Topic Spotlight

Area Source Standards Proposed for Plating and Polishing Operations

On March 14, 2008 (73 FR 14126-14151), EPA proposed national emission standards for the plating and polishing area source category. Area sources are facilities with the potential to emit < 10 tons per year (tpy) of any single hazardous air pollutant (HAP), or < 25 tpy of any combination of HAPs. The proposed rule would establish generally available control technology (GACT) standards for new and existing tanks, thermal spraying operations, and mechanical polishing equipment in certain plating and polishing processes. EPA estimates that 2,900 facilities would be affected by the proposed rule. At the 2,900 facilities, approximately 22,000 tanks and 1,400 thermal spray lines would be regulated by the proposed GACT standards.

The proposed rule includes work practices and controls that are common throughout the plating and polishing industry. As such, the proposed rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact on affected sources. However, the proposed standards will require additional recordkeeping and reporting by affected facilities in order to demonstrate ongoing compliance.

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