New Area Source Rule Set for Metalcasting Facilities, Deadline for EPA Notifications Jan. 2, 2009
On Jan. 2, 2008, EPA published the final iron and steel foundry area source rule in the Federal Register. EPA issued the standard based on generally available control technology (GACT) for the control of urban hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), including chromium, lead, manganese and nickel. The final rule sets emission limits for large area source metalcasting facilities, and requires both large and small area source facilities to comply with pollution prevention management practices and notification and record keeping requirements.

Under the new area source rule, EPA defined small existing area sources as metalcasting facilities with annual metal melt production of 20,000 tons or less and large existing area sources as facilities with annual metal melt production of greater than 20,000 tons. The initial size classification is based on production data for calendar year 2008. If the 2008 production data exceeds 20,000 tons, then the metalcasting facility must comply with the applicable emission limits and operation and maintenance requirements no later than two years after the initial classification, or by Jan. 1, 2011. Metalcasting facilities impacted by this rule must submit a notification to the EPA Regional office designating the metalcasting facility as a large or small area source metalcasting facility by Jan. 2, 2009.

All metalcasting facilities must comply with the pollution prevention management practices including metallic scrap, mercury switch removal and binder formulation provisions to remove HAP-generating materials prior to melting operations and in-mold formations. The metallic scrap management plan also is required by Jan. 2, 2009.

To download a sample of the AFS scrap management plan for iron and steel area source metalcasting facilities, samples of area source classification notifications for large and small metalcasting facilities or the MODERN CASTING article on this issue, click here. For more information on the implementation of the iron and steel foundry area source rule, contact Jeff Hannapel or Christian Richter, AFS Washington Office, at jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com or crichter@thepolicygroup.com.

Find out if your castings stand up against the elite. All castings submitted receive free publicity in Engineered Casting Solutions magazine and the winners are part of an end-user PR campaign. The Casting of the Year and Best in Class winners receive a free license of Magmasoft casting simulation software. Click here to download an entry form. For more information, contact Dave Krugman, AFS PR and marketing coordinator, at dkrugman@afsinc.org or 800/537-4237 x 286.

Exhibit Space Available for the 113^th Metalcasting Congress
Exhibit booth space is available for the 113th Metalcasting Congress to be held April 7-10, 2009, at the Paris Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nev.

Hosted by the American Foundry Society (AFS) and the North American Die Casting Association, the annual Metalcasting Congress is a great opportunity to reach the North American metalcasting market. With an anticipated attendance of more than 1,500 key industry personnel, more than 140 technical and management presentations, and the bestowing of the industry's most prestigious industry awards, this is the can't-miss show of the year.

For more information, or to reserve exhibit space at the 113th Metalcasting Congress, visit www.metalcastingcongress.org or Kris Drager, AFS director of finance, at kdrager@afsinc.org or 800/537-4237 x 217.

New Suppliers Featured on MODERNCASTING.com
Moderncasting.com is now featuring the product news of some of the industry’s leading suppliers.

In the Product News section of the website, you’ll find videos and information highlighting the latest wheels available from Wheelabrator Group, aluminum furnaces from Thermtronix, a hydraulic fluid that is now going to be made in the U.S., upgrades to MeltLab Systems’ thermal analysis tool, two new capabilities from Stork Technimet, and many others.

Visit the Product News section of MODERNCASTING.com for videos and more about the equipment that is changing the metalcasting industry.

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training Course Coming
CMI will be offering an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training course Feb. 9-10 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. This CMI OSHA 10-hour general industry training program is designed to help metalcasting personnel increase their understanding of OSHA standards and requirements. This will result in increased workplace safety awareness and compliance. Information gained further reduces the risk of fines and penalties resulting from OSHA violations.

Participants who successfully complete this course will receive an OSHA course completion card, and a CMI Course Completion Certificate. All workbooks, materials and handouts are included. For more information or to attend this course, contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237, or click here to register.