Chromium-based regulations and greening in metal finishing industries in the USA

Abstract

This paper reviews the regulations pertaining to chromium emissions from metal finishing industries in the USA and technical options for compliance, and assesses the influence of regulations on the reduction of chromium emissions. Based upon the literature analysis, the paper argues that there has been discernible impact of the regulations on chromium emissions control by metal finishing industries. Chromium emission reduction by metal finishing industries has occurred mainly in response to the need to comply with chromium regulations. To meet the regulatory requirements, the industries have either installed chromium emission control equipment or moved to pollution prevention by minimizing waste generation and implementing process and product modifications. Over time, metal finishing industries have learned that pollution prevention does pay and environmental protection and pollution prevention are compatible businesses. With innovative public policy like EPA’s Common Sense Initiative (CSI) now in place, the prospects for chromium emission reduction and compliance to regulations looks better than ever. A number of metal finishing industries, mainly large businesses, have adopted “greening” as the principal philosophy of business management. However, greening is occurring slowly because of lack of personnel and capital resources, awareness, and technical competence, as well as organizational resistance, high costs of production, uncertainty about future regulatory activity, and substantial marketplace constraints.