On January 9, 2008, the US EPA promulgated 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart HHHHHH - National Emission Standards For Hazardous Air Pollutants for Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations. These standards are also called the Generally Achievable Control Technology (GACT) Standards for Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations (hereafter referred to as "GACT Subpart 6H") and are applicable to area sources of hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions. An area source of HAP emissions means any stationary source that emits or has the potential to emit 10 tons per year or less of any HAP or 25 tons per year or less of any combination of HAPs.
GACT Subpart 6H applies to any person who owns or operates at least one of the following processes at an area source of HAP:
- Paint stripping operations, where the paint stripper utilized contains methylene chloride (MeCl) to remove dried coatings from wood, metal, plastic, and other substrates.
- Miscellaneous surface coating operations, where the coating contains compounds of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), or cadmium (Cd) and is spray-applied to any part or product made of plastic and/or metal substrate that are not motor vehicles or mobile equipment.
- Motor vehicles and mobile equipment coating, where spray-application of coating is applied to automobiles, light and heavy-duty trucks, buses, construction equipments, self-propelled vehicles.
Compliance Assistance
Facilities subject to this rule are required to comply with standards and management practices and submit a notification of compliance status. MCAQ has provided compliance assistance outreach to sources identified as being potentially subject to the rule.
Reporting and Notification Forms
Annual Emissions Reporting
6H Annual Notification of Changes Report (
PDF or 
Word)
Permitting Forms
For a new, or unpermitted facility, please fill out and return the following forms:
Form A1-6H
General Information
Rev 07/2021
Form B4-6H
Emission Source (Misc. Surface Coating/Autobody Refinishing)
Rev 07/2021
Form D-1-6H
VOC Actual Emissions (Mass Balance Method)
Rev 07/2021
Form D-1-6H
Instructions
Rev 07/2021
Zoning Determination Process
Rev 07/2021
In addition to the above, please download, complete and return the GACT Subpart 6H Initial Notification Form.
For an existing, permitted facility making an equipment change, please fill out and return all the above forms except the Zoning Determination form and GACT Subpart 6H Initial Notification Form.
For an existing, permitted facility that is changing name and/or ownership, please fill out and return the A1-6H form.
Please download, complete and return the following form if you are exempt from GACT 6H. Review the form carefully, as well as other information on this page, to determine if you are exempt.
GACT Subpart 6H Petition of Exemption for businesses that paint motor vehicles or mobile equipment
Applicable Regulations
GACT Subpart 6H found at 40 CFR 63.11169 – 63.11180
Mecklenburg County Air Pollution Control Ordinance
QUESTIONS?
Contact MCAQ at 704-336-5430.
Mecklenburg County Public Health encourages all eligible residents ages 12 and older to get a free COVID-19 vaccination.