|
- 07 May 2009 -
Washington Forum '09—Part I: From Card Check to Climate Change, Policy Under the Microscope
Surface finishing industry members convened in Washington, D.C., April 28–30 for the 2009 Washington Forum, the annual event sponsored by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) in conjunction with The Policy Group, NASF's government relations arm. Topics of discussion spanned the spectrum from the impact of existing and pending regulations on manufacturing and workplace safety, to the outlook on the overall economy under the new administration....more
- 07 May 2009 -
EPA Contemplating Revisions to Definition of Solid Waste Rule
The EPA has announced plans to review its revised Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) rule, which went into effect Dec. 29, 2008. The EPA will take comments on the rule at the request of a Sierra Club petition seeking an immediate stay and repeal of the 2008 regulation....more
- 23 April 2009 -
Last Chance to Sign Up for Next Week's Washington Forum
This week is the last chance to register and attend the 2009 NASF Washington Forum, which will be held April 28–30 at the L’ Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event promises an information-packed roster of educational sessions and panel discussions providing critical news and updates impacting the surface finishing industry....more
- 15 April 2009 -
DOD Forces the Hex-Chrome Alternative Issue
According to InsideEPA.com, the Pentagon's acquisition chief has signed off on a memo essentially forcing the military to use substitutes in place of hexavalent chromium, an anti-corrosive, in new weapon systems and processes as well as in operation and maintenance activities. The move goes a step further than the traditional process where substitutes are recommended but not required....more
- 01 April 2009 -
2009 Washington Forum Update
The 2009 NASF Washington Forum, set for April 28–30 at the L ‘Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C., will host Dr. Marty Regalia, chief economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Regalia, who was recently named one of the top 10 economists in the nation by USA Today, will speak on the current and future prospects of the U.S. business climate. His presentation is scheduled to take place Wed., April 29, at 3:15 p.m....more
- 18 March 2009 -
New USEPA Regulations to Impact Metal Fabrication and Finishing Operations
On July 23, 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued a new regulation that regulates air emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from nine metal fabrication and finishing source categories. This rule, promulgated as 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 63, Subpart XXXXXX (“6X”), is another in a series of regulations that addresses emissions of HAPs from “area sources.” Unlike many other subparts to 40 CFR Part 63 that regulate the entire list of HAPs, 6X specifically regulates only emissions of compounds of cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel from nine specific source categories....more
- 11 March 2009 -
Washington Forum Keynote Speaker Named
The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) has named Michael Barone, senior writer, U.S. News & World Report, the keynote speaker for the 2009 Washington Forum. The event is scheduled to take place Tuesday, April 28, at 1 p.m., at the L ‘Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C....more
- 04 March 2009 -
Appellate Court Upholds OSHA Chrome PEL Exposure Limit
In a ruling of major significance, a federal circuit court upheld OSHA’s 2006 decision to set a Cr(VI) workplace exposure limit of 5 μg/m3. The announcement comes from The Policy Group, the Washington, D.C.–based government relations arm of the National Association for Surface Finishing....more
- 18 February 2009 -
NASF Unveils Washington Forum Agenda
The National Association for Surface Finishing has released programming details for its annual Washington Forum, set to take place April 28–30 at the L’ Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C....more
- 19 January 2009 -
New EPA Directive Exempts Popular Cleaning Agent from VOC Status
A new regulation recently released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exempts—among other things—dimethyl carbonate from VOC status. What this means is that the chemical may well be a VOC-exempt replacement for trichloroethylene, a hugely common cleaning chemical. John B. Durkee, PhD, PE, offers some perspective on the development....more
- 12 January 2009 -
EPA to Reconsider Amendments to National Emissions Standards for Cleaning Solvents
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the comment period on its proposal to reconsider amendments to the national emissions standards for halogenated solvent cleaning (degreasing) using the chlorinated solvents promulgated in May 2007. As a result, the deadline for comment is now Feb. 4, 2009....more
- 19 December 2008 -
Policy Group Predicts More Industrial Controls in the Future
The industry will likely see more controls—not less—on industrial processes in both the commercial and Department of Defense context. So said Christian Richter, principal with The Policy Group, during an address at the DOD's Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Conference held in Washington, D.C. earlier this month....more
- 14 November 2008 -
Proposed Hex-Chrome REL Leaves Industry Nervous About
OSHA PEL
A new NIOSH proposal to lower the recommended exposure limit (REL) for hexavalent chromium to one-fifth the agency's previous level and 25 times lower than OSHA's permissible exposure limit may have some in industry nervous that it could lead to calls for a stricter OSHA PEL....more
- 14 November 2008 -
Foulke Resigns Post at OSHA
He was on hand at the Washington Forum in May 2007 to sign the historic agreement with the National Association for Surface Finishing. Now comes news that the Honorable Edwin Foulke, Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has left his post to join an Atlanta law firm....more
- 10 October 2008 -
EPA Issues Final Ruling on Hazardous Waste Classifications
Earlier this week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator signed a final rule that will encourage the safe and beneficial recycling of hazardous secondary materials. The new rule streamlines the regulation of these materials while limiting the streamlined requirements to specific, legitimate recycling activities....more
- 03 October 2008 -
EPA Plating and Polishing Area Source Final Rule Notification Deadline Looms
On July 1, 2008, EPA published the final regulation for plating and polishing area sources in the Federal Register (73 Fed. Reg. 37728). The final rule, 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart WWWWWW, is effective immediately for new affected sources (i.e., those that begin operations on or after July 1, 2008). Initial notification for affected sources is due Oct. 29, 2008. Existing plating and polishing operations must comply with the new regulatory requirements by July 1, 2010....more
- 03 October 2008 -
EPA Launches New Chemical Assessment and Management Efforts
As part of the EPA's Chemical Assessment and Management Program (ChAMP), EPA has announced its intent to update the current Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory of industrial chemicals by "resetting" it to more accurately reflect the chemicals in commerce. EPA also plans to develop a program to challenge the U.S. chemical industry to provide health and safety information on inorganic high-production volume (HPV) chemicals....more
- 29 August 2008 -
NASF Offers Critical Guidance on 'REACH' Regulation
Are you confounded by all the talk about the impending “REACH” regulation that stands to impact not only the North American surface finishing industry but also those finishers, suppliers, and manufacturers serving customers in Europe and around the world? Rest assured that the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) is doing its part via a new program that assists members by providing critical guidance on the European Union’s new chemicals law....more
- 29 August 2008 -
In brief...The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is opening a 30-day public comment period on its recommendations for areas to be designated as “out of compliance” with the agency’s 24-hour fine particle standards. Earlier this month EPA notified states and tribes of its recommendations for areas to be designated as "attainment" or "nonattainment" for fine particle pollution, also called PM2.5. Exposure to fine particle pollution is linked to a variety of serious health problems, including aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death. States and tribes have an opportunity to respond to the EPA's recommendations and provide new information or analyses, if appropriate. The EPA will consider those responses, along with the public comment, before making its final decisions. The EPA must issue final designations by Dec. 18, 2008. The EPA will accept public comment for 30 days after a notice is published in the Federal Register. Instructions for submitting comments are available at www.epa.gov/pmdesignations.
Amid activists' calls for Congress to mandate a massive funding boost into the study of the potential health risks of nanomaterials, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $2 million grant—its largest ever for nano research—for a project to analyze the effects of metal oxides on the human brain, which could also assist the agency in future risk assessments. On Aug. 20, the EPA announced the grant for the University of Kentucky to study how the size and shape of the nano-sized diesel fuel additive cerium oxide affects the material's ability to enter the brain. A research source familiar with the study says cerium oxide was chosen for the study as it is a "model nanoscale material," and the team hopes the results can be extrapolated to provide information about other nanoscale metal oxides, including aluminum oxide and titanium oxide.
- 22 August 2008 -
New EPA 'Interim' Policy Offers Incentives to Correct Violations
Earlier this month the EPA announced plans to launch an interim policy that offers incentives to new owners who correct environmental violations at recently acquired regulated facilities. Under the interim policy, new owners may receive lower penalties than long-time owners....more
- 01 August 2008 -
EPA Issues New NESHAP Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing national emission standards regarding the control of hazardous air pollutants for nine metal fabrication and finishing area source categories. This final rule, which went into effect on July 23, establishes emission standards in the form of management practices and equipment standards for new and existing operations of dry abrasive blasting, machining, dry grinding and dry polishing with machines, spray painting, and other spray coating, as well as welding operations....more
- 25 July 2008 -
EPA Floats Proposal on Emissions Controls for Paints and Coatings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing that control techniques guidelines could be just as effective as national regulations in reducing emissions of VOCs in ozone national ambient air quality standard non-attainment areas from the following five product categories: miscellaneous metal products coatings; plastic parts coatings; auto and light-duty truck assembly coatings; fiberglass boat manufacturing materials; and miscellaneous industrial adhesives....more
- July 11 2008 -
EPA Issues Final Air Emissions Standards for Plating and Polishing Area Sources
On July 1, 2008, EPA published the final regulation for plating and polishing area sources in the Federal Register (73 Fed. Reg. 37728). The final rule, 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart WWWWWW, is effective immediately for new affected sources (i.e., those that begin operations on or after July 1, 2008). Existing plating and polishing operations must comply with the new regulatory requirements by July 1, 2010....more
- 13 June 2008 -
EPA Amends Hazardous Waste Listing
Effective July 7, 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will amend the list of hazardous wastes from non-specific sources (called F-wastes) by modifying the scope of the EPA Hazardous Waste No. F019. Specifically, the agency plans to exempt wastewater treatment sludges from zinc phosphating, when such phosphating is used in the motor vehicle manufacturing process—provided that the wastes are not placed outside on the land prior to shipment to a landfill for disposal, and the wastes are placed in landfill units that are subject to or meet the specified landfill design criteria....more
- 30 May 2008 -
Washington Forum Recap Part II: EU Takes Aim at Nickel
In this second installment of a two-part report on the 2008 Washington Forum (Part I appeared in the May 2 edition of MFW), international regulatory experts discuss the European Union’s focus on classifying nickel compounds and the impending downstream implications for the global finishing community....more
- 16 May 2008 -
DoD Sees Major Impacts from the European Union's New Chemical Regulations
A top Defense Department official says the European Union's (EU) broad chemical regulatory system could have major "indirect" impacts on the Defense Department, including limiting supplies and increasing costs of some materials, although the department will likely be able to comply with the system's direct requirements, such as measures requiring substitution of harmful chemicals. This news comes from a Defense Department alert released earlier this week....more
- 02 May 2008 -
2008 Washington Forum Provides Platform to Air Critical Issues
Ensuring that “bad” science and misinformation does not factor into legislators’ decision-making processes—especially when drafting laws or rulings that stand to significantly impact the metal finishing industry at large. That was the driving issue that dominated discussions at the 2008 Washington Forum, held April 22–24 at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C....more
- 17 April 2008 -
NASF Amends Washington Forum Program Schedule
The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) has added several topics to the program for the Washington Forum, which will take place April 22–24 in Washington, D.C. New, hot-buttton topics include nickel regulation from Europe, and the potential implications of recent European Union regulatory action on more than 140 nickel compounds. Also on the agenda: EU REACH chemicals and metals compliance, and how finishers need to respond to customer demands for REACH-compliant products and components....more
- 7 March 2008 -
Registration Open for 2008 Washington Forum
Registration is open for the 2008 Washington Forum, scheduled to take place April 22–24 at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. On tap for the event—which is sponsored and organized by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF)—are valuable educational breakout sessions focused on existing and impending regulations impacting the surface finishing industry....more
- 7 March 2008 -
The Policy Group to Submit Proposal on Pending USEPA Plating & Polishing Rule
The Policy Group, the educational and advocacy arm of the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF), next week expects to submit a proposal to the EPA regarding the pending USEPA "Plating and Polishing Rule." According to Christian Richter, one of the Policy Group's principals, the EPA rule would essentially impose new requirements on non-chromium plating processes. The good news: over the last two months The Policy Group, along with industry members, has been able to achieve a major cost avoidance on behalf of the industry. "By working with the EPA over the last couple of years, we've been able to whittle that rulemaking down so that when the rulemaking comes down we're going to see minimal cost to the industry," said Richter, during the 2007 NASF Management Conference in Los Cabos, Mexico, on March 6. "It's really gratifying to see that all our efforts with the EPA—not only the credibility of The Policy Group but also the work many industry members do every day—are resulting in success."
- 26 February 2008 -
OSHA Issues Inspection Procedure Guidelines on Hex-Chrome Exposure
OSHA recently issued an instruction to provide guidelines and establish uniform inspection and compliance procedures for the new hexavalent chromium workplace exposure standard that was promulgated Feb. 28, 2006 (OSHA Directive Number: CPL 02-02-074). This new directive sets forth OSHA’s policy and guidance for enforcing the hexavalent chromium workplace exposure standard....more
- 26 February 2008 -
EPA Updates Solid Waste Testing and Monitoring Manual
(SW-846)
The EPA has announced new revisions to its guidance manual of appropriate and reliable methods for testing and monitoring hazardous waste. The updated version of the manual, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods (also known as SW-846), contains 43 new or revised analytical methods that may be used for monitoring hazardous waste and other requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
- 30 November 2007 -
DHS Issues Revised List of Chemical and Threshold Levels for Chemical Facility Security Regulations
On Nov. 20 DHS released a revised final rule and “Appendix A” list of chemicals. The Appendix A list of chemicals provides Screening Threshold Quantities (STQ) that trigger reporting requirements for facilities that possess chemicals of interest that may pose a potential security threat...more
- 30 November 2007 -
European Union Denies Exemption for the Use of Hexavalent Chromium for Electrical/Electronic Equipment
The European Union continues to issue regulatory directives restricting or limiting the use of metals in products such as the ELV, RoHS, and WEEE. Providing the surface finishing industry with information on compliance and testing methodology, understanding the specific requirements of these directives and how they impact global supply chains, and positioning the industry to more competitive in global markets is critical for the metal finishing industry and its customers...more
- 25 October 2007 -
EPA Allows Continued Use of PFAS Fume Suppressants for Metal Finishing Processes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this month issued a final rule imposing restrictions under Section 5 of the Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA) on the manufacture, import and use of 183 perfluoroalkyl sulfonate (PFAS) chemical compounds. In response to comments and data submitted by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) and numerous discussions with EPA staff, EPA provided exclusions for the continued use of PFAS fume suppressants in plating processes...more
- 25 October 2007 -
EPA Proposes Amendments to SPCC Rule
On Oct, 15, 2007, the EPA proposed amendments to the Spill Prevention, Control and Counter-measure (SPCC) rule to clarify and streamline existing requirements, propose changes to enhance compliance and improve protection of human health and the environment. 72 Fed. Reg. 58378. EPA also proposed exemptions form the SPCC for several operations...more
- 25 October 2007 -
EPA Announces Enforcement Priorities for 2008-10
EPA recently announced that in addition to the mineral processing and mining sectors and concentrated animal feeding operations, the agency will be focusing its enforcement efforts over the next three years on air, water, and waste regulations...more
- 25 October 2007 -
DOD Metal Finishing Conference Scheduled for Feb. 26-28, 2008
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the surface finishing industry will continue its cooperative technology information exchange on metal finishing applications at a conference to be held Feb. 26–28 at the Fiesta Resort and Conference Center in Tempe, Ariz...more
- 21 September 2007 -
EPA Rulemaking Targets Refinishing, Stripping Operations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for area sources engaged in paint stripping and miscellaneous surface coating operations. Specifically, EPA has listed "Paint Stripping," "Plastic Parts and Products (Surface Coating)," and "Autobody Refinishing Paint Shops" as area sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) that contribute to the risk to public health in urban areas under the Integrated Urban Air Toxics Strategy...more
- 20 July 2007 -
EPA Proposes Regulatory Approach and Stewardship Program for Nanomaterials
On July 12, 2007, EPA issued a draft document, TSCA Inventory Status of Nanoscale Substances—General Approach, and a draft concept paper summarizing a voluntary Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program for chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA proposed to use the same approach for nanoscale chemicals that it currently uses for traditional chemicals under TSCA to determine if the chemical is a new or existing compound...more
- 20 July 2007 -
Pentagon Meeting on Risk Management Options for Uses of Hexavalent Chromium
As part of its evaluation of current and historic uses and management of potentially hazardous chemicals, the Pentagon conducted a preliminary Phase I Impact Assessment for hexavalent chromium and concluded that there are probable “high risks” to some Department of Defense (DOD) operations...more
- 29 June 2007 -
DHS Chemical Facility Security Requirement Applicable to All Finishers and Chemical Suppliers
The Department of Homeland Security has issued regulations to establish chemical facility security standards. Finishers and chemical suppliers need to review the requirements of this rule to determine if they need to submit an initial “Top-Screen” assessment of the potential risks regarding the chemicals that are manufactured, used, stored, or distributed at their facilities...more
- 29 June 2007 -
EPA Set to Issue Proposed Air Emissions Rule for Plating and Polishing Operations
The EPA is considering several control options for the proposed rule for plating and polishing operations (EPA is required under the Clean Air Act to promulgate new air emission regulations for plating and polishing operations.)...more
- 29 June 2007 -
Industry Comments Being Prepared on EPA’s New Definition of Solid Waste
The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) is preparing comments on the EPA’s proposed rule concerning the new definition of solid waste with plans to submit the comments to the agency on behalf of the surface finishing industry...more
- 29 June 2007 -
Planning Under Way for More DOD Metal Finishing Workshops
After another successful workshop with collaboration between DOD and the surface finishing industry, plans are under way to organize future workshops and conferences on surface finishing applications for the military depot infrastructure and the defense supply chain for finishing...more
- 29 June 2007 -
New Legislation to Help Small Business Comply with Federal Regulations
President Bush recently signed legislation that requires federal agencies to publish a small business compliance guide for each new regulation that has a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities… more
- 07 June 2007 -
Ohio EPA Settles with Cleveland Plating Company for Hazardous Waste Violations
K-B Plating, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, has agreed to an $85,000 civil penalty with the Ohio EPA to settle hazardous waste violations stemming from an inspection in 2006. The company also promised to upgrade its hazardous waste tank system and perform a facility-wide assessment to identify additional pollution prevention opportunities...more
- 07 June 2007 -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Minnesota Metal Finishing, Inc., of Minneapolis for alleged violations of hazardous waste rules uncovered during inspections that took place over a four-year period. Minnesota Metal Finishing, located at 909 Winter St., N.E., was cited under the authority of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act for failure to train personnel and keep records; create a contingency plan; operate to minimize possibility of fire, explosion or sudden release; and obtain a hazardous waste storage permit. The company will pay an $85,000 penalty.
- 29 May 2007 -
Nanotechnology Under EPA Scrutiny
Regulatory oversight of nanotechnology is urgently needed, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should act now. That’s according to a new study recently released by the EPA...more
- 29 May 2007 -
On May 17th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a ruling, the Significant New Alternatives Program (SNAP), regarding n-propyl bromide (n-PB), a cleaning solvent whose properties are nearly equivalent to those of the banned ODC 1,1,1-trichloroethane. In essence, the rule: 1) Accepted n-PB as a replacement for ozone-depleting chemicals (ODCs) in metal, electronics, and precision cleaning operations; 2) Required no exposure limit as a condition of use; 3) Specifically stated that the SNAP program does not regulate cold cleaning operations (emissive cleaning of metal without emission-control equipment).
- 29 May 2007 -
The Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) have reached an agreement with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on regulations covering worker exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen that occurs in the production of stainless steel. Under the settlement, OSHA will allow employers to require that workers wear respiratory protection when welding on stainless or chromium-containing steel in an enclosed or confined space. (Originally, OSHA said an employer first had to use engineering and work-practice controls to restrict an employee's exposure. SSINA and NAM objected, saying that requiring engineering controls in confined or enclosed spaces is often impossible because of the size of the space.)
- 30 March 2007 -
Industry Seeks to Block EPA Tests on Common Air, Waste Pollutants
Chemical industry officials are seeking to block an EPA effort to conduct extensive testing related to risk assessments for a host of Superfund and air pollutants, saying the agency already has adequate data on the contaminants and that EPA is not justified in seeking to obtain the information...more
- 23 March 2007 -
EPA Proposes New Definition of Solid Waste
EPA recently announced a supplemental proposal to revise the definition of solid waste to encourage the recycling of more hazardous secondary materials. This supplemental proposal amends EPA's Oct, 23, 2003, proposed revision to the definition of solid waste...more
- 23 March 2007 -
OSHA Chief to Address NASF Washington Forum
Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., will address the surface finishing industry at the NASF Washington Forum, May 1-3, 2007 at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Appointed by President Bush on Sept. 15, 2005, to head the Occupational Health and Safety Administration—which regulates workplace safety and health issues—Mr. Foulke will discuss the U.S. Department of Labor's agreement with the surface finishing industry on the hexavalent chromium workplace exposure standard, the industry’s new cooperative alliance with OSHA, and the priority issues for OSHA in the coming year...more
- 23 March 2007 -
EPA Releases Final Document for Assessing Risks of Metals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this month released its final Framework for Metals Risk Assessment (Metals Framework), a science-based document that identifies the basic principles regarding the attributes and behaviors of metals and metal compounds that should be considered when assessing human health and environmental risks. EPA's Risk Assessment Forum oversaw the development of this document, including input from stakeholders, experts from both inside and outside of EPA, several expert workshops, and peer review by EPA's Science Advisory Board...more
- 23 March 2007 -
Proposed Legislation to Address China's Currency Manipulation
Proposed legislation titled The Fair Currency Act of 2007 was introduced recently in both the U.S. House and Senate to address the issue of China's currency manipulation. The House bill, H.R. 782, introduced on Jan. 31, 2007, by Representatives Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Tim Ryan (D-OH) is a World Trade Organization (WTO)-compliant bill that would add currency manipulation to the list of unfair trade practices actionable under U.S. trade law. Under this legislation, U.S. manufacturers could file currency complaints against China with the U.S. International Trade Commission and seek sanctions on Chinese products until the illegal practice of currency manipulation ends...more
- 26 February 2007 -
New Round of Manufacturing Hearings Kick-Off
The Democratic takeover of Congress has prompted a new round of hearings related to U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and jobs. While the intense lament over "offshoring" has subsided, new House and Senate committee chairs are exploring a long list of issues that reflect the considerable economic anxiety across the country even as broader economic indicators are improving...more
- 26 February 2007 -
NASF Submits Comments to EU on Metals Restrictions
Restrictions imposed on the use of metal by the European Union (EU) continue to have significant repercussions on global finishing markets and domestic surface finishing operations. As finishing facilities search for feasible alternatives to banned metals such as hexavalent chromium, cadmium and lead, the EU has recently begun to consider a variety of exemptions to the restrictions where feasible substitutes are not yet available...more
- 26 February 2007 -
DoD Metal Finishing Workshop Slated for May
Another Department of Defense (DoD) workshop to focus on the commercial applications of chromate alternatives for conversion coating and sealing is being planned for May 15-17 at Hill Air Force base in Ogden, Utah. This technical workshop is intended to bring together DoD and industry experts to identify specific needs, solutions and performance data for replacing hexavalent chromates processes used for overhaul and new weapons systems in vehicles, aircraft and vessels...more
- 26 February 2007 -
U.S.-China Commission Addresses Trade Issues
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission announced its new chairman in January, as well as its plans to hold a wide range of hearings in 2007 and advise Congress on "serious questions in the U.S.-China relationship." The Commission, a bipartisan entity created by Congress to analyze issues and make recommendations on US policy toward China, will examine a host of issues, such as China's compliance with its obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO), the impact of trade with China on U.S. manufacturing and the defense industrial base, and U.S. security implications of China's military modernization and emerging force deployments...more
- 26 February 2007 -
Homeland Security Issues New Chemical Facility Security Regulations
Congress passed legislation on chemical plant security and President Bush signed it on October 4, 2006. The new measure was part of the 2007 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and required DHS to establish risk-based and performance-based standards for chemical plants to help protect against terrorist attacks. Specifically, DHS must promulgate regulations within six months for those chemical facilities that "present high levels of security risk"...more
- 06 February 2007 -
2007 Washington Forum Set for May
The Policy Group will hold its 2007 Washington Forum from May 1–3 at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. Attendees are invited to learn how global, environmental, economic, regulatory and technology trends have created significant challenges but also rich opportunities for knowledgeable players in the industry...more
- 05 January 2007 -
Second DoD Metal Finishing Workshop a Success
The finishing industry participated in a highly successful Department of Defense metal finishing workshop in late November in Washington, D.C., according to The Policy Group. The workshop, which was held as a primary technical session at the Pentagon’s annual symposium on strategic environmental research and development, was part of a larger symposium that attracted 1,000 attendees overall. More than 120 participated in the two-day metal finishing session...more
- 05 January 2007 -
Industry Meets with Manufacturing Czar
The industry's Government Relations (GR) office met with the Bush Administration's manufacturing czar, Al Frink, to discuss surface finishing industry competitiveness issues, the recent industry-OSHA Chrome PEL settlement, and the role of the U.S. Department of Commerce in assessing manufacturing competitiveness on the regulatory front....more
- 05 January 2007 -
Canadian, European PFOS Regs Provide Exemptions to Plating Fume Suppressants
On Dec. 16, 2006, the Canadian Department of the environment announced a new regulation prohibiting the manufacture, use, sale, offer for and import of perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS) and its salts and certain other compounds, as well as manufactured items containing PFOS. Similarly, following the recent vote of the European Parliament, the European Union (EU) Council of Ministers approved a ban on most PFOS compounds on Dec.11, 2006. The regulation did, however, provide some limited exemptions for the use of PFOS in firefighting foams and metal plating fume suppressants...more
- 05 January 2007 -
EPA Eyes Controversial Method for Testing HCN
The EPA's proposal to require industry to use a complicated detection model that has produced uncertain results to test a common Superfund and air pollutant is forcing industry to launch a new effort to organize producers of the chemical to conduct extensive tests...more
- 08 December 2006 -
EPA Updates Standard on Industrial Process Heaters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers and process heaters. The amendments, which take effect Feb. 5, 2007, impact several regulated entities—including firms specializing in electroplating, anodizing, polishing and coloring, as well as manufacturers of vehicle parts and accessories...more
- 08 December 2006 -
EPA Begins Cleanup at Defunct Electroplating Facility
Hazardous chemical removal is currently underway at an electroplating business in Dunbar, W.V. Here's the hook: the shop, Custom Plating and Polishing Inc., hasn't operated since last year...more
- 11 October 2006 -
THIRD DOD CONFERENCE SLATED FOR NOVEMBER
A third Department of Defense (DOD) metal finishing conference has been scheduled to take place Nov. 28-29, in Washington, D.C. The first two of such conferences on the environment, technology and defense coatings needs, were held earlier this year in May. The Policy Group is encouraging interested finishing industry representatives and suppliers to attend...more
- 07 September 2006 -
EPA Proposes Residual Risk Air Emission Standards for Halogenated Solvents
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under its authority to control residual risk, has proposed to place a cap on emissions from machines that use halogenated solvents for cleaning parts. 71 Fed. Reg. 47670 (August 17, 2006) Halogenated solvent cleaning is generally used in conjunction with industrial processes such as plating, painting, inspections, repair, assembly, heat treatment and machining...more
- 07 September 2006 -
Finishing Industry Submits Comments on EPA's Proposed Ban of Fume Suppressants
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed to ban perfluoroalkyl sulfonate (PFAS) materials. PFAS chemicals are a key ingredient in fume suppressants used extensively in the metal finishing industry for reducing air emissions and workplace exposures, particularly for chromium plating processes such as hard and decorative chromium plating, chromic acid anodizing and plating on plastics. 71 Fed. Reg. 12311 (March 10, 2006). Government Relations submitted comments on behalf of the industry in August, highlighting the extensive beneficial uses of fume suppressants in metal finishing operations...more
-02 August 2006 -
California Propses Ban on Hex-Chrome in Decorative Plating
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed an air toxic control measure (ATCM) for hexavalent chromium that includes not only an overly-restrictive standard of 0.0015 mg/m3, but also a phase-out provision for hexavalent chromium in decorative chrome plating...more
-02 August 2006 -
Department of Defense Plans Second Surface Finishing Conference
After a successful conference recently in Washington, D.C., on challenges for surface finishing technologies in the defense arena, the Pentagon's Strategic Environment R&D Program (SERDP) is planning a follow-up session this fall with a more specific focus on applying commercial finishing successes to "clean" technologies for defense uses...more
2 August 2006 -
Federal Agencies Address Toxicity of Nanotechnology
As nanotechnology applications in the surface finishing and other industries continue to grow, the federal government is focusing more attention on assessing the potential toxicity of nanoscale materials...more
|
