Linda Darveau & Valerie Rickman

1. Providing Technical Assistance to Metal Finishers using Trichloroethylene (TCE): Outcomes and Next Steps Linda Darveau & Valerie Rickman Picture courtesy of Roy Crystal

2. 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.

3. Facility Locations

4. Data From Air Sampling

5. Degreaser at R & R Polishing Co. Picture courtesy of Valerie Rickman 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.

6. Initial Steps Picture courtesy of Valerie Rickman • 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Pictures courtesy of Jason Marshall, TURI 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

11. 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.

12. 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