The Integrated Urban Strategy: Area Source Program in Reducing Industrial Air Toxics

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments in the U.S. provided the foundation for its current air toxics program. The program has focused on reducing emissions of toxic air pollutants from major stationary sources through the implementation of technology-based emissions standards. In considering additional steps towards protecting human health and the environment, USEPA identified sources of 33 Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) that present the greatest threat to urban populations, including compounds such as benzene, chromium, vinyl chloride and dioxin. The EPA identified 70 industrial area source categories to assure that these sources account for 90 percent of the emissions of the 33 area source air toxics. The goals of the area source program are to reduce cancer incidence from these sources by 75% and substantial reduction in noncancer risks.

For listed categories of area sources, the Clean Air Act requires development of either maximum achievable control technology (MACT) or generally available control technology (GACT) standards. GACT standards are more flexible in requirements than MACT standards, which are required in the major stationary sources.

With rapid urbanization in many Asian regions, this strategy should be applicable in Asia.

Keywords: urban strategy, area sources, hazardous air pollutants, air toxics, generally available control technology