NASF Survey on EPA’s New Stringent Chromium Electroplating Air Emissions Standard
On September 19, 2012, EPA issued the final regulation that sets new stringent air emission limits and lower surface tension levels for chromium electroplating and anodizing operations as summarized below. Facilities may either comply with the surface tension levels or the emission limits. In addition, the rule bans the use of PFOS-based fume suppressants. A copy of the rule is available on the NASF website at www.nasf.org.
Lower Surface Tension Levels
33 dynes when measuring with a tensiometer (lowered from 35 dynes)
40 dynes when measuring with a stalagmometer (lowered from 45 dynes)
Lower Emission Limits
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New Limits
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Previous Limits
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Decorative Chromium Plating
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Existing Sources
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0.007 mg/dscm
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0.010 mg/dscm
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New Sources
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0.006 mg/dscm
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0.010 mg/dscm
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Chromic Acid Anodizing
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Existing Sources
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0.007 mg/dscm
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0.010 mg/dscm
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New Sources
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0.006 mg/dscm
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0.010 mg/dscm
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Hard Chromium Plating
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Existing Sources (small)
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0.015 mg/dscm
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0.030 mg/dscm
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New Sources (small)
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0.006 mg/dscm
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0.015 mg/dscm
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Existing Sources (large)
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0.011 mg/dscm
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0.015 mg/dscm
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New Sources (large)
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0.006 mg/dscm
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0.015 mg/dscm
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The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) Government Advisory Committee is in the process of determining how the new rule will impact chromium electroplating and anodizing operations. The NASF is concerned about the impact of this rule on the surface finishing industry, because EPA has not provided data to support the new limits. Provided below is brief survey that will take less than three minutes to complete. If you have chromium electroplating or anodizing processes that are subject to this rule, please complete the survey and submit it to Jeff Hannapel with the NASF at jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com by October 9, 2012. Your cooperation will assist the NASF in protecting the industry and deciding to mount a challenge to the final rule within the next 60 days.
If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please contact Jeff Hannapel at jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com.
