Proposed Adhesives & Sealants Amendments & Definition Changes

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 111, Sections 142A through 142E, and in conformance with M.G.L. Chapter 30A, will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to 310 CMR 7.00 to:

  (1) add a new section governing adhesives and sealants, 310 CMR 7.18(30), to its regulations for Volatile and Halogenated Organic Compounds, 310 CMR 7.18, to further reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs);
 
  (2) amend the existing Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for Volatile and Halogenated Organic Compounds, 310 CMR 7.18, and RACT for Sources of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), 310 CMR 7.19, regulations to clarify the relationship between RACT and Best Available Control Technology (BACT) or Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) determinations in plan approvals and the applicability of Emission Control Plans (ECPs);

  (3) amend the existing RACT for Volatile and Halogenated Organic Compounds, 310 CMR 7.18, to clarify ECP submittal requirements;

  (4) amend Emission Banking, Trading, and Averaging, 310 CMR 7.00: Appendix B, to clarify the original intent of MassDEP to exclude certain emissions averaging ("bubbles") from the requirements of 310 CMR 7:00: Appendix B(4);

  (5) amend the current definition of Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products in 310 CMR 7.00; and

  (6) add the compounds dimethyl carbonate and propylene carbonate to the list of exempt compounds in the current definition of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) in 310 CMR 7.00.

The proposed Adhesives and Sealants amendments are part of Massachusetts' strategy to reduce ground-level ozone in order to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone.  Other proposed amendments include technical corrections and measures to provide consistency with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other MassDEP regulations.  These amendments will be submitted to EPA as part of the Massachusetts Ozone State Implementation Plan (SIP).

A public hearing will be held 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 17, 2011
1:00 p.m.
MassDEP Headquarters
2nd Floor Conference Rooms B & C
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108

MassDEP will accept written comments received prior to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011.  Please send written comments electronically via email to: Azin.Kavian@state.ma.us.  Please include "Adhesives and Sealants Public Hearing Comments" in the subject matter of the email.  Paper copies of written comments also may be sent to:  Azin Kavian, Environmental Analyst, MassDEP, One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108, RE: Adhesives and Sealants Public Hearing Comments.

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 document is available on the MassDEP website at: www.mass.gov/dep/public/publiche.htm.  Copies may also be obtained by calling Azin Kavian at 617-574-6801.

By order of the Department
Kenneth Kimmel, Commissioner