Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 129 - SURFACE COATING FACILITIES
Section 096-129-4 - Emission Limitations

Universal Citation: 06 ME Code Rules ยง 096-129-4

Current through 2024-13, March 27, 2024

The owner or operator of a surface coating unit, line or operation subject to this chapter shall comply with the applicable emission limitations in Subsections 4(A) through 4(F) of this chapter below, by the use of Low Solvent Content Coating Technology, Daily-Weighted Averaging, or Add-On Air Pollution Control Devices, as specified in Section 3 of this chapter. Emission limitations on VOC content for all surface coating categories are expressed in units of mass of VOC in kilograms (kg) or lb per volume of coating in liters (l) or gallons (gal), excluding water and exempt compounds, as applied. Emission limitations on VOC content for metal furniture and flatwood paneling are also expressed in units of mass of VOC in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb) per volume in liters (l) or gallons (gal) of solids, as applied.

If more than one surface coating category and emission limitation applies to a specific coating operation, then the least stringent emission limitation controls.

A. Emission limitations for surface coating of cans.This subsection applies to any can coating unit subject to emission limitations as specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter, and used to apply the following coatings: sheet basecoat, exterior basecoat, over varnish, interior body spray coat, side-seam-spray coat, two-piece can exterior end coat and end sealing compound coat. The owner or operator of a can coating unit subject to this subsection may not cause or allow the release of VOC that exceeds the following emission limitations:

Category

kg/l

lb/gal

1. Sheet basecoat

0.34

2.8

2. Exterior basecoat

0.34

2.8

3. Over varnish

0.34

2.8

4. Interior body spray coat

0.51

4.2

5. Side-seam spray coat

0.66

5.5

6. Two piece can exterior end coat

0.51

4.2

7. End sealing compound coat

0.44

3.7

B. Emission limitations for surface coating of fabric.This subsection applies to any fabric coating unit or line subject to emission limitations as specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter. The owner or operator of a fabric coating unit or line subject to this subsection may not cause or allow the release of VOC that exceeds the following emission limitation:

0.35 kg/l (2.9 lb/gal)

C. Emission limitations for surface coating of vinyl.This subsection applies to any vinyl coating line subject to emission limitations as specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter. This subsection does not apply to the application of vinyl plastisol to fabric to form the substrate that is subsequently coated. The owner or operator of a vinyl coating line subject to this subsection may not cause or allow the release of VOC that exceeds the following emission limitation:

0.45 kg/l (3.8 lb/gal)

D. Emission limitations for surface coating of metal furniture

(1) This subsection applies to any metal furniture coating unit subject to emission limitations as specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter. By January 1, 2012, the owner or operator of a metal furniture coating unit subject to this subsection shall meet the VOC emission limitations in either Table 1 or Table 2.

Table 1: Emission limits expressed in terms of mass of VOC per volume of coating (excluding water and exempt compounds, as applied)

Coating Type

Baked

Air Dried

kg/l

lb/gal

kg/l

lb/gal

General, One Component

0.275

2.3

0.275

2.3

General, Multi-Component

0.275

2.3

0.340

2.8

Extreme High Gloss

0.360

3.0

0.340

2.8

Extreme Performance

0.360

3.0

0.420

3.5

Heat Resistant

0.360

3.0

0.420

3.5

Metallic

0.420

3.5

0.420

3.5

Pretreatment Coatings

0.420

3.5

0.420

3.5

Solar Absorbent

0.360

3.0

0.420

3.5

Table 2: Emission limits expressed in terms of mass of VOC per volume of solids, as applied

Coating Type

Baked

Air Dried

kg/l

lb/gal

kg/l

lb/gal

General, One Component

0.40

3.3

0.40

3.3

General, Multi-Component

0.40

3.3

0.55

4.5

Extreme High Gloss

0.61

5.1

0.55

4.5

Extreme Performance

0.61

5.1

0.80

6.7

Heat Resistant

0.61

5.1

0.80

6.7

Metallic

0.80

6.7

0.80

6.7

Pretreatment Coatings

0.80

6.7

0.80

6.7

Solar Absorbent

0.61

5.1

0.80

6.7

(2) The following types of coatings and coating operations for metal furniture are exempt from the VOC content limits:
(a) Stencil coatings;

(b) Safety-indicating coatings;

(c) Solid-film lubricants;

(d) Electric-insulating and thermal-conducting coatings;

(e) Touch-up and repair coatings; and

(f) Coating application utilizing hand-held aerosol cans.

E. Emission limitations for surface coating of flatwood paneling.This subsection applies to any flatwood paneling coating line subject to emission limitations as specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter. By January 1, 2012, the owner or operator of a flatwood paneling coating line subject to this subsection may not cause or allow the release of VOC that exceeds the following applicable emission limitations:

Category

lb VOC per gallon of material (grams VOC per liter)

lb VOC per gallon solids (grams VOC per liter solids)

1. Printed interior panels made of hardwood, plywood, or thin particleboard

2.1 (250)

2.9 (350)

2. Natural finish hardwood plywood panels

2.1(250)

2.9 (350)

3. Class II hardboard paneling finish

2.1 (250)

2.9 (350)

4. Tileboard

2.1 (250)

2.9 (350)

5. Exterior siding

2.1 (250)

2.9 (350)

F. Emission limitations for surface coating of miscellaneous metal and plastic parts and products.This subsection applies to any miscellaneous metal and plastic parts and products coating unit subject to emission limitations as specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter. This subsection does not apply to the coating of metal cans or to the coating of metal furniture which are subject to Subsections 4(A) and 4(E) of this chapter, respectively.

(1) Prior to January 1, 2016, the owner or operator of a miscellaneous metal parts and products coating unit subject to this subsection may not cause or allow the release of VOC that exceeds the following emission limitations:

Category

kg/l

lb/gal

1. Clear coating

0.52

4.3

2. Steel pail and drum interior

0.52

4.3

3. Air-dried coating

0.42

3.5

4. Extreme performance coating

0.42

3.5

5. All other coatings

0.36

3.0

(2) By January 1, 2016, the owner or operator of a miscellaneous metal or plastic parts and products coating operation, including miscellaneous metal parts and products, miscellaneous plastic parts and products, automotive/transportation and business machine plastic parts, pleasure craft and motor vehicle materials (located at a facility that is not an automobile or light-duty truck assembly coating facility), subject to this subsection shall achieve the VOC limits specified in section 4(F)(5)-(6)using one of the following control options:
(a) Control option 1: Use low-VOC content coating limits, as applied, excluding water and exempt compounds, specified in Subsection 4(F)(5)and use one or more of the application methods specified in Subsection 4(F)(3);

(b) Control option 2: Use a combination of low-VOC content coating and add-on air pollution control equipment to achieve a VOC emission rate no greater than the level specified in Subsection 4(F)(6)and use one or more of the application methods specified in Subsection 4(F)(3); or

(c) Control option 3:Install, operate and maintain according to the manufacturer's recommendations air pollution control equipment that reduces uncontrolled VOC emissions by an overall control efficiency of at least 95%.

(3) Except as provided in Subsection 4(F)(4) of this chapter, the owner or operator of a miscellaneous metal and plastic parts and products coating operation controlling VOC emissions by using control option 1 or 2 as specified in Subsections 4(F)(2)(a) and 4(F)(2)(b) of this chapter shall use one or more of the following application methods:
(a) High volume-low pressure (HVLP) spray;

(b) Electrostatic spray;

(c) Zinc-arc spray;

(d) Air-assisted airless spray;

(e) Airless spray;

(f) A flow coating technique;

(g) Dip coat, including electrode position; or

(h) Another method with a transfer efficiency equivalent to or better than that achieved by HVLP spraying.

(4) Exemptions: The requirement in Subsection 4(F)(3) of this chapter shall not apply to:
(a) A miscellaneous metal products coating operation when:
(i) Applying touch up or repair coatings;

(ii) Applying textured finishes; or

(iii) Implementing control option 3 as described in Subsection 4(F)(2)(c) of this chapter;

(b) Airbrush operations using 5 gallons or less per 12 month rolling period of coating at a miscellaneous plastic parts coating operation; or

(c) A pleasure craft surface coating operation when applying extreme high-gloss coatings.

(5) Limits for Control option 1:Use low-VOC content coating:

Table 1. Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products VOC Content Limits

Coating category

Air Dried

Baked

kg VOC/l coating

lb VOC/gal coating

kg VOC/l coating

lb VOC/gal coating

General One Component

0.34

2.8

0.28

2.3

General Multi Component

Camouflage

0.42

3.5

0.42

3.5

Electric-Insulating Varnish

Etching Filler

Extreme High-Gloss

0.36

3.0

Extreme Performance

Heat-Resistant

High Performance Architectural

0.74

6.2

0.74

6.2

High Temperature

0.42

3.5

0.42

3.5

Metallic

Military Specification

0.34

2.8

0.28

2.3

Mold-Seal

0.42

3.5

0.42

3.5

Pan Backing

Prefabricated Architectural Multi-Component

0.28

2.3

Prefabricated Architectural One-Component

Pretreatment Coatings

0.42

3.5

Repair and Touch Up

0.36

3.0

Silicone Release

0.42

3.5

Solar-Absorbent

0.36

3.0

Vacuum-Metalizing

0.42

3.5

Drum Coating, New, Exterior

0.34

2.8

0.34

2.8

Drum Coating, New, Interior

0.42

3.5

0.42

3.5

Drum Coating, Reconditioned, Exterior

Drum Coating, Reconditioned, Interior

0.50

4.2

0.50

4.2

The VOC limits for miscellaneous metal parts and products specified in the above table shall not apply to the following types of coatings and coating operations:

(a) Stencil coatings;

(b) Safety-indicating coatings;

(c) Solid-film lubricants;

(d) Electric-insulating and thermal-conducting coatings;

(e) Magnetic data storage disk coatings; and

(f) Plastic extruded onto metal parts to form a coating.

Table 2. Miscellaneous Plastic Parts and Products VOC Content Limits

Coating category

kg VOC/litercoating

lbs VOC/galcoating

General One Component

0.28

2.3

General Multi Component

0.42

3.5

Electric Dissipating Coatings and Shock-Free Coatings

0.80

6.7

Extreme Performance

0.42

(2-pack coatings)

3.5

(2-pack coatings)

Metallic

0.42

3.5

Military Specification

0.34(1 pack)

0.42(2 pack)

2.8 (1 pack)

3.5 (2 pack)

Mold-Seal

0.76

6.3

Multi-colored Coatings

0.68

5.7

Optical Coatings

0.80

6.7

Vacuum-Metalizing

The VOC limits for miscellaneous plastic parts and products specified in the above table shall not apply to the following types of coatings and coating operations:

(a) Touch-up and repair coatings;

(b) Stencil coatings applied on clear or translucent substrates;

(c) Clear or translucent coatings;

(d) Coatings applied at a paint manufacturing facility while conducting performance tests on the coatings;

(e) Any individual coating category used in volumes less than 50 gallons in any one 12 month rolling period, if substitute compliant coatings are not available, provided that the total usage of all such coatings does not exceed 200 gallons per 12 month rolling period, per facility;

(f) Reflective coating applied to highway cones;

(g) Mask coatings that are less than 0.5 millimeter thick when dried and the area coated is less than 25 square inches;

(h) EMI/RFI shielding coatings; and

(i) Heparin-benzalkonium chloride (HBAC)-containing coatings applied to medical devices, provided that the total usage of all such coatings does not exceed 100 gallons per 12 month rolling period, per facility.

Table 3. Automotive/Transportation and Business Machine Plastic Parts VOC Content Limits

Coating category

kg VOC/liter coating

lbs VOC/gal coating

Automotive/Transportation Coatings1

1. High Bake Coatings - Interior and Exterior Parts

Flexible Primer

0.54

4.5

Non-flexible Primer

0.42

3.5

Base Coats

0.52

4.3

Clear Coat

0.48

4.0

Non-basecoat/clearcoat

0.52

4.3

2. Low Bake/Air Dried Coatings - Exterior Parts

Primers

0.58

4.8

Basecoat

0.60

5.0

Clearcoats

0.54

4.5

Non-basecoat/clearcoat

0.60

5.0

3. Low Bake/Air Dried Coatings - Interior Parts

4. Touchup and Repair Coatings

0.62

5.2

Business Machine Coatings

1. Primers

0.35

2.9

2. Topcoat

3. Texture coat

4. Fog Coat

0.26

2.2

5. Touch up and Repair coatings

0.35

2.9

1For red, yellow and black automotive coatings, except touch up and repair coatings, the limit is determined by multiplying the appropriate limit in this table by 1.15.

The VOC limits for automotive/transportation and business machine plastic parts specified in the above table shall not apply to the following types of coatings and coating operations:

(a) Texture coatings;

(b) Vacuum-metalizing coatings;

(c) Gloss reducers;

(d) Texture topcoats;

(e) Adhesion primers;

(f) Electrostatic preparation coatings;

(g) Resist coatings; and

(h) Stencil coatings.

Table 4. Pleasure Craft Surface Coating VOC Content Limits

Coating category

kg VOC/liter coating

lbs VOC/gal coating

Extreme High Gloss Topcoat

0.60

5.1

High Gloss Topcoat

0.42

3.5

Pretreatment Wash Primers

0.78

6.5

Finish Primer/Surfacer

0.42

3.5

High Build Primer Surfacer

0.34

2.8

Aluminum Substrate Antifoulant Coating

0.56

4.7

Antifouling Sealer/Tie Coating

0.42

3.5

Other Substrate Antifoulant Coating

0.40

3.3

All other pleasure craft surface coatings for metal or plastic

0.42

3.5

Table 5. Motor Vehicle Materials VOC Content Limits

Coating category

kg VOC/liter coating

lbs VOC/gal coating

Motor vehicle cavity wax

0.65

5.4

Motor vehicle sealer

Motor vehicle deadener

Motor vehicle gasket/gasket sealing material

0.20

1.7

Motor vehicle underbody coating

0.65

5.4

Motor vehicle trunk interior coating

0.65

5.4

Motor vehicle bedliner

0.20

1.7

Motor vehicle lubricating wax/compound

0.70

5.8

(6) Limits for Control option 2: Use a combination of low-VOC content coating and add-on air pollution control equipment:

Table 1. Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products VOC Emission Rate Limits

(VOC per Volume Solids)

Coating category

Air Dried

Baked

kg VOC/l solids

lb VOC/gal solids

kg VOC/l solids

lb VOC/gal solids

General One Component

0.54

4.52

0.40

3.35

General Multi Component

Camouflage

0.80

6.67

0.80

6.67

Electric-Insulating Varnish

Etching Filler

Extreme High-Gloss

0.61

5.06

Extreme Performance

Heat-Resistant

High Performance Architectural

4.56

38.0

4.56

38.0

High Temperature

0.80

6.67

0.80

6.67

Metallic

Military Specification

0.54

4.52

0.40

3.35

Mold-Seal

0.80

6.67

0.80

6.67

Pan Backing

Prefabricated Architectural Multi-Component

0.40

3.35

Prefabricated Architectural One-Component

0.80

6.67

0.40

3.35

Pretreatment Coatings

0.80

6.67

Silicone Release

Solar-Absorbent

0.61

5.06

Vacuum-Metalizing

0.80

6.67

Drum Coating, New, Exterior

0.54

4.52

0.54

4.52

Drum Coating, New, Interior

0.80

6.67

0.80

6.67

Drum Coating, Reconditioned, Exterior

Drum Coating, Reconditioned, Interior

1.17

9.78

1.17

9.78

The VOC limits for miscellaneous metal parts and products specified in the above shall not apply to the following types of coatings and coating operations:

(a) Stencil coatings;

(b) Safety-indicating coatings;

(c) Solid-film lubricants;

(d) Electric-insulating and thermal-conducting coatings;

(e) Magnetic data storage disk coatings; and

(f) Plastic extruded onto metal parts to form a coating.

Table 2. Miscellaneous Plastic Parts and Products VOC Emission Rate Limits

(VOC per Volume Solids)

Coating category

kg VOC/liter solids

lbs VOC/gal solids

General One Component

0.40

3.35

General Multi Component

0.80

6.67

Electric Dissipating Coatings and Shock-Free Coatings

8.96

74.7

Extreme Performance

0.80

(2-pack coatings)

6.67

(2-pack coatings)

Metallic

0.80

6.67

Military Specification

0.54(1 pack)

0.80(2 pack)

4.52 (1 pack)

6.67 (2 pack)

Mold-Seal

5.24

43.7

Multi-colored Coatings

3.04

25.3

Optical Coatings

8.96

74.7

Vacuum-Metalizing

The VOC limits for miscellaneous plastic parts and products specified in the above table shall not apply to the following types of coatings and coating operations:

(a) Touch-up and repair coatings;

(b) Stencil coatings applied on clear or translucent substrates;

(c) Clear or translucent coatings;

(d) Coatings applied at a paint manufacturing facility while conducting performance tests on the coatings;

(e) Any individual coating category used in volumes less than 50 gallons in any one 12-month rolling period, if substitute compliant coatings are not available, provided that the total usage of all such coatings does not exceed 200 gallons per rolling period, per facility;

(f) Reflective coating applied to highway cones;

(g) Mask coatings that are less than 0.5 millimeter thick when dried and the area coated is less than 25 square inches;

(h) EMI/RFI shielding coatings; and

(i) Heparin-benzalkonium chloride (HBAC)-containing coatings applied to medical devices, provided that the total usage of all such coatings does not exceed 100 gallons per 12 month rolling period, per facility.

Table 3. Automotive/Transportation and Business Machine Plastic Parts VOC Emission Rate Limits (VOC per Volume Solids)

Coating category

kg VOC/liter solids

lbs VOC/gal solids

Automotive/Transportation Coatings1

1. High Bake Coatings - Interior and Exterior Parts

Flexible Primer

1.39

11.58

Non-flexible Primer

0.80

6.67

Base Coats

1.24

10.34

Clear Coat

1.05

8.76

Non-basecoat/clear coat

1.24

10.34

2. Low Bake/Air Dried Coatings - Exterior Parts

Primers

1.66

13.80

Basecoat

1.87

15.59

Clearcoats

1.39

11.58

Non-basecoat/clearcoat

1.87

15.59

3. Low Bake/Air Dried Coatings - Interior Parts

4. Touch up and Repair Coatings

2.13

17.72

Business Machine Coatings

1. Primers

0.57

4.80

2. Topcoat

3. Texture coat

4. Fog Coat

0.38

3.14

5. Touch up and Repair coatings

0.57

4.80

1For red, yellow and black automotive coatings, except touch up and repair coatings, the limit is determined by multiplying the appropriate limit in this table by 1.15.

The VOC limits for automotive/transportation and business machine plastic parts specified in the above table shall not apply to the following types of coatings and coating operations:

(a) Texture coatings;

(b) Vacuum-metalizing coatings;

(c) Gloss reducers;

(d) Texture topcoats;

(e) Adhesion primers;

(f) Electrostatic preparation coatings;

(g) Resist coatings; and

(h) Stencil coatings.

Table 4. Pleasure Craft Surface Coating VOC Emission Rate Limits (VOC per Volume Solids)

Coating category

kg VOC/liter solids

lbs VOC/gal solids

Extreme High Gloss Topcoat

1.10

9.2

High Gloss Topcoat

0.80

6.7

Pretreatment Wash Primers

6.67

55.6

Finish Primer/Surfacer

0.80

6.7

High Build Primer Surfacer

0.55

4.6

Aluminum Substrate Antifoulant Coating

1.53

12.8

Antifouling sealer or tie coat

0.80

6.7

Other Substrate Antifoulant Coating

0.53

4.4

All other pleasure craft surface coatings for metal or plastic

0.80

6.7

G. Notwithstanding the requirements of this Subsection, an owner or operator may use in the aggregate, up to 50 gallons of coatings that exceed the emissions limitations set forth in Subsections 4(A) through 4(F) of this chapter, for any twelve (12) consecutive months, provided such owner or operator maintains records of such coatings in accordance with Subsection 7(B)(2) of this chapter.

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