Monitoring of emissions in heavy and manufacturing industries

Regulatory standards for the industrial sector

The parameters monitored and the limit value standards for atmospheric emissions in heavy or processing industries are determined by local regulations and the specific characteristics of each industrial site. Key regulations include:

1- EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS DIRECTIVE (IED)

It aims to reduce atmospheric emissions from industrial installations to protect air quality and human health, by promoting the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to minimize emissions. For example:

• For nitrogen oxides (NOx): emission limit value (ELV) of 200 mg/Nm³ for large combustion plants..

• For fine particulate matter (PM): emission limit value (ELV) of 10 mg/Nm³ for biomass combustion installations.

2- NATIONAL AIR QUALITY STANDARDS

National air quality standards are regulations set by individual countries to control pollutant concentrations in the air, thereby protecting public health and the environment. These standards typically specify the maximum allowable concentrations for various pollutants, including particulates, gases, and other substances. The details may vary from one country to another but generally include:

• Fine particulates (PM10, PM2.5): Limits are often set for daily and annual averages. For example, a common standard might be 50 µg/m³ for PM10 over a 24-hour period and 40 µg/m³ as an annual average, and 25 µg/m³ for PM2.5 over a 24-hour period and 20 µg/m³ as an annual average.

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂): Limits may be set for hourly and annual averages. A typical standard could be 180 µg/m³ for an hourly average and 40 µg/m³ annually.

• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂): Standards often cover short-term (hourly) and long-term (daily or annual) exposures. For example, a standard might be 350 µg/m³ for an hourly average and 125 µg/m³ for a daily average.

• Carbon monoxide (CO): Standards typically cover both short-term and long-term exposures. For example, a standard might be 10 mg/m³ for an hourly average and 5 mg/m³ for an eight-hour average.

• Ozone (O₃): Standards may be set for hourly and eight-hour averages. A typical standard might be 180 µg/m³ for an hourly average and 180 µg/m³ for an eight-hour average.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Regulations may set limits for specific VOCs or groups of VOCs, depending on their impact on health and the environment.

UNITED STATES

Clean Air Act (CAA): Establishes national standards for atmospheric pollutants, including NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) for certain industrial sectors.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Relevant ISO standards, such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), can serve as a global benchmark for managing atmospheric emissions.