Environmental Management Assistance Program
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Metal Manufacturing

In Pennsylvania, the metal fabrication industry is subject to a variety of environmental requirements and regulations related to air emissions, hazardous waste, and stormwater. Activities that may make a small business subject to state and/or federal regulations include: sand blasting, welding, surface coating, and the use of oils or paints, all or which could potentially result in the release of contaminants or pollutants.

 

Air Emissions

State:

To operate a metal fabrication business in Pennsylvania there are air emission permits that may need to be obtained to demonstrate proper environmental compliance.  Depending on the operation type and the size of the operation, air operating permits may be needed for dry blasting and various NESHAPs. 

Air emission standards may also be applicable to metal manufacturing facilities that conduct surface coating opeations.  Surface coating operations are regulated due to the actual and potential release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and particulate matter (PM).  While some facilities may be exempt from required air permits if they are considered a smaller source, they may still be required to maintain other information such as proper recordkeeping of safety data sheets (SDSs) and usage of paints, solvents, thinners, and other chemicals.

Federal:

Those small businesses working in the metal manufacturing industry may need to comply with federal air emission standards if the operations include dry or abrasive air blasting, surface coating or spray painting, and/or welding operations.  These types of activities frequently result in the release of air emissions and may thus be subject through federal standard 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart XXXXXX (6X) for area source fabrication and finishing categories.

To determine if your small metal manufacturing operation may be subject to Subpart 6X, EPA has created a 6X table of applicability by NAICS code with EPA source category and an associated SIC Code description. A helpful EPA flowchart may help determine what requirements and monitoring standards may apply.

Resources

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  • Hazardous Waste

    In the metal manufacturing industry, hazardous waste can come in many forms: chlorinated oil, waste paint & solvents, sandblasting waste, spent acid & bases, sludges from air and water pollution control units, and a variety of other discarded materials.

  • Pollution Prevention

    While most metal finishing facilities use rinsing processes to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants on metal parts, there are improvements that can be made in the rinsing processes that can save water and minimize sludge generation.

    These operational improvements, which can be found in the Rinsing Manual provided by the Surface Technology Environmental Resource Center, can lead to reduced environmental pollution and lower operating costs. 

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Jeremy Hancher

Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC.  He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management.  He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.

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