Thermoplastic coatings are ideally suited for demanding applications that require flexibility and impact resistance. Some of the vulnerable areas of wastewater treatment facilities include the stirring (or rake) arms and components associated with the clarifier units. They are most often constructed of carbon steel and coated with a corrosion resistant product of some kind. This kind of service, continuous flexing and stressing of structural steel components immersed in "dirty water," presents a particularly challenging environment for ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA) plastic coating--a challenge it has met quite successfully. The nonporous, slick makeup of the plastic surface also resists the buildup of sludge. Recently completed coating projects include wastewater clarifiers, wastewater surge tanks, chemical wastestream surge tanks, potable water tanks, handrails in plants and municipalities, tug boat hulls and barges. The increase in popularity of EMAA-based coatings is the direct result of both beneficial performance characteristics and increasing environmental pressures, causing the maintenance coating market to seek viable alternatives to liquid paints. Advances in the performance of powder coatings, especially EMAA powder coatings, with their ability to be applied both in the shop and in the field, will make them an increasingly attractive alternative.