BOARD MEETING DATE: December 2, 2005
AGENDA NO. 18

Report on the Technology Assessment for Rule 1122 – Solvent Degreasers

SYNPOSIS:

At the September 21, 2001 meeting, the Board approved a resolution directing AQMD staff to conduct a technology assessment for the 2006 VOC limit for vapor degreasers, including the appropriateness of maintaining the limited exemption for cleaning of electronic space components. This report provides staff’s findings and recommendations and satisfies the Board directive on the completion of the technology assessment.

COMMITTEE:

Stationary Source, November 18, 2005, Reviewed

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Receive and file.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Rule 1122 - Solvent Degreasers was adopted on March 2, 1979 primarily to control volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from solvent degreasing operations. The September 2001 amendment established a 25 gram per liter VOC limit for solvents used in vapor degreasers. This limit takes effect on January 1, 2006. The Board approved a resolution to conduct a technology assessment for the 2006 VOC limit for open-top vapor degreasers and to evaluate the need for the limited exemption found in rule paragraph (k)(2) for equipment designed to travel over 100 miles above the earth’s surface.

Technology Assessment

The technical evaluation conducted by staff determined that the 25 grams per liter VOC limit is feasible and is being implemented by many facilities using open-top vapor degreasers. In addition, it was determined that the limited exemption should be retained for equipment designed to travel over 100 miles beyond the earth’s surface.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Staff concludes that alternative cleaners that comply with 2006 VOC limit of 25 grams per liter for vapor degreasers are available for precision cleaning applications. Furthermore, facilities that manufacture electronic components for satellite or outer space applications will need to use high-VOC solvents for the critical cleaning of these specific parts.

Staff recommends that the January 1, 2006 VOC limit for vapor degreasers be implemented and that the rule exemption found in Rule 1122 section (k)(2) be retained.

Attachment(s) (DOC 116 KB)

Technology Assessment for 2006 VOC Limit for Vapor Degreasers under Rule 1122 – Solvent Degreasers

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