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USA - New Area Source Rule Set for Metalcasting Facilities

Deadline for EPA Notifications Jan. 2, 2009

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On Jan. 2, 2008, EPA published the final <link _top>iron and steel foundry area source rule in the Federal Register. EPA issued the standard based on generally available control technology (GACT) for the control of urban hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), including chromium, lead, manganese and nickel. The final rule sets emission limits for large area source metalcasting facilities, and requires both large and small area source facilities to comply with pollution prevention management practices and notification and record keeping requirements.

Under the new area source rule, EPA defined small existing area sources as metalcasting facilities with annual metal melt production of 20,000 tons or less and large existing area sources as facilities with annual metal melt production of greater than 20,000 tons. The initial size classification is based on production data for calendar year 2008. If the 2008 production data exceeds 20,000 tons, then the metalcasting facility must comply with the applicable emission limits and operation and maintenance requirements no later than two years after the initial classification, or by Jan. 1, 2011. Metalcasting facilities impacted by this rule must submit a notification to the EPA Regional office designating the metalcasting facility as a large or small area source metalcasting facility by Jan. 2, 2009.

All metalcasting facilities must comply with the pollution prevention management practices including <link _top>metallic scrap, mercury switch removal and binder formulation provisions to remove HAP-generating materials prior to melting operations and in-mold formations. The <link _top>metallic scrap management plan also is required by Jan. 2, 2009.

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