SGIA Joins Graphic Arts Coalition in Submitting Comments to Massachusetts DEP

A recent regulatory package issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposed changes that would impact the Printer’s Environmental Results Program, or ERP. The ERP program is the regulatory program for printing facilities operating in the state. The DEP proposed, and SGIA supported, a new classification for a “Very Small Printer.” The proposed amendments include creating a new category of printer called a Very Small Printer (VSP). A VSP is defined in the proposed amendments as those printers that meet all of the following requirements: • are connected to a municipal sewer, • generate no more than 55 gallons of hazardous waste per year, • use no more than 55 gallons of cleanup solution per year, and • use no more than 55 gallons of alcohol per year. If adopted, those facilities that can be qualified as Very Small Printers would only be required to file a one-time, rather than an annual, certification and would not pay a corresponding fee. The comments also recommended the inclusion of a definition for digital printing so that facilities operating digital presses could also qualify under this definition. SGIA continues to monitor this important state regulatory development.