Navigating Environmental Permitting for Paint Finishing Systems

When you decide to design or upgrade a paint finishing system, the focus for most manufacturers is on efficiency, quality, and throughput. There is one critical factor that can’t be overlooked when it comes to paint finishing - environmental permitting. From air quality to wastewater management, environmental regulations vary by industry and directly impact how paint finishing systems are designed, installed, and operated. Here’s what you need to know before you get started or upgrade your finishing system:

Environmental Permits Matter
Paint finishing systems involve coatings, solvents, and curing processes that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants into your facility. Without the right airflow and containment solutions, these emissions can harm the environment and put manufacturers at risk of noncompliance. Permits help ensure your production goals and regulatory requirements are met, while providing safe operations and protecting your workers and community.

Key Regulatory Considerations

• Air Permitting: Many paint finishing systems require air permits due to VOC and particulate emissions. You may need a permit under the Clean Air Act or state-level air quality programs.
• Wastewater & Stormwater: If your finishing system includes pretreatment or cleaning processes, wastewater discharge permits may be required. Your facility has to manage collection and treatment to prevent contamination of stormwater or municipal systems.
• Hazardous Waste Management: Overspray, leftover paint, filters, and solvent-contaminated materials may qualify as hazardous waste, so permit and reporting requirements will depend on the waste and disposal.
• Occupational Safety: There are ventilation and hazardous material standards from OSHA to consider when designing your system and applying for permits.

Best Practices for Compliance
Keep in mind that planning in advance will save you delays or costly redesigns in the future. Here are some best practices when building or integrating new finishing components into your process:

• Involve regulators early: Talk to state or local agencies before you begin your process
• Choose the right technology: Using high-efficiency equipment can reduce emissions and simplify permitting
• Keep records: Document what coatings you are using to streamline inspections
• Plan for scale: If you have plans to increase production, make sure your permits don’t limit expansion

Environmental permits are part of the process when designing a new or upgraded finishing system. You can increase production and ensure regulatory compliance by planning ahead. Rohner helps manufacturers design and build sustainable, environmentally friendly finishing systems that meet the requirements of your industry and application. Talk to our team today about upgrading your system or designing a new system for your operations. 

Have questions? Please contact the Rohner team: info@rohner-usa.com