Learn how metal facilities are regulated and view plans to reduce their emissions.
Metal facilities include foundries, forges, metal shredders, and recycling operations. These facilities can emit both particles and odors. The Air District requires metal facilities to follow an Emissions Minimization Plan that describes their operations and efforts to reduce emissions.
Emissions Minimization Plans
Following are EMP requirements for Bay Area metal facilities:
- Recyclers and shredders that process 1,000 tons of metal or more per 12-month period must file an EMP and keep records to show how they are adhering to the plan.
- Foundries and forges that melt only clean metal or alloy are exempt from filing an EMP , but must keep records to show they qualify for this exemption.
- Foundries and forges that process less than 1 ton of metal per 12-month period are exempt from filing an EMP .
- Foundries and forges that process between 1 ton and 2,500 tons of metal per 12-month period are exempt from filing an EMP , but must keep records to show they qualify for this exemption.
- Foundries and forges that process more than 2,500 tons of metal per 12-month period must file an EMP and keep records to show how they are adhering to the plan.
The Air District provides guidance and an example(1 Mb PDF, 49 pgs) of how to prepare an EMP .
Public Comment
New metal facilities have 12 months to submit a draft EMP for public comment and Air District approval. The public has 30 days to comment on draft EMPs . Completed EMPs (with confidential information removed) can be viewed in the tables below.
Change of Reporting Requirement Deadline
The District is extending the deadline for facilities to report planned fugitive emissions reductions and prevention measures to 30 days after a facility receives an approved EMP. Section 407 of Regulation 12-13 and 6-4 requires facilities subject to an EMP to submit a report by May 1, 2015 that describes planned fugitive emissions reduction measures, processes and procedures to be implemented within the next 5 years. The intent of section 407 was for facilities to develop emissions reduction and prevention measures after having had the opportunity to review the District’s recommendations. This extension allows adequate time for facilities to review District recommendations and establish these prevention measures.