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The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code changes effective through 54 Pa.B. 488 (January 27, 2024).

25 Pa. Code § 129.52. Surface coating processes.

§ 129.52. Surface coating processes.

 (a)  This section applies as follows to the owner and operator of a:

   (1)  Surface coating process category listed in Table I, categories 1—11, regardless of the size of the facility, which emits or has emitted VOCs into the outdoor atmosphere in quantities greater than 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) per hour, 15 pounds (7 kilograms) per day or 2.7 tons (2,455 kilograms) per year during any calendar year since January 1, 1987.

   (2)  Shipbuilding or ship repair facility that has a surface coating operation that uses or applies more than 264 gallons of one or a combination of coatings listed in Table I, category 12, beginning January 21, 2023.

 (b)  A person may not cause or permit the emission into the outdoor atmosphere of VOCs from a surface coating process category listed in Table I, unless one of the following limitations is met:

   (1)  The VOC content of each as applied coating is equal to or less than the standard specified in Table I.

     (i)   The VOC content of the as applied coating, expressed in units of weight of VOC per volume of coating solids, shall be calculated as follows:

VOC = (Wo)(Dc)/Vn

   Where:

 VOC = VOC content in lb VOC/gal of coating solids

 Wo = Weight percent of VOC (Wv-Ww-Wex)

 Wv = Weight percent of total volatiles (100%-weight percent solids)

 Ww = Weight percent of water

 Wex = Weight percent of exempt solvent(s)

 Dc = Density of coating, lb/gal, at 25°C

 Vn = Volume percent of solids of the as applied coating

     (ii)   The VOC content of a dip coating, expressed in units of weight of VOC per volume of coating solids, shall be calculated on a 30-day rolling average basis using the following equation:

Web Only Graphic

   Where:

 VOCA = VOC content in lb VOC/gal of coating solids for a dip coating, calculated on a 30-day rolling average basis

 

   Woi = Percent VOC by weight of each as supplied coating (i) added to the dip coating process, expressed as a decimal fraction (that is 55% = 0.55)

 Dci = Density of each as supplied coating (i) added to the dip coating process, in pounds per gallon

 Qi = Quantity of each as supplied coating (i) added to the dip coating process, in gallons

 Vni = Percent solids by volume of each as supplied coating (i) added to the dip coating process, expressed as a decimal fraction

 WoJ = Percent VOC by weight of each thinner (J) added to the dip coating process, expressed as a decimal fraction

 DdJ = Density of each thinner (J) added to the dip coating process, in pounds per gallon

 QJ = Quantity of each thinner (J) added to the dip coating process, in gallons

     (iii)   The VOC content of the as applied coating, expressed in units of weight of VOC per weight of coating solids, shall be calculated as follows:

VOCB = (Wo)/(Wn)

   Where:

 VOCB = VOC content in lb VOC/lb of coating solids

 Wo = Weight percent of VOC (Wv-Ww-Wex)

 Wv = Weight percent of total volatiles (100%-weight percent solids)

 Ww = Weight percent of water

 Wex = Weight percent of exempt solvents

 Wn = Weight percent of solids of the as applied coating

     (iv)   Sampling and testing shall be done in accordance with the procedures and test methods specified in Chapter 139 (relating to sampling and testing).

   (2)  The overall weight of VOCs emitted to the atmosphere is reduced through the use of vapor recovery or incineration or another method which is acceptable under §  129.51(a) (relating to general). The overall efficiency of a control system, as determined by the test methods and procedures specified in Chapter 139 shall be no less than the equivalent overall efficiency calculated by the following equation:

O = (1 - E/V) x 100

   Where:

 V = The VOC content of the as applied coating, in lb VOC/gal of coating solids or lb VOC/lb of coating solids.

 E = Table I limit in lb VOC/gal of coating solids or lb VOC/lb of coating solids.

 O = Overall control efficiency.

 (c)  The owner or operator of a facility, regardless of the facility’s annual emission rate, which contains surface coating processes shall maintain records sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this section. At a minimum, a facility shall maintain daily records of:

   (1)  The following parameters for each coating, thinner and other component as supplied:

     (i)   The coating, thinner or component name and identification number.

     (ii)   The volume used.

     (iii)   The mix ratio.

     (iv)   The density or specific gravity.

     (v)   The weight percent of total volatiles, water, solids and exempt solvents.

     (vi)   The volume percent of solids for Table I surface coating process categories 1—10.

     (vii)   The volume percent of solids for a Table I surface coating process category 12 coating whose VOC content is expressed in units of weight of VOC per volume of coating solids.

   (2)  The VOC content of each coating, thinner and other component as supplied.

   (3)  The VOC content of each as applied coating.

 (d)  The solvents methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane) and methylene chloride are exempt from control under this section and §  129.67 (relating to graphic arts systems). A surface coating process which seeks to comply with this section through the use of an exempt solvent may not be included in any alternative standards.

 (e)  If more than one emission limitation under miscellaneous metal parts and products applies to a specific coating, the least stringent emission limitation applies.

 (f)  A person may not cause or permit the emission into the outdoor atmosphere of VOCs from the application of wood furniture coatings unless the coatings are applied using electrostatic, airless, curtain coating, roller coating, hand roller, hand brush, flow coating, dip coating or high volume-low pressure application equipment. Air atomized sprays may be used to apply cosmetic specialty coatings if the volume of the cosmetic specialty coatings is less than 5% by volume of the total coating used at the facility or to apply final repair coatings.

 (g)  The records shall be maintained onsite for 2 years, unless a longer period is required by an order, plan approval or operating permit issued under Chapter 127 (relating to construction, modification, reactivation and operation of sources). The records shall be submitted to the Department in an acceptable format on a schedule reasonably prescribed by the Department.

 (h)  The VOC standards in Table I do not apply to a coating used exclusively for determining product quality and commercial acceptance, touch-up and repair and other small quantity coatings if the coating meets the following criteria:

   (1)  The quantity of coating used does not exceed 50 gallons per year for a single coating and a total of 200 gallons per year for all coatings combined for the facility.

   (2)  The owner or operator of the facility requests, in writing, and the Department approves, in writing, the exemption prior to use of the coating.

 (i)  Beginning January 1, 2011, the requirements and limits for metal furniture coatings and large appliance coatings in this section are superseded by the requirements and limits in §  129.52a (relating to control of VOC emissions from large appliance and metal furniture surface coating processes).

 (j)  Beginning January 1, 2012, the requirements and limits for paper coatings in this section are superseded by the requirements and limits in §  129.52b (relating to control of VOC emissions from paper, film and foil surface coating processes).

 (k)  Section 129.52d(a)(5)(i) (relating to control of VOC emissions from miscellaneous metal parts surface coating processes, miscellaneous plastic parts surface coating processes and pleasure craft surface coatings) applies to surface coating processes regulated under Table I, Category 10, miscellaneous metal parts and products. Aerosol coatings must meet the requirements of 40 CFR Part 59, Subpart E (relating to National volatile organic compound emission standards for aerosol coatings).

Table I
Emission Limits of VOCs in Surface Coatings by Process Category
Weight of VOC per Volume of Coating Solids



Surface Coating Process Category lbs VOC per
gal coating
solids
kg VOC per
liter coating
solids
1. Can coating
 (a) sheet basecoat 4.62 0.55
 (b) can exterior 4.62 0.55
 (c) interior body spray 10.05  1.20
 (d) two piece can end exterior 10.05  1.20
 (e) side-seam spray 21.92  2.63
 (f) end sealing compound 7.32 0.88
2. Coil coating 4.02 0.48
3. Fabric coating 4.84 0.58
4. Vinyl coating 7.69 0.92
5. Paper coating 4.84 0.58
6. Automobile and light duty truck coating
 (a) prime coat 2.60 0.31
 (b) top coat 4.62 0.55
 (c) repair 14.14  1.69
7. Metal furniture coating 5.06 0.61
8. Magnet wire coating 2.16 0.26
9. Large appliance coating 4.62 0.55
 Categories 1—9 were adopted on April 17, 1979
10. Miscellaneous metal parts & products
 (a) top coats for locomotives and heavy-duty trucks 6.67 0.80
 (b) hopper car and tank car interiors 6.67 0.80
 (c) pail and drum interiors 10.34  1.24
 (d) clear coatings 10.34  1.24
 (e) air-dried coatings 6.67 0.80
 (f) extreme performance coatings 6.67 0.80
 (g) all other coatings 5.06 0.61
 Category 10 was adopted on April 21, 1981

Weight of VOC per Weight of Coating Solids



lbs VOC
per lb
coating
solids
kg VOC
per kg
coating
solids
11. Wood furniture manufacturing operations
 (a) Topcoats and enamels 3.0 3.0
 (b) Washcoat 14.3  14.3 
 (c) Final repair coat 3.3 3.3
 (d) Basecoats 2.2 2.2
 (e) Cosmetic specialty coatings 14.3  14.3 
 (f) Sealers 3.9 3.9
 Category 11 was adopted on May 7, 1988
12. Shipbuilding and ship repair coatings

Weight of VOC per Volume of Coating Less Water and Exempt Compoundsa b



lbs VOC per gallon
coating less water and
exempt compounds
grams VOC
per liter
coating less water and
exempt compounds
(i) General use, including coal tar epoxy coatings 2.83 340
(ii) Specialty coating
 (a) Air flask 2.83340
 (b) Antenna 4.42 530
 (c) Antifoulant3.33 400
 (d) Heat resistant 3.50 420
 (e) High-gloss 3.50420
 (f) High-temperature4.17500
 (g) Inorganic zinc high build primer2.83340
 (h) Military exterior2.83340
 (i) Mist5.08610
 (j) Navigational aids4.58550
 (k) Nonskid2.83340
 (l) Nuclear3.50420
 (m) Organic zinc3.00360
 (n) Pretreatment wash primer6.50780
 (o) Repair and maintenance of thermoplastic coating of commercial vessels4.58550
 (p) Rubber camouflage2.83340
 (q) Sealant for thermal spray aluminum5.08610
 (r) Special marking4.08490
 (s) Specialty interior2.83340
 (t) Tack5.08610
 (u) Undersea weapons systems2.83340
 (v) Weld-through preconstruction primer 5.42650

   

   Weight of VOC per Volume of Coating Solidsc

At temperature less than
4.5°C (40°F)d
At temperature equal to
or greater than 4.5°C
(40°F)
lbs VOC
per gallon
coating solids
grams VOC
per liter
coating solids
lbs VOC
per gallon
coating solids
grams VOC
per liter
coating solids
(i) General use, including coal tar epoxy coatings 6.07  728  4.76  571
(ii) Specialty coating
 (a) Air flask 6.07  728 4.76  571
 (b) Antenna 12.01 1,43912.011,439
 (c) Antifoulant8.10  971  6.38  765
 (d) Heat resistant 8.921,069  7.02  841
 (e) High-gloss 8.921,069 7.02  841
 (f) High-temperature13.33 1,59710.321,237
 (g) Inorganic zinc high build primer6.07  728 4.76  571
 (h) Military exterior6.07  728 4.76  571
 (i) Mist18.64 2,23518.642,235
 (j) Navigational aids13.33 1,59713.331,597
 (k) Nonskid6.07  728 4.76  571
 (l) Nuclear8.921,069 7.02  841
 (m) Organic zinc6.69  802 5.26  630
 (n) Pretreatment wash primer92.58 11,095 92.5811,095 
 (o) Repair and maintenance of thermoplastic coating of commercial vessels13.33 1,59713.321,597
 (p) Rubber camouflage 6.07  728 4.76  571
 (q) Sealant for thermal spray aluminum18.652,23518.652,235
 (r) Special marking 9.831,178 9.831,178
 (s) Specialty interior 6.07  728 4.76  571
 (t) Tack18.652,23518.652,235
 (u) Undersea weapons systems 6.07  728 4.76  571
 (v) Weld-through preconstruction primer 24.072,88524.072,885

 a The limits are expressed in two sets of equivalent units: pounds (lbs) per gallon and grams per liter. Either set of limits may be used to demonstrate compliance.

 b To convert from grams per liter to pounds (lbs) per gallon, multiply the limit by (3.785 liter/gallon) (1/453.6 pound/gram) or 1/120. For compliance purposes, metric units define the standards.

 c VOC limits expressed in units of mass of VOC per volume of solids were derived from the VOC limits expressed in units of mass of VOC per volume of coating less water and exempt compounds by assuming the coating contains no water or exempt compounds and that the volumes of all components within the coating are additive.

 

   d These limits apply during cold weather time periods, that is, temperatures below 4.5°C (40°F). Cold weather allowances are not given to coatings in categories that allow less than 40% solids (nonvolatiles) content by volume. These coatings are subject to the single limit regardless of weather conditions and temperatures.

 Category 12 was adopted on January 21, 2023.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  129.52 issued under section 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. §  510-20); and issued and amended under section 5 of the Air Pollution Control Act (35 P.S. §  4005).

Source

   The provisions of this §  129.52 adopted April 27, 1979, effective August 1, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1447; corrected May 11, 1979, effective August 1, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1534; amended September 26, 1980, effective September 27, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 3788; amended June 19, 1981, effective June 20, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 2118; amended May 6, 1988, effective May 7, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 2098; amended August 2, 1991, effective August 3, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 3406; amended May 22, 1992, effective May 23, 1992, 22 Pa. B. 2720; amended January 14, 1994, effective January 15, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 443; corrected May 12, 1995, effective May 7, 1994, 25 Pa.B. 1858; amended June 9, 2000, effective June 10, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 2995; amended September 10, 2010, effective September 11, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 5132; amended November 19, 2010, effective November 20, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 6646; amended October 21, 2016, effective October 22, 2016, 46 Pa.B. 6758; amended January 20, 2023, effective January 21, 2023, 53 Pa.B. 465. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (393457) to (393458) and (384131) to (384134).

Cross References

   This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §  121.1 (relating to definitions); 25 Pa. Code §  129.51 (relating to general); 25 Pa. Code §  129.52a (relating to control of VOC emissions from large appliance and metal furniture surface coating processes); 25 Pa. Code §  129.52b (relating to control of VOC emissions from paper, film and foil surface coating processes); 25 Pa. Code §  129.52d (relating to control of VOC emissions from miscellaneous metal parts surface coating processes, miscellaneous plastic parts surface coating processes and pleasure craft surface coatings); 25 Pa. Code §  129.54 (relating to seasonal operation of auxiliary incineration equipment); 25 Pa. Code §  129.66 (relating to compliance schedules and final compliance dates); 25 Pa. Code §  129.67 (relating to graphic arts systems); 25 Pa. Code §  129.73 (relating to aerospace manufacturing and rework); 25 Pa. Code §  129.75 (relating to mobile equipment repair and refinishing); 25 Pa. Code §  129.91 (relating to control of major sources of NOx and VOCs); 25 Pa. Code §  129.96 (relating to applicability); 25 Pa. Code §  129.101 (relating to general provisions and applicability); and 25 Pa. Code §  129.111 (relating to applicability).



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