title = "Environmental Compliance in Surface Treatment"

content = """
Surface treatment operations involve chemicals and processes subject to significant environmental regulation. At Ridgecrest Metalworks, environmental compliance in the surface treatment department is managed through permits, operating procedures, waste management practices, and regular reporting.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by solvent-borne paints, thinners, and cleaning solvents. VOC content of coatings and solvents is regulated under the Clean Air Act and state air quality regulations. Ridgecrest limits solvent-borne materials to compliant products where VOC content is within permitted thresholds. High-volume spray application processes may require air emission permits and monitoring of annual VOC emissions. Switching to waterborne, high-solids, or powder coat formulations reduces VOC emissions significantly and is the preferred direction for new product introductions.

Wastewater from surface treatment processes — rinse water from phosphating, chromating, plating, and alkaline cleaning lines — contains heavy metals, acids, alkalis, and phosphates. Discharge to sewer requires an industrial pretreatment permit. Wastewater is treated in the on-site treatment plant: pH neutralization, precipitation of heavy metals (chromium reduction from Cr⁶⁺ to Cr³⁺ before precipitation), flocculation, and clarification. Effluent quality is monitored and recorded. Discharge limits for metals (zinc, nickel, chromium, cadmium) and other regulated parameters are enforced. Exceedances are reported to the regulatory authority.

Hazardous waste generated includes spent pickle liquors, spent chromate baths, heavy metal sludge from wastewater treatment, contaminated abrasive, and solvent-contaminated rags. All hazardous waste is labeled, stored in compatible containers in the designated hazardous waste storage area, and collected by a licensed hazardous waste contractor at defined intervals. Waste manifests are retained as required by RCRA.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) in chromate conversion coatings and certain primers is subject to occupational exposure limits (OSHA PEL: 5 µg/m³ 8-hour TWA) and specific engineering controls. Enclosed process equipment, local exhaust ventilation, and biological monitoring of workers are required where Cr⁶⁺ is in use.

Environmental incidents (spills, unauthorized releases) are reported immediately to the EHS manager and addressed per the spill response procedure. Spill kits rated for acids, caustics, and solvents are positioned adjacent to all treatment lines. Annual environmental audits verify compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
