The following sections discuss the important aspects of each of the Air Quality management regulations discussed previously. You’ll find references for detailed guidance and the complete regulation citations below each topic area. Linkage to Massachusetts regulations is provided as a reference point; however, you should check your own state’s air quality regulations to determine applicability at your work place.
General Plan Approval: The General Plan Approval (310 CMR 7.02) requirements regulate the construction, reconstruction or alteration of facilities that are emission sources. Its purpose is to limit or prevent any emissions caused by the facility changes. The General Plan Approval regulations include the following components:
- Applicability - These requirements generally apply to facilities that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), SO2, or NO2 in significant amounts. Among the facilities regulated under this program are Grounds/Vehicle Maintenance Facilities, as they utilize fossil fuel and potentially emit contaminants covered by national standards for air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
- Plan Approval Application Process - These regulations define the application and approval processes.
- Critical Areas by Geographic Region - These regulations sort critical areas of concern by geographic location.
- Control Equipment and Emissions Tracking Requirements - Facilities regulated by this program must maintain control equipment and record emission amounts.
At Grounds/Vehicle Maintenance Facilities, specific activities covered under the General Plan regulations involve vapor collection and control requirements, paint spray booth operations, coatings and solvent usage, and remediation systems operations.
For the complete text of the regulations (310 CMR 7.02), click the link below.
http://www.state.ma.us/dep/energy/702.htm
Cold Solvent Degreasing: These regulations (310 CMR 7.18 (8) or similar) apply to cold solvent degreasing activities occurring at Grounds/Vehicle maintenance facilities. The regulations define the proper use, operation and maintenance of the degreasing system, so that VOCs’ emissions are regulated. The cold solvent degreasing regulations provide the following requirements:
- The equipment has an operation cover and enclosed system in which parts can drain while cleaning. The system remains closed when not in use.
- Each degreaser has air pollution control features that limit emissions, such as a water blanket or similar devices. Any leaks to the system are repaired immediately.
- When the degreaser is in use, drafts across its open surface are limited. Also, the unit has a remote solvent reservoir.
- The degreaser systems meet certain physical requirements pertaining to the vapor pressure of the solvents, the operational temperature range and the physical dimensions of the system.
For the complete text of the regulations (310 CMR 7.18 (8)), click the link below.
http://www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/daqc/files/regs/7b.htm#18
Auto Refinishing: 310 CMR 7.18 (28)’s auto refinishing regulations apply to any person who owns, leases, operates or controls an automotive refinishing facility. At a Grounds/Vehicle maintenance facility, these regulations generally apply to the refinishing process and are designed to control VOC emissions. The regulations provide the following requirements for Auto Refinishing activities:
- Emission Limits - VOC emission limits are generally set by Coating Type, which is further regulated by grams/liter or lbs/gallon. You’ll find a table defining the limitations in the regulations.
- Labeling Requirements - All refinishing coatings must display the date of manufacture and provide written preparation instructions for the coating products.
- Alternative Control Requirements - Persons operating refinishing facilities may use alternative control requirements upon approval.
- Good Housekeeping and Good Neighbor Requirements - The regulations define good-practice requirements for housekeeping and for avoiding creating nuisances for neighbors.
- Training, Testing and Compliance Requirements - The regulations define specific training, testing and compliance certification requirements for facility operators.
- Equipment Requirements - Proper equipment and application methods are defined in the regulations
For the complete text of the regulations (310 CMR 7.18 (28)), click the link below.
http://www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/daqc/files/regs/7b.htm#18
Gasoline Storage: Specific gasoline storage regulations (310 CMR 7.24 (3)) are designed to protect air quality by limiting the release of VOCs from storage tanks into the air. These regulations include:
- Storage tank filling or transfer requirements
- Requirements to maintain vapor-tight delivery vessels and to fill these vessels only at bulk terminals and plants
- Requirements to maintain and properly operate a vapor balance system (i.e., gauges, valves, meters, etc.) and to keep accurate maintenance records
For the complete text of the regulations (310 CMR 7.24 (3)), click the link below.
http://www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/daqc/files/regs/7b.htm#18
Vapor Recovery for Gasoline Pumping Facilities: Vapors are emitted when motor-vehicle fuel is dispensed directly into a motor vehicle. This program requires the use of a vapor collection and control system to control those vapors. Known as Stage II systems, these vapor-control systems are designed to limit the release of VOCs to the air. The regulations provide the following requirements for Vapor Recovery at fuel facilities:
- Applicability and Installation Requirements - Generally any facility that dispenses 10,000 gallons or more in any calendar month is currently required to have the Stage II system in place. These requirements provide a more in-depth definition.
- Operation and Maintenance Requirements - These regulations stipulate that the system must be inspected weekly. Further, if the inspection determines that the recovery system is nonfunctioning or broken, the fuel system must be shut down.
- Compliance Testing and Certification Requirements - All systems must pass the required testing program and maintain valid certification documents.
- Notification Requirements - Within 30 days of becoming the owner, new fuel facility operators/owners are required to notify the appropriate regulatory agency. Operators/owners are also required to notify the appropriate regulatory agency after closing down or removing a fuel facility.
- Compliance Testing Company Requirements - These regulations define the appropriate testing and notification procedures that companies must perform under Stage II compliance testing.
For the complete text of the regulations (310 CMR 7.24 (6)), click the link below.
http://www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/daqc/files/regs/7b.htm#18
Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) Demolition: This program covers these requirements for managing and monitoring the demolition of asbestos-containing materials:
Applicability - These regulations define the material type, size and type of demolition project that qualify as ACM.
- Notification Requirements - Written for facilities where ACM demolition or removal is occurring, these regulations outline when owners/operators must provide written notification to the Administrator of the EPA (generally, 10 days in advance and also when schedule changes occur). Notification documents required of removal contractors also generally contain description of the work practices and procedures, and certification of removal.
- Procedures for Asbestos Emission Control - These regulations define the emission control procedures required during the actual removal or demolition. These practices include, but are not limited to:
--Wetting the material to limit fugitive dust and sealing the ACM with leak-tight wrapping prior to dismantlement.
--Avoiding the damaging or breakup of the removed material.
--Providing glove-bag system and ventilation to contain all emissions.
For the complete text of the regulations (40 CFR 61.145), click the link below.
40 CFR 61