CARB to Consider Proposed ATCM Amendments for Chrome Platers, Anodizers

Photo Credit: Products Finishing

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will conduct a public hearing on May 25, 2023, at 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. EST)  to consider the Proposed Amendments to the Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Chromium Electroplating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations. 

At a January 27, 2023, public hearing, CARB considered staff’s proposed amendments reported to “further reduce the exposures and health impacts from hexavalent chromium emitted from chrome plating facilities (which include decorative and hard chrome plating and chromic acid anodizing facilities) in communities near these sources.”

According to the Metal Finishing Assn of California (MFACA), CARB made the directive to determine any amendments necessary to provide decorative chrome plating facilities with a pathway that would provide more time to transition to less toxic alternative technologies. The alternative phase-out pathway allows for 3 additional years prior to the phase-out of hexavalent chromium at decorative plating facilities. According to MFACA, facilities choosing the alternative phase-out pathway are also required to comply with building enclosure requirements in the interim period prior to the phase-out of hexavalent chromium.

MFACA says the upcoming hearing will also consider the Final Environmental Analysis, Response to Comments on the Draft Environmental Analysis, Final Regulation Order, and Proposed Resolution for the Proposed Amendments.

For more information visit CARB's Rulemaking webpage.