Sock filter in your parts washer?

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) recently issued a Compliance Advisory Letter, dated October 23, 2015. MCAQD is now on the lookout for solvent cleaning machines that include a canvas bag style filter (sock filter) in the sink or wash basin. The sock filter may be hidden beneath a shelf inside the sink area.

Facilities operating a canvas bag style filter in a drum mount or free standing solvent parts washer are subject to violation and must utilize a filter that conforms to MCAQD Rule 331.

See MCAQD Rule 331 for applicability and exemptions. MCAQD Rule 331

If this type of solvent filtration device is discovered during a routine or complaint inspection:

Within thirty days following the date of the Compliance Advisory letter:
No enforcement action will be taken by the Department.

Within the eleven months following the 30-day no action period above:
If a canvas bag style solvent filtration system is discovered in operation after the conclusion of the 30-day no action period, an Opportunity to Correct (OTC) will be issued. A disposition inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance. If, after an OTC is issued within the 11 months after the conclusion of the 30-day no action period, it is discovered that a canvas bag style solvent filtration system is still in use the Department may issue a Notice of Violation (NOV).

After 12 months from the release of Advisory Letter:
If a canvas bag style solvent filtration system is discovered in operation after twelve months of the release of this document, the Department may issue a Notice of Violation (NOV).