TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
VA.R. Doc. No. R10-2241; Filed November 30, 2009, 12:35 p.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
VA.R. Doc. No. R10-2247; Filed November 25, 2009, 12:07 p.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
VA.R. Doc. No. R10-2242; Filed November 25, 2009, 12:02 p.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
VA.R. Doc. No. R10-2240; Filed November 30, 2009, 12:37 p.m.
TITLE 6. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS
VA.R. Doc. No. R09-1544; Filed November 24, 2009, 12:52 p.m.
TITLE 8. EDUCATION
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The following regulatory action is exempt from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with (i) § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law where no agency discretion is involved and (ii) § 2.2-4006 A 4 c of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to meet the requirements of federal law or regulations provided such regulations do not differ materially from those required by federal law or regulation. The State Board of Education will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.
Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-81. Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (amending 8VAC20-81-10, 8VAC20-81-20, 8VAC20-81-30, 8VAC20-81-70, 8VAC20-81-80, 8VAC20-81-90, 8VAC20-81-170, 8VAC20-81-210, 8VAC20-81-220, 8VAC20-81-240, 8VAC20-81-270, 8VAC20-81-340).
Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-214 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR Part 300.
Effective Date: January 25, 2010.
Agency Contact: Melissa Smith, Coordinator of Administrative Services, Department of Education, 101 North 14th Street, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 371-0524, FAX (804) 225-2524, or email melissa.smith@doe.virginia.gov.
Summary:
The amendments comply with federal and state laws and regulations regarding special education, including changes in the federal regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), 34 CFR Part 300, effective December 31, 2008, and changes in the Code of Virginia that became effective July 1, 2009. These revisions do not differ materially from the requirements of federal and state laws or regulations and impact the following provisions: the definition of "Parent"; the definition of "Level II services"; the parent's right to revoke consent for a child's participation in special education and related services; the requirements regarding the approval process for a local education agency's special education policies and procedures; and the timeline for a parent to appeal a due process hearing decision to Virginia Circuit Court.
Part I
Definitions
8VAC20-81-10. Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Act" means the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, P.L. 108-446, December 3, 2004, § 1400 et seq. (34 CFR 300.4)
"Age of eligibility" means all eligible children with disabilities who have not graduated with a standard or advanced studies high school diploma who, because of such disabilities, are in need of special education and related services, and whose second birthday falls on or before September 30, and who have not reached their 22nd birthday on or before September 30 (two to 21, inclusive) in accordance with the Code of Virginia. A child with a disability whose 22nd birthday is after September 30 remains eligible for the remainder of the school year. (§ 22.1-213 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.101(a) and 34 CFR 300.102(a)(3)(ii))
"Age of majority" means the age when the procedural safeguards and other rights afforded to the parent(s) of a student with a disability transfer to the student. In Virginia, the age of majority is 18. (§ 1-204 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.520)
"Agree or Agreement" – see the definition for "consent."
"Alternate assessment" means the state assessment program, and any school divisionwide assessment to the extent that the school division has one, for measuring student performance against alternate achievement standards for students with significant intellectual disabilities who are unable to participate in statewide Standards of Learning testing, even with accommodations. (34 CFR 300.320(a)(2)(ii) and 34 CFR 300.704(b)(4)(x))
"Alternative assessment" means the state assessment program for measuring student performance on grade level standards for students with disabilities who are unable to participate in statewide Standards of Learning testing, even with accommodations.
"Assistive technology device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of that device. (34 CFR 300.5)
"Assistive technology service" means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes: (34 CFR 300.6)
1. The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;
2. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;
3. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
4. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
5. Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family; and
6. Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to employ or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.
"At no cost" means that all specially designed instruction is provided without charge, but does not preclude incidental fees that are normally charged to students without disabilities or their parent(s) as part of the regular education program. (34 CFR 300.39(b)(1))
"Audiology" means services provided by a qualified audiologist licensed by the Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and includes: (Regulations Governing the Practice of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, 18VAC30-20; 34 CFR 300.34(c)(1))
1. Identification of children with hearing loss;
2. Determination of the range, nature, and degree of hearing loss, including referral for medical or other professional attention for the habilitation of hearing;
3. Provision of habilitative activities, such as language habilitation, auditory training, speech reading (lip-reading), hearing evaluation, and speech conservation;
4. Creation and administration of programs for prevention of hearing loss;
5. Counseling and guidance of children, parents, and teachers regarding hearing loss; and
6. Determination of children's needs for group and individual amplification, selecting and fitting an appropriate aid, and evaluating the effectiveness of amplification.
"Autism" means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child's educational performance. Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences. Autism does not apply if a child's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional disturbance. A child who manifests the characteristics of autism after age three could be identified as having autism if the criteria in this definition are satisfied. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(1))
"Behavioral intervention plan" means a plan that utilizes positive behavioral interventions and supports to address behaviors that interfere with the learning of students with disabilities or with the learning of others or behaviors that require disciplinary action.
"Business day" means Monday through Friday, 12 months of the year, exclusive of federal and state holidays (unless holidays are specifically included in the designation of business days, as in 8VAC20-81-150 B 4 a (2)). (34 CFR 300.11)
"Calendar days" means consecutive days, inclusive of Saturdays and Sundays. Whenever any period of time fixed by this chapter shall expire on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal or state holiday, the period of time for taking such action under this chapter shall be extended to the next day, not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal or state holiday. (34 CFR 300.11)
"Career and technical education" means organized educational activities that offer a sequence of courses that: (20 USC § 2301 et seq.)
1. Provides individuals with the rigorous and challenging academic and technical knowledge and skills the individuals need to prepare for further education and for careers (other than careers requiring a master's or doctoral degree) in current or emerging employment sectors;
2. May include the provision of skills or courses necessary to enroll in a sequence of courses that meet the requirements of this subdivision; or
3. Provides, at the postsecondary level, for a one-year certificate, an associate degree, or industry-recognized credential and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupational-specific skills.
"Caseload" means the number of students served by special education personnel.
"Change in identification" means a change in the categorical determination of the child's disability by the group that determines eligibility.
"Change in placement" or "change of placement" means when the local educational agency places the child in a setting that is distinguishable from the educational environment to which the child was previously assigned and includes: (34 CFR 300.102(a)(3)(iii), 34 CFR 300.532(b)(2)(ii) and 34 CFR 300.536)
1. The child's initial placement from general education to special education and related services;
2. The expulsion or long-term removal of a student with a disability;
3. The placement change that results from a change in the identification of a disability;
4. The change from a public school to a private day, residential, or state-operated program; from a private day, residential, or state-operated program to a public school; or to a placement in a separate facility for educational purposes;
5. Termination of all special education and related services; or
6. Graduation with a standard or advanced studies high school diploma.
A "change in placement" also means any change in the educational setting for a child with a disability that does not replicate the elements of the educational program of the child's previous setting.
"Change in placement" or "change of placement," for the purposes of discipline, means: (34 CFR 300.536)
1. A removal of a student from the student's current educational placement is for more than 10 consecutive school days; or
2. The student is subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern because they cumulate to more than 10 school days in a school year, and because of factors such as:
a. The length of each removal;
b. The child's behavior is substantially similar to the child's behavior in previous incidents that resulted in the series of removals;
c. The total amount of time the student is removed; or
d. The proximity of the removals to one another.
"Chapter" means these regulations.
"Charter schools" means any school meeting the requirements for charter as set forth in the Code of Virginia. (§§ 22.1-212.5 through 22.1-212.16 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.7)
"Child" means any person who shall not have reached his 22nd birthday by September 30 of the current year.
"Child with a disability" means a child evaluated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter as having an intellectual disability, a hearing impairment (including deafness), a speech or language impairment, a visual impairment (including blindness), a serious emotional disability (referred to in this part as "emotional disability"), an orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, an other health impairment, a specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, or multiple disabilities who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services. This also includes developmental delay if the local educational agency recognizes this category as a disability in accordance with 8VAC20-81-80 M 3. If it is determined through an appropriate evaluation that a child has one of the disabilities identified but only needs a related service and not special education, the child is not a child with a disability under this part. If the related service required by the child is considered special education rather than a related service under Virginia standards, the child would be determined to be a child with a disability. (§ 22.1-213 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.8(a)(1) and 34 CFR 300.8(a)(2)(i) and (ii))
"Collaboration" means interaction among professionals as they work toward a common goal. Teachers do not necessarily have to engage in co-teaching in order to collaborate.
"Complaint" means a request that the Virginia Department of Education investigate an alleged violation by a local educational agency of a right of a parent(s) of a child who is eligible or suspected to be eligible for special education and related services based on federal and state law and regulations governing special education or a right of such child. A complaint is a statement of some disagreement with procedures or process regarding any matter relative to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education. (34 CFR 300.151)
"Comprehensive Services Act" (CSA) means the Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Youth and Families that establishes the collaborative administration and funding system for services for certain at-risk youths and their families. (Chapter 52 (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia)
"Consent" means: (34 CFR 300.9)
1. The parent(s) or eligible student has been fully informed of all information relevant to the activity for which consent is sought in the parent's(s') or eligible student's native language, or other mode of communication;
2. The parent(s) or eligible student understands and agrees, in writing, to the carrying out of the activity for which consent is sought, and the consent describes that activity and lists the records (if any) that will be released and to whom; and
3. The parent(s) or eligible student understands that the granting of consent is voluntary on the part of the parent(s) or eligible student and may be revoked any time.
a. If a parent revokes consent, that revocation is not retroactive (i.e., it does not negate an action that has occurred after the consent was given and before the consent was revoked. Revocation ceases to be relevant after the activity for which consent was obtained was completed.)
b. If a parent revokes consent in writing for their child's receipt of special education services after the child is initially provided special education and related services, the local educational agency is not required to amend the child's education records to remove any references to the child's receipt of special education and related services because of the revocation of consent.
The meaning of the term "consent" is not the same as the meaning of the term "agree" or "agreement." "Agree" or "agreement" refers to an understanding between the parent and the local educational agency about a particular matter and as required in this chapter. There is no requirement that an agreement be in writing, unless stated in this chapter. The local educational agency and parent(s) should document their agreement.
"Controlled substance" means a drug or other substance identified under schedules I, II, or III, IV, or V in § 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC § 812(c). (34 CFR 300.530(i)(1))
"Core academic subjects" means English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics, and government, economics, arts, history, and geography. (34 CFR 300.10)
"Correctional facility" means any state facility of the Virginia Department of Corrections or the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, any regional or local detention home, or any regional or local jail. (§§ 16.1-228 and 53.1-1 of the Code of Virginia)
"Coteaching" means a service delivery option with two or more professionals sharing responsibility for a group of students for some or all of the school day in order to combine their expertise to meet student needs.
"Counseling services" means services provided by qualified visiting teachers, social workers, psychologists, guidance counselors, or other qualified personnel. (34 CFR 300.34(c)(2); Licensure Regulations for School Personnel (8VAC20-22))
"Dangerous weapon" means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for or is readily capable of, causing death or bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than three inches in length. (18 USC § 930(g)(2); § 18.2-308.1 of the Code of Virginia)
"Day" means calendar day unless otherwise indicated as business day or school day. (34 CFR 300.11)
"Deaf-blindness" means simultaneous hearing and visual impairments, the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(2))
"Deafness" means a hearing impairment that is so severe that the child is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, that adversely affects the child's educational performance. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(3))
"Destruction of information" means physical destruction or removal of personal identifiers from information so that the information is no longer personally identifiable. (34 CFR 300.611(a))
"Developmental delay" means a disability affecting a child ages two by September 30 through six, inclusive: (34 CFR 300.8(b); 34 CFR 300.306(b))
1. (i) Who is experiencing developmental delays, as measured by appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures, in one or more of the following areas: physical development, cognitive development, communication development, social or emotional development, or adaptive development, or (ii) who has an established physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay;
2. The delay(s) is not primarily a result of cultural factors, environmental or economic disadvantage, or limited English proficiency; and
3. The presence of one or more documented characteristics of the delay has an adverse affect on educational performance and makes it necessary for the student to have specially designed instruction to access and make progress in the general educational activities for this age group.
"Direct services" means services provided to a child with a disability directly by the Virginia Department of Education, by contract, or through other arrangements. (34 CFR 300.175)
"Due process hearing" means an administrative procedure conducted by an impartial special education hearing officer to resolve disagreements regarding the identification, evaluation, educational placement and services, and the provision of a free appropriate public education that arise between a parent(s) and a local educational agency. A due process hearing involves the appointment of an impartial special education hearing officer who conducts the hearing, reviews evidence, and determines what is educationally appropriate for the child with a disability. (34 CFR 300.507)
"Early identification and assessment of disabilities in children" means the implementation of a formal plan for identifying a disability as early as possible in a child's life. (34 CFR 300.34(c)(3))
"Education record" means those records that are directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. The term also has the same meaning as "scholastic record." In addition to written records, this also includes electronic exchanges between school personnel and parent(s) regarding matters associated with the child's educational program (e.g., scheduling of meetings or notices). This term also includes the type of records covered under the definition of "education record" in the regulations implementing the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. (20 USC § 1232g(a)(3); § 22.1-289 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.611(b))
"Educational placement" means the overall instructional setting in which the student receives his education including the special education and related services provided. Each local educational agency shall ensure that the parents of a child with a disability are members of the group that makes decisions on the educational placement of their child. (34 CFR 300.327)
"Educational service agencies and other public institutions or agencies" include: (34 CFR 300.12)
1. Regional public multiservice agencies authorized by state law to develop, manage, and provide services or programs to local educational agencies;
2. Recognized as an administrative agency for purposes of the provision of special education and related services provided within public elementary schools and secondary schools of the state;
3. Any other public institution or agency having administrative control and direction over a public elementary school or secondary school; and
4. Entities that meet the definition of intermediate educational unit in § 1402(23) of the Act as in effect prior to June 4, 1997.
"Eligible student" means a child with a disability who reaches the age of majority and to whom the procedural safeguards and other rights afforded to the parent(s) are transferred.
"Emotional disability" means a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child's educational performance: (34 CFR 300.8(c)(4))
1. An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors;
2. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers;
3. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances;
4. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression; or
5. A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.
Emotional disability includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disability as defined in this section.
"Equipment" means machinery, utilities, and built-in equipment, and any necessary enclosures or structures to house machinery, utilities, or equipment and all other items necessary for the functioning of a particular facility as a facility for the provision of educational services, including items such as instructional equipment and necessary furniture, printed, published and audio-visual instructional materials, telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices and books, periodicals, documents, and other related materials. (34 CFR 300.14)
"Evaluation" means procedures used in accordance with this chapter to determine whether a child has a disability and the nature and extent of the special education and related services that the child needs. (34 CFR 300.15)
"Excess costs" means those costs that are in excess of the average annual per-student expenditure in a local educational agency during the preceding school year for an elementary school or secondary school student, as may be appropriate, and that shall be computed after deducting: (34 CFR 300.16)
1. Amounts received:
a. Under Part B of the Act;
b. Under Part A of Title I of the ESEA; and
c. Under Parts A and B of Title III of the ESEA; and
2. Any state or local funds expended for programs that would qualify for assistance under any of the parts described in subdivision 1 a of this definition, but excluding any amounts for capital outlay or debt service.
"Extended school year services" for the purposes of this chapter means special education and related services that: (34 CFR 300.106(b))
1. Are provided to a child with a disability:
a. Beyond the normal school year of the local educational agency;
b. In accordance with the child's individualized education program;
c. At no cost to the parent(s) of the child; and
2. Meet the standards established by the Virginia Department of Education.
"Federal core academic subjects" means English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign language (languages other than English), civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography. (20 USC § 7801(11))
"Federal financial assistance" means any grant, loan, contract or any other arrangement by which the U.S. Department of Education provides or otherwise makes available assistance in the form of funds, services of federal personnel, or real and personal property. (34 CFR 104.3(h))
"Free appropriate public education" or "FAPE" means special education and related services that: (34 CFR 300.17)
1. Are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge;
2. Meet the standards of the Virginia Board of Education;
3. Include an appropriate preschool, elementary school, middle school or secondary school education in Virginia; and
4. Are provided in conformity with an individualized education program that meets the requirements of this chapter.
"Functional behavioral assessment" means a process to determine the underlying cause or functions of a child's behavior that impede the learning of the child with a disability or the learning of the child's peers. A functional behavioral assessment may include a review of existing data or new testing data or evaluation as determined by the IEP team.
"General curriculum" means the same curriculum used with children without disabilities adopted by a local educational agency, schools within the local educational agency or, where applicable, the Virginia Department of Education for all children from preschool through secondary school. The term relates to content of the curriculum and not to the setting in which it is taught.
"Hearing impairment" means an impairment in hearing in one or both ears, with or without amplification, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects a child's educational performance but that is not included under the definition of deafness in this section. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(5))
"Highly qualified special education teacher" means a teacher has met the requirements as specified in 34 CFR 300.18 for special education teachers in general, for special education teachers teaching core academic subjects, for special education teachers teaching to alternate achievement standards, or for special education teachers teaching multiple subjects as it applies to their teaching assignment. (34 CFR 300.18)
"Home-based instruction" means services that are delivered in the home setting (or other agreed upon setting) in accordance with the child's individualized education program.
"Homebound instruction" means academic instruction provided to students who are confined at home or in a health care facility for periods that would prevent normal school attendance based upon certification of need by a licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist. For a child with a disability, the IEP team shall determine the delivery of services, including the number of hours of services. (Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, 8VAC20-131-180)
"Home instruction" means instruction of a child or children by a parent(s), guardian or other person having control or charge of such child or children as an alternative to attendance in a public or private school in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Virginia. This instruction may also be termed home schooling. (§ 22.1-254.1 of the Code of Virginia)
"Homeless children" has the meaning given the term "homeless children and youth" in § 725 (42 USC § 11434a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended, 42 USC § 11431 et seq. and listed below: (34 CFR 300.19)
The term "homeless children and youth" means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence within the meaning of § 103(a)(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and includes the following:
1. Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;
2. Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings within the meaning of § 103(a)(2)(C);
3. Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
4. Migratory children (as such term is defined in § 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) who qualify as homeless because the children are living in circumstances described in subdivisions 1 through 3 of this definition.
The term "unaccompanied youth" includes a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
"Home tutoring" means instruction by a tutor or teacher with qualifications prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education, as an alternative to attendance in a public or private school and approved by the division superintendent in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Virginia. This tutoring is not home instruction as defined in the Code of Virginia. (§ 22.1-254 of the Code of Virginia)
"Illegal drug" means a controlled substance, but does not include a controlled substance that is legally possessed or used under the supervision of a licensed health-care professional or that is legally possessed or used under any other authority under the Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC § 812(c), or under any other provision of federal law. (34 CFR 300.530(i)(2))
"Impartial special education hearing officer" means a person, selected from a list maintained by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia to conduct a due process hearing.
"Implementation plan" means the plan developed by the local educational agency designed to operationalize the decision of the hearing officer in cases that are fully adjudicated.
"Independent educational evaluation" means an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner or examiners who are not employed by the local educational agency responsible for the education of the child in question. (34 CFR 300.502(a)(3)(i))
"Individualized education program" or "IEP" means a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in a team meeting in accordance with this chapter. The IEP specifies the individual educational needs of the child and what special education and related services are necessary to meet the child's educational needs. (34 CFR 300.22)
"Individualized education program team" means a group of individuals described in 8VAC20-81-110 that is responsible for developing, reviewing, or revising an IEP for a child with a disability. (34 CFR 300.23)
"Individualized family service plan (IFSP) under Part C of the Act" means a written plan for providing early intervention services to an infant or toddler with a disability eligible under Part C and to the child's family. (34 CFR 303.24; 20 USC § 636)
"Infant and toddler with a disability" means a child, ages birth to two, inclusive, whose birthday falls on or before September 30, or who is eligible to receive services in the Part C early intervention system up to age three, and who: (§ 2.2-5300 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.25)
1. Has delayed functioning;
2. Manifests atypical development or behavior;
3. Has behavioral disorders that interfere with acquisition of developmental skills; or
4. Has a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in delay, even though no current delay exists.
"Informed parental consent": see "Consent."
"Initial placement" means the first placement for the child to receive special education and related services in either a local educational agency, other educational service agency, or other public agency or institution for the purpose of providing special education or related services.
"Intellectual disability" means the definition formerly known as "mental retardation" and means significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period that adversely affects a child's educational performance. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(6))
"Interpreting services" as used with respect to children who are deaf or hard of hearing, means services provided by personnel who meet the qualifications set forth under 8VAC20-81-40 and includes oral transliteration services, cued speech/language transliteration services, sign language transliteration and interpreting services, and transcription services, such as communication access real-time translation (CART), C-Print, and TypeWell and interpreting services for children who are deaf-blind. A child who is not deaf or hard of hearing, but who has language deficits, may receive interpreting services as directed by the child's Individualized Education Program. (Regulations Governing Interpreter Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 22VAC20-30; 34 CFR 300.34(c)(4)(i))
"Least restrictive environment" (LRE) means that to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled, and that special classes, separate schooling or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. (34 CFR 300.114 through 34 CFR 300.120)
"Level I services" means the provision of special education to children with disabilities for less than 50% of their instructional school day (excluding intermission for meals). The time that a child receives special education services is calculated on the basis of special education services described in the individualized education program, rather than the location of services.
"Level II services" means the provision of special education and related services to children with disabilities for 50% or more of the instructional school day (excluding intermission for meals). The time that a child receives special education services is calculated on the basis of special education services described in the individualized education program, rather than the location of services.
"Limited English proficient" when used with respect to an individual means an individual: (20 USC § 7801(25); 34 CFR 300.27)
1. Who is aged 2 through 21;
2. Who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school or secondary school; or
3. Who:
a. Was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English;
b. Is a Native American or Alaska Native, or a native resident of the outlying areas, and comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual's level of English language proficiency; or
c. Is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; and
4. Whose difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the individual:
a. The ability to meet Virginia's proficient level of achievement on Virginia's assessments;
b. The ability to successfully achieve in classrooms where the language of instruction is English; or
c. The opportunity to participate fully in society.
"Local educational agency" means a local school division governed by a local school board, a state-operated program that is funded and administered by the Commonwealth of Virginia or the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton. Neither state-operated programs nor the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton are considered a school division as that term is used in these regulations. (§ 22.1-346 C of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.28)
"Long-term placement" if used in reference to state-operated programs as outlined in 8VAC20-81-30 H means those hospital placements that are not expected to change in status or condition because of the child's medical needs.
"Manifestation determination review" means a process to review all relevant information and the relationship between the child's disability and the behavior subject to the disciplinary action.
"Medical services" means services provided by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner to determine a child's medically related disability that results in the child's need for special education and related services. (§ 22.1-270 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.34(c)(5))
"Mental retardation" - see "Intellectual disability."
"Multiple disabilities" means simultaneous impairments (such as intellectual disability with blindness, intellectual disability with orthopedic impairment), the combination of which causes such severe educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for one of the impairments. The term does not include deaf-blindness. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(7))
"National Instructional Materials Access Center" or "NIMAC" means the national center established to do the following: (34 CFR 300.172)
1. Receive and maintain a catalog of print instructional materials prepared in the NIMAS, as established by the U.S. Secretary of Education, made available to such center by the textbook publishing industry, state educational agencies, and local educational agencies;
2. Provide access to print instructional materials, including textbooks, in accessible media, free of charge, to blind or other persons with print disabilities in elementary schools and secondary schools, in accordance with such terms and procedures as the NIMAC may prescribe; and
3. Develop, adopt and publish procedures to protect against copyright infringement, with respect to print instructional materials provided in accordance with the Act.
"National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard" or "NIMAS" means the standard established by the United States Secretary of Education to be used in the preparation of electronic files suitable and used solely for efficient conversion of print instructional materials into specialized formats. (34 CFR 300.172)
"Native language" if used with reference to an individual of limited English proficiency, means the language normally used by that individual, or, in the case of a child, the language normally used by the parent(s) of the child, except in all direct contact with a child (including evaluation of the child), the language normally used by the child in the home or learning environment. For an individual with deafness or blindness, or for an individual with no written language, the mode of communication is that normally used by the individual (such as sign language, Braille, or oral communication). (34 CFR 300.29)
"Nonacademic services and extracurricular services" may include counseling services, athletics, transportation, health services, recreational activities, special interest groups or clubs sponsored by the local educational agency, referrals to agencies that provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, and employment of students, including both employment by the local educational agency and assistance in making outside employment available. (34 CFR 300.107(b))
"Notice" means written statements in English or in the primary language of the home of the parent(s), or, if the language or other mode of communication of the parent(s) is not a written language, oral communication in the primary language of the home of the parent(s). If an individual is deaf or blind, or has no written language, the mode of communication would be that normally used by the individual (such as sign language, Braille, or oral communication). (34 CFR 300.503(c))
"Occupational therapy" means services provided by a qualified occupational therapist or services provided under the direction or supervision of a qualified occupational therapist and includes: (Regulations Governing the Licensure of Occupational Therapists (18VAC85-80-10 et seq.); 34 CFR 300.34(c)(6))
1. Improving, developing, or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation;
2. Improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning if functions are impaired or lost; and
3. Preventing, through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function.
"Orientation and mobility services" means services provided to blind or visually impaired children by qualified personnel to enable those children to attain systematic orientation to and safe movement within their environments in school, home, and community; and includes travel training instruction, and teaching children the following, as appropriate: (34 CFR 300.34(c)(7))
1. Spatial and environmental concepts and use of information received by the senses (e.g., sound, temperature, and vibrations) to establish, maintain, or regain orientation and line of travel (e.g., using sound at a traffic light to cross the street);
2. To use the long cane or service animal to supplement visual travel skills or as a tool for safely negotiating the environment for students with no available travel vision;
3. To understand and use remaining vision and distance low vision aids; and
4. Other concepts, techniques, and tools.
"Orthopedic impairment" means a severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by congenital anomaly, impairments caused by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis, etc.), and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or burns that cause contractures). (34 CFR 300.8(c)(8))
"Other health impairment" means having limited strength, vitality or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment, that is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, hemophilia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, and sickle cell anemia and Tourette syndrome that adversely affects a child's educational performance. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(9))
"Paraprofessional," also known as paraeducator, means an appropriately trained employee who assists and is supervised by qualified professional staff in meeting the requirements of this chapter. (34 CFR 300.156(b)(2)(iii))
"Parent" means: (§ 20-124.6 and § 22.1-213.1 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 99.4 and 34 CFR 300.30)
1. Persons who meet the definition of "parent":
a. A biological or adoptive parent of a child;
b. A foster parent: , even if the biological or adoptive parent's rights have not been terminated, but subject to subdivision 8 of this definition;
(1) If the biological parent(s)' authority to make educational decisions on the child's behalf has been extinguished under § 16.1-283, 16.1-277.01 or 16.1-277.02 of the Code of Virginia or a comparable law in another state;
(2) The child is in permanent foster care pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 63.2-900 et seq.) of Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia or comparable law in another state; and
(3) The foster parent has an ongoing, long-term parental relationship with the child, is willing to make the educational decisions required of the parent under this chapter, and has no interest that would conflict with the interests of the child;
c. A guardian generally authorized to act as the child's parent, or authorized to make educational decisions for the child (but not a guardian ad litem, or the state if the child is a ward of the state);
d. An individual acting in the place of a natural biological or adoptive parent (including a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative) with whom the child lives, or an individual who is legally responsible for the child's welfare;
e. A If no party qualified under subdivisions 1 a through 1 d of this definition can be identified, or those parties are unwilling to act as parent, a surrogate parent who has been appointed in accordance with requirements detailed under 8VAC20-81-220; or
f. A minor who is emancipated under § 16.1-333 of the Code of Virginia.
2. If a judicial decree or order identifies a specific person(s) under subdivisions 1 a through 1 e of this subsection to act as the "parent" of a child or to make educational decisions on behalf of a child, then such person(s) shall be determined to be the "parent" for purposes of this definition.
3. "Parent" does not include local or state agencies or their agents, including local departments of social services, even if the child is in the custody of such an agency.
4. The biological or adoptive parent, when attempting to act as the parent under this chapter and when more than one party is qualified under this section to act as a parent, shall be presumed to be the parent for purposes of this section unless the natural biological or adoptive parent does not have legal authority to make educational decisions for the child parent's or parents' authority to make educational decisions on the child's behalf has been extinguished pursuant to §§ 16.1-277.01, 16.1-277.02, or 16.1-283 of the Code of Virginia or a comparable law in another state.
5. Noncustodial parents whose parental rights have not been terminated are entitled to all parent rights and responsibilities available under this chapter, including access to their child's records.
6. Custodial stepparents have the right to access the child's record. Noncustodial stepparents do not have the right to access the child's record.
7. A validly married minor who has not pursued emancipation under § 16.1-333 of the Code of Virginia may assert implied emancipation based on the minor's marriage record and, thus, assumes responsibilities of "parent" under this chapter.
8. The local educational agency shall provide written notice to the biological or adoptive parents at their last known address that a foster parent is acting as the parent under this section, and the local educational agency is entitled to rely upon the actions of the foster parent under this section until such time that the biological or adoptive parent attempts to act as the parent.
"Parent counseling and training" means assisting parents in understanding the special needs of their child, providing parents with information about child development, and helping parents to acquire the necessary skills that will allow them to support the implementation of their child's IEP or IFSP. (34 CFR 300.34(c)(8))
"Participating agency" means a state or local agency (including a Comprehensive Services Act team), other than the local educational agency responsible for a student's education, that is financially and legally responsible for providing transition services to the student. The term also means any agency or institution that collects, maintains, or uses personally identifiable information, or from which information is obtained under Part B of the Act. (34 CFR 300.611(c), 34 CFR 300.324(c) and 34 CFR 300.321(b)(3))
"Personally identifiable" means information that contains the following: (34 CFR 300.32)
1. The name of the child, the child's parent, or other family member;
2. The address of the child;
3. A personal identifier, such as the child's social security number or student number; or
4. A list of personal characteristics or other information that would make it possible to identify the child with reasonable certainty.
"Physical education" means the development of: (34 CFR 300.39(b)(2))
1. Physical and motor fitness;
2. Fundamental motor skills and patterns; and
3. Skills in aquatics, dance, and individual and group games and sports (including intramural and lifetime sports). The term includes special physical education, adapted physical education, movement education, and motor development.
"Physical therapy" means services provided by a qualified physical therapist or under the direction or supervision of a qualified physical therapist upon medical referral and direction. (Regulations Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy, 18VAC112-20; 34 CFR 300.34(c)(9))
"Private school children with disabilities" means children with disabilities enrolled by their parent(s) in private, including religious, schools or facilities that meet the definition of elementary school or secondary school as defined in this section other than children with disabilities who are placed in a private school by a local school division or a Comprehensive Services Act team in accordance with 8VAC20-81-150. (34 CFR 300.130)
"Program" means the special education and related services, including accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, as determined by a child's individualized education program.
"Psychological services" means those services provided by a qualified psychologist or under the direction or supervision of a qualified psychologist, including: (34 CFR 300.34(c)(10))
1. Administering psychological and educational tests, and other assessment procedures;
2. Interpreting assessment results;
3. Obtaining, integrating, and interpreting information about child behavior and conditions relating to learning;
4. Consulting with other staff members in planning school programs to meet the special needs of children as indicated by psychological tests, interviews, direct observation, and behavioral evaluations;
5. Planning and managing a program of psychological services, including psychological counseling for children and parents; and
6. Assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies.
"Public expense" means that the local educational agency either pays for the full cost of the service or evaluation or ensures that the service or evaluation is otherwise provided at no cost to the parent(s). (34 CFR 300.502(a)(3)(ii))
"Public notice" means the process by which certain information is made available to the general public. Public notice procedures may include, but not be limited to, newspaper advertisements, radio announcements, television features and announcements, handbills, brochures, electronic means, and other methods that are likely to succeed in providing information to the public.
"Qualified person who has a disability" means a "qualified handicapped person" as defined in the federal regulations implementing the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. (29 USC § 701 et seq.)
"Recreation" includes: (34 CFR 30.34(c)(11))
1. Assessment of leisure function;
2. Therapeutic recreation services;
3. Recreation program in schools and community agencies; and
4. Leisure education.
"Reevaluation" means completion of a new evaluation in accordance with this chapter. (34 CFR 300.303)
"Rehabilitation counseling services" means services provided by qualified personnel in individual or group sessions that focus specifically on career development, employment preparation, achieving independence, and integration in the workplace and community of a student with a disability. The term also includes vocational rehabilitation services provided to students with disabilities by vocational rehabilitation programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC § 701 et seq.), as amended. (34 CFR 300.34(c)(12))
"Related services" means transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education and includes speech-language pathology and audiology services; interpreting services; psychological services; physical and occupational therapy; recreation, including therapeutic recreation; early identification and assessment of disabilities in children; counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling; orientation and mobility services; and medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes. Related services also includes school health services and school nurse services; social work services in schools; and parent counseling and training. Related services do not include a medical device that is surgically implanted including cochlear implants, the optimization of device functioning (e.g., mapping), maintenance of the device, or the replacement of that device. The list of related services is not exhaustive and may include other developmental, corrective, or supportive services (such as artistic and cultural programs, and art, music and dance therapy), if they are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. (§ 22.1-213 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.34(a) and (b))
Nothing in this section:
1. Limits the right of a child with a surgically implanted device (e.g., cochlear implant) to receive related services that are determined by the IEP team to be necessary for the child to receive FAPE;
2. Limits the responsibility of a public agency to appropriately monitor and maintain medical devices that are needed to maintain the health and safety of the child, including breathing, nutrition, or operation of other bodily functions, while the child is transported to and from school or is at school; or
3. Prevents the routine checking of an external component of a surgically implanted device to make sure it is functioning properly.
"School day" means any day, including a partial day, that children are in attendance at school for instructional purposes. The term has the same meaning for all children in school, including children with and without disabilities. (34 CFR 300.11)
"School health services and school nurse services" means health services that are designed to enable a child with a disability to receive FAPE as described in the child's IEP. School nurse services are services provided by a qualified school nurse. School health services are services that may be provided by either a qualified school nurse or other qualified person. (Chapter 30 (§ 54.1-3000 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.34(c)(13))
"Scientifically based research" means research that involves the application of rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education activities and programs and includes research that: (20 USC § 9501(18); 34 CFR 300.35)
1. Employs systematic, empirical methods that draw on observation or experiment;
2. Involves rigorous data analyses that are adequate to test the stated hypotheses and justify the general conclusions drawn;
3. Relies on measurements or observational methods that provide reliable and valid data across evaluators and observers, across multiple measurements and observations, and across studies by the same or different investigators;
4. Is evaluated using experimental or quasi-experimental designs in which individuals, entities, programs, or activities are assigned to different conditions and with appropriate controls to evaluate the effects of the condition of interest, with a preference for random-assignment experiments, or other designs to the extent that those designs contain within-condition or across-condition controls;
5. Ensures that experimental studies are presented in sufficient detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum, offer the opportunity to build systematically on their findings; and
6. Has been accepted by a peer-reviewed journal or approved by a panel of independent experts through a comparably rigorous, objective, and scientific review.
"Screening" means those processes that are used routinely with all children to identify previously unrecognized needs and that may result in a referral for special education and related services or other referral or intervention.
"Section 504" means that section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. (29 USC § 701 et seq.)
"Serious bodily injury" means bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ or mental faculty. (18 USC § 1365(h)(3); 34 CFR 300.530(i)(3))
"Services plan" means a written statement that describes the special education and related services the local educational agency will provide to a parentally placed child with a disability enrolled in a private school who has been designated to receive services, including the location of the services and any transportation necessary, and is developed and implemented in accordance with 8VAC20-81-150. (34 CFR 300.37)
"Social work services in schools" means those services provided by a school social worker or qualified visiting teacher, including: (Licensure Regulations for School Personnel, 8VAC20-22-660); 34 CFR 300.34(c)(14))
1. Preparing a social or developmental history on a child with a disability;
2. Group and individual counseling with the child and family;
3. Working in partnership with parents and others on those problems in a child's living situation (home, school, and community) that affect the child's adjustment in school;
4. Mobilizing school and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in the child's educational program; and
5. Assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies for the child.
A local educational agency, in its discretion, may expand the role of a school social worker or visiting teacher beyond those services identified in this definition, as long as the expansion is consistent with other state laws and regulations, including licensure.
"Special education" means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parent(s), to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including instruction conducted in a classroom, in the home, in hospitals, in institutions, and in other settings and instruction in physical education. The term includes each of the following if it meets the requirements of the definition of special education: (§ 22.1-213 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.39)
1. Speech-language pathology services or any other related service, if the service is considered special education rather than a related service under state standards;
2. Vocational education; and
3. Travel training.
"Special education hearing officer" has the same meaning as the term "impartial hearing officer" as that term is used in the Act and its federal implementing regulations.
"Specially designed instruction" means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child under this chapter, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction: (34 CFR 300.39(b)(3))
1. To address the unique needs of the child that result from the child's disability; and
2. To ensure access of the child to the general curriculum, so that the child can meet the educational standards that apply to all children within the jurisdiction of the local educational agency.
"Specific learning disability" means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.
Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; of intellectual disabilities; of emotional disabilities; of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. (§ 22.1-213 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.8(c)(10))
Dyslexia is distinguished from other learning disabilities due to its weakness occurring at the phonological level. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
"Speech or language impairment" means a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, expressive or receptive language impairment, or voice impairment that adversely affects a child's educational performance. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(11))
"Speech-language pathology services" means the following: (34 CFR 300.34(c)(15))
1. Identification of children with speech or language impairments;
2. Diagnosis and appraisal of specific speech or language impairments;
3. Referral for medical or other professional attention necessary for the habilitation of speech or language impairments;
4. Provision of speech and language services for the habilitation or prevention of communicative impairments; and
5. Counseling and guidance of parents, children, and teachers regarding speech and language impairments.
"State assessment program" means the state assessment program in Virginia under the Act that is the component of the state assessment system used for accountability.
"State educational agency" means the Virginia Department of Education. (34 CFR 300.41)
"State-operated programs" means programs that provide educational services to children and youth who reside in facilities according to the admissions policies and procedures of those facilities that are the responsibility of state boards, agencies, or institutions. (§§ 22.1-7, 22.1-340 and 22.1-345 of the Code of Virginia)
"Supplementary aids and services" means aids, services, and other supports that are provided in general education classes or other education-related settings to enable children with disabilities to be educated with children without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate in accordance with this chapter. (34 CFR 300.42)
"Surrogate parent" means a person appointed in accordance with procedures set forth in this chapter to ensure that children are afforded the protection of procedural safeguards and the provision of a free appropriate public education. (34 CFR 300.519)
"Timely manner" if used with reference to the requirement for National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard means that the local educational agency shall take all reasonable steps to provide instructional materials in accessible formats to children with disabilities who need those instructional materials at the same time as other children receive instructional materials. (34 CFR 300.172(b)(4))
"Transition from Part C (Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities) services" means the steps identified in the Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) to be taken to support the transition of the child to: (34 CFR 300.124)
1. Early childhood special education to the extent that those services are appropriate; or
2. Other services that may be available, if appropriate.
"Transition services" if used with reference to secondary transition means a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that is designed within a results-oriented process that: (34 CFR 300.43)
1. Is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.
2. Is based on the individual child's needs, taking into account the child's strengths, preferences, and interests and includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives and, if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
Transition services for students with disabilities may be special education, if provided as specially designed instruction, or related services, if they are required to assist a student with a disability to benefit from special education.
"Transportation" includes: (34 CFR 300.34(c)(16))
1. Travel to and from school and between schools;
2. Travel in and around school buildings; and
3. Specialized equipment (such as special or adapted buses, lifts, and ramps), if required to provide special transportation for a child with a disability.
"Traumatic brain injury" means an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment, or both, that adversely affects a child's educational performance. Traumatic brain injury applies to open or closed head injuries resulting in impairments in one or more areas, such as cognition; language; memory; attention; reasoning; abstract thinking; judgment; problem-solving; sensory, perceptual, and motor abilities; psychosocial behavior; physical functions; information processing; and speech. Traumatic brain injury does not apply to brain injuries that are congenital or degenerative, or to brain injuries induced by birth trauma. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(12))
"Travel training" means providing instruction, as appropriate, to children with significant cognitive disabilities, and any other children with disabilities who require this instruction, to enable them to: (34 CFR 300.39(b)(4))
1. Develop an awareness of the environment in which they live; and
2. Learn the skills necessary to move effectively and safely from place to place within that environment (e.g., in school, in the home, at work, and in the community).
"Universal design" has the meaning given the term in § 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended, 29 USC § 3002. The term "universal design" means a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest possible range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly usable (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are made usable with assistive technologies. (34 CFR 300.44)
"Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton" means the Virginia school under the operational control of the Virginia Board of Education. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall approve the education programs of this school. (§ 22.1-346 of the Code of Virginia)
"Visual impairment including blindness" means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(13))
"Vocational education," for the purposes of special education, means organized educational programs that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for paid or unpaid employment or for additional preparation for a career not requiring a baccalaureate or advanced degree, and includes career and technical education. (34 CFR 300.39(b)(5))
"Ward of the state" means a child who, as determined by the state where the child resides is: (34 CFR 300.45)
1. A foster child;
2. A ward of the state; or
3. In the custody of a public child welfare agency.
"Ward of the state" does not include a foster child who has a foster parent who meets the definition of a "parent."
"Weapon" means dangerous weapon under 18 USC § 930(g)(2). (34 CFR 530(i)(4))
Part II
Responsibilities of the State Department of Education
8VAC20-81-20. Functions of the Virginia Department of Education.
The Virginia Department of Education (state educational agency) shall perform the following functions:
1. Ensure that all children with disabilities, aged two to 21, inclusive, residing in Virginia have a right to a free appropriate public education, including, but not limited to, children with disabilities who: (34 CFR 300.2 and 34 CFR 300.101)
a. Are migrant;
b. Are homeless;
c. Have been suspended or expelled from school, in accordance with this chapter;
d. Are incarcerated in a state, regional, or local adult or juvenile correctional facility, with the exception of those provisions identified in 8VAC20-81-110 I;
e. Are receiving special education and related services, even though they have not failed or been retained in a course or grade, and are advancing from grade to grade;
f. Are in state-operated programs; or
g. Are in public charter schools in accordance with the Code of Virginia.
2. Except as provided in 8VAC20-81-170 E 4 b (3), ensure that each local school division develops an IEP for each child with a disability served by that local school division and that an IEP is developed for each child with a disability placed in a private school by a local school division or Comprehensive Services Act team. (34 CFR 300.112 and 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4)(ii))
3. Review and submit to the Virginia Board of Education for approval a plan for the provision of special education and related services from each local educational agency responsible for providing educational services to children with disabilities. (§ 22.1-215 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.200)
4. Ensure that each local educational agency includes all children with disabilities in all general Virginia Department of Education and divisionwide assessment programs, including assessments described in § 1111 of ESEA, with appropriate accommodations and alternate assessments where necessary and as indicated in their respective IEPs and in accordance with the provisions of the Act at § 1412. (20 USC § 1412(a)(16)(A))
5. Ensure that each local educational agency takes steps for its children with disabilities to have available to them the variety of educational programs and services available to nondisabled children in the areas served by the local educational agency, including art, music, industrial arts, consumer and homemaking education, and career and technical education. (34 CFR 300.110)
6. Ensure that each educational program for children with disabilities administered within Virginia: (34 CFR 300.149(a))
a. Is under the general supervision of the persons responsible for educational programs for children with disabilities in Virginia; and
b. Meets the educational standards of the Virginia Department of Education.
In carrying out these requirements with respect to homeless children, the requirements of Subtitle B of Title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC § 11431 et seq.) are met.
7. Prior to the adoption of any policies and procedures to comply with the Act, or submitting a state plan in accordance with the Act, VDOE shall ensure that public hearings are convened, adequate notice of the hearings are provided, and an opportunity for comment is made available to the public, members of the state special education advisory committee, and private special education schools. (34 CFR 300.165)
8. Develop procedures for implementing state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the education of children with disabilities. (§ 22.1-214 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.199 and 34 CFR 300.129)
9. Assist local educational agencies and other participating state agencies in the implementation of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to LRE requirements by: (34 CFR 300.119)
a. Ensuring that teachers and administrators are fully informed about their responsibilities for implementing LRE requirements; and
b. Providing them with technical assistance and training necessary to assist them in this effort.
10. Ensure that the requirements for LRE are implemented by each local educational agency. If there is evidence that a local educational agency's placements are inconsistent with LRE requirements, the Virginia Department of Education shall: (34 CFR 300.120)
a. Review the local educational agency's justification for its actions; and
b. Assist in planning and implementing any necessary corrective action.
11. Review and evaluate compliance of local educational agencies with state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the education of children with disabilities and require corrective actions where needed. (34 CFR 300.149, 34 CFR 300.151 and 34 CFR 300.507)
a. Administer a special education due process hearing system that provides procedures for training of special education hearing officers, evaluating special education hearing officers, and management and monitoring of hearings.
b. Maintain and operate a complaint system that provides for the investigation and issuance of findings regarding alleged violations of the educational rights of parents or children with disabilities. Allegations may be made by public or private agencies, individuals or organizations.
12. Establish and implement a mediation process in accordance with the Act. (§ 22.1-214 of the Code of Virginia; (34 CFR 300.506)
13. Review and evaluate compliance of private nonsectarian special education schools that are licensed or have a certificate to operate in order to ensure that each child with a disability placed in the school by a local school division or Comprehensive Services Act team is provided special education and related services at no cost to the parent(s) in conformance with an IEP that meets the requirements of this chapter and meets the standards that apply to education provided by local educational agencies. (34 CFR 300.129, 34 CFR 300.146 and 34 CFR 300.147)
a. Monitor compliance through procedures such as written reports, on-site visits, and parent questionnaires;
b. Provide copies of all Virginia regulations and standards; and
c. Provide an opportunity for these schools to participate in the development and revision of Virginia's regulations that apply to them.
14. Review and evaluate compliance of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton to ensure that each child with a disability placed in the school by a local school division is provided special education and related services at no cost to the parent(s) in accordance with an IEP that meets the requirements of this chapter and meets the standards that apply to education provided by local educational agencies. (34 CFR 300.149)
15. Establish and maintain a state special education advisory committee composed of individuals involved in or concerned with the education of children with disabilities. (34 CFR 300.167 through 34 CFR 300.169)
a. Membership. The membership shall consist of individuals appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee who are involved in, or concerned with, the education of children with disabilities. The majority shall be individuals with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities (ages birth through 26). Membership shall include one or more of the following:
(1) Parents of children with disabilities (ages birth through 26);
(2) Individuals with disabilities;
(3) Teachers;
(4) Representatives of institutions of higher education that prepare special education and related services personnel;
(5) State and local education officials, including officials who carry out activities under Subtitle B of Title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act (42 USC § 11431 et seq.);
(6) Administrators of programs for children with disabilities;
(7) Representatives of other state agencies involved in the financing or delivery of related services to children with disabilities;
(8) Representatives of private schools and public charter schools;
(9) At least one representative of a vocational, community, or business organization concerned with the provision of transition services to children with disabilities;
(10) A representative from Virginia's juvenile and adult corrections agencies; and
(11) A representative from Virginia's child welfare agency responsible for foster care.
b. Duties. The state special education advisory committee shall:
(1) Advise the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Board of Education of unmet needs within the state in the education of children with disabilities;
(2) Comment publicly on any rules or regulations proposed by the Virginia Board of Education regarding the education of children with disabilities;
(3) Advise the Virginia Department of Education in developing evaluations and reporting on data to the U.S. Secretary of Education under the Act;
(4) Advise the Virginia Department of Education in developing corrective action plans to address findings identified in federal monitoring reports under the Act;
(5) Advise the Virginia Department of Education in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for children with disabilities; and
(6) Review the annual plan submitted in accordance with 8VAC20-81-230 B 2 submitted by state-operated programs and the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton.
c. Procedures.
(1) The state special education advisory committee shall meet as often as necessary to conduct its business.
(2) By October 1 of each year, the state special education advisory committee shall submit an annual report of committee activities and suggestions to the Virginia Board of Education. The report shall be made available to the public in a manner consistent with other public reporting requirements of Part B of the Act.
(3) Official minutes shall be kept on all committee meetings and shall be made available to the public on request.
(4) All meetings and agenda items shall be publicly announced enough in advance of the meeting to afford interested parties a reasonable opportunity to attend, and meetings shall be open to the public.
(5) Interpreters and other necessary accommodations shall be provided for advisory committee members or participants.
(6) The advisory committee shall serve without compensation, but the Virginia Department of Education shall reimburse the committee for reasonable and necessary expenses for attending meetings and performing duties.
16. Provide a report annually to the state special education advisory committee on the Virginia Department of Education's dispute resolution systems, including information related to due process hearings and decisions. This report and due process hearing decisions, with all personally identifiable information deleted, are made available to the public on the Virginia Department of Education's website. (34 CFR 300.513(d))
17. Establish goals for the performance of children with disabilities that: (34 CFR 300.157(a))
a. Promote the purposes of the Act;
b. Are the same as Virginia's objectives for progress by children in its definition of adequate yearly progress, including Virginia's objectives for progress by children with disabilities, under § 1111(b)(2)(C) of the ESEA, 20 USC § 6311;
c. Address graduation rates and drop out rates, as well as such other factors as Virginia may determine; and
d. Are consistent, to the maximum extent appropriate, with any other goals and academic standards for children as established by Virginia.
18. Establish performance indicators Virginia will use to assess progress toward achieving the goals in subdivision 17 of this section, including measurable annual objectives for progress by children with disabilities under § 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II)(cc) of the ESEA, 20 USC § 6311. Annually report to the public and the United States Secretary of Education on the progress of children with disabilities in Virginia, toward meeting the goals described in subdivision 17 of this section, which may include elements of the reports required under § 1111(h) of the ESEA. (34 CFR 300.157(b) and (c))
19. Establish and maintain qualifications to ensure that personnel necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter are appropriately and adequately prepared and trained, including that those personnel have the content knowledge and skills to serve children with disabilities. These requirements include: (34 CFR 300.156(a) through (d))
a. Related services personnel and paraprofessionals. The qualifications shall:
(1) Be consistent with any Virginia-approved or Virginia-recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the professional discipline in which those personnel are providing special education or related services;
(2) Ensure that related services personnel who deliver services in their discipline or profession have not had certification or licensure requirements waived on an emergency, temporary, or provisional basis; and
(3) Allow paraprofessionals and assistants who are appropriately trained and supervised, in accordance with state law, regulation, or written policy, in meeting the requirements of this chapter to be used to assist in the provision of special education and related services to children with disabilities.
b. Ensuring that each person employed as a public school special education teacher in Virginia who teaches in an elementary school, middle school, or secondary school is highly qualified as a special education teacher by the deadline established in § 1119(a)(2) of the ESEA.
c. Requiring local educational agencies to take measurable steps to recruit, hire, train, and retain highly qualified personnel to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities.
20. Respond to complaints filed by a parent about staff qualifications as provided for under this chapter. Notwithstanding any other individual right of action that a parent or student may maintain under this chapter, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to create a right of action on behalf of an individual student or a class of students for the failure of the Virginia Department of Education or local educational agency employee to be highly qualified. (34 CFR 300.156(e))
21. Secure agreements with state agency heads regarding appropriate roles and responsibilities for the identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of or payment for educational and related services in order to ensure that a free appropriate public education is provided to all children with disabilities. The agreements shall address financial responsibility for each nonpublic educational agency for the provision of services. The agreements shall include procedures for resolving interagency disputes and for securing reimbursement from other agencies, including procedures under which local educational agencies may initiate proceedings. (34 CFR 300.154)
22. Disburse the appropriated funds for the education of children with disabilities in Virginia to local school divisions and state-operated programs that are in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the education of children with disabilities. (34 CFR 300.705 and 34 CFR 300.816)
23. Ensure that a practical method is developed and implemented to determine which children, including children with disabilities who are homeless or are wards of the state, are currently receiving needed special education and related services. Report and certify annually to the United States Department of Education the number of children with disabilities in local educational agencies who are receiving special education and related services on a date between October 1 and December 1 of each year determined by the Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee. The annual report of children served shall meet the provisions of 34 CFR 300.641 through 34 CFR 300.645. (34 CFR 300.111 and 34 CFR 300.640)
24. Ensure that a practical method is developed and implemented to determine if significant disproportionality based on race and ethnicity is occurring in the local educational agencies. This method shall include the collection and examination of data with respect to: (34 CFR 300.646(a) and 34 CFR 300.173)
a. The identification of children as children with disabilities, including the identification of children as children with disabilities in accordance with a particular impairment described in 8VAC20-81-10, "Child with a disability";
b. The placement in particular educational settings of these children; and
c. The incidence, duration, and type of disciplinary actions, including suspensions and expulsions.
25. Ensure that in the case of the determination of significant disproportionality, as outlined in subdivision 24 of this section, the Virginia Department of Education shall: (34 CFR 300.646(b))
a. Review and, if appropriate, provide for the revision of the policies, procedures, and practices used by the local educational agency in the identification or placement to ensure that the policies, procedures, and practices comply with the requirements of this chapter;
b. Require any local educational agency determined to have a significant disproportionality to reserve the maximum amount of funds under this chapter to provide comprehensive coordinated early intervening services to serve children in the local educational agency, particularly, but not exclusively, children in those groups that were significantly overidentified; and
c. Require the local educational agency to publicly report on the revision of policies, practices, and procedures addressing the disproportionality.
26. Establish procedures designed to fully inform parents and children with disabilities of educational rights and due process procedures, and ensure that each local educational agency is informed of its responsibility for ensuring effective implementation of procedural safeguards for the children with disabilities served by that local educational agency. (34 CFR 300.121 and 34 CFR 300.150)
27. Ensure that requirements regarding use of public or private insurance to pay for services required under this chapter are met. (34 CFR 300.154(d) and (e))
28. Ensure that if the Virginia Department of Education provides direct services to children with disabilities, it complies with state and federal requirements as if it is a local educational agency and uses federal funds under Part B of the Act to provide services. (34 CFR 300.175)
a. The Virginia Department of Education may use payments that would otherwise have been available to a local educational agency under Part B of the Act to provide special education services directly to children with disabilities residing in the local school division or served by a state-operated program in accordance with the conditions of the excess cost requirements as outlined in 8VAC20-81-260.
b. The Virginia Department of Education may provide special education and related services in the manner and at the location it considers appropriate, consistent with least restrictive environment requirements.
29. Ensure that children who participate in early intervention services assisted under Part C of the Act and who will participate in preschool programs assisted under Part B of the Act experience a smooth and effective transition to early childhood special education programs in a manner consistent with the Virginia Part C lead agency's early intervention policies and procedures as follows: (34 CFR 300.124)
a. For those children who at age two (on or before September 30) are found eligible for Part B early childhood special education programs, IEPs are developed and implemented for those children; and
b. The local educational agency will participate in transition planning conferences arranged by the designated local Part C early intervention agency.
30. Ensure the protection of the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information collected, maintained, or used under Part B of the Act. This shall include notice to fully inform parents about the confidentiality of information as specified in 34 CFR 300.612, and policies and procedures that are used in the event that parents refuse to provide consent for disclosure of education records. These policies and procedures shall comply with the provisions of 34 CFR 300.612 through 34 CFR 300.626. (34 CFR 300.123 and 34 CFR 300.610)
31. Ensure that a practical method is developed and implemented to: (34 CFR 300.170)
a. Examine data, including data disaggregated by race and ethnicity, to determine if significant discrepancies occur in the rate of long-term suspensions and expulsions with children with disabilities:
(1) Among local educational agencies in Virginia; or
(2) Compared to the rates for nondisabled children within the local school division.
b. Review discrepancies and, if appropriate, require the local educational agency to revise its policies, procedures, and practices relating to the development and implementation of IEPs, the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, and procedural safeguards, to ensure that these policies, procedures, and practices comply with the Act.
32. Adopt the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard for the purposes of providing instructional materials to blind persons or other persons with print disabilities. (34 CFR 300.172)
a. Ensure that local educational agencies take all reasonable steps to provide instructional materials in accessible formats to children with disabilities who need those instructional materials at the same time as other children receive instructional materials; and
b. In carrying out the provisions of this subsection, to the maximum extent possible, work collaboratively with the state agency responsible for assistive technology programs.
33. Prohibit the Virginia Department of Education and local educational agency personnel from requiring parents to obtain a prescription for substances identified under Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V in § 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC § 812(c)) for a child as a condition of attending school, receiving an evaluation under this chapter, or receiving services under this chapter. (34 CFR 300.174(a))
34. Monitor, enforce, and provide technical assistance regarding the implementation of the requirements under the Act. These actions include: (34 CFR 300.600 through 34 CFR 300.609; 34 CFR 300.640 through 34 CFR 300.645; 34 CFR 300.149(b) and 34 CFR 300.165(b))
a. Providing the Secretary of Education state performance reports and data collections in accordance with the provisions of 34 CFR 300.600 through 34 CFR 300.602.
b. Taking appropriate enforcement and technical assistance measures to assist local educational agencies in complying with the provisions of the Act in accordance with the provisions of 34 CFR 300.600 through 34 CFR 300.602 and 34 CFR 300.608.
c. Establishing that the focus of Virginia's monitoring activities is on:
(1) Improving educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities; and
(2) Ensuring that public agencies meet the program requirements under Part B of the Act, with a particular emphasis on those requirements that are most closely related to improving educational results for children with disabilities.
d. Using quantifiable indicators and such qualitative indicators as are needed to adequately measure performance in the priority areas identified in 34 CFR 300.600(d), and the indicators established by the U.S. Secretary of Education for the state performance plans.
e. Using the targets established in Virginia's performance plan and the priority areas described in 34 CFR 300.600(d) to analyze the performance of each local educational agency.
f. Following all the reporting requirements under 34 CFR 300.602(b).
g. Notifying the public of the pendency of an enforcement action taken by the U.S. Department of Education pursuant to 34 CFR 300.604.
h. Prohibiting the local educational agency from reducing the local educational agency's maintenance of effort under 34 CFR 300.203 for any fiscal year if the Virginia Department of Education determines that a local educational agency is not meeting the requirements of Part B of the Act, including the targets in Virginia's state performance plan.
35. Ensure each recipient of assistance under Part B of the Act makes positive efforts to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with disabilities in programs assisted under Part B of the Act. (34 CFR 300.177(b))
Part III
Responsibilities of Local School Divisions and State-Operated Programs
8VAC20-81-30. Responsibility of local school divisions and state-operated programs.
A. The requirements set forth in this chapter are applicable to local school divisions and state-operated programs providing education and related services for children with disabilities and are developed in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
B. Each local school division shall ensure that all children with disabilities aged two to 21, inclusive, residing in that school division have a right to a free appropriate public education. (§ 22.1-214 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.2, 34 CFR 300.101, 34 CFR 300.124 and 34 CFR 300.209)
The children include:
1. Children with disabilities who are migrant;
2. Children with disabilities who are homeless, in accordance with the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC § 11431 et seq.);
3. Children with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services, even though the child has not failed or been retained in a course or grade, and is advancing from grade to grade;
4. Children with disabilities who are served in a public nonprofit charter school;
5. Children with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled from school;
6. Children with disabilities who are incarcerated for 10 or more days in a regional or local jail in its jurisdiction, with the exception of those additional provisions identified in 8VAC20-81-110 I;
7. Children with disabilities who are residents of the school division and who are on house arrest, as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction;
8. Children with disabilities who are in foster care and residents of Virginia;
9. Children with disabilities who are placed for noneducational reasons; and
10. Children with disabilities regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
C. Every child with a disability is deemed to reside in a school division when (§ 22.1-3 of the Code of Virginia):
1. The child is living with a biological parent whose parental rights have not been terminated.
2. The child is living with an adoptive parent.
3. The child is living with an individual:
a. Other than the custodial parent but who is defined as a parent in § 22.1-1 of the Code of Virginia, not solely for school purposes; and
b. Pursuant to a special power of attorney executed under 10 USC § 1044b by the custodial parent while such custodial parent is deployed outside the United States as a member of the Virginia National Guard or as a member of the United States Armed Forces.
4. The parent(s) of the child is deceased and the child is living with a person in loco parentis who resides within the school division.
5. The parents of the child are unable to care for him and he is living, not solely for school purposes, with another person who resides in the school division and is either:
a. The court-appointed guardian, or has legal custody; or
b. Acting in loco parentis pursuant to placement of the child by a person or entity authorized to do so under § 63.2-900 of the Code of Virginia.
6. The child is living in the school division not solely for school purposes, as an emancipated minor pursuant to the provisions of the § 16.1-334 of the Code of Virginia.
7. The child is living in the school division not solely for school purposes, as a validly married minor who has not pursued emancipation under § 16.1-333 of the Code of Virginia but who asserts implied emancipation based on the minor's marriage record.
8. The child is in foster care and a resident of Virginia, but not a resident of the school division, under the following conditions: (§ 22.1-215 of the Code of Virginia)
a. The child has been placed in foster care or other custodial care within the geographical boundaries of the school division, placed by a Virginia agency, whether state or local, that is authorized by the Code of Virginia to place children; or
b. The child has been placed, not solely for school purposes, in a child-caring institution or group home licensed under the provisions of Chapter 17 (§ 63.2-1700 et seq.) of Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia that is located within the geographical boundaries of the school division.
9. The child is in foster care and a resident of Virginia, and a resident of the school division, under the provisions of subdivision 8 of this subsection.
D. If a child with a disability is living with the parent in the residence of the local school division, the local school division is responsible for ensuring that the child receives a free appropriate public education even if the enrollment requirements for the child are not completed within a reasonable period of the parents' request to enroll the child. (34 CFR 300.101)
E. Requirements for children with disabilities who are placed for noneducational reasons:
1. The local school division that is part of the Comprehensive Services Act team that places the child in a private residential placement for noneducational reasons shall ensure that the child's IEP team develops an IEP appropriate for the child's needs while the child is in the residential placement.
2. If a child in foster care is placed in a local school division of nonresidence and the IEP team of the local school division of nonresidence where the child is placed determines that the child needs to be placed in a private day or residential special education facility for educational reasons, the responsibility for a free appropriate public education transfers to the local school division where the Virginia placing agency is located and is a participant in the community policy and management team of that local school division that has responsibility for the child under the Comprehensive Services Act (Chapter 52 (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia).
3. If placed in a nursing facility, a long stay hospital, or an intermediate care facility for people with intellectual disabilities under funding from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, the child is a resident of the division where the parent(s) resides.
4. If placed in a group home by a community services board, a court service unit, or a court of competent jurisdiction, the child is a resident of the division where the parent(s) resides.
5. If the child is aged 18 or older and placed in a nursing facility, a long stay hospital, or an intermediate care facility for people with intellectual disabilities under funding from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, and who has been declared legally incompetent or legally incapacitated by a court of competent jurisdiction and for whom the court has appointed a guardian to make decisions, the adult child is a resident of the division where the guardian resides.
6. If the child is aged 18 or older and placed in a group home by a community services board and has been declared legally incompetent or legally incapacitated by a court of competent jurisdiction and for whom the court has appointed a guardian to make decisions, the adult child is a resident of the division where the guardian resides.
7. If the child is aged 18 or older, who has not been declared legally incompetent or legally incapacitated by a court of competent jurisdiction and for whom the court has not appointed a guardian to make decisions, the adult child's residence is the fixed home to which the adult child will return following the child's return from a facility and at which the adult child intends to stay. No adult child shall have more than one residence at a time.
8. If the child is aged 18 or older, who has been declared legally incompetent or legally incapacitated by a court of competent jurisdiction and for whom the court has appointed a guardian to make decisions, the adult child is a resident of the division where the guardian resides. The adult child's residence shall be the fixed home to which the adult child will return from a facility and at which the adult child intends to stay. No adult child shall have more than one residence at a time.
9. If placed in a sponsored residential home, licensed in accordance with 12VAC35-105, the child is a resident of the division where the parent(s) resides.
F. If there is a dispute between local school divisions regarding the parent's or legal guardian's residence, the local school division of the parent's or legal guardian's last known place of residence is responsible until such dispute is resolved or the parent's or legal guardian's residence is established in another local school division.
G. If there is dispute between the parent or legal guardian of a child with a disability and the local school division regarding residency, the local school division of where the child is last enrolled remains responsible for providing the child with a free appropriate public education until resolution of the dispute.
H. Each state-operated program shall ensure that the requirements in this chapter are applied to children with disabilities, aged two to 21, inclusive, in that institution. (§ 22.1-7 of the Code of Virginia)
1. For children with disabilities who are placed in a state-operated program as a long-term placement, the local educational agency of the parent's residence remains responsible for ensuring that the child receives a free appropriate public education.
2. The state-operated program shall ensure that the local educational agency of the parent's residence is advised of the child's admission, status, and meetings associated with the child receiving a free appropriate public education.
I. Children with disabilities who are not residents of Virginia but are living temporarily with adults who do not otherwise meet the definition of parent(s) residing within a school division may, in the discretion of the local school board's policies and procedures, be admitted to the public schools of the school division for special education and related services. Tuition charges associated with this admittance are subject to the provisions of § 22.1-5 of the Code of Virginia.
8VAC20-81-70. Evaluation and reevaluation.
A. Each local educational agency shall establish procedures for the evaluation and reevaluation of referrals of children in accordance with the provisions of this section. (34 CFR 300.122)
B. Determination of needed evaluation data for initial evaluation or reevaluation. (34 CFR 300.305 and 34 CFR 300.507)
1. Review of existing evaluation data. A group that is comprised of the same individuals as an IEP team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate, shall:
a. Review existing evaluation data on the child, including:
(1) Evaluations and information provided by the parent(s) of the child;
(2) Current classroom-based, local, or state assessments and classroom-based observations; and
(3) Observations by teachers and related services providers; and
b. On the basis of that review and input from the child's parent(s), identify what additional data, if any, are needed to determine:
(1) Whether the child is, or continues to be, a child with a disability;
(2) The present educational needs of the child;
(3) The child's present level of academic achievement and related developmental needs;
(4) Whether the child needs or continues to need special education and related services; and
(5) Whether any additions or modifications to the special education and related services are needed to enable the child to meet the measurable annual goals set out in the IEP of the child and to participate, as appropriate, in the general education curriculum.
2. Conduct of review. The group completing the review may conduct its review without a meeting. The local educational agency shall provide notice to ensure that the parent(s) has the opportunity to participate in the review. If there is a meeting, the local educational agency shall provide notice of the meeting early enough to ensure that the parent(s) will have an opportunity to participate. The notice shall indicate the purpose, date, time, and location of the meeting and who will be in attendance meet the requirements of 8VAC20-81-110 E 2 a.
3. Need for additional data. The local educational agency shall administer tests and other evaluation materials as may be needed to produce the data identified in this subsection.
4. Requirements if additional data are not needed:
a. If the team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate, determine that no additional data are needed to determine whether the child continues to be a child with a disability and to determine the child's educational needs, the local educational agency shall provide the child's parent(s) with prior written notice, including information regarding:
(1) The determination and the reasons for it; and
(2) The right of the parent(s) to request an evaluation to determine whether the child continues to be a child with a disability and to determine the child's educational needs.
b. The local educational agency is not required to conduct the evaluation to gather additional information to determine whether the child continues to have a disability and to determine the child's educational needs, unless the child's parent(s) requests the evaluation for these specific purposes.
c. The child's parent(s) has the right to resolve a dispute through mediation or due process as described in this chapter.
d. This process shall be considered the evaluation if no additional data are needed.
5. If the team determines not to evaluate a child suspected of a disability, prior written notice, in accordance with 8VAC20-81-170, shall be given to the parent(s), including the parent's rights to appeal the decision through due process proceedings.
C. The local educational agency shall establish policies and procedures to ensure that the following requirements are met. (§ 22.1-214 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.304 and 34 CFR 300.310)
1. Assessments and other evaluation materials used to assess a child under this chapter are:
a. Selected and administered so as not to be discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis;
b. Provided and administered in the child's native language and in the form most likely to yield accurate information on what the child knows and can do academically, developmentally, and functionally, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so;
c. Used for the purposes for which the assessments or measures are valid and reliable; and
d. Administered by trained and knowledgeable personnel in accordance with the instructions provided by the producer of the assessments.
2. Materials and procedures used to assess a child with limited English proficiency are selected and administered to ensure that they measure the extent to which the child has a disability and needs special education, rather than measuring the child's English language skills.
3. A variety of assessment tools and strategies are used to gather relevant functional, developmental, and academic information about the child, including information provided by the parent(s), and information related to enabling the child to be involved in and progress in the general curriculum (or for a preschool child, to participate in appropriate activities), that may assist in determining whether the child is a child with a disability and the content of the child's IEP.
4. The assessment tools and strategies used provide relevant information that directly assists persons in determining the educational needs of the child.
5. If an assessment is not conducted under standard conditions, a description of the extent to which it varied from standard conditions (e.g., the qualifications of the person administering the test or the method of test administration) shall be included in the evaluation report.
6. Any nonstandardized assessment administered by qualified personnel may be used to assist in determining whether the child is a child with a disability and the contents of the child's IEP.
7. Assessments and other evaluation materials include those tailored to assess specific areas of educational need and not merely those that are designed to provide a single general intelligence quotient.
8. Assessments are selected and administered so as to best ensure that if an assessment is administered to a child with impaired sensory, motor, or communication skills, the assessment results accurately reflect the child's aptitude or achievement level or whatever other factors the test purports to measure rather than reflecting the child's impaired sensory, motor, or communication skills (except where those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure).
9. The evaluation is sufficiently comprehensive to identify all of the child's special education and related services needs, whether or not commonly linked to the disability category in which the child has been classified.
10. Technically sound instruments are used that may assess the relative contribution of cognitive and behavioral factors, in addition to physical or developmental factors.
11. No single measure or assessment is used as the sole criterion for determining whether a child is a child with a disability and for determining an appropriate educational program for a child.
12. If the evaluation requires assessments in more than one area relating to the suspected disability, a group of persons, including at least one teacher or other specialist with knowledge in the area of the suspected disability, shall complete the assessments.
13. For a child suspected of having a specific learning disability, the evaluation shall include an observation of academic performance in the regular classroom by at least one team member other than the child's regular teacher. In the case of a child of less than school age or out of school, a team member shall observe the child in an environment appropriate for a child of that age.
14. Each child is assessed by a qualified professional in all areas relating to the suspected disability, including, if appropriate, health, vision, hearing, social and emotional status, general intelligence, academic performance, communicative status, motor abilities, and adaptive behavior. This may include educational, medical, sociocultural, psychological, or developmental assessments.
a. The hearing of each child suspected of having a disability shall be screened during the eligibility process prior to initial determination of eligibility for special education and related services.
b. A complete audiological assessment, including tests that will assess inner and middle ear functioning, shall be performed on each child who is hearing impaired or deaf or who fails two hearing screening tests.
D. The evaluation report(s) shall be available to the parent(s) no later than two business days before the meeting to determine eligibility. (34 CFR 300.306(a)(2))
1. A written copy of the evaluation report(s) shall be provided to the parent(s) prior to or at the meeting where the eligibility group reviews the evaluation report(s) or immediately following the meeting, but no later than 10 days after the meeting.
2. The evaluation report(s) shall be provided to the parent(s) at no cost.
E. Assessments of children with disabilities or suspected of having a disability who transfer from one local educational agency to another local educational agency in the same school year shall be coordinated with those children's prior and subsequent schools, as necessary and as expeditiously as possible, consistent with 8VAC20-81-60 B 1 g, to ensure prompt completion of full evaluations. (34 CFR 300.304(c)(5))
F. Reevaluation.
1. A reevaluation shall be conducted: (34 CFR 300.303(a) and (b)(2))
a. If the local educational agency determines that the child's educational or related services needs, including improved academic achievement and functional performance, warrants a reevaluation;
b. If the child's parent(s) or teacher requests a reevaluation; or
c. At least once every three years, unless the parent and local educational agency agree that a reevaluation is unnecessary.
2. The local educational agency shall not conduct a reevaluation more than once a year unless the parent(s) and the local educational agency agree otherwise. If the local educational agency does not agree with the parent's request for a reevaluation, the local educational agency shall provide the parent(s) with prior written notice in accordance with 8VAC20-81-170. (34 CFR 300.303(b)(1))
3. The local educational agency shall conduct a reevaluation in accordance with the requirements of subsection B of this section. (34 CFR 300.305)
G. Parental consent for reevaluation. (34 CFR 300.300(c) and (d))
1. Informed parental consent is required before conducting any reevaluation of a child with a disability.
a. If the local educational agency can demonstrate that it has taken reasonable measures to obtain consent and the child's parent(s) has failed to respond, the local educational agency shall proceed as if consent has been given by the parent(s). Reasonable measures include providing notice to the parent(s) in writing (or by telephone or in person with proper documentation).
b. If the parent(s) refuses consent, the local educational agency may continue to pursue those evaluations by using due process or mediation procedures. The local educational agency does not violate its obligation under this chapter if it declines to pursue the reevaluation.
2. Parental consent is not required before:
a. Review of existing data as part of an evaluation or reevaluation;
b. A teacher's or related service provider's observations or ongoing classroom evaluations; or
c. Administering a test or other evaluation that is administered to all children unless, before administration of that test or evaluation, consent is required of parents of all children.
3. If a parent of a child who is home-instructed or home-tutored, or who is placed in a private school by the parents at their own expense, does not provide consent for reevaluation, or the parent(s) fails to respond to a request to provide consent, the local educational agency may not use mediation or due process to pursue the reevaluation. In this instance, the local school division is not required to consider the child as eligible for equitable services under the provisions of 8VAC20-81-150 for parentally placed students.
H. Timelines for reevaluations.
1. The reevaluation process, including eligibility determination, shall be initiated in sufficient time to complete the process prior to the third anniversary of the date eligibility was last determined.
2. If a reevaluation is conducted for purposes other than the child's triennial, the reevaluation process, including eligibility determination, shall be completed in 65 business days of the receipt of the referral by the special education administrator or designee for the evaluation.
3. The parent and eligibility group may agree in writing to extend the 65-day timeline to obtain additional data that cannot be obtained within the 65 business days.
I. The local educational agency is not required to evaluate a child with a disability who graduates with a standard diploma or advanced studies diploma. Since graduation is a change in placement, the local educational agency is required to provide the parent with prior written notice in accordance with 8VAC20-81-170. (34 CFR 300.305(e)(2))
8VAC20-81-80. Eligibility.
A. Each local educational agency shall establish procedures to ensure that the decision regarding eligibility for special education and related services and educational needs is made in accordance with the provisions of this section.
B. The determination that a child is eligible for special education and related services shall be made on an individual basis by a group as designated in subdivision C 2 of this section.
C. Upon completion of the administration of assessments and other evaluation materials or after determining that additional data are not needed, a group of qualified professionals and the parent(s) of the child shall determine whether the child is, or continues to be, a child with a disability and the educational needs of the child. If a determination is made that a child has a disability and requires special education and related services, an IEP shall be developed in accordance with the requirements of 8VAC20-81-110. (34 CFR 300.306, 34 CFR 300.308)
1. The determination of whether a child is a child with a disability is made by the child's parent(s) and a group that is collectively qualified to:
a. Conduct, as appropriate, individual diagnostic assessments in the areas of speech and language, academic achievement, intellectual development and social-emotional development;
b. Interpret assessment and intervention data, and apply critical analysis to those data; and
c. Develop appropriate educational and transitional recommendations based on the assessment data.
2. The eligibility group composition.
a. The group may be an IEP team, as defined in 8VAC20-81-110, as long as the above requirements and notice requirements of 8VAC20-81-170 are met.
b. The group shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Local educational agency personnel representing the disciplines providing assessments;
(2) The special education administrator or designee;
(3) The parent(s);
(4) A special education teacher;
(5) The child's general education teacher or if the child does not have a general education teacher, a general education teacher qualified to teach a child of the child's age; or for a child of less than school age, an individual qualified to teach a child of the child's age; and
(6) At least one person qualified to conduct individual diagnostic examinations of children, such as school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or remedial reading teacher.
D. Procedures for determining eligibility and educational need. (34 CFR 300.306 through 34 CFR 300.311)
1. In interpreting evaluation data for the purpose of determining if a child is a child with a disability and determining the educational needs of the child, the local educational agency shall:
a. Draw upon information from a variety of sources, including aptitude and achievement tests, parent input and teacher recommendations, as well as information about the child's physical condition, social or cultural background, and adaptive behavior; and
b. Ensure that information from all these sources is documented and carefully considered.
2. The group shall provide procedural safeguards in determining eligibility and in ensuring the confidentiality of records.
3. Observation.
a. The local educational agency shall ensure that the child is observed in the child's learning environment (including the general education classroom setting) to document the child's academic performance and behavior in the areas of difficulty.
b. The eligibility group, in determining whether a child is a child with a disability shall:
(1) Use information from an observation in routine classroom instruction and monitoring of the child's performance that was done before the child was referred for an evaluation; or
(2) Have at least one member of the eligibility group conduct an observation of the child's academic performance in the general education classroom after the child has been referred for an evaluation and parental consent has been obtained consistent with the requirements of 8VAC20-81-170.
c. In the case of a child of less than school age or out of school, a group member shall observe the child in an environment appropriate for a child of that age.
4. A child shall not be determined to be eligible under this chapter if the child does not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria, or the determinant factor is:
a. Lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction:
(1) Phonemic awareness,
(2) Phonics,
(3) Vocabulary development,
(4) Reading fluency, including oral reading skills, and
(5) Reading comprehension strategies;
b. Lack of appropriate instruction in math; or
c. Limited English proficiency.
5. The local educational agency shall provide the parent with a copy of the documentation of the determination of eligibility at no cost. This documentation shall include a statement of:
a. Whether the child has a specific disability.
b. The basis for making the determination including an assurance that the determination has been made in accordance with the provisions of this section regarding determining eligibility and educational need.
c. The relevant behavior, if any, noted during the observation of the child and the relationship of that behavior to the child's academic functioning.
d. The educationally relevant medical findings, if any.
e. The instructional strategies used and the student-centered data collected if the child has participated in a response to scientific, research-based intervention process. This document shall also include:
(1) The local educational agency's notification to the parent of the Virginia Department of Education's policies regarding the amount and nature of student performance data that would be collected and the general education services that would be provided;
(2) The strategies that were used to increase the child's rate of learning; and
(3) The parent's right to request an evaluation.
f. For identification of a child with a specific learning disability, whether consistent with the requirements of subdivisions T 2 a and T 2 b of this section, the child does not achieve adequately for the child's age or to meet Virginia-approved grade-level standards; and
(1) The child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or Virginia-approved grade-level standards; or
(2) The child exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, Virginia-approved grade-level standards or intellectual development.
g. For identification of a child with a specific learning disability, the group's determination is consistent with the requirements of subdivision T 2 c of this section.
6. The eligibility group shall consider, as part of the evaluation, data that demonstrates that prior to, or as part of the referral process, the child was provided appropriate high-quality, researched-based instruction in general education settings, consistent with § 1111(b)(8)(D) and (E) of the ESEA, including that the instruction was delivered by qualified personnel. There shall be data-based documentation that repeated assessments of achievement at reasonable intervals, reflecting that formal assessment of student progress during instruction was provided to the child's parents.
7. The eligibility group shall work toward consensus. If the group does not reach consensus and the decision does not reflect a particular member's conclusion, then the group member shall submit a written statement presenting that member's conclusions.
8. The local educational agency shall obtain written parental consent for the initial eligibility determination. Thereafter, written parental consent shall be secured for any change in categorical identification in the child's disability.
9. The eligibility group shall have a written summary that consists of the basis for making its determination as to the eligibility of the child for special education and related services. The written summary shall include any written statement from a member whose conclusion differs from the other members' determination. The summary statement may include other recommendations. The written summary shall be maintained in the child's scholastic record.
10. The written summary shall be forwarded to the IEP team, including the parent, upon determination of eligibility. The summary statement may include other recommendations.
11. With reevaluations, if the eligibility group determines that there is not a change to the child's eligibility for special education and related services, and educational needs, the IEP team is not required to convene, unless the parent requests that the IEP team meets.
E. Nothing in this chapter requires that children be identified by their disability on IEPs, local educational agency communications to parents regarding eligibility determinations, or other similar communications to parents. For such communications, local educational agencies shall identify that each child has a disability under this chapter and by reason of that disability needs special education and related services, and is regarded as a child with a disability.
F. Eligibility for related services. A child with a disability shall be found eligible for special education in order to receive related services. Once a child is found eligible for special education, decisions about the need for related services shall be made by the IEP team. An evaluation may be conducted as determined by the IEP team. (34 CFR 300.34 and 34 CFR 300.306(c)(2))
G. Two-year-old children previously served by Part C. A child, aged two, previously participating in early intervention services assisted under Part C of the Act, shall meet the requirements of this chapter to be determined eligible under Part B of the Act. For a child served by Part C after age two, and whose third birthday occurs during the summer, the child's IEP team shall determine the date when services under the IEP will begin for the child. (34 CFR 300.124)
H. For all children suspected of having a disability, local educational agencies shall:
1. Use the criteria adopted by the Virginia Department of Education, as outlined in this section, for determining whether the child has a disability; and
2. Have documented evidence that, by reason of the disability, the child needs special education and related services. (34 CFR 300.307(b))
I. The Virginia Department of Education permits each local educational agency to use a process for determining whether a child has a disability based on the child's response to scientific, research-based intervention and permits each local educational agency to use other alternative research-based intervention and procedures. (34 CFR 300.307)
J. Eligibility as a child with autism. The group may determine that a child has autism if:
1. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to documented characteristics of autism, as outlined in this section; and
2. The child has any of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, also referenced as autism spectrum disorder, such as Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Rhett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified including Atypical Autism as indicated in diagnostic references.
a. Children with Asperger's Disorder demonstrate the following characteristics:
(1) Impairments in social interaction, such as marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction; failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level; a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (i.e., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest); or lack of social or emotional reciprocity are noted; and
(2) Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities such as encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus, apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals, stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms, persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.
b. Children with autistic disorder, in addition to the characteristics listed in subdivisions 2 a (1) and 2 a (2) of this subsection, also demonstrate impairments in communication, such as delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime). In individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others, stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language, or lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level is noted.
c. Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified or Atypical Autism may display any of the characteristics listed in subdivisions 2 a (1), 2 a (2) and 2 b of this subsection without displaying all of the characteristics associated with either Asperger's Disorder or Autistic Disorder.
K. Eligibility as a child with deaf-blindness. The group may determine that a child has deaf-blindness if the definition of "deaf-blindness" as outlined in 8VAC20-81-10 is met.
L. Eligibility as a child with deafness. The group may determine that a child has deafness if:
1. The definition of "deafness" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10;
2. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of a deafness, as outlined in subdivision 3 of this subsection; and
3. The child has a bilateral hearing loss (sensorineural, or mixed conductive and sensorineural), a fluctuating or a permanent hearing loss, documented auditory dyssynchrony (auditory neuropathy), and/or cortical deafness.
M. Eligibility as a child with developmental delay. (34 CFR 300.111(b))
1. The group may determine that a child has a developmental delay if the local educational agency permits the use of developmental delay as a disability category when determining whether a preschool child, aged two by September 30 to six, inclusive, is eligible under this chapter, and:
a. The definition of "developmental delay" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10; or
b. The child has a physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay.
2. Eligibility as a child with a disability for children ages two through six shall not be limited to developmental delay if eligibility can be determined under another disability category.
3. A local educational agency is not required to adopt and use developmental delay as a disability category for any children within its jurisdiction. If the local educational agency permits the use of developmental delay as a disability category, it shall comply with the eligibility criteria outlined in this section.
N. Eligibility as a child with an emotional disability. The group may determine that a child has an emotional disability if:
1. The definition of "emotional disability" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10; and
2. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of an emotional disability.
O. Eligibility as a child with a hearing impairment.
1. The group may determine that a child has a hearing impairment if:
a. The definition of "hearing impairment" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10; and
b. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of a hearing impairment, as outlined in subdivision 2 of this subsection.
2. Characteristics of children with a hearing impairment include unilateral hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed), bilateral hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed), a fluctuating or permanent hearing loss, and/or auditory dyssynchrony (auditory neuropathy). The hearing loss results in qualitative impairments in communication/educational performance.
3. The term "hard of hearing" may be used in this capacity.
P. Eligibility as a child with an intellectual disability. The group may determine that a child has an intellectual disability if:
1. The definition of "intellectual disability" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10;
2. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of an intellectual disability, as outlined in subdivision 3 of this subsection; and
3. The child has:
a. Significantly impaired intellectual functioning, which is two or more standard deviations below the mean, with consideration given to the standard error of measurement for the assessment, on an individually administered, standardized measure of intellectual functioning;
b. Concurrently, significantly impaired adaptive behavior as determined by a composite score on an individual standardized instrument of adaptive behavior that measures two standard deviations or more below the mean; and
c. Developmental history that indicates significant impairment in intellectual functioning and a current demonstration of significant impairment is present.
Q. Eligibility as a child with multiple disabilities. The group may determine that a child has multiple disabilities if the definition of "multiple disabilities" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10.
R. Eligibility as a child with an orthopedic impairment. The group may determine that a child has an orthopedic impairment if:
1. The definition of "orthopedic impairment" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10; and
2. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of an orthopedic impairment.
S. Eligibility as a child with other health impairment. The group may determine that a child has an other health impairment if:
1. The definition of "other health impairment" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10; and
2. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of the other health impairment.
T. Eligibility of a child with a specific learning disability. (34 CFR 300.307 and 34 CFR 300.309)
1. The group may determine that a child has a specific learning disability if:
a. The definition of "specific learning disability" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10; and
b. The criteria for determining the existence of a specific learning disability are met.
2. The criteria for determining the existence of a specific learning disability are met if:
a. The child does not achieve adequately for the child's age or to meet Virginia-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the following areas when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the child's age or Virginia-approved grade-level standards:
(1) Oral expression;
(2) Listening comprehension;
(3) Written expression;
(4) Basic reading skills;
(5) Reading fluency skills;
(6) Reading comprehension;
(7) Mathematical calculations; or
(8) Mathematical problem solving.
b. The child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or Virginia-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the areas identified in subdivision 2 a of this subsection when using a process based on the child's response to scientific, research-based intervention; or the child exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, Virginia-approved grade-level standards, or intellectual development, that is determined by the group to be relevant to the identification of a specific learning disability, using appropriate assessments, consistent with 8VAC20-81-70.
c. The group determines that its findings under subdivisions 2 a and b of this subsection are not primarily the result of:
(1) A visual, hearing, or motor impairment;
(2) Intellectual disability;
(3) Emotional disability;
(4) Environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage; or
(5) Limited English proficiency.
3. The Virginia Department of Education does not require the use of a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement for determining whether a child has a specific learning disability. (34 CFR 300.307(a))
U. Eligibility as a child with speech or language impairment.
1. The group may determine that a child has a speech or language impairment if:
a. The definition of "speech or language impairment" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10;
b. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of speech or language impairment;
c. The child has a significant discrepancy from typical communication skills in one or more of the following areas: fluency, impaired articulation, expressive or receptive language impairment, or voice impairment; and
d. Information from instruments that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, including standardized and criterion-referenced measures, shall be used in conjunction with information from classroom observations to determine the severity of the communication impairment.
2. Children shall not be identified as children having a speech or language impairment if the area of concern is primarily the result of sociocultural dialect, delays/differences associated with acquisition of English as a second language, or within the purview of established norms for articulation and language development.
3. Speech language pathology services may be special education or a related service.
V. Eligibility as a child with a traumatic brain injury. The group may determine that a child has a traumatic brain injury if:
1. The definition of "traumatic brain injury" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10; and
2. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of traumatic brain injury.
W. Eligibility as a child with a visual impairment.
1. The group may determine that a child has a visual impairment if:
a. The definition of "visual impairment" is met in accordance with 8VAC20-81-10;
b. There is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to one or more documented characteristics of visual impairment; and
c. The child:
(1) Demonstrates the characteristics of blindness or visual impairment, as outlined in subdivisions 2 and 3 of this subsection; or
(2) Has any of the conditions including, but not limited to oculomotor apraxia, cortical visual impairment, and/or a progressive loss of vision, which may in the future, have an adverse effect on educational performance, or a functional vision loss where field and acuity deficits alone may not meet the aforementioned criteria.
2. A child with blindness demonstrates the following:
a. Visual acuity in the better eye with best possible correction of 20/200 or less at distance or near; or
b. Visual field restriction in the better eye of remaining visual field of 20 degrees or less.
3. A child with a visual impairment demonstrates the following:
a. Visual acuity better than 20/200 but worse than 20/70 at distance and/or near; or
b. Visual field restriction in the better eye of remaining visual field of 70 degrees or less but better than 20 degrees.
X. Children found not eligible for special education.
1. Information relevant to instruction for a child found not eligible for special education shall be provided to the child's teachers or any appropriate committee. Parental consent to release information shall be secured for children who are placed by their parents in private schools that are not located in the local educational agency of the parent's residence. (34 CFR 300.622)
2. If the school division decides that a child is not eligible for special education and related services, prior written notice, in accordance with 8VAC20-81-170 shall be given to the parent(s) including the parent(s) right to appeal the decision through the due process hearing procedures. (34 CFR 300.503; 34 CFR 300.507)
8VAC20-81-90. Termination of special education and related services.
A. Termination of a child's eligibility for special education and related services shall be determined by an eligibility group.
1. Termination of special education services occurs if the eligibility group determines that the child is no longer a child with a disability who needs special education and related service.
2. The local educational agency shall evaluate a child with a disability in accordance with 8VAC20-81-70 before determining that the child is no longer a child with a disability under this chapter.
3. Evaluation is not required before the termination of eligibility due to graduation with a standard or advanced studies high school diploma or reaching the age of 22. (34 CFR 300.305(e))
B. The IEP team shall terminate the child's eligibility for a related service without determining that the child is no longer a child with a disability who is eligible for special education and related services. The IEP team shall make this determination based on the current data in the child's education record, or by evaluating the child in accordance with 8VAC20-81-70.
C. Written parental consent shall be required prior to any partial or complete termination of services.
D. Prior to any partial or complete termination of special education and related services, the local educational agency shall comply with the prior written notice requirements of 8VAC20-81-170 C.
E. If the parent(s) revokes consent in writing for the child to continue to receive special education and related services, the local educational agency shall follow the eligibility procedures in 8VAC20-81-80 8VAC20-81-170 E 3 a to terminate the child's eligibility or use other measures as necessary to ensure that parental revocation of consent will not result in the withdrawal of a necessary free appropriate public education for the child. (34 CFR 300.9 and 34 CFR 300.305(e)) receipt of special education and related services. (34 CFR 300.9 and 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4))
F. Summary of academic achievement and functional performance. (34 CFR 300.305(e)(3))
1. For a child whose eligibility terminates due to graduation with a standard or advanced studies high school diploma or reaching the age of 22, the local educational agency shall provide the child with a summary of the student's academic achievement and functional performance, which shall include recommendations on how to assist the student in meeting the student's postsecondary goals.
2. If a child exits school without graduating with a standard or advanced studies high school diploma or reaching the age of 22, including if the child receives a general educational development (GED) credential or an alternative diploma option, the local educational agency may provide the child with a summary of academic achievement and functional performance when the child exits school. However, if the child resumes receipt of educational services prior to exceeding the age of eligibility, the local educational agency shall provide the child with an updated summary when the child exits, or when the child's eligibility terminates due to graduation with a standard or advanced studies high school diploma or reaching the age of 22.
8VAC20-81-170. Procedural safeguards.
A. Opportunity to examine records; parent participation. (34 CFR 300.322(e), 34 CFR 300.500 and 34 CFR 300.501; 8VAC20-150)
1. Procedural safeguards. Each local educational agency shall establish, maintain, and implement procedural safeguards as follows:
a. The parent(s) of a child with a disability shall be afforded an opportunity to:
(1) Inspect and review all education records with respect to (i) the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child; and (ii) the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child.
(2) Participate in meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child and the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child.
b. Parent participation in meetings.
(1) Each local educational agency shall provide notice to ensure that the parent(s) of a child with a disability has the opportunity to participate in meetings described in subdivision 1 a (2) of this subsection, including notifying the parent(s) of the meeting early enough to ensure that the parent has an opportunity to participate. The notice shall:
(a) Indicate the purpose, date, time, and location of the meeting and who will be in attendance;
(b) Inform the parent(s) that at their discretion or at the discretion of the local educational agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel, as appropriate, may participate in meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child and the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child;
(c) Inform the parent that the determination of the knowledge or special expertise shall be made by the party who invited the individual; and
(d) Inform the parent(s), in the case of a child who was previously served under Part C that an invitation to the initial IEP team meeting shall, at the request of the parent, be sent to the Part C service coordinator or other representatives of Part C to assist with the smooth transition of services.
(2) A meeting does not include informal or unscheduled conversations involving local educational agency personnel and conversations on issues such as teaching methodology, lesson plans, or coordination of service provision if those issues are not addressed in the child's IEP. A meeting also does not include preparatory activities that local educational agency personnel engage in to develop a proposal or a response to a parent proposal that will be discussed at a later meeting.
c. Parent involvement in placement decisions.
(1) Each local educational agency shall ensure that a parent(s) of each child with a disability is a member of the IEP team that makes decisions on the educational placement of their child or any Comprehensive Services Act team that makes decisions on the educational placement of their child.
(2) In implementing the requirements of subdivision 1 c (1) of this subsection, the local educational agency shall provide notice in accordance with the requirements of 8VAC20-81-110 E.
(3) If neither parent can participate in a meeting in which a decision is to be made relating to the educational placement of their child, the local educational agency shall use other methods to ensure their participation, including individual or conference telephone calls, or video conferencing.
(4) A placement decision may be made by the IEP or Comprehensive Services Act team without the involvement of the parent(s) if the local educational agency is unable to obtain the parents' participation in the decision. In this case, the local educational agency shall have a record of its attempt to ensure the parents' involvement.
(5) The local educational agency shall take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the parent(s) understand and are able to participate in, any group discussions relating to the educational placement of their child, including arranging for an interpreter for a parent(s) with deafness, or whose native language is other than English.
(6) The exception to the IEP team determination regarding placement is with disciplinary actions involving interim alternative education settings for 45-day removals under 8VAC20-81-160 D 6 a. (34 CFR 300.530(f)(2) and (g))
B. Independent educational evaluation.
1. General. (34 CFR 300.502(a))
a. The parent(s) of a child with a disability shall have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation of the child.
b. The local educational agency shall provide to the parent(s) of a child with a disability, upon request for an independent educational evaluation, information about where an independent educational evaluation may be obtained and the applicable criteria for independent educational evaluations.
2. Parental right to evaluation at public expense. (34 CFR 300.502(b) and (e))
a. The parent(s) has the right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense if the parent(s) disagrees with an evaluation component obtained by the local educational agency.
b. If the parent(s) requests an independent educational evaluation at public expense, the local educational agency shall, without unnecessary delay, either:
(1) Initiate a due process hearing to show that its evaluation is appropriate; or
(2) Ensure that an independent educational evaluation is provided at public expense, unless the local educational agency demonstrates in a due process hearing that the evaluation obtained by the parent(s) does not meet the local educational agency's criteria.
c. If the local educational agency initiates a due process hearing and the final decision is that the local educational agency's evaluation is appropriate, the parent(s) still has the right to an independent educational evaluation, but not at public expense.
d. If the parent(s) requests an independent educational evaluation, the local educational agency may ask the reasons for the parent's objection to the public evaluation. However, the explanation by the parent(s) may not be required and the local educational agency may not unreasonably delay either providing the independent educational evaluation at public expense or initiating a due process hearing to defend the public evaluation.
e. A parent is entitled to only one independent educational evaluation at public expense each time the public educational agency conducts an evaluation component with which the parent disagrees.
f. If an independent educational evaluation is at public expense, the criteria under which the evaluation is obtained, including the location of the evaluation and the qualifications of the examiner, shall be the same as the criteria that the local educational agency uses when it initiates an evaluation, to the extent those criteria are consistent with the parent's right to an independent educational evaluation. Except for the criteria, a local educational agency may not impose conditions or timelines related to obtaining an independent educational evaluation at public expense.
3. Parent-initiated evaluations. If the parent obtains an independent educational evaluation at public expense or shares with the local educational agency an evaluation obtained at private expense, the results of the evaluation: (34 CFR 300.502(c))
a. Shall be considered by the local educational agency, if it meets local educational agency criteria, in any decision regarding the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child; and
b. May be presented by any party as evidence at a hearing under 8VAC20-81-210.
4. Requests for evaluations by special education hearing officers. If a special education hearing officer requests an independent educational evaluation for an evaluation component, as part of a hearing on a due process complaint, the cost of the evaluation shall be at public expense. (34 CFR 300.502(d))
C. Prior written notice by the local educational agency; content of notice.
1. Prior written notice shall be given to the parent(s) of a child with a disability within a reasonable time before the local educational agency: (34 CFR 300.503(a))
a. Proposes to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement (including graduation with a standard or advanced studies diploma) of the child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education for the child; or
b. Refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education for the child.
2. The notice shall include: (34 CFR 300.503(b))
a. A description of the action proposed or refused by the local educational agency;
b. An explanation of why the local educational agency proposes or refuses to take the action;
c. A description of any other options the IEP team considered and the reasons for the rejection of those options;
d. A description of each evaluation procedure, assessment, record, or report the local educational agency used as a basis for the proposed or refused action;
e. A description of any other factors that are relevant to the local educational agency's proposal or refusal;
f. A statement that the parent(s) of a child with a disability have protection under the procedural safeguards of this chapter and, if the notice is not an initial referral for evaluation, the means by which a copy of a description of the procedural safeguards can be obtained; and
g. Sources for the parent(s) to contact in order to obtain assistance in understanding the provisions of this section.
3. a. The notice shall be: (i) written in language understandable to the general public; and (ii) provided in the native language of the parent(s) or other mode of communication used by the parent(s), unless it is clearly not feasible to do so. (34 CFR 300.503(c))
b. If the native language or other mode of communication of the parent(s) is not a written language, the local educational agency shall take steps to ensure that:
(1) The notice is translated orally or by other means to the parent(s) in their native language or other mode of communication;
(2) The parent(s) understand the content of the notice; and
(3) There is written evidence that the requirements of subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subdivision have been met.
D. Procedural safeguards notice. (34 CFR 300.504)
1. A copy of the procedural safeguards available to the parent(s) of a child with a disability shall be given to the parent(s) by the local educational agency only one time a school year, except that a copy shall be given to the parent(s) upon:
a. Initial referral for or parent request for evaluation;
b. If the parent requests an additional copy;
c. Receipt of the first state complaint during a school year;
d. Receipt of the first request for a due process hearing during a school year; and
e. On the date on which the decision is made to make a disciplinary removal that constitutes a change in placement because of a violation of a code of student conduct.
2. The local educational agency may place a current copy of the procedural safeguards notice on its Internet website if a website exists, but the local educational agency does not meet its obligation under subdivision 1 of this subsection by directing the parent to the website. The local educational agency shall offer the parent(s) a printed copy of the procedural safeguards notice in accordance with subdivision 1 of this subsection.
3. The procedural safeguards notice shall include a full explanation of all of the procedural safeguards available relating to:
a. Independent educational evaluation;
b. Prior written notice;
c. Parental consent;
d. Access to educational records;
e. Opportunity to present and resolve complaints through the due process procedures;
f. The availability of mediation;
g. The child's placement during pendency of due process proceedings;
h. Procedures for students who are subject to placement in an interim alternative educational setting;
i. Requirements for unilateral placement by parents of children in private schools at public expense;
j. Due process hearings, including requirements for disclosure of evaluation results and recommendations;
k. Civil actions, including the time period in which to file those actions;
l. Attorneys' fees; and
m. The opportunity to present and resolve complaints through the state complaint procedures, including:
(1) The time period in which to file a complaint;
(2) The opportunity for the local educational agency to resolve the complaint; and
(3) The difference between the due process and the state complaint procedures, including the applicable jurisdiction, potential issues, and timelines for each process.
4. The notice required under this subsection shall meet the prior notice requirements regarding understandable language in subdivision C 3 of this section.
E. Parental consent.
1. Required parental consent. Informed parental consent is required before:
a. Conducting an initial evaluation or reevaluation, including a functional behavioral assessment if such assessment is not a review of existing data conducted at an IEP meeting; (34 CFR 300.300(a)(1)(i))
b. An initial eligibility determination or any change in categorical identification;
c. Initial provision of special education and related services to a child with a disability; (34 CFR 300.300(b)(1))
d. Any revision to the child's IEP services;
e. Any partial or complete termination of special education and related services, except for graduation with a standard or advance studies diploma;
f. The provision of a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities who transfer between public agencies in Virginia or transfer to Virginia from another state in accordance with 8VAC20-81-120;
g. Accessing a child's public benefits or insurance or private insurance proceeds in accordance with subsection F of this section; and (34 CFR 300.154)
h. Inviting to an IEP meeting a representative of any participating agency that is likely to be responsible for providing or paying for secondary transition services. (34 CFR 300.321(b)(3))
2. Parental consent not required. Parental consent is not required before:
a. Review of existing data as part of an evaluation or a reevaluation, including a functional behavioral assessment; (34 CFR 300.300(d)(1))
b. Administration of a test or other evaluation that is administered to all children unless, before administration of that test or evaluation, consent is required of the parent(s) of all children; (34 CFR 300.300(d)(1))
c. The screening of a student by a teacher or specialist to determine appropriate instructional strategies for curriculum implementation; (34 CFR 300.302)
d. Administration of a test or other evaluation that is used to measure progress on the child's IEP goals and is included in the child's IEP;
e. A teacher's or related service provider's observations or ongoing classroom evaluations;
f. Conducting an initial evaluation of a child who is a ward of the state and who is not residing with his parent(s) if: (34 CFR 300.300(a)(2))
(1) Despite reasonable efforts, the local educational agency cannot discover the whereabouts of the parent(s);
(2) The parent's rights have been terminated; or
(3) The rights of the parent(s) to make educational decisions have been subrogated by a judge and an individual appointed by the judge to represent the child has consented to the initial evaluation.
3. Revoking consent.
a. If at any time subsequent to the initial provision of special education and related services the parent revokes consent in writing for the continued provision of special education and related services: (34 CFR 300.300(b)(4))
(1) The local educational agency may not continue to provide special education and related services to the child, but must provide prior written notice in accordance with 8VAC20-81-170 C before ceasing the provision of special education and related services;
(2) The local educational agency may not use mediation or due process hearing procedures to obtain parental consent, or a ruling that the services may be provided to the child;
(3) The local educational agency's failure to provide the special education and related services to the child will not be considered a violation of the requirement to provide FAPE; and
(4) The local educational agency is not required to convene an IEP meeting or to develop an IEP for the child for the further provision of special education and related services.
b. If a parent revokes consent, that revocation is not retroactive in accordance with the definition of "consent" at 8VAC20-81-10.
4. Refusing consent.
a. If the parent(s) refuses consent for initial evaluation or a reevaluation, the local educational agency may, but is not required to, use mediation or due process hearing procedures to pursue the evaluation. The local educational agency does not violate its obligations under this chapter if it declines to pursue the evaluation. (34 CFR 300.300(a)(3) and (c)(1))
b. If the parent(s) refuses to consent to the initial provision of special education and related services: (34 CFR 300.300(b)(3) and (4)) 300.300(b)(3))
(1) The local educational agency may not use mediation or due process hearing procedures to obtain parental consent, or a ruling that the services may be provided to the child;
(2) The local educational agency's failure to provide the special education and related services to the child for which consent is requested is not considered a violation of the requirement to provide FAPE; and
(3) The local educational agency is not required to convene an IEP meeting or to develop an IEP for the child for the special education and related services for which the local educational agency requests consent. However, the local educational agency may convene an IEP meeting and develop an IEP to inform the parent about the services that may be provided with parental consent.
c. If the parent(s) of a parentally placed private school child refuses consent for an initial evaluation or a reevaluation, the local educational agency: (34 CFR 300.300(d)(4))
(1) May not use mediation or due process hearing procedures to obtain parental consent, or a ruling that the evaluation of the child may be completed; and
(2) Is not required to consider the child as eligible for equitable provision of services in accordance with 8VAC20-81-150.
d. A local educational agency may not use a parent's refusal to consent to one service or activity to deny the parent(s) or child any other service, benefit, or activity of the local educational agency, except as provided by this chapter. (34 CFR 300.300(d)(3))
5. Withholding consent.
a. If the parent(s) fails to respond to a request to consent for an initial evaluation, the local educational agency may, but is not required to, use mediation or due process hearing procedures to pursue the evaluation. The local educational agency does not violate its obligations under this chapter if it declines to pursue the evaluation. (34 CFR 300.300(a)(3) and (c)(1))
b. Informed parental consent need not be obtained for reevaluation if the local educational agency can demonstrate that it has taken reasonable measures to obtain that consent, and the child's parent(s) has failed to respond. (34 CFR 300.300(c)(2))
c. If the parent(s) fails to respond to a request to provide consent for the initial provision of special education and related services, the local educational agency follows the provisions of subdivision 4 b of this subsection. (34 CFR 300.300(b)(3) and (4))
6. Consent for initial evaluation may not be construed as consent for initial provision of special education and related services. (34 CFR 300.300(a)(1)(ii))
7. The local educational agency shall make reasonable efforts to obtain informed parental consent for an initial evaluation and the initial provision of special education and related services. (34 CFR 300.300(a)(1)(iii) and (b)(2))
8. To meet the reasonable measures requirement of this section, the local educational agency shall have a record of its attempts to secure the consent, such as: (34 CFR 300.322(d) and 34 CFR 300.300(a), (b), (c) and (d)(5))
a. Detailed records of telephone calls made or attempted and the results of those calls;
b. Copies of correspondence (written, electronic, or facsimile) sent to the parent(s) and any responses received; and
c. Detailed records of visits made to the parent's home or place of employment and the results of those visits.
F. Parental rights regarding use of public or private insurance. Each local educational agency using Medicaid or other public benefits or insurance programs to pay for services required under this chapter, as permitted under the public insurance program, and each local educational agency using private insurance to pay for services required under this chapter, shall provide notice to the parent(s) and obtain informed parental consent in accordance with 8VAC20-81-300. (34 CFR 300.154)
G. Confidentiality of information.
1. Access rights. (34 CFR 300.613)
a. The local educational agency shall permit the parent(s) to inspect and review any education records relating to their children that are collected, maintained, or used by the local educational agency under this chapter. The local educational agency shall comply with a request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting regarding an IEP or any hearing in accordance with 8VAC20-81-160 and 8VAC20-81-210, or resolution session in accordance with 8VAC20-81-210, and in no case more than 45 calendar days after the request has been made.
b. The right to inspect and review education records under this section includes:
(1) The right to a response from the local educational agency to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records;
(2) The right to request that the local educational agency provide copies of the records containing the information if failure to provide those copies would effectively prevent the parent from exercising the right to inspect and review the records; and
(3) The right to have a representative of the parent inspect and review the records.
c. A local educational agency may presume that a parent has authority to inspect and review records relating to the parent's children unless the local educational agency has been provided a copy of a judicial order or decree, or other legally binding documentation, that the parent does not have the authority under applicable Virginia law governing such matters as guardianship, separation, and divorce.
2. Record of access. Each local educational agency shall keep a record of parties, except parents and authorized employees of the local educational agency, obtaining access to education records collected, maintained, or used under Part B of the Act, including the name of the party, the date of access, and the purpose for which the party is authorized to use the records. (34 CFR 300.614)
3. Record on more than one child. If any education record includes information on more than one child, the parent(s) of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information relating to their child or to be informed of the specific information requested. (34 CFR 300.615)
4. List of types and locations of information. Each local educational agency shall provide a parent(s) on request a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the local educational agency. (34 CFR 300.616)
5. Fees. (34 CFR 300.617)
a. Each local educational agency may charge a fee for copies of records that are made for a parent(s) under this chapter if the fee does not effectively prevent the parent(s) from exercising their right to inspect and review those records.
b. A local educational agency may not charge a fee to search for or to retrieve information under this section.
c. A local educational agency may not charge a fee for copying a child's IEP that is required to be provided to the parent(s) in accordance with 8VAC20-81-110 E 7.
6. Amendment of records at parent's request. (34 CFR 300.618)
a. A parent(s) who believes that information in the education records collected, maintained, or used under this chapter is inaccurate or misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the child may request the local educational agency that maintains the information to amend the information.
b. The local educational agency shall decide whether to amend the information in accordance with the request within a reasonable period of time of receipt of the request.
c. If the local educational agency decides to refuse to amend the information in accordance with the request, it shall inform the parent(s) of the refusal and advise the parent(s) of the right to a hearing under subdivision 7 of this subsection.
7. Opportunity for a hearing. The local educational agency shall provide on request an opportunity for a hearing to challenge information in education records to ensure that it is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the child. (34 CFR 300.619)
8. Results of hearing. (34 CFR 300.620)
a. If, as a result of the hearing, the local educational agency decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the child, it shall amend the information accordingly and so inform the parent in writing.
b. If, as a result of the hearing, the local educational agency decides that the information is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the child, it shall inform the parent of the right to place in the child's education records a statement commenting on the information or setting forth any reasons for disagreeing with the decision of the agency.
c. Any explanation placed in the records of the child under this section shall:
(1) Be maintained by the local educational agency as part of the records of the child as long as the record or contested portion is maintained by the local educational agency; and
(2) If the records of the child or the contested portion is disclosed by the local educational agency to any party, the explanation shall also be disclosed to the party.
9. Hearing procedures. A hearing held under subdivision 7 of this subsection shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures under 34 CFR 99.22 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. (20 USC § 1232g; 34 CFR 300.621)
a. The local educational agency may:
(1) Develop local procedures for such a hearing process; or
(2) Obtain a hearing officer from the Supreme Court of Virginia's special education hearing officer list in accordance with the provisions of 8VAC20-81-210 H.
10. Consent. (34 CFR 300.32; 34 CFR 300.622)
a. Parental consent shall be obtained before personally identifiable information is disclosed to anyone other than officials of the local educational agency unless the information is contained in the education records, and the disclosure is authorized under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. (20 USC § 1232g).
b. Parental consent is not required before personally identifiable information is disclosed to officials of the local educational agencies collecting, maintaining, or using personally identifiable information under this chapter, except:
(1) Parental consent, or the consent of a child who has reached the age of majority, shall be obtained before personally identifiable information is released to officials of any agency or institution providing or paying for transition services.
(2) If a child is enrolled, or is going to enroll in a private school that is not located in the local educational agency where the parent(s) resides, parental consent shall be obtained before any personally identifiable information about the child is released between officials in the local educational agency where the private school is located, and officials in the local educational agency where the parent(s) resides.
11. Safeguards. (34 CFR 300.623)
a. Each local educational agency shall protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages.
b. Each local educational agency shall ensure that electronic communications via emails or facsimiles regarding any matter associated with the child, including matters related to IEP meetings, disciplinary actions, or service delivery, be part of the child's educational record.
c. One official at each local educational agency shall assume responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information.
d. All persons collecting, maintaining, or using personally identifiable information shall receive training or instruction on Virginia's policies and procedures for ensuring confidentiality of the information.
e. Each local educational agency shall maintain for public inspection a current listing of the names and positions of those employees within the agency who may have access to personally identifiable information.
12. Destruction of information. (34 CFR 300.624)
a. The local educational agency shall inform parents when personally identifiable information collected, maintained, or used under this chapter is no longer needed to provide educational services to the child.
b. This information shall be destroyed at the request of the parents. However, a permanent record of a student's name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed shall be maintained without time limitation.
c. The local educational agency shall comply with the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule of the Library of Virginia.
H. Electronic mail. If the local educational agency makes the option available, parent(s) of a child with a disability may elect to receive prior written notice, the procedural safeguards notice, and the notice of a request for due process, by electronic mail. (34 CFR 300.505)
I. Electronic signature. If an electronically filed document contains an electronic signature, the electronic signature has the legal effect and enforceability of an original signature. An electronic signature is an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record. (Chapter 42.1 (§ 59.1-479 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia)
J. Audio and video recording.
1. The local educational agency shall permit the use of audio recording devices at meetings convened to determine a child's eligibility under 8VAC20-81-80; to develop, review, or revise the child's IEP under 8VAC20-81-110 F; and to review discipline matters under 8VAC20-81-160 D. The parent(s) shall inform the local educational agency before the meeting in writing, unless the parents cannot write in English, that they will be audio recording the meeting. If the parent(s) does not inform the local educational agency, the parent(s) shall provide the local educational agency with a copy of the audio recording. The parent(s) shall provide their own audio equipment and materials for audio recording. If the local educational agency audio records meetings or receives a copy of an audio recording from the parent(s), the audio recording becomes a part of the child's educational record.
2. The local educational agency may have policies that prohibit, limit, or otherwise regulate the use of:
a. Video recording devices at meetings convened pursuant to this chapter; or
b. Audio or video recording devices at meetings other than those meetings identified in subdivision 1 of this subsection.
3. These policies shall:
a. Stipulate that the recordings become part of the child's educational record;
b. Ensure that the policy is uniformly applied; and
c. If the policy prohibits the use of the devices, the policy shall provide for exceptions if they are necessary to ensure that the parent(s) understands the IEP, the special education process, or to implement other parental rights guaranteed under this chapter.
8VAC20-81-210. Due process hearing.
A. The Virginia Department of Education provides for an impartial special education due process hearing system to resolve disputes between parents and local educational agencies with respect to any matter relating to the: (§ 22.1-214 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.121 and 34 CFR 300.507 through 34 CFR 300.518)
1. Identification of a child with a disability, including initial eligibility, any change in categorical identification, and any partial or complete termination of special education and related services;
2. Evaluation of a child with a disability (including disagreements regarding payment for an independent educational evaluation);
3. Educational placement and services of the child; and
4. Provision of a free appropriate public education to the child.
B. The Virginia Department of Education uses the impartial hearing officer system that is administered by the Supreme Court of Virginia.
C. The Virginia Department of Education uses the list of hearing officers maintained by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia and its Rules of Administration for the names of individuals to serve as special education hearing officers. In accordance with the Rules of Administration, the Virginia Department of Education provides the Office of the Executive Secretary annually the names of those special education hearing officers who are recertified to serve in this capacity.
D. The Virginia Department of Education establishes procedures for:
1. Providing special education hearing officers specialized training on the federal and state special education law and regulations, as well as associated laws and regulations impacting children with disabilities, knowledge of disabilities and special education programs, case law, management of hearings, and decision writing.
2. Establishing the number of special education hearing officers who shall be certified to hear special education due process cases.
a. The Virginia Department of Education shall review annually its current list of special education hearing officers and determine the recertification status of each hearing officer.
b. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subdivision, individuals on the special education hearing officers list on July 7, 2009, shall be subject to the Virginia Department of Education's review of recertification status based on past and current performance.
c. The ineligibility of a special education hearing officer continuing to serve in this capacity shall be based on the factors listed in subdivision 3 c of this subsection.
3. Evaluation, continued eligibility, and disqualification requirements of special education hearing officers:
a. The Virginia Department of Education shall establish procedures for evaluating special education hearing officers.
b. The first review of the recertification status of each special education hearing officer will be conducted within a reasonable time following July 7, 2009.
c. In considering whether a special education hearing officer will be certified or recertified, the Virginia Department of Education shall determine the number of hearing officers needed to hear special education due process cases, and consider matters related to the special education hearing officer's adherence to the factors in subdivision H 5 of this section, as well as factors involving the special education hearing officer's:
(1) Issuing an untimely decision, or failing to render decision within regulatory time frames;
(2) Unprofessional demeanor;
(3) Inability to conduct an orderly hearing;
(4) Inability to conduct a hearing in conformity with the federal and state laws and regulations regarding special education;
(5) Improper ex parte contacts;
(6) Violations of due process requirements;
(7) Mental or physical incapacity;
(8) Unjustified refusal to accept assignments;
(9) Failure to complete training requirements as outlined by the Virginia Department of Education;
(10) Professional disciplinary action; or
(11) Issuing a decision that contains:
(a) Inaccurate appeal rights of the parents; or
(b) No controlling case or statutory authority to support the findings.
d. When a special education hearing officer has been denied certification or recertification based on the factors in subdivision 3 c of this section, the Virginia Department of Education shall notify the special education hearing officer and the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia that the hearing officer is no longer certified to serve as a special education hearing officer.
Upon notification of denial of certification or recertification, the hearing officer may, within 10 calendar days of the postmark of the letter of notification, request of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, or his designee, reconsideration of the decision. Such request shall be in writing and shall contain any additional information desired for consideration. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, or his designee, shall render a decision within 10 calendar days of receipt of the request for reconsideration. The Virginia Department of Education shall notify the hearing officer and the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia of its decision.
4. Reviewing and analyzing the decisions of special education hearing officers, and the requirement for special education hearing officers to reissue decisions, relative to correct use of citations, readability, and other errors such as incorrect names or conflicting data, but not errors of law that are reserved for appellate review.
E. Filing the request for a due process hearing. If any of the following provisions are challenged by one of the parties in a due process hearing, the special education hearing officer determines the outcome of the case going forward.
1. The request for due process shall allege a violation that happened not more than two years before the parent(s) or the local educational agency knew or should have known about the alleged action that forms the basis of the request for due process. This timeline does not apply if the request for a due process hearing could not be filed because: (34 CFR 300.507(a) and 34 CFR 300.511(e) and (f))
a. The local educational agency specifically misrepresented that it had resolved the issues identified in the request; or
b. The local educational agency withheld information that it was required to provide under the IDEA.
2. A local educational agency may initiate a due process hearing to resolve a disagreement when the parent(s) withholds or refuses consent for an evaluation or an action that requires parental consent to provide services to a student who has been identified as a student with a disability or who is suspected of having a disability. However, a local educational agency may not initiate a due process hearing to resolve parental withholding or refusing consent for the initial provision of special education to the child. (34 CFR 300.300(a)(3)(i) and 34 CFR 300.300(b)(3))
3. In circumstances involving disciplinary actions, the parent(s) of a student with a disability may request an expedited due process hearing if the parent(s) disagrees with: (34 CFR 300.532)
a. The manifestation determination regarding whether the child's behavior was a manifestation of the child's disability; or
b. Any decision regarding placement under the disciplinary procedures.
4. In circumstances involving disciplinary actions, the local educational agency may request an expedited hearing if the school division believes that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or others. (34 CFR 300.532)
F. Procedure for requesting a due process hearing. (34 CFR 300.504(a)(2), 34 CFR 300.507, 34 CFR 300.508 and 34 CFR 300.511)
1. A request for a hearing shall be made in writing to the Virginia Department of Education. A copy of that request shall be delivered contemporaneously by the requesting party to the other party.
a. If the local educational agency initiates the due process hearing, the local educational agency shall advise the parent(s) and the Virginia Department of Education in writing of this action.
b. If the request is received solely by the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Education shall immediately notify the local educational agency by telephone or by facsimile and forward a copy of the request to the local educational agency as soon as reasonably possible, including those cases where mediation is requested.
c. The request for a hearing shall be kept confidential by the local educational agency and the Virginia Department of Education.
2. A party may not have a due process hearing until that party or the attorney representing the party files a notice that includes:
a. The name of the child;
b. The address of the residence of the child (or available contact information in the case of a homeless child);
c. The name of the school the child is attending;
d. A description of the nature of the child's problem relating to the proposed or refused initiation or change, including facts relating to the problem; and
e. A proposed resolution of the problem to the extent known and available to the parent(s) at the time of the notice.
3. The due process notice shall be deemed sufficient unless the party receiving the notice notifies the special education hearing officer and the other party in writing that the receiving party believes the notice has not met the requirements listed in subdivision 2 of this subsection.
4. The party receiving the notice may challenge the sufficiency of the due process notice by providing a notification of the challenge to the special education hearing officer within 15 calendar days of receipt the due process request. A copy of the challenge shall be sent to the other party and the Virginia Department of Education.
5. Within five calendar days of receipt of the notification challenging the sufficiency of the due process notice, the special education hearing officer shall determine on the face of the notice whether the notification meets the requirements in subdivision 2 of this subsection.
6. The special education hearing officer has the discretionary authority to permit either party to raise issues at the hearing that were not raised in the notice by the party requesting the due process hearing in light of particular facts and circumstances of the case.
7. The local educational agency shall upon receipt of a request for a due process hearing, inform the parent(s) of the availability of mediation described in 8VAC20-81-190 and of any free or low-cost legal and other relevant services available in the area. The local educational agency also shall provide the parent(s) with a copy of the procedural safeguards notice upon receipt of the parent's(s') first request for a due process hearing in a school year.
G. Amendment of due process notice. (34 CFR 300.508(d)(3))
1. A party may amend its due process notice only if:
a. The other party consents in writing to such amendment and is given the opportunity to resolve the complaint through a resolution meeting; or
b. The special education hearing officer grants permission, except that the special education hearing officer may only grant such permission at any time not later than five calendar days before a due process hearing occurs.
2. The applicable timeline for a due process hearing under this part shall begin again at the time the party files an amended notice, including the timeline for resolution sessions.
H. Assignment of the special education hearing officer. (34 CFR 300.511)
1. Within five business days of receipt of the request for a nonexpedited hearing and three business days of receipt of the request for an expedited hearing:
a. The local educational agency shall contact the Supreme Court of Virginia for the appointment of the special education hearing officer.
b. The local educational agency contacts the special education hearing officer to confirm availability, and upon acceptance, notifies the special education hearing officer in writing, with a copy to the parent(s) and the Virginia Department of Education of the appointment.
2. Upon request, the Virginia Department of Education shall share information on the qualifications of the special education hearing officer with the parent(s) and the local educational agency.
3. Either party has five business days after notice of the appointment is received or the basis for the objection becomes known to the party to object to the appointment by presenting a request for consideration of the objection to the special education hearing officer.
a. If the special education hearing officer's ruling on the objection does not resolve the objection, then within five business days of receipt of the ruling the party may proceed to file an affidavit with the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The failure to file a timely objection serves as a waiver of objections that were known or should have been known to the party.
b. The filing of a request for removal or disqualification shall not stay the proceedings or filing requirements in any way except that the hearing may not be conducted until the Supreme Court of Virginia issues a decision on the request in accordance with its procedures.
c. If a special education hearing officer recuses himself or is otherwise disqualified, the Supreme Court of Virginia shall ensure that another special education hearing officer is promptly appointed.
4. A hearing shall not be conducted by a person who:
a. Has a personal or professional interest that would conflict with that person's objectivity in the hearing;
b. Is an employee of the Virginia Department of Education or the local educational agency that is involved in the education and care of the child. A person who otherwise qualifies to conduct a hearing is not an employee of the agency solely because he is paid by the agency to serve as a special education hearing officer; or
c. Represents schools or parents in any matter involving special education or disability rights, or is an employee of any parent rights agency or organization, or disability rights agency or organization.
5. A special education hearing officer shall:
a. Possess knowledge of, and the ability to understand, the provisions of the Act, federal and state regulations pertaining to the Act, and legal interpretations of the Act by federal and state courts;
b. Possess the knowledge and ability to conduct hearings in accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice; and
c. Possess the knowledge and ability to render and write decisions in accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice.
I. Duration of the special education hearing officer's authority.
1. The special education hearing officer's authority begins with acceptance of the case assignment.
2. The special education hearing officer has authority over a due process proceeding until:
a. Issuance of the special education hearing officer's decision; or
b. The Supreme Court of Virginia revokes such authority by removing or disqualifying the special education hearing officer.
J. Child's status during administrative or judicial proceedings. (34 CFR 300.518; 34 CFR 300.533)
1. Except as provided in 8VAC20-81-160, during the pendency of any administrative or judicial proceeding, the child shall remain in the current educational placement unless the parent(s) of the child and local educational agency agree otherwise;
2. If the proceeding involves an application for initial admission to public school, the child, with the consent of the parent(s), shall be placed in the public school until the completion of all the proceedings;
3. If the decision of a special education hearing officer agrees with the child's parent(s) that a change of placement is appropriate, that placement shall be treated as an agreement between the local educational agency and the parent(s) for the purposes of subdivision 1 of this section;
4. The child's placement during administrative or judicial proceedings regarding a disciplinary action by the local educational agency shall be in accordance with 8VAC20-81-160;
5. The child's placement during administrative or judicial proceedings regarding a placement for noneducational reasons by a Comprehensive Services Act team shall be in accordance with 8VAC20-81-150; or
6. If the proceeding involves an application for initial services under Part B of the Act from Part C and the child is no longer eligible for Part C services because the child has turned three, the school division is not required to provide the Part C services that the child had been receiving. If the child is found eligible for special education and related services under Part B and the parent consents to the initial provision of special education and related services, the school division shall provide those special education and related services that are not in dispute between the agency and the school division.
K. Rights of parties in the hearing. (§ 22.1-214 C of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.512)
1. Any party to a hearing has the right to:
a. Be accompanied and advised by counsel and by individuals with special knowledge or training with respect to the problems of children with disabilities;
b. Present evidence and confront, cross-examine, and request that the special education hearing officer compel the attendance of witnesses;
c. Move that the special education hearing officer prohibit the introduction of any evidence at the hearing that has not been disclosed to that party at least five business days before the hearing;
d. Obtain a written or, at the option of the parent(s), electronic, verbatim record of the hearing; and
e. Obtain written or, at the option of the parent(s), electronic findings of fact and decisions.
2. Additional disclosure of information shall be given as follows:
a. At least five business days prior to a hearing, each party shall disclose to all other parties all evaluations completed by that date and recommendations based on the offering party's evaluations that the party intends to use at the hearing; and
b. A special education hearing officer may bar any party that fails to comply with subdivision 2 a of this subsection from introducing the relevant evaluation or recommendation at the hearing without the consent of the other party.
3. Parental rights at hearings.
a. A parent(s) involved in a hearing shall be given the right to:
(1) Have the child who is the subject of the hearing present; and
(2) Open the hearing to the public.
b. The record of the hearing and the findings of fact and decisions shall be provided at no cost to the parent(s), even though the applicable appeal period has expired.
L. Responsibilities of the Virginia Department of Education. The Virginia Department of Education shall: (34 CFR 300.513(d), 34 CFR 300.509 and 34 CFR 300.511)
1. Maintain and monitor the due process hearing system and establish procedures for its operation;
2. Ensure that the local educational agency discharges its responsibilities in carrying out the requirements of state and federal statutes and regulations;
3. Develop and disseminate a model form to be used by the parent(s) to give notice in accordance with the contents of the notice listed in subdivision F 2 of this section;
4. Maintain and ensure that each local educational agency maintains a list of persons who serve as special education hearing officers. This list shall include a statement of the qualifications of each special education hearing officer;
5. Provide findings and decisions of all due process hearings to the state special education advisory committee and to the public after deleting any personally identifiable information;
6. Review and approve implementation plans filed by local educational agencies pursuant to hearing officer decisions in hearings that have been fully adjudicated; and
7. Ensure that noncompliance findings identified through due process or court action are corrected as soon as possible, but in no case later than one year from identification.
M. Responsibilities of the parent. In a due process hearing, the parent(s) shall: (34 CFR 300.512)
1. Decide whether the hearing will be open to the public;
2. Make timely and necessary responses to the special education hearing officer personally or through counsel or other authorized representatives;
3. Assist in clarifying the issues for the hearing and participate in the pre-hearing conference scheduled by the special education hearing officer;
4. Provide information to the special education hearing officer to assist in the special education hearing officer's administration of a fair and impartial hearing;
5. Provide documents and exhibits necessary for the hearing within required timelines; and
6. Comply with timelines, orders, and requests of the special education hearing officer.
N. Responsibilities of the local educational agency. The local educational agency shall: (34 CFR 300.504, 34 CFR 300.506, 34 CFR 300.507 and 34 CFR 300.511)
1. Maintain a list of the persons serving as special education hearing officers. This list shall include a statement of the qualifications of each special education hearing officer;
2. Upon request, provide the parent(s) a form for use to provide notice that they are requesting a due process hearing;
3. Provide the parent(s) a copy of their procedural safeguards upon receipt of the parent's(s') first request for a due process hearing in a school year;
4. Inform the parent(s) at the time the request is made of the availability of mediation;
5. Inform the parent(s) of any free or low-cost legal and other relevant services if the parent(s) requests it, or anytime the parent(s) or the local educational agency initiates a hearing;
6. Assist the special education hearing officer, upon request, in securing the location, transcription, and recording equipment for the hearing;
7. Make timely and necessary responses to the special education hearing officer;
8. Assist in clarifying the issues for the hearing and participate in the pre-hearing conference scheduled by the special education hearing officer;
9. Upon request, provide information to the special education hearing officer to assist in the special education hearing officer's administration of a fair and impartial hearing;
10. Provide documents and exhibits necessary for the hearing within required timelines;
11. Comply with timelines, orders, and requests of the special education hearing officer;
12. Maintain a file, which is a part of the child's scholastic record, containing communications, exhibits, decisions, and mediation communications, except as prohibited by laws or regulations;
13. Forward all necessary communications to the Virginia Department of Education and parties as required;
14. Notify the Virginia Department of Education when a special education hearing officer's decision has been appealed to court by either the parent(s) or the local educational agency;
15. Forward the record of the due process proceeding to the appropriate court for any case that is appealed;
16. Develop and submit to the Virginia Department of Education an implementation plan, with copy to the parent(s), within 45 calendar days of the hearing officer's decision in hearings that have been fully adjudicated.
a. If the decision is appealed or the school division is considering an appeal and the decision is not an agreement by the hearing officer with the parent(s) that a change in placement is appropriate, then the decision and submission of implementation plan is held in abeyance pursuant to the appeal proceedings.
b. In cases where the decision is an agreement by the hearing officer with the parent(s) that a change in placement is appropriate, the hearing officer's decision must be implemented while the case is appealed and an implementation plan must be submitted by the local educational agency.
c. The implementation plan:
(1) Must be based upon the decision of the hearing officer;
(2) Shall include the revised IEP if the decision affects the child's educational program; and
(3) Shall contain the name and position of a case manager in the local educational agency charged with implementing the decision; and
17. Provide the Virginia Department of Education, upon request, with information and documentation that noncompliance findings identified through due process or court action are corrected as soon as possible but in no case later than one year from issuance of the special education hearing officer's decision.
O. Responsibilities of the special education hearing officer. The special education hearing officer shall: (34 CFR 300.511 through 34 CFR 300.513; and 34 CFR 300.532)
1. Within five business days of agreeing to serve as the special education hearing officer, secure a date, time, and location for the hearing that are convenient to both parties, and notify both parties to the hearing and the Virginia Department of Education, in writing, of the date, time, and location of the hearing.
2. Ascertain whether the parties will have attorneys or others assisting them at the hearing. The special education hearing officer shall send copies of correspondence to the parties or their attorneys.
3. Conduct a prehearing conference via a telephone conference call or in person unless the special education hearing officer deems such conference unnecessary. The prehearing conference may be used to clarify or narrow issues and determine the scope of the hearing. If a prehearing conference is not held, the special education hearing officer shall document in the written prehearing report to the Virginia Department of Education the reason for not holding the conference.
4. Upon request by one of the parties to schedule a prehearing conference, determine the scope of the conference and conduct the conference via telephone call or in person. If the special education hearing officer deems such conference unnecessary, the special education hearing officer shall document in writing to the parties, with copy to the Virginia Department of Education, the reason(s) for not holding the conference.
5. At the prehearing stage:
a. Discuss with the parties the possibility of pursuing mediation and review the options that may be available to settle the case;
b. Determine when an IDEA due process notice also indicates a Section 504 dispute, whether to hear both disputes in order to promote efficiency in the hearing process and avoid confusion about the status of the Section 504 dispute; and
c. Document in writing to the parties, with copy to the Virginia Department of Education, prehearing determinations including a description of the right to appeal the case directly to either a state or federal court.
6. Monitor the mediation process, if the parties agree to mediate, to ensure that mediation is not used to deny or delay the right to a due process hearing, that parental rights are protected, and that the hearing is concluded within regulatory timelines.
7. Ascertain from the parent(s) whether the hearing will be open to the public.
8. Ensure that the parties have the right to a written or, at the option of the parent(s), an electronic verbatim record of the proceedings and that the record is forwarded to the local educational agency for the file after making a decision.
9. Receive a list of witnesses and documentary evidence for the hearing (including all evaluations and related recommendations that each party intends to use at the hearing) no later than five business days prior to the hearing.
10. Ensure that the local educational agency has appointed a surrogate parent in accordance with 8VAC20-81-220 when the parent(s) or guardian is not available or cannot be located.
11. Ensure that an atmosphere conducive to fairness is maintained at all times in the hearing.
12. Not require the parties or their representatives to submit briefs as a condition of rendering a decision. The special education hearing officer may permit parties to submit briefs, upon the parties' request.
13. Base findings of fact and decisions solely upon the preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing and applicable state and federal law and regulations.
14. Report findings of fact and decisions in writing to the parties and their attorneys and the Virginia Department of Education. If the hearing is an expedited hearing, the special education hearing officer may issue an oral decision at the conclusion of the hearing, followed by a written decision within 10 school days of the hearing being held.
15. Include in the written findings:
a. Findings of fact relevant to the issues that are determinative of the case;
b. Legal principles upon which the decision is based, including references to controlling case law, statutes, and regulations;
c. An explanation of the basis for the decision for each issue that is determinative of the case; and
d. If the special education hearing officer made findings that required relief to be granted, then an explanation of the relief granted may be included in the decision.
16. Subject to the procedural determinations described in subdivision 17 of this subsection, the decision made by a special education hearing officer shall be made on substantive grounds based on a determination of whether the child received a free appropriate public education.
17. In matters alleging a procedural violation, a special education hearing officer may find that a child did not receive a free appropriate public education only if the procedural inadequacies:
a. Impeded the child's right to a free appropriate public education;
b. Significantly impeded the parent's(s') opportunity to participate in the decision making process regarding the provision of a free appropriate public education to the parents' child; or
c. Caused a deprivation of educational benefits. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to preclude a special education hearing officer from ordering a local educational agency to comply with procedural requirements under 34 CFR 300.500 through 34 CFR 300.536.
18. Maintain a well-documented record and return the official record to the local educational agency upon conclusion of the case.
19. Determine in a hearing regarding a manifestation determination whether the local educational agency has demonstrated that the child's behavior was not a manifestation of the child's disability consistent with the requirements in 8VAC20-81-160.
P. Authority of the special education hearing officer. The special education hearing officer has the authority to: (§ 22.1-214 B of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.515, 34 CFR 300.512 and 34 CFR 300.532)
1. Exclude any documentary evidence that was not provided and any testimony of witnesses who were not identified at least five business days prior to the hearing;
2. Bar any party from introducing evaluations or recommendations at the hearing that have not been disclosed to all other parties at least five business days prior to the hearing without the consent of the other party;
3. Issue subpoenas requiring testimony or the productions of books, papers, and physical or other evidence:
a. The special education hearing officer shall rule on any party's motion to quash or modify a subpoena. The special education hearing officer shall issue the ruling in writing to all parties with copy to the Virginia Department of Education.
b. The special education hearing officer or a party may request an order of enforcement for a subpoena in the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which the hearing is to be held.
c. Any person so subpoenaed may petition the circuit court for a decision regarding the validity of such subpoena if the special education hearing officer does not quash or modify the subpoena after objection;
4. Administer an oath to witnesses testifying at a hearing and require all witnesses to testify under oath or affirmation when testifying at a hearing;
5. Stop hostile or irrelevant pursuits in questioning and require that the parties and their attorneys, advocates, or advisors comply with the special education hearing officer's rules and with relevant laws and regulations;
6. Excuse witnesses after they testify to limit the number of witnesses present at the same time or sequester witnesses during the hearing;
7. Refer the matter in dispute to a conference between the parties when informal resolution and discussion appear to be desirable and constructive. This action shall not be used to deprive the parties of their rights and shall be exercised only when the special education hearing officer determines that the best interests of the child will be served;
8. Require an independent educational evaluation of the child. This evaluation shall be at public expense and shall be conducted in accordance with 8VAC20-81-170;
9. a. At the request of either party for a nonexpedited hearing, grant specific extensions of time beyond the periods set out in this chapter, if in the best interest of the child. This action shall in no way be used to deprive the parties of their rights and shall be exercised only when the requesting party has provided sufficient information that the best interests of the child will be served by the grant of an extension. The special education hearing officer may grant such requests for cause, but not for personal attorney convenience. Changes in hearing dates or timeline extensions shall be noted in writing and sent to all parties and to the Virginia Department of Education.
b. In instances where neither party requests an extension of time beyond the period set forth in this chapter, and mitigating circumstances warrant an extension, the special education hearing officer shall review the specific circumstances and obtain the approval of the Virginia Department of Education to the extension;
10. Take action to move the case to conclusion, including dismissing the pending proceeding if either party refuses to comply in good faith with the special education hearing officer's orders;
11. Set guidelines regarding media coverage if the hearing is open to the public;
12. Enter a disposition as to each determinative issue presented for decision and identify and determine the prevailing party on each issue that is decided; and
13. Hold an expedited hearing when a parent of a child with a disability disagrees with any decision regarding a change in placement for a child who violates a code of student conduct, or a manifestation determination, or a local educational agency believes that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or others.
a. The hearing shall occur within 20 school days of the date the due process notice is received. The special education hearing officer shall make a determination within 10 school days after the hearing.
b. Unless the parents and local educational agency agree in writing to waive the resolution meeting or agree to use the mediation process:
(1) A resolution meeting shall occur within seven days of receiving notice of the due process notice; and
(2) The due process hearing may proceed unless the matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties within 15 calendar days of the receipt of the due process notice.
c. Once a determination is made, the special education hearing officer may:
(1) Return the child with a disability to the placement from which the child was removed if the special education hearing officer determines that the removal was a violation of special education disciplinary procedures or that the child's behavior was a manifestation of the child's disability; or
(2) Order a change of placement of the child with a disability to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days if the special education hearing officer determines that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or to others.
Q. Timelines for nonexpedited due process hearings. (34 CFR 300.510 and 34 CFR 300.515)
1. Resolution meeting.
a. Within 15 days of receiving notice of the parent's(s') due process notice, and prior to the initiation of the due process hearing, the school division shall convene a meeting with the parent and the relevant member(s) of the IEP Team who have specific knowledge of the facts identified in the due process notice that:
(1) Includes a representative of the local educational agency who has decision making authority on behalf of the local educational agency; and
(2) May not include an attorney of the local educational agency unless the parent is accompanied by an attorney.
b. The purpose of the meeting is for the parent of the child to discuss the due process issues, and the facts that form the basis of the due process request, so that the local educational agency has the opportunity to resolve the dispute that is the basis for the due process request.
c. The meeting described in subdivisions 1 a and 1 b of this subsection need not be held if:
(1) The parent and the local educational agency agree in writing to waive the meeting; or
(2) The parent and the local educational agency agree to use the mediation process described in this chapter.
d. The parent and the local educational agency determine the relevant members of the IEP Team to attend the meeting.
e. The parties may enter into a confidentiality agreement as part of their resolution agreement. There is nothing in this chapter, however, that requires the participants in a resolution meeting to keep the discussion confidential or make a confidentiality agreement a condition of a parents' participation in the resolution meeting.
2. Resolution period.
a. If the local educational agency has not resolved the due process issues to the satisfaction of the parent within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the due process notice, the due process hearing may occur.
b. Except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, the timeline for issuing a final decision begins at the expiration of this 30-calendar-day period.
c. Except where the parties have jointly agreed to waive the resolution process or to use mediation, notwithstanding subdivisions 2 a and 2 b of this subsection, the failure of the parent filing a due process notice to participate in the resolution meeting delays the timelines for the resolution process and the due process hearing until the meeting is held.
d. If the local educational agency is unable to obtain the participation of the parent in the resolution meeting after reasonable efforts have been made (and documented in accordance with the provision in 8VAC20-81-110 E 4), the local educational agency may at the conclusion of the 30-calendar-day period, request that a special education hearing officer dismiss the parent's due process request.
e. If the local educational agency fails to hold the resolution meeting specified in subdivision 1 a of this subsection within 15 calendar days of receiving notice of a parent's request for due process or fails to participate in the resolution meeting, the parent may seek the intervention of a special education hearing officer to begin the due process hearing timeline.
3. Adjustments to 30-calendar-day resolution period. The 45-calendar-day timeline for the due process starts the day after one of the following events:
a. Both parties agree in writing to waive the resolution meeting;
b. After either the mediation or resolution meeting starts but before the end of the 30-calendar-day period, the parties agree in writing that no agreement is possible; or
c. If both parties agree in writing to continue the mediation at the end of the 30-calendar-day resolution period, but later, the parent or local educational agency withdraws from the mediation process.
4. Written settlement agreement. If a resolution to the dispute is reached at the meeting described in subdivisions 1 a and 1 b of this subsection, the parties shall execute a legally binding agreement that is:
a. Signed by both the parent and a representative of the local educational agency who has the authority to bind the local educational agency; and
b. Enforceable in any Virginia court of competent jurisdiction or in a district court of the United States.
5. Agreement review period. If the parties execute an agreement pursuant to subdivision 4 of this subsection, a party may void the agreement within three business days of the agreement's execution.
6. The special education hearing officer shall ensure that, not later than 45 calendar days after the expiration of the 30-calendar-day period under subdivision 2 or the adjusted time periods described in subdivision 3 of this subsection:
a. A final decision is reached in the hearing; and
b. A copy of the decision is mailed to each of the parties.
7. The special education hearing officer shall document in writing, within five business days, changes in hearing dates or extensions and send documentation to all parties and the Virginia Department of Education.
8. Each hearing involving oral arguments shall be conducted at a time and place that is reasonably convenient to the parent(s) and child involved.
9. The local educational agency is not required to schedule a resolution session if the local educational agency requests the due process hearing. The 45-day timeline for the special education hearing officer to issue the decision after the local educational agency's request for a due process hearing is received by the parent(s) and the Virginia Department of Education. However, if the parties elect to use mediation, the 30-day resolution process is still applicable.
R. Timelines for expedited due process hearings. (34 CFR 300.532(c))
1. The expedited due process hearing shall occur within 20 school days of the date the due process request is received. The special education hearing officer shall make a determination within 10 school days after the hearing.
2. Unless the parents and local educational agency agree in writing to waive the resolution meeting or agree to use the mediation process described in 8VAC20-81-190:
a. A resolution meeting shall occur within seven days of receiving notice of the due process complaint.
b. The due process hearing may proceed unless the matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties within 15 days of the receipt of the due process complaint.
c. The resolution period is part of, and not separate from, the expedited due process hearing timeline.
3. Document in writing within five business days any changes in hearing dates and send documentation to all parties and the Virginia Department of Education.
S. Costs of due process hearing and attorneys' fees. (34 CFR 300.517)
1. The costs of an independent educational evaluation ordered by the special education hearing officer, special education hearing officer, court reporters, and transcripts are shared equally by the local educational agency and the Virginia Department of Education.
2. The local educational agency is responsible for its own attorneys' fees.
3. The parent(s) are responsible for their attorneys' fees. If the parent(s) is the prevailing party, the parent(s) has the right to petition either a state circuit court or a federal district court for an award of reasonable attorneys' fees as part of the costs.
4. A state circuit court or a federal district court may award reasonable attorneys' fees as part of the costs to the parent(s) of a child with a disability who is the prevailing party.
5. The court may award reasonable attorneys' fees only if the award is consistent with the limitations, exclusions, exceptions, and reductions in accordance with the Act and its implementing regulations and 8VAC20-81-310.
T. Right of appeal. (34 CFR 300.516) 300.516; § 22.1-214 D of the Code of Virginia)
1. A decision by the special education hearing officer in any hearing, including an expedited hearing, is final and binding unless the decision is appealed by a party in a state circuit court within 180 days of the issuance of the decision, or in a federal district court within 90 days of the issuance of the decision. The appeal may be filed in either a state circuit court or a federal district court without regard to the amount in controversy. The district courts of the United States have jurisdiction over actions brought under § 1415 of the Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
2. On appeal, the court receives the record of the administrative proceedings, hears additional evidence at the request of a party, bases its decision on a preponderance of evidence, and grants the relief that the court determines to be appropriate.
3. If the special education hearing officer's decision is appealed in court, implementation of the special education hearing officer's order is held in abeyance except in those cases where the special education hearing officer has agreed with the child's parent(s) that a change in placement is appropriate in accordance with subsection J of this section. In those cases, the special education hearing officer's order shall be implemented while the case is being appealed.
4. If the special education hearing officer's decision is not implemented, a complaint may be filed with the Virginia Department of Education for an investigation through the provisions of 8VAC20-81-200.
U. Nothing in this chapter prohibits or limits rights under other federal laws or regulations. (34 CFR 300.516)
8VAC20-81-220. Surrogate parent procedures.
A. Role of surrogate parent. The surrogate parent appointed in accordance with this section represents the child in all matters relating to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child; or the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child. (34 CFR 300.519(g))
B. Appointment of surrogate parents.
1. Children, aged two to 21, inclusive, who are suspected of having or determined to have disabilities do not require a surrogate parent if : a. The the parent(s) or guardians are allowing relatives or private individuals to act as a parent ;.
b. The child is in the custody of the local department of social services or a licensed child-placing agency, and termination of parental rights has been granted by a juvenile and domestic relations district court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with § 16.1-283, 16.1-277.01, or 16.1-277.02 of the Code of Virginia. The foster parent for that child may serve as the parent of the child for the purposes of any special education proceedings; or
c. The child is in the custody of a local department of social services or a licensed child-placing agency, and a permanent foster care placement order has been entered by a juvenile and domestic relations district court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with § 63.2-908 of the Code of Virginia. The permanent foster parent named in the order for that child may serve as the parent of the child for the purposes of any special education proceedings.
2. Unless one of the exceptions exception outlined in subdivision 1 of this subsection applies, the local educational agency shall appoint a surrogate parent for a child, aged two to 21, inclusive, who is suspected of having or determined to have a disability when: (34 CFR 300.519(a))
a. No parent, as defined in 8VAC20-81-10, can be identified;
b. The local educational agency, after reasonable efforts, cannot discover the whereabouts of a parent;
c. The child is a ward of the state and either subdivision 1 a or 1 b of this subsection is also met; or
d. The child is an unaccompanied homeless youth as defined in § 725(6) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC § 11434a(6)) and § 22.1-3 of the Code of Virginia and either subdivision 1 a or 1 b of this subsection is met.
3. The local educational agency shall appoint a surrogate parent as the educational representative for a child who reaches the age of majority if the local educational agency has received written notification that the child is not competent to provide informed consent in accordance with 8VAC20-81-180 C 3 or C 4 and no family member is available to serve as the child's educational representative.
4. If the child is a ward of the state, the judge overseeing the child's case may appoint a surrogate parent as the educational representative of the child. The appointed surrogate shall meet the requirements of subdivision E 1 c of this section. (34 CFR 300.519(c))
C. Procedures for surrogate parents.
1. The local educational agency shall establish procedures in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, for determining whether a child needs a surrogate parent. (34 CFR 300.519(b))
2. The local educational agency shall establish procedures for assigning a surrogate parent to an eligible child. The surrogate parent shall be appointed by the local educational agency superintendent or designee within 30 calendar days of the determination that a surrogate parent is necessary. (34 CFR 300.519(b) and (h))
a. The appointment having been effected, the local educational agency shall notify in writing:
(1) The child with a disability, aged two to 21, inclusive, as appropriate to the disability;
(2) The surrogate parent-appointee; and
(3) The person charged with responsibility for the child.
b. The surrogate parent serves for the duration of the school year for which the surrogate parent is appointed unless a shorter time period is appropriate given the content of the child's IEP.
c. If the child requires the services of a surrogate parent during the summer months, the local educational agency shall extend the appointment as needed, consistent with timelines required by law.
d. At the conclusion of each school year, the appointment of surrogate parents shall be renewed or not renewed following a review by the local educational agency.
3. Each local educational agency shall establish procedures that include conditions and methods for changing or terminating the assignment of a surrogate parent before that surrogate parent's appointment has expired. Established procedures shall provide the right to request a hearing to challenge the qualifications or termination if the latter occurs prior to the end of the term of appointment. The assignment of a surrogate parent may be terminated only when one or more of the circumstances occur as follows:
a. The child reaches the age of majority and rights are transferred to the child or to an educational representative who has been appointed for the child in accordance with the procedures in 8VAC20-81-180;
b. The child is found no longer eligible for special education services and the surrogate parent has consented to the termination of services;
c. Legal guardianship for the child is transferred to a person who is able to carry out the role of the parent;
d. The parent(s), whose whereabouts were previously unknown, are now known and available; or
e. The appointed surrogate parent is no longer eligible according to subsection E of this section.
D. Identification and recruitment of surrogate parents.
1. The local educational agency shall develop and maintain a list of individuals within its jurisdiction who are qualified to serve as surrogate parents. It may be necessary for the local educational agency to go beyond jurisdictional limits in generating a list of potentially qualified surrogate parents.
2. Individuals who are not on the local educational agency list may be eligible to serve as surrogate parents, subject to the local educational agency's discretion. In such situations, the needs of the individual child and the availability of qualified persons who are familiar with the child and who would otherwise qualify shall be considerations in the local educational agency's determination of surrogate eligibility. Other factors that warrant the local educational agency's attention include:
a. Consideration of the appointment of a relative to serve as surrogate parent; and
b. Consideration of the appointment of a foster parent who has the knowledge and skills to represent the child adequately; and c. The appropriateness of the child's participation in the selection of the surrogate parent.
E. Qualifications of surrogate parents. (34 CFR 300.519(d), (e), and (f))
1. The local educational agency shall ensure that a person appointed as a surrogate:
a. Has no personal or professional interest that conflicts with the interest of the child;
b. Has knowledge and skills that ensure adequate representation of the child;
c. Is not an employee of the Virginia Department of Education, the local educational agency, or any other agency that is involved in the education or care of the child; and
d. Is of the age of majority.
2. A person who otherwise qualifies to be a surrogate parent is not an employee of the agency solely because the person is paid by the agency to serve as a surrogate parent.
3. If the child is an unaccompanied homeless youth, appropriate staff of an emergency shelter, transition shelter, independent living program, or street outreach program may be appointed as a temporary surrogate even though the staff member is an employee of an agency that is involved in the education or care of the child. The temporary surrogate shall otherwise meet the qualifications of a surrogate, and may serve only until a surrogate parent meeting all of the qualifications outlined in this section can be assigned.
F. Rights of surrogate parents. The surrogate parent, when representing the child's educational interest, has the same rights as those accorded to parents under this chapter. (34 CFR 300.519(g)).
Part IV
Funding
8VAC20-81-240. Eligibility for funding.
A. Each local school division and state-operated program shall maintain current policies and procedures and supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance with the Act and the Virginia Board of Education regulations governing the provision of special education and related services, licensure and accreditation. Changes to the local policies and procedures shall be made as determined by local need, as a result of changes in state or federal laws or regulations, as a result of required corrective action, or as a result of decisions reached in administrative proceedings, judicial determinations, or other findings of noncompliance. Revisions to policies and procedures must be approved by local school boards for local school divisions, or the Board of Visitors for the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton. State-operated programs shall submit revisions to policies and procedures to the state special education advisory committee for review. (34 CFR 300.201; 34 CFR 300.220)
B. All disbursement is subject to the availability of funds. In the event of insufficient state funds, disbursement may be prorated pursuant to provisions of the Virginia Appropriation Act.
8VAC20-81-270. Funds to assist with the education of children with disabilities residing in state-operated programs.
A. State mental health facilities. State funds for education for children in state mental health facilities are appropriated to the Virginia Department of Education. Local funds for such education shall be an amount equal to the required local per pupil expenditure for the period during which a local school division has a child in residence at a state mental health facility. Such amount shall be transferred by the Virginia Department of Education from the local school division's basic aid funds to the mental health facilities. Federal funds are available under the provisions of the Act. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
B. State training centers for people with intellectual disabilities. State funds for special education and related services for children with disabilities in state training centers for people with intellectual disabilities are appropriated to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Local funds for such education shall be an amount equal to the required local per pupil expenditure for the period during which a local school division has a child in residence at a state mental retardation facility. Such amount shall be transferred by the Virginia Department of Education from the local school division's basic aid funds to the centers. Federal funds are available under the provisions of the Act. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
C. State specialized children's hospitals. State funds for special education and related services are appropriated to the Virginia Department of Education. Federal funds are available under the provisions of the Act. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
D. Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. State funds for education for children are appropriated to the Virginia Department of Education. Federal funds are available under the provisions of the Act. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
E. Regional and local juvenile detention homes. State funds for education services are appropriated to the Virginia Department of Education. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
F. State-operated diagnostic clinics. State funds for the employment of educational consultants assigned to child development and other specialty clinics operated by the state Department of Health are appropriated to the Virginia Department of Education. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
G. Virginia Department of Correctional Education. State funds for the education of children, including children with disabilities, are appropriated to the Virginia Department of Correctional Education for the education of all children residing in state adult or juvenile correctional facilities and juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice and placed in a private facility under contract with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Federal funds are available under the provisions of the Act. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
H. The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton. State funds are appropriated directly to the school to operate day and residential special education programs for children placed by local school divisions. Local funds for the education of children at the Virginia school shall be the amount equal to the local per pupil expenditure for the period in which the child is a resident of the school. Such amount shall be transferred by the Virginia Department of Education from the local school division's basic aid funds to the Virginia schools school. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
I. Regional and local jails. State funds for education services are appropriated to the Virginia Department of Education. (Virginia Appropriation Act; 34 CFR 300.705)
8VAC20-81-340. Special education caseload staffing requirements.
Figure 1: Local school division caseload maximums as funded by the Virginia Appropriation Act.
| Disability Category | Level II | Level I |
| With Parapro-fessional 100% of the time | Without Parapro-fessional 100% of the Time |
| Autism | 8 | 6 | 24 |
| Deaf-blindness | 8 | 6 | |
| Developmental Delay: age 5-6 | 10 | 8 | |
| Developmental Delay: age 2-5 | 8 Center-based
10 Combined | 12 Home-based and/or Itinerant | |
| Emotional Disability | 10 | 8 | 24 |
| Hearing Impairment/
Deaf | 10 | 8 | 24 |
| Learning Intellectual Disability
| 10 | 8 | 24 |
| Intellectual Learning Disability
| 10 | 8 | 24 |
| Multiple Disabilities | 8 | 6 | |
| Orthopedic Impairment | 10 | 8 | 24 |
| Other Health Impairment | 10 | 8 | 24 |
| Speech or Language Impairment | NA | NA | 68
(Itinerant) |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | May be placed in any program, according to the IEP. |
| Combined group of students needing Level I services with students needing Level II services | 20 Points (see Figure 2) |
Figure 2: Values for students receiving Level I services when combined with students receiving Level II services.
| Disability Category | Level II Values | Level I |
| With Parapro-fessional 100% of the time | Without Parapro-fessional 100% of the time | Values |
| Autism | 2.5 | 3.3 | 1 |
| Deaf-blindness | 2.5 | 3.3 | 1 |
| Developmental Delay: age 5-6 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Emotional Disability | 2.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Hearing Impairment/Deaf | 2.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Learning Intellectual Disability
| 2.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Intellectual Learning Disability
| 2.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Multiple Disabilities | 2.5 | 3.3 | 1 |
| Orthopedic Impairment | 2.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Other Health Impairment | 2.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | 2.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
VA.R. Doc. No. R10-2239; Filed December 1, 2009, 1:04 p.m.
TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT
Titles of Regulations: 9VAC5-20. General Provisions (amending 9VAC5-20-21).
9VAC5-40. Existing Stationary Sources (amending 9VAC5-40-6970, 9VAC5-40-7050; adding 9VAC5-40-6975).
9VAC5-45. Consumer and Commercial Products (adding 9VAC5-45-10 through 9VAC5-45-850).
Statutory Authority: § 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.
Public Hearing Information:
February 3, 2010 - 10 a.m. - Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Richmond, VA
Public Comment Deadline: February 19, 2010.
Agency Contact: Gary Graham, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4103, FAX (804) 698-4510, or email gegraham@deq.virginia.gov.
Basis: Section 10.1-1308 of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law (Chapter 13 (§ 10.1-1300 et seq.) of Title 10.1 of the Code of Virginia) authorizes the State Air Pollution Control Board to promulgate regulations abating, controlling, and prohibiting air pollution in order to protect public health and welfare. Written assurance from the Office of the Attorney General that the State Air Pollution Control Board possesses the statutory authority to promulgate the proposed regulation amendments is available upon request.
Federal Requirements
Identification of Specific Applicable Federal Requirements:
Ozone is formed by complex series of reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under the influence of solar ultraviolet radiation (sunlight). Ozone shows a very strong diurnal (daily) and seasonal (April to October) cyclical character. Ozone injures vegetation, has adverse effects on materials (rubber and fabrics), and is a pulmonary irritant that affects respiratory mucous membranes, lung tissues, and respiratory functions.
The original ozone air quality standard that was the focus of air quality planning requirements after the promulgation of the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act (CAA) was a 1-hour standard. Since then, EPA has promulgated a new 8-hour ozone air quality standard, and associated designation of nonattainment areas, which necessitates the initiation of new plans and regulatory actions.
40 CFR Part 81 specifies the designations of areas made under § 107(d) of the CAA and the associated nonattainment classification (if any) under § 181 of the CAA or 40 CFR 51.903(a), as applicable. On April 30, 2004 (69 FR 23858), EPA published its final decision as to the 8-hour nonattainment areas and associated classifications. The new designations were effective June 15, 2004. The Commonwealth of Virginia designations are in 40 CFR 81.347.
40 CFR Part 51, Subpart X, contains the provisions for the implementation of the 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), along with the associated planning requirements. On April 30, 2004 (69 FR 23951), EPA published phase 1 of its final rule adding Subpart X to 40 CFR Part 51. Specifically, 40 CFR 51.903(a) sets forth the classification criteria and nonattainment dates for 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas once they are designated as such under 40 CFR Part 81. The remainder of the planning requirements (phase 2) were published on November 29, 2005 (70 FR 71612).
The state regulations established VOC and NOx emissions control areas to provide the legal mechanism to define the geographic areas in which Virginia implements control measures to attain and maintain the air quality standards for ozone. The emissions control areas may or may not coincide with the nonattainment areas, depending on the necessity of the planning requirements.
General Federal Requirements:
Sections 109 (a) and (b) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) require EPA to prescribe primary and secondary air quality standards to protect public health and welfare, respectively, for each air pollutant for which air quality criteria were issued before the enactment of the 1970 Clean Air Act. These standards are known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Section 109 (c) requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prescribe such standards simultaneously with the issuance of new air quality criteria for any additional air pollutant. The primary and secondary air quality criteria are authorized for promulgation under § 108.
Once the NAAQS are promulgated pursuant to § 109, § 107(d) sets out a process for designating those areas that are in compliance with the standards (attainment or unclassifiable) and those areas that are not (nonattainment). Governors provide the initial recommendations but EPA makes the final decision. Section 107(d) also sets forth the process for redesignations once the nonattainment areas are in compliance with the applicable NAAQS.
Section 110(a) of the CAA mandates that each state adopt and submit to EPA a plan that provides for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of each primary and secondary air quality standard within each air quality control region in the state. The state implementation plan shall be adopted only after reasonable public notice is given and public hearings are held. The plan shall include provisions to accomplish, among other tasks, the following:
(1) establish enforceable emission limitations and other control measures as necessary to comply with the provisions of the CAA, including economic incentives such as fees, marketable permits, and auctions of emissions rights;
(2) establish schedules for compliance;
(3) prohibit emissions that would contribute to nonattainment of the standards or interference with maintenance of the standards by any state; and
(4) require sources of air pollution to install, maintain, and replace monitoring equipment as necessary and to report periodically on emissions-related data.
40 CFR Part 50 specifies the NAAQS: sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone (its precursors are nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds), nitrogen dioxide, and lead.
40 CFR Part 51 sets out requirements for the preparation, adoption, and submittal of state implementation plans. These requirements mandate that any such plan shall include several provisions, including those summarized below.
Subpart G (Control Strategy) specifies the description of control measures and schedules for implementation, the description of emissions reductions estimates sufficient to attain and maintain the standards, time periods for demonstrations of the control strategy's adequacy, an emissions inventory, an air quality data summary, data availability, special requirements for lead emissions, stack height provisions, and intermittent control systems.
Subpart K (Source Surveillance) specifies procedures for emissions reports and recordkeeping; procedures for testing, inspection, enforcement, and compliance; transportation control measures; and procedures for continuous emissions monitoring.
Subpart L (Legal Authority) specifies the requirements for legal authority to implement plans.
Section 51.230 under Subpart L specifies that each state implementation plan must show that the state has the legal authority to carry out the plan, including the authority to perform the following actions:
(1) adopt emission standards and limitations and any other measures necessary for the attainment and maintenance of the national ambient air quality standards;
(2) enforce applicable laws, regulations, and standards, and seek injunctive relief;
(3) abate pollutant emissions on an emergency basis to prevent substantial endangerment to the health of persons;
(4) prevent construction, modification, or operation of a facility, building, structure, or installation, or combination thereof, which directly or indirectly results or may result in emissions of any air pollutant at any location that will prevent the attainment or maintenance of a national standard;
(5) obtain information necessary to determine whether air pollution sources are in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards, including authority to require recordkeeping and to make inspections and conduct tests of air pollution sources;
(6) require owners or operators of stationary sources to install, maintain, and use emission monitoring devices and to make periodic reports to the state on the nature and amounts of emissions from such stationary sources; and
(7) make emissions data available to the public as reported and as correlated with any applicable emission standards or limitations.
Section 51.231 under Subpart L requires the identification of legal authority as follows:
(1) the provisions of law or regulation that the state determines provide the authorities required under this section must be specifically identified, and copies of such laws or regulations must be submitted with the plan; and
(2) the plan must show that the legal authorities specified in this subpart are available to the state at the time of submission of the plan.
Subpart N (Compliance Schedules) specifies legally enforceable compliance schedules, final compliance schedule dates, and conditions for extensions beyond one year.
Part D describes how nonattainment areas are established, classified, and required to meet attainment. Subpart 1 provides the overall framework of what nonattainment plans are to contain, while Subpart 2 provides more detail on what is required of areas designated nonattainment for ozone.
Section 171 defines "reasonable further progress," "nonattainment area," "lowest achievable emission rate," and "modification."
Section 172(a) authorizes EPA to classify nonattainment areas for the purpose of assigning attainment dates. Section 172(b) authorizes EPA to establish schedules for the submission of plans designed to achieve attainment by the specified dates. Section 172(c) specifies the provisions to be included in each attainment plan, as follows:
(1) the implementation of all reasonably available control measures as expeditiously as practicable and shall provide for the attainment of the national ambient air quality standards;
(2) the requirement of reasonable further progress;
(3) a comprehensive, accurate, current inventory of actual emissions from all sources of the relevant pollutants in the nonattainment area;
(4) an identification and quantification of allowable emissions from the construction and modification of new and modified major stationary sources in the nonattainment area;
(5) the requirement for permits for the construction and operations of new and modified major stationary sources in the nonattainment area;
(6) the inclusion of enforceable emission limitations and such other control measures (including economic incentives such as fees, marketable permits, and auctions of emission rights) as well as schedules for compliance;
(7) if applicable, the proposal of equivalent modeling, emission inventory, or planning procedures; and
(8) the inclusion of specific contingency measures to be undertaken if the nonattainment area fails to make reasonable further progress or to attain the national ambient air quality standards by the attainment date.
Section 172(d) requires that attainment plans be revised if EPA finds inadequacies. Section 172(e) authorizes the issuance of requirements for nonattainment areas in the event of a relaxation of any national ambient air quality standard. Such requirements shall provide for controls that are not less stringent than the controls applicable to these same areas before such relaxation.
Section 107(d)(3)(D) provides that a state may petition EPA to redesignate a nonattainment area as attainment and EPA may approve the redesignation subject to certain criteria being met. Section 107(d)(3)(E) stipulates one of these criteria, that EPA must fully approve a maintenance plan that meets the requirements of § 175A.
According to § 175A(a), the maintenance plan must be part of a SIP submission, and must provide for maintenance of the NAAQS for at least 10 years after the redesignation. The plan must contain any additional measures, as needed, to ensure maintenance. Section 175A(b) further requires that eight years after redesignation, a maintenance plan for the next 10 years must then be submitted. As stated in § 175A(c), nonattainment requirements continue to apply until the SIP submittal is approved. Finally, § 175A(d) requires that the maintenance plan contain contingency provisions that will be implemented should the area fail to maintain the NAAQS as provided for in the original plan.
Under Part D, Subpart 2, § 181 sets forth the classifications and nonattainment dates for 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas once they are designated as such under § 107(d).
Section 184 establishes an Ozone Transport Region comprised of the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area that includes the District of Columbia. The Ozone Transport Commission is to assess the degree of interstate transport of the pollutant or precursors to the pollutant throughout the transport region, assess strategies for mitigating the interstate pollution, and recommend control measures to ensure that the plans for the relevant states meet the requirements of the Act.
40 CFR Part 81 specifies the designations of areas made under § 107(d) of the CAA and the associated nonattainment classification (if any) under § 181 of the CAA or 40 CFR 51.903(a), as applicable.
40 CFR Part 51, Subpart X, contains the provisions for the implementation of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS, along with the associated planning requirements. Specifically, 40 CFR 51.903(a) sets forth the classification criteria and nonattainment dates for 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas once they are designated as such under 40 CFR Part 81.
State Requirements
These specific amendments are not required by state mandate. Rather, Virginia's Air Pollution Control Law gives the State Air Pollution Control Board the discretionary authority to promulgate regulations "abating, controlling and prohibiting air pollution throughout or in any part of the Commonwealth" (§ 10.1-1308 A). The law defines such air pollution as "the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more substances which are or may be harmful or injurious to human health, welfare or safety, to animal or plant life, or to property, or which unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment by the people or life or property" (§ 10.1-1300).
The Air Pollution Control Law (§ 10.1-1308 B) specifically requires that any regulation that prohibits the selling of a consumer product not restrict the continued sale of the product by retailers of any existing inventories in stock at the time the regulation is promulgated.
Purpose: The purpose of these regulations is to require owners to limit emissions of air pollution from portable fuel containers, certain consumer products, architectural and industrial maintenance coatings, adhesives and sealants, mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations, and paving operations to the level necessary for (i) the protection of public health and welfare, and (ii) the attainment and maintenance of the air quality standards. The proposed amendments are being made to adopt new standards for the control of VOC emissions from adhesive and sealants in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas and to adopt new and revised standards for the control of VOC emissions from portable fuel containers and certain consumer products within the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas. The proposed amendments are also being made to extend VOC emissions controls for architectural and industrial maintenance coatings and mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations into the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area. This action is being taken to allow Virginia to meet its obligation to implement control measures in areas designated as nonattainment under the 8-hour ozone standard and to implement contingency measures within former nonattainment areas that have been redesignated as ozone maintenance areas.
Substance: The proposed regulatory action adds a new chapter (9VAC5-45) specifically for regulations pertaining to consumer and commercial products and is applicable to specific product types and the owners that are involved in the manufacture, distribution, retail sales and in some cases, the marketing and use of those products in certain VOC Emissions Control Areas. This proposed regulatory action also amends an article in Chapter 40 that pertains to shops that apply some types of consumer and commercial products in VOC Emissions Control Areas.
In Part I of the new Chapter 45, special provisions specify the general testing, monitoring, compliance, notification, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements that are applicable to all articles in the new chapter and specify certain other sections of the regulations that are not generally applicable. Exceptions to the special provisions are addressed in each individual article of the new chapter.
In Part II of the new Chapter 45:
1. The proposed regulatory action establishes standards for Portable Fuel Containers for products manufactured before and after May 1, 2010, as new Articles 1 and 2 in Chapter 45, respectively, and applies to all of the products subject to the current provisions of Chapter 40, Article 42, Portable Fuel Container Spillage. Article 1 clarifies some Article 42 exemptions and definitions, adds another exemption category, removes obsolete standards and their associated administrative requirements, and provides criteria for sell-through of products. Because Article 1 applies to all products manufactured before May 1, 2010, and is designed to replace Chapter 40, Article 42, the compliance schedule proposed for Article 1 is the same as that in Chapter 40, Article 42. Article 2 applies to all portable fuel container products manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, and requires board precertification of new portable fuel container products as compliant with new labeling requirements and with new and more stringent design and performance standards. Article 2 also includes applicability to a new category of owner, and adds (i) new and revised exemptions, (ii) new certification procedures, (iii) new testing standards, and (iv) alternative compliance provisions for innovative products over those provisions now applicable under Chapter 40, Article 42. The new Article 2 specifies a compliance deadline no later than May 1, 2010. The new Article 1 will apply only in the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Areas. The new Article 2 will apply in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas. Chapter 40, Article 42 will be repealed at an appropriate time after the standards in the new Article 1 are effective.
2. The proposed regulatory action establishes standards for Consumer Products manufactured before and after May 1, 2010, as a new Articles 3 and 4 in Chapter 45, respectively, and applies to all of the products subject to the current provisions of Chapter 40, Article 50, Consumer Products. Article 3 pertains to consumer products manufactured before May 1, 2010, clarifies some definitions and standards, makes the Alternative Control Plan procedures more flexible, revises labeling, reporting and other administrative requirements, and clarifies sell-through criteria. Article 3 applies to all products manufactured before May 1, 2010, and is designed to replace Chapter 40, Article 50, therefore the compliance schedule proposed for Article 3 is the same as Chapter 40, Article 50. Article 4 applies to all consumer products manufactured after May 1, 2010, and includes all of the changes made in Article 3, adds more definitions and standards for some new product categories, and establishes new labeling and other administrative requirements. Article 4 specifies a compliance deadline no later than May 1, 2010. The new Article 3 will apply only in the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Areas. The new Article 4 will apply in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas. Chapter 40, Article 50 will be repealed at an appropriate time after the standards in the new Articles 3 and 4 are effective.
3. The proposed regulatory action establishes standards for Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings and incorporates all of the provisions of Chapter 40, Article 49, Emission Standards for Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings into a new Article 5 in Chapter 45, except that the new Article 5 removes some obsolete reporting requirements and changes the remaining one to a recordkeeping requirement. The standards and other provisions of the new Article 5 are not substantively changed from what is in Chapter 40, Article 49, therefore no new compliance dates are proposed for the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Areas. The standards and other provisions are being extended into the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area with a proposed compliance deadline of May 1, 2010. Chapter 40, Article 49 will be repealed at an appropriate time after the new Article 5 standards are effective.
4. The proposed regulatory action will add a new regulation, Article 6 in the new Chapter 45, which establishes new emission standards for adhesives and sealants. The provisions of this article apply to owners who sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for sale commercial adhesives, sealants, adhesive primers or sealant primers that contain volatile organic compounds within the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas. The provisions will also apply to owners that use, apply for compensation, or solicit the use or application of such products in those areas. Exempted from the regulation is any such product manufactured in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, or Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas for shipment and use outside of these areas. The provisions of this regulation will not apply to a manufacturer or distributor who sells, supplies, or offers for sale such products that do not comply with the VOC standards as long as the manufacturer or distributor can demonstrate both that the product is intended for shipment and use outside of those areas and that the manufacturer or distributor has taken reasonable prudent precautions to assure that the product is not distributed in those areas. A number of product-specific exemptions are also allowed. VOC content limits are specified for different product categories. Control technology guidelines are offered as an alternate means of achieving compliance with the standards. Test methods, registration requirements, and recordkeeping procedures are provided. This article specifies a compliance deadline of May 1, 2010.
5. The proposed regulatory action establishes standards for asphalt paving operations and incorporates all of the provisions of Chapter 40, Article 39, Emission Standards for Asphalt Paving Operations, as a new Article 7 in Chapter 45. Applicability provisions in Article 7 apply to owners instead of sources and a new definition of paving operations is added that clarifies the types of operations to which the provisions of the regulation apply. Since the standards and other provisions in this article are not substantively changed, no new compliance date is proposed. Chapter 40, Article 39 will be repealed at an appropriate time after the new Article 7 standards are effective.
The text of these new articles includes the textual changes to the regulations that are included in the recently adopted, but not yet effective, revision D06 (also titled as Consumer and Commercial Products). This regulatory action preserves changes made by revision D06 in the event that revision D06 is delayed or withdrawn in its entirety. This regulatory action also incorporates the following substantive changes to revision D06:
1. This proposed regulatory action expands the applicability of the new Article 2 concerning portable fuel containers, the new Article 4 concerning consumer products, the new Article 5 concerning architectural and maintenance coatings, and the new Article 6 concerning adhesives and sealants into the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area. It does not affect the applicability of Article 7 concerning asphalt paving operations, which already applies in all VOC emissions control areas;
2. This regulatory action extends compliance dates originally proposed in revision D06 as January 1, 2009, to a more reasonable date in the future (May 1, 2010); and
3. This proposed regulatory action extends the standards and other provisions for 9VAC5-40, Article 48, concerning mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations that are currently applicable only in the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Areas into the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area. A compliance deadline of May 1, 2010, is specified for applicability of the standards and other provisions within the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area.
If revision D06 becomes effective, then this revision will be redacted to remove the changes incorporated into regulation by revision D06, and the compliance dates associated with applying regulatory standards in Chapter 45 and in Chapter 40, Article 48 in the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area may be revised to be more consistent with the effective regulation.
Issues: Public: The primary advantage to the public is that the adoption of these regulations will significantly decrease emissions of VOCs in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond areas, thus benefiting public health and welfare. The primary disadvantage to the public is the inconvenience of having certain familiar noncompliant products become unavailable within the applicable areas, and having to pay a slightly increased cost for the replacement compliant products.
Regulated Community: The primary advantage to the regulated community is that the new regulations are clearer and have fewer reporting requirements than some of the regulations they replace. The primary disadvantages are that there may be more costs associated with distributing compliant products within the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area, there may be fewer days that certain products may be applied, and there may be a need for worker training for some users to learn how to apply some of the compliant products correctly.
Department: The primary advantages to the department are that the adoption of these regulations will allow Virginia (1) to attain and maintain air quality standards and improve public health of Virginians, and (2) to uphold its promise to its jurisdictional neighbors (Maryland and Washington, D.C.) to all take similar regulatory action in order to minimize regulatory differences across the affected borders. There is no disadvantage to the department.
When revision D06 becomes effective, then the advantages and disadvantages of this regulatory action will be restricted to the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area.
Most of the proposed regulation amendments are not more restrictive than the applicable federal requirements. However, there is no federal requirement for applying standards for adhesives and sealants in the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area, so applying such standards there exceeds the federal requirements. Standards for adhesives and sealants are proposed for the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area in response to violations of the 0.08 ppm NAAQS ozone standard in the Richmond area in 2007 and 2008, and are proposed in anticipation of federal implementation of the more restrictive 0.075 ppm NAAQS ozone standard.
Localities particularly affected by the proposed regulations are the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and Prince George; and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fredericksburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond.
Revision D06 affected all of the localities listed above except for those in the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area. Since revision D06 has been adopted and is expected to become effective, the localities particularly affected by this regulatory action would then be restricted to just those areas that are located in the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area; specifically, the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and Prince George; and the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond.
The Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:
Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. In order to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and statutory mandates, the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board (board) proposes several regulatory changes that affect the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond volatile organic compound (VOC) Emissions Control Areas including: 1) amending the portable fuel container spillage and consumer products provisions to conform to the strategies recommended by the federal Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), 2) prohibiting owners from manufacturing, distributing, selling, and using noncompliant consumer and commercial adhesive and sealant products and architectural and industrial maintenance coating products, 3) prohibiting the mixing, storage, and application of noncompliant emulsified asphalt coating products, with an exception for coating residential driveways, and 4) adding the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area to the list of areas that that have restrictions on emissions from mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations.1
Result of Analysis. The benefits likely exceed the costs for one or more proposed changes. There is insufficient data to accurately compare the magnitude of the benefits versus the costs for other changes.
Estimated Economic Impact. In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated the Phase 1 Ozone Implementation Regulation to provide a process for classifying volatile organic compound (VOC) Emissions Control Areas, based on the severity of their ozone problems, and establishing deadlines for state and local governments to reduce ozone levels. The phase 1 regulation established a process for transitioning from implementation of the 1-hour ozone air quality standard to the more protective 8-hour ozone air quality standard.
The Phase 2 Ozone Implementation Regulation was promulgated by the EPA in 2005 to provide the remaining elements of the process to implement the 8-hour ozone air quality standard. The phase 2 EPA regulation outlines emissions control and planning requirements for states to address as they develop their state implementation plans (SIPs) demonstrating how they will reduce ozone pollution to meet the 8-hour ozone standard. Additionally, the regulation requires states to demonstrate that non-attainment areas will attain the 8-hour ozone standard as expeditiously as practicable.
The federal Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) has identified what are considered the least cost methods of ozone control that will enable states to attain the 8-hour ozone standard within Ozone Transport Regions (OTR). The board proposed consumer and commercial product requirements for these regulations are consistent with these least cost methods recommended by the OTC in order for the Commonwealth to meet the EPA mandated 8-hour ozone standard.
As mentioned above, the board proposed requirements include: 1) amending the portable fuel container spillage and consumer products provisions to conform to the strategies recommended by the OTC, 2) prohibiting owners from manufacturing, distributing, selling, and using noncompliant consumer and commercial adhesive and sealant products and architectural and industrial maintenance coating products, 3) prohibiting the mixing, storage, and application of noncompliant emulsified asphalt coating products, with an exception for coating residential driveways and 4) adding the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area to the list of areas that have restrictions on emissions from mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations.
The following costs are projected for regulated entities in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas for implementation and compliance and include projected reporting, recordkeeping and other administrative costs: 1) Portable Fuel Containers: insignificant cost to Virginia small businesses or individuals, 2) Consumer Products: up to, but likely somewhat less than $9,200,000 cost per year for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of consumer products in the region combined, $2,700,000 of which would be in the Richmond area, 3) Architectural and Industrial Coatings: up to $5,800,000 annually in the Richmond VOC area, 4) Adhesives and Sealants: up to.$1,640,000 per year cost shared between manufacturers, distributors, and contractors ($1,150,000 in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg, $490,000 in Richmond), and 5) Asphalt Paving: no significant net cost or savings.
The adoption of this regulation will decrease emissions of VOC in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond areas by an estimated total of 16.0 tons per day or more.2 This significant emissions reduction will benefit public health and welfare by reducing ozone. Ozone injures vegetation, has adverse effects on materials (rubber and fabrics), and is a pulmonary irritant that affects respiratory mucous membranes, lung tissues, and respiratory functions. Reducing ozone will thus likely result in healthier citizens and reduce property damage. It will also allow Virginia to avoid federal sanctions that would be imposed for violating the SIP provisions of the Clean Air Act and to uphold its promise to its jurisdictional neighbors (Maryland and Washington, D.C.) to take this action.
Businesses and Entities Affected. The proposed amendments potentially affect: a) 476 manufacturers, distributors and retailers and 295 contractors of consumer products, b) four manufacturers and 165 contractors of architectural and industrial coatings, c) 3844 manufacturers and contractors of apply adhesives and sealants, d) 83 asphalt paving contractors, e) 331 mobile equipment repair and refinishing shops, and f) their customers.3 Most of the firms qualify as small businesses.
Localities Particularly Affected. The proposed regulatory amendments particularly affect the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Prince George; and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fredericksburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond.
Projected Impact on Employment. The increased costs for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of consumer products, manufacturers of adhesives and sealants and contractors who use adhesives and sealants, architectural and industrial coatings manufacturers, and mobile equipment repair and refinishing shops will likely reduce profitability. This will consequently likely have a moderate negative impact on employment.
Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. Manufacturing that produces VOC will be altered in ways that will reduce VOC emission. This will increase costs and consequently moderately reduce the value of some firms.
Small Businesses: Costs and Other Effects. The proposed amendments will increase costs for some small businesses such as manufacturers, distributors and retailers of consumer products and manufacturers of adhesives and sealants and contractors who use adhesives and sealants.
Small Businesses: Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. Though the board's proposals add costs for some small businesses, there is not a clear alternative that reduces the adverse impact and still enables the Commonwealth to meet EPA requirements.
Real Estate Development Costs. The proposed amendments may moderately, but probably not significantly, add to real estate development costs via increased costs associated with adhesives, sealants, and consumer products.
Legal Mandate. The Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) has analyzed the economic impact of this proposed regulation in accordance with § 2.2-4007.04 of the Administrative Process Act and Executive Order Number 36 (06). Section 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include, but need not be limited to, the projected number of businesses or other entities to whom the regulation would apply, the identity of any localities and types of businesses or other entities particularly affected, the projected number of persons and employment positions to be affected, the projected costs to affected businesses or entities to implement or comply with the regulation, and the impact on the use and value of private property. Further, if the proposed regulation has adverse effect on small businesses, § 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include (i) an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the regulation; (ii) the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with the regulation, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparing required reports and other documents; (iii) a statement of the probable effect of the regulation on affected small businesses; and (iv) a description of any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the regulation. The analysis presented above represents DPB's best estimate of these economic impacts.
_________________________
1 The Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Areas already have restrictions on emissions from mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations.
2 Data source: Department of Environmental Quality
3 Data source: via Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Employment Commission database on January 27, 2009.
Agency's Response to the Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis: The department has reviewed the economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget and has no comment.
Summary:
A new chapter (9VAC5-45) is established for the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from various consumer and commercial products. The new chapter consists of two parts. The first part of the new chapter contains general requirements pertaining to all of the types of consumer and commercial products regulated. The second part is composed of articles that contain VOC content and emission standards for individual types of consumer products and contain the control technology, testing, monitoring, administrative, recordkeeping and reporting requirements necessary to determine compliance with each of the applicable standards.
The new chapter includes two articles that control VOC emissions from portable fuel containers and spouts in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas. These articles implement design, performance, and labeling standards for portable fuel container products before and after May 1, 2010, and prohibit owners from manufacturing, distributing, and selling noncompliant products.
The new chapter includes two articles that control VOC emissions from certain types of consumer products in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas. These articles implement VOC content standards for some individual product categories before and after May 1, 2010, and prohibit owners from manufacturing, distributing, advertising, or selling noncompliant products.
The new chapter includes an article for the control of VOC emissions from architectural and industrial maintenance coatings in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond VOC Emissions Control Areas. This article implements VOC content standards for all such coating products and prohibits owners from manufacturing, distributing, selling, and using noncompliant products.
The new chapter includes an article that controls VOC emissions from adhesives, adhesive primers, sealants, and sealant primers in the Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Areas. This article implements VOC content limits for those products and prohibits owners from manufacturing, distributing, selling, or applying noncompliant products.
The new chapter also includes an article that controls VOC emissions from asphalt paving operations in all VOC Emissions Control Areas, which prescribes the use of emulsified asphalt coatings, except for the purpose of coating residential driveways, and prohibits the mixing, storage and application of noncompliant products.
Chapter 40, Article 48 currently controls VOC emissions from mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations in the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Areas. This article is being amended to implement these controls in the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area also.
This regulatory action incorporates all of the changes proposed by revision D06 (Consumer and Commercial Products). In addition, this action (i) expands applicability of four of the seven new articles proposed in revision D06 into the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area, (ii) revises the compliance dates, and (iii) amends Chapter 40, Article 48 concerning mobile equipment repair and refinishing, to expand the applicability of that article into the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area. When revision D06 becomes effective, the changes made in revision D06 will be removed from this proposal.
9VAC5-20-21. Documents incorporated by reference.
A. The Administrative Process Act and Virginia Register Act provide that state regulations may incorporate documents by reference. Throughout these regulations, documents of the types specified below have been incorporated by reference.
1. United States Code.
2. Code of Virginia.
3. Code of Federal Regulations.
4. Federal Register.
5. Technical and scientific reference documents.
Additional information on key federal regulations and nonstatutory documents incorporated by reference and their availability may be found in subsection E of this section.
B. Any reference in these regulations to any provision of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) shall be considered as the adoption by reference of that provision. The specific version of the provision adopted by reference shall be that contained in the CFR (2008) in effect July 1, 2008. In making reference to the Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR Part 35 means Part 35 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations; 40 CFR 35.20 means § 35.20 in Part 35 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
C. Failure to include in this section any document referenced in the regulations shall not invalidate the applicability of the referenced document.
D. Copies of materials incorporated by reference in this section may be examined by the public at the central office of the Department of Environmental Quality, Eighth Floor, 629 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. of each business day.
E. Information on federal regulations and nonstatutory documents incorporated by reference and their availability may be found below in this subsection.
1. Code of Federal Regulations.
a. The provisions specified below from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) are incorporated herein by reference.
(1) 40 CFR Part 50-National Primary and Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards.
(a) Appendix A -- Reference Method for the Determination of Sulfur Dioxide in the Atmosphere (Pararosaniline Method).
(b) Appendix B -- Reference Method for the Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere (High-Volume Method).
(c) Appendix C -- Measurement Principle and Calibration Procedure for the Continuous Measurement of Carbon Monoxide in the Atmosphere (Non-Dispersive Infrared Photometry).
(d) Appendix D -- Measurement Principle and Calibration Procedure for the Measurement of Ozone in the Atmosphere.
(e) Appendix E -- Reserved.
(f) Appendix F -- Measurement Principle Principle and Calibration Procedure for the Measurement of Nitrogen Dioxide in the Atmosphere (Gas Phase Chemiluminescence).
(g) Appendix G -- Reference Method for the Determination of Lead in Suspended Particulate Matter Collected from Ambient Air.
(h) Appendix H -- Interpretation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone.
(i) Appendix I -- Interpretation of the 8-Hour Primary and Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone.
(j) Appendix J -- Reference Method for the Determination of Particulate Matter as PM10 in the Atmosphere.
(k) Appendix K -- Interpretation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter.
(l) Appendix L - Reference Method for the Determination of Fine Particulate Matter as PM2.5 in the Atmosphere.
(m) Appendix M - Reserved.
(n) Appendix N - Interpretation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM2.5.
(o) Appendix O - Reference Method for the Determination of Coarse Particulate Matter as PM in the Atmosphere.
(p) Appendix P - Interpretation of the Primary and Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone.
(q) Appendix Q - Reference Method for the Determination of Lead in Suspended Particulate Matter as PM10 Collected from Ambient Air.
(r) Appendix R - Interpretation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Lead.
(2) 40 CFR Part 51 -- Requirements for Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal of Implementation Plans.
(a) Appendix M -- Recommended Test Methods for State Implementation Plans.
(a) (b) Appendix S -- Emission Offset Interpretive Ruling.
(b) (c) Appendix W -- Guideline on Air Quality Models (Revised).
(c) (d) Appendix Y - Guidelines for BART Determinations Under the Regional Haze Rule.
(3) 40 CFR Part 58 -- Ambient Air Quality Surveillance.
Appendix A - Quality Assurance Requirements for SLAMS, SPMs and PSD Air Monitoring.
(4) 40 CFR Part 60 -- Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources.
The specific provisions of 40 CFR Part 60 incorporated by reference are found in Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Sources).
(5) 40 CFR Part 61 -- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.
The specific provisions of 40 CFR Part 61 incorporated by reference are found in Article 1 (9VAC5-60-60 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).
(6) 40 CFR Part 63 -- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories.
The specific provisions of 40 CFR Part 63 incorporated by reference are found in Article 2 (9VAC5-60-90 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).
(7) 40 CFR Part 59, Subpart D-National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Architectural Coatings, Appendix A -- "Determination of Volatile Matter Content of Methacrylate Multicomponent Coatings Used as Traffic Marking Coatings."
(8) 40 CFR Part 64, Compliance Assurance Monitoring.
(9) 40 CFR Part 72, Permits Regulation.
(10) 40 CFR Part 73, Sulfur Dioxide Allowance System.
(11) 40 CFR Part 74, Sulfur Dioxide Opt-Ins.
(12) 40 CFR Part 75, Continuous Emission Monitoring.
(13) 40 CFR Part 76, Acid Rain Nitrogen Oxides Emission Reduction Program.
(14) 40 CFR Part 77, Excess Emissions.
(15) 40 CFR Part 78, Appeal Procedures for Acid Rain Program.
(16) 40 CFR Part 59, Subpart C, National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Consumer Products.
(17) 40 CFR Part 152, Subpart I, Classification of Pesticides.
(18) 49 CFR Part 172, Hazardous Materials Table. Special Provisions, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Response Information, and Training Requirements, Subpart E, Labeling.
(19) 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart F, Fire Protection and Prevention.
b. Copies may be obtained from: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15250-7954; phone (202) 783-3238.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
a. The following documents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are incorporated herein by reference:
(1) Reich Test, Atmospheric Emissions from Sulfuric Acid Manufacturing Processes, Public Health Service Publication No. PB82250721, 1980.
(2) Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors (AP-42). Volume I: Stationary and Area Sources, stock number 055-000-00500-1, 1995; Supplement A, stock number 055-000-00551-6, 1996; Supplement B, stock number 055-000-00565, 1997; Supplement C, stock number 055-000-00587-7, 1997; Supplement D, 1998; Supplement E, 1999.
(3) "Guidelines for Determining Capture Efficiency" (GD-35), Emissions Monitoring and Analysis Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, January 9, 1995.
b. Copies of the document identified in subdivision E 2 a (1) of this subdivision, and Volume I and Supplements A through C of the document identified in subdivision E 2 a (2) of this subdivision, may be obtained from: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia 22161; phone 1-800-553-6847. Copies of Supplements D and E of the document identified in subdivision E 2 a (2) of this subdivision may be obtained online from EPA's Technology Transfer Network at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/index.html. Copies of the document identified in subdivision E 2 a (3) of this subdivision are only available online from EPA's Technology Transfer Network at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/guidlnd.html.
3. U.S. government.
a. The following document from the U.S. government is incorporated herein by reference: Standard Industrial Classification Manual, 1987 (U.S. Government Printing Office stock number 041-001-00-314-2).
b. Copies may be obtained from: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15250-7954; phone (202) 512-1800.
4. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
a. The documents specified below from the American Society for Testing and Materials are incorporated herein by reference.
(1) D323-99a, "Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)."
(2) D97-96a, "Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products."
(3) D129-00, "Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (General Bomb Method)."
(4) D388-99, "Standard Classification of Coals by Rank."
(5) D396-98, "Standard Specification for Fuel Oils."
(6) D975-98b, "Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils."
(7) D1072-90(1999), "Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Fuel Gases."
(8) D1265-97, "Standard Practice for Sampling Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases (Manual Method)."
(9) D2622-98, "Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry."
(10) D4057-95(2000), "Standard Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products."
(11) D4294-98, "Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum and Petroleum Products by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy."
(12) D523-89, "Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss" (1999).
(13) D1613-02, "Standard Test Method for Acidity in Volatile Solvents and Chemical Intermediates Used in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Products" (2002).
(14) D1640-95, "Standard Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of Organic Coatings at Room Temperature" (1999).
(15) E119-00a, "Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction Materials" (2000).
(16) E84-01, "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Construction Materials" (2001).
(17) D4214-98, "Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint Films" (1998).
(18) D86-01 D86-04b, "Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Atmospheric Pressure" (2001) (2004).
(19) D4359-90, "Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material is a Liquid or a Solid" (reapproved 2000).
(20) E260-96, "Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography" (reapproved 2001).
(21) D3912-95, "Standard Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Coatings Used in Light-Water Nuclear Power Plants" (reapproved 2001).
(22) D4082-02, "Standard Test Method for Effects of Gamma Radiation on Coatings for Use in Light-Water Nuclear Power Plants."
(23) F852-99, "Standard Specification for Portable Gasoline Containers for Consumer Use" (reapproved 2006).
(24) F976-02, "Standard Specification for Portable Kerosine and Diesel Containers for Consumer Use."
(25) D4457-02, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Dichloromethane and 1,1,1-Trichloroethane in Paints and Coatings by Direct Injection into a Gas Chromatograph" (reapproved 2008).
(26) D3792-05, "Standard Test Method for Water Content of Coatings by Direct Injection Into a Gas Chromatograph."
(27) D2879-97, "Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure-Temperature Relationship and Initial Decomposition Temperature of Liquids by Isoteniscope" (reapproved 2007).
b. Copies may be obtained from: American Society for Testing Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428-2959; phone (610) 832-9585.
5. American Petroleum Institute (API).
a. The following document from the American Petroleum Institute is incorporated herein by reference: Evaporative Loss from Floating Roof Tanks, API MPMS Chapter 19, April 1, 1997.
b. Copies may be obtained from: American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20005; phone (202) 682-8000.
6. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
a. The following document from the ACGIH is incorporated herein by reference: 1991-1992 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices (ACGIH Handbook).
b. Copies may be obtained from: ACGIH, 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive, Suite 600, Cincinnati, Ohio 45240; phone (513) 742-2020.
7. National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).
a. The documents specified below from the National Fire Prevention Association are incorporated herein by reference.
(1) NFPA 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 2000 Edition.
(2) NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2000 Edition.
(3) NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, 2000 Edition.
b. Copies may be obtained from the National Fire Prevention Association, One Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101; phone (617) 770-3000.
8. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
a. The documents specified below from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers are incorporated herein by reference.
(1) ASME Power Test Codes: Test Code for Steam Generating Units, Power Test Code 4.1-1964 (R1991).
(2) ASME Interim Supplement 19.5 on Instruments and Apparatus: Application, Part II of Fluid Meters, 6th edition (1971).
(3) Standard for the Qualification and Certification of Resource Recovery Facility Operators, ASME QRO-1-1994.
b. Copies may be obtained from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016; phone (800) 843-2763.
9. American Hospital Association (AHA).
a. The following document from the American Hospital Association is incorporated herein by reference: An Ounce of Prevention: Waste Reduction Strategies for Health Care Facilities, AHA Catalog no. W5-057007, 1993.
b. Copies may be obtained from: American Hospital Association, One North Franklin, Chicago, IL 60606; phone (800) 242-2626.
10. Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).
a. The following documents from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are incorporated herein by reference:
(1) Method 41, "Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Solvent-Based Coatings and Related Materials Containing Parachlorobenzotrifluoride" (December 20, 1995).
(2) Method 43, "Determination of Volatile Methylsiloxanes in Solvent-Based Coatings, Inks, and Related Materials" (November 6, 1996).
b. Copies may be obtained from: Bay Area Air Quality Management District, 939 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94109, phone (415) 771-6000.
11. South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
a. The following documents from the South Coast Air Quality Management District are incorporated herein by reference:
(1) Method 303-91, "Determination of Exempt Compounds," in Manual SSMLLABM, "Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples" (1996).
(2) Method 318-95, "Determination of Weight Percent Elemental Metal in Coatings by X-Ray Diffraction," in Manual SSMLLABM, "Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples" (1996).
(3) Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (February 28, 1991).
(4) Method 304-91, "Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Various Materials," in Manual SSMLLABM, "Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples" (1996).
(5) Method 316A-92, "Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Materials Used for Pipes and Fittings" in Manual SSMLLABM, "Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples" (1996).
(6) "General Test Method for Determining Solvent Losses from Spray Gun Cleaning Systems," October 3, 1989.
b. Copies may be obtained from: South Coast Air Quality Management District, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765, phone (909) 396-2000.
12. California Air Resources Board (CARB).
a. The following documents from the California Air Resources Board are incorporated herein by reference:
(1) Test Method 510, "Automatic Shut-Off Test Procedure for Spill-Proof Systems and Spill-Proof Spouts" (July 6, 2000).
(2) Test Method 511, "Automatic Closure Test Procedure for Spill-Proof Systems and Spill-Proof Spouts" (July 6, 2000).
(3) Test Method 512, "Determination of Fuel Flow Rate for Spill-Proof Systems and Spill-Proof Spouts" (July 6, 2000). Method 100, "Procedures for Continuous Gaseous Emission Stack Sampling" (July 28, 1997).
(4) Test Method 513, "Determination of Permeation Rate for Spill-Proof Systems" (July 6, 2000).
(5) Test Method 310 (including Appendices A and B), "Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Consumer Products and Reactive Organic Compounds in Aerosol Coating Products (Including Appendices A and B)" (July 18, 2001) (May 5, 2005).
(6) California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8.5, Article 1, § 94503.5 (2003).
(7) California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8.5, Article 2, §§ 94509 and 94511 (2003).
(8) California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8.5, Article 4, §§ 94540-94555 (2003).
(9) "Certification Procedure 501 for Portable Fuel Containers and Spill-Proof Spouts, CP-501" (July 26, 2006).
(10) "Test Procedure for Determining Integrity of Spill-Proof Spouts and Spill-Proof Systems, TP-501" (July 26, 2006).
(11) "Test Procedure for Determining Diurnal Emissions from Portable Fuel Containers, TP-502" (July 26, 2006).
b. Copies may be obtained from: California Air Resources Board, P.O. Box 2815, Sacramento, CA 95812, phone (906) 322-3260 or (906) 322-2990.
13. American Architectural Manufacturers Association.
a. The following documents from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association are incorporated herein by reference:
(1) Voluntary Specification 2604-02, "Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels" (2002).
(2) Voluntary Specification 2605-02, "Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels" (2002).
b. Copies may be obtained from: American Architectural Manufacturers Association, 1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550, Schaumburg, IL 60173, phone (847) 303-5664.
14. American Furniture Manufacturers Association.
a. The following document from the American Furniture Manufacturers Association is incorporated herein by reference: Joint Industry Fabrics Standards Committee, Woven and Knit Residential Upholstery Fabric Standards and Guidelines (January 2001).
b. Copies may be obtained from: American Furniture Manufacturers Association, P.O. Box HP-7, High Point, NC 27261; phone (336) 884-5000.
Article 48
Emission Standards for Mobile Equipment Repair and Refinishing Operations (Rule 4-48)
9VAC5-40-6970. Applicability and designation of affected facility.
A. Except as provided in subsection C of this section 9VAC5-40-6975, the affected facility to which the provisions of this article apply is each mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation. Certain provisions also apply to each person providing or selling affected coatings.
B. The provisions of this article apply only to sources and persons in the Northern Virginia, and Fredericksburg, and Richmond Volatile Organic Compound Emissions Control Areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.
C. The provisions of this article do not apply under any of the following circumstances:
1. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation is subject to Article 28 (9VAC5-40-3860 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (Emission Standards for Automobile and Light Duty Truck Coating Application Systems).
2. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation is subject to Article 34 (9VAC5-40-4760 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (Emission Standards for Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products Coating Application Systems).
3. The person applying the coatings does not receive compensation for the application of the coatings.
4. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operations uses coatings required to meet military specifications (MILSPEC) where no other existing coating can be used that meets the provisions of this article.
9VAC5-40-6975. Exemptions.
The provisions of this article do not apply under any of the following circumstances:
1. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation is subject to Article 28 (9VAC5-40-3860 et seq.) of 9VAC5-40 (Emission Standards for Automobile and Light Duty Truck Coating Application Systems).
2. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation is subject to Article 34 (9VAC5-40-4760 et seq.) of 9VAC5-40 (Emission Standards for Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products Coating Application Systems).
3. The person applying the coatings does not receive compensation for the application of the coatings.
4. The mobile equipment repair and refinishing operation uses coatings required to meet military specifications (MILSPEC) where no other existing coating can be used that meets the provisions of this article.
9VAC5-40-7050. Compliance schedule schedules.
Affected persons and facilities shall comply with the provisions of this article as expeditiously as possible but in no case later than:
1. January 1, 2005, in the Northern Virginia VOC Emissions Control Area; or
2. January 1, 2008, in the Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Area.; or
3. May 1, 2010, in the Richmond VOC Emissions Control Area.
CHAPTER 45
CONSUMER AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
Part I
Special Provisions
9VAC5-45-10. Applicability.
A. The provisions of this chapter, unless specified otherwise, shall apply to:
1. Any product for which an emission standard or other requirement is prescribed under this chapter; and
2. Any owner or other person that engages in or permits an operation that is subject to the provisions of this chapter. Such operations may include, but are not limited to, the manufacture, packaging, distribution, marketing, application, sale or use, or contracting for the application, sale, or use, of the products specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection.
B. The provisions set forth in subdivisions 1 through 6 of this subsection, unless specified otherwise, shall not apply to any product or operation for which emission standards are prescribed under this chapter.
1. The provisions of 9VAC5-20-160 (Registration).
2. The provisions of 9VAC5-20-180 (Facility and control equipment maintenance or malfunction).
3. The provisions of Article 1 (9VAC5-40-60 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources) and Article 1 (9VAC5-50-60 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources).
4. The provisions of Article 2 (9VAC5-40-130 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources) and Article 2 (9VAC5-50-130 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources).
5. The provisions of Article 4 (9VAC5-60-200 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources) and Article 5 (9VAC5-60-300 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources).
6. The provisions of Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.), Article 7 (9VAC5-80-1400 et seq.), Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1605 et seq.), and Article 9 (9VAC5-80-2000 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5-80 (Permits for Stationary Sources).
C. Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to exempt a stationary source from any provision of 9VAC5-40 (Existing Stationary Sources), 9VAC5-50 (New and Modified Stationary Sources), 9VAC5-60 (Hazardous Air Pollutant Sources) or 9VAC5-80 (Permits for Stationary Sources) that may apply.
D. Any owner or other person subject to the provisions of this chapter may provide any report, notification, or other document by electronic media if acceptable to both the owner and board. This subsection shall not apply to documents requiring signatures or certification under 9VAC5-20-230.
9VAC5-45-20. Compliance.
A. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, no owner or other person shall engage in or permit any applicable operation (such as the manufacture, packaging, distribution, marketing, application, sale or use, or contracting for the application, sale or use, of any product) in violation of a standard prescribed under this chapter after the effective date of such standard.
1. Compliance with standards in this chapter, other than opacity standards, shall be determined by emission tests established by 9VAC5-45-30, unless specified otherwise in the applicable standard.
2. Compliance with federal requirements in this chapter may be determined by alternative or equivalent methods only if approved by the administrator. For purposes of this subsection, federal requirements consist of the following:
a. New source performance standards established pursuant to § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act.
b. All terms and conditions in a federal operating permit, including any provisions that limit a source's potential to emit, unless expressly designated as not federally enforceable.
c. Limitations and conditions that are part of an implementation plan.
d. Limitations and conditions that are part of a § 111(d) or § 111(d)/129 plan.
e. Limitations and conditions that are part of a federal construction permit issued under 40 CFR 52.21 or any construction permit issued under regulations approved by EPA in accordance with 40 CFR Part 51.
f. Limitations and conditions that are part of an operating permit issued pursuant to a program approved by EPA into an implementation plan as meeting EPA's minimum criteria for federal enforceability, including adequate notice and opportunity for EPA and public comment prior to issuance of the final permit and practicable enforceability.
3. Compliance with opacity standards in this chapter shall be determined by conducting observations in accordance with Reference Method 9 or any alternative method. For purposes of determining initial compliance, the minimum total time of observations shall be three hours (30 six-minute averages) for the emission test or other set of observations (meaning those fugitive-type emission sources subject only to an opacity standard). Opacity readings of portions of plumes that contain condensed, uncombined water vapor shall not be used for purposes of determining compliance with opacity standards.
4. The opacity standards prescribed under this chapter shall apply at all times except during periods of startup, shutdown, malfunction, and as otherwise provided in the applicable standard. This exception shall not apply to the following federal requirements:
a. Limitations and conditions that are part of an implementation plan.
b. Limitations and conditions that are part of a federal construction permit issued under 40 CFR 52.21 or any construction permit issued under regulations approved by EPA in accordance with 40 CFR Part 51.
c. Limitations and conditions that are part of an operating permit issued pursuant to a program approved by EPA into an implementation plan as meeting EPA's minimum criteria for federal enforceability, including adequate notice and opportunity for EPA and public comment prior to issuance of the final permit and practicable enforceability.
B. No owner or other person subject to the provisions of this chapter shall fail to conduct emission tests as required under this chapter.
C. No owner or other person subject to the provisions of this chapter shall fail to install, calibrate, maintain, and operate equipment for continuously monitoring and recording emissions or process parameters or both as required under this chapter.
D. No owner or other person subject to the provisions of this chapter shall fail to provide notifications and reports, revise reports, maintain records, or report emission test or monitoring results as required under this chapter.
E. At all times, including periods of startup, shutdown, soot blowing and malfunction, owners shall, to the extent practicable, maintain and operate any equipment associated with an operation subject to the provisions of this chapter including associated air pollution control equipment in a manner consistent with air pollution control practices for minimizing emissions. Determination of whether acceptable operating and maintenance procedures are being used will be based on information available to the board, which may include, but is not limited to, monitoring results, opacity observations, review of operating and maintenance procedures, and inspection of the operation.
F. At all times the disposal of volatile organic compounds shall be accomplished by taking measures, to the extent practicable, consistent with air pollution control practices for minimizing emissions. Volatile organic compounds shall not be intentionally spilled, discarded in sewers that are not connected to a treatment plant, or stored in open containers or handled in any other manner that would result in evaporation beyond that consistent with air pollution control practices for minimizing emissions.
G. For the purpose of submitting compliance certifications or establishing whether or not an owner or other person has violated or is in violation of any standard in this chapter, nothing in this chapter shall preclude the use, including the exclusive use, of any credible evidence or information, relevant to whether a source would have been in compliance with applicable requirements if the appropriate emission or compliance test or procedure had been performed.
9VAC5-45-30. Emission testing.
A. Emission tests for operations and products subject to standards prescribed under this chapter shall be conducted and reported, and data shall be reduced as set forth in this chapter and in the appropriate reference methods unless the board (i) specifies or approves, in specific cases, the use of a reference method with minor changes in methodology; (ii) approves the use of an equivalent method; (iii) approves the use of an alternative method the results of which the board has determined to be adequate for indicating whether such operation or product is in compliance; (iv) waives the requirement for emission tests because the owner or other person has demonstrated by other means to the board's satisfaction that such operation or product is in compliance with the standard; or (v) approves shorter sampling times and smaller sample volumes when necessitated by process variables or other factors. In cases where no appropriate reference method exists for an operation or product subject to an emission standard for volatile organic compounds, the applicable test method in 9VAC5-20-121 may be considered appropriate.
B. Emission testing for operations and products subject to standards prescribed under this chapter shall be subject to testing guidelines approved by the board. Procedures may be adjusted or changed by the board to suit specific sampling conditions or needs based upon good practice, judgment, and experience. When such tests are adjusted, consideration shall be given to the effect of such change on established emission standards. Tests shall be performed under the direction of persons whose qualifications are acceptable to the board.
C. Emission tests for operations and products subject to standards prescribed under this chapter shall be conducted under conditions that the board shall specify to the owner, based on representative performance of such operation or product. The owner shall make available to the board such records as may be necessary to determine the conditions of the emission tests. Operations during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction shall not constitute representative conditions for the purpose of an emission test unless otherwise specified in the applicable standard.
D. An owner may request that the board determine the opacity of emissions from operations or control devices that are subject to the provisions of this chapter during the emission tests required by this section.
E. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable test method or procedure, each emission test for an operation or product subject to standards prescribed under this chapter shall consist of three separate runs using the applicable test method. Each run shall be conducted for the time and under the conditions acceptable to the board. For the purpose of determining compliance with an applicable standard, the arithmetic mean of the results of the three runs shall apply. In the event that a sample is accidentally lost, or if conditions occur in which one of the three runs must be discontinued because of forced shutdown, failure of an irreplaceable portion of the sample train, extreme meteorological conditions, or other circumstances beyond the owner's control, compliance may, upon the approval of the board, be determined using the arithmetic mean of the results of the two other runs.
F. The board may test emissions of volatile organic compounds from any operation or product subject to standards prescribed under this chapter. Upon request of the board the owner shall provide, or cause to be provided, emission testing facilities as follows:
1. Sampling ports adequate for test methods applicable to such source. This includes (i) constructing the air pollution control system such that volumetric flow rates and pollutant emission rates can be accurately determined by applicable test methods and procedures and (ii) providing a stack or duct with acceptable flow characteristics during emission tests, as demonstrated by applicable test methods and procedures.
2. Safe sampling platforms.
3. Safe access to sampling platforms.
4. Utilities for sampling and testing equipment.
5. Test enclosures for determining capture efficiency.
G. The board may, at its discretion, accept other demonstrations of compliance in lieu of emission testing, such as the results of manufacturer emission testing of a product batch or manufacturer product batch formulation records.
H. Upon request of the board, any owner or other person causing or permitting any operation subject to the provisions of this chapter shall conduct emission tests in accordance with procedures approved by the board.
9VAC5-45-40. Monitoring.
A. Unless otherwise approved by the board, owners or other persons subject the provisions of an standard under this chapter shall install, calibrate, maintain, and operate systems for continuously monitoring and recording emissions of specified pollutants as specified in the applicable article of this chapter. However, nothing in this chapter shall exempt any owner from complying with subsection F of this section.
B. All continuous monitoring systems and monitoring devices shall be installed and operational prior to conducting emission tests required under 9VAC5-45-30. Verification of operational status shall, as a minimum, include completion of the manufacturer's written requirements or recommendations for installation, operation, and calibration of the device and completion of any conditioning period specified by the appropriate specification in Appendix B of 40 CFR Part 60.
C. During any emissions tests required under 9VAC5-45-30 or within 30 days thereafter and at such other times as may be requested by the board, the owner or other person subject to the requirements of subsection A of this section shall conduct continuous monitoring system performance evaluations and furnish the board within 60 days of them two or, upon request, more copies of a written report of the results of such tests. These continuous monitoring system performance evaluations shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements and procedures specified in the applicable emission standard, the requirements contained in applicable procedures in 9VAC5-20-121, and the requirements and procedures equivalent to those contained in the appropriate specification of Appendix B of 40 CFR Part 60.
D. Unless otherwise approved by the board, all continuous monitoring systems required by subsection A of this section shall be installed, calibrated, maintained, and operated in accordance with (i) applicable requirements in this section, (ii) requirements in the applicable emission standard, and (iii) requirements equivalent to those in 40 CFR 60.13.
E. After receipt and consideration of written application, the board may approve alternatives to any monitoring procedures or requirements of this chapter including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Alternative monitoring requirements when installation of a continuous monitoring system or monitoring device specified by this chapter would not provide accurate measurements due to liquid water or other interferences caused by substances within the effluent gases.
2. Alternative monitoring requirements when the source is infrequently operated.
3. Alternative monitoring requirements to accommodate continuous monitoring systems that require additional measurements to correct for stack moisture conditions.
4. Alternative locations for installing continuous monitoring systems or monitoring devices when the owner can demonstrate the installation at alternate locations will enable accurate and representative measurements.
5. Alternative methods of converting pollutant concentration measurements to units of the standards.
6. Alternative procedures for computing emission averages that do not require integration of data (e.g., some facilities may demonstrate that the variability of their emissions is sufficiently small to allow accurate reduction of data based upon computing averages from equally spaced data points over the averaging period).
7. Alternative monitoring requirements when the effluent from a single source or the combined effluent from two or more sources are released to the atmosphere through more than one point.
8. Alternative procedures for performing calibration checks.
9. Alternative monitoring requirements when the requirements of this section would impose an extreme economic burden on the owner.
10. Alternative monitoring requirements when the continuous monitoring systems cannot be installed due to physical limitations at the source.
F. Upon request of the board, the owner or other person subject to the provisions of this chapter shall install, calibrate, maintain, and operate equipment for continuously monitoring and recording emissions or process parameters or both in accordance with methods and procedures acceptable to the board.
9VAC5-45-50. Notification, records and reporting.
A. Any owner or other person subject to the continuous monitoring provisions of 9VAC5-45-40 C shall provide written notifications to the board of the following:
1. The date upon which demonstration of the continuous monitoring system performance begins in accordance with 9VAC5-45-40 C. Notification shall be postmarked not less than 30 days prior to such date.
2. The date of any emission test the owner wishes the board to consider in determining compliance with a standard. Notification shall be postmarked not less than 30 days prior to such date.
3. The anticipated date for conducting the opacity observations required by 9VAC5-45-20 A 3. The notification shall also include, if appropriate, a request for the board to provide a visible emissions reader during an emission test. The notification shall be postmarked not less than 30 days prior to such date.
B. Any owner or other person subject to the continuous monitoring provisions of 9VAC5-45-40 A shall maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction of the operation subject to the provisions of an article under this chapter; any malfunction of the air pollution control equipment; or any periods during which a continuous monitoring system or monitoring device is inoperative.
C. Each owner or other person required to install a continuous monitoring system (CMS) or monitoring device shall submit a written report of excess emissions (as defined in the applicable emission standard) and either a monitoring systems performance report or a summary report form, or both, to the board semiannually, except when (i) more frequent reporting is specifically required by an applicable emission standard or the CMS data are to be used directly for compliance determination, in which case quarterly reports shall be submitted; or (ii) the board, on a case-by-case basis, determines that more frequent reporting is necessary to accurately assess the compliance status of the source. The summary report and form shall meet the requirements of 40 CFR 60.7(d). The frequency of reporting requirements may be reduced as provided in 40 CFR 60.7(e). All reports shall be postmarked by the 30th day following the end of each calendar half (or quarter, as appropriate). Written reports of excess emissions shall include the following information:
1. The magnitude of excess emissions computed in accordance with 9VAC5-40-41 B 6, any conversion factors used, and the date and time of commencement and completion of each period of excess emissions.
2. The process operating time during the reporting period.
3. Specific identification of each period of excess emissions that occurs during startups, shutdowns, and malfunctions of the source.
4. The nature and cause of any malfunction (if known), the corrective action taken or preventative measures adopted.
5. The date and time identifying each period during which the continuous monitoring system was inoperative except for zero and span checks and the nature of the system repairs or adjustments.
6. When no excess emissions have occurred or the continuous monitoring systems have not been inoperative, repaired, or adjusted, such information shall be stated in the report.
D. Any owner or other person subject to the continuous monitoring provisions of 9VAC5-45-40 or monitoring requirements of an article under this chapter shall maintain a file of all measurements, including continuous monitoring system, monitoring device, and emission testing measurements; all continuous monitoring system performance evaluations; all continuous monitoring system or monitoring device calibration checks; adjustments and maintenance performed on these systems or devices; and all other information required by this chapter recorded in a permanent form suitable for inspection. The file shall be retained for at least two years (unless a longer period is specified in the applicable standard) following the date of such measurements, maintenance, reports, and records.
E. Any data or information required by the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution, any permit or order of the board, or which the owner wishes the board to consider, to determine compliance with an emission standard shall be recorded or maintained in a time frame consistent with the averaging period of the standard.
F. Any owner or other person that is subject to the provisions of this chapter shall keep records as may be necessary to determine its emissions. Any owner or other person claiming that an operation or product is exempt from the provisions of the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution shall keep records as may be necessary to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board its continued exempt status.
G. Unless otherwise specified by the provisions of an article under this chapter, all records required to determine compliance with the provisions of an article under this chapter shall be maintained by the owner or other person subject to such provision for two years from the date such record is created and shall be made available to the board upon request.
H. Upon request of the board, the owner or other person subject to the provisions of this chapter shall provide notifications and report, revise reports, maintain records, or report emission test or monitoring results in a manner and form and using procedures acceptable to board.
I. Information submitted to the board to meet the requirements of this chapter shall be available to the public except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia.
Part II
Emission Standards
Article 1
Emission Standards for Portable Fuel Containers and Spouts Manufactured before May 1, 2010
9VAC5-45-60. Applicability.
A. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-70, the provisions of this article apply to any portable fuel container or spout manufactured before May 1, 2010. The provisions of Article 2 (9VAC5-45-160 et seq.) of this part apply to portable fuel containers and spouts manufactured on or after May 1, 2010.
B. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-70, the provisions of this article apply to any owner or other person who sells, supplies, offers for sale, or manufactures for sale portable fuel containers or spouts.
C. The provisions of this article apply only to owners and other persons in the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg Volatile Organic Compound Emissions Control Areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.
9VAC5-45-70. Exemptions.
A. The provisions of this article do not apply to any portable fuel container or spout manufactured for shipment, sale, and use outside of the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-60.
B. The provisions of this article do not apply to a manufacturer or distributor who sells, supplies, or offers for sale a portable fuel container or spout that does not comply with the emission standards specified in 9VAC5-45-90, as long as the manufacturer or distributor can demonstrate that: (i) the portable fuel container or spout is intended for shipment and use outside of the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-60 C; and (ii) the manufacturer or distributor has taken reasonable prudent precautions to assure that the portable fuel container or spout is not distributed within the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-60 C. This subsection does not apply to portable fuel containers or spouts that are sold, supplied, or offered for sale to retail outlets.
C. The provisions of this article do not apply to safety cans meeting the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart F.
D. The provisions of this article do not apply to portable fuel containers with a nominal capacity less than or equal to one quart.
E. The provisions of this article do not apply to rapid refueling devices with nominal capacities greater than or equal to four gallons, provided (i) such devices are designed for use in officially sanctioned off-highway motor sports such as car racing or motorcycle competitions, and (ii) such devices either create a leak-proof seal against a stock target fuel tank, or are designed to operate in conjunction with a receiver permanently installed on the target fuel tank.
F. The provisions of this article do not apply to portable fuel tanks manufactured specifically to deliver fuel through a hose attached between the portable fuel tank and the outboard engine for the purpose of operating the outboard engine.
G. The provisions of this article do not apply to closed-system portable fuel containers that are used exclusively for fueling remote control model airplanes.
H. For purposes of this article, the terms "supply" or "supplied" do not include internal transactions within a business or governmental entity. These terms only apply to transactions between manufacturers/commercial distributors that sell, or otherwise provide, products to businesses/governmental entities/individuals.
9VAC5-45-80. Definitions.
A. For the purpose of applying this article in the context of the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution and related uses, the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in subsection C of this section.
B. As used in this article, all terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5-10 (General Definitions) unless otherwise required by context.
C. Terms defined.
"ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials.
"CARB" means California Air Resources Board.
"Consumer" means any person who purchases or otherwise acquires a new portable fuel container or spout for personal, family, household, or institutional use. Persons acquiring a portable fuel container or spout for resale are not "consumers" for that product.
"Distributor" means any person to whom a portable fuel container or spout is sold or supplied for the purpose of resale or distribution in commerce. This term does not include manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
"Fuel" means all motor fuels subject to any provision of Chapter 12 (§ 59.1-149 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia, excluding liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen. This term includes, but is not limited to, gasoline, diesel fuel, and gasoline-alcohol blends.
"Manufacturer" means any person who imports, manufactures, assembles, produces, packages, repackages, or re-labels a portable fuel container or spout.
"Nominal capacity" means the volume indicated by the manufacturer that represents the maximum recommended filling level.
"Outboard engine" means a spark-ignition marine engine that, when properly mounted on a marine watercraft in the position to operate, houses the engine and drive unit external to the hull of the marine watercraft.
"Permeation" means the process by which individual fuel molecules may penetrate the walls and various assembly components of a portable fuel container directly to the outside ambient air.
"Portable fuel container" means any container or vessel with a nominal capacity of 10 gallons or less intended for reuse that is designed, used, sold, advertised for sale, or offered for sale for receiving, transporting, storing, and dispensing fuel. Portable fuel containers do not include containers or vessels permanently embossed or permanently labeled as described in 49 CFR 172.407 (a) with language indicating that the containers or vessels are solely intended for use with nonfuel products.
"Retail outlet" means any establishment at which portable fuel containers or spouts are sold, supplied, or offered for sale.
"Retailer" means any person who owns, leases, operates, controls, or supervises a retail outlet.
"Spill-proof spout" means any spout that complies with the standards specified in 9VAC5-45-90 B and the administrative requirements in 9VAC5-45-100.
"Spill-proof system" means any configuration of portable fuel container and firmly attached spout that complies with the standards in 9VAC5-45-90 A and the administrative requirements in 9VAC5-45-100.
"Spout" means any device that can be firmly attached to a portable fuel container and through which the contents of the container may be poured. A spout does not include a device that can be used to lengthen the spout to accommodate necessary applications.
"Target fuel tank" means any receptacle that receives fuel from a portable fuel container.
9VAC5-45-90. Standard for volatile organic compounds.
A. No owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for sale any portable fuel container after the compliance dates specified in 9VAC5-45-120 A unless that portable fuel container meets all of the following standards for spill-proof systems:
1. Has an automatic shut-off that stops the fuel flow before the target fuel tank overflows.
2. Automatically closes and seals when removed from the target fuel tank and remains completely closed when not dispensing fuel.
3. Has only one opening for both filling and pouring.
4. Does not exceed a permeation rate of 0.4 grams per gallon per day.
5. Is warranted by the manufacturer for a period of not less than one year against defects in materials and workmanship.
B. No owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for sale any spout after the compliance dates specified in 9VAC5-45-120 unless that spout meets all of the following standards for spill-proof spouts:
1. Has an automatic shut-off that stops the fuel flow before the target fuel tank overflows.
2. Automatically closes and seals when removed from the target fuel tank and remains completely closed when not dispensing fuel.
3. Is warranted by the manufacturer for a period of not less than one year against defects in materials and workmanship.
C. The test procedures for determining compliance with the standards in this section are set forth in 9VAC5-45-130. The manufacturer of portable fuel containers or spouts shall perform the tests for determining compliance as set forth in 9VAC5-45-130 to show that its product meets the standards of this section prior to allowing the product to be offered for sale. The manufacturer shall maintain records of these compliance tests for as long as the product is available for sale and shall make those test results available within 60 days of request.
D. Compliance with the standards in this section does not exempt spill-proof systems or spill-proof spouts from compliance with other applicable federal and state statutes and regulations such as state fire codes, safety codes, and other safety regulations, nor will the board test for or determine compliance with such other statutes or regulations.
E. The following provisions apply to sell through of portable fuel containers and spouts manufactured before May 1, 2010:
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and B of this section, a portable fuel container or spout manufactured before the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-120 A, may be sold, supplied, or offered for sale after the applicable compliance date, if the date of manufacture or a date code representing the date of manufacture is clearly displayed on the portable fuel container or spout.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and B of this section, a portable fuel container or spout manufactured after the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-120 A and before May 1, 2010 may be sold, supplied, or offered for sale after May 1, 2010, if it complies with all of the provisions of Article 2 (9VAC5-45-160 et seq.) of this part.
3. Except as provided in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection, displaying the date of manufacture, or a code indicating the date of manufacture, on the product container or package does not exempt the owner or product from the provisions of this article.
9VAC5-45-100. Administrative requirements.
A. Each manufacturer of a portable fuel container subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-90 A shall clearly display on each spill-proof system:
1. The phrase "Spill-Proof System";
2. A date of manufacture or representative date code; and
3. A representative code identifying the portable fuel container as subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-90 A.
B. Each manufacturer of a spout subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-90 B shall clearly display on the accompanying package, or for spill-proof spouts sold without packaging, on either the spill-proof spout or a label affixed thereto:
1. The phrase "Spill-Proof Spout";
2. A date of manufacture or representative date code; and
3. A representative code identifying the spout as subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-90 B.
C. Each manufacturer subject to subsection A or B shall file an explanation of both the date code and representative code with the board no later than the later of three months after the effective date of this article or within three months of production, and within three months after any change in coding.
D. Each manufacturer of a spout subject to subsection B of this section shall clearly display the make, model number, and size of those portable fuel containers the spout is designed to accommodate and for which the manufacturer can demonstrate the container's compliance with 9VAC5-45-90 on the accompanying package, or for spill-proof spouts sold without packaging, on either the spill-proof spout or a label affixed thereto.
E. Manufacturers of portable fuel containers not subject to or not in compliance with 9VAC5-45-90 may not display the phrase "Spill-Proof System" or "Spill-Proof Spout" on the portable fuel container or spout or on any sticker or label affixed thereto or on any accompanying package.
F. Each manufacturer of a portable fuel container or spout subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-90 that due to its design or other features cannot be used to refuel on-road motor vehicles shall clearly display the phrase "Not Intended For Refueling On-Road Motor Vehicles" in type of 34 point or greater on each of the following:
1. For a portable fuel container sold as a spill-proof system, on the system or on a label affixed thereto, and on the accompanying package, if any; and
2. For a spill-proof spout sold separately from a spill-proof system, on either the spill-proof spout, or a label affixed thereto, and on the accompanying package, if any.
9VAC5-45-110. Compliance.
The provisions of subsections B, D, F, and G of 9VAC5-45-20 (Compliance) apply. The other provisions of 9VAC5-45-20 do not apply.
9VAC5-45-120. Compliance schedules.
A. Affected persons shall comply with the provisions of this article as expeditiously as possible but in no case later than:
1. January 1, 2005, in the Northern Virginia VOC Emissions Control Area; or
2. January 1, 2008, in the Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Area.
B. Any owner or other person who cannot comply with the provisions of this article by the date specified in subsection A of this section, due to extraordinary reasons beyond that person's reasonable control, may apply in writing to the board for a waiver. The waiver application shall set forth:
1. The specific grounds upon which the waiver is sought, including the facts that support the extraordinary reasons that compliance is beyond the applicant's reasonable control;
2. The proposed date by which compliance with the provisions of this article will be achieved; and
3. A compliance report detailing the methods by which compliance will be achieved.
C. No waiver may be granted unless all of the following findings are made:
1. That, due to reasons beyond the reasonable control of the applicant, required compliance with this article would result in extraordinary economic hardship;
2. That the public interest in mitigating the extraordinary hardship to the applicant by issuing the waiver outweighs the public interest in avoiding any increased emissions of air contaminants that would result from issuing the waiver; and
3. That the compliance report proposed by the applicant can reasonably be implemented and shall achieve compliance as expeditiously as possible.
D. Any approval of a waiver shall specify a final compliance date by which compliance with the requirements of this article shall be achieved. Any approval of a waiver shall contain a condition that specifies the increments of progress necessary to assure timely compliance and such other conditions that the board finds necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.
E. A waiver shall cease to be effective upon the failure of the party to whom the waiver was granted to comply with any term or condition of the waiver.
F. Upon the application of any person, the board may review, and for good cause, modify or revoke a waiver from requirements of this article.
9VAC5-45-130. Test methods and procedures.
A. The provisions of subsection G of 9VAC5-45-30 (Emission testing) apply. The other provisions of 9VAC5-45-30 do not apply.
B. Testing to determine compliance with 9VAC5-45-90 B of this article shall be performed by using the following test procedures (see 9VAC5-20-21):
1. CARB "Automatic Shut-Off Test Procedure for Spill-Proof Systems and Spill-Proof Spouts."
2. CARB "Automatic Closure Test Procedure for Spill-Proof Systems and Spill-Proof Spouts."
C. Testing to determine compliance with 9VAC5-45-90 A of this article shall be performed by using all test procedures in subsection B of this section and the following test procedure: CARB Determination of Permeation Rate for Spill-Proof Systems (see 9VAC5-20-21). Alternative methods that are shown to be accurate, precise, and appropriate may be used upon written approval of the board.
9VAC5-45-140. Monitoring.
The provisions of 9VAC5-45-40 (Monitoring) do not apply.
9VAC5-45-150. Notification, records and reporting.
The provisions of subsections E, F, and G of 9VAC5-45-50 (Notification, records and reporting) apply. The other provisions of 9VAC5-45-50 do not apply.
Article 2
Emission Standards for Portable Fuel Containers and Spouts Manufactured On or After May 1, 2010
9VAC5-45-160. Applicability.
A. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-170, the provisions of this article apply to any portable fuel container or spout manufactured on or after May 1, 2010. The provisions of Article 1 (9VAC5-45-60 et seq.) of this part apply to portable fuel containers and spouts manufactured before May 1, 2010.
B. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-170, the provisions of this article apply to any owner or other person who sells, supplies, offers for sale, advertises for sale, or manufactures for sale portable fuel containers or spouts.
C. The provisions of this article apply only to owners and other persons in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond Volatile Organic Compound Emissions Control Areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.
9VAC5-45-170. Exemptions.
A. The provisions of this article do not apply to any portable fuel container or spout manufactured for shipment, sale, and use outside of the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-160 C.
B. The provisions of this article do not apply to a manufacturer or distributor who sells, supplies, or offers for sale a portable fuel container or spout that does not comply with the emission standards specified in 9VAC5-45-190, as long as the manufacturer or distributor can demonstrate that: (i) the portable fuel container or spout is intended for shipment and use outside of the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-160 C; and (ii) the manufacturer or distributor has taken reasonable prudent precautions to assure that the portable fuel container or spout is not distributed within the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-160 C. This subsection does not apply to portable fuel containers or spouts that are sold, supplied, or offered for sale to retail outlets.
C. The provisions of this article do not apply to safety cans meeting the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart F.
D. The provisions of this article do not apply to portable fuel containers with a nominal capacity less than or equal to one quart.
E. The provisions of this article do not apply to rapid refueling devices with nominal capacities greater than or equal to four gallons provided (i) such devices are designed for use in officially sanctioned off-highway motor sports such as car racing or motorcycle competitions, and (ii) such devices either create a leak-proof seal against a stock target fuel tank, or are designed to operate in conjunction with a receiver permanently installed on the target fuel tank.
F. The provisions of this article do not apply to portable fuel tanks manufactured specifically to deliver fuel through a hose attached between the portable fuel tank and the outboard engine for the purpose of operating the outboard engine.
G. The provisions of this article do not apply to closed-system portable fuel containers that are used exclusively for fueling remote control model airplanes.
H. For purposes of this article, the terms "supply" or "supplied" do not include internal transactions within a business or governmental entity. These terms only apply to transactions between manufacturers/commercial distributors that sell, or otherwise provide, products to businesses/governmental entities/individuals.
9VAC5-45-180. Definitions.
A. For the purpose of applying this article in the context of the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution and related uses, the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in subsection C of this section.
B. As used in this article, all terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5-10 (General Definitions) unless otherwise required by context.
C. Terms defined.
"ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials.
"CARB" means California Air Resources Board.
"CARB certification executive order" means a CARB decision, signed by the CARB Executive Officer and specifying that one or more portable fuel containers or spouts has been certified by CARB to meet the requirements of CARB "Certification Procedure 501 for Portable Fuel Containers and Spill-Proof Spouts, CP-501" (see 9VAC5-20-21)
"Consumer" means any person who purchases or otherwise acquires a new portable fuel container or spout for personal, family, household, or institutional use. Persons acquiring a portable fuel container or spout for resale are not "consumers" for that product.
"Distributor" means any person to whom a portable fuel container or spout is sold or supplied for the purpose of resale or distribution in commerce. This term does not include manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
"Fuel" means all motor fuels subject to any provision of Chapter 12 (§ 59.1-149 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia, excluding liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen. This term includes, but is not limited to, gasoline, diesel fuel, and gasoline-alcohol blends.
"Kerosene" or "kerosine" means any light petroleum distillate that is commonly or commercially known, sold, or represented as kerosene, that is used in space heating, cook stoves, and water heaters, and that is suitable for use as a light source when burned in wick-fed lamps.
"Manufacturer" means any person who imports, manufactures, assembles, produces, packages, repackages, or re-labels a portable fuel container or spout.
"Nominal capacity" means the volume indicated by the manufacturer that represents the maximum recommended filling level.
"Outboard engine" means a spark-ignition marine engine that, when properly mounted on a marine watercraft in the position to operate, houses the engine and drive unit external to the hull of the marine watercraft.
"Permeation" means the process by which individual fuel molecules may penetrate the walls and various assembly components of a portable fuel container directly to the outside ambient air.
"Portable fuel container" means any container or vessel with a nominal capacity of 10 gallons or less intended for reuse that is designed, used, sold, advertised for sale, or offered for sale for receiving, transporting, storing, and dispensing fuel or kerosene. Portable fuel containers do not include containers or vessels permanently embossed or permanently labeled as described in 49 CFR 172.407 (a) with language indicating that the containers or vessels are solely intended for use with nonfuel or nonkerosene products.
"Product category" means the applicable category that best describes the product with respect to its nominal capacity, material construction, fuel flow rate, and permeation rate, as applicable, as determined by the board.
"Retail outlet" means any establishment at which portable fuel containers or spouts are sold, supplied, or offered for sale.
"Retailer" means any person who owns, leases, operates, controls, or supervises a retail outlet.
"Spill-proof spout" means any spout that is certified by the board to be in compliance with the standards specified in 9VAC5-45-190 B and complies with the administrative requirements in 9VAC5-45-220.
"Spill-proof system" means any configuration of portable fuel container and firmly attached spout that is certified by the board to be in compliance with the standards in 9VAC5-45-190 B and complies with the administrative requirements in 9VAC5-45-220.
"Spout" means any device that can be firmly attached to a portable fuel container and through which the contents of the container may be poured. A spout does not include a device that can be used to lengthen the spout to accommodate necessary applications.
"Target fuel tank" means any receptacle that receives fuel from a portable fuel container.
9VAC5-45-190. Standard for volatile organic compounds.
A. The following provisions apply to portable fuel containers and spouts manufactured on or after May 1, 2010:
1. No owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale or advertise for sale any portable fuel container or spout manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, unless that portable container or spout is certified by the board to be a spill-proof system or spill-proof spout that is in compliance with the standards in subsection B of this section, in accordance with the certification procedures specified in 9VAC5-45-200.
2. No owner or other person shall manufacture for sale any portable fuel container or spout on or after May 1, 2010, unless that portable container or spout is certified by the board to be a spill-proof system or spill-proof spout that is in compliance with the standards in subsection B of this section in accordance with the certification procedures specified in 9VAC5-45-200.
B. The following standards apply to each portable fuel container or spout manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, that is subject to the provisions of this article:
1. Portable fuel containers shall be color coded and marked as follows:
a. Portable fuel containers shall be color coded for specific fuels:
(1) Gasoline - red;
(2) Diesel - yellow; and
(3) Kerosene - blue.
b. Each portable fuel container shall have identification markings on the container and on the spill-proof spout.
(1) Red containers shall be permanently identified with the embossed language or permanent durable label "GASOLINE" in minimum 34-point Arial font or a font of equivalent proportions.
(2) Yellow containers shall be permanently identified with the embossed language, or permanent durable label "DIESEL" in minimum 34-point Arial font or a font of equivalent proportions.
(3) Blue containers shall be permanently identified with the embossed language, or permanent durable label "KEROSENE" in minimum 34-point Arial font or a font of equivalent proportions.
2. Portable fuel containers shall comply with emissions standards as follows:
a. Portable fuel containers that are equipped with an intended spill-proof spout shall emit no more than 0.3 grams per gallon per day.
b. Compliance with emission standards in this subdivision shall be determined using the test procedure specified in 9VAC5-45-250 B 2.
c. Portable fuel containers that share similar designs, that are constructed of identical materials, and that are manufactured using identical processes, but vary only in size or color may be considered for certification as a product family.
3. Portable fuel containers and spouts shall comply with the specifications for durability in subsection 7.4 of the test procedure specified in 9VAC5-45-250 B 2.
4. There shall be no fluid leakage from any point in the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout as specified in the test procedures specified in 9VAC5-45-250 B 1 and 2.
5. The spill-proof system or spill-proof spout shall automatically close when the spill-proof spout is removed from the target tank, seal, and remain completely closed when not dispensing fuel, as specified in the test procedure specified in 9VAC5-45-250 B 1. Also, no liquid, beyond wetted surfaces, shall be retained in the spill-proof spout after fueling that may evaporate into the atmosphere.
6. An applicant seeking certification of a portable fuel container or spout from the board pursuant to this article shall also:
a. Warrant that its spill-proof system or spill-proof spout is free from defects in materials and workmanship that cause such systems or spill-proof spouts to fail to conform with each of the certification and compliance standards specified in CARB "Certification Procedure 501 for Portable Fuel Containers and Spill-Proof Spouts, CP-501," for a period of one year from the date of sale; and
b. Supply a copy of the warranty language specified in subdivision a of this subdivision that is supplied to the buyer in the packaging for each spill-proof system or spill-proof spout at the time of sale identifying the following minimum requirements:
(1) A statement of the terms and length of the warranty period;
(2) An unconditional statement that the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout is certified to the requirements in subdivision a of this subdivision (which may be referred to as being certified to California requirements); and
(3) A listing of the specific certification requirements or limitations to which it was certified.
7. An applicant shall supply a copy of the operating instructions intended for each spill-proof system or spill-proof spout, and fueling application, as supplied to the buyer in the packaging for each spill-proof system or spill-proof spout at the time of sale. These instructions shall include, at a minimum, the following specifications:
a. A listing of any specific equipment types, such as passenger cars and trucks, lawn and garden equipment, off-road motorcycles and snowmobiles, industrial equipment, and marine vessels that the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout, is not intended to refuel; and
b. Other instructions, such as the recommended fueling angle(s) or special instructions such as venting prior to use.
8. Spill-proof systems, spill-proof spouts and all components incorporated therein, such as gaskets, seals, or O-rings must demonstrate compliance with the requirements specified in 9VAC5-45-250 B 3 and 4. Applicants may request limited certification for use with only specified fuel blends. Such fuel-specific certifications shall clearly specify the limits and restrictions of the certification.
9. A portable fuel container may incorporate a secondary opening or vent hole (i.e., an opening other than the opening needed for the spout) provided the secondary opening or vent hole is not easily tampered by a consumer, and it does not emit hydrocarbon vapors in excess of the amounts specified in this section during fueling, storage, transportation, or handling events.
C. The test procedures for determining compliance with the standards in this section are set forth in 9VAC5-45-250. The manufacturer of portable fuel containers or spouts shall perform the tests for determining compliance as set forth in 9VAC5-45-250 to show that its product meets the standards of this section prior to allowing the product to be offered for sale. The manufacturer shall maintain records of these compliance tests for as long as the product is available for sale and shall make those test results available within 60 days of request.
D. Compliance with the standards in this section does not exempt spill-proof systems or spill-proof spouts from compliance with other applicable federal and state statutes and regulations such as state fire codes, safety codes, and other safety regulations, nor will the board test for or determine compliance with such other statutes or regulations.
9VAC5-45-200. Certification procedures.
A. Provisions follow concerning the requirements and process for board certification of a portable fuel container or spout manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, as a spill-proof system or spill-proof spout.
B. To be considered by the board for certification, an application for certification shall be submitted in writing to the board by the manufacturer of the portable fuel container or spout.
1. Except as provided in subdivision D 2 of this section, the application shall contain the following information:
a. An identification of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the company, owner or other persons that are submitting the application, and the names and phone numbers of contact persons that are knowledgeable concerning the application.
b. Model numbers and sizes of spill-proof systems or spill-proof spouts for which certification is requested.
c. Test data that demonstrates that the spill-proof systems or spill-proof spouts comply with each of the certification requirements identified in 9VAC5-45-190 B.
d. Engineering drawings of the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout detailing dimensions specific to each component. If an application is submitted for a spill-proof system (i.e., container and spout), separate dimensioned drawings for the portable fuel container and for the spill-proof spout are required. If more than one type or size of portable fuel container or more than one type of spill-proof spout is included in the application, separate dimensioned drawings are required for each component.
e. Test data from each of the test procedures specified in 9VAC5-45-250 B 1 and 2 demonstrating that the spill-proof system, spill-proof spout, or component meets the applicable criteria.
f. Any other test data that supports the requirements in subdivision e of this subsection and that would assist in the determination of certification.
g. The language, symbols, or patterns that will actually be permanently embossed on the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout. This shall include examples of date code wheels as well as all other permanent markings and their locations on the container and/or spill-proof spout. Once the board certifies a spill-proof system or spill-proof spout, these permanent markings cannot be altered or modified in any way without first obtaining the board's approval.
h. The language or labels that may be affixed to the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout at the time of sale.
i. The manufacturer's recommended instructions, instruction decals, or any other type of placard attached to the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout at the time of sale. Include examples of actual decals or placards if available. Proposed placards or decals are sufficient if actual samples are not available. Once the board certifies a spill-proof system or spill-proof spout, these decals or placards cannot be altered or modified in any way without first obtaining the board's approval.
j. The manufacturer warranty(s) as defined in 9VAC5-45-190 B 6.
k. A description of the materials used in the construction of the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout. Material compositions of gaskets, O-rings, and seals must be described.
l. If the applicant is not the manufacturer of all system components incorporated in a spill-proof system or spill-proof spout, the applicant must include evidence that the component manufacturers have been notified of the applicant's intended use of the manufacturers' components in the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout for which the application is being made.
(1) If the applicant is requesting inclusion of one or more components not manufactured by it on the applicable spill-proof system or spill-proof spout, the applicant shall notify the component manufacturers and obtain the information required of the application as specified in this subsection.
(2) If the component design and material specifications requested for inclusion in the certification have not been previously incorporated in a spill-proof system or spill-proof spout that has been issued a CARB certification Executive Order or has been certified by the board pursuant to these procedures, each of the components shall be subject to each of the application and test requirements specified in this article.
m. A sample of the spill-proof system or spill-proof spout is not required as part of the initial application for certification. The board may later require that a sample be provided if it is deemed necessary to make the proper certification determination.
n. The document certification statement required by 9VAC5-20-230, signed by a responsible official as defined in that section.
o. The information required by subdivision B 1 a of this section is public information that may not be claimed as confidential. Other information submitted to the board to meet the requirements of this article shall be available to the public except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia.
2. In accordance with the time periods specified in subsection C of this section, the board will certify a portable fuel container or spout. The board will specify such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure that the emissions from the portable fuel containers or spouts do not exceed the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-190. The certification shall also include operational terms, conditions, and data to be reported to the board to ensure that all requirements of this article are met.
C. Provisions follow concerning the portable fuel container or spout certification time frames.
1. The board will take appropriate action on an application within the following time periods:
a. Within 30 working days of receipt of an application, the board will inform the applicant in writing that either:
(1) The application is complete and accepted for filing, or
(2) The application is deficient, and identify the specific information required to make the application complete.
b. Within 30 working days of receipt of additional information provided in response to a determination that an application is deficient, the board will inform the applicant in writing that either:
(1) The additional information is sufficient to make the application complete, and the application is accepted for filing, or
(2) The application is deficient, and identify the specific information required to make the application complete.
c. If the board finds that an application meets the requirements of subsection B of this section, then it shall certify that the requirements have been met in accordance with the requirements of this article. The board will normally act to approve or disapprove a complete application within 90 working days after the application is deemed complete.
2. The board may extend the time period in subdivision 1 c of this subsection if additional information is needed.
D. In accordance with the following procedures, the board will take into consideration whether the portable fuel container or spout has been certified by CARB.
1. In lieu of granting certification based upon review of an application as required under subsection B of this section, certification may be granted by the board as follows:
a. Certification may be granted solely on the basis of the effective CARB certification executive order, or
b. Certification may be granted on the basis of the effective CARB certification executive order, modified as necessary by the board to meet the requirements of this article.
2. An abbreviated application may be submitted by a manufacturer requesting certification by the board under subdivision 1 of this subsection. The abbreviated application shall include, as a minimum:
a. A request by the manufacturer that certification be granted by the board based upon an effective CARB certification executive order.
b. A copy of the effective CARB certification executive order, including all conditions established by CARB applicable to the CARB certification executive order.
c. A certification that the manufacturer will (i) comply with the applicable CARB certification executive order within the volatile organic compound emissions control areas specified in 9VAC5-45-160 C and (ii) comply with any additional terms and conditions that the board may specify in granting certification under this subsection.
d. Manufacturer and product information as specified in subdivisions B 1 a and b of this section.
e. The document certification statement required by 9VAC5-20-230 certifying the information in the application and signed by a responsible official.
4. The board's certification shall contain such terms and conditions as necessary to adapt terms and conditions in the CARB certification executive order to satisfy the provisions of this article.
5. Any board certification granted under this subsection is contingent upon the effective CARB certification executive order provided with the application. Board certification granted on the basis of this subsection automatically expires on the date that the CARB certification executive order upon which it was based is no longer effective.
9VAC5-45-210. Innovative products.
Manufacturers of portable fuel containers or spouts may seek an innovative products exemption in accordance with the following criteria:
1. The board will exempt a portable fuel container or spout from one or more of the requirements specified in 9VAC5-45-190 if a manufacturer demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that, due to some characteristic of the product formulation, design, delivery systems, or other factors, the use of the product will result in cumulative VOC emissions below the highest emitting representative spill-proof system or representative spill-proof spout in its product category as determined from applicable testing.
2. A manufacturer (applicant) shall apply in writing to the board for an innovative product exemption. The application shall include the supporting documentation that quantifies the emissions from the innovative product, including the actual physical test methods used to generate the data. In addition, the applicant must provide the information necessary to enable the board to establish enforceable conditions for granting the exemption. The application shall also include the certification statement required by 9VAC5-20-230 signed by a responsible official. Information submitted by a manufacturer pursuant to this section shall be available to the public except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia.
3. Within 30 days of receipt of the exemption application, the board will determine whether an application is complete.
4. Within 90 days after an application has been deemed complete, the board will determine whether, under what conditions, and to what extent an exemption from the requirements of 9VAC5-45-190 will be permitted. The board may extend this time period if additional time is needed to reach a decision. An applicant may submit additional supporting documentation before a decision has been reached. The board will notify the applicant of the decision in writing and specify such terms and conditions as are necessary to insure that emissions from the product will meet the emissions reductions specified in subdivision 1 of this section, and that such emissions reductions can be enforced.
5. In granting an innovative product exemption for a portable fuel container or spout, the board will specify the test methods for determining conformance to the conditions established pursuant to subdivision 4 of this section. The test methods may include criteria for reproducibility, accuracy, and sampling and laboratory procedures.
6. For any portable fuel container or spout for which an innovative product exemption has been granted pursuant to this section, the manufacturer shall notify the board in writing at least 30 days before the manufacturer changes a product's design, delivery system, or other factors that may effect the VOC emissions during recommended usage. The manufacturer shall also notify the board within 30 days after the manufacturer learns of any information that would alter the emissions estimates submitted to the board in support of the exemption application.
7. If the standards specified in 9VAC5-45-190 are amended for a product category, all innovative product exemptions granted for products in the product category, except as provided in subdivision 8 of this subsection, have no force and effect as of the effective date of the amended standards.
8. If the board believes that a portable fuel container or spout for which an exemption has been granted no longer meets the criteria for an innovative product specified in subdivision 1 of this section, the board may modify or revoke the exemption as necessary to assure that the product will meet these criteria.
9VAC5-45-220. Administrative requirements.
A. Each manufacturer of a portable fuel container subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-190 shall clearly display on each spill-proof system:
1. The phrase "Spill-Proof System";
2. A date of manufacture or representative date code; and
3. A representative code identifying either:
a. The portable fuel container as subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-190; or
b. The effective CARB certification executive order issued for the portable fuel container.
B. Each manufacturer of a spout subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-190 shall clearly display on the accompanying package, or for spill-proof spouts sold without packaging, on either the spill-proof spout or a label affixed thereto:
1. The phrase "Spill-Proof Spout";
2. A date of manufacture or representative date code; and
3. A representative code identifying either:
a. The spout as subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-190; or
b. The effective CARB certification executive order issued for the spout.
C. Each manufacturer subject to subsection A or B shall file an explanation of both the date code and representative code with the board no later than the later of three months after the effective date of this article or within three months of production, and within three months after any change in coding.
D. Each manufacturer of a spout subject to subsection B of this section shall clearly display the make, model number, and size of those portable fuel containers the spout is designed to accommodate and for which the manufacturer can demonstrate the container's compliance with 9VAC5-45-190 on the accompanying package, or for spill-proof spouts sold without packaging, on either the spill-proof spout or a label affixed thereto.
E. Manufacturers of portable fuel containers not subject to or not in compliance with 9VAC5-45-190 may not display the phrase "Spill-Proof System" or "Spill-Proof Spout" on the portable fuel container or spout or on any sticker or label affixed thereto or on any accompanying package.
F. Each manufacturer of a portable fuel container or spout subject to and complying with 9VAC5-45-190 that due to its design or other features cannot be used to refuel on-road motor vehicles shall clearly display the phrase "Not Intended For Refueling On-Road Motor Vehicles" in type of 34 point or greater on each of the following:
1. For a portable fuel container sold as a spill-proof system, on the system or on a label affixed thereto, and on the accompanying package, if any; and
2. For a spill-proof spout sold separately from a spill-proof system, on either the spill-proof spout, or a label affixed thereto, and on the accompanying package, if any.
9VAC5-45-230. Compliance.
The provisions of subsections B, D, F, and G of 9VAC5-45-20 (Compliance) apply. The other provisions of 9VAC5-45-20 do not apply.
9VAC5-45-240. Compliance schedules.
A. Affected persons shall comply with the provisions of this article as expeditiously as possible but in no case later than May 1, 2010.
B. Any owner or other person who cannot comply with the provisions of this article by the date specified in subsection A of this section, due to extraordinary reasons beyond that person's reasonable control, may apply in writing to the board for a waiver. The waiver application shall set forth:
1. The specific grounds upon which the waiver is sought, including the facts that support the extraordinary reasons that compliance is beyond the applicant's reasonable control;
2. The proposed date by which compliance with the provisions of this article will be achieved; and
3. A compliance report detailing the methods by which compliance will be achieved.
C. No waiver may be granted unless all of the following findings are made:
1. That, due to reasons beyond the reasonable control of the applicant, required compliance with this article would result in extraordinary economic hardship;
2. That the public interest in mitigating the extraordinary hardship to the applicant by issuing the waiver outweighs the public interest in avoiding any increased emissions of air contaminants that would result from issuing the waiver; and
3. That the compliance report proposed by the applicant can reasonably be implemented and shall achieve compliance as expeditiously as possible.
D. Any approval of a waiver shall specify a final compliance date by which compliance with the requirements of this article shall be achieved. Any approval of a waiver shall contain a condition that specifies the increments of progress necessary to assure timely compliance and such other conditions that the board finds necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.
E. A waiver shall cease to be effective upon the failure of the party to whom the waiver was granted to comply with any term or condition of the waiver.
F. Upon the application of any person, the board may review, and for good cause, modify or revoke a waiver from requirements of this article.
9VAC5-45-250. Test methods and procedures.
A. The provisions of subsection G of 9VAC5-45-30 (Emission testing) apply. The other provisions of 9VAC5-45-30 do not apply.
B. Testing to determine compliance with 9VAC5-45-190 B of this article shall be performed by using the following test procedures specified in CARB "Certification Procedure 501 for Portable Fuel Containers and Spill-Proof Spouts, CP-501" (see 9VAC5-20-21):
1. CARB "Test Procedure for Determining Integrity of Spill-Proof Spouts and Spill-Proof Systems, TP-501" (see 9VAC5-20-21).
2. CARB "Test Procedure for Determining Diurnal Emissions from Portable Fuel Containers, TP-502" (see 9VAC5-20-21).
3. ASTM "Standard Specification for Portable Kerosine and Diesel Containers for Consumer Use" (see 9VAC5-20-21).
4. ASTM "Standard Specification for Portable Gasoline Containers for Consumer Use" (see 9VAC5-20-21).
C. Alternative methods that are shown to be accurate, precise, and appropriate may be used upon written approval of the board.
9VAC5-45-260. Monitoring.
The provisions of 9VAC5-45-40 (Monitoring) do not apply.
9VAC5-45-270. Notification, records and reporting.
The provisions of subsections E, F, and G of 9VAC5-45-50 (Notification, records and reporting) apply. The other provisions of 9VAC5-45-50 do not apply.
Article 3
Emission Standards for Consumer Products Manufactured before May 1, 2010
9VAC5-45-280. Applicability.
A. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-290, the provisions of this article apply to any consumer product manufactured before May 1, 2010, that contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The provisions of Article 4 (9VAC5-45-400 et seq.) of this part apply to consumer products manufactured on or after May 1, 2010.
B. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-290, the provisions of this article apply to any owner or other person who sells, supplies, offers for sale or manufactures for sale any consumer product.
C. The provisions of this article apply to owners and other persons in the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg Volatile Organic Compound Emissions Control Areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.
D. For purposes of this article, the terms "supply" or "supplied" do not include internal transactions within a business or governmental entity. These terms only apply to transactions between manufacturers/commercial distributors that sell, or otherwise provide, products to businesses/governmental entities/individuals.
9VAC5-45-290. Exemptions.
A. This article shall not apply to any consumer product manufactured in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-280 C for shipment and use outside of those areas.
B. The provisions of this article shall not apply to a manufacturer or distributor who sells, supplies, or offers for sale a consumer product that does not comply with the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A, as long as the manufacturer or distributor can demonstrate both that the consumer product is intended for shipment and use outside of the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-280 C, and that the manufacturer or distributor has taken reasonable prudent precautions to assure that the consumer product is not distributed to those applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas. This subsection does not apply to consumer products that are sold, supplied, or offered for sale by any person to retail outlets in those applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas.
C. The medium volatility organic compound (MVOC) content standards specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A for antiperspirants or deodorants shall not apply to ethanol.
D. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A shall not apply to fragrances up to a combined level of 2.0% by weight contained in any consumer product and shall not apply to colorants up to a combined level of 2.0% by weight contained in any antiperspirant or deodorant.
E. The requirements of 9VAC5-45-310 A for antiperspirants or deodorants shall not apply to those volatile organic compounds that contain more than 10 carbon atoms per molecule and for which the vapor pressure is unknown, or that have a vapor pressure of 2 mm Hg or less at 20°C.
F. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A shall not apply to any LVP-VOC.
G. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A shall not apply to air fresheners that are composed entirely of fragrance, less compounds not defined as VOCs or LVP-VOC exempted under subsection F of this section.
H. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A shall not apply to air fresheners and insecticides containing at least 98% paradichlorobenzene.
I. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A shall not apply to adhesives sold in containers of one fluid ounce or less.
J. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A shall not apply to bait station insecticides. For the purpose of this section, bait station insecticides are containers enclosing an insecticidal bait that is not more than 0.5 ounce by weight, where the bait is designed to be ingested by insects and is composed of solid material feeding stimulants with less than 5.0% active ingredients.
K. A person who cannot comply with the requirements set forth in 9VAC5-45-310, because of extraordinary reasons beyond the person's reasonable control may apply in writing to the board for a waiver.
1. The application shall set forth:
a. The specific grounds upon which the waiver is sought, including the facts that support the extraordinary reasons that compliance is beyond the applicant's reasonable control;
b. The proposed dates by which compliance with the provisions of 9VAC5-45-310 will be achieved; and
c. A compliance report reasonably detailing the methods by which compliance will be achieved.
2. Upon receipt of an application containing the information required in subdivision 1 of this subsection, the board will hold a public hearing to determine whether, under what conditions, and to what extent, a waiver from the requirements in 9VAC5-45-310 is necessary and will be permitted. A hearing shall be initiated no later than 75 days after receipt of a waiver application. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be sent to the applicant by certified mail not less than 30 days prior to the hearing. Notice of the hearing shall also be submitted for publication in the Virginia Register of Regulations. At least 30 days prior to the hearing, the waiver application shall be made available to the public for inspection. Information submitted to the board by a waiver applicant shall be available to the public except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia. The board may consider both public and confidential information in reaching a decision on a waiver application. Interested members of the public shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to testify at the hearing and their testimony shall be considered.
3. No waiver shall be granted unless all of the following findings are made:
a. That, because of reasons beyond the reasonable control of the applicant, requiring compliance with 9VAC5-45-310 would result in extraordinary economic hardship;
b. That the public interest in mitigating the extraordinary hardship to the applicant by issuing the waiver outweighs the public interest in avoiding any increased emissions of air pollutants that would result from issuing the waiver; and
c. That the compliance report proposed by the applicant can reasonably be implemented and will achieve compliance as expeditiously as possible.
4. Any waiver may be issued as an order of the board. The waiver order shall specify a final compliance date by which the requirements of 9VAC5-45-310 will be achieved. Any waiver order shall contain a condition that specifies increments of progress necessary to assure timely compliance and such other conditions that the board, in consideration of the testimony received at the hearing, finds necessary to carry out the purposes of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and the regulations of the board.
5. A waiver shall cease to be effective upon failure of the party to whom the waiver was granted to comply with any term or condition of the waiver order.
6. Upon the application of anyone, the board may review and for good cause modify or revoke a waiver from requirements of 9VAC5-45-310.
L. The requirements of 9VAC5-45-340 A shall not apply to consumer products registered under FIFRA.
9VAC5-45-300. Definitions.
A. For the purpose of applying this article in the context of the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution and related uses, the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in subsection C of this section.
B. As used in this article, all terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5-10 (General Definitions), unless otherwise required by context.
C. Terms defined.
"ACP" or "alternative control plan" means any emissions averaging program approved by the board pursuant to the provisions of this article.
"ACP agreement" means the document signed by the board that includes the conditions and requirements of the board and that allows manufacturers to sell ACP products pursuant to the requirements of this article.
"ACP emissions" means the sum of the VOC emissions from every ACP product subject to an ACP agreement approving an ACP, during the compliance period specified in the ACP agreement, expressed to the nearest pound of VOC and calculated according to the following equation:
where:
1, 2, ...N = each product in an ACP up to the maximum N.
Enforceable sales = (see definition in this section).
VOC content = one of the following:
1. For all products except for charcoal lighter material products:
where:
A = total net weight of unit (excluding container and packaging).
B = total weight of all VOCs per unit.
C = total weight of all exempted VOCs per unit, as specified in 9VAC5-45-290.
2. For charcoal lighter material products only:
where:
Certified emissions = (see definition in this section).
Certified use rate = (see definition in this section).
"ACP limit" means the maximum allowable ACP emissions during the compliance period specified in an ACP agreement approving an ACP, expressed to the nearest pound of VOC and calculated according to the following equation:
where:
where:
Enforceable sales = (see definition in this section).
ACP standard = (see definition in this section).
1, 2, ...N = each product in an ACP up to the maximum N.
"ACP product" means any consumer product subject to the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A, except those products that have been exempted as innovative products under 9VAC5-45-330.
"ACP reformulation" or "ACP reformulated" means the process of reducing the VOC content of an ACP product within the period that an ACP is in effect to a level that is less than the current VOC content of the product.
"ACP standard" means either the ACP product's pre-ACP VOC content or the applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A, whichever is the lesser of the two.
"ACP VOC standard" means the maximum allowable VOC content for an ACP product, determined as follows:
1. The applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A for all ACP products except for charcoal lighter material;
2. For charcoal lighter material products only, the VOC standard for the purposes of this article shall be calculated according to the following equation:
where:
0.020 = the certification emissions level for the product, as specified in 9VAC5-45-310 F.
Certified use rate = (see definition in this section).
"Adhesive" means any product that is used to bond one surface to another by attachment. Adhesive does not include products used on humans and animals, adhesive tape, contact paper, wallpaper, shelf liners, or any other product with an adhesive incorporated onto or in an inert substrate. For contact adhesive only, adhesive also does not include units of product, less packaging, that consist of more than one gallon. In addition, for construction, panel, and floor covering adhesive and general purpose adhesive only, adhesive does not include units of product, less packaging, that weigh more than one pound and consist of more than 16 fluid ounces. The package size limitations do not apply to aerosol adhesives.
"Adhesive remover" means a product designed to remove adhesive from either a specific substrate or a variety of substrates. Adhesive remover does not include products that remove adhesives intended exclusively for use on humans or animals. For the purpose of this definition, adhesive shall mean a substance used to bond one or more materials. Adhesives include, but are not limited to, caulks, sealants, glues, or similar substances used for the purpose of forming a bond.
"Aerosol adhesive" means an aerosol product in which the spray mechanism is permanently housed in a nonrefillable can designed for hand-held application without the need for ancillary hoses or spray equipment. Aerosol adhesives include special purpose spray adhesives, mist spray adhesives, and web spray adhesives.
"Aerosol cooking spray" means any aerosol product designed either to reduce sticking on cooking and baking surfaces or to be applied on food, or both.
"Aerosol product" means a pressurized spray system that dispenses product ingredients by means of a propellant contained in a product or a product's carrier, or by means of a mechanically induced force. Aerosol product does not include pump sprays.
"Agricultural use" means the use of any pesticide or method or device for the control of pests in connection with the commercial production, storage, or processing of any animal or plant crop. Agricultural use does not include the sale or use of pesticides in properly labeled packages or containers that are intended for home use, use in structural pest control, industrial use, or institutional use. For the purposes of this definition only:
1. "Home use" means use in a household or its immediate environment.
2. "Industrial use" means use for or in a manufacturing, mining, or chemical process or use in the operation of factories, processing plants, and similar sites.
3. "Institutional use" means use within the perimeter of, or on property necessary for the operation of, buildings such as hospitals, schools, libraries, auditoriums, and office complexes.
4. "Structural pest control" means a use requiring a license under the applicable state pesticide licensing requirement.
"Air freshener" means any consumer product including, but not limited to, sprays, wicks, powders, and crystals, designed for the purpose of masking odors or freshening, cleaning, scenting, or deodorizing the air. Air fresheners do not include products that are used on the human body, products that function primarily as cleaning products (as indicated on a product label), disinfectant products claiming to deodorize by killing germs on surfaces, or institutional or industrial disinfectants when offered for sale solely through institutional and industrial channels of distribution. Air fresheners do include spray disinfectants and other products that are expressly represented for use as air fresheners, except institutional and industrial disinfectants when offered for sale through institutional and industrial channels of distribution. To determine whether a product is an air freshener, all verbal and visual representations regarding product use on the label or packaging and in the product's literature and advertising may be considered. The presence of, and representations about, a product's fragrance and ability to deodorize (resulting from surface application) shall not constitute a claim of air freshening.
"All other carbon-containing compounds" means all other compounds that contain at least one carbon atom and are not an "exempt compound" or an "LVP-VOC."
"All other forms" means all consumer product forms for which no form-specific VOC standard is specified. Unless specified otherwise by the applicable VOC standard, all other forms include, but are not limited to, solids, liquids, wicks, powders, crystals, and cloth or paper wipes (towelettes).
"Alternative control plan" or "ACP" means any emissions averaging program approved by the board pursuant to the provisions of this article.
"Antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap" means a cleaner or soap that is designed to reduce the level of microorganisms on the skin through germicidal activity. Antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap includes, but is not limited to, antimicrobial hand or body washes or cleaners, food handler hand washes, healthcare personnel hand washes, pre-operative skin preparations, and surgical scrubs. Antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap does not include prescription drug products, antiperspirants, astringent or toner, deodorant, facial cleaner or soap, general-use hand or body cleaner or soap, hand dishwashing detergent (including antimicrobial), heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap, medicated astringent or medicated toner, and rubbing alcohol.
"Antiperspirant" means any product including, but not limited to, aerosols, roll-ons, sticks, pumps, pads, creams, and squeeze-bottles, that is intended by the manufacturer to be used to reduce perspiration in the human axilla by at least 20% in at least 50% of a target population.
"Architectural coating" means a coating applied to stationary structures and their appurtenances, to mobile homes, to pavements, or to curbs.
"ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials.
"Astringent or toner" means any product not regulated as a drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration that is applied to the skin for the purpose of cleaning or tightening pores. This category also includes clarifiers and substrate-impregnated products. This category does not include any hand, face, or body cleaner or soap product, medicated astringent or medicated toner, cold cream, lotion, or antiperspirant.
"Automotive brake cleaner" means a cleaning product designed to remove oil, grease, brake fluid, brake pad material, or dirt from motor vehicle brake mechanisms.
"Automotive hard paste wax" means an automotive wax or polish that is:
1. Designed to protect and improve the appearance of automotive paint surfaces;
2. A solid at room temperature; and
3. Contains no water.
"Automotive instant detailer" means a product designed for use in a pump spray that is applied to the painted surface of automobiles and wiped off prior to the product being allowed to dry.
"Automotive rubbing or polishing compound" means a product designed primarily to remove oxidation, old paint, scratches or swirl marks, and other defects from the painted surfaces of motor vehicles without leaving a protective barrier.
"Automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze" means a product designed to seal out moisture, increase gloss, or otherwise enhance a motor vehicle's painted surfaces. Automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze includes, but is not limited to, products designed for use in auto body repair shops and drive-through car washes, as well as products designed for the general public. Automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze does not include automotive rubbing or polishing compounds, automotive wash and wax products, surfactant-containing car wash products, and products designed for use on unpainted surfaces such as bare metal, chrome, glass, or plastic.
"Automotive windshield washer fluid" means any liquid designed for use in a motor vehicle windshield washer system either as an antifreeze or for the purpose of cleaning, washing, or wetting the windshield. Automotive windshield washer fluid also includes liquids that are (i) packaged as a pre-wetted, single-use manual wipe and (ii) designed exclusively for cleaning, washing, or wetting automotive glass surfaces for the purpose of restoring or maintaining visibility for the driver. Glass cleaners that are intended for use on other glass surfaces are not included in this definition. Automotive windshield washer fluid does not include fluids placed by the manufacturer in a new vehicle.
"Bathroom and tile cleaner" means a product designed to clean tile or surfaces in bathrooms. Bathroom and tile cleaners do not include products designed primarily to clean toilet bowls or toilet tanks.
"Bug and tar remover" means a product labeled to remove either or both of the following from painted motor vehicle surfaces without causing damage to the finish: (i) biological residues, such as insect carcasses and tree sap, and (ii) road grime, such as road tar, roadway paint markings, and asphalt.
"CARB" means the California Air Resources Board.
"Carburetor or fuel-injection air intake cleaner" means a product designed to remove fuel deposits, dirt, or other contaminants from a carburetor, choke, throttle body of a fuel-injection system, or associated linkages. Carburetor or fuel-injection air intake cleaner does not include products designed exclusively to be introduced directly into the fuel lines or fuel storage tank prior to introduction into the carburetor or fuel injectors.
"Carpet and upholstery cleaner" means a cleaning product designed for the purpose of eliminating dirt and stains on rugs, carpeting, and the interior of motor vehicles or on household furniture or objects upholstered or covered with fabrics such as wool, cotton, nylon, or other synthetic fabrics. Carpet and upholstery cleaners include, but are not limited to, products that make fabric protectant claims. Carpet and upholstery cleaners do not include general purpose cleaners, spot removers, vinyl or leather cleaners, dry cleaning fluids, or products designed exclusively for use at industrial facilities engaged in furniture or carpet manufacturing.
"Certified emissions" means the emissions level for products approved under 9VAC5-45-310 F, as determined pursuant to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21), expressed to the nearest 0.001 pound VOC per start.
"Certified use rate" means the usage level for products approved under 9VAC5-45-310 F, as determined pursuant to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21), expressed to the nearest 0.001 pound certified product used per start.
"Charcoal lighter material" means any combustible material designed to be applied on, incorporated in, added to, or used with charcoal to enhance ignition. Charcoal lighter material does not include any of the following:
1. Electrical starters and probes;
2. Metallic cylinders using paper tinder;
3. Natural gas;
4. Propane; or
5. Fat wood.
"Colorant" means any pigment or coloring material used in a consumer product for an aesthetic effect or to dramatize an ingredient.
"Compliance period" means the period of time, not to exceed one year, for which the ACP limit and ACP emissions are calculated and for which compliance with the ACP limit is determined, as specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP.
"Construction, panel, and floor covering adhesive" means any one-component adhesive that is designed exclusively for the installation, remodeling, maintenance, or repair of:
1. Structural and building components that include, but are not limited to, beams, trusses, studs, paneling (drywall or drywall laminates, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), plywood, particle board, insulation board, predecorated hardboard or tileboard, etc.), ceiling and acoustical tile, molding, fixtures, countertops or countertop laminates, cove or wall bases, and flooring or subflooring; or
2. Floor or wall coverings that include, but are not limited to, wood or simulated wood covering, carpet, carpet pad or cushion, vinyl-backed carpet, flexible flooring material, nonresilient flooring material, mirror tiles and other types of tiles, and artificial grass.
Construction, panel, and floor covering adhesive does not include floor seam sealer.
"Consumer" means a person who purchases or acquires a consumer product for personal, family, household, or institutional use. Persons acquiring a consumer product for resale are not consumers for that product.
"Consumer product" means a chemically formulated product used by household and institutional consumers including, but not limited to, detergents; cleaning compounds; polishes; floor finishes; cosmetics; personal care products; home, lawn, and garden products; disinfectants; sanitizers; aerosol paints; and automotive specialty products, but does not include other paint products, furniture coatings, or architectural coatings. As used in this article, consumer products shall also refer to aerosol adhesives, including aerosol adhesives used for consumer, industrial, or commercial uses.
"Contact adhesive" means an adhesive that:
1. Is designed for application to both surfaces to be bonded together;
2. Is allowed to dry before the two surfaces are placed in contact with each other;
3. Forms an immediate bond that is impossible, or difficult, to reposition after both adhesive-coated surfaces are placed in contact with each other; and
4. Does not need sustained pressure or clamping of surfaces after the adhesive-coated surfaces have been brought together using sufficient momentary pressure to establish full contact between both surfaces.
Contact adhesive does not include rubber cements that are primarily intended for use on paper substrates. Contact adhesive also does not include vulcanizing fluids that are designed and labeled for tire repair only.
"Contact person" means a representative that has been designated by the responsible ACP party for the purpose of reporting or maintaining information specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP.
"Container or packaging" means the part or parts of the consumer or institutional product that serve only to contain, enclose, incorporate, deliver, dispense, wrap, or store the chemically formulated substance or mixture of substances that is solely responsible for accomplishing the purposes for which the product was designed or intended. Containers or packaging include any article onto or into which the principal display panel and other accompanying literature or graphics are incorporated, etched, printed, or attached.
"Crawling bug insecticide" means an insecticide product that is designed for use against ants, cockroaches, or other household crawling arthropods, including, but not limited to, mites, silverfish, or spiders. Crawling bug insecticide does not include products designed to be used exclusively on humans or animals or a house dust mite product. For the purposes of this definition only:
1. "House dust mite product" means a product whose label, packaging, or accompanying literature states that the product is suitable for use against house dust mites, but does not indicate that the product is suitable for use against ants, cockroaches, or other household crawling arthropods.
2. "House dust mite" means mites that feed primarily on skin cells shed in the home by humans and pets and that belong to the phylum Arthropoda, the subphylum Chelicerata, the class Arachnida, the subclass Acari, the order Astigmata, and the family Pyroglyphidae.
"Date-code" means the day, month, and year on which the consumer product was manufactured, filled, or packaged, or a code indicating such a date.
"Deodorant" means any product that is intended by the manufacturer to be used to minimize odor in the human axilla by retarding the growth of bacteria that cause the decomposition of perspiration. Deodorant includes, but is not limited to, aerosols, roll-ons, sticks, pumps, pads, creams, and squeeze-bottles.
"Device" means an instrument or contrivance (other than a firearm) that is designed for trapping, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest or other form of plant or animal life (other than human and other than bacterium, virus, or another microorganism on or in living humans or other living animals); but not including equipment used for the application of pesticides when sold separately therefrom.
"Disinfectant" means a product intended to destroy or irreversibly inactivate infectious or other undesirable bacteria, pathogenic fungi, or viruses on surfaces or inanimate objects and whose label is registered under the FIFRA. Disinfectant does not include any of the following:
1. Products designed solely for use on humans or animals;
2. Products designed for agricultural use;
3. Products designed solely for use in swimming pools, therapeutic tubs, or hot tubs; or
4. Products that, as indicated on the principal display panel or label, are designed primarily for use as bathroom and tile cleaners, glass cleaners, general purpose cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, or metal polishes.
"Distributor" means a person to whom a consumer product is sold or supplied for the purposes of resale or distribution in commerce, except that manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are not distributors.
"Double phase aerosol air freshener" means an aerosol air freshener with the liquid contents in two or more distinct phases that require the product container to be shaken before use to mix the phases, producing an emulsion.
"Dry cleaning fluid" means a nonaqueous liquid product designed and labeled exclusively for use on:
1. Fabrics that are labeled "for dry clean only," such as clothing or drapery; or
2. S-coded fabrics.
Dry cleaning fluid includes, but is not limited to, those products used by commercial dry cleaners and commercial businesses that clean fabrics such as draperies at the customer's residence or work place. Dry cleaning fluid does not include spot remover or carpet and upholstery cleaner. For the purposes of this definition, "S-coded fabric" means an upholstery fabric designed to be cleaned only with water-free spot cleaning products as specified by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association Joint Industry Fabrics Standards Committee, Woven and Knit Residential Upholstery Fabric Standards and Guidelines (see 9VAC5-20-21).
"Dusting aid" means a product designed to assist in removing dust and other soils from floors and other surfaces without leaving a wax or silicone-based coating. Dusting aid does not include pressurized gas dusters.
"Electronic cleaner" means a product labeled for the removal of dirt, grease, or grime from electrical equipment such as electric motors, circuit boards, electricity panels, and generators.
"Enforceable sales" means the total amount of an ACP product sold for use in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-280 C during the applicable compliance period specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP, as determined through enforceable sales records (expressed to the nearest pound, excluding product container and packaging).
"Enforceable sales record" means a written, point-of-sale record or another board-approved system of documentation from which the mass, in pounds (less product container and packaging), of an ACP product sold to the end user in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-280 C during the applicable compliance period can be accurately documented. For the purposes of this article, enforceable sales records include, but are not limited to, the following types of records:
1. Accurate records of direct retail or other outlet sales to the end user during the applicable compliance period;
2. Accurate compilations, made by independent market surveying services, of direct retail or other outlet sales to the end users for the applicable compliance period, provided that a detailed method that can be used to verify data composing such summaries is submitted by the responsible ACP party and approved by the board; and
3. Other accurate product sales records acceptable to the board.
"Engine degreaser" means a cleaning product designed to remove grease, grime, oil, and other contaminants from the external surfaces of engines and other mechanical parts.
"Exempt compound" means acetone, ethane, methyl acetate, parachlorobenzotrifluoride (1-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl benzene), or perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene).
"Fabric protectant" means a product designed to be applied to fabric substrates to protect the surface from soiling from dirt and other impurities or to reduce absorption of liquid into the fabric's fibers. Fabric protectant does not include waterproofers, products designed for use solely on leather, or products designed for use solely on fabrics that are labeled "for dry clean only" and sold in containers of 10 fluid ounces or less.
"Facial cleaner or soap" means a cleaner or soap designed primarily to clean the face. Facial cleaner or soap includes, but is not limited to, facial cleansing creams, gels, liquids, lotions, and substrate-impregnated forms. Facial cleaner or soap does not include prescription drug products, antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap, astringent or toner, general-use hand or body cleaner or soap, medicated astringent or medicated toner, or rubbing alcohol.
"Fat wood" means pieces of wood kindling with high naturally-occurring levels of sap or resin that enhance ignition of the kindling. Fat wood does not include kindling with substances added to enhance flammability, such as wax-covered or wax-impregnated wood-based products.
"FIFRA" means the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 USC § 136-136y).
"Flea and tick insecticide" means an insecticide product that is designed for use against fleas, ticks, their larvae, or their eggs. Flea and tick insecticide does not include products that are designed to be used exclusively on humans or animals and their bedding.
"Flexible flooring material" means asphalt, cork, linoleum, no-wax, rubber, seamless vinyl, and vinyl composite flooring.
"Floor polish or wax" means a wax, polish, or other product designed to polish, protect, or enhance floor surfaces by leaving a protective coating that is designed to be periodically replenished. Floor polish or wax does not include spray buff products, products designed solely for the purpose of cleaning floors, floor finish strippers, products designed for unfinished wood floors, and coatings subject to architectural coatings regulations.
"Floor seam sealer" means a product designed and labeled exclusively for bonding, fusing, or sealing (coating) seams between adjoining rolls of installed flexible sheet flooring.
"Floor wax stripper" means a product designed to remove natural or synthetic floor polishes or waxes through breakdown of the polish or wax polymers or by dissolving or emulsifying the polish or wax. Floor wax stripper does not include aerosol floor wax strippers or products designed to remove floor wax solely through abrasion.
"Flying bug insecticide" means an insecticide product that is designed for use against flying insects or other flying arthropods, including but not limited to flies, mosquitoes, moths, or gnats. Flying bug insecticide does not include wasp and hornet insecticide, products that are designed to be used exclusively on humans or animals, or a moth-proofing product. For the purposes of this definition only, "moth-proofing product" means a product whose label, packaging, or accompanying literature indicates that the product is designed to protect fabrics from damage by moths, but does not indicate that the product is suitable for use against flying insects or other flying arthropods.
"Fragrance" means a substance or complex mixture of aroma chemicals, natural essential oils, and other functional components, the sole purpose of which is to impart an odor or scent, or to counteract a malodor.
"Furniture coating" means a paint designed for application to room furnishings including, but not limited to, cabinets (kitchen, bath and vanity), tables, chairs, beds, and sofas.
"Furniture maintenance product" means a wax, polish, conditioner, or other product designed for the purpose of polishing, protecting, or enhancing finished wood surfaces other than floors. Furniture maintenance products do not include dusting aids, products designed solely for the purpose of cleaning, and products designed to leave a permanent finish such as stains, sanding sealers, and lacquers.
"Gel" means a colloid in which the disperse phase has combined with the continuous phase to produce a semisolid material, such as jelly.
"General purpose adhesive" means a nonaerosol adhesive designed for use on a variety of substrates. General purpose adhesive does not include:
1. Contact adhesives;
2. Construction, panel, and floor covering adhesives;
3. Adhesives designed exclusively for application on one specific category of substrates (i.e., substrates that are composed of similar materials, such as different types of metals, paper products, ceramics, plastics, rubbers, or vinyls); or
4. Adhesives designed exclusively for use on one specific category of articles (i.e., articles that may be composed of different materials but perform a specific function, such as gaskets, automotive trim, weather-stripping, or carpets).
"General purpose cleaner" means a product designed for general all-purpose cleaning, in contrast to cleaning products designed to clean specific substrates in certain situations. General purpose cleaner includes products designed for general floor cleaning, kitchen or countertop cleaning, and cleaners designed to be used on a variety of hard surfaces and does not include general purpose degreasers and electronic cleaners.
"General purpose degreaser" means a product labeled to remove or dissolve grease, grime, oil, and other oil-based contaminants from a variety of substrates, including automotive or miscellaneous metallic parts. General purpose degreaser does not include engine degreaser, general purpose cleaner, adhesive remover, electronic cleaner, metal polish or cleanser, products used exclusively in solvent cleaning tanks or related equipment, or products that are (i) sold exclusively to establishments that manufacture or construct goods or commodities; and (ii) labeled "not for retail sale." Solvent cleaning tanks or related equipment includes, but is not limited to, cold cleaners, vapor degreasers, conveyorized degreasers, film cleaning machines, or products designed to clean miscellaneous metallic parts by immersion in a container.
"General-use hand or body cleaner or soap" means a cleaner or soap designed to be used routinely on the skin to clean or remove typical or common dirt and soils. General-use hand or body cleaner or soap includes, but is not limited to, hand or body washes, dual-purpose shampoo-body cleaners, shower or bath gels, and moisturizing cleaners or soaps. General-use hand or body cleaner or soap does not include prescription drug products, antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap, astringent or toner, facial cleaner or soap, hand dishwashing detergent (including antimicrobial), heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap, medicated astringent or medicated toner, or rubbing alcohol.
"Glass cleaner" means a cleaning product designed primarily for cleaning surfaces made of glass. Glass cleaner does not include products designed solely for the purpose of cleaning optical materials used in eyeglasses, photographic equipment, scientific equipment, and photocopying machines.
"Gross sales" means the estimated total sales of an ACP product in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-280 C during a specific compliance period (expressed to the nearest pound), based on either of the following methods, whichever the responsible ACP party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board will provide an accurate sales estimate:
1. Apportionment of national or regional sales of the ACP product to sales, determined by multiplying the average national or regional sales of the product by the fraction of the national or regional population, respectively, that is represented by the current population of the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-280 C; or
2. Another documented method that provides an accurate estimate of the total current sales of the ACP product.
"Hair mousse" means a hairstyling foam designed to facilitate styling of a coiffure and provide limited holding power.
"Hair shine" means a product designed for the primary purpose of creating a shine when applied to the hair. Hair shine includes, but is not limited to, dual-use products designed primarily to impart a sheen to the hair. Hair shine does not include hair spray, hair mousse, hair styling gel or spray gel, or products whose primary purpose is to condition or hold the hair.
"Hair spray" means a consumer product designed primarily for the purpose of dispensing droplets of a resin on and into a hair coiffure that will impart sufficient rigidity to the coiffure to establish or retain the style for a period of time.
"Hair styling gel" means a high viscosity, often gelatinous, product that contains a resin and is designed for the application to hair to aid in styling and sculpting of the hair coiffure.
"Heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap" means a product designed to clean or remove difficult dirt and soils such as oil, grease, grime, tar, shellac, putty, printer's ink, paint, graphite, cement, carbon, asphalt, or adhesives from the hand with or without the use of water. Heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap does not include prescription drug products, antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap, astringent or toner, facial cleaner or soap, general-use hand or body cleaner or soap, medicated astringent or medicated toner, or rubbing alcohol.
"Herbicide" means a pesticide product designed to kill or retard a plant's growth, but excludes products that are (i) for agricultural use, or (ii) restricted materials that require a permit for use and possession.
"High volatility organic compound" or "HVOC" means a volatile organic compound that exerts a vapor pressure greater than 80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) when measured at 20°C.
"Household product" means a consumer product that is primarily designed to be used inside or outside of living quarters or residences that are occupied or intended for occupation by people, including the immediate surroundings.
"Insecticide" means a pesticide product that is designed for use against insects or other arthropods, but excluding products that are:
1. For agricultural use;
2. For a use that requires a structural pest control license under applicable state laws or regulations; or
3. Materials classified for restricted use pursuant to 40 CFR 152.75 and require a pesticide business license from the Virginia Pesticide Control Board pursuant to 2VAC20-40-20 for use and possession.
"Insecticide fogger" means an insecticide product designed to release all or most of its content as a fog or mist into indoor areas during a single application.
"Institutional product" or "industrial and institutional (I&I) product" means a consumer product that is designed for use in the maintenance or operation of an establishment that:
1. Manufactures, transports, or sells goods or commodities, or provides services for profit; or
2. Is engaged in the nonprofit promotion of a particular public, educational, or charitable cause.
Establishments include, but are not limited to, government agencies, factories, schools, hospitals, sanitariums, prisons, restaurants, hotels, stores, automobile service and parts centers, health clubs, theaters, or transportation companies. Institutional product does not include household products and products that are incorporated into or used exclusively in the manufacture or construction of the goods or commodities at the site of the establishment.
"Label" means written, printed, or graphic matter affixed to, applied to, attached to, blown into, formed, molded into, embossed on, or appearing upon a consumer product or consumer product package, for purposes of branding, identifying, or giving information with respect to the product or to the contents of the package.
"Laundry prewash" means a product that is designed for application to a fabric prior to laundering and that supplements and contributes to the effectiveness of laundry detergents or provides specialized performance.
"Laundry starch product" means a product that is designed for application to a fabric, either during or after laundering, to impart and prolong a crisp, fresh look and may also act to help ease ironing of the fabric. Laundry starch product includes, but is not limited to, fabric finish, sizing, and starch.
"Lawn and garden insecticide" means an insecticide product labeled primarily to be used in household lawn and garden areas to protect plants from insects or other arthropods. Notwithstanding the requirements of 9VAC5-45-340 C, aerosol lawn and garden insecticides may claim to kill insects or other arthropods.
"Liquid" means a substance or mixture of substances that is capable of a visually detectable flow as determined under ASTM "Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material is a Liquid or a Solid" (see 9VAC5-20-21). Liquid does not include powders or other materials that are composed entirely of solid particles.
"Lubricant" means a product designed to reduce friction, heat, noise, or wear between moving parts, or to loosen rusted or immovable parts or mechanisms. Lubricant does not include automotive power steering fluids; products for use inside power generating motors, engines, and turbines, and their associated power-transfer gearboxes; two-cycle oils or other products designed to be added to fuels; products for use on the human body or animals; or products that are:
1. Sold exclusively to establishments that manufacture or construct goods or commodities; and
2. Labeled "not for retail sale."
"LVP content" means the total weight, in pounds, of LVP-VOC in an ACP product multiplied by 100 and divided by the product's total net weight (in pounds, excluding container and packaging), expressed to the nearest 0.1.
"LVP-VOC" means a chemical compound or mixture that contains at least one carbon atom and meets one of the following:
1. Has a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20°C, as determined by CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21);
2. Is a chemical compound with more than 12 carbon atoms, or a chemical mixture composed solely of compounds with more than 12 carbon atoms, and the vapor pressure is unknown;
3. Is a chemical compound with a boiling point greater than 216°C , as determined by CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21); or
4. Is the weight percent of a chemical mixture that boils above 216°C, as determined by CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21).
For the purposes of the definition of LVP-VOC, "chemical compound" means a molecule of definite chemical formula and isomeric structure, and "chemical mixture" means a substrate composed of two or more chemical compounds.
"Manufacturer" means a person who imports, manufactures, assembles, produces, packages, repackages, or relabels a consumer product.
"Medicated astringent or medicated toner" means a product regulated as a drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration that is applied to the skin for the purpose of cleaning or tightening pores. Medicated astringent or medicated toner includes, but is not limited to, clarifiers and substrate-impregnated products. Medicated astringent or medicated toner does not include hand, face, or body cleaner or soap products, astringent or toner, cold cream, lotion, antiperspirants, or products that must be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
"Medium volatility organic compound" or "MVOC" means a volatile organic compound that exerts a vapor pressure greater than 2 mm Hg and less than or equal to 80 mm Hg when measured at 20°C.
"Metal polish or cleanser" means a product designed primarily to improve the appearance of finished metal, metallic, or metallized surfaces by physical or chemical action. To "improve the appearance" means to remove or reduce stains, impurities, or oxidation from surfaces or to make surfaces smooth and shiny. Metal polish or cleanser includes, but is not limited to, metal polishes used on brass, silver, chrome, copper, stainless steel, and other ornamental metals. Metal polish or cleanser does not include automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze, wheel cleaner, paint remover or stripper, products designed and labeled exclusively for automotive and marine detailing, or products designed for use in degreasing tanks.
"Missing data days" means the number of days in a compliance period for which the responsible ACP party has failed to provide the required enforceable sales or VOC content data to the board, as specified in the ACP agreement.
"Mist spray adhesive" means an aerosol that is not a special purpose spray adhesive and that delivers a particle or mist spray, resulting in the formation of fine, discrete particles that yield a generally uniform and smooth application of adhesive to the substrate.
"Multipurpose dry lubricant" means a lubricant that is:
1. Designed and labeled to provide lubricity by depositing a thin film of graphite, molybdenum disulfide ("moly"), or polytetrafluoroethylene or closely related fluoropolymer ("teflon") on surfaces; and
2. Designed for general purpose lubrication, or for use in a wide variety of applications.
"Multipurpose lubricant" means a lubricant designed for general purpose lubrication, or for use in a wide variety of applications. Multipurpose lubricant does not include multipurpose dry lubricants, penetrants, or silicone-based multipurpose lubricants.
"Multipurpose solvent" means an organic liquid designed to be used for a variety of purposes, including cleaning or degreasing of a variety of substrates, or thinning, dispersing, or dissolving other organic materials. Multipurpose solvent includes solvents used in institutional facilities, except for laboratory reagents used in analytical, educational, research, scientific, or other laboratories. Multipurpose solvent does not include solvents used in cold cleaners, vapor degreasers, conveyorized degreasers or film cleaning machines, or solvents that are incorporated into, or used exclusively in the manufacture or construction of, the goods or commodities at the site of the establishment.
"Nail polish" means a clear or colored coating designed for application to the fingernails or toenails and including but not limited to lacquers, enamels, acrylics, base coats, and top coats.
"Nail polish remover" means a product designed to remove nail polish and coatings from fingernails or toenails.
"Nonaerosol product" means a consumer product that is not dispensed by a pressurized spray system.
"Noncarbon containing compound" means a compound that does not contain carbon atoms.
"Nonresilient flooring" means flooring of a mineral content that is not flexible. Nonresilient flooring includes but is not limited to terrazzo, marble, slate, granite, brick, stone, ceramic tile, and concrete.
"Nonselective terrestrial herbicide" means a terrestrial herbicide product that is toxic to plants without regard to species.
"One-product business" means a responsible ACP party that sells, supplies, offers for sale, or manufactures for use in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-280 C:
1. Only one distinct ACP product, sold under one product brand name, which is subject to the requirements of 9VAC5-45-310; or
2. Only one distinct ACP product line subject to the requirements of 9VAC5-45-310, in which all the ACP products belong to the same product category and the VOC contents in the products are within 98.0% and 102.0% of the arithmetic mean of the VOC contents over the entire product line.
"Oven cleaner" means a cleaning product designed to clean and to remove dried food deposits from oven walls.
"Paint" means a pigmented liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition designed for application to a substrate in a thin layer that is converted to an opaque solid film after application and is used for protection, decoration or identification, or to serve some functional purpose such as the filling or concealing of surface irregularities or the modification of light and heat radiation characteristics.
"Paint remover or stripper" means a product designed to strip or remove paints or other related coatings, by chemical action, from a substrate without markedly affecting the substrate. Paint remover or stripper does not include multipurpose solvents, paint brush cleaners, products designed and labeled exclusively to remove graffiti, and hand cleaner products that claim to remove paints and other related coatings from skin.
"Penetrant" means a lubricant designed and labeled primarily to loosen metal parts that have bonded together due to rusting, oxidation, or other causes. Penetrant does not include multipurpose lubricants that claim to have penetrating qualities but are not labeled primarily to loosen bonded parts.
"Pesticide" means and includes a substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed, or intended for use in preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest, or a substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed, or intended for use as a defoliant, desiccant, or plant regulator, provided that the term "pesticide" will not include a substance, mixture of substances, or device that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not consider to be a pesticide.
"Pre-ACP VOC content" means the lowest VOC content of an ACP product between January 1, 1990, and the date on which the application for a proposed ACP is submitted to the board, based on the data obtained from accurate records available to the board that yields the lowest VOC content for the product.
"Pressurized gas duster" means a pressurized product labeled to remove dust from a surface solely by means of mass air or gas flow, including surfaces such as photographs, photographic film negatives, computer keyboards, and other types of surfaces that cannot be cleaned with solvents. Pressurized gas duster does not include dusting aids.
"Principal display panel" means that part of a label that is so designed as to most likely be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under normal and customary conditions of display or purchase. Whenever a principal display panel appears more than once, all requirements pertaining to the principal display panel shall pertain to all such principal display panels.
"Product brand name" means the name of the product exactly as it appears on the principal display panel of the product.
"Product category" means the applicable category that best describes the product as listed in this section and in Table 45-3A in 9VAC5-45-310 A.
"Product form," for the purpose of complying with 9VAC5-45-390 (notification, records and reporting) only, means the applicable form that most accurately describes the product's dispensing form as follows:
A = Aerosol Product.
S = Solid.
P = Pump Spray.
L = Liquid.
SS = Semisolid.
O = Other.
"Product line" means a group of products of identical form and function belonging to the same product category.
"Propellant" means a liquefied or compressed gas that is used in whole or in part, such as a cosolvent, to expel a liquid or other material from the same self-pressurized container or from a separate container.
"Pump spray" means a packaging system in which the product ingredients within the container are not under pressure and in which the product is expelled only while a pumping action is applied to a button, trigger, or other actuator.
"Reconcile or reconciliation" means to provide sufficient VOC emission reductions to completely offset shortfalls generated under the ACP during an applicable compliance period.
"Reconciliation of shortfalls plan" means the plan to be implemented by the responsible ACP party when shortfalls have occurred, as approved by the board pursuant to 9VAC5-45-320 B 1 g (10).
"Responsible ACP party" means the company, firm, or establishment that is listed on the ACP product's label. If the label lists two or more companies, firms, or establishments, the responsible ACP party is the party that the ACP product was "manufactured for" or "distributed by," as noted on the label.
"Responsible party" means the company, firm, or establishment that is listed on the product's label. If the label lists two companies, firms, or establishments, the responsible party is the party that the product was "manufactured for" or "distributed by," as noted on the label.
"Restricted materials" means pesticides established as restricted materials under Chapter 39 (§ 3.2-3900 et seq.) of Title 3.2 of the Code of Virginia.
"Retail outlet" means an establishment at which consumer products are sold, supplied, or offered for sale directly to consumers.
"Retailer" means a person who sells, supplies, or offers consumer products for sale directly to consumers.
"Roll-on product" means an antiperspirant or deodorant that dispenses active ingredients by rolling a wetted ball or wetted cylinder on the affected area.
"Rubber and vinyl protectant" means a product designed to protect, preserve, or renew vinyl, rubber, and plastic on vehicles, tires, luggage, furniture, and household products such as vinyl covers, clothing, and accessories. Rubber and vinyl protectant does not include products primarily designed to clean the wheel rim, such as aluminum or magnesium wheel cleaners, and tire cleaners that do not leave an appearance-enhancing or protective substance on the tire.
"Rubbing alcohol" means a product containing isopropyl alcohol (also called isopropanol) or denatured ethanol and labeled for topical use, usually to decrease germs in minor cuts and scrapes, to relieve minor muscle aches, as a rubefacient, and for massage.
"Sealant and caulking compound" means a product with adhesive properties that is designed to fill, seal, waterproof, or weatherproof gaps or joints between two surfaces. Sealant and caulking compound does not include roof cements and roof sealants; insulating foams; removable caulking compounds; clear or paintable or water resistant caulking compounds; floor seam sealers; products designed exclusively for automotive uses; or sealers that are applied as continuous coatings. Sealant and caulking compound also does not include units of product, less packaging, which weigh more than one pound and consist of more than 16 fluid ounces. For the purposes of this definition only, "removable caulking compounds" means a compound that temporarily seals windows or doors for three- to six-month time intervals; and "clear or paintable or water resistant caulking compounds" means a compound that contains no appreciable level of opaque fillers or pigments, transmits most or all visible light through the caulk when cured, is paintable, and is immediately resistant to precipitation upon application.
"Semisolid" means a product that, at room temperature, will not pour, but will spread or deform easily, including, but not limited to gels, pastes, and greases.
"Shaving cream" means an aerosol product that dispenses a foam lather intended to be used with a blade or cartridge razor or other wet-shaving system, in the removal of facial or other bodily hair.
"Shortfall" means the ACP emissions minus the ACP limit when the ACP emissions were greater than the ACP limit during a specified compliance period, expressed to the nearest pound of VOC. Shortfall does not include emissions occurring prior to the date that the ACP agreement approving an ACP is signed by the board.
"Silicone-based multipurpose lubricant" means a lubricant that is:
1. Designed and labeled to provide lubricity primarily through the use of silicone compounds including, but not limited to, polydimethylsiloxane; and
2. Designed and labeled for general purpose lubrication, or for use in a wide variety of applications.
Silicone-based multipurpose lubricant does not include products designed and labeled exclusively to release manufactured products from molds.
"Single phase aerosol air freshener" means an aerosol air freshener with the liquid contents in a single homogeneous phase and that does not require that the product container be shaken before use.
"Small business" means any stationary source that is owned or operated by a person that employs 100 or fewer individuals; is a small business concern as defined in the federal Small Business Act; is not a major stationary source; does not emit 50 tons or more per year of any regulated pollutant; and emits less than 75 tons per year of all regulated pollutants.
"Solid" means a substance or mixture of substances that, either whole or subdivided (such as the particles composing a powder), is not capable of visually detectable flow as determined under ASTM "Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material is a Liquid or a Solid" (see 9VAC5-20-21).
"Special purpose spray adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive that meets any of the following definitions:
1. "Mounting adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to permanently mount photographs, artwork, or other drawn or printed media to a backing (paper, board, cloth, etc.) without causing discoloration to the artwork.
2. "Flexible vinyl adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to bond flexible vinyl to substrates. "Flexible vinyl" means a nonrigid polyvinyl chloride plastic with at least 5.0%, by weight, of plasticizer content. A plasticizer is a material, such as a high boiling point organic solvent, that is incorporated into a plastic to increase its flexibility, workability, or distensibility, and may be determined using ASTM "Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography" (see 9VAC5-20-21) or from product formulation data.
3. "Polystyrene foam adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to bond polystyrene foam to substrates.
4. "Automobile headliner adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to bond together layers in motor vehicle headliners.
5. "Polyolefin adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to bond polyolefins to substrates.
6. "Laminate repair or edgebanding adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed for:
a. The touch-up or repair of items laminated with high pressure laminates (e.g., lifted edges, delaminates, etc.); or
b. The touch-up, repair, or attachment of edgebonding materials, including but not limited to, other laminates, synthetic marble, veneers, wood molding, and decorative metals.
For the purposes of this definition, "high pressure laminate" means sheet materials that consist of paper, fabric, or other core material that have been laminated at temperatures exceeding 265°F and at pressures between 1,000 and 1,400 psi.
7. "Automotive engine compartment adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed for use in motor vehicle under-the-hood applications that require oil and plasticizer resistance, as well as high shear strength, at temperatures of 200-275°F.
"Spot remover" means a product labeled to clean localized areas or remove localized spots or stains on cloth or fabric, such as drapes, carpets, upholstery, and clothing, that does not require subsequent laundering to achieve stain removal. Spot remover does not include dry cleaning fluid, laundry prewash, or multipurpose solvent.
"Spray buff product" means a product designed to restore a worn floor finish in conjunction with a floor buffing machine and special pad.
"Stick product" means an antiperspirant or a deodorant that contains active ingredients in a solid matrix form, and that dispenses the active ingredients by frictional action on the affected area.
"Structural waterproof adhesive" means an adhesive whose bond lines are resistant to conditions of continuous immersion in fresh or salt water and that conforms with the definition in the federal consumer products regulation, 40 CFR 59 Subpart C.
"Surplus reduction" means the ACP limit minus the ACP emissions when the ACP limit was greater than the ACP emissions during a given compliance period, expressed to the nearest pound of VOC. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-320 F 3, surplus reduction does not include emissions occurring prior to the date that the ACP agreement approving an ACP is signed by the board.
"Surplus trading" means the buying, selling, or transfer of surplus reductions between responsible ACP parties.
"Terrestrial" means to live on or grow from land.
"Tire sealant and inflator" means a pressurized product that is designed to temporarily inflate and seal a leaking tire.
"Total maximum historical emissions" or "TMHE" means the total VOC emissions from all ACP products for which the responsible ACP party has failed to submit the required VOC content or enforceable sales records. The TMHE shall be calculated for each ACP product during each portion of a compliance period for which the responsible ACP party has failed to provide the required VOC content or enforceable sales records. The TMHE shall be expressed to the nearest pound and calculated according to the following calculation:
where:
Highest VOC content = the maximum VOC content that the ACP product has contained in the previous five years, if the responsible ACP party has failed to meet the requirements for reporting VOC content data (for any portion of the compliance period), as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP, or the current actual VOC content, if the responsible ACP party has provided all required VOC Content data (for the entire compliance period), as specified in the ACP agreement.
Highest sales = the maximum one-year gross sales of the ACP product in the previous five years, if the responsible ACP party has failed to meet the requirements for reporting enforceable sales records (for any portion of the compliance period), as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP, or the current actual one-year enforceable sales for the product, if the responsible ACP party has provided all required enforceable sales records (for the entire compliance period), as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP.
Missing Data Days = (see definition in this section).
1, 2, ..., N = each product in an ACP, up to the maximum N, for which the responsible ACP party has failed to submit the required enforceable sales or VOC content data as specified in the ACP agreement.
"Type A propellant" means a compressed gas such as CO2, N2, N2O, or compressed air that is used as a propellant and is either incorporated with the product or contained in a separate chamber within the product's packaging.
"Type B propellant" means a halocarbon that is used as a propellant including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
"Type C propellant" means a propellant that is not a Type A or Type B propellant, including propane, isobutane, n-butane, and dimethyl ether (also known as dimethyl oxide).
"Undercoating" means an aerosol product designed to impart a protective, nonpaint layer to the undercarriage, trunk interior, or firewall of motor vehicles to prevent the formation of rust or to deaden sound. Undercoating includes, but is not limited to, rubberized, mastic, or asphaltic products.
"Usage directions" means the text or graphics on the product's principal display panel, label, or accompanying literature that describes to the end user how and in what quantity the product is to be used.
"VOC content" means, except for charcoal lighter products, the total weight of VOC in a product expressed as a percentage of the product weight (exclusive of the container or packaging), as determined pursuant to 9VAC5-45-370 B and C.
For charcoal lighter material products only,
where:
Certified emissions = (see definition in this section).
Certified use rate = (see definition in this section).
"Volatile organic compound" or "VOC" means volatile organic compound as defined in 9VAC5-10-20.
"Wasp and hornet insecticide" means an insecticide product that is designed for use against wasps, hornets, yellow jackets or bees by allowing the user to spray from a distance a directed stream or burst at the intended insects or their hiding place.
"Waterproofer" means a product designed and labeled exclusively to repel water from fabric or leather substrates. Waterproofer does not include fabric protectants.
"Wax" means a material or synthetic thermoplastic substance generally of high molecular weight hydrocarbons or high molecular weight esters of fatty acids or alcohols, except glycerol and high polymers (plastics). Wax includes, but is not limited to, substances derived from the secretions of plants and animals such as carnauba wax and beeswax, substances of a mineral origin such as ozocerite and paraffin, and synthetic polymers such as polyethylene.
"Web spray adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive that is not a mist spray or special purpose spray adhesive.
"Wood floor wax" means wax-based products for use solely on wood floors.
"Working day" means a day between Monday through Friday, inclusive, except for federal holidays.
9VAC5-45-310. Standard for volatile organic compounds.
A. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-290, 9VAC5-45-320, and 9VAC5-45-330, no owner or other person shall (i) sell, supply, or offer for sale a consumer product manufactured on or after the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-360 or (ii) manufacture for sale a consumer product on or after the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-360, that contains volatile organic compounds in excess of the limits specified in Table 45-3A.
| TABLE 45-3A |
| Product Category | Percent VOC by Weight |
| Adhesives | |
| | Aerosol adhesives | |
| | | Mist spray adhesive: | 65% |
| | | Web spray adhesive: | 55% |
| | | Special purpose spray adhesives | |
| | | | Automotive engine compartment adhesive: | 70% |
| | | | Automotive headliner adhesive: | 65% |
| | | | Flexible vinyl adhesive: | 70% |
| | | | Laminate repair or edgebanding adhesive: | 60% |
| | | | Mounting adhesive: | 70% |
| | | | Polystyrene foam adhesive: | 65% |
| | | | Polyolefin adhesive: | 60% |
| | Contact adhesive: | 80% |
| | Construction, panel, and floor covering adhesive: | 15% |
| | General purpose adhesive: | 10% |
| | Structural waterproof adhesive: | 15% |
| Air fresheners | |
| | Single-phase aerosol: | 30% |
| | Double-phase aerosol: | 25% |
| | Liquid/Pump spray: | 18% |
| | Solid/Gel: | 3% |
| Antiperspirants | |
| | Aerosol: | 40% HVOC,
10% MVOC |
| | Nonaerosol: | 0% HVOC,
0% MVOC |
| Automotive brake cleaner: | 45% |
| Automotive rubbing or polishing compound: | 17% |
| Automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze | |
| | Hard paste wax: | 45% |
| | Instant detailer: | 3% |
| | All other forms: | 15% |
| Automotive windshield washer fluid: | 35% |
| Bathroom and tile cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 7% |
| | All other forms: | 5% |
| Bug and tar remover: | 40% |
| Carburetor or fuel-injection air intake cleaner: | 45% |
| Carpet and upholstery cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 7% |
| | Nonaerosol (dilutable): | 0.1% |
| | Nonaerosol (ready-to-use): | 3.0% |
| Charcoal lighter material: | See subsection
F of this section. |
| Cooking spray, aerosol: | 18% |
| Deodorants | |
| | Aerosol: | 0% HVOC,
10% MVOC |
| | Nonaerosol: | 0% HVOC,
0% MVOC |
| Dusting aids | |
| | Aerosol: | 25% |
| | All other forms: | 7% |
| Engine degreasers | |
| | Aerosol: | 35% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 5% |
| Fabric protectant: | 60% |
| Floor polishes/Waxes | |
| | Products for flexible flooring materials: | 7% |
| | Products for nonresilient flooring: | 10% |
| | Wood floor wax: | 90% |
| Floor wax stripper, nonaerosol: | See subsection
H of this section. |
| Furniture maintenance products | |
| | Aerosol: | 17% |
| | All other forms except solid or paste: | 7% |
| General purpose cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 10% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 4% |
| General purpose degreasers | |
| | Aerosol: | 50% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 4% |
| Glass cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 12% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 4% |
| Hair mousse: | 6% |
| Hair shine: | 55% |
| Hair spray: | 55% |
| Hair styling gel: | 6% |
| Heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap: | 8% |
| Insecticides | |
| | Crawling bug (aerosol): | 15% |
| | Crawling bug (all other forms): | 20% |
| | Flea and tick: | 25% |
| | Flying bug (aerosol): | 25% |
| | Flying bug (all other forms): | 35% |
| | Fogger: | 45% |
| | Lawn and garden (all other forms): | 20% |
| | Lawn and garden (nonaerosol): | 3% |
| | Wasp and hornet: | 40% |
| Laundry prewash | |
| | Aerosol/Solid: | 22% |
| | All other forms: | 5% |
| Laundry starch product: | 5% |
| Metal polish or cleanser: | 30% |
| Multi-purpose lubricant (excluding solid or semi-solid products): | 50% |
| Nail polish remover: | 75% |
| Nonselective terrestrial herbicide, nonaerosol: | 3% |
| Oven cleaners | |
| | Aerosol/Pump spray: | 8% |
| | Liquid: | 5% |
| Paint remover or stripper: | 50% |
| Penetrant: | 50% |
| Rubber and vinyl protectants | |
| | Nonaerosol: | 3% |
| | Aerosol: | 10% |
| Sealant and caulking compound: | 4% |
| Shaving cream: | 5% |
| Silicone-based multipurpose lubricant (excluding solid or semi-solid products): | 60% |
| Spot removers | |
| | Aerosol: | 25% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 8% |
| Tire sealant and inflator: | 20% |
| Undercoating, aerosol: | 40% |
B. No owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for sale an antiperspirant or a deodorant that contains a compound that has been defined as a toxic pollutant in 9VAC5-60-210 C.
C. Provisions follow concerning products that are diluted prior to use.
1. For consumer products for which the label, packaging, or accompanying literature specifically states that the product should be diluted with water or non-VOC solvent prior to use, the limits specified in Table 45-3A shall apply to the product only after the minimum recommended dilution has taken place. For purposes of this subsection, "minimum recommended dilution" shall not include recommendations for incidental use of a concentrated product to deal with limited special applications such as hard-to-remove soils or stains.
2. For consumer products for which the label, packaging, or accompanying literature states that the product should be diluted with a VOC solvent prior to use, the limits specified in Table 45-3A shall apply to the product only after the maximum recommended dilution has taken place.
D. The following provisions apply to sell through of consumer products manufactured before May 1, 2010:
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and G, H or I of this section, a consumer product manufactured before the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-360, may be sold, supplied, or offered for sale after the applicable compliance date if the date of manufacture or a date code representing the date of manufacture is clearly displayed on the product container or package.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and G, H or I of this section, a consumer product manufactured after the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-360 and before May 1, 2010 may be sold, supplied, or offered for sale after May 1, 2010, if it complies with all of the provisions of Article 4 (9VAC5-45-400 et seq.) of this part.
3. Except as provided in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection, displaying the date of manufacture, or a code indicating the date of manufacture, on the product container or package does not exempt the owner or product from the provisions of this article.
E. For those consumer products that are registered under FIFRA, the effective date of the VOC standards shall be one year after the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-360.
F. The following requirements shall apply to all charcoal lighter material products:
1. Effective as of the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-360, no owner or other person shall (i) sell, supply, or offer for sale a charcoal lighter material product manufactured on or after the applicable compliance date or (ii) manufacture for sale a charcoal lighter material product unless at the time of the transaction:
a. The manufacturer can demonstrate to the board's satisfaction that they have been issued a currently effective certification by CARB under the Consumer Products provisions under Subchapter 8.5, Article 2, § 94509(h), of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations (see 9VAC5-20-21). This certification remains in effect for as long as the CARB certification remains in effect. A manufacturer claiming such a certification on this basis must submit to the board a copy of the certification decision (i.e., the executive order), including all conditions established by CARB applicable to the certification.
b. The manufacturer or distributor of the charcoal lighter material has been issued a currently effective certification pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection.
c. The charcoal lighter material meets the formulation criteria and other conditions specified in the applicable ACP agreement issued pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection.
d. The product usage directions for the charcoal lighter material are the same as those provided to the board pursuant to subdivision 2 c of this subsection.
2. Provisions follow concerning certification requirements.
a. No charcoal lighter material formulation shall be certified under this subdivision unless the applicant for certification demonstrates to the board's satisfaction that the VOC emissions from the ignition of charcoal with the charcoal lighter material are less than or equal to 0.020 pound of VOC per start, using the procedures specified in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21). The provisions relating to LVP-VOC in 9VAC5-45-290 F and 9VAC5-45-300 C shall not apply to a charcoal lighter material subject to the requirements of 9VAC5-45-310 A and this subsection.
b. The board may approve alternative test procedures that are shown to provide equivalent results to those obtained using the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21).
c. A manufacturer or distributor of charcoal lighter material may apply to the board for certification of a charcoal lighter material formulation in accordance with this subdivision. The application shall be in writing and shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) The results of testing conducted pursuant to the procedures specified in South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Testing Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21); and
(2) The exact text or graphics that will appear on the charcoal lighter material's principal display panel, label, or accompanying literature. The provided material shall clearly show the usage directions for the product. These directions shall accurately reflect the quantity of charcoal lighter material per pound of charcoal that was used in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Testing Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21) for that product, unless:
(a) The charcoal lighter material is intended to be used in fixed amounts independent of the amount of charcoal used, such as certain paraffin cubes, or
(b) The charcoal lighter material is already incorporated into the charcoal, such as certain "bag light," "instant light" or "match light" products.
(3) For a charcoal lighter material that meets the criteria specified in subdivision 2 c (2) (a) of this subsection, the usage instructions provided to the board will accurately reflect the quantity of charcoal lighter material used in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Testing Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21) for that product.
(4) Physical property data, formulation data, or other information required by the board for use in determining when a product modification has occurred and for use in determining compliance with the conditions specified on the ACP agreement issued pursuant to subdivision 2 e of this subsection.
d. Within 30 days of receipt of an application, the board will advise the applicant in writing either that it is complete or that specified additional information is required to make it complete. Within 30 days of receipt of additional information, the board will advise the applicant in writing either that the application is complete, or that specified additional information or testing is still required before it can be deemed complete.
e. If the board finds that an application meets the requirements of subdivision 2 of this subsection, then an ACP agreement shall be issued certifying the charcoal lighter material formulation and specifying such conditions as are necessary to insure that the requirements of this subsection are met. The board will act on a complete application within 90 days after the application is deemed complete.
3. For charcoal lighter material for which certification has been granted pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection, the applicant for certification shall notify the board in writing within 30 days of: (i) a change in the usage directions, or (ii) a change in product formulation, test results, or other information submitted pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection that may result in VOC emissions greater than 0.020 pound of VOC per start.
4. If the board determines that a certified charcoal lighter material formulation results in VOC emissions from the ignition of charcoal that are greater than 0.020 pound of VOC per start, as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Testing Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21) and the statistical analysis procedures contained therein, the board will revoke or modify the certification as is necessary to assure that the charcoal lighter material will result in VOC emissions of less than or equal to 0.020 pound of VOC per start.
G. Requirements for aerosol adhesives.
1. The standards for aerosol adhesives apply to all uses of aerosol adhesives, including consumer, industrial, and commercial uses. Except as otherwise provided in 9VAC5-45-290 and 9VAC5-45-330, no owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, use, or manufacture for sale an aerosol adhesive that, at the time of sale, use, or manufacture, contains VOCs in excess of the specified standard.
2. a. In order to qualify as a "special purpose spray adhesive," the product must meet one or more of the definitions for special purpose spray adhesive specified in 9VAC5-45-300 C, but if the product label indicates that the product is suitable for use on a substrate or application not listed in 9VAC5-45-300 C, then the product shall be classified as either a "web spray adhesive" or a "mist spray adhesive."
b. If a product meets more than one of the definitions specified in 9VAC5-45-300 C for "special purpose spray adhesive," and is not classified as a "web spray adhesive" or "mist spray adhesive" under subdivision 2 a of this subsection, then the VOC limit for the product shall be the lowest applicable VOC limit specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A.
3. Effective as of the applicable compliance dates specified in 9VAC5-45-360, no person shall (i) sell, supply, or offer for sale an aerosol adhesive manufactured on or after the applicable compliance date or (ii) manufacture for sale an aerosol adhesive that contains any of the following compounds: methylene chloride, perchloroethylene, or trichloroethylene.
4. All aerosol adhesives must comply with the labeling requirements specified in 9VAC5-45-340 D.
H. Effective as of the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-360, no owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for use a floor wax stripper unless the following requirements are met:
1. The label of each nonaerosol floor wax stripper must specify a dilution ratio for light or medium build-up of polish that results in an as-used VOC concentration of 3.0% by weight or less.
2. If a nonaerosol floor wax stripper is also intended to be used for removal of heavy build-up of polish, the label of that floor wax stripper must specify a dilution ratio for heavy build-up of polish that results in an as-used VOC concentration of 12% by weight or less.
3. The terms "light build-up," "medium build-up" or "heavy build-up" are not specifically required as long as comparable terminology is used.
I. For a consumer product for which standards are specified under subsection A of this section, no owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for sale a consumer product that contains any of the following ozone-depleting compounds:
CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane), CFC-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane);
CFC-113 (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane);
CFC-114 (1-chloro-1,1-difluoro-2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethane);
CFC-115 (chloropentafluoroethane), halon 1211 (bromochlorodifluoromethane);
halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane), halon 2402 (dibromotetrafluoroethane);
HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), HCFC-123 (2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane);
HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane);
HCFC-141b (1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane), HCFC-142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane);
1,1,1-trichloroethane; or
carbon tetrachloride.
J. The requirements of subsection I of this section shall not apply to an existing product formulation that complies with Table 45-3A or an existing product formulation that is reformulated to meet Table 45-3A, provided the ozone-depleting compound content of the reformulated product does not increase.
K. The requirements of subsection I of this section shall not apply to ozone-depleting compounds that may be present as impurities in a consumer product in an amount equal to or less than 0.01% by weight of the product.
9VAC5-45-320. Alternative control plan (ACP) for consumer products.
A. 1. Manufacturers of consumer products may seek an ACP agreement in accordance with subsections B through L of this section.
2. Only responsible ACP parties for consumer products may enter into an ACP agreement under the provisions of this section.
B. Provisions follow concerning the requirements and process for approval of an ACP.
1. To be considered by the board for approval, an application for a proposed ACP shall be submitted in writing to the board by the responsible ACP party and shall contain all of the following:
a. An identification of the contact persons, phone numbers, names, and addresses of the responsible ACP party that is submitting the ACP application and will be implementing the ACP requirements specified in the ACP agreement.
b. A statement of whether the responsible ACP party is a small business or a one-product business.
c. A listing of the exact product brand name, form, available variations (flavors, scents, colors, sizes, etc.), and applicable product category for each distinct ACP product that is proposed for inclusion in the ACP.
d. For each proposed ACP product identified in subdivision 1 c of this subsection, a demonstration to the satisfaction of the board that the enforceable sales records to be used by the responsible ACP party for tracking product sales meet the minimum criteria specified in subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection. To provide this demonstration, the responsible ACP party shall either demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that other records provided to the board in writing by the responsible ACP party meet the minimum criteria of subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection for tracking product sales of each ACP product, or do all of the following:
(1) Provide the contact persons, phone numbers, names, street and mail addresses of all persons and businesses who will provide information that will be used to determine the enforceable sales;
(2) Determine the enforceable sales of each product using enforceable sales records;
(3) Demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the board, the validity of the enforceable sales based on enforceable sales records provided by the contact persons or the responsible ACP party;
(4) Calculate the percentage of the gross sales that is composed of enforceable sales; and
(5) Determine which ACP products have enforceable sales that are 75% or more of the gross sales. Only ACP products meeting this criteria shall be allowed to be sold under an ACP.
e. For each of the ACP products identified in subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection, the inclusion of the following:
(1) Legible copies of the existing labels for each product;
(2) The VOC content and LVP content for each product. The VOC content and LVP content shall be reported for two different periods as follows:
(a) The VOC and LVP contents of the product at the time the application for an ACP is submitted, and
(b) The VOC and LVP contents of the product that were used at any time within the four years prior to the date of submittal of the application for an ACP if either the VOC or LVP contents have varied by more than plus or minus 10% of the VOC or LVP contents reported in subdivision 1 e (2) (a) of this subsection.
f. A written commitment obligating the responsible ACP party to date-code every unit of each ACP product approved for inclusion in the ACP. The commitment shall require the responsible ACP party to display the date-code on each ACP product container or package no later than five working days after the date an ACP agreement approving an ACP is signed by the board.
g. An operational plan covering all the products identified under subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection for each compliance period that the ACP will be in effect. The operational plan shall contain all of the following:
(1) An identification of the compliance periods and dates for the responsible ACP party to report the information required by the board in the ACP agreement approving an ACP. The length of the compliance period shall be chosen by the responsible ACP party (not to exceed 365 days). The responsible ACP party shall also choose the dates for reporting information such that all required VOC content and enforceable sales data for all ACP products shall be reported to the board at the same time and at the same frequency.
(2) An identification of specific enforceable sales records to be provided to the board for enforcing the provisions of this article and the ACP agreement approving an ACP. The enforceable sales records shall be provided to the board no later than the compliance period dates specified in subdivision 1 g (1) of this subsection.
(3) For a small business or a one-product business that will be relying to some extent on surplus trading to meet its ACP limits, a written commitment from the responsible ACP party that they will transfer the surplus reductions to the small business or one-product business upon approval of the ACP.
(4) For each ACP product, all VOC content levels that will be applicable for the ACP product during each compliance period. The plan shall also identify the specific method by which the VOC content will be determined and the statistical accuracy and precision (repeatability and reproducibility) will be calculated for each specified method.
(5) The projected enforceable sales for each ACP product at each different VOC content for every compliance period that the ACP will be in effect.
(6) A detailed demonstration showing the combination of specific ACP reformulations or surplus trading (if applicable) that is sufficient to ensure that the ACP emissions will not exceed the ACP limit for each compliance period that the ACP will be in effect, the approximate date within each compliance period that such reformulations or surplus trading are expected to occur, and the extent to which the VOC contents of the ACP products will be reduced (i.e., by ACP reformulation). This demonstration shall use the equations specified in 9VAC5-45-300 C for projecting the ACP emissions and ACP limits during each compliance period. This demonstration shall also include all VOC content levels and projected enforceable sales for all ACP products to be sold during each compliance period.
(7) A certification that all reductions in the VOC content of a product will be real, actual reductions that do not result from changing product names, mischaracterizing ACP product reformulations that have occurred in the past, or other attempts to circumvent the provisions of this article.
(8) Written explanations of the date-codes that will be displayed on each ACP product's container or packaging.
(9) A statement of the approximate dates by which the responsible ACP party plans to meet the applicable ACP VOC standards for each product in the ACP.
(10) An operational plan ("reconciliation of shortfalls plan") that commits the responsible ACP party to completely reconcile shortfalls, even, to the extent permitted by law, if the responsible ACP party files for bankruptcy protection. The plan for reconciliation of shortfalls shall contain all of the following:
(a) A clear and convincing demonstration of how shortfalls of up to 5.0%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the applicable ACP limit will be completely reconciled within 90 working days from the date the shortfall is determined;
(b) A listing of the specific records and other information that will be necessary to verify that the shortfalls were reconciled as specified in this subsection; and
(c) A commitment to provide a record or information requested by the board to verify that the shortfalls have been completely reconciled.
h. A declaration, signed by a legal representative for the responsible ACP party, that states that all information and operational plans submitted with the ACP application are true and correct.
2. a. In accordance with the time periods specified in subsection C of this section, the board will issue an ACP agreement approving an ACP that meets the requirements of this article. The board will specify such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure that the emissions from the ACP products do not exceed the emissions that would have occurred if the ACP products subject to the ACP had met the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A. The ACP shall also include:
(1) Only those ACP products for which the enforceable sales are at least 75% of the gross sales as determined in subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection;
(2) A reconciliation of shortfalls plan meeting the requirements of this article; and
(3) Operational terms, conditions, and data to be reported to the board to ensure that all requirements of this article are met.
b. The board will not approve an ACP submitted by a responsible ACP party if the board determines, upon review of the responsible ACP party's compliance history with past or current ACPs or the requirements for consumer products in this article, that the responsible ACP party has a recurring pattern of violations and has consistently refused to take the necessary steps to correct those violations.
C. Provisions follow concerning ACP approval time frames.
1. The board will take appropriate action on an ACP within the following time periods:
a. Within 30 working days of receipt of an ACP application, the board will inform the applicant in writing that either:
(1) The application is complete and accepted for filing, or
(2) The application is deficient, and identify the specific information required to make the application complete.
b. Within 30 working days of receipt of additional information provided in response to a determination that an ACP application is deficient, the board will inform the applicant in writing that either:
(1) The additional information is sufficient to make the application complete, and the application is accepted for filing, or
(2) The application is deficient, and identify the specific information required to make the application complete.
c. If the board finds that an application meets the requirements of subsection B of this section, then it shall issue an ACP agreement in accordance with the requirements of this article. The board will normally act to approve or disapprove a complete application within 90 working days after the application is deemed complete.
2. The board may extend the time period in subdivision 1 c of this subsection if additional information is needed.
D. Provisions follow concerning recordkeeping and availability of requested information.
1. All information specified in the ACP Agreement approving an ACP shall be maintained by the responsible ACP party for a minimum of three years after such records are generated. Such records shall be clearly legible and maintained in good condition during this period.
2. The records specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection shall be made available to the board or its authorized representative:
a. Immediately upon request, during an on-site visit to a responsible ACP party,
b. Within five working days after receipt of a written request from the board, or
c. Within a time period mutually agreed upon by both the board and the responsible ACP party.
E. Provisions follow concerning violations.
1. Failure to meet a requirement of this article or a condition of an applicable ACP agreement shall constitute a single, separate violation of this article for each day until such requirement or condition is satisfied, except as otherwise provided in subdivisions 2 through 8 of this subsection.
2. False reporting of information in an ACP application or in any supporting documentation or amendments thereto shall constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each day that the approved ACP is in effect.
3. An exceedance during the applicable compliance period of the VOC content specified for an ACP product in the ACP agreement approving an ACP shall constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each ACP product that exceeds the specified VOC content that is sold, supplied, offered for sale, or manufactured for use.
4. Any of the following actions shall each constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each day after the applicable deadline until the requirement is satisfied:
a. Failure to report data or failure to report data accurately in writing to the board regarding the VOC content, LVP content, enforceable sales, or other information required by the deadline specified in the applicable ACP agreement;
b. False reporting of information submitted to the board for determining compliance with the ACP requirements;
c. Failure to completely implement the reconciliation of shortfalls plan that is set forth in the ACP agreement within 30 working days from the date of written notification of a shortfall by the board; or
d. Failure to completely reconcile the shortfall as specified in the ACP agreement within 90 working days from the date of written notification of a shortfall by the board.
5. False reporting or failure to report any of the information specified in subdivision F 2 i of this section or the sale or transfer of invalid surplus reductions shall constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each day during the time period for which the surplus reductions are claimed to be valid.
6. Except as provided in subdivision 7 of this subsection, an exceedance of the ACP limit for a compliance period that the ACP is in effect shall constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each day of the applicable compliance period. The board will determine whether an exceedance of the ACP limit has occurred as follows:
a. If the responsible ACP party has provided all required information for the applicable compliance period specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP, then the board will determine whether an exceedance has occurred using the enforceable sales records and VOC content for each ACP product as reported by the responsible ACP party for the applicable compliance period.
b. If the responsible ACP party has failed to provide all the required information specified in the ACP agreement for an applicable compliance period, the board will determine whether an exceedance of the ACP limit has occurred as follows.
(1) For the missing data days, the board will calculate the total maximum historical emissions as specified in 9VAC5-45-300 C.
(2) For the remaining portion of the compliance period that are not missing data days, the board will calculate the emissions for each ACP product using the enforceable sales records and VOC content that were reported for that portion of the applicable compliance period.
(3) The ACP emissions for the entire compliance period shall be the sum of the total maximum historical emissions, determined pursuant to subdivision 6 b (1) of this subsection, and the emissions determined pursuant to subdivision 6 b (2) of this subsection.
(4) The board will calculate the ACP limit for the entire compliance period using the ACP Standards applicable to each ACP product and the enforceable sales records specified in subdivision 6 b (2) of this subsection. The enforceable sales for each ACP product during missing data days, as specified in subdivision 6 b (1) of this subsection, shall be zero.
(5) An exceedance of the ACP limit has occurred when the ACP emissions, determined pursuant to subdivision 6 b (3) of this subsection, exceeds the ACP limit, determined pursuant to subdivision 6 b (4) of this subsection.
7. If a violation specified in subdivision 6 of this subsection occurs, the responsible ACP party may, pursuant to this subdivision, establish the number of violations as calculated according to the following equation:
where:
NEV = number of ACP limit violations.
ACP emissions = the ACP emissions for the compliance period.
ACP limit = the ACP limit for the compliance period.
40 pounds = number of pounds of emissions equivalent to one violation.
The responsible ACP party may determine the number of ACP limit violations pursuant to this subdivision only if it has provided all required information for the applicable compliance period, as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP. By choosing this option, the responsible ACP party waives all legal objections to the calculation of the ACP limit violations pursuant to this subdivision.
8. A cause of action against a responsible ACP party under this section shall be deemed to accrue on the date when the records establishing a violation are received by the board.
9. The responsible ACP party is fully liable for compliance with the requirements of this article, even if the responsible ACP party contracts with or otherwise relies on another person to carry out some or all of the requirements of this article.
F. Provisions follow concerning surplus reductions and surplus trading.
1. The board will issue surplus reduction certificates that establish and quantify, to the nearest pound of VOC reduced, the surplus reductions achieved by a responsible ACP party operating under an ACP. The surplus reductions can be bought from, sold to, or transferred to a responsible ACP party operating under an ACP, as provided in subdivision 2 of this subsection. All surplus reductions shall be calculated by the board at the end of each compliance period within the time specified in the approved ACP. Surplus reduction certificates shall not constitute instruments, securities, or another form of property.
2. The issuance, use, and trading of all surplus reductions shall be subject to the following provisions:
a. For the purposes of this article, VOC reductions from sources of VOCs other than consumer products subject to the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A may not be used to generate surplus reductions.
b. Surplus reductions are valid only when generated by a responsible ACP party and only while that responsible ACP party is operating under an approved ACP.
c. Surplus reductions are valid only after the board has issued an ACP agreement pursuant to subdivision 1 of this subsection.
d. Surplus reductions issued by the board may be used by the responsible ACP party who generated the surplus until the reductions expire, are traded, or until the ACP is canceled pursuant to subdivision J 2 of this section.
e. Surplus reductions cannot be applied retroactively to a compliance period prior to the compliance period in which the reductions were generated.
f. Except as provided in subdivision 2 g (2) of this subsection, only small or one-product businesses selling products under an approved ACP may purchase surplus reductions. An increase in the size of a small business or one-product business shall have no effect on surplus reductions purchased by that business prior to the date of the increase.
g. While valid, surplus reductions can be used only for the following purposes:
(1) To adjust the ACP emissions of either the responsible ACP party who generated the reductions or the responsible ACP party to which the reductions were traded, provided the surplus reductions are not to be used by a responsible ACP party to further lower its ACP emissions when its ACP emissions are equal to or less than the ACP limit during the applicable compliance period; or
(2) To be traded for the purpose of reconciling another responsible ACP party's shortfalls, provided such reconciliation is part of the reconciliation of shortfalls plan approved by the board pursuant to subdivision B 1 g (10) of this section.
h. A valid surplus reduction shall be in effect starting five days after the date of issuance by the board for a continuous period equal to the number of days in the compliance period during which the surplus reduction was generated. The surplus reduction shall then expire at the end of its effective period.
i. At least five working days prior to the effective date of transfer of surplus reductions, both the responsible ACP party that is selling surplus reductions and the responsible ACP party that is buying the surplus reductions shall, either together or separately, notify the board in writing of the transfer. The notification shall include all of the following:
(1) The date the transfer is to become effective.
(2) The date the surplus reductions being traded are due to expire.
(3) The amount (in pounds of VOCs) of surplus reductions that is being transferred.
(4) The total purchase price paid by the buyer for the surplus reductions.
(5) The contact persons, names of the companies, street and mail addresses, and phone numbers of the responsible ACP parties involved in the trading of the surplus reductions.
(6) A copy of the board-issued surplus reductions certificate, signed by both the seller and buyer of the certificate, showing transfer of all or a specified portion of the surplus reductions. The copy shall show the amount of any remaining nontraded surplus reductions, if applicable, and shall show their expiration date. The copy shall indicate that both the buyer and seller of the surplus reductions fully understand the conditions and limitations placed upon the transfer of the surplus reductions and accept full responsibility for the appropriate use of such surplus reductions as provided in this section.
j. Surplus reduction credits shall only be traded between ACP products.
3. Provisions follow concerning limited-use surplus reduction credits for early reformulations of ACP products.
a. For the purposes of this subdivision, "early reformulation" means an ACP product that is reformulated to result in a reduction in the product's VOC content, and that is sold, supplied, or offered for sale for the first time during the one-year (365 day) period immediately prior to the date on which the application for a proposed ACP is submitted to the board. Early reformulation does not include reformulated ACP products that are sold, supplied, or offered for sale more than one year prior to the date on which the ACP application is submitted to the board.
b. If requested in the application for a proposed ACP, the board will, upon approval of the ACP, issue surplus reduction credits for early reformulation of ACP products, provided that all of the following documentation has been provided by the responsible ACP party to the satisfaction of the board:
(1) Accurate documentation showing that the early reformulation reduced the VOC content of the ACP product to a level that is below the pre-ACP VOC content of the product or below the applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC 5-45-310 A, whichever is the lesser of the two;
(2) Accurate documentation demonstrating that the early reformulated ACP product was sold in retail outlets within the time period specified in subdivision 3 a of this subsection;
(3) Accurate sales records for the early reformulated ACP product that meet the definition of enforceable sales records and that demonstrate that the enforceable sales for the ACP product are at least 75% of the gross sales for the product, as specified in subdivision B 1 d of this section; and
(4) Accurate documentation for the early reformulated ACP product that meets the requirements specified in subdivisions B 1 c and d and B 1 g (7) and (8) of this section and that identifies the specific test methods for verifying the claimed early reformulation and the statistical accuracy and precision of the test methods as specified in subdivision B 1 g (4) of this section.
c. Surplus reduction credits issued pursuant to this subsection shall be calculated separately for each early reformulated ACP product by the board according to the following equation:
where:
SR = surplus reductions for the ACP product, expressed to the nearest pound.
Enforceable sales = the enforceable sales for the early reformulated ACP product, expressed to the nearest pound of ACP product.
VOC contentinitial = the pre-ACP VOC content of the ACP product, or the applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A, whichever is the lesser of the two, expressed to the nearest 0.1 pounds of VOC per 100 pounds of ACP product.
VOC contentfinal = the VOC content of the early reformulated ACP product after the early reformulation is achieved, expressed to the nearest 0.1 pounds of VOC per 100 pounds of ACP product.
d. The use of limited use surplus reduction credits issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be subject to all of the following provisions:
(1) Limited use surplus reduction credits shall be used solely to reconcile the responsible ACP party's shortfalls, if any, generated during the first compliance period occurring immediately after the issuance of the ACP agreement approving an ACP, and may not be used for another purpose;
(2) Limited use surplus reduction credits may not be transferred to, or used by, another responsible ACP party; and
(3) Except as provided in this subdivision, limited use surplus reduction credits shall be subject to all requirements applicable to surplus reductions and surplus trading as specified in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection.
G. Provisions follow concerning the reconciliation of shortfalls.
1. At the end of each compliance period, the responsible ACP party shall make an initial calculation of shortfalls occurring in that compliance period as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP. Upon receipt of this information, the board will determine the amount of a shortfall that has occurred during the compliance period and shall notify the responsible ACP party of this determination.
2. The responsible ACP party shall implement the reconciliation of shortfalls plan as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP within 30 working days from the date of written notification of a shortfall by the board.
3. All shortfalls shall be completely reconciled within 90 working days from the date of written notification of a shortfall by the board by implementing the reconciliation of shortfalls plan specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP.
4. All requirements specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP, including all applicable ACP limits, shall remain in effect while shortfalls are in the process of being reconciled.
H. Provisions follow concerning the notification of modifications to an ACP by the responsible ACP party.
1. Board pre-approval is not required for modifications that are a change to an ACP product's: (i) product name, (ii) product formulation, (iii) product form, (iv) product function, (v) applicable product category, (vi) VOC content, (vii) LVP content, (viii) date-codes, or (ix) recommended product usage directions. The responsible ACP party shall notify the board of such changes, in writing, no later than 15 working days from the date such a change occurs. For each modification, the notification shall fully explain the following:
a. The nature of the modification;
b. The extent to which the ACP product formulation, VOC content, LVP content, or recommended usage directions will be changed;
c. The extent to which the ACP emissions and ACP limit specified in the ACP agreement will be changed for the applicable compliance period; and
d. The effective date and corresponding date-codes for the modification.
2. The responsible ACP party may propose modifications to the enforceable sales records or the reconciliation of shortfalls plan specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP, however, such modifications require board pre-approval. Any such proposed modifications shall be fully described in writing and forwarded to the board. The responsible ACP party shall clearly demonstrate that the proposed modifications will meet the requirements of this article. The board will act on the proposed modifications using the procedure set forth in subsection C of this section. The responsible ACP party shall meet all applicable requirements of the existing ACP until such time as a proposed modification is approved in writing by the board.
3. Except as otherwise provided in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection, the responsible ACP party shall notify the board, in writing, of information known by the responsible ACP party that may alter the information submitted pursuant to the requirements of subsection B of this section. The responsible ACP party shall provide such notification to the board no later than 15 working days from the date such information is known to the responsible ACP party.
I. Provisions follow concerning the modification of an ACP by the board.
1. If the board determines that: (i) the enforceable sales for an ACP product are no longer at least 75% of the gross sales for that product, (ii) the information submitted pursuant to the approval process set forth in subsection C of this section is no longer valid, or (iii) the ACP emissions are exceeding the ACP limit specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP, then the board will modify the ACP as necessary to ensure that the ACP meets all requirements of this article and that the ACP emissions will not exceed the ACP limit.
2. If any applicable VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A are modified by the board in a future rulemaking, the board will modify the ACP limit specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP to reflect the modified ACP VOC standards as of their effective dates.
J. Provisions follow concerning the cancellation of an ACP.
1. An ACP shall remain in effect until:
a. The ACP reaches the expiration date specified in the ACP agreement;
b. The ACP is modified by the responsible ACP party and approved by the board as provided in subsection H of this section;
c. The ACP is modified by the board as provided in subsection I of this section;
d. The ACP includes a product for which the VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A is modified by the board in a future rulemaking, and the responsible ACP party informs the board in writing that the ACP will terminate on the effective date of the modified standard; or
e. The ACP is cancelled pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection.
2. The board will cancel an ACP if any of the following circumstances occur:
a. The responsible ACP party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the continuation of the ACP will result in an extraordinary economic hardship.
b. The responsible ACP party violates the requirements of the approved ACP, and the violation results in a shortfall that is 20% or more of the applicable ACP limit (i.e., the ACP emissions exceed the ACP limit by 20% or more).
c. The responsible ACP party fails to meet the requirements of subsection G of this section within the time periods specified in that subsection.
d. The responsible ACP party has demonstrated a recurring pattern of violations and has consistently failed to take the necessary steps to correct those violations.
3. Cancellations of ACPs are considered case decisions and will be processed using the procedures prescribed in 9VAC5-170-40 A 2 and applicable provisions of Article 3 (§ 2.2-4018 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.
4. The responsible ACP party for an ACP that is canceled pursuant to this section and who does not have a valid ACP to immediately replace the canceled ACP shall meet all of the following requirements:
a. All remaining shortfalls in effect at the time of ACP cancellation shall be reconciled in accordance with the requirements of subsection G of this section, and
b. All ACP products subject to the ACP shall be in compliance with the applicable VOC standards in 9VAC5-45-310 A immediately upon the effective date of ACP cancellation.
5. Violations incurred pursuant to subsection E of this section shall not be cancelled or affected by the subsequent cancellation or modification of an ACP pursuant to subsection H, I, or J of this section.
K. The information required by subdivisions B 1 a and b and F 2 i of this section is public information that may not be claimed as confidential. Other information submitted to the board to meet the requirements of this section shall be available to the public except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia.
L. A responsible ACP party may transfer an ACP to another responsible ACP party, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
1. The board will be notified, in writing, by both responsible ACP parties participating in the transfer of the ACP and its associated ACP agreement. The written notifications shall be postmarked at least five working days prior to the effective date of the transfer and shall be signed and submitted separately by both responsible parties. The written notifications shall clearly identify the contact persons, business names, mail and street addresses, and phone numbers of the responsible parties involved in the transfer.
2. The responsible ACP party to which the ACP is being transferred shall provide a written declaration stating that the transferee shall fully comply with all requirements of the ACP agreement approving the ACP and this article.
M. In approving agreements under subsections B through L of this section, the board will take into consideration whether the applicant has been granted an ACP by CARB. A manufacturer of consumer products that has been granted an ACP agreement by the CARB under the provisions in Subchapter 8.5, Article 4, Sections 94540-94555, of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations (see 9VAC5-20-21) may be exempt from Table 45-3A for the period of time that the CARB ACP agreement remains in effect provided that all ACP products used for emission credits within the CARB ACP agreement are contained in Table 45-3A. A manufacturer claiming such an ACP agreement on this basis must submit to the board a copy of the CARB ACP decision (i.e., the executive order), including all conditions established by CARB applicable to the exemption and certification that the manufacturer will comply with the CARB ACP decision for those ACP products in the areas specified in 9VAC5-45-280 C.
9VAC5-45-330. Innovative products.
A. Manufacturers of consumer products may seek an innovative products exemption in accordance with the following criteria:
1. The board will exempt a consumer product from the VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A if a manufacturer demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that, due to some characteristic of the product formulation, design, delivery systems or other factors, the use of the product will result in less VOC emissions as compared to:
a. The VOC emissions from a representative consumer product that complies with the VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A, or
b. The calculated VOC emissions from a noncomplying representative product, if the product had been reformulated to comply with the VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A. VOC emissions shall be calculated using the following equation:
where:
ER = The VOC emissions from the noncomplying representative product, had it been reformulated.
ENC = The VOC emissions from the noncomplying representative product in its current formulation.
VOCSTD = the VOC limit specified in Table 45-3A.
VOCNC = the VOC content of the noncomplying product in its current formulation.
If a manufacturer demonstrates that this equation yields inaccurate results due to some characteristic of the product formulation or other factors, an alternative method that accurately calculates emissions may be used upon approval of the board.
2. For the purposes of this subsection, "representative consumer product" means a consumer product that meets all of the following criteria:
a. The representative product shall be subject to the same VOC limit in 9VAC5-45-310 A as the innovative product;
b. The representative product shall be of the same product form as the innovative product unless the innovative product uses a new form that does not exist in the product category at the time the application is made; and
c. The representative product shall have at least a similar efficacy as other consumer products in the same product category based on tests generally accepted for that product category by the consumer products industry.
3. A manufacturer shall apply in writing to the board for an exemption claimed under subdivision A 1 of this section. The application shall include the supporting documentation that demonstrates the emissions from the innovative product, including the actual physical test methods used to generate the data and, if necessary, the consumer testing undertaken to document product usage. In addition, the applicant must provide the information necessary to enable the board to establish enforceable conditions for granting the exemption, including the VOC content for the innovative product and test methods for determining the VOC content. Information submitted to the board pursuant to this section shall be available to the public except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia.
4. Within 30 days of receipt of the exemption application, the board will determine whether an application is complete.
5. Within 90 days after an application has been deemed complete, the board will determine whether, under what conditions, and to what extent an exemption from the requirements of 9VAC5-45-310 A will be permitted. The board may extend this time period if additional time is needed to reach a decision, and additional supporting documentation may be submitted by the applicant before a decision has been reached. The board will notify the applicant of the decision in writing and specify such terms and conditions as are necessary to insure that emissions from the product will meet the emissions reductions specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection, and that such emissions reductions can be enforced.
6. In granting an exemption for a product, the board will establish enforceable conditions. These conditions shall include the VOC content of the innovative product, dispensing rates, application rates, and other parameters determined by the board to be necessary. The board will also specify the test methods for determining conformance to the conditions established. The test methods shall include criteria for reproducibility, accuracy, sampling, and laboratory procedures.
7. For a product for which an exemption has been granted pursuant to this section, the manufacturer shall notify the board in writing within 30 days of a change in the product formulation or recommended product usage directions and shall also notify the board within 30 days if the manufacturer learns of information that would alter the emissions estimates submitted to the board in support of the exemption application.
8. If the VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A are lowered for a product category through a subsequent rulemaking, all innovative product exemptions granted for products in the product category, except as provided in this subdivision, shall have no force and effect as of the effective date of the modified VOC standard. This subdivision shall not apply to those innovative products that have VOC emissions less than the applicable lowered VOC limit and for which a written notification of the product's emissions status versus the lowered VOC limit has been submitted to and approved by the board at least 60 days before the effective date of such limits.
9. If the board believes that a consumer product for which an exemption has been granted no longer meets the criteria for an innovative product specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection, the board may modify or revoke the exemption as necessary to assure that the product will meet these criteria.
B. In granting an exemption under this section, the board will take into consideration whether the applicant has been granted an innovative product exemption by CARB. A manufacturer of consumer products that has been granted an innovative product exemption by the CARB under the innovative products provisions in Subchapter 8.5, Article 2, Section 94511, or Subchapter 8.5, Article 1, Section 94503.5 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations (see 9VAC5-20-21), may be exempt from Table 45-3A for the period of time that the CARB innovative products exemption remains in effect provided that all consumer products within the CARB innovative products exemption are contained in Table 45-3A. A manufacturer claiming such an exemption on this basis must submit to the board a copy of the innovative product exemption decision (i.e., the executive order), including all conditions established by CARB applicable to the exemption and certification that the manufacturer will comply with the CARB innovative product exemption decision for those products in the areas specified in 9VAC5-45-280 C.
9VAC5-45-340. Administrative requirements.
A. Provisions follow concerning product dating.
1. Each manufacturer of a consumer product subject to 9VAC5-45-310 shall clearly display on each consumer product container or package, the day, month, and year on which the product was manufactured or a code indicating such date.
2. A manufacturer who uses the following code to indicate the date of manufacture shall not be subject to the requirements of subdivision B 1 of this section, if the code is represented separately from other codes on the product container so that it is easily recognizable:
YY DDD = year year day day day
where:
YY = two digits representing the year in which the product was manufactured, and
DDD = three digits representing the day of the year on which the product was manufactured, with 001 representing the first day of the year, 002 representing the second day of the year, and so forth (i.e., the Julian date).
3. The date or date code shall be located on the container or inside the cover or cap so that it is readily observable or obtainable (by simply removing the cap or cover) without irreversibly disassembling a part of the container or packaging. For the purposes of this subdivision, information may be displayed on the bottom of a container as long as it is clearly legible without removing any product packaging.
4. This date or date code shall be displayed on each consumer product container or package no later than the effective date of the applicable standard specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A.
5. The requirements of this section shall not apply to products containing no VOCs or containing VOCs at 0.10% by weight or less.
B. Additional provisions follow concerning product dating.
1. If a manufacturer uses a code indicating the date of manufacture for a consumer product subject to 9VAC5-45-310, an explanation of the date portion of the code must be filed with the board upon request by the board.
2. If a manufacturer changes any code indicating the date of manufacture for any consumer product subject to 9VAC5-45-310 and the board has requested an explanation of any previous product dating code for that consumer product, then an explanation of the modified code shall be submitted to the board before any products displaying the modified code are sold, supplied, or offered for sale within the areas designated in 9VAC5-45-280 C.
3. No person shall erase, alter, deface, or otherwise remove or make illegible any date or code indicating the date of manufacture from any regulated product container without the express authorization of the manufacturer.
4. Date code explanations for codes indicating the date of manufacture are public information and may not be claimed as confidential.
C. Notwithstanding the definition of "product category" in 9VAC5-45-300 C, if anywhere on the principal display panel of a consumer product, a representation is made that the product may be used as or is suitable for use as a consumer product for which a lower VOC limit is specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A, then the lowest VOC limit shall apply. This requirement does not apply to general purpose cleaners, antiperspirant or deodorant products, and insecticide foggers.
D. Provisions follow concerning additional labeling requirements for aerosol adhesives.
1. In addition to the requirements specified in subsections A and C of this section and in 9VAC5-45-390, both the manufacturer and responsible party for each aerosol adhesive product subject to this article shall ensure that all products clearly display the following information on each product container that is manufactured on or after July 1, 2005.
a. The aerosol adhesive category as specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A or an abbreviation of the category shall be displayed;
b. (1) The applicable VOC standard for the product that is specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A, expressed as a percentage by weight, shall be displayed unless the product is included in an alternative control plan approved by the board, as provided in 9VAC5-45-320, and the product exceeds the applicable VOC standard;
(2) If the product is included in an alternative control plan approved by the board, and the product exceeds the applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-310 A, the product shall be labeled with the term "ACP" or "ACP product";
c. If the product is classified as a special purpose spray adhesive, the applicable substrate or application or an abbreviation of the substrate or application that qualifies the product as special purpose shall be displayed;
d. If the manufacturer or responsible party uses an abbreviation as allowed by this subsection, an explanation of the abbreviation must be filed with the board before the abbreviation is used.
2. The information required in subdivision 1 of this subsection shall be displayed on the product container such that it is readily observable without removing or disassembling a portion of the product container or packaging. For the purposes of this subsection, information may be displayed on the bottom of a container as long as it is clearly legible without removing product packaging.
3. No person shall remove, alter, conceal, or deface the information required in subdivision 1 of this subsection prior to final sale of the product.
9VAC5-45-350. Compliance.
The provisions of 9VAC5-45-20 (Compliance) apply.
9VAC5-45-360. Compliance schedules.
Affected owners or other persons shall comply with the provisions of this article as expeditiously as possible but in no case later than:
1. January 1, 2005, in the Northern Virginia VOC Emissions Control Area; or
2. January 1, 2008, in the Fredericksburg VOC Emissions Control Area.
9VAC5-45-370. Test methods and procedures.
A. The provisions of 9VAC5-45-30 (Emission testing) apply.
B. 1. Testing to determine compliance with the requirements of this article shall be performed using CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21). Alternative methods that can accurately determine the concentration of VOCs in a subject product or its emissions may be used consistent with the approval requirements of 9VAC5-45-30 A.
2. In sections 3.5, 3.6, and 3.7 of CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21), a process is specified for the "Initial Determination of VOC Content" and the "Final Determination of VOC Content." Information submitted to the board to meet the requirements of this section shall be available to the public except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia.
C. For VOC content determinations using product formulation and records, testing to determine compliance with the requirements of this article may also be demonstrated through calculation of the VOC content from records of the amounts of constituents used to make the product pursuant to the following criteria:
1. Compliance determinations based on these records may not be used unless the manufacturer of a consumer product keeps accurate records for each day of production of the amount and chemical composition of the individual product constituents. These records must be kept for at least three years.
2. For the purposes of this subsection, the VOC content shall be calculated according to the following equation:
where:
A = total net weight of unit (excluding container and packaging).
B = total weight of all VOCs per unit.
C = total weight of all exempted VOCs per unit, as specified in 9VAC5-45-290.
3. If product records appear to demonstrate compliance with the VOC limits, but these records are contradicted by product testing performed using CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21), the results of CARB Method 310 shall take precedence over the product records and may be used to establish a violation of the requirements of this article.
D. Testing to determine whether a product is a liquid or solid shall be performed using ASTM "Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material is a Liquid or a Solid" (see 9VAC5-20-21).
E. Testing to determine compliance with the certification requirements for charcoal lighter material shall be performed using the procedures specified in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21).
F. Testing to determine distillation points of petroleum distillate-based charcoal lighter materials shall be performed using ASTM "Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Atmospheric Pressure" (see 9VAC5-20-21).
G. No person shall create, alter, falsify, or otherwise modify records in such a way that the records do not accurately reflect the constituents used to manufacture a product, the chemical composition of the individual product, and other tests, processes, or records used in connection with product manufacture.
9VAC5-45-380. Monitoring.
The provisions of 9VAC5-45-40 (Monitoring) apply.
9VAC5-45-390. Notification, records and reporting.
A. The provisions of 9VAC5-45-50 (Notification, records and reporting) apply.
B. Upon 90 days written notice, the board may require a responsible party to report information for a consumer product the board may specify, including, but not limited to, all or part of the following information:
1. The company name of the responsible party and the party's address, telephone number, and designated contact person.
2. A showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B and C that supports any claim of confidentiality made pursuant to 9VAC5-170-60, §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law, and other applicable state confidentiality requirements.
3. The product brand name for each consumer product subject to registration and, upon request by the board, the product label.
4. The product category to which the consumer product belongs.
5. The applicable product forms listed separately.
6. An identification of each product brand name and form as a "Household Product," "I&I Product," or both.
7. Separate sales in pounds per year, to the nearest pound, and the method used to calculate sales for each product form.
8. For registrations submitted by two companies, an identification of the company that is submitting relevant data separate from that submitted by the responsible party. All registration information from both companies shall be submitted by the date specified in this subsection.
9. For each product brand name and form, the net percent by weight of the total product, less container and packaging, composed of the following, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a percent (0.1%):
a. Total exempt compounds;
b. Total LVP-VOCs that are not fragrances;
c. Total all other carbon-containing compounds that are not fragrances;
d. Total all noncarbon-containing compounds;
e. Total fragrance;
f. For products containing greater than 2.0% by weight fragrance:
(1) The percent of fragrances that are LVP-VOCs; and
(2) The percent of fragrances that are all other carbon-containing compounds; and
g. Total paradichlorobenzene.
10. For each product brand name and form, the identity, including the specific chemical name and associated Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) number, of the following:
a. Each exempt compound; and
b. Each LVP-VOC that is not a fragrance.
11. If applicable, the weight percent composed of propellant for each product.
12. If applicable, an identification of the type of propellant.
C. In addition to the requirements of subdivision B 10 of this section, the responsible party shall report to the board the net percentage by weight of each ozone-depleting compound that is:
1. Listed in 9VAC5-45-310 I; and
2. Contained in a product subject to registration under subsection B of this section in an amount greater than 1.0% by weight.
D. Information submitted by responsible parties pursuant to this section shall be available to the public except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia.
E. Provisions follow concerning special recordkeeping and reporting requirements for consumer products that contain perchloroethylene or methylene chloride.
1. The requirements of this subsection shall apply to all responsible parties for consumer products that are subject to 9VAC5-45-310 A and contain perchloroethylene or methylene chloride. For the purposes of this subsection, a product contains perchloroethylene or methylene chloride if the product contains 1.0% or more by weight (exclusive of the container or packaging) of either perchloroethylene or methylene chloride.
2. For each consumer product that contains perchloroethylene or methylene chloride, the responsible party shall keep records of the following information for products sold during each calendar year, beginning with the year of the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-360, and ending with the year 2010:
a. The product brand name and a copy of the product label with legible usage instructions;
b. The product category to which the consumer product belongs;
c. The applicable product form, listed separately;
d. For each product form listed in subdivision 2 c of this subsection, the total sales during the calendar year to the nearest pound (exclusive of the container or packaging), and the method used for calculating sales;
e. The weight percentage, to the nearest 0.10% of perchloroethylene and methylene chloride in the consumer product;
3. Upon 90 days written notice, the board may require a responsible party to report the information specified in subdivision 2 of this subsection.
4. Records required by subdivision 2 of this subsection shall be maintained by the responsible party for five calendar years from the date such records were created.
5. Alternative control plan notifications, records, and reporting shall be made as required by 9VAC5-45-320 and as required in the ACP agreement.
6. Innovative product notifications, records, and reporting shall be made as required by 9VAC5-45-330 and as required in the innovative products exemption notification letter.
Article 4
Emission Standards for Consumer Products Manufactured on or after May 1, 2010
9VAC5-45-400. Applicability.
A. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-410, the provisions of this article apply to any consumer product manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, that contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The provisions of Article 3 (9VAC5-45-280 et seq.) of this part apply to consumer products manufactured before May 1, 2010.
B. Except as provided in section 9VAC5-45-410, the provisions of this article apply to any owner or other person who sells, supplies, offers for sale or manufactures for sale any consumer product.
C. The provisions of this article apply to owners and other persons in the Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond Volatile Organic Compound Emissions Control Areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.
D. For purposes of this article, the terms "supply" or "supplied" do not include internal transactions within a business or governmental entity. These terms only apply to transactions between manufacturers/commercial distributors that sell or otherwise provide products to businesses/governmental entities/individuals.
9VAC5-45-410. Exemptions.
A. This article shall not apply to any consumer product manufactured in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-400 C for shipment and use outside of those areas.
B. The provisions of this article shall not apply to a manufacturer or distributor who sells, supplies, or offers for sale a consumer product that does not comply with the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A, as long as the manufacturer or distributor can demonstrate both that the consumer product is intended for shipment and use outside of the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-400 C, and that the manufacturer or distributor has taken reasonable prudent precautions to assure that the consumer product is not distributed to those applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas. This subsection does not apply to consumer products that are sold, supplied, or offered for sale by any person to retail outlets in those applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas.
C. The medium volatility organic compound (MVOC) content standards specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A for antiperspirants or deodorants shall not apply to ethanol.
D. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A shall not apply to fragrances up to a combined level of 2.0% by weight contained in any consumer product and shall not apply to colorants up to a combined level of 2.0% by weight contained in any antiperspirant or deodorant.
E. The requirements of 9VAC5-45-430 A for antiperspirants or deodorants shall not apply to those volatile organic compounds that contain more than 10 carbon atoms per molecule and for which the vapor pressure is unknown, or that have a vapor pressure of 2 mm Hg or less at 20°C.
F. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A shall not apply to any LVP-VOC.
G. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A shall not apply to air fresheners that are composed entirely of fragrance, less compounds not defined as VOCs or LVP-VOC exempted under subsection F of this section.
H. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A shall not apply to air fresheners and insecticides containing at least 98% paradichlorobenzene.
I. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A shall not apply to adhesives sold in containers of one fluid ounce or less.
J. The VOC limits specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A shall not apply to bait station insecticides. For the purpose of this section, bait station insecticides are containers enclosing an insecticidal bait that is not more than 0.5 ounce by weight, where the bait is designed to be ingested by insects and is composed of solid material feeding stimulants with less than 5.0% active ingredients.
K. A person who cannot comply with the requirements set forth in 9VAC5-45-430, because of extraordinary reasons beyond the person's reasonable control may apply in writing to the board for a waiver.
1. The application shall set forth:
a. The specific grounds upon which the waiver is sought, including the facts that support the extraordinary reasons that compliance is beyond the applicant's reasonable control;
b. The proposed dates by which compliance with the provisions of 9VAC5-45-430 will be achieved; and
c. A compliance report reasonably detailing the methods by which compliance will be achieved.
2. Upon receipt of an application containing the information required in subdivision 1 of this subsection, the board will hold a public hearing to determine whether, under what conditions, and to what extent, a waiver from the requirements in 9VAC5-45-430 is necessary and will be permitted. A hearing shall be initiated no later than 75 days after receipt of a waiver application. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be sent to the applicant by certified mail not less than 30 days prior to the hearing. Notice of the hearing shall also be submitted for publication in the Virginia Register of Regulations. At least 30 days prior to the hearing, the waiver application shall be made available to the public for inspection. Information submitted to the board by a waiver applicant shall be available to the public, except where the owner makes a showing satisfactory to the board under 9VAC5-170-60 B that the information meets the criteria in 9VAC5-170-60 C, in which case the information shall be handled in accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 10.1-1314 and 10.1-1314.1 of the Air Pollution Control Law of Virginia. The board may consider both public and confidential information in reaching a decision on a waiver application. Interested members of the public shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to testify at the hearing and their testimony shall be considered.
3. No waiver shall be granted unless all of the following findings are made:
a. That, because of reasons beyond the reasonable control of the applicant, requiring compliance with 9VAC5-45-430 would result in extraordinary economic hardship;
b. That the public interest in mitigating the extraordinary hardship to the applicant by issuing the waiver outweighs the public interest in avoiding any increased emissions of air pollutants that would result from issuing the waiver; and
c. That the compliance report proposed by the applicant can reasonably be implemented and will achieve compliance as expeditiously as possible.
4. Any waiver may be issued as an order of the board. The waiver order shall specify a final compliance date by which the requirements of 9VAC5-45-430 will be achieved. Any waiver order shall contain a condition that specifies increments of progress necessary to assure timely compliance and such other conditions that the board, in consideration of the testimony received at the hearing, finds necessary to carry out the purposes of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and the regulations of the board.
5. A waiver shall cease to be effective upon failure of the party to whom the waiver was granted to comply with any term or condition of the waiver order.
6. Upon the application of anyone, the board may review and for good cause modify or revoke a waiver from requirements of 9VAC5-45-430.
L. The requirements of 9VAC5-45-460 A shall not apply to consumer products registered under FIFRA.
9VAC5-45-420. Definitions.
A. For the purpose of applying this article in the context of the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution and related uses, the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in subsection C of this section.
B. As used in this article, all terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5-10 (General Definitions), unless otherwise required by context.
C. Terms defined.
"ACP" or "alternative control plan" means any emissions averaging program approved by the board pursuant to the provisions of this article.
"ACP agreement" means the document signed by the board that includes the conditions and requirements of the board and that allows manufacturers to sell ACP products pursuant to the requirements of this article.
"ACP emissions" means the sum of the VOC emissions from every ACP product subject to an ACP agreement approving an ACP, during the compliance period specified in the ACP agreement, expressed to the nearest pound of VOC and calculated according to the following equation:
where:
1, 2,...N = each product in an ACP up to the maximum N.
Enforceable sales = (see definition in this section).
VOC content = one of the following:
1. For all products except for charcoal lighter material products:
where:
A = total net weight of unit (excluding container and packaging).
B = total weight of all VOCs per unit.
C = total weight of all exempted VOCs per unit, as specified in 9VAC5-45-410.
2. For charcoal lighter material products only:
where:
Certified emissions = (see definition in this section).
Certified use rate = (see definition in this section).
"ACP limit" means the maximum allowable ACP emissions during the compliance period specified in an ACP agreement approving an ACP, expressed to the nearest pound of VOC, and calculated according to the following equation:
where:
where:
Enforceable sales = (see definition in this section).
ACP standard = (see definition in this section).
1, 2, ...N = each product in an ACP up to the maximum N.
"ACP product" means any consumer product subject to the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A, except those products that have been exempted as innovative products under 9VAC5-45-450.
"ACP reformulation" or "ACP reformulated" means the process of reducing the VOC content of an ACP product within the period that an ACP is in effect to a level that is less than the current VOC content of the product.
"ACP standard" means either the ACP product's pre-ACP VOC content or the applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A, whichever is the lesser of the two.
"ACP VOC standard" means the maximum allowable VOC content for an ACP product, determined as follows:
1. The applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A for all ACP products except for charcoal lighter material;
2. For charcoal lighter material products only, the VOC standard for the purposes of this article shall be calculated according to the following equation:
where:
0.020 = the certification emissions level for the product, as specified in9VAC5-45-430 E.
Certified use rate = (see definition in this section).
"Adhesive" means any product that is used to bond one surface to another by attachment. Adhesive does not include products used on humans and animals, adhesive tape, contact paper, wallpaper, shelf liners, or any other product with an adhesive incorporated onto or in an inert substrate. For contact adhesive only, adhesive also does not include units of product, less packaging, that consist of more than one gallon. In addition, for construction, panel, and floor covering adhesive and general purpose adhesive only, adhesive does not include units of product, less packaging, that weigh more than one pound and consist of more than 16 fluid ounces. The package size limitations do not apply to aerosol adhesives.
"Adhesive remover" means a product designed to remove adhesive from either a specific substrate or a variety of substrates. Adhesive remover does not include products that remove adhesives intended exclusively for use on humans or animals. For the purpose of this definition and the following adhesive remover subcategories in subdivisions 1 through 4 of this definition, adhesive shall mean a substance used to bond one or more materials. Adhesives include, but are not limited to, caulk, sealant, glue, or similar substances used for the purpose of forming a bond.
1. "Floor and wall covering adhesive remover" means a product designed or labeled to remove floor or wall coverings and associated adhesive from the underlying substrate.
2. "Gasket or thread locking adhesive remover" means a product designed or labeled to remove gaskets or thread locking adhesives. Products labeled for dual use as a paint stripper and as a gasket remover or thread locking adhesive remover are considered gasket or thread locking adhesive remover.
3. "General purpose adhesive remover" means a product designed or labeled to remove cyanoacrylate adhesives and nonreactive adhesives or residue from a variety of substrates. General purpose adhesive remover includes, but is not limited to, products that remove thermoplastic adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, dextrin-based or starch-based adhesives, casein glues, rubber-based or latex-based adhesives, as well as products that remove stickers, decals, stencils, or similar materials. General purpose adhesive remover does not include floor or wall covering adhesive remover.
4. "Specialty adhesive remover" means a product designed to remove reactive adhesives from a variety of substrates. Reactive adhesives include adhesives that require a hardener or catalyst in order for the bond to occur. Examples of reactive adhesives include, but are not limited to, epoxies, urethanes, and silicones. Specialty adhesive remover does not include gasket or thread locking adhesive remover.
"Aerosol adhesive" means an aerosol product in which the spray mechanism is permanently housed in a nonrefillable can designed for hand-held application without the need for ancillary hoses or spray equipment. Aerosol adhesives include special purpose spray adhesives, mist spray adhesives, and web spray adhesives.
"Aerosol cooking spray" means any aerosol product designed either to reduce sticking on cooking and baking surfaces or to be applied on food, or both.
"Aerosol product" means a pressurized spray system that dispenses product ingredients by means of a propellant contained in a product or a product's carrier, or by means of a mechanically induced force. Aerosol product does not include pump sprays.
"Agricultural use" means the use of any pesticide or method or device for the control of pests in connection with the commercial production, storage, or processing of any animal or plant crop. Agricultural use does not include the sale or use of pesticides in properly labeled packages or containers that are intended for home use, use in structural pest control, industrial use, or institutional use. For the purposes of this definition only:
1. "Home use" means use in a household or its immediate environment.
2. "Industrial use" means use for or in a manufacturing, mining, or chemical process or use in the operation of factories, processing plants, and similar sites.
3. "Institutional use" means use within the perimeter of, or on property necessary for the operation of, buildings such as hospitals, schools, libraries, auditoriums, and office complexes.
4. "Structural pest control" means a use requiring a license under the applicable state pesticide licensing requirement.
"Air freshener" means any consumer product including, but not limited to, sprays, wicks, powders, and crystals, designed for the purpose of masking odors or freshening, cleaning, scenting, or deodorizing the air. Air fresheners do not include products that are used on the human body, products that function primarily as cleaning products (as indicated on a product label) or as toilet/urinal care products, disinfectant products claiming to deodorize by killing germs on surfaces, or institutional or industrial disinfectants when offered for sale solely through institutional and industrial channels of distribution. Air fresheners do include spray disinfectants and other products that are expressly represented for use as air fresheners, except institutional and industrial disinfectants when offered for sale through institutional and industrial channels of distribution. To determine whether a product is an air freshener, all verbal and visual representations regarding product use on the label or packaging and in the product's literature and advertising may be considered. The presence of, and representations about, a product's fragrance and ability to deodorize (resulting from surface application) shall not constitute a claim of air freshening.
"All other carbon-containing compounds" means all other compounds that contain at least one carbon atom and are not an "exempt compound" or an "LVP-VOC."
"All other forms" means all consumer product forms for which no form-specific VOC standard is specified. Unless specified otherwise by the applicable VOC standard, all other forms include, but are not limited to, solids, liquids, wicks, powders, crystals, and cloth or paper wipes (towelettes).
"Alternative control plan" or "ACP" means any emissions averaging program approved by the board pursuant to the provisions of this article.
"Antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap" means a cleaner or soap that is designed to reduce the level of microorganisms on the skin through germicidal activity. Antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap includes, but is not limited to, antimicrobial hand or body washes or cleaners, food handler hand washes, healthcare personnel hand washes, pre-operative skin preparations, and surgical scrubs. Antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap does not include prescription drug products, antiperspirants, astringent or toner, deodorant, facial cleaner or soap, general-use hand or body cleaner or soap, hand dishwashing detergent (including antimicrobial), heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap, medicated astringent or medicated toner, and rubbing alcohol.
"Antiperspirant" means any product including, but not limited to, aerosols, roll-ons, sticks, pumps, pads, creams, and squeeze-bottles, that is intended by the manufacturer to be used to reduce perspiration in the human axilla by at least 20% in at least 50% of a target population.
"Anti-static product" means a product that is labeled to eliminate, prevent, or inhibit the accumulation of static electricity. Anti-static products do not include electronic cleaners, floor polish or waxes, floor coatings, and products that meet the definition of aerosol coating products or architectural coatings.
"Architectural coating" means a coating applied to stationary structures and their appurtenances, to mobile homes, to pavements, or to curbs.
"ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials.
"Astringent or toner" means any product not regulated as a drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration that is applied to the skin for the purpose of cleaning or tightening pores. This category also includes clarifiers and substrate-impregnated products. This category does not include any hand, face, or body cleaner or soap product, medicated astringent or medicated toner, cold cream, lotion, or antiperspirant.
"Automotive brake cleaner" means a cleaning product designed to remove oil, grease, brake fluid, brake pad material, or dirt from motor vehicle brake mechanisms.
"Automotive hard paste wax" means an automotive wax or polish that is:
1. Designed to protect and improve the appearance of automotive paint surfaces;
2. A solid at room temperature; and
3. Contains no water.
"Automotive instant detailer" means a product designed for use in a pump spray that is applied to the painted surface of automobiles and wiped off prior to the product being allowed to dry.
"Automotive rubbing or polishing compound" means a product designed primarily to remove oxidation, old paint, scratches or swirl marks, and other defects from the painted surfaces of motor vehicles without leaving a protective barrier.
"Automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze" means a product designed to seal out moisture, increase gloss, or otherwise enhance a motor vehicle's painted surfaces. Automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze includes, but is not limited to, products designed for use in auto body repair shops and drive-through car washes, as well as products designed for the general public. Automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze does not include automotive rubbing or polishing compounds, automotive wash and wax products, surfactant-containing car wash products, and products designed for use on unpainted surfaces such as bare metal, chrome, glass, or plastic.
"Automotive windshield washer fluid" means any liquid designed for use in a motor vehicle windshield washer system either as an antifreeze or for the purpose of cleaning, washing, or wetting the windshield. Automotive windshield washer fluid also includes liquids that are (i) packaged as a pre-wetted, single-use manual wipe and (ii) designed exclusively for cleaning, washing, or wetting automotive glass surfaces for the purpose of restoring or maintaining visibility for the driver. Glass cleaners that are intended for use on other glass surfaces are not included in this definition. Automotive windshield washer fluid does not include fluids placed by the manufacturer in a new vehicle.
"Bathroom and tile cleaner" means a product designed to clean tile or surfaces in bathrooms. Bathroom and tile cleaners do not include products designed primarily to clean toilet bowls, toilet tanks, or urinals.
"Bug and tar remover" means a product labeled to remove either or both of the following from painted motor vehicle surfaces without causing damage to the finish: (i) biological residues, such as insect carcasses and tree sap, and (ii) road grime, such as road tar, roadway paint markings, and asphalt.
"CARB" means the California Air Resources Board.
"Carburetor or fuel-injection air intake cleaner" means a product designed to remove fuel deposits, dirt, or other contaminants from a carburetor, choke, throttle body of a fuel-injection system, or associated linkages. Carburetor or fuel-injection air intake cleaner does not include products designed exclusively to be introduced directly into the fuel lines or fuel storage tank prior to introduction into the carburetor or fuel injectors.
"Carpet and upholstery cleaner" means a cleaning product designed for the purpose of eliminating dirt and stains on rugs, carpeting, and the interior of motor vehicles or on household furniture or objects upholstered or covered with fabrics such as wool, cotton, nylon, or other synthetic fabrics. Carpet and upholstery cleaners include, but are not limited to, products that make fabric protectant claims. Carpet and upholstery cleaners do not include general purpose cleaners, spot removers, vinyl or leather cleaners, dry cleaning fluids, or products designed exclusively for use at industrial facilities engaged in furniture or carpet manufacturing.
"Certified emissions" means the emissions level for products approved under 9VAC5-45-430 E, as determined pursuant to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21), expressed to the nearest 0.001 pound VOC per start.
"Certified use rate" means the usage level for products approved under 9VAC5-45-430 E, as determined pursuant to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21), expressed to the nearest 0.001 pound certified product used per start.
"Charcoal lighter material" means any combustible material designed to be applied on, incorporated in, added to, or used with charcoal to enhance ignition. Charcoal lighter material does not include any of the following:
1. Electrical starters and probes;
2. Metallic cylinders using paper tinder;
3. Natural gas;
4. Propane; or
5. Fat wood.
"Colorant" means any pigment or coloring material used in a consumer product for an aesthetic effect or to dramatize an ingredient.
"Compliance period" means the period of time, not to exceed one year, for which the ACP limit and ACP emissions are calculated and for which compliance with the ACP limit is determined, as specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP.
"Construction, panel, and floor covering adhesive" means any one-component adhesive that is designed exclusively for the installation, remodeling, maintenance, or repair of:
1. Structural and building components that include, but are not limited to, beams, trusses, studs, paneling (drywall or drywall laminates, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), plywood, particle board, insulation board, predecorated hardboard or tileboard, etc.), ceiling and acoustical tile, molding, fixtures, countertops or countertop laminates, cove or wall bases, and flooring or subflooring; or
2. Floor or wall coverings that include, but are not limited to, wood or simulated wood covering, carpet, carpet pad or cushion, vinyl-backed carpet, flexible flooring material, nonresilient flooring material, mirror tiles and other types of tiles, and artificial grass.
Construction, panel, and floor covering adhesive does not include floor seam sealer.
"Consumer" means a person who purchases or acquires a consumer product for personal, family, household, or institutional use. Persons acquiring a consumer product for resale are not consumers for that product.
"Consumer product" means a chemically formulated product used by household and institutional consumers including, but not limited to, detergents; cleaning compounds; polishes; floor finishes; cosmetics; personal care products; home, lawn, and garden products; disinfectants; sanitizers; aerosol paints; and automotive specialty products, but does not include other paint products, furniture coatings, or architectural coatings. As used in this article, consumer products shall also refer to aerosol adhesives, including aerosol adhesives used for consumer, industrial, or commercial uses.
"Contact adhesive" means an adhesive that:
1. Is designed for application to both surfaces to be bonded together;
2. Is allowed to dry before the two surfaces are placed in contact with each other;
3. Forms an immediate bond that is impossible, or difficult, to reposition after both adhesive-coated surfaces are placed in contact with each other; and
4. Does not need sustained pressure or clamping of surfaces after the adhesive-coated surfaces have been brought together using sufficient momentary pressure to establish full contact between both surfaces.
Contact adhesive does not include rubber cements that are primarily intended for use on paper substrates. Contact adhesive also does not include vulcanizing fluids that are designed and labeled for tire repair only.
"Contact adhesive - general purpose" means any contact adhesive that is not a contact adhesive - special purpose.
"Contact adhesive - special purpose" means a contact adhesive that is used as follows:
1. To bond melamine-covered board, unprimed metal, unsupported vinyl, Teflon®, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, rubber, high pressure laminate or wood veneer 1/16 inch or less in thickness to any porous or nonporous surface, and is sold in units of product, less packaging, that contain more than eight fluid ounces; or
2. In automotive applications that are either:
a. Automotive under-the-hood applications requiring heat, oil, or gasoline resistance; or
b. Body-side molding, automotive weatherstrip, or decorative trim.
"Container or packaging" means the part or parts of the consumer or institutional product which serve only to contain, enclose, incorporate, deliver, dispense, wrap, or store the chemically formulated substance or mixture of substances that is solely responsible for accomplishing the purposes for which the product was designed or intended. Containers or packaging include any article onto or into which the principal display panel and other accompanying literature or graphics are incorporated, etched, printed, or attached.
"Contact person" means a representative that has been designated by the responsible ACP party for the purpose of reporting or maintaining information specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP.
"Crawling bug insecticide" means an insecticide product that is designed for use against ants, cockroaches, or other household crawling arthropods, including, but not limited to, mites, silverfish or spiders. Crawling bug insecticide does not include products designed to be used exclusively on humans or animals or a house dust mite product. For the purposes of this definition only:
1. "House dust mite product" means a product whose label, packaging, or accompanying literature states that the product is suitable for use against house dust mites, but does not indicate that the product is suitable for use against ants, cockroaches, or other household crawling arthropods.
2. "House dust mite" means mites that feed primarily on skin cells shed in the home by humans and pets and that belong to the phylum Arthropoda, the subphylum Chelicerata, the class Arachnida, the subclass Acari, the order Astigmata, and the family Pyroglyphidae.
"Date-code" means the day, month, and year on which the consumer product was manufactured, filled, or packaged, or a code indicating such a date.
"Deodorant" means any product including, but not limited to, aerosols, roll-ons, sticks, pumps, pads, creams, and squeeze-bottles, that indicates or depicts on the container or packaging, or on any sticker or label affixed thereto, that the product can be used on or applied to the human axilla to provide a scent or minimize odor. A deodorant body spray product that indicates or depicts on the container or packaging, or on any sticker or label affixed thereto, that it can be used on or applied to the human axilla, is a deodorant.
"Deodorant body spray" means a personal fragrance product with 20% or less fragrance that is designed for application all over the human body to provide a scent. A deodorant body spray product that indicates or depicts on the container or packaging, or on any sticker or label affixed thereto, that it can be used on or applied to the human axilla, is a deodorant.
"Device" means an instrument or contrivance (other than a firearm) that is designed for trapping, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest or other form of plant or animal life (other than human and other than bacterium, virus, or another microorganism on or in living humans or other living animals); but not including equipment used for the application of pesticides when sold separately therefrom.
"Disinfectant" means a product intended to destroy or irreversibly inactivate infectious or other undesirable bacteria, pathogenic fungi, or viruses on surfaces or inanimate objects and whose label is registered under the FIFRA. Disinfectant does not include any of the following:
1. Products designed solely for use on humans or animals;
2. Products designed for agricultural use;
3. Products designed solely for use in swimming pools, therapeutic tubs, or hot tubs; or
4. Products that, as indicated on the principal display panel or label, are designed primarily for use as bathroom and tile cleaners, glass cleaners, general purpose cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, or metal polishes.
"Distributor" means a person to whom a consumer product is sold or supplied for the purposes of resale or distribution in commerce, except that manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are not distributors.
"Double phase aerosol air freshener" means an aerosol air freshener with the liquid contents in two or more distinct phases that require the product container to be shaken before use to mix the phases, producing an emulsion.
"Dry cleaning fluid" means a nonaqueous liquid product designed and labeled exclusively for use on:
1. Fabrics that are labeled "for dry clean only," such as clothing or drapery; or
2. S-coded fabrics.
Dry cleaning fluid includes, but is not limited to, those products used by commercial dry cleaners and commercial businesses that clean fabrics such as draperies at the customer's residence or work place. Dry cleaning fluid does not include spot remover or carpet and upholstery cleaner. For the purposes of this definition, "S-coded fabric" means an upholstery fabric designed to be cleaned only with water-free spot cleaning products as specified by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association Joint Industry Fabrics Standards Committee, Woven and Knit Residential Upholstery Fabric Standards and Guidelines (see 9VAC5-20-21).
"Dusting aid" means a product designed to assist in removing dust and other soils from floors and other surfaces without leaving a wax or silicone-based coating. Dusting aid does not include pressurized gas dusters.
"Electrical cleaner" means a product labeled to remove heavy soils such as grease, grime, or oil from electrical equipment, including, but not limited to, electric motors, armatures, relays, electric panels, or generators. Electrical cleaner does not include general purpose cleaners, general purpose degreasers, dusting aids, electronic cleaners, energized electrical cleaners, pressurized gas dusters, engine degreasers, anti-static products, or products designed to clean the casings or housings of electrical equipment.
"Electronic cleaner" means a product labeled for the removal of dirt, moisture, dust, flux or oxides from the internal components of electronic or precision equipment such as circuit boards, and the internal components of electronic devices, including but not limited to, radios, compact disc (CD) players, digital video disc (DVD) players, and computers. Electronic cleaner does not include general purpose cleaners, general purpose degreasers, dusting aids, pressurized gas dusters, engine degreasers, electrical cleaners, energized electrical cleaners, anti-static products, or products designed to clean the casings or housings of electronic equipment.
"Energized electrical cleaner" means a product that meets both of the following criteria:
1. The product is labeled to clean or degrease electrical equipment, where cleaning or degreasing is accomplished when electrical current exists, or when there is a residual electrical potential from a component, such as a capacitor;
2. The product label clearly displays the statements: "Energized equipment use only. Not to be used for motorized vehicle maintenance, or their parts."
Energized electrical cleaner does not include electronic cleaner.
"Enforceable sales" means the total amount of an ACP product sold for use in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-400 C during the applicable compliance period specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP, as determined through enforceable sales records (expressed to the nearest pound, excluding product container and packaging).
"Enforceable sales record" means a written, point-of-sale record or another board-approved system of documentation from which the mass, in pounds (less product container and packaging), of an ACP product sold to the end user in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-400 C during the applicable compliance period can be accurately documented. For the purposes of this article, enforceable sales records include, but are not limited to, the following types of records:
1. Accurate records of direct retail or other outlet sales to the end user during the applicable compliance period;
2. Accurate compilations, made by independent market surveying services, of direct retail or other outlet sales to the end users for the applicable compliance period, provided that a detailed method that can be used to verify data composing such summaries is submitted by the responsible ACP party and approved by the board; and
3. Other accurate product sales records acceptable to the board.
"Engine degreaser" means a cleaning product designed to remove grease, grime, oil, and other contaminants from the external surfaces of engines and other mechanical parts.
"Exempt compound" means acetone, ethane, methyl acetate, parachlorobenzotrifluoride (1-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl benzene), or perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene).
"Existing product" means any formulation of the same product category and form sold, supplied, manufactured, or offered for sale prior to March 9, 2005, or any subsequently introduced identical formulation.
"Fabric protectant" means a product designed to be applied to fabric substrates to protect the surface from soiling from dirt and other impurities or to reduce absorption of liquid into the fabric's fibers. Fabric protectant does not include waterproofers, products designed for use solely on leather, or products designed for use solely on fabrics that are labeled "for dry clean only" and sold in containers of 10 fluid ounces or less.
"Fabric refresher" means a product labeled to neutralize or eliminate odors on nonlaundered fabric including, but not limited to, soft household surfaces, rugs, carpeting, draperies, bedding, automotive interiors, footwear, athletic equipment, clothing or on household furniture or objects upholstered or covered with fabrics such as, but not limited to, wool, cotton, or nylon. Fabric refresher does not include anti-static products, carpet and upholstery cleaners, soft household surface sanitizers, footwear or leather care products, spot removers, or disinfectants, or products labeled for application to both fabric and human skin. For the purposes of this definition only, soft household surface sanitizer means a product labeled to neutralize or eliminate odors on surfaces listed above whose label is registered as a sanitizer under FIFRA.
"Facial cleaner or soap" means a cleaner or soap designed primarily to clean the face. Facial cleaner or soap includes, but is not limited to, facial cleansing creams, semisolids, liquids, lotions, and substrate-impregnated forms. Facial cleaner or soap does not include prescription drug products, antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap, astringent or toner, general-use hand or body cleaner or soap, medicated astringent or medicated toner, or rubbing alcohol.
"Fat wood" means pieces of wood kindling with high naturally-occurring levels of sap or resin that enhance ignition of the kindling. Fat wood does not include kindling with substances added to enhance flammability, such as wax-covered or wax-impregnated wood-based products.
"FIFRA" means the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 USC § 136-136y).
"Flea and tick insecticide" means an insecticide product that is designed for use against fleas, ticks, their larvae, or their eggs. Flea and tick insecticide does not include products that are designed to be used exclusively on humans or animals and their bedding.
"Flexible flooring material" means asphalt, cork, linoleum, no-wax, rubber, seamless vinyl, and vinyl composite flooring.
"Floor coating" means an opaque coating that is labeled and designed for application to flooring, including but not limited to, decks, porches, steps, and other horizontal surfaces which may be subject to foot traffic.
"Floor polish or wax" means a wax, polish, or other product designed to polish, protect, or enhance floor surfaces by leaving a protective coating that is designed to be periodically replenished. Floor polish or wax does not include spray buff products, products designed solely for the purpose of cleaning floors, floor finish strippers, products designed for unfinished wood floors, and coatings subject to architectural coatings regulations.
"Floor seam sealer" means a product designed and labeled exclusively for bonding, fusing, or sealing (coating) seams between adjoining rolls of installed flexible sheet flooring.
"Floor wax stripper" means a product designed to remove natural or synthetic floor polishes or waxes through breakdown of the polish or wax polymers or by dissolving or emulsifying the polish or wax. Floor wax stripper does not include aerosol floor wax strippers or products designed to remove floor wax solely through abrasion.
"Flying bug insecticide" means an insecticide product that is designed for use against flying insects or other flying arthropods, including but not limited to flies, mosquitoes, moths, or gnats. Flying bug insecticide does not include wasp and hornet insecticide, products that are designed to be used exclusively on humans or animals, or a moth-proofing product. For the purposes of this definition only, "moth-proofing product" means a product whose label, packaging, or accompanying literature indicates that the product is designed to protect fabrics from damage by moths, but does not indicate that the product is suitable for use against flying insects or other flying arthropods.
"Footwear or leather care product" means any product designed or labeled to be applied to footwear or to other leather articles or components, to maintain, enhance, clean, protect, or modify the appearance, durability, fit, or flexibility of the footwear, leather article or component. Footwear includes both leather and nonleather foot apparel. Footwear or leather care product does not include fabric protectants; general purpose adhesives; contact adhesives; vinyl/fabric/leather/polycarbonate coatings; rubber and vinyl protectants; fabric refreshers; products solely for deodorizing; or sealant products with adhesive properties used to create external protective layers greater than 2 millimeters thick.
"Fragrance" means a substance or complex mixture of aroma chemicals, natural essential oils, and other functional components with a combined vapor pressure not in excess of 2 mm of Hg at 20°C, the sole purpose of which is to impart an odor or scent, or to counteract a malodor.
"Furniture coating" means a paint designed for application to room furnishings including, but not limited to, cabinets (kitchen, bath and vanity), tables, chairs, beds, and sofas.
"Furniture maintenance product" means a wax, polish, conditioner, or other product designed for the purpose of polishing, protecting, or enhancing finished wood surfaces other than floors. Furniture maintenance products do not include dusting aids, wood cleaners and products designed solely for the purpose of cleaning, and products designed to leave a permanent finish such as stains, sanding sealers, and lacquers.
"Gel" means a colloid in which the disperse phase has combined with the continuous phase to produce a semisolid material, such as jelly.
"General purpose adhesive" means a nonaerosol adhesive designed for use on a variety of substrates. General purpose adhesive does not include:
1. Contact adhesives;
2. Construction, panel, and floor covering adhesives;
3. Adhesives designed exclusively for application on one specific category of substrates (i.e., substrates that are composed of similar materials, such as different types of metals, paper products, ceramics, plastics, rubbers, or vinyls); or
4. Adhesives designed exclusively for use on one specific category of articles (i.e., articles that may be composed of different materials but perform a specific function, such as gaskets, automotive trim, weather-stripping, or carpets).
"General purpose cleaner" means a product designed for general all-purpose cleaning, in contrast to cleaning products designed to clean specific substrates in certain situations. General purpose cleaner includes products designed for general floor cleaning, kitchen or countertop cleaning, and cleaners designed to be used on a variety of hard surfaces and does not include general purpose degreasers and electronic cleaners.
"General purpose degreaser" means a product labeled to remove or dissolve grease, grime, oil, and other oil-based contaminants from a variety of substrates, including automotive or miscellaneous metallic parts. General purpose degreaser does not include engine degreaser, general purpose cleaner, adhesive remover, electronic cleaner, electrical cleaner, energized electrical cleaner, metal polish or cleanser, products used exclusively in solvent cleaning tanks or related equipment, or products that are (i) sold exclusively to establishments that manufacture or construct goods or commodities; and (ii) labeled "not for retail sale." Solvent cleaning tanks or related equipment includes, but is not limited to, cold cleaners, vapor degreasers, conveyorized degreasers, film cleaning machines, or products designed to clean miscellaneous metallic parts by immersion in a container.
"General-use hand or body cleaner or soap" means a cleaner or soap designed to be used routinely on the skin to clean or remove typical or common dirt and soils. General-use hand or body cleaner or soap includes, but is not limited to, hand or body washes, dual-purpose shampoo-body cleaners, shower or bath gels, and moisturizing cleaners or soaps. General-use hand or body cleaner or soap does not include prescription drug products, antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap, astringent or toner, facial cleaner or soap, hand dishwashing detergent (including antimicrobial), heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap, medicated astringent or medicated toner, or rubbing alcohol.
"Glass cleaner" means a cleaning product designed primarily for cleaning surfaces made of glass. Glass cleaner does not include products designed solely for the purpose of cleaning optical materials used in eyeglasses, photographic equipment, scientific equipment, and photocopying machines.
"Graffiti remover" means a product labeled to remove spray paint, ink, marker, crayon, lipstick, nail polish, or shoe polish, from a variety of noncloth or nonfabric substrates. Graffiti remover does not include paint remover or stripper, nail polish remover, or spot remover. Products labeled for dual use as both a paint stripper and graffiti remover are considered graffiti removers.
"Gross sales" means the estimated total sales of an ACP product in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-400 C during a specific compliance period (expressed to the nearest pound), based on either of the following methods, whichever the responsible ACP party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board will provide an accurate sales estimate:
1. Apportionment of national or regional sales of the ACP product to sales, determined by multiplying the average national or regional sales of the product by the fraction of the national or regional population, respectively, that is represented by the current population of the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-400 C; or
2. Another documented method that provides an accurate estimate of the total current sales of the ACP product.
"Hair mousse" means a hairstyling foam designed to facilitate styling of a coiffure and provide limited holding power.
"Hair shine" means a product designed for the primary purpose of creating a shine when applied to the hair. Hair shine includes, but is not limited to, dual-use products designed primarily to impart a sheen to the hair. Hair shine does not include hair spray, hair mousse, hair styling product, hair styling gel, or products whose primary purpose is to condition or hold the hair.
"Hair spray" means a consumer product that is applied to styled hair, and is designed or labeled to provide sufficient rigidity to hold, retain and/or finish the style of the hair for a period of time. Hair spray includes aerosol hair sprays, pump hair sprays, spray waxes; color, glitter, or sparkle hairsprays that make finishing claims; and products that are both a styling and finishing product. Hair spray does not include spray products that are intended to aid in styling but does not provide finishing of a hairstyle. For the purposes of this article, "finish" or "finishing" means the maintaining or holding of previously styled hair for a period of time. For the purposes of this article, "styling" means the forming, sculpting, or manipulating the hair to temporarily alter the hair's shape.
"Hair styling product" means a consumer product that is designed or labeled for the application to wet, damp or dry hair to aid in defining, shaping, lifting, styling and or sculpting of the hair. Hair styling product includes, but is not limited to hair balm; clay; cream; creme; curl straightener; gel; liquid; lotion; paste; pomade; putty; root lifter; serum; spray gel; stick; temporary hair straightener; wax; spray products that aid in styling but do not provide finishing of a hairstyle; and leave-in volumizers, detanglers or conditioners that make styling claims. Hair styling product does not include hair mousse, hair shine, hair spray, or shampoos or conditioners that are rinsed from the hair prior to styling. For the purposes of this article, "finish" or "finishing" means the maintaining or holding of previously styled hair for a period of time. For the purposes of this article, "styling" means the forming, sculpting, or manipulating the hair to temporarily alter the hair's shape.
"Heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap" means a product designed to clean or remove difficult dirt and soils such as oil, grease, grime, tar, shellac, putty, printer's ink, paint, graphite, cement, carbon, asphalt, or adhesives from the hand with or without the use of water. Heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap does not include prescription drug products, antimicrobial hand or body cleaner or soap, astringent or toner, facial cleaner or soap, general-use hand or body cleaner or soap, medicated astringent or medicated toner, or rubbing alcohol.
"Herbicide" means a pesticide product designed to kill or retard a plant's growth, but excludes products that are (i) for agricultural use, or (ii) restricted materials that require a permit for use and possession.
"High volatility organic compound" or "HVOC" means a volatile organic compound that exerts a vapor pressure greater than 80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) when measured at 20°C.
"Household product" means a consumer product that is primarily designed to be used inside or outside of living quarters or residences that are occupied or intended for occupation by people, including the immediate surroundings.
"Insecticide" means a pesticide product that is designed for use against insects or other arthropods, but excluding products that are:
1. For agricultural use;
2. For a use that requires a structural pest control license under applicable state laws or regulations; or
3. Materials classified for restricted use pursuant to 40 CFR 152.75 and require a pesticide business license from the Virginia Pesticide Control Board pursuant to 2VAC20-40-20 for use and possession.
"Insecticide fogger" means an insecticide product designed to release all or most of its content as a fog or mist into indoor areas during a single application.
"Institutional product" or "industrial and institutional (I&I) product" means a consumer product that is designed for use in the maintenance or operation of an establishment that:
1. Manufactures, transports, or sells goods or commodities, or provides services for profit; or
2. Is engaged in the nonprofit promotion of a particular public, educational, or charitable cause.
Establishments include, but are not limited to, government agencies, factories, schools, hospitals, sanitariums, prisons, restaurants, hotels, stores, automobile service and parts centers, health clubs, theaters, or transportation companies. Institutional product does not include household products and products that are incorporated into or used exclusively in the manufacture or construction of the goods or commodities at the site of the establishment.
"Label" means written, printed, or graphic matter affixed to, applied to, attached to, blown into, formed, molded into, embossed on, or appearing upon a consumer product or consumer product package, for purposes of branding, identifying, or giving information with respect to the product or to the contents of the package.
"Laundry prewash" means a product that is designed for application to a fabric prior to laundering and that supplements and contributes to the effectiveness of laundry detergents or provides specialized performance.
"Laundry starch product" means a product that is designed for application to a fabric, either during or after laundering, to impart and prolong a crisp, fresh look and may also act to help ease ironing of the fabric. Laundry starch product includes, but is not limited to, fabric finish, sizing, and starch.
"Lawn and garden insecticide" means an insecticide product labeled primarily to be used in household lawn and garden areas to protect plants from insects or other arthropods. Notwithstanding the requirements of 9VAC5-45-460 C, aerosol lawn and garden insecticides may claim to kill insects or other arthropods.
"Liquid" means a substance or mixture of substances that is capable of a visually detectable flow as determined under ASTM "Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material is a Liquid or a Solid" (see 9VAC5-20-21). Liquid does not include powders or other materials that are composed entirely of solid particles.
"Lubricant" means a product designed to reduce friction, heat, noise, or wear between moving parts, or to loosen rusted or immovable parts or mechanisms. Lubricant does not include automotive power steering fluids; products for use inside power generating motors, engines, and turbines, and their associated power-transfer gearboxes; two-cycle oils or other products designed to be added to fuels; products for use on the human body or animals; or products that are:
1. Sold exclusively to establishments that manufacture or construct goods or commodities; and
2. Labeled "not for retail sale."
"LVP content" means the total weight, in pounds, of LVP-VOC in an ACP product multiplied by 100 and divided by the product's total net weight (in pounds, excluding container and packaging), expressed to the nearest 0.1.
"LVP-VOC" means a chemical compound or mixture that contains at least one carbon atom and meets one of the following:
1. Has a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20°C, as determined by CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21);
2. Is a chemical compound with more than 12 carbon atoms, or a chemical mixture composed solely of compounds with more than 12 carbon atoms as verified by formulation data, and the vapor pressure and boiling point are unknown;
3. Is a chemical compound with a boiling point greater than 216°C , as determined by CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21); or
4. Is the weight percent of a chemical mixture that boils above 216°C, as determined by CARB Method 310 (see 9VAC5-20-21).
For the purposes of the definition of LVP-VOC, "chemical compound" means a molecule of definite chemical formula and isomeric structure, and "chemical mixture" means a substrate composed of two or more chemical compounds.
"Manufacturer" means a person who imports, manufactures, assembles, produces, packages, repackages, or relabels a consumer product.
"Medicated astringent or medicated toner" means a product regulated as a drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration that is applied to the skin for the purpose of cleaning or tightening pores. Medicated astringent or medicated toner includes, but is not limited to, clarifiers and substrate-impregnated products. Medicated astringent or medicated toner does not include hand, face, or body cleaner or soap products, astringent or toner, cold cream, lotion, antiperspirants, or products that must be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
"Medium volatility organic compound" or "MVOC" means a volatile organic compound that exerts a vapor pressure greater than 2 mm Hg and less than or equal to 80 mm Hg when measured at 20°C.
"Metal polish or cleanser" means a product designed primarily to improve the appearance of finished metal, metallic, or metallized surfaces by physical or chemical action. To "improve the appearance" means to remove or reduce stains, impurities, or oxidation from surfaces or to make surfaces smooth and shiny. Metal polish or cleanser includes, but is not limited to, metal polishes used on brass, silver, chrome, copper, stainless steel, and other ornamental metals. Metal polish or cleanser does not include automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze, wheel cleaner, paint remover or stripper, products designed and labeled exclusively for automotive and marine detailing, or products designed for use in degreasing tanks.
"Missing data days" means the number of days in a compliance period for which the responsible ACP party has failed to provide the required enforceable sales or VOC content data to the board, as specified in the ACP agreement.
"Mist spray adhesive" means an aerosol that is not a special purpose spray adhesive and that delivers a particle or mist spray, resulting in the formation of fine, discrete particles that yield a generally uniform and smooth application of adhesive to the substrate.
"Multipurpose dry lubricant" means a lubricant that is:
1. Designed and labeled to provide lubricity by depositing a thin film of graphite, molybdenum disulfide ("moly"), or polytetrafluoroethylene or closely related fluoropolymer ("teflon") on surfaces; and
2. Designed for general purpose lubrication, or for use in a wide variety of applications.
"Multipurpose lubricant" means a lubricant designed for general purpose lubrication, or for use in a wide variety of applications. Multipurpose lubricant does not include multipurpose dry lubricants, penetrants, or silicone-based multipurpose lubricants.
"Multipurpose solvent" means an organic liquid designed to be used for a variety of purposes, including cleaning or degreasing of a variety of substrates, or thinning, dispersing, or dissolving other organic materials. Multipurpose solvent includes solvents used in institutional facilities, except for laboratory reagents used in analytical, educational, research, scientific, or other laboratories. Multipurpose solvent does not include solvents used in cold cleaners, vapor degreasers, conveyorized degreasers or film cleaning machines, or solvents that are incorporated into, or used exclusively in the manufacture or construction of, the goods or commodities at the site of the establishment.
"Nail polish" means a clear or colored coating designed for application to the fingernails or toenails and including but not limited to lacquers, enamels, acrylics, base coats, and top coats.
"Nail polish remover" means a product designed to remove nail polish and coatings from fingernails or toenails.
"Nonaerosol product" means a consumer product that is not dispensed by a pressurized spray system.
"Noncarbon containing compound" means a compound that does not contain carbon atoms.
"Nonresilient flooring" means flooring of a mineral content that is not flexible. Nonresilient flooring includes but is not limited to terrazzo, marble, slate, granite, brick, stone, ceramic tile, and concrete.
"Nonselective terrestrial herbicide" means a terrestrial herbicide product that is toxic to plants without regard to species.
"One-product business" means a responsible ACP party that sells, supplies, offers for sale, or manufactures for use in the applicable volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-45-400:
1. Only one distinct ACP product, sold under one product brand name, which is subject to the requirements of 9VAC5-45-430; or
2. Only one distinct ACP product line subject to the requirements of 9VAC5-45-430, in which all the ACP products belong to the same product category and the VOC contents in the products are within 98.0% and 102.0% of the arithmetic mean of the VOC contents over the entire product line.
"Oven cleaner" means a cleaning product designed to clean and to remove dried food deposits from oven walls.
"Paint" means a pigmented liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition designed for application to a substrate in a thin layer that is converted to an opaque solid film after application and is used for protection, decoration or identification, or to serve some functional purpose such as the filling or concealing of surface irregularities or the modification of light and heat radiation characteristics.
"Paint remover or stripper" means a product designed to strip or remove paints or other related coatings, by chemical action, from a substrate without markedly affecting the substrate. Paint remover or stripper does not include multipurpose solvents, paint brush cleaners, products designed and labeled exclusively as graffiti removers, and hand cleaner products that claim to remove paints and other related coatings from skin.
"Penetrant" means a lubricant designed and labeled primarily to loosen metal parts that have bonded together due to rusting, oxidation, or other causes. Penetrant does not include multipurpose lubricants that claim to have penetrating qualities but are not labeled primarily to loosen bonded parts.
"Personal fragrance product" means any product that is applied to the human body or clothing for the primary purpose of adding a scent or masking a malodor, including cologne, perfume, aftershave, and toilet water. Personal fragrance product does not include: (i) deodorant; (ii) medicated products designed primarily to alleviate fungal or bacterial growth on feet or other areas of the body; (iii) mouthwashes, breath fresheners and deodorizers; (iv) lotions, moisturizers, powders or other skin care products used primarily to alleviate skin conditions such as dryness and irritations; (v) products designed exclusively for use on human genitalia; (vi) soaps, shampoos, and products primarily used to clean the human body; and (vii) fragrance products designed to be used exclusively on nonhuman animals.
"Pesticide" means and includes a substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed, or intended for use in preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest, or a substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed, or intended for use as a defoliant, desiccant, or plant regulator, provided that the term "pesticide" will not include a substance, mixture of substances, or device that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not consider to be a pesticide.
"Pre-ACP VOC content" means the lowest VOC content of an ACP product between January 1, 1990, and the date on which the application for a proposed ACP is submitted to the board, based on the data obtained from accurate records available to the board that yields the lowest VOC content for the product.
"Pressurized gas duster" means a pressurized product labeled to remove dust from a surface solely by means of mass air or gas flow, including surfaces such as photographs, photographic film negatives, computer keyboards, and other types of surfaces that cannot be cleaned with solvents. Pressurized gas duster does not include dusting aids.
"Principal display panel" means that part of a label that is so designed as to most likely be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under normal and customary conditions of display or purchase. Whenever a principal display panel appears more than once, all requirements pertaining to the principal display panel shall pertain to all such principal display panels.
"Product brand name" means the name of the product exactly as it appears on the principal display panel of the product.
"Product category" means the applicable category that best describes the product as listed in this section and in Table 45-4A in 9VAC5-45-430 A.
"Product form," for the purpose of complying with 9VAC5-45-510 (notification, records and reporting) only, means the applicable form that most accurately describes the product's dispensing form as follows:
A = Aerosol Product.
S = Solid.
P = Pump Spray.
L = Liquid.
SS = Semisolid.
O = Other.
"Product line" means a group of products of identical form and function belonging to the same product category.
"Propellant" means a liquefied or compressed gas that is used in whole or in part, such as a cosolvent, to expel a liquid or other material from the same self-pressurized container or from a separate container.
"Pump spray" means a packaging system in which the product ingredients within the container are not under pressure and in which the product is expelled only while a pumping action is applied to a button, trigger, or other actuator.
"Reconcile or reconciliation" means to provide sufficient VOC emission reductions to completely offset shortfalls generated under the ACP during an applicable compliance period.
"Reconciliation of shortfalls plan" means the plan to be implemented by the responsible ACP party when shortfalls have occurred, as approved by the board pursuant to 9VAC5-45-440 B 1 g (10).
"Responsible ACP party" means the company, firm, or establishment that is listed on the ACP product's label. If the label lists two or more companies, firms, or establishments, the responsible ACP party is the party that the ACP product was "manufactured for" or "distributed by," as noted on the label.
"Responsible party" means the company, firm, or establishment that is listed on the product's label. If the label lists two companies, firms, or establishments, the responsible party is the party that the product was "manufactured for" or "distributed by," as noted on the label.
"Restricted materials" means pesticides established as restricted materials under Chapter 39 (§ 3.2-3900 et seq.) of Title 3.2 of the Code of Virginia.
"Retail outlet" means an establishment at which consumer products are sold, supplied, or offered for sale directly to consumers.
"Retailer" means a person who sells, supplies, or offers consumer products for sale directly to consumers.
"Roll-on product" means an antiperspirant or deodorant that dispenses active ingredients by rolling a wetted ball or wetted cylinder on the affected area.
"Rubber and vinyl protectant" means a product designed to protect, preserve, or renew vinyl, rubber, and plastic on vehicles, tires, luggage, furniture, and household products such as vinyl covers, clothing, and accessories. Rubber and vinyl protectant does not include products primarily designed to clean the wheel rim, such as aluminum or magnesium wheel cleaners, and tire cleaners that do not leave an appearance-enhancing or protective substance on the tire.
"Rubbing alcohol" means a product containing isopropyl alcohol (also called isopropanol) or denatured ethanol and labeled for topical use, usually to decrease germs in minor cuts and scrapes, to relieve minor muscle aches, as a rubefacient, and for massage.
"Sealant and caulking compound" means a product with adhesive properties that is designed to fill, seal, waterproof, or weatherproof gaps or joints between two surfaces. Sealant and caulking compound does not include roof cements and roof sealants; insulating foams; removable caulking compounds; clear or paintable or water resistant caulking compounds; floor seam sealers; products designed exclusively for automotive uses; or sealers that are applied as continuous coatings. Sealant and caulking compound also does not include units of product, less packaging, which weigh more than one pound and consist of more than 16 fluid ounces. For the purposes of this definition only, "removable caulking compounds" means a compound that temporarily seals windows or doors for three- to six-month time intervals; and "clear or paintable or water resistant caulking compounds" means a compound that contains no appreciable level of opaque fillers or pigments, transmits most or all visible light through the caulk when cured, is paintable, and is immediately resistant to precipitation upon application.
"Semisolid" means a product that, at room temperature, will not pour, but will spread or deform easily, including, but not limited to gels, pastes, and greases.
"Shaving cream" means an aerosol product that dispenses a foam lather intended to be used with a blade or cartridge razor or other wet-shaving system, in the removal of facial or other bodily hair. Shaving cream does not include shaving gel.
"Shaving gel" means an aerosol product that dispenses a post-foaming semisolid designed to be used with a blade, cartridge razor, or other shaving system in the removal of facial or other bodily hair. Shaving gel does not include shaving cream.
"Shortfall" means the ACP emissions minus the ACP limit when the ACP emissions were greater than the ACP limit during a specified compliance period, expressed to the nearest pound of VOC. Shortfall does not include emissions occurring prior to the date that the ACP agreement approving an ACP is signed by the board.
"Silicone-based multipurpose lubricant" means a lubricant that is:
1. Designed and labeled to provide lubricity primarily through the use of silicone compounds including, but not limited to, polydimethylsiloxane; and
2. Designed and labeled for general purpose lubrication, or for use in a wide variety of applications.
Silicone-based multipurpose lubricant does not include products designed and labeled exclusively to release manufactured products from molds.
"Single phase aerosol air freshener" means an aerosol air freshener with the liquid contents in a single homogeneous phase and that does not require that the product container be shaken before use.
"Small business" means any stationary source that is owned or operated by a person that employs 100 or fewer individuals; is a small business concern as defined in the federal Small Business Act; is not a major stationary source; does not emit 50 tons or more per year of any regulated pollutant; and emits less than 75 tons per year of all regulated pollutants.
"Solid" means a substance or mixture of substances that, either whole or subdivided (such as the particles composing a powder), is not capable of visually detectable flow as determined under ASTM "Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material is a Liquid or a Solid" (see 9VAC5-20-21).
"Special purpose spray adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive that meets any of the following definitions:
1. "Mounting adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to permanently mount photographs, artwork, or other drawn or printed media to a backing (paper, board, cloth, etc.) without causing discoloration to the artwork.
2. "Flexible vinyl adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to bond flexible vinyl to substrates. "Flexible vinyl" means a nonrigid polyvinyl chloride plastic with at least 5.0%, by weight, of plasticizer content. A plasticizer is a material, such as a high boiling point organic solvent, that is incorporated into a plastic to increase its flexibility, workability, or distensibility, and may be determined using ASTM "Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography" (see 9VAC5-20-21) or from product formulation data.
3. "Polystyrene foam adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to bond polystyrene foam to substrates.
4. "Automobile headliner adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to bond together layers in motor vehicle headliners.
5. "Polyolefin adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed to bond polyolefins to substrates.
6. "Laminate repair or edgebanding adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed for:
a. The touch-up or repair of items laminated with high pressure laminates (e.g., lifted edges, delaminates, etc.); or
b. The touch-up, repair, or attachment of edgebonding materials, including but not limited to, other laminates, synthetic marble, veneers, wood molding, and decorative metals.
For the purposes of this definition, "high pressure laminate" means sheet materials that consist of paper, fabric, or other core material that have been laminated at temperatures exceeding 265°F and at pressures between 1,000 and 1,400 psi.
7. "Automotive engine compartment adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive designed for use in motor vehicle under-the-hood applications that require oil and plasticizer resistance, as well as high shear strength, at temperatures of 200-275°F.
"Spot remover" means a product labeled to clean localized areas or remove localized spots or stains on cloth or fabric, such as drapes, carpets, upholstery, and clothing, that does not require subsequent laundering to achieve stain removal. Spot remover does not include dry cleaning fluid, laundry prewash, or multipurpose solvent.
"Spray buff product" means a product designed to restore a worn floor finish in conjunction with a floor buffing machine and special pad.
"Stick product" means an antiperspirant or a deodorant that contains active ingredients in a solid matrix form, and that dispenses the active ingredients by frictional action on the affected area.
"Structural waterproof adhesive" means an adhesive whose bond lines are resistant to conditions of continuous immersion in fresh or salt water and that conforms with the definition in the federal consumer products regulation, 40 CFR 59 Subpart C.
"Surplus reduction" means the ACP limit minus the ACP emissions when the ACP limit was greater than the ACP emissions during a given compliance period, expressed to the nearest pound of VOC. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-440 F 3, surplus reduction does not include emissions occurring prior to the date that the ACP agreement approving an ACP is signed by the board.
"Surplus trading" means the buying, selling, or transfer of surplus reductions between responsible ACP parties.
"Terrestrial" means to live on or grow from land.
"Tire sealant and inflator" means a pressurized product that is designed to temporarily inflate and seal a leaking tire.
"Toilet/urinal care product" means any product designed or labeled to clean or to deodorize toilet bowls, toilet tanks, or urinals. Toilet bowls, toilet tanks, or urinals includes, but is not limited to, toilets or urinals connected to permanent plumbing in buildings and other structures, portable toilets or urinals placed at temporary or remote locations, and toilet or urinals in vehicles such as buses, recreational motor homes, boats, ships, and aircraft. Toilet/urinal care product does not include bathroom and tile cleaner or general purpose cleaner.
"Total maximum historical emissions" or "TMHE" means the total VOC emissions from all ACP products for which the responsible ACP party has failed to submit the required VOC content or enforceable sales records. The TMHE shall be calculated for each ACP product during each portion of a compliance period for which the responsible ACP party has failed to provide the required VOC content or enforceable sales records. The TMHE shall be expressed to the nearest pound and calculated according to the following calculation:
where:
Highest VOC content = the maximum VOC content that the ACP product has contained in the previous five years, if the responsible ACP party has failed to meet the requirements for reporting VOC content data (for any portion of the compliance period), as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP, or the current actual VOC content, if the responsible ACP party has provided all required VOC Content data (for the entire compliance period), as specified in the ACP agreement.
Highest sales = the maximum one-year gross sales of the ACP product in the previous five years, if the responsible ACP party has failed to meet the requirements for reporting enforceable sales records (for any portion of the compliance period), as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP, or the current actual one-year enforceable sales for the product, if the responsible ACP party has provided all required enforceable sales records (for the entire compliance period), as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP.
Missing Data Days = (see definition in this section).
1, 2, ..., N = each product in an ACP, up to the maximum N, for which the responsible ACP party has failed to submit the required enforceable sales or VOC content data as specified in the ACP agreement.
"Type A propellant" means a compressed gas such as CO2, N2, N2O, or compressed air that is used as a propellant and is either incorporated with the product or contained in a separate chamber within the product's packaging.
"Type B propellant" means a halocarbon that is used as a propellant including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
"Type C propellant" means a propellant that is not a Type A or Type B propellant, including propane, isobutane, n-butane, and dimethyl ether (also known as dimethyl oxide).
"Undercoating" means an aerosol product designed to impart a protective, nonpaint layer to the undercarriage, trunk interior, or firewall of motor vehicles to prevent the formation of rust or to deaden sound. Undercoating includes, but is not limited to, rubberized, mastic, or asphaltic products.
"Usage directions" means the text or graphics on the product's principal display panel, label, or accompanying literature that describes to the end user how and in what quantity the product is to be used.
"Vinyl/fabric/leather/polycarbonate coating" means a coating designed and labeled exclusively to coat vinyl, fabric, leather, or polycarbonate substrates.
"VOC content" means, except for charcoal lighter products, the total weight of VOC in a product expressed as a percentage of the product weight (exclusive of the container or packaging), as determined pursuant to 9VAC5-45-490 B and C.
For charcoal lighter material products only,
where:
Certified emissions = (see definition in this section).
Certified use rate = (see definition in this section).
"Volatile organic compound" or "VOC" means volatile organic compound as defined in 9VAC5-10-20.
"Wasp and hornet insecticide" means an insecticide product that is designed for use against wasps, hornets, yellow jackets or bees by allowing the user to spray from a distance a directed stream or burst at the intended insects or their hiding place.
"Waterproofer" means a product designed and labeled exclusively to repel water from fabric or leather substrates. Waterproofer does not include fabric protectants.
"Wax" means a material or synthetic thermoplastic substance generally of high molecular weight hydrocarbons or high molecular weight esters of fatty acids or alcohols, except glycerol and high polymers (plastics). Wax includes, but is not limited to, substances derived from the secretions of plants and animals such as carnauba wax and beeswax, substances of a mineral origin such as ozocerite and paraffin, and synthetic polymers such as polyethylene.
"Web spray adhesive" means an aerosol adhesive that is not a mist spray or special purpose spray adhesive.
"Wood cleaner" means a product labeled to clean wooden materials including but not limited to decking, fences, flooring, logs, cabinetry, and furniture. Wood cleaner does not include dusting aids, general purpose cleaners, furniture maintenance products, floor wax strippers, floor polish or waxes, or products designed and labeled exclusively to preserve or color wood.
"Wood floor wax" means wax-based products for use solely on wood floors.
"Working day" means a day between Monday through Friday, inclusive, except for federal holidays.
9VAC5-45-430. Standard for volatile organic compounds.
A. Except as provided in 9VAC5-45-410, 9VAC5-45-440, and 9VAC5-45-450, no owner or other person shall (i) sell, supply, or offer for sale a consumer product manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, or (ii) manufacture for sale a consumer product on or after May 1, 2010, that contains volatile organic compounds in excess of the limits specified in Table 45-4A.
| TABLE 45-4A |
| Product Category: | Percent VOC by Weight |
| Adhesive Removers | |
| | Floor or wall covering adhesive remover | 5% |
| | Gasket or thread locking adhesive remover | 50% |
| | General purpose adhesive remover | 20% |
| | Specialty adhesive remover | 70% |
| Adhesives | |
| | Aerosol adhesives | |
| | | Mist spray adhesive: | 65% |
| | | Web spray adhesive: | 55% |
| | | Special purpose spray adhesives | |
| | | | Automotive engine compartment adhesive: | 70% |
| | | | Automotive headliner adhesive: | 65% |
| | | | Flexible vinyl adhesive: | 70% |
| | | | Laminate repair or edgebanding adhesive: | 60% |
| | | | Mounting adhesive: | 70% |
| | | | Polystyrene foam adhesive: | 65% |
| | | | Polyolefin adhesive: | 60% |
| | Contact adhesives | |
| | | General purpose contact adhesive: | 55% |
| | | Special purpose contact adhesive: | 80% |
| | Construction, panel, and floor covering adhesive: | 15% |
| | General purpose adhesive: | 10% |
| | Structural waterproof adhesive: | 15% |
| Air fresheners | |
| | Single-phase aerosol: | 30% |
| | Double-phase aerosol: | 25% |
| | Liquid/Pump spray: | 18% |
| | Solid/Semisolid: | 3% |
| Antiperspirants | |
| | Aerosol: | 40% HVOC,
10% MVOC |
| | Nonaerosol: | 0% HVOC,
0% MVOC |
| Anti-static product, nonaerosol: | 11% |
| Automotive brake cleaner: | 45% |
| Automotive rubbing or polishing compound: | 17% |
| Automotive wax, polish, sealant, or glaze | |
| | Hard paste wax: | 45% |
| | Instant detailer: | 3% |
| | All other forms: | 15% |
| Automotive windshield washer fluid: | 35% |
| Bathroom and tile cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 7% |
| | All other forms: | 5% |
| Bug and tar remover: | 40% |
| Carburetor or fuel-injection air intake cleaner: | 45% |
| Carpet and upholstery cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 7% |
| | Nonaerosol (dilutable): | 0.1% |
| | Nonaerosol (ready-to-use): | 3.0% |
| Charcoal lighter material: | See subsection
E of this section. |
| Cooking spray, aerosol: | 18% |
| Deodorants | |
| | Aerosol: | 0% HVOC,
10% MVOC |
| | Nonaerosol: | 0% HVOC,
0% MVOC |
| Dusting aids | |
| | Aerosol: | 25% |
| | All other forms: | 7% |
| Electrical cleaner | 45% |
| Electronic cleaner | 75% |
| Engine degreasers | |
| | Aerosol: | 35% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 5% |
| Fabric protectant: | 60% |
| Fabric refreshers | |
| | Aerosol: | 15% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 6% |
| Floor polishes/Waxes | |
| | Products for flexible flooring materials: | 7% |
| | Products for nonresilient flooring: | 10% |
| | Wood floor wax: | 90% |
| Floor wax stripper, nonaerosol: | See subsection
G of this section. |
| Footwear or leather care products | |
| | Aerosol: | 75% |
| | Solid: | 55% |
| | All other forms: | 15% |
| Furniture maintenance products | |
| | Aerosol: | 17% |
| | All other forms except solid or paste: | 7% |
| General purpose cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 10% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 4% |
| General purpose degreasers | |
| | Aerosol: | 50% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 4% |
| Glass cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 12% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 4% |
| Graffiti removers | |
| | Aerosol: | 50% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 30% |
| Hair mousse: | 6% |
| Hair shine: | 55% |
| Hair spray: | 55% |
| Hair styling products | |
| | Aerosol and pump spray: | 6% |
| | All other forms: | 2% |
| Heavy-duty hand cleaner or soap: | 8% |
| Insecticides | |
| | Crawling bug (aerosol): | 15% |
| | Crawling bug (all other forms): | 20% |
| | Flea and tick: | 25% |
| | Flying bug (aerosol): | 25% |
| | Flying bug (all other forms): | 35% |
| | Fogger: | 45% |
| | Lawn and garden (all other forms): | 20% |
| | Lawn and garden (nonaerosol): | 3% |
| | Wasp and hornet: | 40% |
| Laundry prewash | |
| | Aerosol/Solid: | 22% |
| | All other forms: | 5% |
| Laundry starch product: | 5% |
| Metal polish or cleanser: | 30% |
| Multi-purpose lubricant (excluding solid or semi-solid products): | 50% |
| Nail polish remover: | 75% |
| Non-selective terrestrial herbicide, nonaerosol: | 3% |
| Oven cleaners | |
| | Aerosol/Pump spray: | 8% |
| | Liquid: | 5% |
| Paint remover or stripper: | 50% |
| Penetrant: | 50% |
| Rubber and vinyl protectants | |
| | Nonaerosol: | 3% |
| | Aerosol: | 10% |
| Sealant and caulking compound: | 4% |
| Shaving cream: | 5% |
| Shaving gel: | 7% |
| Silicone-based multipurpose lubricant (excluding solid or semi-solid products): | 60% |
| Spot removers | |
| | Aerosol: | 25% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 8% |
| Tire sealant and inflator: | 20% |
| Toile/urinal care products | |
| | Aerosol: | 10% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 3% |
| Undercoating, aerosol: | 40% |
| Wood cleaners | |
| | Aerosol: | 17% |
| | Nonaerosol: | 4% |
B. No owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for sale an antiperspirant or a deodorant that contains a compound that has been defined as a toxic pollutant in 9VAC5-60-210 C.
C. Provisions follow concerning products that are diluted prior to use.
1. For consumer products for which the label, packaging, or accompanying literature specifically states that the product should be diluted with water or non-VOC solvent prior to use, the limits specified in Table 45-4A shall apply to the product only after the minimum recommended dilution has taken place. For purposes of this subsection, "minimum recommended dilution" shall not include recommendations for incidental use of a concentrated product to deal with limited special applications such as hard-to-remove soils or stains.
2. For consumer products for which the label, packaging, or accompanying literature states that the product should be diluted with a VOC solvent prior to use, the limits specified in Table 45-4A shall apply to the product only after the maximum recommended dilution has taken place.
D. For those consumer products that are registered under FIFRA, the effective date of the VOC standards in Table 45-4A shall be May 1, 2011. Prior to that date, the standards of Table 45-3A in 9VAC5-45-430 A shall apply unless the product is exempt under the provisions of 9VAC5-45-410.
E. The following requirements shall apply to all charcoal lighter material products:
1. Effective as of the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-480, no owner or other person shall (i) sell, supply, or offer for sale a charcoal lighter material product manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, or (ii) manufacture for sale a charcoal lighter material product on or after May 1, 2010, unless at the time of the transaction:
a. The manufacturer can demonstrate to the board's satisfaction that they have been issued a currently effective certification by CARB under the Consumer Products provisions under Subchapter 8.5, Article 2, § 94509(h), of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations (see 9VAC5-20-21). This certification remains in effect for as long as the CARB certification remains in effect. A manufacturer claiming such a certification on this basis must submit to the board a copy of the certification decision (i.e., the executive order), including all conditions established by CARB applicable to the certification.
b. The manufacturer or distributor of the charcoal lighter material has been issued a currently effective certification pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection.
c. The charcoal lighter material meets the formulation criteria and other conditions specified in the applicable ACP agreement issued pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection.
d. The product usage directions for the charcoal lighter material are the same as those provided to the board pursuant to subdivision 2 c of this subsection.
2. Provisions follow concerning certification requirements.
a. No charcoal lighter material formulation shall be certified under this subdivision unless the applicant for certification demonstrates to the board's satisfaction that the VOC emissions from the ignition of charcoal with the charcoal lighter material are less than or equal to 0.020 pound of VOC per start, using the procedures specified in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21). The provisions relating to LVP-VOC in 9VAC5-45-410 F and 9VAC5-45-420 C shall not apply to a charcoal lighter material subject to the requirements of 9VAC5-45-430 A and this subsection.
b. The board may approve alternative test procedures that are shown to provide equivalent results to those obtained using the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21).
c. A manufacturer or distributor of charcoal lighter material may apply to the board for certification of a charcoal lighter material formulation in accordance with this subdivision. The application shall be in writing and shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) The results of testing conducted pursuant to the procedures specified in South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Testing Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21); and
(2) The exact text or graphics that will appear on the charcoal lighter material's principal display panel, label, or accompanying literature. The provided material shall clearly show the usage directions for the product. These directions shall accurately reflect the quantity of charcoal lighter material per pound of charcoal that was used in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Testing Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21) for that product, unless:
(a) The charcoal lighter material is intended to be used in fixed amounts independent of the amount of charcoal used, such as certain paraffin cubes, or
(b) The charcoal lighter material is already incorporated into the charcoal, such as certain "bag light," "instant light" or "match light" products.
(3) For a charcoal lighter material that meets the criteria specified in subdivision 2 c (2) (a) of this subsection, the usage instructions provided to the board will accurately reflect the quantity of charcoal lighter material used in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Testing Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21) for that product.
(4) Physical property data, formulation data, or other information required by the board for use in determining when a product modification has occurred and for use in determining compliance with the conditions specified on the ACP agreement issued pursuant to subdivision 2 e of this subsection.
d. Within 30 days of receipt of an application, the board will advise the applicant in writing either that it is complete or that specified additional information is required to make it complete. Within 30 days of receipt of additional information, the board will advise the applicant in writing either that the application is complete, or that specified additional information or testing is still required before it can be deemed complete.
e. If the board finds that an application meets the requirements of subdivision 2 of this subsection, then an ACP agreement shall be issued certifying the charcoal lighter material formulation and specifying such conditions as are necessary to insure that the requirements of this subsection are met. The board will act on a complete application within 90 days after the application is deemed complete.
3. For charcoal lighter material for which certification has been granted pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection, the applicant for certification shall notify the board in writing within 30 days of: (i) a change in the usage directions, or (ii) a change in product formulation, test results, or other information submitted pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection that may result in VOC emissions greater than 0.020 pound of VOC per start.
4. If the board determines that a certified charcoal lighter material formulation results in VOC emissions from the ignition of charcoal that are greater than 0.020 pound of VOC per start, as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 Testing Protocol (see 9VAC5-20-21) and the statistical analysis procedures contained therein, the board will revoke or modify the certification as is necessary to assure that the charcoal lighter material will result in VOC emissions of less than or equal to 0.020 pound of VOC per start.
F. Requirements for aerosol adhesives.
1. The standards for aerosol adhesives apply to all uses of aerosol adhesives, including consumer, industrial, and commercial uses. Except as otherwise provided in 9VAC5-45-410 and 9VAC5-45-450, no owner or other person shall (i) sell, supply, offer for sale, or use an aerosol adhesive manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, or (ii) manufacture for sale an aerosol adhesive after May 1, 2010, that contains VOCs in excess of the specified standard.
2. a. In order to qualify as a "special purpose spray adhesive," the product must meet one or more of the definitions for special purpose spray adhesive specified in 9VAC5-45-420 C, but if the product label indicates that the product is suitable for use on a substrate or application not listed in 9VAC5-45-420 C, then the product shall be classified as either a "web spray adhesive" or a "mist spray adhesive."
b. If a product meets more than one of the definitions specified in 9VAC5-45-420 C for "special purpose spray adhesive," and is not classified as a "web spray adhesive" or "mist spray adhesive" under subdivision 2 a of this subsection, then the VOC limit for the product shall be the lowest applicable VOC limit specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A.
3. No person shall (i) sell, supply, or offer for sale an aerosol adhesive manufactured on or after May 1, 2010, or (ii) manufacture for sale on or after May 1, 2010, an aerosol adhesive, that contains any of the following compounds: methylene chloride, perchloroethylene, or trichloroethylene.
4. All aerosol adhesives must comply with the labeling requirements specified in 9VAC5-45-460 D.
G. Effective as of the applicable compliance date specified in 9VAC5-45-480, no owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for use a floor wax stripper unless the following requirements are met:
1. The label of each nonaerosol floor wax stripper must specify a dilution ratio for light or medium build-up of polish that results in an as-used VOC concentration of 3.0% by weight or less.
2. If a nonaerosol floor wax stripper is also intended to be used for removal of heavy build-up of polish, the label of that floor wax stripper must specify a dilution ratio for heavy build-up of polish that results in an as-used VOC concentration of 12% by weight or less.
3. The terms "light build-up," "medium build-up," or "heavy build-up" are not specifically required as long as comparable terminology is used.
H. For a consumer product for which standards are specified under subsection A of this section, no owner or other person shall sell, supply, offer for sale, or manufacture for sale a consumer product that contains any of the following ozone-depleting compounds:
CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane), CFC-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane);
CFC-113 (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane);
CFC-114 (1-chloro-1,1-difluoro-2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethane);
CFC-115 (chloropentafluoroethane), halon 1211 (bromochlorodifluoromethane);
halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane), halon 2402 (dibromotetrafluoroethane);
HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), HCFC-123 (2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane);
HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane);
HCFC-141b (1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane), HCFC-142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane);
1,1,1-trichloroethane; or
carbon tetrachloride.
I. The requirements of subsection H of this section shall not apply to an existing product formulation that complies with Table 45-4A or an existing product formulation that is reformulated to meet Table 45-4A, provided the ozone-depleting compound content of the reformulated product does not increase.
J. The requirements of subsection H of this section shall not apply to ozone-depleting compounds that may be present as impurities in a consumer product in an amount equal to or less than 0.01% by weight of the product.
9VAC5-45-440. Alternative control plan (ACP) for consumer products.
A. 1. Manufacturers of consumer products may seek an ACP agreement in accordance with subsections B through L of this section.
2. Only responsible ACP parties for consumer products may enter into an ACP agreement under the provisions of this section.
B. Provisions follow concerning the requirements and process for approval of an ACP.
1. To be considered by the board for approval, an application for a proposed ACP shall be submitted in writing to the board by the responsible ACP party and shall contain all of the following:
a. An identification of the contact persons, phone numbers, names, and addresses of the responsible ACP party that is submitting the ACP application and will be implementing the ACP requirements specified in the ACP agreement.
b. A statement of whether the responsible ACP party is a small business or a one-product business.
c. A listing of the exact product brand name, form, available variations (flavors, scents, colors, sizes, etc.), and applicable product category for each distinct ACP product that is proposed for inclusion in the ACP.
d. For each proposed ACP product identified in subdivision 1 c of this subsection, a demonstration to the satisfaction of the board that the enforceable sales records to be used by the responsible ACP party for tracking product sales meet the minimum criteria specified in subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection. To provide this demonstration, the responsible ACP party shall either demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that other records provided to the board in writing by the responsible ACP party meet the minimum criteria of subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection for tracking product sales of each ACP product, or do all of the following:
(1) Provide the contact persons, phone numbers, names, street and mail addresses of all persons and businesses who will provide information that will be used to determine the enforceable sales;
(2) Determine the enforceable sales of each product using enforceable sales records;
(3) Demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the board, the validity of the enforceable sales based on enforceable sales records provided by the contact persons or the responsible ACP party;
(4) Calculate the percentage of the gross sales that is composed of enforceable sales; and
(5) Determine which ACP products have enforceable sales that are 75% or more of the gross sales. Only ACP products meeting this criteria shall be allowed to be sold under an ACP.
e. For each of the ACP products identified in subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection, the inclusion of the following:
(1) Legible copies of the existing labels for each product;
(2) The VOC content and LVP content for each product. The VOC content and LVP content shall be reported for two different periods as follows:
(a) The VOC and LVP contents of the product at the time the application for an ACP is submitted, and
(b) The VOC and LVP contents of the product that were used at any time within the four years prior to the date of submittal of the application for an ACP if either the VOC or LVP contents have varied by more than plus or minus 10% of the VOC or LVP contents reported in subdivision 1 e (2) (a) of this subsection.
f. A written commitment obligating the responsible ACP party to date-code every unit of each ACP product approved for inclusion in the ACP. The commitment shall require the responsible ACP party to display the date-code on each ACP product container or package no later than five working days after the date an ACP agreement approving an ACP is signed by the board.
g. An operational plan covering all the products identified under subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection for each compliance period that the ACP will be in effect. The operational plan shall contain all of the following:
(1) An identification of the compliance periods and dates for the responsible ACP party to report the information required by the board in the ACP agreement approving an ACP. The length of the compliance period shall be chosen by the responsible ACP party (not to exceed 365 days). The responsible ACP party shall also choose the dates for reporting information such that all required VOC content and enforceable sales data for all ACP products shall be reported to the board at the same time and at the same frequency.
(2) An identification of specific enforceable sales records to be provided to the board for enforcing the provisions of this article and the ACP agreement approving an ACP. The enforceable sales records shall be provided to the board no later than the compliance period dates specified in subdivision 1 g (1) of this subsection.
(3) For a small business or a one-product business that will be relying to some extent on surplus trading to meet its ACP limits, a written commitment from the responsible ACP party that they will transfer the surplus reductions to the small business or one-product business upon approval of the ACP.
(4) For each ACP product, all VOC content levels that will be applicable for the ACP product during each compliance period. The plan shall also identify the specific method by which the VOC content will be determined and the statistical accuracy and precision (repeatability and reproducibility) will be calculated for each specified method.
(5) The projected enforceable sales for each ACP product at each different VOC content for every compliance period that the ACP will be in effect.
(6) A detailed demonstration showing the combination of specific ACP reformulations or surplus trading (if applicable) that is sufficient to ensure that the ACP emissions will not exceed the ACP limit for each compliance period that the ACP will be in effect, the approximate date within each compliance period that such reformulations or surplus trading are expected to occur, and the extent to which the VOC contents of the ACP products will be reduced (i.e., by ACP reformulation). This demonstration shall use the equations specified in 9VAC5-45-420 C for projecting the ACP emissions and ACP limits during each compliance period. This demonstration shall also include all VOC content levels and projected enforceable sales for all ACP products to be sold during each compliance period.
(7) A certification that all reductions in the VOC content of a product will be real, actual reductions that do not result from changing product names, mischaracterizing ACP product reformulations that have occurred in the past, or other attempts to circumvent the provisions of this article.
(8) Written explanations of the date-codes that will be displayed on each ACP product's container or packaging.
(9) A statement of the approximate dates by which the responsible ACP party plans to meet the applicable ACP VOC standards for each product in the ACP.
(10) An operational plan ("reconciliation of shortfalls plan") that commits the responsible ACP party to completely reconcile shortfalls, even, to the extent permitted by law, if the responsible ACP party files for bankruptcy protection. The plan for reconciliation of shortfalls shall contain all of the following:
(a) A clear and convincing demonstration of how shortfalls of up to 5.0%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the applicable ACP limit will be completely reconciled within 90 working days from the date the shortfall is determined;
(b) A listing of the specific records and other information that will be necessary to verify that the shortfalls were reconciled as specified in this subsection; and
(c) A commitment to provide a record or information requested by the board to verify that the shortfalls have been completely reconciled.
h. A declaration, signed by a legal representative for the responsible ACP party, that states that all information and operational plans submitted with the ACP application are true and correct.
2. a. In accordance with the time periods specified in subsection C of this section, the board will issue an ACP agreement approving an ACP that meets the requirements of this article. The board will specify such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure that the emissions from the ACP products do not exceed the emissions that would have occurred if the ACP products subject to the ACP had met the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A. The ACP shall also include:
(1) Only those ACP products for which the enforceable sales are at least 75% of the gross sales as determined in subdivision 1 d (5) of this subsection;
(2) A reconciliation of shortfalls plan meeting the requirements of this article; and
(3) Operational terms, conditions, and data to be reported to the board to ensure that all requirements of this article are met.
b. The board will not approve an ACP submitted by a responsible ACP party if the board determines, upon review of the responsible ACP party's compliance history with past or current ACPs or the requirements for consumer products in this article, that the responsible ACP party has a recurring pattern of violations and has consistently refused to take the necessary steps to correct those violations.
C. Provisions follow concerning ACP approval time frames.
1. The board will take appropriate action on an ACP within the following time periods:
a. Within 30 working days of receipt of an ACP application, the board will inform the applicant in writing that either:
(1) The application is complete and accepted for filing, or
(2) The application is deficient, and identify the specific information required to make the application complete.
b. Within 30 working days of receipt of additional information provided in response to a determination that an ACP application is deficient, the board will inform the applicant in writing that either:
(1) The additional information is sufficient to make the application complete, and the application is accepted for filing, or
(2) The application is deficient, and identify the specific information required to make the application complete.
c. If the board finds that an application meets the requirements of subsection B of this section, then it shall issue an ACP agreement in accordance with the requirements of this article. The board will normally act to approve or disapprove a complete application within 90 working days after the application is deemed complete.
2. The board may extend the time period in subdivision 1 c of this subsection if additional information is needed.
D. Provisions follow concerning recordkeeping and availability of requested information.
1. All information specified in the ACP Agreement approving an ACP shall be maintained by the responsible ACP party for a minimum of three years after such records are generated. Such records shall be clearly legible and maintained in good condition during this period.
2. The records specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection shall be made available to the board or its authorized representative:
a. Immediately upon request, during an on-site visit to a responsible ACP party,
b. Within five working days after receipt of a written request from the board, or
c. Within a time period mutually agreed upon by both the board and the responsible ACP party.
E. Provisions follow concerning violations.
1. Failure to meet a requirement of this article or a condition of an applicable ACP agreement shall constitute a single, separate violation of this article for each day until such requirement or condition is satisfied, except as otherwise provided in subdivisions 2 through 8 of this subsection.
2. False reporting of information in an ACP application or in any supporting documentation or amendments thereto shall constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each day that the approved ACP is in effect.
3. An exceedance during the applicable compliance period of the VOC content specified for an ACP product in the ACP agreement approving an ACP shall constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each ACP product that exceeds the specified VOC content that is sold, supplied, offered for sale, or manufactured for use.
4. Any of the following actions shall each constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each day after the applicable deadline until the requirement is satisfied:
a. Failure to report data or failure to report data accurately in writing to the board regarding the VOC content, LVP content, enforceable sales, or other information required by the deadline specified in the applicable ACP agreement;
b. False reporting of information submitted to the board for determining compliance with the ACP requirements;
c. Failure to completely implement the reconciliation of shortfalls plan that is set forth in the ACP agreement within 30 working days from the date of written notification of a shortfall by the board; or
d. Failure to completely reconcile the shortfall as specified in the ACP agreement within 90 working days from the date of written notification of a shortfall by the board.
5. False reporting or failure to report any of the information specified in subdivision F 2 i of this section or the sale or transfer of invalid surplus reductions shall constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each day during the time period for which the surplus reductions are claimed to be valid.
6. Except as provided in subdivision 7 of this subsection, an exceedance of the ACP limit for a compliance period that the ACP is in effect shall constitute a single, separate violation of the requirements of this article for each day of the applicable compliance period. The board will determine whether an exceedance of the ACP limit has occurred as follows:
a. If the responsible ACP party has provided all required information for the applicable compliance period specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP, then the board will determine whether an exceedance has occurred using the enforceable sales records and VOC content for each ACP product as reported by the responsible ACP party for the applicable compliance period.
b. If the responsible ACP party has failed to provide all the required information specified in the ACP agreement for an applicable compliance period, the board will determine whether an exceedance of the ACP limit has occurred as follows.
(1) For the missing data days, the board will calculate the total maximum historical emissions as specified in 9VAC5-45-420 C.
(2) For the remaining portion of the compliance period that are not missing data days, the board will calculate the emissions for each ACP product using the enforceable sales records and VOC content that were reported for that portion of the applicable compliance period.
(3) The ACP emissions for the entire compliance period shall be the sum of the total maximum historical emissions determined pursuant to subdivision 6 b (1) of this subsection, and the emissions determined pursuant to subdivision 6 b (2) of this subsection.
(4) The board will calculate the ACP limit for the entire compliance period using the ACP Standards applicable to each ACP product and the enforceable sales records specified in subdivision 6 b (2) of this subsection. The enforceable sales for each ACP product during missing data days, as specified in subdivision 6 b (1) of this subsection, shall be zero.
(5) An exceedance of the ACP limit has occurred when the ACP emissions, determined pursuant to subdivision 6 b (3) of this subsection, exceeds the ACP limit, determined pursuant to subdivision 6 b (4) of this subsection.
7. If a violation specified in subdivision 6 of this subsection occurs, the responsible ACP party may, pursuant to this subdivision, establish the number of violations as calculated according to the following equation:
where:
NEV = number of ACP limit violations.
ACP emissions = the ACP emissions for the compliance period.
ACP limit = the ACP limit for the compliance period.
40 pounds = number of pounds of emissions equivalent to one violation.
The responsible ACP party may determine the number of ACP limit violations pursuant to this subdivision only if it has provided all required information for the applicable compliance period, as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP. By choosing this option, the responsible ACP party waives all legal objections to the calculation of the ACP limit violations pursuant to this subdivision.
8. A cause of action against a responsible ACP party under this section shall be deemed to accrue on the date when the records establishing a violation are received by the board.
9. The responsible ACP party is fully liable for compliance with the requirements of this article, even if the responsible ACP party contracts with or otherwise relies on another person to carry out some or all of the requirements of this article.
F. Provisions follow concerning surplus reductions and surplus trading.
1. The board will issue surplus reduction certificates that establish and quantify, to the nearest pound of VOC reduced, the surplus reductions achieved by a responsible ACP party operating under an ACP. The surplus reductions can be bought from, sold to, or transferred to a responsible ACP party operating under an ACP, as provided in subdivision 2 of this subsection. All surplus reductions shall be calculated by the board at the end of each compliance period within the time specified in the approved ACP. Surplus reduction certificates shall not constitute instruments, securities, or another form of property.
2. The issuance, use, and trading of all surplus reductions shall be subject to the following provisions:
a. For the purposes of this article, VOC reductions from sources of VOCs other than consumer products subject to the VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A may not be used to generate surplus reductions.
b. Surplus reductions are valid only when generated by a responsible ACP party and only while that responsible ACP party is operating under an approved ACP.
c. Surplus reductions are valid only after the board has issued an ACP agreement pursuant to subdivision 1 of this subsection.
d. Surplus reductions issued by the board may be used by the responsible ACP party who generated the surplus until the reductions expire, are traded, or until the ACP is canceled pursuant to subdivision J 2 of this section.
e. Surplus reductions cannot be applied retroactively to a compliance period prior to the compliance period in which the reductions were generated.
f. Except as provided in subdivision 2 g (2) of this subsection, only small or one-product businesses selling products under an approved ACP may purchase surplus reductions. An increase in the size of a small business or one-product business shall have no effect on surplus reductions purchased by that business prior to the date of the increase.
g. While valid, surplus reductions can be used only for the following purposes:
(1) To adjust the ACP emissions of either the responsible ACP party who generated the reductions or the responsible ACP party to which the reductions were traded, provided the surplus reductions are not to be used by a responsible ACP party to further lower its ACP emissions when its ACP emissions are equal to or less than the ACP limit during the applicable compliance period; or
(2) To be traded for the purpose of reconciling another responsible ACP party's shortfalls, provided such reconciliation is part of the reconciliation of shortfalls plan approved by the board pursuant to subdivision B 1 g (10) of this section.
h. A valid surplus reduction shall be in effect starting five days after the date of issuance by the board for a continuous period equal to the number of days in the compliance period during which the surplus reduction was generated. The surplus reduction shall then expire at the end of its effective period.
i. At least five working days prior to the effective date of transfer of surplus reductions, both the responsible ACP party that is selling surplus reductions and the responsible ACP party that is buying the surplus reductions shall, either together or separately, notify the board in writing of the transfer. The notification shall include all of the following:
(1) The date the transfer is to become effective.
(2) The date the surplus reductions being traded are due to expire.
(3) The amount (in pounds of VOCs) of surplus reductions that is being transferred.
(4) The total purchase price paid by the buyer for the surplus reductions.
(5) The contact persons, names of the companies, street and mail addresses, and phone numbers of the responsible ACP parties involved in the trading of the surplus reductions.
(6) A copy of the board-issued surplus reductions certificate, signed by both the seller and buyer of the certificate, showing transfer of all or a specified portion of the surplus reductions. The copy shall show the amount of any remaining nontraded surplus reductions, if applicable, and shall show their expiration date. The copy shall indicate that both the buyer and seller of the surplus reductions fully understand the conditions and limitations placed upon the transfer of the surplus reductions and accept full responsibility for the appropriate use of such surplus reductions as provided in this section.
j. Surplus reduction credits shall only be traded between ACP products.
3. Provisions follow concerning limited-use surplus reduction credits for early reformulations of ACP products.
a. For the purposes of this subdivision, "early reformulation" means an ACP product that is reformulated to result in a reduction in the product's VOC content, and that is sold, supplied, or offered for sale for the first time during the one-year (365 day) period immediately prior to the date on which the application for a proposed ACP is submitted to the board. Early reformulation does not include reformulated ACP products that are sold, supplied, or offered for sale more than one year prior to the date on which the ACP application is submitted to the board.
b. If requested in the application for a proposed ACP, the board will, upon approval of the ACP, issue surplus reduction credits for early reformulation of ACP products, provided that all of the following documentation has been provided by the responsible ACP party to the satisfaction of the board:
(1) Accurate documentation showing that the early reformulation reduced the VOC content of the ACP product to a level that is below the pre-ACP VOC content of the product or below the applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC 5-45-430 A, whichever is the lesser of the two;
(2) Accurate documentation demonstrating that the early reformulated ACP product was sold in retail outlets within the time period specified in subdivision 3 a of this subsection;
(3) Accurate sales records for the early reformulated ACP product that meet the definition of enforceable sales records and that demonstrate that the enforceable sales for the ACP product are at least 75% of the gross sales for the product, as specified in subdivision B 1 d of this section; and
(4) Accurate documentation for the early reformulated ACP product that meets the requirements specified in subdivisions B 1 c and d and B 1 g (7) and (8) of this section and that identifies the specific test methods for verifying the claimed early reformulation and the statistical accuracy and precision of the test methods as specified in subdivision B 1 g (4) of this section.
c. Surplus reduction credits issued pursuant to this subsection shall be calculated separately for each early reformulated ACP product by the board according to the following equation:
where:
SR = surplus reductions for the ACP product, expressed to the nearest pound.
Enforceable sales = the enforceable sales for the early reformulated ACP product, expressed to the nearest pound of ACP product.
VOC contentinitial = the pre-ACP VOC content of the ACP product, or the applicable VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A, whichever is the lesser of the two, expressed to the nearest 0.1 pounds of VOC per 100 pounds of ACP product.
VOC contentfinal = the VOC content of the early reformulated ACP product after the early reformulation is achieved, expressed to the nearest 0.1 pounds of VOC per 100 pounds of ACP product.
d. The use of limited use surplus reduction credits issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be subject to all of the following provisions:
(1) Limited use surplus reduction credits shall be used solely to reconcile the responsible ACP party's shortfalls, if any, generated during the first compliance period occurring immediately after the issuance of the ACP agreement approving an ACP, and may not be used for another purpose;
(2) Limited use surplus reduction credits may not be transferred to, or used by, another responsible ACP party; and
(3) Except as provided in this subdivision, limited use surplus reduction credits shall be subject to all requirements applicable to surplus reductions and surplus trading as specified in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection.
G. Provisions follow concerning the reconciliation of shortfalls.
1. At the end of each compliance period, the responsible ACP party shall make an initial calculation of shortfalls occurring in that compliance period as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP. Upon receipt of this information, the board will determine the amount of a shortfall that has occurred during the compliance period and shall notify the responsible ACP party of this determination.
2. The responsible ACP party shall implement the reconciliation of shortfalls plan as specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP within 30 working days from the date of written notification of a shortfall by the board.
3. All shortfalls shall be completely reconciled within 90 working days from the date of written notification of a shortfall by the board by implementing the reconciliation of shortfalls plan specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP.
4. All requirements specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP, including all applicable ACP limits, shall remain in effect while shortfalls are in the process of being reconciled.
H. Provisions follow concerning the notification of modifications to an ACP by the responsible ACP party.
1. Board pre-approval is not required for modifications that are a change to an ACP product's: (i) product name, (ii) product formulation, (iii) product form, (iv) product function, (v) applicable product category, (vi) VOC content, (vii) LVP content, (viii) date-codes, or (ix) recommended product usage directions. The responsible ACP party shall notify the board of such changes, in writing, no later than 15 working days from the date such a change occurs. For each modification, the notification shall fully explain the following:
a. The nature of the modification;
b. The extent to which the ACP product formulation, VOC content, LVP content, or recommended usage directions will be changed;
c. The extent to which the ACP emissions and ACP limit specified in the ACP agreement will be changed for the applicable compliance period; and
d. The effective date and corresponding date-codes for the modification.
2. The responsible ACP party may propose modifications to the enforceable sales records or the reconciliation of shortfalls plan specified in the ACP agreement approving the ACP, however, such modifications require board pre-approval. Any such proposed modifications shall be fully described in writing and forwarded to the board. The responsible ACP party shall clearly demonstrate that the proposed modifications will meet the requirements of this article. The board will act on the proposed modifications using the procedure set forth in subsection C of this section. The responsible ACP party shall meet all applicable requirements of the existing ACP until such time as a proposed modification is approved in writing by the board.
3. Except as otherwise provided in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection, the responsible ACP party shall notify the board, in writing, of information known by the responsible ACP party that may alter the information submitted pursuant to the requirements of subsection B of this section. The responsible ACP party shall provide such notification to the board no later than 15 working days from the date such information is known to the responsible ACP party.
I. Provisions follow concerning the modification of an ACP by the board.
1. If the board determines that: (i) the enforceable sales for an ACP product are no longer at least 75% of the gross sales for that product, (ii) the information submitted pursuant to the approval process set forth in subsection C of this section is no longer valid, or (iii) the ACP emissions are exceeding the ACP limit specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP, then the board will modify the ACP as necessary to ensure that the ACP meets all requirements of this article and that the ACP emissions will not exceed the ACP limit.
2. If any applicable VOC standards specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A are modified by the board in a future rulemaking, the board will modify the ACP limit specified in the ACP agreement approving an ACP to reflect the modified ACP VOC standards as of their effective dates.
J. Provisions follow concerning the cancellation of an ACP.
1. An ACP shall remain in effect until:
a. The ACP reaches the expiration date specified in the ACP agreement;
b. The ACP is modified by the responsible ACP party and approved by the board as provided in subsection H of this section;
c. The ACP is modified by the board as provided in subsection I of this section;
d. The ACP includes a product for which the VOC standard specified in 9VAC5-45-430 A is modified by the board in a future rule-making, and the responsible ACP party informs the board in writing that the ACP will terminate on the effective date of the modified standard; or
e. The ACP is cancelled pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection.
2. The board will cancel an ACP if any of the following circumstances occur:
a. The responsible ACP party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the continuation of the ACP will result in an extraordinary economic hardship.
b. The responsible ACP party violates the requirements of the approved ACP, and the violation results in a shortfall that is 20% or more of the applicable ACP limit (i.e., the ACP emissions exceed the ACP limit by 20% or more).
c. The responsible ACP party fails to meet the requirements of subsection G of this section within the time periods specified in that subsection.
d. The responsible ACP party has demonstrated a recurring pattern of violations and has consistently failed to take the necessary steps to correct those violations.
3. Cancellations of ACPs are considered case decisions and will be processed using the procedures prescribed in 9VAC5-170-40 A 2 and applicable provisions of Article 3 (§ 2.2-4018 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.
4. The responsible ACP party for an ACP that is canceled pursuant to this section and who does not have a valid ACP to immediately replace the canceled ACP shall meet all of the following requirements:
a. All remaining shortfalls in effect at the time of ACP cancellation shall be reconciled in accordance with the requirements of subsection G of this section, and
b. All ACP products subject to the ACP shall be in compliance with the applicable VOC standards in 9VAC5-45-430 A immediately upon the effective date of ACP cancellation.
5. Violations incurred pursuant to subsection E of this section shall not be cancelled or affected by the subsequent cancellation or modification of an ACP pursuant to subsection H, I, or J of this s