Better Air Quality for a Cleaner Environment

Significance of the Topic

This white paper addresses the anthropogenic forces driving greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, and the regulatory and technological approaches to improve air quality around petroleum refineries. It highlights the critical need to monitor and reduce hazardous emissions to protect public health and the environment.

Study Objectives and Overview

The document aims to:

• Trace the historical rise of greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution.
• Explain the nature and impact of major GHGs and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly benzene.
• Review EPA’s fenceline monitoring initiatives and regulatory updates for refineries.
• Introduce Method EPA 325 A/B and passive sampling strategies.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The EPA’s approach involves continuous passive fenceline monitoring using diffusive tube samplers housed in protective shelters around refinery boundaries. Sampling occurs over two-week intervals to capture fugitive emissions of benzene and associated VOCs. Instrumentation used:

• Passive diffusive samplers (e.g., EPA Method 325 A/B diffusive passive tube system).
• Protective housings for outdoor ambient monitoring.
• Analytical platforms for laboratory analysis of collected VOCs.

Key Findings and Discussion

• Global temperatures are rising due to human-driven CO₂ and other GHG emissions since the Industrial Revolution.
• Methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect alongside CO₂.
• VOCs such as benzene pose acute toxicity and carcinogenic risks; refineries emit significant fugitive VOCs at fencelines.
• 2011 EPA data revealed high VOC concentrations near refinery boundaries, with benzene as a key risk driver.
• Method EPA 325 A/B modeling predicts a reduction of approximately 52 000 tons of VOC emissions annually post-implementation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced detection of fugitive emissions at refinery perimeters improves exposure assessment and regulatory compliance.
• Passive monitoring systems offer cost-effective, continuous data collection with minimal maintenance.
• Industries can target specific leak sources and optimize maintenance and emission control strategies.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of real-time remote sensing and IoT-enabled sensors for dynamic air quality mapping.
• Expansion of fenceline monitoring protocols to other industrial sectors (e.g., chemical plants, waste facilities).
• Advancements in passive sampler materials to increase sensitivity and reduce deployment intervals.
• Predictive analytics and machine learning to correlate emission patterns with operational parameters.

Conclusion

Fenceline monitoring under Method EPA 325 A/B represents a pivotal step toward reducing hazardous refinery emissions. Passive sampling offers reliable, scalable solutions that support regulatory goals and public health protection. Continued technological innovations and expanded applications will further enhance environmental stewardship.

References

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11. Environmental Protection Agency. Petroleum Refinery Sector Risk and Technology Review and New Source Performance Standards. Federal Register. June 2014.