Rhode Island Air National Guard Agrees to Minimize Air Emissions under E.P.A. Settlement

BOSTON - The Rhode Island Air National Guard will tighten its emissions limits and comply with federal and state air pollution laws at its North Kingstown aircraft repair facility, thereby ensuring that air quality in nearby communities is better protected.

The R.I. Air National Guard, 143rd Airlift Wing, has agreed to pay a $39,400 penalty to settle E.P.A. claims that it violated air pollution laws at this facility where it spray paints aircraft parts. As part of the settlement, R.I. Air National Guard also agreed to meet more stringent emissions limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to use coating practices that minimize emissions, to cap its yearly VOC emissions, and to apply for state air permit.

The R.I. Air National Guard conducts general aircraft maintenance, among other things, at this facility. As part of these operations, it has a paint spray booth and 4 spray guns used to apply coatings that contain VOCs to metal aircraft parts, such as wheels, steering mechanisms, and nose gear.

E.P.A. alleged that the R.I. Air National Guard violated air pollution laws by failing to apply for a required New Source Review permit in 2001 before installing a paint spray booth and before buying 4 spray guns. E.P.A. also alleged that it also violated air pollution laws for coating of metal parts and products by failing to comply with specific certification and recordkeeping requirements.

"Paint spraying operations are regulated to avoid excess emissions of VOCs, which contribute to ground level ozone," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England office. "The actions being taken by the R.I. Air National Guard under this settlement will help protect the air Rhode Islanders breathe."

More information:

- Enforcing the Clean Air Act (http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/air-enforcement)
- Report a Violation (http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/report-environmental-violations)

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