting 100 tons or more of HAPs are also required to install air pollution control equipment.

Zephyr can help you remain in compliance with the EPA
Contact Lou Corio at 410.312.7912 or lcorio@zephyrenv.com to learn how Zephyr can help you permit your fiberglass and plastic composite processes and keep you in compliance with the EPA. .