Handbook of Solvents - George Wypych - ChemTech - Ventech!

1286 Carlos M. Nu�ez
i.e., entire facilities or major modifications to existing facilities. Requirements depend on
whether the facility is in a non-attainment area or is in a prevention of significant deterioration
(PSD) area. Major sources for these areas must obtain a permit before any construction
or modification is started. CAA defines a major VOC source as one that emits 9.1 Mg/year
in an area classified as severe. 26
Facilities in PSD areas are required to apply Best Available Control Technology
(BACT) which takes into account economic impact. BACT is analyzed by regulators and
applied to facilities on a case by case basis. BACT determination must result in emissions
reduction as stringent as the federal New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) rule.
Facilities located in non-attainment areas or that are increasing emissions in such areas
must apply for a state permit prior to starting construction. The permit must codify that they
are applying Lowest Achievable Emissions Rate (LAER). LAER is also established on a
case by case basis. They also need to obtain equivalent offsetting emissions reductions (Offsets)
from existing sources within the non-attainment area. Unlike BACT, a LAER determination
does not consider economic, energy, or other cross-media impacts.
Information about emission control technology, work practices, and reformulations
that have been determined to be BACT and LAER for various types of sources is made
available to the states through a central database called the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse.
Most organic solvents in this book are classified as VOCs and are found in commercial
and consumer products such as paints, coatings, containers, and packaging (see Table 19.2
for a list of these VOC solvents and exempt solvents). They contribute to the formation of
ozone and are regulated under this Title, Section 183(e). 9 Fuels and fuel additives are not the
focus of Section 183(e). VOCs, nitrogen oxides, and oxygen undergo a photochemical reaction
in the presence of sunlight resulting in the formation of tropospheric or ground level
ozone, the primary component of smog. Heat also increases the reaction rates of these reactions.
The contribution of some solvents to photochemical reaction may be considered negligible.
As a result, some VOC solvents may be reclassified as exempt solvents; e.g.,
acetone. This reclassification begins with industry submitting a petition to EPA for a solvent
or solvents to be reclassified as exempt. As of December 3, 1999, EPA had a list of 18
compounds for which petitions requesting VOC exempt status (see Table 19.5) had been received.
27
Table 19.5. List of VOCs with requested VOC exempt status
Compound
Submitting Proposed
date
Organization Date
Chlorobromomethane ICF Kaiser 11/10/95
Bromopropane
Enviro Tech International 05/10/96
Albemarle Corp. 11/18/97
Methyl bromide Chemical Manufacturers Association 07/19/96
n-Alkanes (C 12 -C 18) The Aluminum Association 11/27/96
Technical white oils
The Printing Industries of America 12/20/96
Penzoil Products Company 12/20/96