Pa. DEP to help auto-body shops comply with new air-quality regulations
DEP has awarded a four-year $500,000 grant to the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Lycoming County, to take a mobile unit throughout the state to demonstrate how to comply with the new regulation. In addition, DEP is hiring 14 interns this summer to visit auto-body shops, distribute literature and discuss the regulation.
"This new regulation will help Pennsylvania's auto-body shops, many of which are small businesses, save money by using less paint and other supplies," Secretary Seif said. "Small businesses play a huge role in our economy. This outreach will teach them that the regulation makes good business sense -- and improves the environment."
DEP's new regulation requires auto-body shops and other businesses that spray paint vehicles to use new, more efficient spray guns and clean the guns in enclosed containers. Business owners were required to comply by Nov. 27, 2000.
The $500,000 grant to the Pennsylvania College of Technology will develop the Pennsylvania Spray Technique Analysis and Research (PennSTAR) demonstration trailer. This trailer will be a mobile unit, taken on location where auto-body shop technicians will get hands-on experience in proper spraying and cleaning techniques.
"A properly trained technician, using approved paints, more efficient spray guns and proper painting techniques, uses fewer supplies," said Al Thomas, head of the automotive department at Pennsylvania College of Technology. "Not only is that better for the environment -- it's good for the bottom line. You can comply with this law and make money!"
PennSTAR will make one to two trips each week to auto-body shops during the next four years. The demonstration lasts 12 hours, generally starting on location at a business on Friday afternoon and concluding Saturday.
In other outreach to auto-body shops, 14 DEP interns will visit shops throughout the Commonwealth this summer. During each visit, they will discuss the new regulation with shop owners and distribute educational literature. They also will suggest improvements owners can make, which will help them use fewer supplies and save money.
The regulation will help reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants. During hot, stagnant weather, this pollution "bakes" in the sun and forms ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone makes it hard for some people to breathe and can cause long-term respiratory problems.
For more information on the auto-refinishing regulation or ozone, visit DEP through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us or directly at www.dep.state.pa.us (directLINK "auto refinishing" or "ozone"). Free and confidential information about the new regulation also is available by calling the ENVIROHELP hotline at 1-800-722-4743.
CONTACT: Jeff McCloud, Deputy Press Secretary of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection, 717-787-1323.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
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