Metal Finishing Model Shop Program

The videos available on this web site are not downloadable. If you would like a copy in DVD format, please contact Natalie Marcanio via e-mail at nmarcani@dtsc.ca.gov or by calling (510) 540-3943.

Video on Pollution Prevention for Metal Platers: Dragout Reduction  NEW! 
Reducing plating solution drag-out is an important pollution prevention goal for the metal finishing industry.  It is one of the best ways for electroplaters to reduce hazardous waste generation, conserve raw materials and water, and reduce operating costs.  Process line workers hold the key to drag-out reduction because their work routines and habits have a big impact on efficiency. The video shows operators how to reduce drag-out using these best practices:

• Proper parts racking;
• Process bath control;
• Control parts removal by adjusting withdrawal rate and drainage time; and
• Use drag-out reduction equipment properly- hang bars, drain boards, spray rinses, and drain guards.

The information in the video is provided as guidance for operators to reduce hazardous waste generation and should not be used to determine compliance with statutes and regulations. If you would like compliance information, you should refer to the statutes and regulations, DTSC Policies and Procedures, and other formal documents.

• English version video
• Spanish version video

Video on Pollution Prevention for Metal Platers: Three Case studies  NEW! 
Three southern California businesses demonstrate equipment that reduces their waste and operating costs.

• Reverse Osmosis for Metal Finishing
• Cooling Systems for Hard Chrome Electroplating
• Reducing Rinse water Use With Conductivity Control Systems
• View video here (english language only)

Most metal plating, anodizing, and printed circuit board shops generate hazardous waste.  Some of those wastes are dangerous and harmful to the environment if not handled properly. The Metal Finishing Model Shop Program is DTSC’s way to assist shops reduce the waste they create, and the expense of dealing with that waste.  The program also helps business owners reduce toxic emissions from their operations.  State and local agencies and industry associations who have partnered with DTSC sponsor the program

Businesses participating in the program have a unique opportunity to learn directly from regulators how to comply with local pretreatment discharge requirements and with the hazardous waste generator requirements specific to their facilities.

Companies practicing pollution prevention show their commitment to keeping their work place safe and their community healthy.  They gain a competitive edge over other businesses that provide similar products and services. 

And there’s more.  Eligible businesses may get loans to purchase state-of-the-art pollution and emission reducing equipment – for process recycling, pollution control, or waste water recycling –  through the Metal Plating Facility Loan Guarantee Program.

To get started, read the Model Shop fact sheet and program overview. 

Fill out the business application (instructions) and pledge.

Submit the application and pledge to the DTSC Model Shop coordinator in Northern or Southern California.

For more information about the small business loan program, contact Glen Stober at the Business, Housing and Transportation Agency at (916) 324-9538, gstober@bhta.ca.gov .  You may also contact your bank or the Financial Development Corporation in your area.

Model Shop Verification Assessment and Overview

DTSC staff will use the verification checklist to assess your business for the model shop award. Points are credited for the pollution prevention methods you have implemented. The overview page summarizes the points needed in each activity category.

Please note:

• Some of the practices listed on the assessment are required; and
• Pollution prevention activities that are not listed may be added and are subject to staff review and approval.

DTSC awarded K & L Anodizing in Burbank, Calif., the first Metal Finishing Model Shop recognition in September 2005. Besides pride in their accomplishment, here are some of the cost and environmental benefits the company realized by implementing pollution prevention measures and participating in the program.

• Wastewater reductions of more than 95,000 gallons per day by installing a closed loop ion exchange system.
• Extended process bath life of 50 percent using filters and chemical analyses, leading to big operating cost savings from both the purchasing and waste disposal ends. 
• Energy and cost savings from installing efficient lighting, insulated and temperature-controlled hot tanks, and a natural gas boiler.
• Freecompliance and pollution prevention assistance direct from regulators.
• Public  recognition as a Model Shop award recipient.  Press Release

If you would like to submit your model shop application or have any questions about the program, please contact one of the MFMS coordinators.  In southern California, contact Evelina Rayas, erayas@dtsc.ca.gov  or (818) 551-2936.  In northern California, contact Natalie Marcanio, nmarcani@dtsc.ca.gov  or (510) 540-3943.

Southern California

Save Water and Money
Two programs intended to encourage businesses to invest in water saving devices are open to commercial and industrial users within the Metropolitan Water District’s service area. You may be eligible for financial assistance or rebates for installing water saving equipment and processes through these programs:

• Save a Buck Program
• Industrial Process Improvement Program

For water saving tips and information on events and classes, visit the Be Water Wise web site.

DTSC hosted a free, one-day pollution prevention and compliance assistance seminar on January 9, 2008 at Mission College in Santa Clara, California.  This seminar focused on providing information to businesses that operate metal finishing and waste water pretreatment processes on:

• how to prevent environmental violations,
• reduce waste and emissions and associated costs, and
• stay current with local regulatory issues.

Links to seminar presentations are available on the seminar agenda.

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 fact sheet - explains requirements for businesses that generate hazardous waste.
• The most common hazardous waste violationsfound 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.   The Self-Inspection Handbook helps chrome platers and anodizers understand and comply with air emissions control and monitoring requirements.

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. The first biannual report for the metal plating loan guarantee program summarizes program activities in 2006. 

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.

Energy Efficiency

U.S. Department of Energy Industrial Assessment Centers
The university based Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) provide free energy, waste and productivity assessments to small and medium sized manufacturers.  To find out if your business is eligible for technical assistance, contact the IAC in your area.

Southern California IAC
San Diego State University IAC offers assessments to small and medium manufacturers in San Diego.
Loyola Marymount University IAC offers assessments to industry located in southern California, with a special focus on Lean Manufacturing to reduce energy use.

Northern California IAC
San Francisco State University IAC for manufacturers located within 150 miles of San Francisco.