Virginia Administrative Code

Database updated through January 6, 2011

Article 48 

Emission Standards for Mobile Equipment Repair and Refinishing Operations (Rule 4-48) 

9VAC5-40-6970. Applicability and designation of affected facility. 

A. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, the affected facility to which the provisions of 

this article apply is each mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation. Certain provisions also apply 

to each person providing or selling affected coatings. 

B. The provisions of this article apply only to sources and persons in the Northern Virginia and 

Fredericksburg Volatile Organic Compound Emissions Control Areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206. 

C. The provisions of this article do not apply under any of the following circumstances: 

1. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation is subject to Article 28 (9VAC5-40-3860 

et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (Emission Standards for Automobile and Light Duty Truck Coating 

Application Systems). 

2. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation is subject to Article 34 (9VAC5-40-4760 

et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (Emission Standards for Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products 

Coating Application Systems). 

3. The person applying the coatings does not receive compensation for the application of the 

coatings. 

4. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations uses coatings required to meet military 

specifications (MILSPEC) where no other existing coating can be used that meets the provisions of 

this article. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110 and 182 of the Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Part 51. 
Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004; amended, Virginia Register 

Volume 22, Issue 26, eff. October 4, 2006. 

9VAC5-40-6980. Definitions. 

A. For the purpose of applying this article in the context of the Regulations for the Control and 

Abatement of Air Pollution and related uses, the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in 

subsection C of this section. 

B. As used in this article, all terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5 

Chapter 10 (9VAC5-10), unless otherwise required by context. 

C. Terms defined. 

"Airless spray" means a spray coating method in which the coating is atomized by forcing it through a 

small nozzle opening at high pressure. The coating is not mixed with air before exiting from the nozzle 

opening. 

"Antique motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured more 

than 25 years prior to the current year that has been maintained in or restored to a condition that is 

substantially in conformance with manufacturer specifications. 

"Automotive elastomeric coating" means a coating designed for application over surfaces of flexible 

mobile equipment and mobile equipment components, such as elastomeric bumpers. 

"Automotive impact-resistant coating" means a coating designed to resist chipping caused by road 

debris. 

"Automotive jambing clearcoat" means a fast-drying, ready-to-spray clearcoat applied to surfaces such 

as door jambs and trunk and hood edges to allow for quick closure. 

"Automotive lacquer" means a thermoplastic coating applied directly to bare metal surfaces of mobile 

equipment and mobile equipment components that dries primarily by solvent evaporation and that is 

resoluble in its original solvent. 
"Automotive low-gloss coating" means a coating that exhibits a gloss reading less than or equal to 25 

on a 60 degree glossmeter. 

"Automotive multicolored topcoat" means a topcoat that exhibits more than one color, is packaged in a 

single container, and camouflages surface defects on areas of heavy use, such as cargo beds and other 

surfaces of trucks and other utility vehicles. 

"Automotive pretreatment" means a primer that contains a minimum of 0.5% acid, by weight, that is 

applied directly to bare metal surfaces of mobile equipment and mobile equipment components to provide 

corrosion resistance and to promote adhesion of subsequent coatings. 

"Automotive primer-sealer" means a coating applied to mobile equipment and mobile equipment 

components prior to the application of a topcoat for the purpose of providing corrosion resistance, 

promoting adhesion of subsequent coatings, promoting color uniformity, and promoting the ability of the 

undercoat to resist penetration by the topcoat. 

"Automotive primer-surfacer" means a coating applied to mobile equipment and mobile equipment 

components prior to the application of topcoat for the purpose of filling surface imperfections in the 

substrate, providing corrosion resistance, or promoting adhesion of subsequent coatings. 

"Automotive specialty coating" means coatings including, but not limited to, elastomeric coatings, 

adhesion promoters, low gloss coatings, bright metal trim repair coatings, jambing clearcoats, impact 

resistant coatings, rubberized asphaltic underbody coatings, uniform finish blenders, weld-through 

primers applied to automotive surfaces and lacquer topcoats applied to a classic motor vehicle or to an 

antique motor vehicle. 

"Automotive topcoat" means a coating or series of coatings applied over an automotive primersurfacer, automotive primer-sealer or existing finish on the surface of mobile equipment and mobile 

equipment components for the purpose of protection or beautification. 

"Automotive touch up repair" means the application of automotive topcoat finish materials to cover 

minor finishing imperfections equal to or less than one inch in diameter. 
"Classic motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured at least 

15 years prior to the current year that has been maintained in or restored to a condition that is 

substantially in conformity with manufacturer specifications and appearance. 

"Mobile equipment" means equipment that may be driven or is capable of being driven on a roadway 

including, but not limited to, automobiles; trucks, truck cabs, truck bodies and truck trailers; buses; 

motorcycles; utility bodies; camper shells; mobile cranes; bulldozers; street cleaners; golf carts; ground 

support vehicles, used in support of aircraft activities at airports; and farm equipment. 

"Mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation" means any facility that applies automotive 

pretreatment, automotive primer-surface, automotive primer-sealer, automotive topcoat, or automotive 

specialty or color matched coatings to mobile equipment or mobile equipment components. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-6990. Standard for volatile organic compounds. 

A. No owner or other person may apply to mobile equipment or mobile equipment components any 

automotive pretreatment, automotive primer-surface, automotive primer-sealer, automotive topcoat, or 

automotive specialty coatings, including any VOC-containing materials added to the original coating 

supplied by the manufacturer, that contain VOCs in excess of the limits specified in Table 4-48A. 

Table 4-48A. 

Allowable Content of VOCs in Mobile Equipment Repair and Refinishing Coatings (as applied) 

Weight of VOC per Volume of Coating (minus water and non-VOC solvents) 

Coating Type Limit

Pounds per gallon Grams per Liter

Automotive pretreatment primer 6.5 780
Automotive primer-surfacer 4.8 575

Automotive primer-sealer 4.6 550

Automotive topcoat:

Single stage-topcoat 5.0 600

2 stage basecoat/clearcoat 5.0 600

3 or 4-stage basecoat/clearcoat 5.2 625

Automotive Multi-colored Topcoat 5.7 680

Automotive specialty 7.0 840

B. A person who provides mobile equipment repair and refinishing coatings subject to this section 

shall provide documentation concerning the VOC content of the coatings calculated in accordance with 

the following: 

1. The mass of VOC per combined volume of VOC and coating solids, less water and exempt 

compounds shall be calculated by the following equation: 

VOC 

=

(Wv - Ww - Wec)

(V - Vw - Vec)

where: 

VOC = VOC content in grams per liter (g/l) of coating less water and non-VOC solvents; 

Wv = Mass of total volatiles, in grams; 

Ww = Mass of water, in grams; 

Wec = Mass of exempt compounds, in grams; 

V = Volume of coating, in liters; 

Vw = Volume of water, in liters; and 

Vec = Volume of exempt compounds, in liters. 

To convert from grams per liter to pounds per gallon (lb/gal), multiply the result (VOC content) 

by 8.345 x 10-3(lb/gal/g/l). 

2. The VOC content of a multi-stage topcoat shall be calculated by the following equation: 
where: 

VOCmulti = VOC content of multistage topcoat, g/l 

VOCbc = VOC content of basecoat, g/l 

VOCmci = VOC content of the midcoat(s), g/l 

VOCcc = VOC content of the clear coat, g/l 

M = number of midcoats 

C. A person subject to the provisions of this section shall use one or more of the following application 

techniques to apply any finish material listed in Table 4-48A: 

1. Flow/curtain coating; 

2. Dip coating; 

3. Roller coating; 

4. Brush coating; 

5. Cotton-tipped swab application; 

6. Electrodeposition coating; 

7. High volume low pressure (HVLP) spraying; 

8. Electrostatic spray; 

9. Airless spray; or 

10. Other coating application methods that achieve emission reductions equivalent to or greater 

than those achieved by HVLP or electrostatic spray application methods. 

D. The following activities are exempt from the application equipment requirements listed in 

subsections E and F of this section: 

1. The use of airbrush application methods for stenciling, lettering, and other identification 
markings; 

2. The application of coatings sold in nonrefillable aerosol containers; and 

3. The application of automotive touch-up repair finish materials. 

E. Spray guns used to apply mobile equipment repair and refinishing coatings shall be cleaned by one 

of the following: 

1. An enclosed spray gun cleaning system that is kept closed when not in use; 

2. Unatomized discharge of solvent into a paint waste container that is kept closed when not in 

use; 

3. Disassembly of the spray gun and cleaning in a vat that is kept closed when not in use; or 

4. Atomized spray into a paint waste container that is fitted with a device designed to capture 

atomized solvent emissions. 

F. The owner of a facility subject to the provisions of this article shall implement the following 

housekeeping and pollution prevention and training measures: 

1. Fresh and used coatings, solvent, and cleaning solvents, shall be stored in nonabsorbent, 

nonleaking containers. The containers shall be kept closed at all times except when filling or 

emptying; 

2. Cloth and paper, or other absorbent applicators, moistened with coatings, solvents, or cleaning 

solvents, shall be stored in closed, nonabsorbent, nonleaking containers; 

3. Handling and transfer procedures shall minimize spills during the transfer of coatings, solvents, 

and cleaning solvents; and 

4. Ensure that a person who applies mobile equipment repair and refinishing coatings has 

completed training approved by the manufacturer of the coatings in the proper use and handling of 

the mobile equipment repair and refinishing coatings, solvents and waste products in order to 

minimize the emission of air contaminants and to comply with this section. 

Statutory Authority 
§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004; Errata, 20:18 VA.R. 2027 May 

17, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7000. Standard for visible emissions. 

The provisions of Article 1 (9VAC5-40-60 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (Emission Standards for 

Visible Emissions and Fugitive Dust/Emissions, Rule 4-1) do not apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7010. Standard for fugitive dust/emissions. 

The provisions of Article 1 (9VAC5-40-60 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (Emission Standards for 

Visible Emissions and Fugitive Dust/Emissions, Rule 4-1) apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7020. Standard for odor. 

The provisions of Article 2 (9VAC5-40-130 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (Emission Standards for 

Odor, Rule 4-2) apply. 
Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7030. Standard for toxic pollutants. 

The provisions of Article 4 (9VAC5-60-200 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 (Emission Standards for 

Toxic Pollutants from Existing Sources, Rule 6-4) apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7040. Compliance. 

The provisions of subsections B, D, F, and J of 9VAC5-40-20 (Compliance) apply. The other 

provisions of 9VAC5-40-20 do not apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7050. Compliance schedule. 

Affected persons and facilities shall comply with the provisions of this article as expeditiously as 

possible but in no case later than: 
1. January 1, 2005, in the Northern Virginia VOC Emissions Control Area; or 

2. January 1, 2008, in the Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Area. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110 and 182 of the Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Part 51. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004; amended, Virginia Register 

Volume 22, Issue 26, eff. October 4, 2006. 

9VAC5-40-7060. Test methods and procedures. 

The provisions of 9VAC5-40-30 (Emission testing) apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7070. Monitoring. 

The provisions of 9VAC5-40-40 (Monitoring) apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7080. Notification, records and reporting. 

The provisions of 9VAC5-40-50 (Notification, records and reporting) apply. 

Statutory Authority 
§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7090. Registration. 

The provisions of 9VAC5-20-160 (Registration) apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7100. Facility and control equipment maintenance or malfunction. 

The provisions of 9VAC5-20-180 (Facility and control equipment maintenance or malfunction) apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004. 

9VAC5-40-7110. Permits. 

A permit may be required prior to beginning any of the activities specified below if the provisions of 

9VAC5 Chapter 50 (9VAC5-50) and 9VAC5 Chapter 80 (9VAC5-80) apply. Owners contemplating such 

action should review those provisions and contact the appropriate regional office for guidance on whether 

those provisions apply. 

1. Construction of a facility. 
2. Reconstruction (replacement of more than half) of a facility. 

3. Modification (any physical change to equipment) of a facility. 

4. Relocation of a facility. 

5. Reactivation (restart-up) of a facility. 

6. Operation of a facility. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 111, 123, 129, 171, 172 and 182 of the Clean Air Act, 40 

CFR Parts 51 and 60. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. March 24, 2004.