California Air Resources Board

This page contains the most current information related to Hexavalent Chromium Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Chrome Plating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations.

• Summary of the 2023 Chrome Plating ATCM – Important Dates and Actions
• Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentives Guidelines (revised April 2024)

Reminder: January 1, 2026 – Critical Compliance Deadlines for Chrome Plating Facilities

This is a reminder of important upcoming compliance deadlines under the 2023 Chrome Plating Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM), which took effect January 1, 2024. These requirements are stated in the 2023 Chrome Plating ATCM regulatory text and summarized in Summary of the 2023 Chrome Plating ATCM.  

All chrome plating facilities using hexavalent chromium must comply with the following requirements by January 1, 2026:

Functional Chrome Plating Facilities 

    By January 1, 2026: 

• Comply with new emission limits for Tier III tanks: 
  • Chrome plating tanks: 0.00075 mg/amp-hr of hexavalent chromium specified in section 93102.4(c)2. 
  • Non-plating Tier III tanks: emission limits specified in section 93102.4(f). 
• Conduct an initial source test for all Tier III tanks (including chrome plating tanks) as specified in section 93102.7(c) to demonstrate compliance with the applicable hexavalent chromium emission limits.
• Meet building enclosure requirements for Tier I, Tier II, Tier III tanks, and buffing, grinding, and polishing operations (section 93102.4(d)).   

    At least 60 days before conducting a source test:

• Submit a pre-test protocol to your Air District before conducting a source test as specified in section 93102.7(c). 

Decorative Chrome Plating Facilities pursuing the 2030 phase-out pathway 

    By January 1, 2026:

• Meet building enclosure requirements for Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III tanks, and for buffing, grinding, and polishing operations (section 93102.4(d)). 

All Facilities 

    Ongoing:

• Continue to comply with the housekeeping requirements, specified in section 93102.5(c), and best management practices, specified in section 93102.5(d), to minimize fugitive emissions. 

Funding Opportunities 

California Assembly Bill 102 (Ting, Chapter 38, Statutes of 2023) and Assembly Bill 211 (Chapter 574, Statutes of 2022) provided funding to help chrome plating facilities transition away from hexavalent chromium by converting to trivalent chromium plating technology or another equally health protective alternative: 

• Ten million dollars is available, with at least 50% designated for small businesses. Eligible small  businesses may qualify for up to $300,000 while all other businesses may qualify for up to $150,000. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is administered by Placer County Air Pollution Control District. For application materials and instructions, please visit the Placer County APCD website. Additional details can be found on the program’s FAQ page.  

For compliance questions, please contact your local air district. For general information, email chromeplatingatcm@arb.ca.gov.