Surface Treatments and Coatings

Monitoring of regulations

2.1 Train staff annually on standard industry best practices for awareness, efficiency, and minimization of environmental impacts in painting, coating, and blasting operations (e.g., product application precision, reduction in material usage, proper equipment maintenance), and monitor best practice implementation.

2.2 Collect and confine spent abrasives and debris (after blasting to dock-bottom or yard grounds) to avoid dispersion by wind and runoff (e.g., cover piles of spent abrasives and debris or store them in covered containers).

2.3 Do not dilute paints or coatings unless called for in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

2.4 Distill and reuse solvents, abrasives, and paints whenever possible and according to OEM specifications.

2.5 Minimize environmental impacts at the point of use during painting, coating, or blasting operations (e.g., use efficient painting guns or automated painting tools, efficient blasting nozzles/valves, canvas, tarpaulins, curtains, or other equivalent control barriers).

2.6 Ensure proper storage and preparation of paints, coatings, solvents, and blasting products to prevent their degradation or release into the environment.

2.7 Reduce hazardous waste generation (e.g., steam dried paint in cans to separate hazardous waste from recyclables).

3.1 Maintain a registry of all paints and coatings on site. Conduct a market review and technical feasibility assessment every three (3) years of alternative paints, coatings, and application methodologies. This assessment must evaluate key product attributes, which may include the content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ethylbenzene, per- and polyfluoroalkyls substances (PFAS), and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and may also evaluate the energy intensity of material production and product lifespan.

3.2 Maintain a registry of all blasting media, processes, and equipment used on site. Conduct a market review and technical feasibility assessment every three (3) years of alternative blasting media, processes, and equipment This assessment must evaluate key product attributes, which may include reusability, recyclability, low/no toxicity and dust content, energy intensity of material production, material efficiency, and certification status as per the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or equivalent standards.

3.3 Inform customers of alternative painting/blasting/coating products, processes, and equipment options available (e.g., in bid tenders, via email).

4.1 Based on the technical feasibility assessment conducted in criterion 3.1, implement an action plan with defined objectives, annual measurable targets, and a reasonable timeframe to progressively transition from conventional paints, coatings, and/or application methodologies to less impactful alternatives.

4.2 Based on the technical feasibility assessment conducted in criterion 3.2, implement an action plan with defined objectives, annual measurable targets, and a reasonable timeframe to progressively transition from conventional blasting media, processes, and/or equipment to less impactful alternatives.

4.3 Provide specialized staff training on all advanced alternative painting, coating, and blasting products, processes, and equipment in use according to criteria 4.1 and 4.2.

5.1 Demonstrate that the objectives and annual measurable targets set in the action plan developed in 4.1 relative to the use of alternative paints, coatings, application methodologies are met and maintained.

5.2 Demonstrate that the objectives and annual measurable targets set in the action plan developed in 4.2 relative to the use of alternative blasting media, process, and equipment are met and maintained.

5.3 Participate within the last three years in a research and development project or a demonstration for an advanced painting/coating product or technique, innovative blasting media or technique, or advanced blasting waste management technology.

Note: Active participation in the project is defined as the provision of support by the participant, whether through human resources, facility access, equipment, and/or experimental on-site trials, in partnership with an academic institution, technology developer, innovation accelerator, or government agency.