July 21, 2011 (Arlington, VA) The EPA approved Ohio’s new rule for the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from reinforced plastic composites production operations. This rule replaces the applicable provisions of the state’s long-standing general rule for VOC emitting sources. Ohio-based composites shops complying with the new rule are no longer subject to the general VOC rule.
“We are proud of the role the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) played in securing this rule change,” says ACMA President Lori Luchak of Miles Fiberglass and Composites. “The limits in the general VOC rule severely restricted composites manufacturing operations in Ohio, hurting small businesses and costing the state revenue and jobs. While this new approach is equally protective of the environment, it allows a much higher degree of operational flexibility.”
Represented by Perry Bennett of Molded Fiber Glass Companies, ACMA worked with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) for several years in support of this new rule.
“Although Ohio is one of the top states for composites production,” notes Luchak, “it’s had very little custom molding because of the provisions of the general VOC control rule. We anticipate this new rule will change that situation, benefiting our members and helping to improve Ohio’s economic and employment picture.”
The EPA’s approval of the new Ohio rule was announced in a July 13 Federal Register notice. The final rule is effective on August 12, 2011.
