On November 1, 2022, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized amendments to the 2008 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources. Following a technology review conducted under the Clean Air Act, EPA determined that there are no cost-effective developments that would further reduce air toxics so the agency is not amending existing emissions standards based on the technology review.
EPA is finalizing the following clarifying edits based on stakeholder input or technical updates and to make the rule consistent with other recent rulemakings and court decisions:
- Provide a simplified alternative to the exemption process for sources that do not spray apply coatings containing “target HAP” emissions (hazardous air pollutant (HAP) compounds of chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, or cadmium).
- Acknowledge that emissions standards apply at all times, including during periods of startup, shutdown and malfunction (SSM). The NESHAP’s SSM exemption issue was previously resolved by a change to the general provisions. Therefore, rule-specific revisions are not necessary.
- Require electronic reporting; and
- Other minor technical updates and clarifications.
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