RICHMOND, Va.—The state of Virginia is issuing new regulations on volatile organic compound emissions for the Richmond Emissions Control Area, according to the EPDM Roofing Association.
The new VOC limits cover Charles, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Prince George counties as well as the cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg, the association said. They become effective Oct. 1, 2013, with an implementation date of March 1, 2014, it said.
VOCs are found in adhesives and sealants used by the roofing industry, according to the association. VOC emissions are regulated heavily because they may contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.
The Ozone Transport Commission developed a model VOC rule for adhesives and sealants in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, based on California regulations.
Because climatic and market conditions in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic differ significantly from those in California, the EPDM Roofing Association has begun an intensive campaign to bring these differences to the attention of state legislators and ask for modifications in the rule, the association said.
Several states have drafted language to incorporate seasonal implementation schedules into their VOC standards, according to the association.
"These changes have allowed and will continue to allow sufficient time to phase in new low-VOC materials, make process changes to meet the new standards and train state contractors," it said.
The association has compiled a detailed chart listing all state actions concerning VOC emissions from adhesives and sealants, found here.