The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is providing this information because your facility may be subject to a new EPA regulation, Subpart HHHHHH National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources. New sources must be in compliance immediately, and existing sources (those in existence before September 17, 2007) must be in compliance by January 10, 2011. 

This regulation applies to you if you perform any of the following:

• Spray apply coatings to motor vehicles or mobile equipment; or
• Spray apply coatings containing chromium, lead, manganese, nickel or cadmium to any part or product made of metal and/or plastic; or
• Use a paint stripper that contains methylene chloride (MeCl).

Initial Notification:
Initial notification for existing sources is due to EPA no later than January 11, 2010. Download this form by clicking here.

Petition for Exemption:
Autobody refinishing operations may petition EPA for an exemption if you do not spray apply coatings containing chromium, lead, manganese, nickel or cadmium. Check with your paint supplier and review the MSDSs for your paints to determine if you qualify for this exemption. To download the exemption petition form, click here.

Next Steps:
If you think this regulation may apply to your facility, review the enclosed information and/or contact SWCAA for more information. Applicable facilities must submit the initial notification to EPA no later than January 11, 2010 and comply with the regulation by January 10, 2011. 

Helpful Resources:

• Final Rule: Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations (PDF)
• EPA Region X’s Collision Repair Campaign
• EPA Region X’s Autobody Rule Requirements
• Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations Brochure (PDF)
• Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations Autobody Refinishing Shops-Brief Summary (PDF)
• Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations-Brief Summary (PDF)
• Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations Paint Stripping Operations-Brief Summary (PDF)

For Additional Information:
Contact Natalia Kreitzer with the Southwest Clean Air Agency at 360-574-3058, ext. 14.