New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) Offer Cash Rebate Program to Auto Body Shops in Queens that Purchase Pollution Reducing Dust-Free Sanding Systems (DFS) and High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) Paint Spray Guns

DEP and the QEDC will hold a second workshop for auto body shops in the western Queens Community Board 1 district.  The program offers grants under the Keyspan Ravenswood Community Impact Fund to auto body (refinishing) shops that purchase approved DFS system equipment and/or HVLP spray guns.  Rebates can yield up to 50% of the cost of each approved DFS system and up to $500 for purchase of each approved HVLP spray gun.

Long Island City High School,
14-30 Broadway, Room 275,
Long Island City, New York,
(Refreshments will be served)

Auto body shop owners will be encouraged to use dust-free sanding devices that will reduce sanded-wastes and particulate emissions into the air by as much as 90% and High Volume Low Pressure (HLVP) paint spray guns that use approximately 25% less paint, emit close to 50% fewer particulates, and 25% fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.  The program agenda includes a description of the DFS and HVLP grant program, eligibility and application procedure, and schedules for required training sessions to be held in October.

A similar rebate program for HVLP spray guns was successfully launched by DEP and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation in 2004 that resulted in significant reductions of VOCs.  These reductions were determined by measuring lowered paint usage and the associated decreases in VOC emissions.  A final report will be available in the fall.

The Rebate Program is sponsored by Keyspan and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.  It is administered by QEDC and DEP’s Environmental Economic Development Assistance Unit (EEDAU).   EEDAU’s mission is to foster sustainable economic development and environmental protection assistance to New York City businesses and organizations in areas that include compliance, regulatory reform and pollution prevention.  The Program’s advisory group includes the Queens Borough President’s Office, the 14th Congressional District, the 22nd City Council District, the14th State Senate District, and the 36th Assembly District, as well as Queens Community Board 1, Keyspan and NYCEDC. 

Invitations to the second workshop have been sent to auto body shops in the CB1 area.

For further information (please) contact Bruce Macdonald, Deputy Director EEDAU, at (718) 595-4454 or call 311.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) manages the City’s water supply, serving more than half the population of New York State with over 1 billion gallons of quality drinking water daily.  Nineteen reservoirs provide water to 8 million City residents through a network grid of over 6,200 miles of water mains throughout the five boroughs as well as an additional 1 million consumers in four upstate counties.  DEP manages 14 in-City wastewater treatment plants, and an additional nine treatment plants upstate.  DEP carries out federal Clean Water Act rules and regulations, handles hazardous materials emergencies and toxic site remediation, oversees asbestos monitoring and removal, enforces the City’s air and noise codes, bills and collects on  City water and sewer accounts,  and manages city wide water conservation programs.