| Source Newsletter 2009 issue 2 |
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Pilots result in reduced air emissions from auto body shops
In 2008, the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) worked with auto body shops in the Twin Cities to help them reduce emissions of ozone precursors and air toxics. Through the Auto Body Training and Technology Demonstration Pilot Project, MEI worked with 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.
MEI identified paint thinners/solvents, which are cleaning agents in auto body shops, as a significant source of air toxics. The organization worked with five local shops to conduct pilot trials aimed at replacing solvent products with a non-hazardous alternative or reducing thinner usage through solvent recycling equipment. Three of the participating shops have permanently adopted practices that result in reduced air emissions from solvent use.
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.
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.
MnTAP worked with MEI on this project and recently posted the final MEI report .
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MnTAP Interns
Pilots result in reduced air emissions from auto body shops
Materials Exchange
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