Sec. 205.6. Compliance provisions and test methods

(a) For the purpose of determining compliance with the VOC content limits in section 205.3(a) of this Part, the VOC content of a coating shall be determined by using the procedures described in paragraphs (b)(l) or (2) of this section, as appropriate. The VOC content of a tint base shall be determined prior to the addition of the colorant. If the manufacturer does not recommend thinning, the VOC content must be calculated for the product as supplied. If the manufacturer recommends thinning, the VOC content must be calculated including the maximum amount of thinning solvent recommended by the manufacturer. If the coating is a multi-component product, the container must display the VOC content as mixed or catalyzed. If the coating contains silanes, siloxanes, or other ingredients that generate ethanol or other VOCs during the curing process, the VOC content must include the VOCs emitted during curing.

(b) Calculation of VOC content.

(1) With the exception of low solids coatings, determine the VOC content in grams of VOC per liter of coating thinned to the manufacturer's maximum recommendation, excluding the volume of any water and exempt compounds. Determine the VOC content using the following equation:

VOC Content = ^{(Ws − Ww − Wec)}/_{(Vm − Vw − Vec)}

where:

VOC content = grams of VOC per liter of coating

Ws = weight of volatiles, in grams

Ww = weight of water, in grams

Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in grams

Vm = volume of coating, in liters

Vw = volume of water, in liters

Vec = volume of exempt compounds, in liters

(2) For low solids coatings, determine the VOC content in units of grams of VOC per liter of coating thinned to the manufacturer's maximum recommendation, including the volume of any water and exempt compounds. Determine the VOC content using the following equation:

VOC Content (ls) = ^{(Ws − Ww − Wec)}/_(Vm)

where:

VOC content (ls) = the VOC content of a low solids coating in grams per liter of coating

Ws = weight of volatiles, in grams

Ww = weight of water, in grams

Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in grams

Vm = volume of coating, in liters

(c) VOC content of coating.

To determine the physical properties of a coating in order to perform the calculations in subdivision (b) of this section, the reference method for VOC content is found at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, method 24 (2000) (see Table 1, section 200.9 of this Title), except as provided in subdivisions (d) and (e) of this section. An alternate method to determine the VOC content of coatings is South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 304-91 (Revised February 1996) (see Table 1, section 200.9 of this Title). The exempt compounds content shall be determined by methods referenced in ASTM D3960-05 (2013), South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 303-91 (Revised August 1996), or Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Method 41 (Revised 2005), as applicable (see Table 1, section 200.9 of this Title). To determine the VOC content of a coating, the manufacturer may use 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, method 24 (see Table 1, section 200.9 of this Title), or an alternative method, as provided in subdivision (d) of this section, manufacturer's formulation data, or any other reasonable means for predicting that the coating has been formulated as intended (e.g., quality assurance checks, recordkeeping). However, if there are any inconsistencies between the results of a 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, method 24 (see Table 1, section 200.9 of this Title) test and any other methods for determining VOC content, the 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, method 24 (see Table 1, section 200.9 of this Title) results will govern, except when an alternative method is approved as specified in subdivision (d) of this section. The director, Division of Air Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation may require the manufacturer to conduct a 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, method 24 (see Table 1, section 200.9 of this Title) analysis to determine the VOC content.

(d) Alternative test methods.

Other test methods demonstrated to provide results that are acceptable for purposes of determining compliance with subdivision (c) of this section, after review and approval in writing by the director, Division of Air Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation and the EPA, may also be used.

(e) Methacrylate traffic coating markings.

Analysis of methacrylate multicomponent coatings used as traffic marking coatings shall be conducted according to a modification of 40 CFR part 60, appendix A, method 24 found at 40 CFR part 59, subpart D, appendix A (see Table 1, section 200.9 of this Title). This method has not been approved for methacrylate multicomponent coatings used for other purposes than as traffic marking coatings or for other classes of multicomponent coatings.