Section 320. Sector Y - Rubber, miscellaneous plastic products, and miscellaneous manufacturing industries  


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  • A. Discharges covered under this section. The requirements listed under this section apply to stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity from rubber and miscellaneous plastic products manufacturing facilities (SIC Major Group 30) and miscellaneous manufacturing industries, except jewelry, silverware, and plated ware (SIC Major Group 39, except 391).

    B. Stormwater pollution prevention plan requirements. In addition to the requirements of Part III, the SWPPP shall include, at a minimum, the following items:

    1. Site description. Summary of potential pollutant sources. Rubber manufacturing facilities shall review the use of zinc at the facility and the possible pathways through which zinc may be discharged in stormwater runoff.

    2. Stormwater controls.

    a. Controls for rubber manufacturers. Rubber manufacturing facilities shall describe and implement specific controls to minimize the discharge of zinc in stormwater discharges from the facility. Listed below are possible sources of zinc. These shall be reviewed and the accompanying control measures (or their equivalents) shall be considered in the SWPPP. Also, some general control measure options to consider include: using chemicals that are purchased in pre-weighed, sealed polyethylene bags; storing materials that are in use in sealable containers; ensuring an airspace between the container and the cover to minimize "puffing" losses when the container is opened; and using automatic dispensing and weighing equipment.

    (1) Zinc bags. All permittees shall review the handling and storage of zinc bags at their facilities. Following are some control measure options: employee training regarding the handling and storage of zinc bags; indoor storage of zinc bags; cleanup of zinc spills without washing the zinc into the storm drain; and the use of 2,500-pound sacks of zinc rather than 50- to 100-pound sacks.

    (2) Dumpsters. The permittee shall minimize discharges of zinc from dumpsters. Following are some control measure options: provide a cover for the dumpster; move the dumpster to an indoor location; or provide a lining for the dumpster.

    (3) Dust collectors or baghouses. Permittees shall minimize contributions of zinc to stormwater from dust collectors and baghouses. Improperly operating dust collectors and baghouses shall be replaced or repaired as appropriate.

    (4) Grinding operations. Permittees shall minimize contamination of stormwater as a result of dust generation from rubber grinding operations. One control measure option is to install a dust collection system.

    (5) Zinc stearate coating operations. Permittees shall minimize the potential for stormwater contamination from drips and spills of zinc stearate slurry that may be released to the storm drain. One control measure option is to use alternative compounds to zinc stearate.

    b. Controls for plastic products manufacturers. Plastic products manufacturing facilities shall describe and implement specific controls to minimize the discharge of plastic resin pellets in stormwater discharges from the facility. The following control measures (or their equivalents) shall be considered in the SWPPP: minimizing spills; cleaning up of spills promptly and thoroughly; sweeping thoroughly; pellet capturing; employee education; and disposal precautions.

    C. Benchmark monitoring and reporting requirements. Rubber product manufacturing facilities are required to monitor their stormwater discharges for the pollutants of concern listed in Table 320.

    Table 320
    Sector Y – Benchmark Monitoring Requirements

    Pollutants of Concern

    Benchmark Concentration

    Tires and Inner Tubes; Rubber Footwear; Gaskets, Packing and Sealing Devices; Rubber Hose and Belting; and Fabricated Rubber Products, Not Elsewhere Classified (SIC 3011-3069).

    Total Recoverable Zinc

    120 µg/L

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 15, Issue 09, eff. June 30, 1999; amended, Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2004; Volume 25, Issue 19, eff. June 24, 2009; Volume 30, Issue 11, eff. July 1, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 402 of the federal Clean Water Act; 40 CFR Parts 122, 123, and 124.