Air Quality_Content Page_VOC RACT

Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) react in the atmosphere to produce ozone. This air pollutant can be harmful to people and the environment when present at elevated concentrations near the earth’s surface. Emissions of VOC are controlled through Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) regulations in ozone nonattainment areas classified as "moderate" or higher. Wisconsin VOC RACT requirements are listed in chapters NR 420-423 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.

Applicability

Wisconsin VOC RACT rules apply to specific source categories that emit VOC, for example, lithographic printers, dry cleaners, pharmaceutical manufacturers and some types of painting/coating operations. Refer to Resources for Industries for guidance materials in determining Wisconsin VOC RACT rule applicability for impacted source categories.

In most RACT rules, the county the facility is located in determines whether a VOC RACT rule applies. There are three Wisconsin VOC RACT rules which do not list the specific counties in which they apply. Instead, these three rules apply in areas that are currently or were previously classified as moderate (or higher) ozone nonattainment for any national ozone standard published in or after 2008. These VOC RACT rules apply to facilities that conduct adhesive (s. NR 422.128 (AM-466)), plastic parts coatings (s. NR 422.084 (AM-409)), and metal parts coatings (s. NR 422.151 (AM-456)) operations. To determine if a facility is located in an area where the three RACT rules apply, refer to the interactive map available in Permitting Requirements for Nonattainment Areas.

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