TBAC (tertiary-butyl acetate) – VOC-exemption update
TBAC (tertiary-butyl acetate) – VOC-exemption update
Keywords: Solvents, Laws and legislation
Today, TBAC (tertiary-butyl acetate) can be used as an exempt compound without restrictions in 45 states. TBAC is officially exempt in 37 states and can be used as an exempt solvent at least in some product categories in 12 more states. Eight of those 12 states are scheduled to update their VOC definition in 2006.
Recent changes include:
Massachusetts completed its VOC definition update on June 2, 2006. TBAC is now exempt in all product categories and operations per the federal definition. Massachusetts is the ninth OTC state to update its VOC definition. Three more,New York, Rhode Island and Delaware recognize the federal definition during the rulemaking process, which will be completed by this fall. TBAC is also exempt in Pennsylvania, except in AIM coatings for which written permission must first be obtained from the Pennsylvania DEP.
Wyoming has postponed rulemaking to 2007 but is in attainment.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has exempted TBAC in Industrial Maintenance coatings and zinc-rich primers. Proposed amended Rule 1113 – Architectural Coatings was approved by the SCAQMD Board on June 9,2006. This decision allows coating producers to formulate a variety of Industrial Maintenance topcoats and primers with VOC-exempt TBAC, providing much-needed regulatory relief in Southern California in advance of stricter VOC-content limit of 100g/l effective July 1, 2006. The SCAQMD denied the request to expand the exemption to all coating categories in 1113 as well as NPCAÆs request to exempt it in lacquers and varnishes. Lyondell will continue to work with the District and other California agencies to broaden the TBAC exemption in California.
Lyondell has formally requested that Environment Canada add TBAC to the list of VOC-exempt compounds. This request included detailed scientific evidence showing that TBAC produces less ozone than acetone, which is exempt in Canada,and also does not have other adverse environmental impacts. Canada is enacting stringent VOC regulations patterned after CARB and OTC rules for a variety of coatings.
For additional questions or updates, please contact Dan Pourreau at: 610/359.6837 or dan.pourreau@lyondell.com.
