Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:16:03 -0700 Subject: chrome -- Chrome Plating Fume Suppressant Extension Request From: mkomleni@arb.ca.gov The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has approved a one-year extension for the continued use of PFOS fume suppressants in chrome plating operations. In September 2012, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) published the final amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants – Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and Chromium Anodizing Tanks (40 C.F.R. Part 63, Subpart N (commencing with § 63.340), 77 Fed. Reg. 58219 (September 19, 2012)) (Chrome NESHAP). Among other things, the regulation sets a ban on the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in fume suppressants, effective September 21, 2015. On September 17, 2015, on behalf of all chrome plating facilities, with the exception of those located in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the Metal Finishing Association of Southern California and Northern California requested a one-year extension of the PFOS phase-out to allow for continued testing, and to further evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of non-PFOS fume suppressants in their chrome plating operations. A separate request was submitted to the SCAQMD for facilities located within the District. SCAQMD will be working with their chrome plating facilities on the implementation of this request. On September 21, 2015, ARB granted this request for an additional year extension. The extension will allow for the continued testing of non-PFOS fume suppressants and their ability to meet all federal, State, and local emission control requirements for hexavalent chromium. ARB and SCAQMD have done extensive testing on, and are continuing to test non-PFOS fume suppressants and expect to have a non-PFOS product(s) certified for use in California within the next year. Once a non-PFOS fume suppressant becomes certified, we will update the list of certified fume suppressants on our website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/chrome/fumesuppresslist.pdf Copies of the extension request letter and ARB’s approval letter can be found on our chrome plating website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/chrome/chrome.htm. We will be posting a fact sheet soon with additional detail on current chrome plating requirements. If you have questions regarding chrome plating operations, please contact Ms. Michelle Komlenic, Air Pollution Specialist (916) 322-3926 or via email at michelle.komlenic@arb.ca.gov. Questions related to chrome plating operations located in the South Coast Air Quality Management District should be directed to Amir Dejbakhsh, Senior Air Quality Engineering Manager (909) 396-2618 or via email at adejbakhsh@aqmd.gov. Background: Chrome plating facilities are subject to California’s Hexavalent Chromium Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Chrome Plating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations (Chrome ATCM). Facilities located in the SCAQMD are subject to Rule 1469. ARB received delegated authority from the U.S. EPA on March 15, 1999, to implement the Chrome ATCM, in place of the Chrome NESHAP as the Federally-enforceable standard in California. Many of California’s facilities are required to use a certified fume suppressant to meet hexavalent chrome emission limits. California maintains a list of certified fume suppressants which have undergone testing to meet hexavalent chromium emission standards. To date, only PFOS-containing fume suppressants have been certified. Over the next year, ARB and SCAQMD will continue to work with fume suppressant manufacturers to test additional non-PFOS fume suppressants for certification. California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the chrome mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ======================================================================