UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

REGION IX AIR DIVISION

Technical Support Document

For

EPA’s Notice of Direct Final Rulemaking

For the

California State Implementation Plan

South Coast Air Quality Management District

Rule 1140 - Abrasive Blasting

Christine Vineyard

August 22, 2014
Agency: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)

Rule 1140: Abrasive Blasting

SIP-approved version: September 28, 1981

Amended by SCAQMD: August 2, 1985

Submitted by CARB: November 12, 1985

EPA Completeness: May 12, 1986

Rule Summary

The purpose of this rule is to limit emissions of particulate matter (PM) from abrasive blasting 

activities and set standards for the abrasives that may be used in different blasting operations. 

Among other things the rule requires a visible emission evaluation to determine the impact of 

abrasive blasting operations on visibility. 

 

Rule Changes

The following changes were made to Rule 1140:

(a) Definitions- added definitions for brush-off blasting, facility and steel or iron shot/grit to 

improve the clarity of the rule.

(b) Operating Requirements – specifications were added for confined abrasive blasting and 

abrasive blasting of stucco and concrete operations.

(c) Requirements for Abrasives – a requirement was added to stipulate that a blend of 

certified abrasives shall be considered certified.

(d) Test Methods – detailed protocols were added for the evaluation of visible emissions. 

Rule Evaluation

a. Rule Stringency – Abrasive blasting results in emissions of particulate matter of ten 

microns or less (PM10) and particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5). In PM2.5 and 

PM10 nonattainment areas classified as moderate, the SIP must include Reasonably 

Available Control Measures (RACM) (see Clean Air Act (CAA) section 189(a)(1)). The 

SCAQMD regulates a PM2.5 nonattainment area classified as moderate (see 40 CFR 

81.305), so the RACM requirement applies to this area. Rule 1140 largely implements 

reasonably available controls requirements because its requirements are substantively 

similar to the California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Subchapter 6 – Abrasive Blasting

provisions, which have been adopted by most California Air Districts and help define 

RACM for this activity. EPA will act on the State’s RACM demonstrations separately 

based on an evaluation of the control measures submitted as a whole and their overall 

potential to advance the applicable attainment dates for PM2.5.
b. Enforceability – CAA § 110 (a) (2) (A) requires that regulations submitted to EPA for SIP 

approval must be clear and legally enforceable. Rule 1140’s requirements for 

submission of data on dust collection systems, suppression systems and certification are 

clear and enforceable.

c. Anti-Backsliding – CAA § 110 (l) prohibits EPA from approving any SIP revision that would 

interfere with any applicable requirements concerning attainment and reasonable 

further progress (RFP) or any other applicable requirement of the CAA. In addition CAA § 

193 prohibits relaxing existing requirements in some circumstances. The submitted rule 

1140 strengthens the SIP rule by adding operating requirements for confined abrasive 

blasting and abrasive blasting of stucco and concrete operations; and a detailed protocol 

for the evaluation of visible emissions. As a result, we do not expect any negative 

impacts to SCAQMD’s ongoing efforts to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards.

d. Additional Recommendations for the next rule revision – The following revisions to the 

currently SIP-approved rule are not currently the basis for the submitted rule 

disapproval, but are recommended for the next time the rule is amended:

We recommend that SCAQMD remove the director’s discretion from the definition of 

wet abrasive blasting and the referenced test method:

(a) Definitions – (15) Wet Abrasive Blasting is any abrasive blasting using compressed 

air as the propelling force, which in the judgment of the Executive Officer uses an 

amount of water adequate to minimize the plume.

(d) Test Method - All abrasives used for dry unconfined blasting shall comply with the 

performance requirements of sections (c) (1) (A) and (c) (1) (B) when tested in 

accordance with "Method of Test for Abrasive Media Evaluation, Test Method No. Calif. 

371-A", or other test method approved by the Executive Officer.

EPA Action

The submitted rule strengthens the SIP and fulfills the relevant CAA requirements regarding 

enforceability, anti-backsliding and rule stringency. Therefore, submitted Rule 1140 should be 

given full approval.

Attachments

1. SCAQMD Rule 1140 – Abrasive Blasting, amended August 2, 1985.

2. SIP-Approved Rule 1140, Abrasive Blasting, adapted February 1, 1980.