The February Hemmings Classic Car Magazine carries an interesting article about EPA  regulations in force now and ones to come regarding painting of automobiles. They were revealed in a letter from the agency to the magazine referencing a column that ran  three issues back on alternative methods for painting cars.  A reader taking issue with that article informed the EPA. The EPA in turn wrote a letter to the magazine noting the article had neglected to mention environmental regulations that might apply to the techniques referenced in the story.

An EPA employee is quoted in the article saying, "I was recently forwarded a copy of an article titled 'Alternative Painting Techniques' published in the November 2007 issue of Hemmings Classic Car magazine. I note that the article did not mention environmental regulations that may apply to the painting discussed in the article. I am writing to inform you that on September 17, 2007 the Environmental  Protection Agency (EPA) proposed federal regulations which, when finalized, will regulate surface coating of metal parts and plastic parts, including auto body refinishing."  The regulations were finalized after a 30- day comment period and are now in effect having been finalized in December 2007 after consideration of a review in the EPA Web site.  Essentially the regulation requires equipment that confines spray operations to within properly filtered spray booths or preparation stations using HVLP spray equipment. It also states that  management practice include proper training and certification of  painters. Essentially limiting all spray painting to a certified spray booth where all particulates are collected and it must be done by a certified person.

According to the article it is even going to become more difficult for individuals to do any auto body painting because the EPA is now looking into restricting  the sale of auto body paints to only those who are certified to use them. This is planned for 2011.

As these requirements are enforced very few old car hobbyists, who like to do their own work, will be able to afford  the expensive paint booths and certification required. There will no doubt be more discussion of this subject in the future. It sounds as if we need to monitor the EPA Web site occasionally.                                                                     Jim Farris