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EPA Issues Final Air Emissions Rule for Aluminum, Copper and Other Nonferrous Metalcasting Area Sources

Released June 23, 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final regulation to reduce hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from aluminum, copper and other nonferrous metalcasting area sources. Area sources are those facilities that emit small amounts of HAPs. The final rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on June 25.

Throughout the rulemaking process, the AFS, in conjunction with the Non-ferrous Founders’ Society, Park Ridge. Ill., have worked closely with EPA officials and provided technical information regarding the operation of aluminum, copper and other nonferrous metalcasting facilities. Under the final rule, facilities that melt less than 600 tons of aluminum, copper and other nonferrous metal annually are not subject to the rule. All aluminum, copper and other nonferrous metalcasting area sources subject to the rule must implement management practices to reduce HAP emissions and prepare a written management plan. In addition, copper and other nonferrous facilities that 6,000 tons or more of copper and other nonferrous metal annually must also comply with a new emission limit for particulate matter.

Because aluminum, copper and other nonferrous metalcasting facilities are generally well controlled and have significantly reduced HAP emissions from 1990 levels, EPA does not anticipate any additional reductions of HAP emissions from the final rule. The rule is designed to continue the environmental progress already achieved by these facilities. A copy of the final rule and an EPA Fact Sheet is available on the AFS website at www.afsinc.org/2009nonferrousareasource.

For more information, contact Fred Kohloff, AFS director of environmental, health & safety, at 800/537-4237 x 230 or fhk@afsinc.org.