Integrated systems approach to pollution prevention: A three-tier substitution strategy
- Booz-Allen & Hamilton Inc., Bethesda, MD (United States)
Current pollution prevention initiatives are reactive, not proactive. Most federal and state regulations and industry participation in pollution prevention projects focus on post-production cleanup. However, an integrated systems approach to design pollution prevention strategies based on substitution of entire classes of chemicals with bio-based alternatives would significantly enhance the impact of pollution prevention efforts. Industry`s current attempts at pollution prevention efforts primarily rely on recycling, modifying processes to reduce the use of certain chemicals, or substituting a petrochemical not listed on the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) for one currently listed. Such strategies may not constitute a long term solution to the pollution problem. A more durable and comprehensive strategy is to substitute renewable feedstock derived biochemicals for petrochemicals. The generation of pollution as driven by the consumer end-products industry occurs in three distinct levels; raw materials production (crude oil refining), commodity and intermediate chemicals production, a raw chemicals consumption. This paper suggests a three-tier substitution strategy based on the three levels of materials used in the chemical process industry with a goal of minimizing the pollution impact via substitutions. The substitution potential of each of the three tiers is determined based on the optimum impact criteria applicable to a given produce line or a process. The best existing pollution prevention initiatives should be incorporated in an integrated pollution management system. This system considers and includes long-term solutions to pollution problems faced both by the regulators and the chemical process industry. The role of existing production capacities that continue to produce toxic chemicals as a byproduct and their potential phase-out via biochemical substitution is also discussed.
- Research Organization:
- National Association of Environmental Professionals, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 125988
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9506115-; TRN: 95:006735-0083
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 20. National Association of Environmental Professionals annual conference and exposition: environmental challenges - the next twenty years, Washington, DC (United States), 10-13 Jun 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Environmental challenges: The next 20 years. Proceedings; PB: 932 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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