Chemical engineering progress · 1993 · 50 citations · 0 references
Public AffairsEnvironmental EngineeringRegulatory PolicyAir Pollution ControlAir Quality PolicyEnvironmental RegulationAir Pollution RegulationAir QualityClean Air LegislationEmission Control TechnologiesVolatile Organic Compound ControlVolatile Organic CompoundsAir Pollution Control TechnologiesGround-level Ozone FormationRegulatory RequirementsRegulatory StandardsVoc Emission SourcesVolatile Organic Compound RemovalVolatile Organic Compounds EmissionsVolatile Organic Compounds Regulation
One of the most formidable challenges posed by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) is the search for efficient and economical control strategies for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are precursors to ground-level ozone, a major component in the formation of smog. Under the CAAA, thousands of currently unregulated sources will be required to reduce or eliminate VOC emissions. In addition, sources that are currently regulated may seek to evaluate alternative VOC control strategies to meet stricter regulatory requirements such as the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) requirements in Title III of the CAAA. Because of the increasing attention being given to VOC control, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers' (AIChE) Center for Waste Reduction Technologies (CWRT) initiated a study of VOC control technologies and regulatory initiatives. A key objective of the project was to identify and describe existing VOC control technologies and air regulations, as well as emerging technologies and forthcoming regulations. That work is the basis for this article.