The proposed rule states that metalcasters with a production capacity greater than 10,000 tons of melt per year would have to comply with a PM limit of 0.8 lbs., or 0.06 lbs. of total hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) per ton of metal melted. All melting furnaces at new metalcasting facilities would be subject to a PM limit of 0.1 lbs., or 0.008 lbs. of total HAPs per ton of metal melted. Facilities also would have to comply with a scrap management plan to reduce HAP emissions.

The EPA also is co-proposing two alternative regulatory approaches:

• raising the production threshold to 15,000 tons of melt per year;
• establishing a rule that would apply to all metalcasters, regardless of size, that would require them to comply only with pollution prevention and scrap management practices.

The EPA initially proposed a 30-day public comment period, ending Oct. 17, however, they have extended the comment period until Nov. 1. The Agency is under court order to finalize the rule by Dec. 15.

As a result of the industry's efforts in Washington, the EPA included a number of regulatory options and alternatives in the proposed rulemaking package and requested comment on them. The American Foundry Society's Washington office will be working closely with the 10-E Committee to develop the best approach for commenting on the rule on behalf of the society. For more information, contact Jeff Hannapel, The Policy Group, at 202/457-0630, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .