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Subcategories Project status:

• Finalised (124)
• Running (49)

Cluster:

• Cluster i (121)
• Cluster TFS (59)

PROJECTS

Diffuse VOC Emission

• Number: 2000/07
• Status: Finalised
• Period: 2000
• Lead Country: Netherlands
• 
  Project team countries:
  
  • Denmark
  • Netherlands
   
• 
  Participating countries:
  
  • Belgium
  • Denmark
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Sweden
  • UK

Project description

Establishing an environmental policy for industrial sources usually begins with the regulation of the large point sources. Attention is then focused on piped emissions, for example exhaust gases directed via a stack or wastewater through a discharge pipe. In general these piped emissions are well regulated and have been reduced substantially, to such an extent that the other emissions have become more and more dominating. With respect to atmospheric emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) these ‘other emissions’ are mainly leakage from equipment (fugitive emissions) and evaporation losses from storage, loading and unloading. These emissions are called ‘diffuse’ emissions. Monitoring of diffuse emissions is more complex compared with monitoring of piped emission sources. Abatement and regulation of diffuse emissions is a relatively new issue in some Member States.

The main environmental effect of VOC in general is their role in the formation of smog and ozone in the presence of nitrogen oxides. VOC in the ambient air are precursors to the formation of ground level (tropospheric) ozone, the primary constituent of smog. Smog and ozone cause respiratory damage, damage to property and vegetation (agriculture and ecosystems). Individual components of VOC are known for other negative effects such as toxic effects on health and ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere. Reduction of VOC emissions is not only beneficiary to the environment but can also lead to better workplace conditions, can reduce risks of fire, can reduce nuisance (odours) and can save money.