Regulations relating to pollution control (Pollution Regulations). This is an unofficial translation of the Norwegian regulation.

Appendix II B. Reduction scheme to Chapter 9. Limiting emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) due to the use of organic solvents

1. Principles
The purpose of the reduction scheme is to allow the operator the possibility to achieve by other means emission reductions, equivalent to those achieved if the emission limit values were to be applied. To that end the operator may use any reduction scheme, specially designed for his installation, provided that the final result is a corresponding emission reduction. 

2. Practice
In the case of applying coatings, varnishes, adhesives or inks, the following scheme can be used. Where the following method is inappropriate, the competent authority may allow an operator to apply any alternative exemption scheme which it is satisfied fulfils the principles outlined here. The design of the scheme takes into account the following facts:

i) Where substitutes containing little or no solvent are still under development, a time extension must be given to the operator to implement his emission reduction plans,

ii) The reference point for emission reductions should correspond as closely as possible to the emissions which would have resulted had no reduction action been taken.

The following scheme shall operate for installations for which a constant solid content of product can be assumed, and used to define the reference point for emission reductions:

i) The operator shall forward an emission reduction plan which includes in particular decreases in the average solvent content of the total input and/or increased efficiency in the use of solids to achieve a reduction of the total emission from the installation to a given percentage of the annual reference emission, termed the target emission. This must be done on the following time frame:

ii) The annual reference emission is calculated as follows:

a) The total mass of solids in the quantity of coating and/or ink, varnish or adhesive consumed in a year is determined. Solids are all materials in coatings, inks, varnishes and adhesives that become solid once the water or the volatile organic compounds are evaporated.
b) The annual reference emissions are calculated by multiplying the calculated mass determined in (a) by the appropriate factor listed in the table below. Competent authorities may adjust these factors for individual installations to reflect documented increased efficiency in the use of solids.

c) The target emissions are equal to the annual reference emission multiplied by a percentage equal to:

- (the fugitive emission limit value + 15) for installations falling within point 6 and the lower threshold band of points 8 and 10 of Appendix II A to this chapter,
- (the fugitive emission limit value + 5) for all other installations.

d) Compliance is achieved if the actual solvent emission determined from the solvent management plan is less than or equal to the target emission.