Metal Finishing Links and Resources

Environmental Compliance References and Links

Find your local environmental agency for more information about what is required of your business.

Hazardous Waste Laws and Regulations
DTSC’s web site includes the following information for hazardous waste generators and on-site treaters.

• Hazardous waste generator information explains requirements for businesses that generate hazardous waste.
• The most common hazardous waste violations found at electroplating facilities are explained to help operators avoid them.
• Regulatory assistance frequently asked questions.
• Tiered permitting guidance explains on-site waste treatment requirements.
• Laws, regulations and DTSC policies.

For more information, contact a Regulatory Assistance Officer or refer to the DTSC hazardous waste management fact sheets and publications.

Air Quality Laws and Regulations
California Air Resources Board (ARB)

California's Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) Control program for hexavalent chromium activity Web pages include important regulatory updates for chrome platers, the Air Toxics Control Measure for chrome plating and chromic acid anodizing operations, list serves, and information about industry courses. Find your local air district for more information about emissions control regulations.

Water Quality – Storm water
The California Best Management Practices Handbook Spill prevention control and clean-up for commercial and industrial facilities is a guide to help eliminate spills and leaks, a major source of storm water pollution.

Metal Finishing Industry References and Links

Industry Associations
National Association of Metal Finishers
National Metal Finishing Resource Center
National Association for Surface Finishing

On-line Industry Publications
Finishing-dot-com

Industry-EPA-State-Local Partnership Resources
National Metal Finishing Strategic Goals Program

Environmental Technology Verification - P2 Metal Finishing Technologies Pilot

Computerized Ion Exchange Regeneration Process
Aqueous Circuit Board cleaners

Process Efficiency

Lean Manufacturing
US EPA  Lean Manufacturing and the Environment
Lean Enterprise Institute

Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

EPA provides an overview of EMS and tools and templates specifically for metal finishers to develop a facility EMS.

Small Business Assistance

Small Business Loan Program
Part of the California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, the Metal Plating Facility Guarantee Program allows businesses to obtain loans not otherwise available and to establish favorable credit history with a lender.

Business Development Consulting and Training
California’s Small Business Development Centers help small businesses succeed through management counseling and training.

Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs home page contains environmental compliance, pollution prevention and performance measurement information

Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing

Industry Associations
IPC-California Circuits Association
IPC–Association Connecting Electronics Industries

Industry-EPA Partnership Resources
Printed Wiring Board Resource Center  
Design for Environment (DfE) Printed Wiring Board Partnership            

Pollution Prevention Information

U.S. EPA Pollution Prevention Home
Western Region Pollution Prevention Network (WRPPN) – industry sector pollution prevention information.