Solvent Metal Degreasing 

310 CMR 7.00 

310 CMR 7.18 

Promulgation Date: March 6, 2009 

Background Information and Technical Support Document 

Notice of Public Hearing 

Hearing officer's certi.fication 

No comments received 

Final regulations as published by the Secretary of State. 

Redline/strikethrough version showing revisions to the regulation as previously 

approved for inclusion in the SIP. 

.( 

DEVALL. PATRICK 

Governor 

TIMOTHY P. MURRAY 

Lieutenant Gove rnor 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

ONE WINTER STREET. BOSTO N, MA 02108 6 17-2 92-5500 

Background Information And Technical Support Document 

For Proposed Amendments To 

310 CMR 7.00 et seq. 

310 CMR 7.18 

Volatile and Halogenated Organic Compounds 

Solvent Metal Degreasing 

Regulatory Authority: 

M.G.L Chapter 111 , §§ 142A through 142N 

October 17, 2008 

IAN A. BOWLES 

Secretary 

LAURIE BURT 

Commissioner 

This information is available in alternate format. Call Donald M. Gomes, ADA Coordinator at617-SS6-l057. TOO# l-866-539-7622 or l-617-574-6868. 

MassDEP on the World Wide Web: http://www.mass.gov/dep 

0 Printed on Recycled Paper 
2 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

I. Introduction:------- --------------------- - - 3 

II. Background 3 

A. Ozone and Ozone Precursors 3 

B. Massachusetts Ozone Non-Attainment Status 3 

C. Existing Regulations 4 

D. Ozone Transport Commission Model Rule 4 

Ill. Summary of the Proposed Regulations 5 

IV. Emission Reductions 5 

V. Economic Impacts 6 

VI. Impact on Other MassDEP Programs 6 

A Air T oxics 6 

B. Toxics Use Reduc;tion 7 

VII. Agricultural lmpacts 7 

VIII. Impact on Massachusetts Municipalities 7 

IX. · Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) 7 

X. Public Hearing and Comment 7 
I. INTRODUCTION 

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) proposes to amend its 

regulations for Volatile and Halogenated Organic Compounds, 310 CMR 7.18 (hereinafter referred to as 

the "proposed amendments") to further reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from 

solvent metal degreasing operations. These proposed amendments are part of Massachusetts' strategy 

to reduce ground-level ozone in order to meet the national 8-hour ozone air quality standard, for which 

Massachusetts is currently in nonattainment. This document provides background information on the 

proposed amendments. 

3 

Solvent metal degreasing operations emit a significant amount of VOCs. VOCs contribute to the 

formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, which adversely affects public health and damages forests and 

vegetation. Many VOCs also are toxic and, at sufficient concentrations and exposure, are known to 

cause cancer or other serious health effects (such as reproductive effects or birth defects) and adverse 

environmental effects. 

Reducing VOC emissions from solvent metal degreasing operations will substantially benefit public health 

and the environment by reducing ground-level ozone and reducing worker exposure to toxic chemic~ . · · 

To achieve this public health and environmental benefit, the proposed amendments lower the permissible 

vapor pressure of solvents used in cold degreasing operations. The proposed amendments are based on 

similar control measures that several other New England states already have adopted. 

II. BACKGROUND 

A. Ozone and Ozone Precursors 

Ground-level ozone is a photochemical oxidant that can cause lung dysfunction and eye, nose and throat 

irritation. Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) 

in the presence of sunlight and heat. Unhealthy concentrations of ozone occur most frequently during hot 

summer months. 

Ozone irritates the respiratory system and may cause coughing and shortness of breath. It also can 

exacerbate respiratory illness and reduce resistance to infection. Ozone is of particular concern for 

children, people with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, and people exercising and working 

outdoors for prolonged periods of time. Ozone also damages forests and other vegetation. agricultural 

crops, and natural and synthetic materials. 

B.' Massachusetts Ozone Non-Attainment Status 

Pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has 

established health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six criteria pollutants: 

ozone; nitrogen dioxide; particulate matter; carbon monoxide; sulfur dioxide; and lead. Massachusetts is in 

attainment with all of the NAAQS except the 1997 8-hour ozone standard1

. Massachusetts has two ozone 

non-attainment areas. The western Massachusetts non-attainment area encompasses Hampden, 

Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties. The eastern Massachusetts non-attainment area 

encompasses the remainder of the state. Both areas were classified as moderate non-attainment areas 

under the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. Due to transport. emissions in Massachusetts also contribute to 

violations of the 8-hour standard in southern New Hampshire and Maine. 

Massachusetts submitted to EPA a State Implementation Plan (SIP) that demonstrates how it will attain 

the 1997 8-hour ozone standard statewide by 2010. The proposed amendments are part of MassDEP's 

1 EPA promulgated the 8-hour ozone standard in 1997to update the previous 1-hour ozone standard, which EPA revoked in 2005. 

In March 2008 EPA revised the 8-hour ozone standard from 0.08 parts per million (ppm) to 0.075 ppm. Massachusetts must submit 

a recommendation to EPA by March 2009 regarding attainment status relative to the new revised ozone standard. 
4 

efforts to reduce emissions of ozone precursors in order to attain the 8-hour ozone standard by 2010, and 

the emission reductions from these amendments are reflected in the attainment modeling demonstration 

in MassDEP's SIP submittal. These emission reductions, combined with emission reductions achieved in 

upwind states, are designed to bring Massachusetts into attainment with the 8-hour ozone standard. 

C. Existing Massachusetts and Federal Regulations 

Massachusetts adopted its solvent metal degreasing regulation, 310 CMR 7.18(8), on December 31, 

.1980 as one.of many control programs designed to address nonattainment with the 1-hour ozone · 

standard that was in effect at that time. The regulation sets specific operation and maintenance 

standards to reduce emissions from solvent metal degreasing operations and is based on the Control 

Technique Guidelines (CTG) published by EPA for this sector. These degreasing operations include cold 

cleaning degreasing, vapor degreasing, and conveyorized degreasing. 

EPA regulates vapor degreasing operations that use halogenated organic compounds that are · 

considered hazardous air pollutants (HAPs, also referred to as air taxies), through its Maximum 

. Acf.lievable Co_ntrol Technology (MACT) stc;~ndard!) ... Sqm~ haiQ.g~npt~q .f::iAPs also are. VOCs ... Therefore, 

the MACT stan~ards alsq result in some VOC redl:lction from vapor d~greas ng operations. 

. . 

D.· Ozone Transport Commission Model Rule 

The Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) 2 developed a solvent cleaning model rule in 2001, for use by 

states, to address 1-hour ozone nonattainment throughout the OTC region. The OTC model rule 

establishes equipment, solvent, and operational requirements for metal solvent degreasing, and is based 

on EPA's MACT standards for chlorinated solvent vapor degreasers. (The MACT standards address use 

of chlorinated solvents, some of which are classified as VOCs, but they do not address use of all VOCs in 

degreasers.) The OTC model rule establishes a higher level of control than those suggested in EPA's 

Control Technique Guidance (CTG) for this industrY (i.e., the EPA guidelines for degreasers that use 

VOCs). 

MassDEP's existing solvent metal degreasing regulation, 310 CMR 7.18(8), is similar to the OTC solvent 

cleaning model rule in many respects and contains many of the emission controls and reporting 

requirements of the OTC model rule. Massachusetts did not need additional VOC reductions from 

solvent metal degreasing sector to address its attainment goals for the 1-hour ozone standards. 

However, as part of its 8-hour ozone SIP, MassDEP committed to adopting those additional requirements 

of the model rule that provide the greatest VOC emission reduction benefits. 

According to an OTC report3

, most of the emission reduction benefits that can be achieved from 

implementation of the OTC's solvent cleaning model rule are atfributt:!d to use of low-volatility cold 

cleaning solvents. Therefore, MassDEP is proposing to adopt only the OTC model rule's vapor pressure 

requirement for cold cleaning solvents rather than the model rule in its entirety. MassDEP believes that 

the costs associated with retrofitting existing vapor degreasers with all of the OTC model rule 

requirements outweighs the minimal VOC emission reduction benefits that would result. In addition, 

MassDEP believes that the existing Massachusetts rule contains sufficient reporting and recordkeeping 

requirements, and that imposing additional administrative. requirements contained in the OTC model rule 

is unnecessary. 

2 Section 184(a) of the CAA established the Northeast Ozone Transport Region (OTR) and the Ozone Transport Commission 

(OTC). The OTR is comprised of the District of Columbii!, a portion qf Northern Virginia, and the states of Maine, Vermont, New 

Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rohde Island, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The CAA 

requires the OTC to assess the degree of interstate transport of ozone and its precursors throughout the OTR and recommend 

strategies that would help states in the OTR meet the NAAQS for ozone. 3 E. H. Pechan and Associates, Control Measure Development Support Analysis of Ozone Transport Commission Model Rules, 

prepared for the Ozone Transport Commission, March 31 , 2001. The report states that emission reductions achieved due to vapor 

cleaning and other cold cleaning operational requirements are minimal. The report quantifies only the VOC emission reductions due 

to use of low-volatility cold cleaning solvents. 
5 

Ill. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS 

The proposed amendments to 310 CMR 7.18{8) apply to any person who owns, operates, leases, or 

controls any solvent metal degreasing facility in Massachusetts. The proposed amendments require that 

the vapor pressure of the solvent used in a cold cleaning degreaser that is able to hold more than 1 liter 

of solvent not exceed 1.0 millimeter of mercury at 20 degrees Celsius. The proposed amendments 

provide an exemption in the following cases: 

a. cold cleaning degreasers used in special and extreme solvent metal cleaning; or 

b. cold cleaning degreasers for which the owner or operator receives an approval from MassDEP 

that use of a compliant solvent will result in unsafe operating conditions; or 

c. cold cleaning degreasers that are located in a J:)ermanent total enclosure having control 

equipment that is designed and operated with an overall VOC control efficiency of 90 percent or 

greater. 

The existing regulation, which will be replaced by the proposed amendments, requires that the solvent is 

kept at a temperature below 50 degrees Celsius or that the vapor pressure of the solvent does not 

exceed 33 millimeters of mercury at 38 degrees Celsius for cold cleaning degreasers that have a remote 

solvent reservoir and have no covers. l.t also requires that the opening of the sink-like area in such 

degreasers be less than 1 00 square centimeters. 

Under 310 CMR 7.18, the definition of VOC includes specific halogenated organic compounds (HOC), 

including methylene chloride, perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene), CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane), 

CFC-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), CFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), FC-23 (trifluoromethane), CFC-114 

(dichlorotetraftuoro- ethane), and CFC-115 (chloropentafluoroethane). Therefore, these HOC also would 

be subject to the 1.0 millimeter vapor pressure requirement for cold cleaning degreasers. Since the vapor 

pressure of some of the HOCs exceeds 1.0 millimeter of mercury (e.g., methylene chloride), these HOCs 

could not be used in cold cleaning degreasers except in those that hold less than 1 liter of solvent or that 

are exempt as described above. MassOEP believes that in general there is little use of these toxic HOCs 

in cold degreasers, but seeks comment on the effect of the inclusion of HOCs in this proposed 

amendment. 

IV. EMISSION REDUCTIONS 

MassOEP has used the same methodologl that OTC used for its model rule to estimate VOC emission 

reductions that would be achieved from implementation of the proposed amendments. The existing 

MassOEP regulation for cold solvent degreasing reduces the uncontrolled emissions from this category 

by half. Implementation of the proposed amendments will result in a 32 percent emissions reduction 

from the currently regulated level in Massachusetts. This amounts to a total emissions reduction of 66 

percent from the uncontrolled level6

• 

MassOEP's statewide VOC emissions inventory for 2002 shows VOC emissions from cold degreasing 

operations to be 5,712 tons per year (or 22 tons per summer day), which amounts to approximately 2 

percent of the entire voc. emissions inventory in 2002 (or 3 percent of total VOC emissions on a typical 

summer day)7

. MassDEP estimates that implementation of the proposed regulations will reduce VOC 

4 E. H. Pechan and Associates, Control Measure Development Support Analysis of Ozone Transport Commission Model Rules, 

~repared for the Ozone Transport Commission, March 31 , 2001 , pp. 18-21. 

According to EPA's CTG guidance document. which MassDEP used in estimating Massachusetts' emissions for this sector. 

6 E. H. Pechan and Associates estimated ~ 66 percent reduction in emissions from uncontrolled levels after implementation of the 

OTC model rule. See Control Measure Development Support Analysis of Ozone Transport Commission Model Rules, pp. 19. 7 Seasonally uniform emissions and a 5-day workweek were assumed. 
6 

emissions from this category by 1,828 tons per year (or 7 tons per summer day)8 in 2009 compared to the 

currently regulated levels (i.e., a decrease of 32 percent in VOC emissions). 

V. ECONOMIC IMPACTS 

Low-vapor pressure compliant cold cleaning solvents are readily available on the market at comparable 

costs and are currently used in many cold cleaning degreasers. Many OTC states already have adopted 

regulations similar to those that MassDEP is proposing. Co.mpliance with this requirement is not 

expected to pose a significant technical or economic burden on the regulated community. Maryland and 

California's South Coast Air Quality Management District, which have required use of low-volatility 

solvents in their regulations, determined that a significant segment of the solvent cleaning industry had 

already switched to solvents that meet the 1.0 millimeter of mercury vapor pressure requirement limit due 

to other regulatory requirements such as hazardous waste transport. Consequently, a significant portion 

of the costs associated with switching to a low-volatility solvent has already been incurred, or may be 

imposed by other requirements. Additionally, many industries that can use aqueous cleaning systems 

already have converted or likely will convert to such systems because these systems are co;>t effective 

and benefit health ·and safefy. 

As a worst-case scenario, the OTC used a cost analysis for implementing the OTC model rule based on 

California's South Coast Air Quality Management District's cost estimates for its degreasing rule ·(Rule · 

1122t According to this analysis, a cost of $1 ,400 per ton of VOC reduced was estimated for 

compliance with the rule, which corresponds to the capital costs for aqueous cleaning systems for batchloaded cold cleaners. 

Replacement of cold solvent degreasers with aqueous cleaning systems in Massachusetts would result in 

an average cost of$ 2.6 million in 200910. This would translate to a cost of $2.16 per Massachusetts 

resident in 2009. These costs represent a worst-case scenario for compliance with the proposed 

regulations and are comparable to compliance costs for other regulations for reducing VOCs. The actual 

compliance costs are expected to be significantly lower because compliance is expected to be achieved 

by replacing high-volatility solvents with low-volatility compliant solvents rather than with aqueous 

cleaning systems. 

VI. IMPACT ON OTHER MASSDEP PROGRAMS 

A. Air Toxics 

Air taxies are a group of chemical air contaminants, defined by EPA, that have been associated with 

wide-ranging and significant adverse health effects, including cancer and other serious health effects 

such as reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental effects. The Clean Air Act 

requires EPA to promulgate source-specific controls based on Maximum Achievable Control 

Technologies (MACT) for air taxies. MassDEP implements certain MACT standards as EPA promulgates 

them. In addition, MassDEP controls air taxies through reduction of criteria pollutants and its Taxies Use 

Reduction Program. For example, many air taxies are VOCs, which are regulated as ozone precursors. 

The proposed amendments to 310 CMR 7.18 will decrease VOC emissions from solvent metal cleaning 

operations, and because many VOCs also are air taxies, the proposed amendments will decrease the 

emissions of air taxies. 

8 The 2002 emissions were based on employment activity factors for this sector, but the 2009 projections were based on 

employment growth factors. 9 E. H. Pechan and Associates, Control Measure Development Support Analysis of Dione Transporl Commission Model Rules, 

~repared for the Ozone Transport Commission, March 31 , 2001 , pp. 20. 0 Estimates are in 2000 dollars. 
7 

B. Toxics Use Reduction 

Toxics use reduction is defined as in-plant or in-process practices that reduce or eliminate the use and 

emissions of toxic materials into the environment. Implementation of toxics use reduction, when possible, 

is a MassDEP priority. The amendments to 310 CMR 7.18 will reduce VOC emissions from the cold 

cleaning operations and will also result in toxics use reduction because many of the VOCs used in 

cleaning operations are toxic. 

VII. AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS 

Pursuant to-M.G.L. C. 30A, §18, state agencies must evaluate the impact of proposed programs on 

agricultural resources within the Commonwealth. The proposed amendments to control VOC emissions 

from degreasing operations are expected to have positive impacts on agricultural production in 

Massachusetts. VOCs are precursors to ground-level ozone, which adversely affects vegetation and 

some crops. Therefore, a reduction in VOC emissions will have a positive impact on agriculture. 

VIII. IMPACT ON MASSACHUSETTS MUNICIPALITIES 

Pursuant to Executive Order 145, state agencies must assess the fiscal impact of new regulations on the 

Commonwealth's municipalities. MassDEP expects that municipal facilities will comply with the propose 

amendments using alternative solvent formulations available at approximately the same price as solvents 

currently in use. Therefore, MassDEP expects the proposed amendments to impose minimal or no direct 

costs, recordkeeping, reporting, or other requirements on local governments. 

IX. MASSACHUSETTS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (MEPA) 

The proposed amendments are "categorically exempt" from the "Regulations Governing the Preparation · · · · 

of Environmental Impact Reports," 301 CMR 11.00, because the proposed amendments will result in an 

overall decrease in emissions. 

X. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND COMMENT 

MassDEP plans to submit the final 310 CMR 7 .18(8) regulations to EPA as part of its 8-hour ozone State 

Implementation Plan (SIP). Public hearings on the proposed 310 CMR 7 .18(8) amendments will be 

conducted under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 30A. 
..

. . > 
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 

· DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

BUREAU OF WASTE PREVENTION 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 

310 CMR 7.00 

Notice is hereby given that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection 

(MassDEP), under its authority pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter Ill, Sections 142A through 142N, 

and in conformance with M.G.L. Chapter 30A, will hold a public hearing on proposed 

amendments to: 

1) 310 CMR 7 .. ~5(12), Consumer Products, to add an Alternative Compliance Plan (ACP) 

option to the existing consumer products regulations that allows manufacturers of 

consumer products to average VOC emissions among products to meet VOC limits; 

2) 310 CMR 7. 00, Definition ofVOC, to add the compound HFE-7300 to the list of exempt 

compounds in the current definition of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) in 310 CMR 

7.00 in order to be consistent with EPA's defmition ofVOC; 

3) 310 CMR 7.03(16), Paint Spray Booths, to make a technical correction to paint spray 

booth regulati_ons, 310 CMR 7.03(16)(g), by deleting a sentence to clarify the 

regulation's intent; and 

4) 310 CMR 7 .18(8), Solvent Metal De greasing, to impose a vapor pressure limit on cold . 

cleaning solvents. 

The ACP regUlation will provide additional flexibility to consumer product manufacturers in 

meeting VOC requirements. The VOC definition change will eliminate, for any facility that uses 

HFE-7300, the requirement to count HFE- 7300 as a VOC in determining whether the facility 

meets its regulatory VOC obligations. The vapor pressure limit for cold cleaning solvents will 

reduce VOC air emissions and help bring Massachusetts into attainment of the ground-level 

ozone standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. · 

A public hearing will.be conducted on the following date at the following location to receive 

comments on the proposed amendments. Testimony may be presented orally or in writing at the 

hearing. 

November 25, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. 

MassDEP Headquarters 

2nd Floor Conference Rooms B and C 

One Winter Street 

Boston, MA 021.08 _ 

Directions: http://www.mass.gov/dep/about/organization/depdir.htm 

MassDEP will accept written comments until5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2008. Please 

send written comments electronically via email to: Azin.Kavian@state.ma.us. Paper copies of 

Wr-itten comments also may be sent to: Azin Kavian, Environmental Analyst, MassDEP, One 

Winter Street, Bostql}, MA 02108, RE: ACP/Solvent Metal Degreasing. 
For special accommodations for these hearings, please contact Donald M. Gomes, MassDEP 

ADA coordinator, at 617-556:.1057, TDD Service 1-800-298-2207, One Winter Street, Boston, 

MA 02108. This information is available in alternative format upon request. 

A copy of the proposed amendments and technical support documents is available on the 

MassDEP website at: www.mass.gov/dep/public/publiche.htm. Copies also may be obtained by 

calling Azin Kavian at 617-574-6801. 

By order of the Department 

Laurie Burt, Commissioner 
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSE1vrS 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

DEVALL. PATRICK 

Governor 

TIMOTHY P. MURRAY 

Lieutenant Governor 

ONE WINTER STREET, BOSTON, MA 02108 617-292 -5500 

CERTIFICATION 

RE: Public Review process on the proposal to amend 310 CMR 7.18(8) 

I hereby certify: 

That notice of the public hearing was published on the following dates in the following 

newspaper: 

Paper name: Boston Globe, Springfield Republican 

Date: 10/24/2008 

IAN A. BOWLES 

secretary 

LAURIE BURT 

Commissioner 

That the notices specified the date, time, and place of the public hearings to be held on the 

proposed amendments to 310 CMR 7.00. 

That the notices specified the locations at which the proposed revisions. and supporting 

information were available for public inspe~tion. 

That the proposed revisions and supporting information were available at the locations stated in 

the notice when the notices were published, as well as at the locations of the public hearings on 

the date of said hearing. 

That similar notices were mailed to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, to any 

affected local or pollution control agencies, and to all known potentially interested parties. 

I further certify that, on the following date and at the following location, a public hearing was 

conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection, pursuant to the above notices and in 

conformance with M.G.L. Chapter 30A and the provisions of30 CFR 51.4(b): 

Date: 11125/2008 

Location: MassDEP Headquarters, One Winter Street, Boston MA 02108 

The Department received no public comments. 

ATIEST: . ~ .2_ Name: Azin Kavian 

Hearing Officer 

Date: 8/19/2009 

This information is available io alternate format. Call Donald M. Gomes, ADA Coordinator at 617-~56-1057. TDD/11-866-539-7622 or l-617-574-6868. 

MassDEP on the World Wide Web: http:/twww.mass.gov/dep 

() Printed on Recycled Paper 

THE COMMONWEALTH • OF MASSACHUSETTS 

William Francis Galvin 

Secretary of the Commonwealth 

Regulation Filing To be completed by filing agency 

Docket# 539 

CHAPTERNUMBER: _31_0_C_M_R_7~.0~0~-------------------------------------------

CHAPTER TITLE: Air Pollution Control 

AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection 

SUMMARY OF REGULATION: State the general requirements and purposes of this regulation. .. . -. . . ~ . .. . . . . . . ' 

The regulation reduces emis·s.Jons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from. cold solvent metal 

degreasing operations by adopting a new vapor pressure requirement for cold cleaning solvents 

used. 

REGULA TORY AUTHORITY: M.G.l. Chapter 111, §§ 142A through 142N 

AGENCY CONTACT: Azin Kavian ~~ ~~~--------------------------- PHONE: 617-574-6801 

ADDRESS: One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108 

Compliance with M.G.L. c. 30A 

EMERGENCY ADOPTION - if this regulation is adopted as an emergency, state the nature of the emergency. 

PR lOR NOTIFICATION AND/OR APPROVAL - If prior notification to and/or approval of the Governor, 

Legislature or others was required, list each notification, and/or approval and date, including notice to the Local 

Government Advisory Commission. 

Notice given in October 2008 to: Mass. Municipal Association, Dept. of Public Health, Local 

Government Advisory Committee, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Dept. of 

Energy Resources, Mass. Environmental Polley Act Office. 

PUBLIC REVIEW- M. G.L. c. 30A sections 2 and/or 3 requires notice of the hearing or comment period be 

filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, published in appropriate newspapers, and sent to persons to 

whom specific notice must be given at least 21 days prior to such hearing or comment period. 

Date of public hearing or comment period: Public Hearing: 11/25/8. Comment: 11125108-12/05108. 
FISCAL EFFECT - Estimate the fiscal effect of the public and private sectors. 

For the first and second year: Costs are expected to be relatively minor because compliant products 

already are being used in most facilities. 

For the first five years: ..;;.S.;;;.:am~e;....;:;;as=-a:::.;;b:..;;o~v:...;e.:...._ __________ ___________ _ 

No fiscal effect: 

SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT- State the impact of this regulation on small business. Include a description of 

reporting, record keeping and other compliance requirements as well as the appropriateness of performance 

versus design standards and whether this regulation duplicates or conflicts with any other regulation. If the 

purpose of this regulation is to set rates for the state, this section does noi apply. 

Small businesses are expected to comply with the regulations by using compliant solvents that 

already are on the market at comparable price to noncompliant solvents. Therefore, there will be 

minimal or no Impact on small businesses. 

CODE OF .MASSACHUSEITS REGULATIONS INDEXSolvent metal degreaslng, ozone, VOC. 

List key subjects that are relevant to this regulation: 

PROMULGATION- State the action taken by this regulation and its effect on existing provisions of the Code 

of Massachu.setts Regulations (CMR) or repeal, replace or amend. List by CMR number; 

Amends 310 CMR 7.18(8). 

ATTESTATION ~ The regulation described herein and attached hereto is a true copy ,of the regulation 

adopted by this agency. AlT::~ j'f ? 

SIGNATURE: ~ DATE: e;g,(tfl(o9 

Publication - To be completed by the Regulations Division 

MASSACHUSETTS REGISTER NUMBER: -----'1=1=-=2=-=5..__ __ DATE: ___ _.;;:...3~/6~/--'0::....:9=----

EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/6/09 

Remove these a es: 

250 . 11 - 25 0 .14 

~~~:~~-~ ~ . 

~ A 1 RUE COPY ATTEST 

. 

~-~ WILLIAM FRANCIS GA 

if. 

i ~.111HECOM~ () CLERK ~ ~ -· 

CODE OF MASSACHUSEITS REGULATIONS 

Insert these a es: 

250 . 1 1 - 250 . 14 

.. :._,. .. . .. ---: 

OJ 

54 
310 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

7.18: continued 

3161'09 

(e) Persons s1Jbjectto 310 CMR 7 .l8(7)(a) shall, upon request of the Department, perform 

or have performed tests to demonstrate compliance. Testing shall be conducted in 

accordance with EPA Method 24 and/or Method 25 as described in CFR Title 40 Part 60, or 

by other methods approved by the Department and EPA. Testing to detennine topcoat 

emission rates, transfer efficiency, and other relevant criteria shall be conducted in 

accordance with the protocols described in EPA document 450/3-88-018, or by other 

methods approved by the Department and EPA. · 

(8) U Solvent Metal Degreasing. 

(a) Cold Cleaning Degreasing. On or after September 6, 2009, no person owning, 

operating, leasing or controlling any solvent metal degreasing facility which utilizes a cold 

cleaning degreaser (that is able to contain more than one liter of solvent) shall cause, suffer, 

allow or pennit emissions of volatile organic compounds therefrom unless they comply with 

tbe requirements in 310 CMR 7.18(8)(a)l. through 310 CMR 7.18(8)(a)3. 

1. The solvent used in a cold cleaning degreaser shall have a vapor pressure that does. 

not exceed I .0 mm Hg measured at 20"C. This requirement shall not apply to the 

following: 

a. cold cleaning degreasers used in special and extreme solvent metal cleaning; 

b. cold cleaning degreasers for which the owner or operator has received 

Department approval of a demonstration that compliance with the requirement to use 

a solvent with a vapor pressure of 1.0 mm Hg or less at 20"C will result in unsafe 

operating conditions; and · 

c. cold cleaning degreasers that are located in a permanent total enclosure having 

control equipment that is designed and operated with an overall VOC control 

efficiency of 90% or greater. 

2. Any leaks shall be repaired immediately, or the degreaser shall be shut down. 

3. The following requirements shall apply unless the cold cleaning degreaser is a sinklike work area with a remote solvent reservoir with an open drain area less than I 00 

square centimeters: 

a. Each cold clC!iJling degreaser is equipped with a cover that is designed to be 

easily operated with one hand; 

b. Each cold cleaning degreaser is equipped to drain clean parts so that, while 

draining. the cleaned parts are enclosed for 15 seconds or until dripping ceases, 

whichever is longer; 

c. Each cold cleaning degreaser is designed with: 

i. a freeboard ratio of 0. 75 or greater; or 

ii. a water blanket (only if the solvent used is insoluble in and heavier than 

water); or 

iii. an equivalent system of air pollution control which has been approved by the 

Department.and EPA; 

· d. The covers of each cold cleaning degreaser are closed whenever parts are not 

being handled in the degreaser, or when the degreaser is not in use; and 

e. The drafts across the top of each cold cleaning degreaser are minimized such that 

when the cover is open the de greaser is not exposed to drafts greater than 40 meters 

per minute (1.5 miles per hour), as measured between one and two meters upwind at 

the same elevation as the tank lip. · 

(b) Vapor Degreasing. On or after December 31, 1980 no person owning, leasing operating 

or controlling a solvent metal de greasing facility which utilizes a vapor de greaser shall cause, 

suffer, allow or permit emissions therefrom unless: 

l. each vapor degreaser is equipped with a cover designed to be easily operated in 

manner which will not disturb the vapor zone; and 

2. each vapor degreaser is covered except when work loads are being loaded, unloaded 

or degreased in the degreaser; and 

3. each vapor degreaser is equipped with the following safety switches which are 

maintained and operated in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer: 

a. a switch designed to shut off the heating source for the sump if the condenser · 

coolant is either not circulating, or the solvent vapor level has risen above the 

primary coil; and 

b. a switch designed to shut off the spray pump if the solvent vapor level drops more 

than ten centimeters (four inches) below t11e lowest condensing coil; and 

310 CMR- 250.11 
310 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

7.18: continued 

3/6/09 

4. at least one of the following devices has been installed on each vapor degreaser, and 

that device is maintained and operated in ~ccordance with the recommendations of the 

manufacturer: 

a. a freeboard ratio equal to or greater than 0. 7 5 and, a power cover, if the de greaser 

opening is .greater than one square meter (ten square feet); or, 

b. a refrigerated chille.r; or, 

c. an enclosed design whereby the cover is open only when the dry part is entering 

or exiting the vapor degreaser; or, 

d. an adsorption system with ventilation greater than or equal to 15 cubic meters per 

minute .per square meter (SO cubic feet per minute per square foot) of air/vapor area 

(determined when the degreaser's cover is open) which exhausts less than 2S parts per 

million of solvent by volume averaged over one complete adsorption cycle or 24 

hours whichever is less; or, 

e. any other device, demonstrated to have a control efficiency equal to or greater 

than any of the above, approved by the Department and EPA; and, 

5. solvent carry out from each vapor degreaser is mipimized by: 

a. racking parts to alJow for complete drainage; and, 

b. moving parts in and out of the degreaser at less than 3.3 meters per minute (1 1 

feet per minute); and, 

·c.- holding the parts in the vapor zane for 30 seconds or until condensation ceases, 

~cheverislonger;and, · 

d. tipping out any pools of solvent on the cleaned parts before removal from the 

vapor zone; and, 

e. allowing parts to dry within the degreaser for IS seconds or until visually dry, 

whichever is longer; and, 

6. no porous or absorbent material, such as, but not limited to cloth, leather, wood or 

rope is placed in the vapor degreaser; and, 

7. less than half of the de greaser's open top area is occupied with a workload; and, 

8. each degreaser is operated so that the vapor level does not drop more than ten 

centimeters (four inches) when the workload is removed from the vapor zone; and, 

9. operators always spray within the vapor zone; and, 

I 0. liquid leaks in each vapor degreaser are repaired immediately, or the degreaser is 

shut down; and, 

11. each degreaser is operated so as to prevent water from being visually detected in the 

solvent exiting the water separator; and, 

12. each degreaser is located and operated in such a manner that it is not exposed to 

drafts greater than 40 meters per minute ( 131 feet per minute) as measured between one 

and two meters upwind at the same elevation as the tank lip, nor is it provided with an 

exhaust ventilation system which exceeds 20 cubic meters per minute per square meter 

(6S cubic feet per minute per square foot) of vapor degreaser open area, unless such an 

exhaust ventilation system is necessary to meet OSHA requirements; and, 

13. the cover is located below the lip exhaust, if the vapor degreaser is equipped with 

a lip exhaust. 

(c) Conveyorized De greasing. On or after December 31, 1980 no person who owns, leases, 

operates or controls a solvent metal degreasing facility which utilizes a conveyorized 

degreaser shall cause, suffer, allow or permit emissions therefrom, unless: 

1. at least one of the following devices has been installed on each conveyorized 

degreaser with an air/vapor interface greater than 2l.S square feet, and that device is 

maintained and operated in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer: 

a. a refrigerated chiller; or, · 

b. an adsorption system with ventilation greater than or equal to 1 S cubic meters per 

minute per square meter (50 cubic feet per minute per square foot) of air/vapor area . 

(detennined when the degreaser's downtime covers are open) which exhausts less 

than 2S parts per million of solvent by volume averaged over one complete 

adsorption cycle or 24 !lours whi.chever is less; or, 

c. any other device, demonstrated to have a control efficiency equal to or greater 

than any ofthe above, approved by the Department and EPA; and, 

2. each conveyorized degreaser is designed and operated to prevent cleaned parts from 

carrying out the solvent liquid or vapor, for example equipping the degreaser with a 

drying tunnel or rotating (tumbling) basket;· and 

310 CMR - 250.12 

(. 
( 

310 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

7.18: continued 

3/6/09 

3. each conveyorized degreaser is equipped with the following safety switches which 

are maintained and operated in accordance with the recommendations of the 

manufacturer: 

a. a switch designed to shut off the heating source for the sump if the condenser 

coolant is either not circulating, or if the solvent vapor level has risen above the 

primary coil; and 

b. a switch designed to shut off the spray pump or the conveyor if the solvent ~apor 

level drops more than ten centimeters (four inches) below the lowest condensing coil; 

and 

4. the openings of each conveyorized degreaser are minimized during operation such 

that average clearance at the entrances and exits of the degreaser between the workloads 

and the edge of the degreaser opening is less than ten centimeters (four inches) or 10% 

of the width of the opening; and, . 

5. covers are placed over the entrances and exits of each conveyorized degreaser 

immediately after the conveyors and exhausts are shut down, and the covers are left in 

place until just prior to start-up; and, _,. · 

6. solvent carry out from each conveyorized degreaser is minimized by: 

a. racking parts to allow for complete drainage; and. 

b. maintaining the vertical conveyor speed at less than 3.3 meters per minute (11 

feet per minute); and, 

1. leaks in each conveyorized degreaser are repaired immediately, or the degreaser is 

shutdown; and, 

8. each conveyorized degreaser is operated so as to prevent water from being visually 

detected in solvent exiting the water separator; and, 

9. no conveyorized degreaser is provided with an exhaust ventilation system which 

exceeds 20 cubic meters per minute per square meter (65 cubic feet per minute per square 

foot) of vapor degreaser open area, unless such an exhaust ventilation system is necessary 

to meet OSHA requirements; and, / 

(d) Agueous Cleaning: any aqueous cleaner in which all the following conditions are 

satisfied is exempt from the requirements of310 CMR 7.18(8)(a), (b), and (c): 

1. 1. All organic" material in the cleaning fluid is water soluble; and 

2. The cleaning fluid contains no more than 5% by weight organic material, excluding 

soaps. 

(e) On or after December 31, 1980 any person subject to 310 CMR 7.18(8)(a), (b), (c) or 

(d) shall operate any solvent metal de greaser using procedures which minimize evaporative 

emissions and prohibit spills from the use of said degreaser. Such procedures include but are 

not limited to: · 

1. notification to operators of the performance requirements that must be practiced in 

the operation of the degreaser, including the permanent and conspicuous posting oflabels 

in the vicinity of the degreaser detailing performance requirements; and 

2. storage of waste degreasing solvent in closed containers, and disposal or transfer of 

waste degreasing solvent to another party, in a manner such that Jess than 20% of the 

waste degreasing solvent by weight can evaporate into the atmosphere; and · 

3. where applicable, supplying a degreasing solvent spray which is a continuous fluid 

stream (not a fine, atomized or shower type spray) at a pressure which does not exceed 

ten pounds per square inch as measured at the pump outlet, and use any such spray within 

the confines of the de greaser. 

(f) Any person subject to 310 CMR 7.18(8)(a), (b), (c) or (d) shall maintain instantaneous 

and continuous compliance at all times. 

(g) Any person subject to 310 CMR 7.18(8)(a), (b), (c) or (d) shall prepare and maintain 

daily records sufficient to demonstrate continuous compliance. Records kept to demonstrate 

compliance shall be kept on site for three years and shall be made available to representatives 

of the Department and EPA in accordance with the requirements of an approved compliance 

plan or upon request. Such reco.rds shall include, but are not limited to: 

1. identity, quantity, formulation and density of solvent(s) used; 

2. quantity, formulation and density of all waste solvent(s) generated; 

3. actual operational and performance characteristics of the degreaser and any 

appurtenant emissions capture and control equipment, if applicable; and 

4. any other requirements specified by the Department in any approval(s) and/or order(s) 

issued to the person. 

310 CMR- 250.13 
310 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

7.18: continued 

3/6/09 

(h) Persons subject to 3 I 0 CMR 7.18(8) shall, upon request by the Department, perform or 

have performed tests to demonstrate compliance. Testing shall be conducted in a~ordance 

with a method approved by the Department and EPA. · 

(9) U Cutback Asphalt. 

(a) On or after May l, 1982, no person using asphalt shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the 

use or application of cutback asphalt for paving purposes. 

(b) 310 CMR 7.18(9)(a) shall not apply to any of the following: 

1. Cutback asphalt usage from October 1 through April 30. 

2. Cutback asphalt used as a penetrating prime coat. 

3. Storage or stockpiling of patching mixes used in pavement maintenance for a time 

period greater than one month. 

4. Cutback asphalt of which Jess than 5% by weight of the total solvent evaporates at 

a temperature up to and including 500°F as determined by ASTM Method D402, 

Distillation of Cutback Asphalt Products. 

(c) Any person subject to 310 CMR 7 .18(9)(a) shall demonstrate continuous compliance 

consistent with an instantaneous averaging period. 

(d) Persons using cutback asphalt shall keep records to satisfy the requirements of31 0 CMR 

7 .18(9)( c) and said records shall be made available to representatives of the Department and 

EPA upon request Such records shall include, but are not limited to: 

1. quantity and formulation of any cutback asphalt used; 

2. name and address of the supplier, date of purchase and date of use of any cutback 

asphalt; and 

3. any other requirements specified by the Department in any order(s) issued to the 

person, if applicable. . 

(e) Persons subjectto 310 CMR 7.18(9)(a) shall, upon request of the Department. perform 

or have performed tests to demonstrate compliance. Testing shall be conducted in a~ordance 

with ASTM Method D-244, or by other methods approved b~ the Department and EPA. 

( 1 0) U Metal Coil Coating. 

(a) On or after July 1, 1980, no person who owns, leases, operates, or controls a metal coil 

coating line, which emits, before any application of air pollution control equipment, in excess 

of I 5 pounds per day of volatile organic compouods, shall cause, suffer, allow or permit 

emissions therefrom in excess of 4.0 pounds of volatile organic compounds per gallon of 

solids. 

(b) Any person subject to 310 CMR 7.18(10)(a) shall maintain continuous compliance at 

all times. Compliance averaging times will be met in accordance with the requirement$ of 

310 CMR 7.l8(2)(a). Demonstrati"ons of compliance shall not include any considerations 

of transfer efficiency. 

(c) Any person subject to 310 CMR 7.18(lO)(a) shall prepare and maintain daily records 

sufficient to demonstrate compliance consistent with the applicable averaging time as stated 

in 310 CMR 7.18(2)(a). Records kept to demonstrate compliance shall be kept on site for 

three years and shall be made available to representatives of the Department and EPA in 

accordance with the requirements of an approved compliance plan or upon request. Such 

records shall include, but are not limited to: 

1. identity, quantity, formulation and density of coating(s) used; 

2. identity. quantity, formulation and density of any diluent(s) and clean-up solvent(s) 

used; 

3. solids content of any coating(s) used; 

4. actual operational and emissions characteristics of the coating line and any 

appurtenant emissions capture and control equipment; 

5. quantity of product processed; and 

6. any other requirements specified by the Department in any approval( s) and/or order( s) 

issued to the person. 

(d) Persons subject to 310 CMR 7.18(10)(a) shalL. upon request of the Department, perform 

· or have performed tests to demonstrate compliance. Testing shall be conducted in 

accordance with EPA Method 24 and/or Method 25 as described in CFR Title 40 Part 60, or 

by other methods approved by the Department and EPA. 

310 CMR- 250.14 

( 
Regulations 310 CMR 7.18(8) 12/17/2008 

310 CMR 7.00 

AMEND 310 CMR 7.00 DEFINITIONS 

SOL VENT METAL DEGREASING means the process of cleaning solids from metal surfaces 

by using a volatile organic compound: 

- Cold cleaning degreasing means the batch process of solvent metal cleaning by 

spraying, brushing, flushing or immersion while maintaining the solvent below its boiling 

point. Wipe cleaning is not included in this definition. 

- Conveyorized degreasing means the continuous process of solvent metal cleaning by 

operating with either cold or vaporized solvents. 

- Vapor degreasing means the process of solvent metal cleaning by condensing hot 

solvent vapor on the colder metal parts. 

SPECIAL AND EXTREME SOLVENT METAL CLEANING means the use of degreasers: 

(a) To clean metal parts used in the manufacturing and rework of electronic parts, 

assemblies. boxes. wiring harnesses. sensors and connectors used in aerospace 

service; 

(b) To clean metal parts used in the manufacturing of ozone. nitrous oxide. fluorine. 

chlorine. bromine, halogenated compounds, or oxygen in concentrations greater than 23 

percent; or 

. .. . . 

(c) To clean metal parts exposed to ozone. nitrous oxide. fluorine, chlorine, bromine, 

halogenated compounds. or oxygen in concentrations greater than 23 Qercent. 

AMEND 310 CMR 7.18(8) 

(8) U Solvent Metal Degreasing. 

(a) Cold Cleaning Deqreasing. On or after Qecember 31, 1980, September 6. 2009, no 

person owning, operating, leasing or controlling any solvent metal degreasing facility 

which utilizes a cold cleaning degreaser that is able to contain more than 1 liter of 

solvent shall cause, suffer, allow or permit emissions of volatile organic compounds 

therefrom unless they comply with eitl:lef:..the requirements in 310 CMR 7.18(8)(a) 1. 

through 6. or310 CMR 7.18(8)(a)6. through 9. 310 CMR 7.18(8}(a}3. 

1. The solvent used in a cold cleaning degreaser shall have.a vapor pressure that 

does not exceed 1.0 mm Hg measured at 20°C. This requirement shall not apply to 

the following: 

a. cold cleaning degreasers used in special and extreme solvent metal 

cleaning; 

b. cold cleaning degreasers for which the owner or operator has received 

Department approval of a demonstration that compliance with the requirement to 

use a solvent with a vapor pressure of 1.0 mm Hg or less at 20°C will result in 

unsafe operating conditions; an'd 

c. cold cleaning degreasers that are located in a permanent total enclosure 

having control equipment that is designed and operated with an overall VOC 

control efficiency of 90% or greater. 

2. Any leaks shall be repaired immediately. or the degreaser shall be shut down. 

3. The following requirements shall apply unless the cold cleaning deqreaser is a 
Regulations 310 CMR 7.18(8) 12/17/2008 . 

sink-like work area with a remote solvent reservoir with an open drain area less than 

100 square centimeters: 

a. Each cold cleaning degreaser is equipped with a cover that is designed to be 

easily operated with one hand; 

b. Each cold cleaning degreaser is equipped to drain clean parts so that. while 

draining, the cleaned parts are enclosed for 15 seconds or until dripping ceases. 

whichever is longer; 

c. Each cold cleaning degreaser is designed with: 

i. a freeboard ratio of 0.75 or greater; or 

ii. a water blanket (only if the solvent used is insoluble in and heavier 

than water); or 

iii. an equivalent system of air pollution control which has been 

approved by the Department and EPA; 

d. The covers of each cold cleaning degreaser are closed whenever parts are 

not being handled in the degreaser. or when the degreaser is not in use; and 

e. The drafts across the top of each cold cleaning degreaser are minimized 

such that when the cover is open the degreaser is not exposed to drafts greater 

than 40 meters per minute (1 .5 miles per hour). as measured between one and 

two meters upwind at the same elevation as the tank lip. 

&._each cold cleaning-Gegr.easer is equi~Ge¥&F.wh~i~9f\BG-.te-.Se 

easily Gperatetl-wWf.gne-hand-~.aoo 

~:e.ash Wid· ~ean-ing d-egre.aser .j.s-.. e€Jl:lipf}eG .. to -<ilrain cJ.ean- paR:& -so that, while 

erain+ngr the -G-leaneti-parts .are -enoo&eG fof 1 ~ se~ds or unW. €tripping Gea&es; 

wfl.iffiever-45 -IGnger;- ami 

4:ea-Gh- GG~d--~e.affing d-egfeaser is-tlesi-gRe€1-wit-R.; 

a,a .freet>Gard---ratiG gf ~-or greatBF; Gf 

b.a water: blanket (only if the solvent used is inso1Y91e-ifl-aAd---heavier-tflan 

wateff,-Gf 

c. an equivateflH;ystem of air pollution control which-A-as-been apprGI/eG-by-the 

~t-and--eP~aoo 

&.the-BG\181'5 of each cgk;k;leanj.ng degreaser are wheAellef-fjarts-afe-RGt 

being handled in the degreaser, or when the degreaser is fl.Gt-ffi-use; and 

3.the drafts across the top~ cold cleaning degreaser are mi-ffimized susR--tRat 

when the cover is open the degreaser is not exposed to drafts greater than 40-meter-s 

per minute-(1 .5 miles per hour), as measured between one and Nt~o meters up winG 

at the same ele•,•ation as the ta~;-afld 

4.any leaks-afe-f-epaif~~e degreaser~shut down. 

~-oold cleaner-m~:~st-ruwe-a-rer.nete-sol-vent reser oir~- -and6.the· solvent used in the cold cleaner ml:lst-AGt--h.av.e-a-.v.aper- Pf8SSUre that exceed-s 

4.3 kPa (33 mml=l§ or 0.6 PSI) measured at 38°C (100°F)-Gf be heated above 5~ 

{~~ 

7.the sink like work area m~:~st have an open drain area less than-1~uare centi 

meters. 

THE REMAINDER 1$ UNCHANGED.