Auto
Body Shops |
|
Paints and solvents used in auto body shops are significant sources of air pollutant emissions. New technologies such as HVLP paint guns and high solids paints help to decrease air emissions. Because of the cost savings associated with the use of these products, most of the shops in the city of Boulder have implemented these changes. Boulder County has approximately 45 auto body shops, 26 of which are in the city of Boulder.
Sources of Pollution
The primary pollutants of concern for auto body shops are VOCs emitted during painting operations, hazardous wastes generated from solvents, thinners, and metal-based paints, and dust emitted during sanding operations that may be washed into storm water drains. In addition, body shops may generate wastes similar to general auto repair shops, such as lubricating fluids, antifreeze, tires, batteries, brakes, refrigerants, filters, and rags, as listed in the following table.
Sources of Pollution from Auto Body Shops
Waste Stream |
Health/Environmental Concerns |
Pollution Prevention Alternatives |
| paints | paints with chromium, cadmium, lead, zinc, nickel, and mercury | use non-metal high solids
paints, use HVLP guns which increase transfer efficiency and reduce paint waste |
| paint solvents and thinners | may contain: - VOCs which contribute to smog, - hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), - chlorinated compounds which deplete ozone - chemicals with significant worker health concerns (carcinogens, nervous system, liver, kidney damage) may be flammable (low flash point) water contamination |
recycle on-site using a
distillation unit, use non-chlorinated, low VOC, high flash point solvents |
Pollution Prevention Successes
A number of pollution prevention measures implemented at auto body shops have resulted in significant savings due to reduced raw material purchases and disposal costs. Some of the most successful measures are listed below.
| Waste Stream | Pollution Prevention Measure | Benefits |
| paint (overspray) | switched to high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) paint spray gun | improved worker health and safety, reduced emissions of VOCs, significant material cost savings |
| paint waste | switched to high-solids, solvent-borne coatings | improved worker health and safety, reduced emissions of HAPs and VOCs, significant material cost savings |
| lacquer thinner and solvent waste | purchased on-site distillation unit | reduced emissions of VOCs, reduced hazardous waste, significantly reduced material and disposal costs |
| solvent waste from paint gun cleaning | improved cleaning system and employee training | reduced emissions of VOCs, reduced hazardous waste, significantly reduced material and disposal costs |