An examination of utility emissions contributions to elevated ozone concentrations in the Chicago area
In order to reduce the pollutant load to the atmosphere and subsequent damaging effects, Titles I and IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAAs) require reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}), nitrogen oxides (NO{sub x}), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Title IV is aimed at reducing acidic deposition and requires utilities to reduce SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} emissions to specified levels. As a consequence of this, many utilities will have to install SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} control technologies. Title I is concerned with bringing regions into compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the criteria pollutants, among which is ozone (O{sub 3}). The NAAQS for O{sub 3} is 120 ppb (parts per billion by volume) hourly average concentration, not to be exceeded four times in three years. O{sub 3} is a secondary pollutant formed in the atmosphere when NO{sub x} and VOCs react together in the presence of sunlight. Utilities are a significant source of NO{sub x} and an unimportant source of VOCs. In the past, O{sub 3} control strategy has focused on reducing VOC emissions because of the possibility that reducing NO{sub x} actually might make O{sub 3} concentrations higher. However, this approach has not worked, perhaps because of underestimation of natural and manmade VOC emissions and transport of O{sub 3} from other regions. Computer modeling has shown that for many highly polluted areas massive NO{sub x} reductions may be necessary in addition to or in place of VOC controls. Utilities are a potential source of these NO{sub x} reductions.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States). Environmental Assessment and Information Sciences Div.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 10156669
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/EAIS/CP-78927; CONF-930647-2; ON: DE93012852
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 86. annual meeting and exhibition of the Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA),Denver, CO (United States),13-18 Jun 1993; Other Information: PBD: [1993]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Title I implementation: Status report on nonattainment areas
Title I implementation: Status report on nonattainment areas
Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CHICAGO
US PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT
OZONE
EMISSION
SULFUR DIOXIDE
NITROGEN OXIDES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
VOLATILITY
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
AIR POLLUTION
AIR QUALITY
METEOROLOGY
ACID RAIN
CARBON MONOXIDE
200500
540120
540150
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
CHEMICALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
SITE RESOURCE AND USE STUDIES