Surface Coating of Miscellaneous Metal Parts

Summary of the Meeting of the Aluminum Extruders Council and the EPA MACT Development Team for Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products

May 27, 1997

The following summary presents the major issues associated with the surface coating of the miscellaneous metal parts and products source category as discussed in a meeting with the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC). The issues listed below are presented in the order in which they were discussed, and no presumption of the importance of one issue over another was imposed.

Introduction to Aluminum Extrusion

David Kanagy, Vice President of the Aluminum Extruders Council, provided an introduction to the aluminum extrusion industry and gave an industry profile based on a 1995 survey. There are approximately 110 companies that extrude aluminum. The process is achieved by heating a billet of aluminum to 1000°F and passing it through an extrusion press. This process is performed for a wide array of products. Almost 85% of aluminum extrusion companies serve four or more major markets. One of the greatest concerns of the industry, therefore, is the consistency of regulations.

Alumax Extrusions representative Tim Kinsley gave a brief process description based on the plants owned by Alumax that have painting operations. Alumax uses five vertical paint lines and two horizontal. There are three VOC control devices in each facility to allow for high VOC content coatings. They have also installed technology to spray polyester coatings.

Joe Barbus , of Easco Aluminum, provided an overview of the coating system used in the Easco facilities. Easco found that the new polyester technology tested negatively and are now in the process of installing complete capture lines. Powder coating was determined to be undesirable by clients because of durability issues and is therefore not used. It is believed that water-born coatings will not be applicable to this industry for 8-10 years.

Terry Snell , of William L. Bonnell , discussed the coating lines of their facilities. Bonnell uses both powder and wet coatings. However, they are a market company and do not coat end user products as do most other facilities.

Questions/Concerns/Comments - The following topics were addressed by participants during the meeting:

•	Due to the diversity of the industry, participants were concerned about potential
regulatory limits to technology to prevent emissions.

•	Several companies offered their facilities for site visits. Cleveland, Ohio was
recommended as a good potential area to consider due to the high concentration of	aluminum extruders in the vicinity. Participants from Georgia and Burlington, NC also	offered access to their facilities.

•	Participants discussed the overlap between surface coating MACTs. Some members of
AEC will be affected by the Aerospace NESHAP , in addition to Miscellaneous Metal	Parts and Products.

•	Concerns were raised as to how the PMACT will fit into the 112(g) process, especially
when a facility undergoes an expansion or renovation. Participants also wanted to know	what the state agencies will evaluate in determining the MACT on a case-by-case basis.	It was recommended by the EPA that these concerns be documented in writing for the	docket. A representative agreed to submit a written summary of these concerns.

Roll Call - A list of the meeting attendees and their associated organizations and companies is enclosed with this summary. Please review the list of attendees enclosed with this summary and if there are any additions or modifications notify George Woodall at (919) 941-0333 or via

e-mail at gwoodall @ rtp.pes.com .