Regulatory Text: 
Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 33 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, Part III Air (LAC 33:III)

Chapter 13.  Emission Standards for Particulate Matter

Subchapter F.  Abrasive Blasting
§1323 to 1333 as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to EPA 
October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007); 
with revisions to §1327 and §1333 submitted to EPA August 29, 2013 [LA039.04], AQ303 
LR 34:1234 (July 20, 2008).
Approved by EPA January 28, 2016 (81 FR 04891) effective February 29, 2016 (LAd47), 
Regulations.gov docket EPA-R06-OAR-2012-0434 [LA039].

Outline:
§1323. Emissions from Abrasive Blasting
§1325. Definitions
§1327. Blasting Operations
§1329. Performance Standard
§1331. Best Management Practices (BMP) Plans
§1333. Recordkeeping and Reporting


§1323. Emissions from Abrasive Blasting
Approved by EPA January 28, 2016 (81 FR 04891) effective February 29, 2016 (LAd47),
Regulations.gov docket EPA-R06-OAR-2012-0434 [LA039].

§1323.A to C.2 as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to EPA 
October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007).
   A. Purpose. The purpose of this Subchapter is to reduce
particulate matter emissions from facilities that engage in
abrasive blasting.
   B. Scope. This Subchapter applies to any facility or
contractor in the state that engages in or contracts to provide
on-site abrasive blasting and that is classified under a
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code beginning with
34, 35, or 37 or under SIC Code 1622 or 1721.
   C. Compliance. Compliance with these regulations does
not eliminate the requirement to comply with any other state
or federal regulation or any specific condition of a permit
granted by the department.
      1. Any new facility that is constructed after
promulgation of these regulations shall comply with all of
the requirements of this Subchapter before operation may
commence.
      2. Existing affected facilities shall comply with all of
the requirements of this Subchapter as soon as practicable,
but no later than one year after promulgation of these
regulations.
**End Louisiana LAC 33:III.1323 SIP effective February 29, 2016*LAd47*LA039*w2e**


§1325. Definitions
Approved by EPA January 28, 2016 (81 FR 04891) effective February 29, 2016 (LAd47),
Regulations.gov docket EPA-R06-OAR-2012-0434 [LA039].

§1325 as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to EPA 
October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007).
   A. Terms used in this Subchapter are defined in LAC
33:III.111 with the exception of the terms specifically
defined below.

      Abrasive Material (Abrasives, Abrasive Media) -- any
material used in abrasive blasting operations including, but
not limited to, sand, slag, steel shot/grit, garnet, CO2, or
walnut shells.

      Abrasive Blasting -- the operation of cleaning or
preparing a surface by forcibly propelling a stream of
abrasive material against the surface.

      Abrasive Blasting Equipment -- any equipment utilized
in abrasive blasting operations.

      Emission Control Equipment -- any device or
contrivance, operating procedure, or abatement scheme,
including, but not limited to, filters, ventilation systems,
shrouds, or best management practices, that prevents or
reduces the emission of air contaminants from blasting
operations.

      Enclose -- to place tarps, shrouds, or a solid structure on
all sides and above an area used for abrasive blasting, or to
fully surround a structure to be blasted.

      Hydroblasting -- abrasive blasting using high-pressure
liquid as the propelling force or as the active cleaning agent.

      Indoor Abrasive Blasting -- abrasive blasting conducted
inside of a permanent building equipped with a particulate
matter collection system.

      Nuisance -- any condition of the ambient air beyond the
property line of the emission source that is offensive to the
senses, or that causes or constitutes an obstruction to the free
use of property, so as to unreasonably interfere with the
comfortable enjoyment of life or property. In determining
whether or not a nuisance exists, the department may
consider factors including, but not limited to, the following:
         a. the frequency of the emission;
         b. the duration of the emission;
         c. the intensity and offensiveness of the emission;
         d. the number of persons impacted;
         e. the extent and character of the detriment to the
complainant; and
         f. the source’s ability to prevent or avoid harm.

      Shade Factor -- for shrouds, the percent of area
impermeable to particles 100 grit or greater, or to sunlight.
Shroud or Tarp—a device that is designed to enclose or
surround the blasting activity to minimize the atmospheric
dispersion of fine particulates and direct that material to a
confined area for subsequent removal and disposal.
Surround—to place tarps, shrouds, or a solid structure
on all sides of an area used for abrasive blasting.

      Wet Abrasive Blasting -- abrasive blasting with the
addition of water to the air abrasive stream.
Vacuum Blasting -- abrasive blasting in which a seal is
maintained between the assembly and the blasting surface,
thereby allowing the spent abrasive, surface material, and
dust to be immediately collected by a vacuum device,
equipped with a high efficiency (at least 95 percent)
particulate filtration system.
**End Louisiana LAC 33:III.1325 SIP effective February 29, 2016*LAd47*LA039*w2e**


§1327. Blasting Operations
Approved by EPA January 28, 2016 (81 FR 04891) effective February 29, 2016 (LAd47),
Regulations.gov docket EPA-R06-OAR-2012-0434 [LA039]

§1327.A to A.1 as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to EPA 
October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007).
   A. Abrasive Materials and Methods
      1. Material derived from hazardous, toxic, medical,
and/or municipal waste is prohibited from use as abrasive
material.

§1327.A.2 as submitted to EPA August 29, 2013 [LA039.04], AQ303 LR 34:1234 (July 20, 2009).
      2. Abrasives shall contain less than 10 percent (by
weight) of fines that would pass through a No. 80 sieve as
documented by the supplier. If supplier documentation is not
provided for weight percent of fines in abrasive material,
samples shall be taken according to ASTM standard ASTM
D 75-03 before initial use.

§1323.A.3 to B.5 as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to 
EPA October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007).
      3. Abrasives shall not be reused for abrasive blasting
unless they meet the requirements of Paragraph A.2 of this
Section.
   B. The following abrasives and blasting methods are
exempt from the provisions of Paragraph A.2 of this Section
and LAC 33:III.1329.A and F and LAC 33:III.1333.A.4-5:
      1. abrasive blasting using iron or steel shot/grit;
      2. abrasive blasting using CO2;
      3. hydroblasting or wet abrasive blasting;
      4. vacuum blasting; and
      5. abrasive blasting using other abrasives, as approved
by the department on a case-by-case basis.
**End Louisiana LAC 33:III.1327 SIP effective February 29, 2016*LAd47*LA039*w2e**


§1329. Performance Standard
Approved by EPA January 28, 2016 (81 FR 04891) effective February 29, 2016 (LAd47),
Regulations.gov docket EPA-R06-OAR-2012-0434 [LA039]

§1329.A to H as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to 
EPA October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007).
   A. Affected facilities shall either:
      1. fully enclose the item, or surround the structure, to
be blasted; or
      2. prepare and implement a best management
practices (BMP) plan as described in LAC 33:III.1331.
   B. Blast cabinet exhaust shall be re-circulated to the
cabinet or vented to emission control equipment.
   C. If tarps are used to confine emissions due to abrasive
blasting, the tarps shall:
      1. have overlapping seams to prevent leakage of
particulate matter;
      2. have a shade factor of 80 percent or greater; and
      3. be repaired prior to use if any single tear greater
than 1 foot in length is present or if tears greater than 6
inches in length each are present.
   D. If blasting is performed in a permanent building with
a particulate matter collection system, the collection system
shall be exhausted through effective control equipment with
a particulate matter outlet grain loading of 0.05 gr/dscf or
less, as documented by the control equipment manufacturer
or demonstrated by performance testing.
   E. When abrasive blasting is performed over waters of
the state, blasting material or visible floating solids shall be
prevented from reaching waters of the state or minimized to
the maximum extent possible as specified in the facility
and/or activity BMP or in accordance with the LPDES
permit program.
   F. Abrasive blasting activities shall not create a
nuisance.
   G. The facility shall maintain stockpiles of new and/or
spent abrasive material in a manner that will minimize
fugitive airborne emissions. Measures to minimize
emissions shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
      1. covering stockpiled material;
      2. wetting stockpiled material; or
      3. keeping stockpiled material in containers.
   H. All emission control equipment shall be used and
diligently maintained in proper working order according to
the manufacturer’s specifications whenever any emissions
are being generated that can be controlled by the facility,
even if the ambient air quality standards in affected areas are
not exceeded.
**End Louisiana LAC 33:III.1329 SIP effective February 29, 2016*LAd47*LA039*w2e**


§1331. Best Management Practices (BMP) Plans
Approved by EPA January 28, 2016 (81 FR 04891) effective February 29, 2016 (LAd47),
Regulations.gov docket EPA-R06-OAR-2012-0434 [LA039].

§133.A to I as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to 
EPA October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007).
   A. Facilities that decide to use a BMP plan to comply
with this Subchapter shall comply with all the requirements
of this Section.
   B. A complete copy of the BMP plan shall be kept at the
facility and be made available to authorized representatives
of the department upon request. Plans need not be submitted
to the department unless requested by an authorized
representative of the department.
   C. Each facility shall have a designated person who is
accountable for the implementation and effectiveness of the
BMP plan.
   D. Amendment of BMP Plan
      1. After review of the plan, the department may
require the owner/operator of the facility to amend the plan
if the plan does not prevent nuisances and/or adverse off-site
impacts.
      2. The plan shall be amended whenever physical or
operational modification of the facility renders the existing
plan inadequate. The amendment shall be implemented prior
to or concurrent with the facility modification.
   E. Periodic Review of BMP Plan. The owner/operator of
a facility shall review the plan every three years to determine
if the plan adequately reduces nuisances and adverse off-site
impacts. If it is determined that the plan is not adequate, the
plan shall be amended within 90 days of the review to
include more effective emission prevention and control
technology.
   F. Contents of BMP Plan. The BMP plan shall be
prepared in accordance with sound engineering practices and
must be site-specific. The plan information shall be
presented in the following sequence:
      1. the name, mailing address, and location of the
facility;
      2. the name of the operator of the facility;
      3. the date and year of initial facility operation;
      4. a description of the facility, including an indication
of any nearby recreational areas, residences, or other
structures not owned or used solely by the facility, and their
distances and directions from the facility;
      5. a description of any nearby waters of the state that
may be affected, their distances and directions from the
facility, and how emissions to those waters will be prevented
or minimized;
      6. a statement of the facility’s procedures for
preventing nuisances and/or adverse off-site impacts,
including a description of any emission control equipment;
      7. a statement of the facility’s capability and
procedures for taking corrective actions and/or
countermeasures when nuisances and/or adverse off-site
impacts occur;
      8. written procedures for self-monitoring and selfinspection
of the facility;
      9. personnel training records as required by this
Subchapter; and
     10. signatures of responsible officials.
   G. Provisions for personnel training shall be included in
the BMP plan as follows.
      1. Any employee and/or contractor conducting
abrasive blasting shall be trained on proper abrasive blasting
methods, proper handling of abrasive and spent material and
floatable solids, the facility’s plan, and good housekeeping
practices for the facility.
      2. Employees and contractors shall receive training
pertaining to the plan at least once a year or when significant
changes are made to the plan that affect their activities.
      3. Employees, contractors, and customer
representatives shall be instructed not to dispose of abrasive,
spent, or floatable materials to air and water bodies or to
drains, drainage channels, or trenches that lead to water
bodies.
      4. Contractors shall be notified of and required to
perform in accordance with the provisions of the plan
applicable to activities related to their contract.
   H. Inspections and Records
      1. The BMP plan shall be reviewed every three years
to ensure that the plan meets the requirements of this
Subchapter. Records of this review shall be signed or
initialed by the person conducting the review, and an
appropriate supervisor or the facility designee, and shall be
retained for a minimum of three years.
      2. In addition to other recordkeeping and reporting
requirements of this Section, the following records should be
maintained on the facility premises:
         a. self-inspection reports prepared in accordance
with Paragraph F.8 of this Section;
         b. documentation of employee and contractor
training, including dates, subjects, and hours of training and
a list of attendees with signatures.
   I. Verification by the Department. Facilities to which
this Subchapter applies may be inspected by an authorized
representative of the department to ensure implementation
and adequacy of the facility's BMP plan.
**End Louisiana LAC 33:III.1331 SIP effective February 29, 2016*LAd47*LA039*w2e**


§1333. Recordkeeping and Reporting
Approved by EPA January 28, 2016 (81 FR 04891) effective February 29, 2016 (LAd47), 
Regulations.gov docket EPA-R06-OAR-2012-0434 [LA039]

§1333.A to A.4.a as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to 
EPA October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007)
   A. The facility owner/operator shall maintain the
following records on the facility premises at all times, and
present them to an authorized representative of the
department upon request:
      1. permit application approval records and the
facility’s permit to construct/operate, where applicable;
      2. a description of the type of emission control
equipment, as defined in LAC 33:III.1325, employed at the
facility;
      3. descriptions and diagrams showing the locations of
blasting operations on-site;
      4. a monthly record of abrasive material usage,
including:
         a. for new material, weight percent of fines in
abrasive material per the manufacturer;

§1333.A.4.b as submitted to EPA August 29, 2013 [LA039.04], AQ303 LR 34:1234 (July 20, 2009).
         b. if abrasive material is being reused, weight
percent of fines as determined by sampling. For the purpose
of determining weight percent of fines in abrasive material,
samples shall be taken according to ASTM standard ASTM
D 75-03;

§1333.A.5 to B as submitted to EPA August 14, 2009 [LA039.03] and resubmitted to 
EPA October 2015 [LA039.05], AQ249 LR 33:0821 (May 20, 2007).
      5. applicable results, and data derived from results, of
containment, ventilation, air, soil, fines, and other
monitoring activities;
      6. records of how spent material is handled, recycled,
reused, or disposed of, including the names of, and any
manifests or receipts from, any off-site facilities that accept
the spent material; and
      7. for abrasive blasting that is performed outside of a
full enclosure or a blast cabinet, the following:
         a. visual observations of particulate matter
emissions, recorded at commencement of, and prior to
ending of, operations less than four hours in duration, and
every four hours for operations greater than four hours in
duration;
         b. observations of wind direction, recorded
simultaneously with the observations required in
Subparagraph A.7.a of this Section;
         c. a daily record of actual operating times when
such blasting is performed, based on a 24-hour clock.
   B. Records required by this Subchapter or any BMP plan
used to attain compliance with this Subchapter shall be
maintained on a 36-month rolling basis.