Minn. awards grants for small business VOC emission reductions

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued more than $400,000 in grants to 12 small businesses in a bid to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) pollution by addressing smaller sources.

“The challenges we face with air quality today are mainly from the smaller but numerous sources all around us,” MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine said. “They form the biggest part of our air pollution and are largely unregulated, so voluntary actions are an important part of the solution.”

The grants have so far gone toward reducing the use of products containing VOCs, which can be released into the environment through painting, metal finishing and printing, among other processes. The grants issued so far are expected to reduce emissions by 6.2 tons.

One of the grants went to Rupp’s Unique Auto Body to replace a solvent-based paint system with a water-based one, which will cut VOC emissions by more than 40 percent and has the added benefit of drying quicker, allowing the body shop to conduct more business.

“Most small-business owners know how to cut down on their harmful air emissions, and we’re glad to offer some support to help get things rolling,” Stine said.