Regulatory Information for Metal Casters

Foundry Sand Regulations

• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Information: Solid Waste Utilization. The page contains information on the beneficial reuse process.
  • Foundry sand when used as a feed material for the manufacture of Portland cement is considered a Standing Beneficial Use. The Metal Casters of Minnesota are continuing to pursue discussions with the MPCA on expanding foundry sand reuse opportunities.
• U.S. EPA Report: Beneficial Reuse of Foundry Sand: A Review of State Practices and Regulations [PDF 293KB]. This report outlines existing state beneficial reuse programs, offers case studies examining reuses of foundry sand, provides a scientific characterization of foundry sands, and suggests approaches to encourage increased future reuse (2002).
• AFS-FIRST is an independent non-profit association that is the successor organization to Foundry Industry Recycling States Today (FIRST). The organization exists to educate foundries, end users, government agencies, and other stakeholders about the benefits of using foundry by-products.
• U.S. EPA References: Beneficial uses of Spent Foundry Sands website has references to state programs, the EPA risk assessment report, and frequently asked questions.

Emissions Resources

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) include major sources and area sources. The MPCA incorporates major source standards into facility permits and enforces the requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency enforces the area source standards. NESHAPs are an additional federal standard beyond an air permit. The MPCA Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) can help most metal casters in Minnesota understand their requirements under these rules.

Waste Resources

In the seven county Twin Cities metro area, the counties have authorization to manage hazardous waste through county ordinances. Outside the metro, the MPCA has jurisdiction.