BOARD MEETING DATE: February 4, 2005
AGENDA NO. 19
Implement New Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Reduce Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium and Nickel from Thermal Spraying
SYNOPSIS:
AQMD staff will be expeditiously implementing the newly adopted Statewide Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to reduce exposure to hexavalent chromium and nickel from thermal spraying. A recent inspection program has found that several potentially high toxics emitting, thermal coating operations are present in the South Coast basin and must install improved controls by January 1, 2006. This report summarizes staff’s findings and intended near-term actions.
COMMITTEE:
Stationary Source, January 28, 2005, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Implement CARB Airborne Toxic Control Measure for thermal spraying rather than adopting AQMD specific rule.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
On December 9, 2004, the Governing Board of the CARB adopted a new ATCM to reduce exposure to hexavalent chromium and nickel from thermal spraying. This ATCM applies to all stationary source thermal spraying operations that use materials containing chromium, chromium compounds, nickel, or nickel compounds. Hexavalent chromium is one of the most potent carcinogens that is commonly used or produced in certain industrial operations in urban areas. Nickel and nickel compounds are less potent but still have significant carcinogenic as well as acute toxic health effects.
Cognizant of CARB rulemaking efforts, AQMD staff conducted inspections of 32 potentially affected thermal coating operations late last year. This investigation has found that five of these operations use enough chromium and nickel to require significant upgrading of their capture and control systems. A list of the surveyed facilities potentially covered by the new ATCM is attached. There may be additional facilities that were not included in the AQMD survey, but may still be subject to the ATCM.
The new ATCM requires that existing thermal coating operations meet more stringent toxics emission control standards by January 1, 2006. Based on AQMD staff's experience, the new capture and control systems, if required, would in general be readily available.
ATCM Implementation Plan
AQMD staff is already working to verify emission levels and therefore control requirements for the larger emission sources. Surveys of the neighborhoods surrounding these larger operations are underway. Four of the five largest facilities appear to be located in industrialized areas, and one is located near a school. Based on potential emission levels or required modification to implement the capture and control requirements, public notices may be required in some cases.
AQMD staff intends to complete review of the emissions and existing control systems and to notify the potentially affected thermal coaters about the new ATCM requirements within the next couple of months. Then AQMD staff intends to work with these sources to ensure necessary controls are in place by the ATCM deadline of January 1, 2006.
List of Facilities Surveyed
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