PROFIT FROM GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

All auto refinish shops in Ontario must possess a Certificate of Approval, issued by the Ontario Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch. This C of A, is a document that allows the facility to emit certain chemicals and solvents (usually in paint spraypainting) into the natural environment up to a certain limit as prescribed in the Certificate and using specified equipment and booth(s).

This is not a new requirement and has been part of the compliance standards for many years.

What is new is that Certificates issued since around June of 2001 or possibly in the few months prior to that date, have attached extra requirement for shops. Those requirements involve the use of low-VOC paint products, use of high-efficiency paint spray applications, a code of practice for good environmental housekeeping and the requirement for the facility to show successful completion of a training course that meets the requirements of the Certificate. All new Certificates contain this provision.

Shops are required to take the training, some no later than December 31, 2002 as a condition of compliance. Non-compliant shops are subject to investigation and possible penalty and are being visited at this time by the SWAT team from the Ministry to ensure compliance.

The training course “Profit from Good Environmental Management” will meet the Certificate’s requirement.

Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will have gained the knowledge to:

-Understand the new requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Approval

-Become aware of other waste-related regulatory requirements

-Utilize the key elements of an effective waste management program

-Understand the components for a 3R program to reduce, reuse and recycle

-Motivate all shop employees to adopt a “continuous improvement” approach that will take their shop “beyond compliance”.

The course also highlights, through video and other means, the profit and cost-savings opportunities for shop owner/operators by using real-life testimonials and examples.

This course is approximately 3.5 hours in length and is available from your coatings supplier as classroom-based training or, if you can not attend classroom instruction, by cd-rom or internet fashion from the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) at 1-866-309-HARA (4272) or e-mail at hara@ciia.com (www.ciia.com)

The following outlines the information typically required in the preparation of an MOEE Application for Approval (Air) for an automotive paint spray booth and associated equipment:

1. The maximum paint application rate, in litres per hour, for each of the principal coating types in use (e.g. primer, acrylic, basecoat, clearcoat) for each paint spray booth or prep station on-site.
(typical maximum range is 1.0 to 2.0 litres /hr of coating for the worst case complete repaint)

2. As sprayed mixing ratios of each of the principal coating types with their respective reducers and or hardeners, along with safety data sheets for each material. (Example DC92 clear / DH46 hardener / UR50 reducer - 3:1:1)

3. A layout drawing of the booth indicating its configuration (downdraft, crossdraft), the interior dimensions and the location and area of the paint arrestor filters or water wash chamber on the exhaust.

4. Exhaust fan specifications including type (vaneaxial, tubeaxial, centrifugal), diameter, volumetric flowrate and static pressure. (Note: If not available from supplier info, provide all details from rating plate on fan / motor housing)

5. Exhaust stack parameters including height above the roof deck, height above ground level, diameter at exit and the type of stackhead (e.g. velocity cone, rain ring). (Sketch if necessary)

6. If the booth is equipped with a heater for a cure cycle, the maximum thermal input rating of the burner. Exhaust fan and stack parameters should also be included if the booth vents through a separate stack in bake mode.

7. A scaled site plan indicating the location of the building relative to all property lines and a scaled elevation plan indicating the height of the roof deck above grade level. Alternately, this height may be indicated on the site plan if the building has a flat roof. (If hand drawn, please ensure all dimensions are accurately measured)

8. If the shop is housed in a unit of a multi-tenant building or commercial mall, a roof plan, to scale, indicating the location of the stack(s) relative to any roof mounted air intakes or HVAC equipment serving neighbouring units. If there are no intakes on the roof, the distance from the stack to the neighbour's nearest openable door or window should be indicated on a plan or sketch.

9. If the shop is housed in a unit of a multi-tenant building or single occupant building rented by the shop owner, written consent from the landlord to allow the operation of the subject equipment.

10. An up-to-date land use zoning plan of the surrounding area (available from the local municipal planning department), indicating the location of the site relative to areas of residential land use.

11. A scaled area location plan of the surrounding neighbourhood (available from the local municipal planning department), indicating the locations and nature of use of adjacent buildings and locations of the nearest residential, hospital and/or school buildings. In the case of spray booths equipped with tall stacks (stack height above the roof is greater than the roof height above ground), the locations and heights of neighbouring buildings taller than the stacks must also be noted.

12. Articles of Incorporation or other documentation setting out the proper legal name of the company. Sole proprietorships registered under the Business Names Act must be supported by a copy of the proprietors drivers license or birth certificate.

The Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) is working with the Ontario Ministry of Environment on a Pilot Compliance Assistance Program. If you have any questions on this form as your shop moves towards or beyond environmental compliance , you can contact HARA at
1-866-309-HARA (4272). An online version of this questionnaire is planned for inclusion on the industry web site at www.ciia.com