PREFACE

This volume covers the practices and technologies that are applied to the prevention
of air pollution, and to the cleaning and control of industrial air emissions.
Although there are numerous publications that address these subjects, rarely are
prevention and control concepts considered together in a single volume. This book
provides a bridge for today's environmental manager by focusing on an integrated
approach to managing air pollution problems within industrial operations. There are
eight chapters.

Chapter 1 provides orientation and an introduction to the subject of air quality. The
focus of this book is on industrial air pollution problems. We begin by reviewing
the regulatory driving force in the United States for air pollution abatement. To
appreciate the objectives of our Federal air pollution control regulations, an
understanding of the fate and transport mechanisms in the environment is
important. Hence, some general discussions on the behavior of pollutants in the
atmosphere are included in this chapter. There are only two general methods for
ensuring high quality air. These options are the application of control technologies
that clean air or remove pollutants, and methods of prevention. In general,
prevention is more cost-effective than the application of end-of-pipe treatment
technologies, however, there are many situations where ' control technologies
represent the only feasible methods to managing air pollution problems. Both
approaches are presented in this volume, and the reader will need to assess which
is the most appropriate means on a case by case basis. At the end of Chapter 1 you
will find a summary of the topics to be discussed in this volume. This will help you
to focus on specific areas of reading that are most useful to you. There is also a list
of recommended resources, including Web sites, as well as a review section.

In Chapter 2 we focus our attention on some of the point sources of air emissions
within different types of plant operations, along with the methods of abatement and
prevention. Although we do not make direct comparisons between prevention and
control methodologies until Chapter 6, the reader should gain an appreciation for
the simplicity of applying pollution prevention as opposed to incorporating
engineering controls in many situations. While we will not cover all the important
industry sector sources of air pollution in this chapter, a n attempt is made to
examine a broad spectrum of so-called "heavy-industries". These are industry
sectors that are plagued with air pollution problems, and have had a long history
in battling them.

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There are literally many thousands of chemical compounds that may pose potential
air pollution problems. It would be impossible to present all the pertinent data and
information needed to evaluate each and every air pollution scenario. There are,
however, a wealth of information and data bases that are available on the World
Wide Web, along with a number of standard hard copy references to obtain
information on the chemical and physical properties, and health risks of potential
atmospheric contaminants. Chapter 3 provides information on the following three
areas:
1. Selected chemical and physical properties, and data of common and potential
atmospheric contaminants.
2. An overview of important t e r m s and definitions useful in assessing the
potentially harmful effects of air pollutants.
3. A summary of Web site sources that provide extensive data bases on the
chemical and physical properties, as well as health risk effects associated
with air contaminants.

Chapter 4 provides an overview of indoor air quality(IAQ) issues and management

practices, with emphasis given to industrial operations. Proper indoor air quality
management is an integral part of any program dealing with safe industry practices.
It is an area of concern because improperly designed ventilation systems lead to
significant health risk exposures through inhalation hazards, as well as energy
inefficiencies, which increase the overhead costs of an operation. IAQ is an area
where control and operational options may present significant pollution prevention
opportunities through the capturing of energy credits, in increasing the productivity
of workers through improved comfort, reducing loss time from illness and injury,
reducing medical costs by minimizing or eliminating inhalation hazards, and
reducing facility insurance premiums by providing a safer work environment.

Chapter 5 describes simplified methods of estimating airborne pollutant

concentration distributions associated with stationary emission sources. There are
sophisticated models available to predict and to assist in evaluating the impact of
pollutants on the environment and to sensitive receptors such as populated areas.
In this chapter we will explore the basic principles behind dispersion models and
then apply a simplified model that has been developed by EPA to analyzing air
dispersion problems. There are practice and study problems at the end of this
chapter. A screening model for air dispersion impact assessments called SCREEN,
developed by USEPA is highlighted in this chapter, and the reader is provided with
details on how to download the software and apply it.

Chapter 6 makes a strong argument for pollution prevention (P2) practices, but is
prudent in pointing out that there are many situations where conventional pollution

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control technologies will suffice. The general approach to pollution prevention and
the pollution prevention assessment or auditing technique is discussed in detail. The
overall concepts discussed in this chapter are:
1. The benefits of P2 to an organization.
2. The basic approach to applying and integrating P2 into an organization, with
emphasis given to managing air pollution problems.
3. When P2 should and should not be applied.

Chapter 7 focuses on hardware. The intent is to provide a working description of

pollution control hardware, as well as to highlight those technologies and equipment
that may be applicable to pollution prevention opportunities. As stated in this
chapter, we should never approach an air pollution problem (or any pollution and
waste problem) without first considering other options to end-of-pipe treatment and
controls. If the waste or pollution can be prevented or minimized without the use
of controls that require long-term O&M and other recurring costs, then that should
be the first choice, provided there is sufficient financial justification. But, the
absolutely wrong reason for selecting pollution prevention (P2) over conventional
wisdom is to do P2 for the sake of doing it. This chapter will provide you with a
good overview of the technology options for air pollution control, as well an arsenal
of important references.

Chapter 8 covers the principles of cost accounting. The focus of this chapter is
project cost estimating. This is sometimes referred to as total cost accounting. The
term total-cost accounting (TCA) has also come to be commonly known as life-
cycle costing (LCC). LCC is a method aimed at analyzing the costs and benefits
associated with a piece of equipment, plant, or a project over the entire time of
intended use. Experience has shown that the up-front purchase price alone is a poor
measure of the total cost. Instead, costs such as those associated with
maintainability, reliability, disposal, and salvage value, as well as employee
training and education, must be given equal weight in making financial decisions.
By the same token, justifying the investment into a piece of equipment requires that
all benefits and costs be clearly defined in the most concrete terms possible, and
projected over the life of each technology option.

References are noted throughout the book for further information. Particular
attention is given to Web site sources where detailed equipment design information
and chemical property data bases exist.

At the end of the book is a glossary containing several hundred terms commonly
used in pollution prevention and control practices. You can rely on the glossary for
terms not identified in the text discussions, and as a general reference.
You will also find a liberal application of sidebar discussions at various points in
different chapters. Here you will find some interesting and useful facts and
formulas.

This handbook is intended for environmental managers and process engineers.

Some subject matter is covered in survey or overview form, whereas others are
treated in more depth. In both cases, important references are noted where detailed
information can be obtained. The overall objective of this volume is not simply to
provide a general reference, but to serve as a resource for developing approaches
to managing air pollution problems. If the reader can get just one good idea from
reading over the material in this volume to solve an air pollution problem, and
further, capture some economic incentives that normally accompany a pollution
prevention practice, then I have not only done a good job in writing this book, but
you have made a wise investment in its purchase.

A heartfelt thanks goes to Butterworth Heinemann for their patience during the
writing of this book, and to their f'me production. A special thank you is extended
to Laura Berendson and Tara Habhegger for their creative efforts throughout the
production of this volume.

Nicholas P. Cheremisinoff, Ph.D.