Future trends in air pollution control

Planning for compliance has never been more important than it is today with the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). It is essential to understand the labyrinth of regulatory programs still being refined, and to integrate compliance plans into business operations and strategic planning. Even minor sources, traditionally exempt from most of the burden of air regulations, will need to reduce future air emissions. Reducing the amount of pollutants emitted by a process is the logical first step in developing a long-term compliance strategy. Minimizing the volume of air to be treated is also a reasonable approach. Emissions trading between processes within a facility or between facilities also will become more common, although smaller sources may find that purchasing emission reduction credits can be as expensive as installing additional controls. And even for major sources that can afford to purchase credits, sufficient emissions reductions or emissions trades may not always be available, requiring increased controls instead. At the same time, the traditional strategy of controlling pollution at the end of the production process will shift to integrated air pollution control systems, in which pollution control is part of the manufacturing process. Capturing emissions closer to the point ofmore » generation reduces the cost of control, promotes byproduct recycling, and allows for energy recovery. In the near future, these treatment processes will be integral to a production unit's operation.« less