Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

November, 2004

EPA Method 319 for Spray Booth Filters

Q. I am working with Glasfloss Industries Inc. in the capacity of assistant to the Trade Advisor. The National Sales Manager for Glasfloss Industries is promoting a new line of products for paint booth applications in the aerospace (airplane) industry. All filters used in aerospace paint booths in the USA must be able to pass the NESHAP/EPA test Method 319. Is the NESHAP/EPA test Method 310 required internationally as well?

Thanks for your mail. The Method 319 test procedure is only required by those aerospace facilities that are subject to the EPAs Aerospace NESHAP. To fall into this regulation a facility must emit more than 10 tons/year of a single Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) as defined by the EPA, or more than 25 tons/year of a combination of HAPs. I'm giving you a simple summary, but do this to tell you that most aerospace facilities in the US which use paints and coatings, are NOT subject to the regulation. In other words, their HAP emissions fall below these thresholds. Therefore, most aerospace facilities are NOT mandated to use spray booth filters that satisfy the requirements of Method 319. Most of the large aerospace facilities that use paints do fall into this regulation.

The EPA Aerospace NESHAP only applies to organization (government and commercial) that are located in the US and its territories. Therefore, this also applies to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and other territories. It does not apply to US companies located in other countries, regardless of their size. However, it is possible that some overseas aerospace facilities are voluntarily complying with the Method 319 requirement.

Best Wishes,

Ron Joseph