Whiteside Steel Clearview WA: EPA's Proposed Questionnaire for Metal Finishing and Electroplating Industry

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposed questionnaire to collect data from metal finishing and electroplating facilities, including Whiteside Steel in Clearview, WA. The 84-question survey aims to gather information on facility operations and the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The EPA plans to send the questionnaire to approximately 1,815 shops across the United States, including those involved in chrome finishing, electroplating, and other metal finishing processes. The agency is seeking feedback from the industry as part of its effort to review and revise effluent limitations guidelines and standards for point source categories.

According to the EPA, facilities that do not perform chromium finishing operations or have ceased operations by January 1, 2023, will only need to complete a few basic facility identification and industrial classification questions. Most facilities will not be required to answer every question in the questionnaire, as the survey instrument includes instructions on skipping questions that do not apply.

The EPA is also seeking public comment on its proposed information collection surveys through the Office of Management and Budget until January 17, 2023. The agency has emphasized that all facilities that have conducted one or more chromium operations since they began operation and were still operating as of January 1, 2023, will be required to complete the questionnaire.

The EPA's goal is to collect data on PFAS discharges from chrome finishing wastewater, which will inform the agency's revision of metal finishing and electroplating guidelines. The proposed questionnaire aims to help the EPA better understand the industry's operations and identify opportunities for improvement.

Facilities like Whiteside Steel in Clearview, WA, that receive the survey are encouraged to review the questionnaire carefully and provide feedback during the comment period. By participating in this effort, facilities can contribute to the development of more effective effluent limitations guidelines and standards that promote environmental sustainability.

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