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The EPA promulgated the Paving and Roofing Materials (Tars and Asphalt) Effluent Guidelines (40 CFR Part 443Exit EPA’s website) in 1975. The regulation covers directdirectA point source that discharges pollutants to waters of the United States, such as streams, lakes, or oceans. and indirectindirectA facility that discharges pollutants to a publicly owned treatment works (municipal sewage treatment plant). dischargers. The Effluent Guidelines are incorporated into NPDES permits for direct dischargers and into permits or other control mechanisms for indirect dischargers (see Pretreatment Program).
On this page:
* What is the Paving and Roofing Materials Industry?
* Pollutants and Subcategories
* Rulemaking History
* Additional Information
Most asphalt and asphalt products are manufactured from the residues generated when crude petroleum is distilled. * Asphalt emulsion plants produce blown asphalt (forcing hot air through crude asphalt and mixing with water and chemicals) for use in roofing or paving materials. * Asphalt concrete plants manufacture paving materials such as black top (asphalt mixed with crushed rock or gravel). * Asphalt roofing plants manufacture asphalt felts, shingles, and other products, such as impregnated asphalt siding, expansion joints, canal liners, roofing cements, tars and pitches, and tar paper. * Floor covering plants manufacture linoleum floor coverings and printed asphalt felt floor coverings. The coverings are made by saturating organic felt with asphalt and then painting or embedding a design on one side of the felt.
At the time of the 1975 rulemaking, there were approximately 5,100 plants in the Paving and Roofing Materials category; mostly asphalt concrete plants. Wastestreams include: * Residue from wet scrubbers used to control air pollution emissions * Cleanup water * Product cooling water
Paving and Roofing Materials (Tars & Asphalt) is included within the following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) groups: * 324121: Asphalt Paving Mixture and Block Manufacturing * 324122: Asphalt Shingle and Coating Materials Manufacturing * 326192: Resilient Floor Covering Manufacturing
The NAICS listing is provided as a guide and does not define the coverage of the Paving and Roofing Materials category. For precise definitions of coverage, see the applicability sections in 40 CFR Part 443Exit EPA’s website.
One subcategory, Subpart B (Asphalt Concrete) has a zero-discharge requirement.
For additional information regarding the Paving and Roofing Materials Effluent Guidelines, please contact Erica Mason (mason.erica@epa.gov) or 202-566-2502.
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