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Reinforced Plastic Composites Production: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

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Rule Summary

This action promulgates national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for new and existing reinforced plastic composites production facilities. The NESHAP regulate production and ancillary processes used to manufacture products with thermoset resins and gel coats.

Reinforced plastic composites production facilities emit hazardous air pollutants (HAP), such as styrene, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and methylene chloride (dichloromethane). These HAP have adverse health effects including headache, fatigue, depression, irritation of skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Methylene chloride has been classified as a probable human carcinogen.

The NESHAP will implement section 112(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) by requiring all major sources in this category to meet HAP emissions standards reflecting the application of the maximum achievable control technology (MACT). We estimate the final NESHAP will reduce nationwide emissions of HAP from these facilities by approximately 7,682 tons per year (tpy) (43 percent).

Rule History

03/20/2020 - Final Risk and Technology Review Amendments

05/17/2019 - Proposed Risk and Technology Review Amendments

08/25/2005 - Direct final rule; amendments

08/25/2005 - Proposed rule; amendments

04/21/2003 - Final Rule

08/02/2001 - Proposed rule

Additional Resources

Fact Sheet: Final Amendments to Air Toxics Standards for Boat Manufacturing and Reinforced Plastic Composites Production

Proposed Amendments:

Proposal Docket Index

Background Information Document

Fact Sheets

Economic Impact Analysis of the Final Reinforced Plastic NESHAP, August 2002

Compliance

Implementation documents

Final Small Business Compliance Guide

Letter to Steve McNally, Composites Fabricators Associations from John B. Rasnic, Director, Manufacturing, Energy and Transportation Division, Office of Compliance, USEPA on April 29, 1999

Letter to Stephen McNally, Director of Government Affairs, Composites Fabricators Association from John B. Rasnic, Director, Manufacturing, Energy, and Transportation Division, Office of Compliance, USEPA on December 30, 1997