|
00-4-1 |
Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of a Proposed Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Emissions of Chlorinated Toxic Air Contaminants from Automotive Maintenance and Repair Activities
SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEM:
The staff proposed the adoption of an airborne toxic control measure (ATCM) under the State's Toxic Air Contaminant Identification and Control Program (Health and Safety Code sections 39650-39675). This ATCM will reduce emissions of perchloroethylene (Perc), methylene chloride (MeCl), and trichloroethylene (TCE) from cleaning and degreasing products that are predominantly used in automotive maintenance and repair (AMR) activities. These three chlorinated substances have been identified as toxic air contaminants with no identifiable threshold level.
As proposed, the ATCM provides that brake cleaners, carburetor cleaners, engine degreasers, and general-purpose degreasers manufactured for sale in California after December 31, 2002, shall not contain Perc, MeCl, or TCE. Products containing Perc, MeCl, or TCE and manufactured prior to December 31, 2002, may be sold in California until June 30, 2004. The proposed ATCM also prohibits AMR facility owners and operators from using these products in their facilities after June 30, 2005, if they contain Perc, MeCl, or TCE.
The Board heard testimony from state and local agencies that encouraged the adoption of this ATCM to promote cross-media benefits. Some witnesses suggested that the implementation schedule could be shortened. Other witnesses spoke of alternative, water-based products that clean as effectively as chlorinated products and at a reduced cost. Representatives of the chemical manufacturers claimed that chlorinated products are safer, more effective cleaners. They also claimed that accelerating the proposed effective dates would create a hardship for smaller manufacturers and distributors.
The Board approved the staff's proposal to eliminate Perc, MeCI and TCE from automotive products, but significantly reduced the phase-out schedule for manufacturers, distributors, and end-user facilities from five years to a two and one-half year time frame. As of June 30, 2001, brake cleaners, carburetor cleaners, engine degreasers, and general-purpose degreasers for sale in California cannot contain Perc, MeCl, or TCE. Products containing Perc, MeCl, or TCE and manufactured prior to June 30, 2001, may be sold in California until June 30, 2002. AMR facility owners and operators cannot use these products in their facilities after December 31, 2002, if they contain Perc, MeCl, or TCE. The Board also directed staff to increase the public outreach to inform distributors and end-users of the modified implementation dates.
The modifications made during the hearing will be made available for public review and comment for 15 days in a Notice of Public Availability of Modified Text. The Executive Officer will consider any comments received during this period prior to adopting the ATCM. |
|
00-4-2 |
Public Meeting to Update the Board on the Status of the Portable Fuel Container Spillage Control Regulations
SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEM:
In September 1999, the Board approved regulations to control spillage, evaporative and permeation emissions from portable fuel containers. At the September public hearing, several portable fuel container manufacturers expressed concerns about their ability to meet the permeation standard of 0.4 grams per gallon per day by January 1, 2001, due to the cost and uncertainty of the control technologies. The Board requested that the staff provide an update in six months on the manufacturers' progress towards meeting the standard.
At the meeting, staff provided the Board with an update of actions taken since September. In regards to controlling permeation emissions, staff identified three additional control technologies that could be used to control permeation emissions from plastic gas cans and provided this information to the manufacturers. These technologies are in addition to the two barrier surface treatment technologies identified at the September public hearing. Staff presented the Board with current cost estimates for each control technology identified and informed them that the regulations, which include the permeation standard, remain cost effective. The Board took no action to modify the regulations that were approved last September.
ORAL TESTIMONY:
|