Providing Technical Assistance to Metal Finishers using Trichloroethylene (TCE): Outcomes and Next Steps

Linda Darveau & Valerie Rickman

Picture courtesy of Roy Crystal

Project Background

Air sampling in the Providence, RI area revealed presence of TCE in the air.

EPA received complaints from the RI DEM that many metal finishers/polishing shops were out of compliance with air regulations because of TCE use.

RI DEM has documented non compliance and is beginning to issue NOV’s, but doesn’t have the resources to pursue all.

Facility Locations

Data From Air Sampling

Initial Problems

RI Industry has two complicated standards to comply with:

- The RI Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 36,

- EPA’s MACT Standard for Halogenated Solvents

Conducting workshops & traditional outreach not effective with small shops.

Degreaser at R & R Polishing Co.

Picture courtesy of Valerie Rickman

Initial Steps

Started workgroup including RI DEM, RI Dept. Health, Narragansett Bay Commission, TURI

Contacted individual metal finishers and performed site visits

– Initial effort found 9 facilities interested in alternative solutions to TCE

Contracted with TURI to test metal parts to find effective alternative cleaner

EPA scheduled 1 workshop to allow TURI to demonstrate their testing procedures on metal parts

Picture courtesy of Valerie Rickman

About TURI

Mission:– Research, test and promote alternatives to toxic chemicals used in

Massachusetts industries and communities – Provide resources and tools for a safer place to live and work – Promote economic competitiveness through improved efficiency,

compliancy stability and reduced risk

The Surface Solutions Laboratory and the CleanerSolutions Database

– Specializes in finding safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals.– Available at http://www.cleanersolutions.org

Ira Green - Background

270 employees - Products consist of metal pieces for the DoD

– Military unaware of TCE use in metal finishing operations

Used 12,500 pounds of TCE in 2004 When EPA contacted Ira Green, the company was

very close to exceeding permit limitations Already had enforcement action against them by the

RI DEM 2003 and 2004

Images from http://www.iragreen.com

Ira Green – Finding an Alternative

EPA collected parts for TURI to test Set up a test tank in Ira Green’s facility

– Determined that alternative solution works as well as TCE

– TURI provided free gallon of alternative solution IRA Green currently using alternative in

existing ultrasonic tanks for 30% of product, using n propyl bromide as a drop in replacement while waiting to purchase additional ultrasonic equipment.

Three A’s - Background

Small, family-owned job shop – 4 employees

Owner wanted to stop using TCE because of associated health risks

Used approximately 55

gallons (~690 pounds)/year at a cost of about $1000 Pictures courtesy of Jason Marshall, TURI

Three A’s – Finding an Alternative

EPA collected parts for TURI to test Needed to find an alternative process that

would maintain an antique finish on metal parts

An alternative was found that will allow Three A’s to retrofit current degreaser with an immersible transducer, saving money on equipment costs.

Next Steps

Continue site visits to assist shops who want to participate

Explore additional barriers to switching to alternatives such as drying issues, water discharge

Intern, Valerie Rickman, is working on a “How to” guide for metal finishers who would like to find an alternative to using TCE

Investigate whether problem exists in other cities such as Holyoke

Picture courtesy of Valerie Rickman