Regulatory Information

Regulatory Information for Machining and Metal Fabrication Facilities

machregulatory-2Machining and metal fabricating operations must comply with multiple environmental, health, and safety regulations. Find information on air, hazardous waste, and wastewater regulations through the links below.

Index of Federal NESHAPs – the NESHAPs that most affect metal finishing are Plating and Polishing (area sources); Chromium Electroplating; Steel Pickling; and Degreasing Organic Cleaners / Halogenated Solvent Cleaners. Subpart IV Summary of Final Standards. Compliance requirements set to be required on July 25, 2011 for existing sources (new sources notification deadline was November 20, 2008) of emissions at metal fabrication facilities. Five industrial processes are regulated:

  • Dry abrasive blasting
  • Dry grinding and polishing with machines
  • Machining
  • Spray painting
  • Welding

Listed Metals in Specified Products. In 1991, the Minnesota Legislature passed laws requiring reduction of four metals in specified products. These metals, lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, and chromium, all have known adverse effects on public health and the environment.

Towels, Wipes and Sorbents. This fact sheet from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) outlines management options for sorbents, towels and wipes.