Steve Walker, HSE adviser to the Engineering Employers Federation, explained the requirements of the European Commission directive on the limitations to emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Surface degreasing currently requires authorization if it is associated with another activity requiring authorization, usually a coating process. These emissions thresholds will be lowered by the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED). The Government department responsible (Department for Environment, food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA) estimates that around 40 percent of surface cleaning activities covered by the SED are already authorized under the Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC), but that there are around another 4600 installations that will need to be authorized or to reduce emissions.Companies will have to work towards substitution within he shortest possible time; details are expected from the EC by the end of 2001 long with advice on alternatives. New activities, abatement equipment, and substantial changes will have to comply immediately, anticipated date mid 2002, although existing authorized activities will have until April 2007 to meet the new requirements. Guidance on transitional provisions is available on the EA website (www.environemtnagency.gov.uk/business/lapc).
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