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Clean Air Minnesota
Autobody Refinishers Training and Technology Demonstration Pilot Project
In 2008, the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) provided outreach to Twin Cities auto body shops in an effort to reduce emissions of ozone precursors and air toxics produced by this industry. The Auto Body Training and Technology Demonstration Pilot Project (Auto Body Project) targeted the auto body refinishing industry, which is among the top 15 source areas of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and among the top 10 sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in Minnesota. Auto body shop emissions affect air quality near shops, pose health risks to workers, and contribute to climate change.
In fulfilling the project’s goals, MEI researched and compiled recommended emission reduction practices and technologies, identified industry leaders using these techniques, and hosted a free training and demonstration event on August 27, 2008 demonstrating best practices to shop owners.
Next MEI facilitated the implementation of pilot trials in several local body shops. Outcomes from the pilot trial participants are documented below.
The final report documenting MEI’s Auto Body Project is available for download: MEI Auto Body Training and Technology Demonstration Pilot Project Final Report.
Pilot Trial Outcomes
MEI identified use of paint thinner/solvent as a cleaning agent in auto body shops as a significant source of air toxics and targeted pilot trial implementation at replacing solvent products with a non-hazardous alternative or reducing thinner usage through solvent recycling equipment.
Five local shops participated in MEI pilot trials, three of which have permanently adopted practices that result in reduced air emissions from solvent usage.
Jerry’s Auto Body in Stillwater and Bon Auto Body in Richfield are both using a non-toxic, non-hazardous alternative solvent (Eco-Chem GW1) in place of traditional solvent for a combined annual reduction in air emissions of over 230 lbs.
Lehman’s Bloomington location and Crystal Lake Automotive also tested the alternative solvent product, but did not permanently adopt it.
With assistance from MEI, Maaco - Little Canada purchased a new 5-gallon Always Clean 110 Solvent Recycler through Onsite Recycling Services that will save the shop hundreds of dollars annually and reduce annual air emissions by approximately 730 lbs.
Project Funders
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Flint Hills Resources
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