In January 2008, the US EPA published the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants:  Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coatings Operations at Area Sources.  In the Industry, the Rule is commonly referred to as Area Source Rule HHHHHH or the Refinisher Rule.  This rule was established to reduce emissions of the following target HAPs:

Chromium compounds, Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, Manganese.

 

While new facilities must comply with the requirements of the final rule upon start-up, existing shops are required to comply no later than January 2011.  The general requirements of the rule have been published by EPA in a concise and easy to read brochure, click here.