MD aims for tougher paint shop rules
Maryland environmental regulators are proposing tougher paint shop rules aimed at lowering volatile organic compound emissions. The new rules, which would become effective July 1, 2013, would apply to paint shops across the state, including those owned and operated by franchised dealers.
The new standards set forth the type of equipment that must be used; work practice standards; operator training requirements; compliance and record keeping rules; and labeling and product dating requirements.
The new rules are tougher than existing federal standards, which Marylands secretary of the environment estimates will lower emissions by 65% compared to current standards.
It is further argued that the cost to comply with the new regulations should be minimal, estimating that the compliance cost would average $2,320 per facility with an average annualized compliance cost of $1,022 per facility.
The Department of the Environment will hold a public hearing on the rules on Jan.11, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the departments conference room, located at 1800 Washington Blvd, Baltimore. Comments may also be sent to Deborah Rabin, regulations coordinator at drabin@mde.state.md.us., and must be received by Jan. 11, 2012.
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