Several governing bodies throughout North America are in the process of publishing or establishing new environmental laws regulating the level of Volatile Organic Compounds, referred to as “VOCs”, which can be emitted into the atmosphere during field application. Paints and coatings typically contain significant levels of VOCs; therefore these new regulations will have a major impact on the selection and specification of these materials.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to issue a new National Architectural & Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Rule that will cover the entire United States except where individual states implement a more stringent regulation. As of January 2009, it appears the EPA will issue this new regulation in 2011. However, several states – including Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio - have stated they intend to adopt the rule early, most likely some time in 2009.
The coalition of northeastern and mid-Atlantic states, known as the Ozone Transport Commission or “OTC”, has announced plans to adopt the current California Air Resources Board (CARB) rule. Tnemec estimates this will occur in 2010, with individual states approving it thereafter. Affected states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.
California, which has been a leader in lowering VOC emissions, does not have plans for any significant rule changes in the near future. Local air districts are expected to implement the new CARB Suggested Control Measure. While this will not lower the limit for the Industrial Maintenance coatings category, a number of specialty coatings categories will have significantly lower limits. This includes the creation of a Zinc-Rich Industrial Maintenance category and lower limits for Flat, Non-Flat and Waterproofing Sealer categories. In addition, new regulations will be made for clean-up solvents. The nation’s most restrictive regulations, enforced by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in the Los Angeles metro area, should not experience any changes for the next few years.
Canada is working with the United States EPA in an effort to match the current OTC limits. These new regulations are scheduled for 2010.
Although the implementation date of several of these rules is still in question, the limits themselves have essentially been set, therefore specifiers are urged to update their specifications now to ensure compliance. Since these various regulatory districts and their individual rules can add complexity and confusion to the already technical business of coating selection, Tnemec has created a VOC Flyer which outlines the major regulatory areas and intended use categories throughout North America. Additionally, Tnemec offers a Product Selection Tool (click here to request) free of charge for quick reference of compliant products. As always, Tnemec’s expert Coating Consultants are an excellent resource for VOC compliant coating system recommendations and specification review. Just click here to find your local contact. They’d be happy to answer any questions and help assist you with the details of “VOCs”.