Department of
Environmental Quality

Auto body shops in Idaho are impacted by various environmental regulations depending on the activities conducted at the shop.

Air Quality Regulations

Auto body shops can potentially emit air pollutants into the atmosphere and therefore may be regulated by state and federal regulations. Using paint spray booths, boilers, incinerators, solvents, and degreasers are all activities that may need to be permitted.

Idaho General Air Quality Permit to Construct

Depending on the volume of coating materials used per day, facilities in Idaho may be required to obtain from DEQ either a General Air Quality Permit to Construct for Automotive Coating Operations or an Air Quality Permit to Construct specific to the facility. (Exceptions may apply.)

• General Permit to Construct for Automotive Coating Operations
• State Air Quality Permit Guidelines for Automotive Coating Operations in Idaho

Related Federal Requirements

The Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations- Subpart HHHHHH, commonly called the Autobody Shop Rule, regulates emissions from paint stripping and miscellaneous surface coating operations. Requirements under Subpart 6H are incorporated into DEQ's General Permit to Construct for Automotive Coating Operations.

• Auto Body Refinishing (Surface Coating) Area Source NESHAP Rule
• Summary of Regulations Controlling Air Emissions for the Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations
• Example Information Needed for Initial Notification for Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations
• Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Fact Sheet
• Training Requirements for the Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating
• Area Source Standards

Note: Even if your facility is exempt from federal permitting requirements of Subpart HHHHHH (see 40 CFR 63.11170 (a)(2)), it may still be subject to the state permitting requirement.

Hazardous Waste Regulations

Auto body shops typically generate hazardous wastes through the variety of services they offer. Used paints, solvents, batteries, and antifreeze are just a few examples of wastes that need to be handled and managed properly. Management of hazardous waste is regulated by the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which is administered by DEQ. The types and number of requirements that must be complied with are based on the quantity and type of waste generated. (See Related Pages at right.)

Water Quality Regulations

Auto body shops can have an impact on Idaho's surface and ground waters and may be subject to federal water quality standards and the National Pollutant Elimination Discharge System (NPDES) program. Under this program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the discharge of pollutants into any water body of the U.S., including storm water sewer systems. Depending on the activities and services provided, an auto body shop may need its own NPDES general permit for direct or indirect discharge. If the auto body shop is located within a city that has an NPDES permit, the shop may be subject to the city's pretreatment and storm water requirements.