THE MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS ...pubs.awma.org/gsearch/em/2008/9/not needed/_full EM...that offers opportunities for idea sharing, networking, and discussion on the New Source

emAir & Waste Management Association September 2008

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THE MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS

AlternativeFuelsDriving Toward aGreener Future

PM File: Paying forward at project completion, p. 24

Postcards from Portland: Highlights from A&WMA’s 2008 Annual Conference, p. 38

Our challenge:Nothing short of reinventing the automobile.This is how we’re doing it: We are going to build the Chevy Volt, the extended-range electric vehicle designed

to move over 75% of America’s daily commuters without a single drop of gas.* We are offering eight

hybrid models this year, and will release an average of one new hybrid every three months over the

next four years. We have clean diesels on the road today and more cars capable of running on E85

ethanol than any other automaker. We are testing the world’s largest fleet of hydrogen-powered

cars right now. And we are investing in two biofuel companies that will be capable of turning waste

into fuel. In short, we’re reinventing the automobile. Sure it’s a big challenge. But we’re well on our way.

GMnext.com

*Source Vol. 3, Issue 4, Oct. 2003 Omnistats — U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics.Concept Chevy Volt shown. Not available for sale. Targeted launch: 2010. Vehicle design and performance capabilities subject to change. ©2008 GM Corp. All rights reserved.

Unintended Consequences: EthicalConsiderations for Engineering SolutionsThis Webinar will educate participants about the unforeseen environmental consequences and ethical ramificationsof engineering solutions.

Led by Pamela Heckel, Ph.D., P.E., “Unintended Consequences: Ethical Considerations for Engineering Solutions”will discuss how engineering decisions, environmental policies, and urban planning affect the environment andhuman health. The session will review real-life examples of this conundrum and participants are encouraged tobring their own experiences to share during this interactive Webinar.

Integrated Waste Management SystemsGeared towards solid waste management practitioners in municipal consulting firms, industry, and academics,“Integrated Waste Management Systems” will examine issues concerning municipal waste and wastemanagement systems.

This conference will bring together national and international speakers who have hands-on experience with thedesign and operation of integrated waste management systems and will be divided into four sessions that include:

• An overview of successful waste management systems • Costs• New and emerging technologies • Decision processes

September 18-19Orlando, FL

November 12-14Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Clearing the Air on NSRThe industry’s leading team of instructors returns in September to present “Clearing the Air on NSR,” a workshopthat offers opportunities for idea sharing, networking, and discussion on the New Source Review Rule, its history,approaches to compliance, and the future of rule enforcement. This workshop has been updated to include anin-depth discussion of the new PM 2.5 regulatory requirements.

Join Ken Weiss, Principal and Global Air Practice Leader, ERM; Gary McCutchen, Principal, RTP Environmental;Jay Hofmann, President-CEO, Trinity Consultants; and John A. Paul, Administrator, Regional Air Pollution ControlAgency and New Source Review Committee Chairman, National Association of Clean Air Agencies for this reviewand update on all things NSR.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

OPPORTUNITIESVisit www.awma.org/events for more information.

November 12-14Galveston, TX

Hazardous Waste CombustorsConference & ExhibitionBy October 14, 2008, all sources are required to be in compliance with all emission standards and operatingrequirements of the HWC MACT standards. Don’t miss this timely opportunity to meet with top industry representatives,consultants, and regulators to discuss compliance with these standards, and all regulatory issues related to hazardouswaste combustion. Technical information about regulatory updates and implementation approaches, emissionstesting, public communications, and risk assessment will be covered through paper and panel discussions.

Exhibit space available.

November 3-6Chapel Hill, NC

Symposium on Air Quality MeasurementMethods and TechnologyJoin a full range of investigators from academia, industry, consulting firms, and government agencies for theleading conference on air quality measurements.

The Symposium on Air Quality Measurement Methods and Technology will provide a forum for discussion ofcurrent advances in measurements technology, and will cover all aspects of air quality, including ambient air,indoor air, point sources, and area sources. Both laboratory and field studies will be addressed.

Exhibit space available.

September 302-4 p.m. Eastern • Webinar

Copyright 2008 Air & Waste Management Association2 em september 2008 awma.org

Finding Alternative Fuels for the Futureby Mingming Lu

With record-setting oil prices dominating news headlines, it’snot surprising that many experts are turning their attention toalternative fuel sources. This month, EM considers some ofthe latest research and technology aimed at developing moreefficient and sustainable sources of energy. The articles inthis issue include a look at biodiesel use in the United States,an analysis of cellulosic ethanol production, and a study ofhow one small community has developed what could becomethe first “green” industrial park in the United States with thehelp of an ethanol production facility.Page 5

Biodiesel Fuel for Transportation: Status and Issues in the United Statesby Bob McCormick, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryPage 6

Cellulosic Ethanol Production and Its Potential Impacts on the Environmentby Joo-Youp Lee, University of CincinnatiPage 12

Questioning the Status Quo: A Case Study in Industrial Ecologyby Matthew Traister and Darek Letkiewicz, O’Brien & GerePage 18

COLUMNSPM File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Paying Forward at Project Completionby David Elam

Competitive Strategy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Business Management Communication: Are Your Skills Up to the Challenge?by Richard MacLean

ASSOCIATION NEWSA&WMA Delegation Examines China’s Efforts to Improve Air Quality for the 2008 Olympic Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34by Ronald Poissant

Postcards from Portland: 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition a Huge Success . . . . . 38

The Member Minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Matilde Espinosa

DEPARTMENTSMessage from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4EPA Research Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22ICAC Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Washington Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Canadian Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31News Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Advertisers’ Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Professional Development Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Call for Abstracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49JA&WMA Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

EM, a publication of the Air & Waste Management Association (ISSN 1088-9981), is published monthly with editorial and executive offices at One GatewayCenter, 3rd Floor, 420 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1435. ©2008 Air & Waste Management Association. All rights reserved. Materials maynot be reproduced, redistributed, or translated in any form without prior written permission of the Editor. Periodicals postage paid at Pittsburgh and atan additional mailing office. Postmaster: Send address changes to EM, Air & Waste Management Association, One Gateway Center, 3rd Floor, 420 FortDuquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1435. GST registration number: 135238921. Subscription rates are $255/year for nonprofit libraries and nonprofitinstitutions and $385/year for all other institutions. Additional postage charges may apply. Please contact A&WMA Member Services for current rates(1-800-270-3444). Send change of address with recent address label (6 weeks advance notice) and claims for missing issues to the Membership Department. Claims for missing issues can be honored only up to three months for domestic addresses, six months for foreign addresses. Duplicatecopies will not be sent to replace ones undelivered through failure of the member/subscriber to notify A&WMA of change of address. A&WMA assumesno responsibility for statements and opinions advanced by contributors to this publication. Views expressed in editorials are those of the author and donot necessarily represent an official position of the Association.

Air & Waste Management Association September 2008

THE MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERSPrinted on 100% recycled paper

Next Month:Carbon Sequestrationemaw

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Call for Abstracts

for A&WMA’s 102nd Annual

Conference & Exhibition in Detroit

page 42

Case Study: Hydrogen Fuel-Cell VehiclesSacramento Is Paving the Road to Commercializationby Barbara HayesA look at how one region in California is helping lead the way with a novel policyand technology implementation geared toward creating a more sustainable future.Page 17

HOW DO WE FUEL OUR FUTURE?

Find out all about- affordable alternative fuels- sustainable biomass- clean waste to energy- air & water quality- international projects

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Network with industry professionals, municipal decision-makers and policy-makers from the United States and around the world.

Register now on www.ebw-expo.com and save 50% on the trade show and all sessions!

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A recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit may lead to significant challenges for environmental professionals in North America—not only those workingin electric power generation, but also federal and state regulatory agencies, consultants, lawyers, andeconomists—for years to come. I’m talking, of course, about the court decision on July 11, 2008,to vacate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).

CAIR, which established a cap-and-trade program for power plant emissions of sulfur dioxide(SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia, was designed to assist those areas in attaining National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) forozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The court determined that CAIR is fundamentally flawedand vacated the entire rule. The court’s primary objection was the use of the cap-and-trade programto reduce emissions from upwind states found to be significantly contributing to nonattainment ofozone and PM2.5 NAAQS in downwind states. The court decision had immediate and dramatic impacts on the SO2 and NOx emissions markets, significantly reducing the value of billions of dollars in emissions allowances, throwing state air quality programs into chaos, and calling intoquestion the anticipated health and environmental benefits.

Assuming the decision on CAIR will stand (following the appeals process), it will have a rippleeffect that may delay and impede clean air programs and activities throughout the eastern UnitedStates. First, states will have to develop new state implementation plans (SIPs) to attain and maintainNAAQS for ozone and PM2.5. Such SIPs must include reasonably available control technology(RACT), not only for power plants, but also for other major sources, as well as a determination ofwhat constitutes RACT. Other existing regulations will also be impacted, such as those to protectvisibility (Regional Haze), interstate transport of pollutants, and other Clean Air Act provisions.For example, EPA had determined that the emissions reductions under CAIR had met the requirements of best available retrofit technology (BART) under the Regional Haze rule for certain large sources constructed between 1962 and 1977. Without CAIR, all those sources wouldhave to undergo case-by-case BART determinations, and SIPs would have to demonstrate that theyare making “reasonable progress” under the Regional Haze rule.

A&WMA is planning to provide a brief summary of the CAIR court decision and its implicationson various other regulatory programs in an upcoming issue of EM. That issue will also include perspectives on the court decision and its implications from various stakeholder groups, such as theutility sector, federal and state regulatory agencies, and the environmental advocacy community.

Moving forward, there are discussions underway regarding possible solutions via the appealsprocess, revising the regulation, and legislative fixes either as a “rifle shot” or as renewed efforts formultipollutant legislation like the Bush Administration’s “Clear Skies Act.” Irrespective of which ofthese pathways is followed, progress on the environmental front will be delayed. Clearly, this situationwill make for a busy time at EPA during the remainder of the current administration, and after thepresidential elections in November under a new administration and Congress.

The enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990 triggered numerous regulatory activities and has kept environmental professionals busy for years. A similar situation could occurstarting in 2009, and A&WMA members will be called upon to undertake various studies and assistin the development of new regulatory programs.

I encourage you to watch the pages of the Journal and EM for announcements about A&WMAspecialty conferences and next year’s Annual Conference & Exhibition in Detroit. I am confidentthat A&WMA members will stand ready to assist in achieving solutions to alleviate uncertainties associated with this landmark court decision.

As always, I would appreciate hearing from you about this topic as well as other aspects ofA&WMA’s products and services. Please send your thoughts to [email protected].

by C.V. Mathai, Ph.D., [email protected]

emwww.awma.org

ADVERTISINGEM Sales 1-412-232-3444 [email protected]

EDITORIAL Andy Knopes, CAEEditorLisa BucherManaging Editor

EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEEA. Gwen Eklund, ChairTRCAnn McIver, QEP, Vice ChairCitizens Thermal EnergyFerdinand B. AlidoNavistar Inc.John D. BachmannVision Air ConsultingJane C. BartonPatterson ConsultantsPrakash Doraiswamy, Ph.D.State University of New York at AlbanyJennifer B. Dunn, Ph.D.URS Corp.Steven P. Frysinger, Ph.D.James Madison UniversityJohn D. KinsmanEdison Electric InstituteAshok KumarUniversity of ToledoMiriam Lev-On, Ph.D.The LEVON GroupJulian A Levy, Jr.Exponent Inc.Mingming LuUniversity of CincinnatiCharles E. McDadeUniversity of California at DavisPaul J. MillerNortheast States for Coordinated Air

Use ManagementDan L. Mueller, P.E.CDM Inc.Chris Pepper Jackson WalkerS.T. RaoU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyDaniel R. WeissDuke Energy IndianaSusan S.G. WiermanMid-Atlantic Regional Air

Management Association

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEEJudith C. Chow, ChairDesert Research Institute

A&WMA HEADQUARTERSAdrianne Carolla, CAEExecutive Director

Air & Waste Management AssociationOne Gateway Center, 3rd Floor420 Fort Duquesne Blvd.Pittsburgh, PA 15222-14351-412-232-3444; 412-232-3450 (fax)[email protected]

emm e s s a g e f r o m t h e p r e s i d e n t

*French and Spanish translations of the Message from the President are available online at www.awma.org/em.

CAIR: Regulatory Uncertaintyand Challenges Ahead

awma.org september 2008 em 5Copyright 2008 Air & Waste Management Association

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independ-ence and Security Act of 2007 have provided policy incentives for biofuels research and development in theUnited States. The record high fuel costs throughout theworld further indicate the end of cheap, “unlimited” fossilfuels. When consumers are paying US$4.00/gal at thepump, it spurs the thinking of alternatives to petroleumas the primary transportation fuel for passenger vehicles inthe United States.

Biodiesel has been promoted as the “drop-in solution”due to its compatibility with the current infrastructure for petroleum diesel. Blends such as B2 (a blend of 2%biodiesel and 98% diesel fuel) and B20 (20% biodieseland 80% diesel) have been in commercial use by diesel-powered vehicles and equipment for some time. In his article on page 6, Robert McCormick, a leading expert in biodiesel and its emission characterization, discussesthe various feedstocks of biodiesel, pipeline transporta-tion, emissions, fuel quality and engine warranty issues,and its as yet unknown impacts on lube oil and emissioncontrol equipments. The use of biodiesel in the UnitedStates and around the world is increasing despite the manyunknowns discussed in this article.

Joo-Youp Lee’s article on page 12 presents an alternativeethanol production pathway by using cellulosic materialsinstead of corn. Cellulosic ethanol production uses thewaste fractions of biomass such as leaves, grass clippings,and corn stovers that are not in competition with food.

The biggest challenge in this area of research lies in the removal of lignin from plant matter in order to free upthe cellulose. This article also summarizes the environ-mental impacts of ethanol use on water and air quality.

On page 18, the article by Matthew Traister and DarekLetkiewicz takes a different perspective of biofuel pro-duction: the redevelopment of a Brownfield site forethanol production that takes advantage of existing assetson site. The resulting eco-industrial park serves as a vividexample of the revitalization of abandoned industrial facilities in an environmentally friendly way, and there isno doubt that thinking “outside-the-box” was crucial inthis redevelopment process.

The research and development and commercializationof biomass fuels is still in its infancy, with many uncertain-ties and issues to be resolved. The environmental impacts ofthese new fuels are still not fully evaluated and understood,while the competition of food versus fuel continues to be agrowing global issue. A holistic approach in biofuels devel-opment is needed to sustain these transportation fuels ascost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. em

Mingming LuAssociate ProfessorUniversity of CincinnatiDepartment of Civil & Environmental EngineeringCincinnati, OHE-mail: [email protected]

f e a t u r e

Finding Alternative Fuels for the Future


The United States consumed 3.39 billionbarrels of gasoline, 1.54 billion barrels ofdiesel fuel, and 0.59 billion barrels of jetfuel in 2007. And it currently imports 3.66billion barrels of oil and petroleum prod-ucts per year, 65% of U.S. consumption,compared to 1.71 billion barrels (or 36%)20 years ago.1 To address the growing gap between petroleum consumptionand domestic production, the U.S. gov-ernment has established a number ofpolicies to reduce the nation’s relianceon imported oil.

Among these are policies to support the production anduse of biodiesel, a fuel currently produced from lipid feed-stocks such as vegetable oil, animal fat, and waste cookingoil. Although this fuel is already available in small quanti-ties throughout most of the country, several issues have tobe resolved for biodiesel markets to expand. This articlesummarizes the current and potential levels of biodieselproduction, issues with transporting biodiesel to market,as well as quality and specifications. Air pollutant emissionimpacts are also described, along with what is known abouthow biodiesel affects engine and catalyst durability.

BiodieselBiodiesel consists of mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids, whichare typically methyl esters and are sometimes referred toas fatty acid methyl esters, or FAME (see Figure 1). Mono-alkyl esters are typically produced from the lipid feedstocksusing a chemical reaction called transesterification. Life-cycleanalysis shows that biodiesel contains 2.5–3.5 units of energy

f e a t u r e

Biodiesel Fuel for Transportation Status and Issues in the United Statesby Bob McCormick

Robert L. McCormick is a chemical engineer and principal engineer in the Fuels Performance Group at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO.His team conducts research on biofuels performance, including fuel-engine and catalyst interactions and pollutant emission impacts for DOE’sVehicle Technologies Program. E-mail: [email protected].


Biodiesel qualifies as both biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel.

Current and Potential ProductionIn 2007, the U.S. biodiesel industry produced 500 milliongallons of biodiesel fuel, imported 146 million gallons,and exported 283 million gallons; this indicates that approximately 363 million gallons were consumed domestically.6 Total production is expected to be between500 and 600 million gallons in 2008. Although reliable statistics on feedstocks are not available, sources in thebiodiesel industry indicate that a large majority of U.S.biodiesel is produced from soy oil. A 2004 study indicatesthat U.S. resources are available to produce approximately1.7 billion gallons of biodiesel annually.7

There are several sources of additional feedstock that could be developed in the near-term. Currently,

for every unit of fossil energy input in its production; andbecause very little petroleum is used in production ofbiodiesel, its use displaces petroleum at nearly a 1-to-1ratio on a life-cycle basis.2-5 Life-cycle analysis also shows reductions in total greenhouse gas emissions(CO2+CH4+N2O), ranging from 60% to over 90%.3,4 Thisrenewable fuel is primarily used as a 2%- to 20%-by-volume blend with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel blends arereferred to as “Bxx”; for example, B5 indicates a 5%-by-volume biodiesel blend. Policies supporting the use ofbiodiesel include the biodiesel blender’s tax credit ofUS$1.00 per gallon for agricultural feedstocks andUS$0.50 per gallon for waste or second-use feedstocks.More recently, the U.S. Energy Independence and Secu-rity Act of 2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-140) mandates the use of1 billion gallons per year of biomass-based diesel by 2012and 21 billion gallons of advanced biofuel by 2022.

Figure 1. Fatty acid methyl ester chemical structure.

Oleic acid methylester

OCH3 OCH3 OCH3

Linoleic acid methylester Linolenic acid methylester


concern that jet fuel could become contaminated withFAME in a multiproduct pipeline. This could be addressed by segregating jet fuel shipments. An analyticalmethod for detecting FAME in jet fuel at parts-per-million (ppm) levels is still needed. Studies show that 1%FAME in jet fuel can reduce oxidative stability, leading toincreased deposits.12 However, at levels below a few hundred ppm, no decrease in stability was observed.13

Quality SpecificationsFor quality specification purposes in the United States,biodiesel must meet the requirements of ASTM D6751 toqualify for a blenders tax credit and to be registered as afuel and fuel additive under Section 221(b) of the CleanAir Act. This ASTM specification is for B100 that can beused for blending at up to 20% by volume. The standardhas been improved several times over the past few years,and the process continues today. The specification ensuresthat blends up to 20% are compatible with diesel enginesand associated fuel system hardware.

A survey of B100 quality was conducted recently to determine the degree to which U.S. biodiesel producerswere meeting the D6751 specification.14 Samples weretested for the most critical properties in D6751. Produc-tion volume information from the National BiodieselBoard was used to estimate the volume percentage ofbiodiesel production passing or failing each requirement.The 56 producers that provided samples represented 52%of the producers in the marketplace, but 70% of the volume of biodiesel produced. The study found that 90%of the biodiesel met specifications, a positive result considering that earlier, less comprehensive studies hadfound a lower compliance rate. On the negative side, as much as 10% of the product being produced whenthese samples were collected was failing to meet legal requirements due to negligence on the part of a smallnumber of biodiesel producers.

Many vehicle owners refer to the engine owner’s manual to determine which fuels are suitable for their engines. Thus, the written policy of the engine manufac-turer regarding biodiesel has a significant impact on biodiesel markets. In most manufacturers’ literature,B5 and lower blends are approved, as long as the biodieselmeets D6751 and/or EN14214, the European biodieselspecification, and some manufacturers recognize higherblend levels. A primary factor preventing wider approval ofbiodiesel by engine manufacturers has been the lack of ASTM specifications for biodiesel blends. Specifica-tions for biodiesel blends were passed by the ASTM Petroleum Products committee in June 2008 and will take effect upon publication later this year. These include a change to the conventional diesel fuel specification (ASTM D975) to allow up to 5% biodieseland a separate specification for 6%–20% biodiesel blends.

Impact on Air Pollutant EmissionsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Air Pollutant Emission Trends report shows that

Figure 2. Summary of EPA’s evaluation of biodiesel impacts on hydrocarbon, CO,and PM emissions, based on correlations presented in ref. 18.

approximately 60% of soybeans are crushed for oil extraction. This percentage could increase if markets forsoy meal used as high-protein animal feed increase morerapidly than projected. Future increases in soybean yieldsand oil content could also increase feedstock oil production.A large potential source of vegetable oil feedstock is cornoil recovered from dry-mill ethanol production. Theoreti-cally, this source could supply 500 million gallons at currentethanol production rates. A number of other terrestrialcrops also might lead to increases in the availability of feed-stocks. One transformational technology that could leadto a dramatic increase in lipid feedstock production isaquaculture of algae. This technology is in its infancy, buthas the potential to yield several thousand gallons per acre,compared to roughly 60 gallons per acre of soy oil (Note:soy oil is a byproduct of soy protein production).8

Transportation to MarketCurrently, biodiesel is moved to blending terminals bytruck, rail, and occasionally, barge. Biodiesel blends areproduced at petroleum pipeline terminals and refinerytruck racks, as well as by independent fuel jobbers. Theyare then moved to fleets and retail outlets by truck. A num-ber of efficiencies could be gained if biodiesel blendscould be prepared at refineries and moved to market inpetroleum product pipelines. Biodiesel blends will notseparate when water is present (as ethanol-gasoline blendsdo), which makes pipeline transport feasible. In July 2006,Countrymark Co-op, a refiner and marketer of petroleumproducts in the U.S. Midwest, successfully transported210,000 gallons of B5 through a 238-mile private pipeline.9

In August 2006, 75,000 barrels of B5 were transportedfrom Houston, TX, to Linden, NJ, in a common carrierpipeline operated by Colonial Pipeline.10 The test was successful in that the B5 blend did not degrade duringtransport. However, the next batch of diesel fuel was con-taminated with low levels of biodiesel. Additional pipelinetrials have been conducted in France.11

Though it is not a concern for diesel fuel, there is some


in 2000 diesel vehicles produced approximately 7% of U.S.mobile-source hydrocarbon emissions and 5% of mobile-source carbon monoxide (CO).15 However, diesel vehiclesproduced 45% of U.S. mobile-source oxides of nitrogen(NOx) and 60% of mobile-source particulate matter (PM).In addition, diesel PM can contain 20%–40% organiccompounds that have known mutagenic and carcinogenicproperties.16 Thus, the impact of biodiesel on NOx andPM emissions is of greatest interest.

In the United States, engine dynamometer tests areused for heavy-duty engine emissions compliance testing.17

Results for hydrocarbon, CO, NOx, and PM emissions arereported in g/bhp-h (0.7457 g/bhp-h = 1 g/kW-h). Allowable levels of heavy-duty engine emissions have beenreduced dramatically over the past 25 years, resulting in acontinuous evolution of diesel engine and emission con-trol technology. A reduction in the allowable NOx levelfrom 4 g/bhp-h in 1998 to 1.2 g/bhp-h in 2007 was madepossible by exhaust gas recirculation, higher pressure fuelinjection, and more advanced fuel injection control strate-gies. Beginning in 2006, sulfur in on-highway diesel fuelwas lowered from 500 to 15 ppm (ultra-low-sulfur diesel)to allow the introduction of diesel particle filters and NOxreduction catalysts. All 2007 model-year heavy-duty en-gines in the United States were equipped with diesel par-ticle filters to meet a PM emission standard of 0.01g/bhp-h, a factor of 10 below the previous standard. Alower NOx standard of 0.2 g/bhp-h by 2010 will beachieved by using adsorbent and catalyst systems.

Hydrocarbons, CO, and PMIn 2002, EPA reviewed published biodiesel emissions data,which consisted almost entirely of data for heavy-duty engines in the 1988–1998 model-year range.18 The resultsof EPA’s analysis for PM, CO, and hydrocarbons are summarized in Figure 2. On average, using biodiesel as ablend or in neat form resulted in substantial reductions inemissions of these pollutants for engines from that decade.The conclusions of EPA’s review of the impacts of biodieselon total hydrocarbon, CO, and PM emissions have beenconfirmed in many recent studies of newer engines.19 Theoverall database, however, remains unrepresentative of thecurrent on-highway U.S. fleet. For example, more than20% of the available test data are for two-stroke enginesthat today make up less than 0.2% of the in-use fleet.

Data are quite limited on the emission performance ofengines equipped with diesel particle filters. Boehman andcoworkers demonstrated that the blending of biodiesel couldincrease the oxidation reactivity of PM in a diesel particle filter, which may improve diesel particle filter performance insome situations.20 Biodiesel blends were shown to lower thebalance-point temperature, the temperature at which therate of PM accumulation on the diesel particle filter is equalto the rate of PM combustion. Williams and coworkers sub-sequently showed that B20 could reduce the balance-pointtemperature by as much as 40 °C, and they demonstratedthat as little as 5% biodiesel in the fuel could increase therate of diesel particle filter regeneration measurably.21

While current emission regulations limit the total PMmass, health impacts are thought to correlate more closelywith the number of very small particles that are emitted.Limited studies have been conducted of the impact ofbiodiesel on particle size distribution for engines notequipped with a diesel particle filter. Chen and Wu used ascanning mobility particle size analyzer (SMPS) for a small,direct-injected Yanmar diesel engine operating on petro-leum diesel and soy-based B100 to measure particle sizedistribution.22 Biodiesel had no impact on mean particlediameter; however, it caused a 24%–42% reduction in totalparticle number and a 40%–49% reduction in the totalmass of submicron particles.

Jung and coworkers also compared diesel and B100 particle size distributions by SMPS for a 1996 John Deereoff-highway engine.23 They found that B100 reduced theparticle size, number, and volume for submicron particles.Tsolakis, in contrast, investigated the impact of B100 onparticle size distribution for rapeseed-derived biodieselusing an electrical low-pressure impactor (ELPI).24 He ob-served a reduction in total particle mass for B100, but anincrease in particle number concentration at a diameter<0.091 μm. Kinsey used an ELPI to assess the impact ofB20 on fine particle characteristics.25 He observed signifi-cant reduction in particle mass at all speeds and loads, nochange in average particle diameter, but an increase inparticle number at low-speed, light-load conditions.Clearly, additional research is warranted on the impact ofbiodiesel on particle size distribution.

NOxNOx emissions are of concern because of the potential forNOx to participate in atmospheric reactions that lead toozone formation; although the importance of NOx in ozoneformation has recently been questioned.26 The EPA reviewcited above concluded that biodiesel caused a small increasein emissions of NOx relative to petroleum diesel, which averaged 2% for B20.18 However, some data suggest that this maynot always be the case. For example, a significant fraction ofthe 785 NOx observations for B20 included in EPA’s reviewshow a decrease in NOx. Factors that affect NOx emissionsfrom biodiesel include biodiesel source material,27 drivingcycle and average load,28 as well as engine and fuel system de-sign and operating strategy.29 Tests conducted by EPA showedthat the increasing NOx effect was greater for higher averageload driving cycles.28 In addition, NOx increased in propor-tion to the biodiesel blend level for the single engine tested.The Cummins engine company examined the effect ofbiodiesel both on combustion and on engine control systemparameters.29 The study showed how NOx could increase ordecrease at different engine speed/load setpoints and howthe engine computer control system could respond tobiodiesel in different situations, to either increase or decreaseNOx. The Cummins study also presented data suggesting thatthe effect of biodiesel on NOx is less than the NOx variationcaused by the normal range of variation in petroleum dieselfuel properties (e.g., aromatic content and cetane number).

Ongoing analyses of all the available data continue to


show, on average, a small increase in NOx for B20. Yet, asnoted, the engines included in the available dataset arenot representative of the current on-highway fleet. Never-theless, the potential for biodiesel to increase NOx couldbecome a significant barrier to market expansion if thevolume of biodiesel used were to become so large that theeffects were detrimental to air quality.

This issue will have to be reevaluated for enginesequipped with the NOx emission control catalysts that willbe phased in beginning 2010, because there are as yet onlylimited data showing the performance of those catalystswith biodiesel blends. These early studies suggest that thesmall NOx increase coming out of the engine will have littleeffect on NOx downstream of the NOx reduction catalyst.30,31

Toxic Compound Emissions and Health EffectsSharp and coworkers performed detailed chemical char-acterizations of exhaust from one 1995 and two 1997model-year engines.32 Species quantified included C1 toC12 hydrocarbons, C1 to C8 aldehydes, and several specificpolyaromatic and nitro-polyaromatic hydrocarbons fromboth the semi-volatile and particle-phase. Results for B100showed large reductions in mass emissions of all groups ofcompounds; B20 resulted in smaller reductions overalland no significant change for some species. These resultsindicate that B20 has a very positive impact on toxic com-pound emissions; however, diesel engine technology haschanged significantly since the study was conducted. Thus,measurement of toxic compound emissions for B20 innewer engines remains a pressing research need.

Studies have used bioassays to compare biodiesel and con-ventional diesel PM extracts. For mutagenicity, some groupsfound no significant difference for PM extracts of the twofuels.33-36 However, Kado and Kuzmicky report higher muta-genic activity per particle mass for biodiesel fuels, but lowertotal mutagenic emission rates because of the significantlylower particle mass emission rate.37 Swanson and coworkersused airway epithelial cell bioassays to evaluate the inflam-matory potential of extracts from diesel and biodiesel PM.Exposure to biodiesel PM extracts appeared to be a more po-tent inflammatory stimulant than exposure to diesel PM ex-tracts.38 These results suggest that biodiesel PM extractscontain some bioactive compounds that have not been iden-tified in toxic compound emission speciation studies. Never-theless, Finch and coworkers studied the exposure of rats toinhalation of engine exhaust generated by burning 100% soy-derived biodiesel.39 The animals were exposed to diluted ex-haust over a range of PM concentrations. This studydemonstrated health effects similar to those from exposureto conventional diesel exhaust.

A key feature of these studies is that none are very recent. Considerable additional work is required to understand how biodiesel impacts toxic compound emis-sions and health impacts, and to assess risk.

Effects on Engine and Catalyst DurabilityLong-term engine durability tests40 and fleet studies41 withB20 have not shown significant negative effects. However,

how biodiesel will perform with advanced emission controlequipment is largely unknown. Questions remain aboutboth the short-term performance of these devices and theirlong-term durability. In particular, catalyst manufacturers areconcerned that low-levels of metals (e.g., sodium, potassium,calcium, magnesium) and phosphorus that are allowable inbiodiesel today could be high enough to damage diesel par-ticle filters or NOx control catalysts, or lead to more frequentmaintenance requirements. The interaction of biodieselwith engine lubricant is also of concern. It is normal for lubeoil to contain a certain fraction of fuel; however, the effect ofbiodiesel on lube oil performance has not been well quan-tified. Advanced emission control technologies also putmore strain on the lube oil because it is diluted with fuel athigher levels. This happens because, in some engines, latein-cylinder fuel injection is used to regenerate particle filtersand NOx traps. Under these conditions, biodiesel’s impactson a lubricant have not been well studied. A robust engineand emission control component testing program is thus re-quired to address these issues.

SummaryBiodiesel is a renewable fuel that can displace petroleum andin the near-term could be produced at a scale yielding a smallyet significant reduction in petroleum usage in the UnitedStates. Longer term, large reductions in petroleum usagemay prove possible if nascent technologies such as fuel pro-duction from algae are successful. Tests of the pipeline trans-port of biodiesel blends have been conducted with generallypositive results; however, considerable additional testing willbe needed before pipeline transport can become routine.ASTM standards now exist for B100 biodiesel blend stock aswell as biodiesel blends, assuring users of a consistent, fit-for-purpose product. Additionally, biodiesel blends have shownsignificant reductions in diesel PM emissions as well as emis-sions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAH). There is potentialfor biodiesel to cause increased emissions on NOx from someengines, and additional work to more fully understand thisphenomenon and its impacts is needed. State-of-the-art assessment of toxic compound emissions, health impacts,and risk assessment should also be performed. While initialstudies show that biodiesel blends may in some ways enhancethe performance of diesel particle filters, detailed studies ofdiesel particle filters and NOx control catalysts, includinglong-term durability, have not yet been conducted. em

References1. U.S. Energy Information Agency. See www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/

info_glance/petroleum.html (accessed July 2008).2. Sheehan, J.; Camobreco, V.; Duffield, J.; Graboski, M.; Shapouri, H. An Overview

of Biodiesel and Petroleum Diesel Life Cycles; NREL Technical Report No. TP-580-24772; National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, 1998.

3. Hill, J.; Nelson, E.; Tilman, D.; Polansky, S.; Tiffany, D. Environmental, Economic, and Energetic Costs and Benefits of Biodiesel and Ethanol Biofuels;Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2006, 103, 11206–11210.

4. Huo, H.; Wang, M.; Bloyd, C.; Putsche, V. Life-Cycle Assessment of Energy and Green-house Gas Effects of Soybean-Derived Biodiesel and Renewable Fuels; ANL/ESD/08-2;Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, March 2008.

5. Van Gerpen, J. Presentation at the National Biodiesel Conference, Orlando,FL, February 3–6, 2008; available at http://nbb.grassroots.com/08Releases/EnergyBalance (accessed June 2008).

6. Estimated U.S. biodiesel production, exports, and imports, based on U.S. Cen-sus Bureau Reports; National Biodiesel Board, Jefferson City, MO, March 2008.


7. Tyson, K.S.; Bozell, J.; Wallace, R.; Petersen, E.; Moens, L. Biomass Oil Analysis:Research Needs and Recommendations; NREL Technical Report No. TP-510-34796;National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, 2004.

8. Hu, Q.; Sommerfeld, M.; Jarvis, E.; Ghirardi, M.; Posewitz, M.; Seibert, M.;Darzins, A. Microalgal Triacylglycerols as Feedstocks for Biofuel Production: Perspectives and Advances; The Plant Journal 2008, 54, 621–639.

9. Biodiesel Pipeline First; Biofuels International, July 28, 2006; available at www.biofuels-news.com/news/pipeline_first.html (accessed June 2008).

10. Northville Products and Services and Colonial Pipeline. B5 Soy Test Data andReport: Bio Diesel Trial NPS-73-441, Soy Blended Low Sulfur Diesel, 2007; available at www.biodiesel.org/resources/reportsdatabase/reports/gen/20070201_gen384.pdf (accessed June 2008).

11. Viltart, P. B10 – Jet A-1 Transfers in MPPS: Trapil Trial April 2007. In Proceedingsof the 10th International Conference on Stability, Handling and Use of Liquid Fuels,Tucson, AZ, October 7-11, 2007; available at www.iash.net (accessed June 2008).

12. Wilson, G.; Thom, M.; Serino, P. Effect of FAME on Thermal Oxidative Stability.In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Stability, Handling and Use ofLiquid Fuels Tucson, AZ, October 7-11, 2007; available at www.iash.net (accessedJune 2008).

13. Anderson, S. FAME in Jet Fuel. Presented at the IATA Aviation Fuel Forum, Istanbul, Turkey, November 5–8, 2007.

14. Alleman, T.L. and McCormick, R.L. Results of the 2007 B100 Quality Survey, NREL Re-port No. TP-540-42787; National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, 2008.

15. National Air Quality and Emissions Trends Report; 2003 Special Studies Edition,EPA Report No. 454/R-03-005; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 2003.

16. Health Assessment Document for Diesel Engine Exhaust; Report No. EPA/600/8-90/057F; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 2002.

17. United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 86, Subpart N, EmissionRegulations for New Otto-Cycle and Diesel Heavy-Duty Engines; Gaseous andParticulate Exhaust Test Procedures.

18. A Comprehensive Analysis of Biodiesel Impacts on Exhaust Emissions; Draft Technical Report No. EPA420-P-02-001; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,DC, 2002.

19. McCormick, R.L.; Williams, A.; Ireland, J.; Brimhall, M.; Hayes, R.R. Effect ofBiodiesel Blends on Vehicle Emissions; NREL Report No. MP-540-40554; NationalRenewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, 2006.

20. Boehman, A.L.; Song, J.; Alam, M. Impact of Biodiesel Blending on Diesel Sootand the Regeneration of Particle Filters; Energy & Fuels 2005, 19, 1857-1864.

21. Williams, A.; McCormick, R.L.; Hayes, R.R.; Ireland, J.; Fang, H.L. Effect ofBiodiesel Blends on Diesel Particulate Filter Performance; SAE Tech. Pap. No. 2006-01-3280; October 2006; available at www.sae.org/technical/papers/2006-01-3280(accessed July 2008).

22. Chen, Y.C.; and C.H. Wu. Emissions of Submicron Particles from a Direct Injection Diesel Engine by Using Biodiesel; J. Environ. Sci. Health 2002, A37 (5),829-843.

23. Jung, H.; Kittleson, D.B.; Zachariah, M.R. Characteristics of SME Biodiesel-Fueled Diesel Particle Emissions and the Kinetics of Oxidation; Environ. Sci.Technol. 2006, 40, 4949-4955.

24. Tsolakis, A. Effects on Particle Size Distribution from the Diesel Engine Operating on RME-Biodiesel with EGR; Energy & Fuels 2006, 20, 1418-1424.

25. Kinsey, J.S. On-Road Study of the Fine Particle Emissions from a Heavy-DutyDiesel Tractor-Trailer While Burning Low-Sulfur Fuel and a Biodiesel FuelBlend: Preliminary Results. Presented at the 15th CRC On-Road Vehicle Emissions Workshop, San Diego, CA, April 6, 2005.

26. Lawson, D.R. The Weekend Ozone Effect—The Weekly Ambient Emissions Control Experiment; EM July 2003, 17-25.

27. McCormick, R.L.; Alleman, T.L.; Graboski, M.S.; Herring, A.M.; Tyson, K.S. Impact of Biodiesel Source Material and Chemical Structure on Emissions of Cri-teria Pollutants from a Heavy-Duty Engine; Environ. Sci. Technol. 2001, 35, 1742-1747.

28. Sze, C.; Whinihan, J.; Olson, B.A.; Schenk, C.R.; Sobotowski, R. Impact of TestCycle and Biodiesel Concentration on Emissions; SAE Tech. Pap. No. 2007-01-4040;October 2007; available at www.sae.org/technical/papers/2007-01-4040 (accessed July 2008).

29. Eckerle, W.; Lyford-Pike, E.; Stanton, D.; LaPointe, L.; Whitacre, S.D.; Wall, J.C. Effects of Methyl Ester Biodiesel Blends on NOx Emissions; SAE Tech. Pap. No. 2008-01-0078; April 2008; available at www.sae.org/technical/papers/2008-01-0078(accessed July 2008).

30. Tatur, M.; Nanjundaswamy, H.; Tomazic, D.; Thornton, M. Effects of Biodiesel Operation on Light-Duty Tier 2 Engine and Emission Control Systems; SAE Tech. Pap. No. 2008-01-0080; April 2008; available at www.sae.org/technical/papers/ 2008-01-0080 (accessed July 2008).

31. Williams, A.; Pedersen, D.; Ireland, J.; McCormick, R.L.; Fang, H.L. Effect ofBiodiesel Blends on Urea Selective Catalytic Reduction Catalyst Performance with aMedium-Duty Engine; SAE Tech. Pap. No. 2008-01-2484; in press, 2008.

32. Sharp, C.A.; Howell, S.A.; Jobe, J. The Effect of Biodiesel Fuels on Transient Emissions from Modern Diesel Engines, Part II, Unregulated Emissions and ChemicalCharacterization; SAE Tech. Pap. No. 2000-01-1968; June 2000; available atwww.sae.org/technical/papers/2000-01-1968 (accessed July 2008).

33. Bagley, S.T.; Gratz, L.D.; Johnson, J.H.; McDonald, J.F. Effects of an OxidationCatalytic Converter and a Biodiesel Fuel on the Chemical, Mutagenical, andParticle Size Characteristics of Emissions from a Diesel Engine; Environ. Sci.Technol. 1998, 32, 1183-1191.

34. Bünger, J.; Krahl, J.; Franke, H.U.; Munack, A.; Hallier, E. Mutagenic and CytotoxicEffects of Particulate Matter of Biodiesel Compared to Fossil Diesel Fuel; Mutat.Res. 1998, 415, 13-23.

35. Rantanen, L.; Mikkonen, S.; Nylund, L.; Kociba, P.; Lappi, M.; Nylund, N.O. Effect of Fuel on the Regulated, Unregulated and Mutagenic Emissions of Di Diesel Engine; SAE Tech. Pap. No. 932686; October 1993; available at www.sae.org/technical/papers/932686 (accessed July 2008).

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36. Turrio-Baldassarri, L.; Battistelli, C.L.; Conti, L.; Crebelli, R.; De Berardis, B.;Iamiceli,A.L.; Gambino, M.; Iannaccone, S. Emission Comparison of Urban Bus Engine Fueled with Diesel Oil and ‘Biodiesel’ Blend; Sci. Total Environ., 2004, 327, 147-162.

37. Kado, N.Y.; Kuzmicky, P.A. Bioassay Analyses of Particulate Matter from a Diesel BusEngine Using Various Biodiesel Feedstock Fuels; NREL Report No. SR-510-31463; National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, 2003.

38. Swanson, K.; Kado, N.; Madden, M.C.; Ghio, A.J. Release of IL-8 and IL-6 byBEAS-2B Cells Following In Vitro Exposure to Biodiesel PM Extracts; Toxicol.2007, 96, 813(A).

39. Finch, G.L.; Hobbs, C.H.; Blair, L.F.; Barr, E.B.; Hahn, F.F.; Jaramillo, R.J.; Kubatko, J.E.; March, T.H.; White, R.K.; Krone, J.R.; Ménache, M.G.; Nikula, K.J.;Mauderly, J.L.; Van Gerpen, J.; Merceica, M.D.; Zielinska, B.; Stanowski, L.; Burl-ing, K.; Howell, S. Effects of Subchronic Inhalation Exposure of Rats to Emis-sions from a Diesel Engine Burning Soybean Oil-Derived Biodiesel Fuel; Inhal.Toxicol. 2002, 14, 1017-1048.

40. Bartoli, Y. 1000 Hour Durability Evaluation of a Prototype 2007 Diesel Enginewith Aftertreatment Using B20 Biodiesel Fuel. Presented at the NationalBiodiesel Conference, Orlando, FL, February 5, 2008.

41. Proc, K.; Barnitt, R.; Hayes, R.R.; McCormick, R.L.; Ha, L.; Fang, H.L. 100,000-Mile Evaluation of Transit Buses Operated on Biodiesel Blends (B20); SAE Tech. Pap.No. 2006-01-3253; October 2006; available at www.sae.org/technical/papers/2006-01-3253 (accessed July 2008).

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The United States currently consumes approximately 140 billion gallons of gasoline per year,1 and produces approximately 8.8 billion gallons of ethanol from cornkernels.2 There is no U.S. commercial cellulosic ethanol production plant yet in operation, but last year, the U.S.Department of Energy selected six demonstration projectsto produce more than 130 million gallons of cellulosicethanol per year once fully operational. This article addresses potential environmental impacts and futurechallenges of the production and use of ethanol as a transportation fuel.

EthanolBiomass is an inexpensive, renewable, and abundantsource of carbon. Ethanol can be relatively easily produced from carbohydrates, which are abundant instarch crops such as corn and sweet sorghum with the helpof fermenting micro-organisms. However, these resourcesare limited and bioethanol has accounted for recent rising food prices. The non-food-based biomass feedstocks include lignocellulosic agricultural residues such as cornstover and cereal straws, industrial plant waste like sawdustand paper pulp, and energy crops grown specifically forfuel production like switchgrass and algae. It is estimatedthat the United States can utilize approximately 368 and998 million dry tons of sustainably removable biomass(total over 1.3 billion dry tons) annually from forestry andagricultural resources, respectively, which is enough tomeet more than one-third of the current demand fortransportation fuel.3 The production of liquid fuels frombiomass sources is particularly attractive as the nation’stransportation infrastructure would require little or nomodifications to handle and distribute these fuels. In

Joo-Youp Lee, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department ofChemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Cincinnati,Cincinnati, OH. E-mail: [email protected].

emf e a t u r e

Cellulosic Ethanol Productionand Its Potential Impacts on

the Environment by Joo-Youp Lee

Diminishing petroleum resources alongwith increased demand for petroleum by emerging economies are driving oursociety to search for new liquid trans-portation fuels. The Energy Independenceand Security Act of 2007 calls for a four-fold increase in the amount of biofuels,such as ethanol, currently produced. Thisincrease, when added to gasoline, is tototal 36 billion gallons by 2022. It requiresthe production of 15 and 21 billion gallons of ethanol from corn kernels andnon-food-based biomass, respectively.


addition, the use of biomass as feedstock would not resultin increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissionsas the carbon content of the biomass is part of the activecarbon cycle.3,4

Technical Challenges and BarriersCellulosic ethanol production is more difficult than cornethanol production primarily due to the recalcitrant nature of lignocellulose. Pretreatment is an importantprocess required to alter the recalcitrant structure of cellulosic biomass to make cellulose more accessible to theenzymes used for subsequent hydrolysis process, as shownin Figure 1. Some of the important technical challengesand barriers to overcome are listed below.

• Biomass Variability. Biomass characteristics vary widelyin terms of physical and chemical composition, size,shape, and bulk density. These variations make itmore difficult to supply biorefineries with consistentfeedstocks.

• Biomass Recalcitrance. Lignocellulosic biomass is inherently resistant to chemical and biological degradation.

• Pretreatment Chemistry and Costs. Pretreatment(prehydrolysis) chemistry is not well understood, andthe reactors typically require to be constructed withexpensive materials to resist acid and alkali attack atelevated temperatures.

• Enzyme Biochemistry, Loading, and Cost. Cost-effectiveand efficient enzymes for C5 (five-carbon sugars; e.g.,glucose) and C6 (six-carbon sugars; e.g., xylose) withhigh thermostability and resistance to inhibitory compounds need to be developed.

• Separation. Low-cost separation technologies that can

selectively remove non-sugar impurities inhibitory to enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation need to bedeveloped. This will provide concentrated and cleansugar feedstocks to the downstream fermentationprocess.

Potential Environmental ImpactsAir QualityEthanol has been mainly used as an oxygenated fuel additive. Blending ethanol with gasoline increases the octane number due to the high octane number of ethanol(96–113) and reduces the need for toxic octane-enhancingadditives such as methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE),which has generated many groundwater contaminationproblems. The oxygen content in ethanol will lead to the reduced emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) andnoncombusted hydrocarbons.

Although there is no biorefinery plant for cellulosicethanol production in the United States, there are manycorn-derived fuel ethanol plants available in the country.The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency conducted emissions tests for total and speciated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with combined U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) Reference Methods 5 and 18from corn kernel-derived fuel ethanol plants in the state.5

Generally, a large volume of VOC emissions was detectedacross most plants and emission units, particularly from fermentation scrubbers and fluid-bed coolers (i.e., locatedafter a dryer used to convert residual wet cake into distillersdried grains). Ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and ethylacetate were the pollutants emitted at the highest rates.

Another discussion point regarding ethanol fuel use iswhether ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline. During


Brazil’s big ethanol push in the 1970s, Brazil’s air qualityworsened and the reason is still unclear. With respect to airpollution, a previous combustion emission study6 reportedthat ethanol blending increased acetaldehydes and nitrogendioxide (NO2) emissions, but decreased most carbonyls,except formaldehyde and acrolein; compounds derivedfrom aromatics, such as benzaldehyde and tolualdehyde;and CO and NO emissions, compared to gasoline. Themajor human carcinogens emitted during gasoline andE85 (a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline by volume)combustion are formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene,and benzene. Ethanol tends to produce less benzene andbutadiene, but more acetaldehyde and formaldehyde thangasoline when combusted. A recent atmospheric modelingstudy7 predicted the future air pollution of the continentalUnited States in the year 2020 based on the E85 and 100%gasoline scenarios from automobiles, and evaluated theirpotential impacts on public health. The study suggestedthat E85 may increase ozone-related mortality, hospitaliza-tion, and asthma by 9% in Los Angeles and/or 4% in theUnited States as a whole, compared to 100% use of gasoline.

Net energy return and greenhouse gas emissions havebeen important metrics in evaluating the energy and environmental implications of bioethanol from corn grainand lignocellulosic feedstocks.8-11 Appropriate evaluationof these two metrics has been a very contentious issue (especially for corn ethanol) due to different raw materials(e.g., corn grain or lignocellulosic feedstocks), differentprocess configurations (e.g., the use of lignin as a fuel topower the ethanol biorefinery), fossil fuels required toproduce bioethanol and fertilizers, and immeasurablequantities such as soil erosion and climate change. However,it is generally accepted that cellulosic ethanol can offervery high energy return (> 8:1) and large reductions ingreenhouse gas emissions (e.g., 11 and 94 kg CO2-equivalentper MJ from cellulosic ethanol and gasoline, respectively8).A recent study11 based on field trials of switchgrass production on 10 farms in the Great Plains indicated thatcellulosic ethanol derived from switchgrass could producea very high energy return (an estimated average of 13.1 MJof ethanol per 1 MJ of petroleum input for the production,

refining, and distribution phases) and approximately 94%lower net CO2 emissions than gasoline.

Water QualityIt has been reported that the reuse of the stillage watercoming from the bottom of the distillation column wouldbe limited by various inhibitory compounds generatedfrom the degradation of sugars and the lignin componentover the course of various biomass pretreatment tech-nologies.12,13 Those inhibitory compounds are divided intothree main groups: weak acids, furan derivatives, and phenolic compounds.14,15 Weak acids and furan derivativesare derived from hemicellulose/cellulose, while phenoliccompounds are derived from lignin. Inhibitory effects ofsuch compounds on the subsequent fermentation processare known to depend primarily on the combination of biomass materials, pretreatment technologies, and/or hydrolytic/fermenting microorganisms.16 In the longterm, the development of inhibitor-resistant and robustmicroorganisms will be required;17 however, such robustand versatile strains resistant to various compounds have not yet been reported. Therefore, either a separationor detoxification process will need to be developed to recycle the stillage water stream, which will minimize both replacement water consumption and wastewater production.18,19

Different biomass sources for biofuel production haveunique implications for water resources. A recent reportreleased by the National Academies’ National ResearchCouncil (NRC)20 warns that corn-based ethanol productionwill considerably increase degradation of water resourcesand water quality. It predicts that increased soil erosionand the use of pesticides and herbicides would create lowoxygen dead zones in water bodies from fertilizer runoffand more frequent and localized water shortages fordrinking and irrigation. The study also suggests that cellulosic ethanol is likely to have less impact on waterquality per unit of energy gained because corn requiresmore fertilizer inputs per unit area than lignocellulosicfeedstocks and thus generates more severe soil erosionproblem. Therefore, the NRC report suggests that policies

Figure 1. Ethanol production from cellulosic biomass.

Biomasssize

reduction

Pretreatment(e.g. dilute acid, ammonia, lime, etc.)

Recovery(e.g. distillation)

Steam+

PowerBoiler

Hydrolysis+

Fermentation

Syrup+

Solids

CO2

Chemicals + Water

Enzymes +Fermenting microbes

Ethanol Water

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should promote the development of cellulosic biofuels.Furthermore, the current estimates of consumptive

water use by ethanol biorefineries are 4 and 9.5 gallons ofwater per gallon of ethanol produced from corn kernelsand cellulosic feedstocks, respectively.20 An additional 0.7 billion gal/day of freshwater are likely to be requiredto meet the annual production of 36 billion gallons ofethanol by 2022, and the estimated amount of freshwaterrequired for the ethanol production would be much lessthan that required for irrigation and thermoelectric powergeneration (approximately 305 billion gal/day in 2005).However, it could be regionally problematic, representingan incremental withdrawal from already unsustainablesources. For example, current withdrawals in the HighPlains Aquifer (more than 1.5 billion gal/day) are greaterthan the aquifer’s recharge rate (approximately 0.02–0.05ft/yr in south central Nebraska) and the loss of this resource is irreversible.21

In addition to salt build-up in cooling towers and boilers,wastewater is generated from the processing of byproductssuch as stillage and distillers’ grains at corn ethanol facil-ities. This wastewater potentially contains high biochemicaloxygen demand (BOD), and discharge of this high BODwater to rivers and lakes could consume most of the dissolved oxygen in the receiving waters. Cellulosicethanol plants would have similar water requirements anddischarge characteristics as the current corn ethanolplants. Two additional steps of pretreatment and hydrolysiscould also produce wastewater streams containing highBOD and would require on-site or off-site treatment.

Accidental fuel spills that may occur at gas stations orduring transportation could also generate a negative impact on water quality. While ethanol is completely soluble in water and rapidly biodegraded under most con-ditions, the rapid biodegradation of ethanol in blendingfuels such as E85 may inhibit the biodegradation of moretoxic gasoline compounds, and enable the compounds tomigrate farther off site.22

Future Challenges and OpportunitiesThere are currently no full-scale plants for the productionof cellulosic ethanol. However, several technical chal-lenges need to be resolved if cellulosic ethanol is toachieve its potential as a renewable alternative fuel. Themain challenges and opportunities for environmental professionals are to

• conduct and obtain extensive combustion perform-ance and emissions data with different ethanol blendsusing existing and modified combustion engines;

• obtain more emission inventories of existing food-de-rived and future non-food-derived ethanol productionfacilities;

• construct projected new emission inventories fromethanol production facilities and automobiles with respect to different blending scenarios;

• conduct rigorous air quality studies based on the newemission inventories and its associated impacts onpublic health;

• further develop performance metrics for life-cycle assessments of bioethanol such as greenhouse gasemissions, soil erosion, and fossil fuel inputs;

• increase process integration to reduce the number ofprocess steps, the energy demand, and to re-useprocess streams to minimize the use of freshwater andreduce the amount of waste streams;

• construct a water resources database to be used for future site selection of cellulosic ethanol plants alongwith future plans for wastewater treatment; and

• establish a protective protocol for accidental spills anddevelop remediation technologies. em

References1. U.S. Department of Energy Annual Energy Outlook 2007 with Projections to 2030;

Report No. DOE/EIA-0383(2007); Energy Information Administration, Wash-ington, DC, February 2007. Report No. DOE/EIA-0383(2007); available atwww.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/archive/aeo07/index.html (accessed June 2008).

2. U.S. Fuel Ethanol Industry Biorefineries and Production Capacity; RenewableFuels Association, Washington, DC; available at www.ethanolrfa.org/industry/locations (accessed June 2008).

3. Perlack, R.D.; Wright, L.L.; Turhollow, A.F.; Graham, R.L.; Stokes, B.J.; Erbach,D.C. Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry: The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply; Final Report to DOE (Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725); Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 2005.

4. Biomass Multi-Year Program Plan; Office of the Biomass Program, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC,March 2008; available at www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass (accessed June 2008).

5. Brady, D.; Pratt, G.C. Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Dry Mill FuelEthanol Production; J. Air Waste Manage. Assoc. 2007, 57, 1091.

6. Magnusson, R.; Nilsson, C.; Andersson, B. Emissions of Aldehydes and Ketonesfrom a Two-Stroke Engine Using Ethanol and Ethanol-Blended Gasoline asFuel; Environ. Sci. Technol. 2002, 36, 1656.

7. Jacobson, M.Z. Effects of Ethanol (E85) versus Gasoline Vehicles on Cancerand Mortality in the United States; Environ. Sci. Technol. 2007, 41, 4150.

8. Farrell, A.E.; Plevin, R.J.; Turner, B.T.; Jones, A.D.; O’Hare, M.; Kammen, D.M.Ethanol Can Contribute to Energy and Environmental Goals; Science 2006, 311,506.

9. Farrell, A.E.; Plevin, R.J.; Turner, B.T.; Jones, A.D.; O’Hare, M.; Kammen, D.M.Energy Returns on Ethanol Production—Response; Science 2006, 312, 1747.

10. Schulz, W. The Costs of Biofuels; Chemical & Engineering News 2007, 85, 12.11. Schmer, M.R.; Vogel, K.P.; Mitchell, R.B.; Perrin, R.K. Net Energy of Cellulosic

Ethanol from Switchgrass; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of theUnited States of America 2008, 105, 464.

12. Larsson, M.; Galbe, M.; Zacchi, G. Recirculation of Process Water in the Production of Ethanol from Softwood; Bioresource Technol. 1997, 60, 143.

13. Alkasrawi, M.; Galbe, M.; Zacchi, G. Recirculation of Process Streams in FuelEthanol Production from Softwood Based on Simultaneous Saccharificationand Fermentation; Appl. Biochem. Biotech. 2002, 98-100, 849.

14. Palmqvist, E.; Hahn-Hägerdal, B. Fermentation of Lignocellulosic Hydrolysates.I: Inhibition and Detoxification; Bioresource Technol. 2000, 74, 17.

15. Palmqvist, E.; Hahn-Hägerdal, B. Fermentation of Lignocellulosic Hydrolysates.II: Inhibitors and Mechanisms of Inhibition; Bioresource Technol. 2000, 74, 25.

16. Klinke, H.B.; Thomsen, A.B.; Ahring, B.K. Inhibition of Ethanol-ProducingYeast and Bacteria by Degradation Products Produced during Pre-Treatment ofBiomass; Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2004, 66, 10.

17. Panagiotou, G.; Olsson, L. Effect of Compounds Released during Pretreatmentof Wheat Straw on Microbial Growth and Enzymatic Hydrolysis Rates; Biotechnol.Bioeng. 2007, 96, 250.

18. Larsson, S.; Reimann, A.; Nilvebrant, N.-O.; Jönsson, L.J. Comparison of Different Methods for the Detoxification of Lignocellulose Hydrolysates ofSpruce; Appl. Biochem. Biotech. 1999, 77-79, 91.

19. Larsson, S.; Palmqvist, E.; Nilvebrant, N.-O.; Hahn-Hägerdal, B. Detoxificationof Wood Hydrolysates with Laccase and Peroxidase from the White-Rot FungusTrametes Versicolor; Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 1998, 49, 691.

20. Committee on Water Implications of Biofuels Production in the United States,Water Science and Technology Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies, National Research Council, National Academies, Water Implications of BiofuelsProduction in the United States; The National Academies, Washington DC, 2008.

21. McMahon, P.B.; Böhlke, J.K.; Carney, C.P. Vertical Gradients in Water Chemistry and Agein the Northern High Plains Aquifer, Nebraska, 2003; U.S. Geological Survey ScientificInvestigations Report 2006–5294; U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, 2007.

22. Rice, D.W.; Depue, R.T. Environmental Assessment of the Use of Ethanol as a FuelOxygenate: Subsurface Fate and Transport of Gasoline Containing Ethanol; ReportUCRLAR-145380 for the California State Water Resources Control Board;Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 2001; available atwww-erd.llnl.gov/ethanol/etohdocII (accessed June 2008).


As oil prices continue to rise, so too does the urgency to find a viable fuel alternative. One region in California is helping lead the way with a novel policy and technology implementation geared toward creating a more sustainable future.

Research & DevelopmentWith its mix of public and private sectors and academia, the six-countySacramento region’s focus on hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) has garneredinterest from government entities, researchers, as well as the presence ofmany auto manufacturers, indicating a commitment to brand FCVs as thecars of the future. Playing a large part in Sacramento’s hydrogen initiativesis the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis(ITS-Davis), where researchers are collaborating with state, national, and international government agencies, as well as energy and automotive companies from around the world, to make hydrogen FCVs practical modesof transportation.

ITS-Davis programs, including Hydrogen Pathways (2003–2006) and Sustainable Transportation Energy Pathways (STEPS), are showing that hydrogen technologies have great potential to make an immediate impact toreduce emissions locally and an even greater potential of doing so globallyover the next two decades. Currently, STEPS is researching hydrogen–electricsystems and is working to enhance key hydrogen pathway models for infrastructure development strategies by conducting regional case studies.

Meanwhile, sponsored demonstration programs give Sacramento citizensthe opportunity to drive hydrogen vehicles not yet available in the main-stream and provide feedback to engineers. These demonstration fleets serveto improve future hydrogen models. For instance, the West Sacramento-based California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have joined General Motors Chevrolet in the largestfuel cell–electric vehicle testing program of its kind, called Project Driveway.This program allows drivers to spend up to three months chroni-

cling their experiences, such as driving to work, carpooling, andrefueling, while test-driving hydrogen FCVs. General Motors’ engineers and marketers will use the feedback to determine what

customers like and don’t like about hydrogenFCVs.

In addition to that program, Sacramento is alsoone of only seven cities in the United States cho-sen to participate in the U.S. Department of En-ergy’s Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project.Since September 2006, the project has providedSacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) em-ployees with seven hydrogen FCVs to use for dis-trict business. In turn, SMUD collects data fromthe vehicles to share with its project partners,Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and BP. Employees whoparticipated in the project say the cars offer anice, quiet drive and that the acceleration capa-bilities compare well to those of traditional gaso-line-powered vehicles.

Hydrogen Fuel-Cell VehiclesSacramento Is Paving the Road to Commercializationby Barbara Hayes

Making Hydrogen a RealityIn 2004, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his goal ofgranting every Californian access to hydrogen fuel along the state’s majorhighways by the year 2010. And according to CaFCP, California now hasmore hydrogen fueling stations that any other state in the United States andpredicts that 100% hydrogen-powered vehicles will be available to the publicbetween 2012 and 2017.

To date, three of the 25 hydrogen fueling stations in existence are located inthe Sacramento region, with more planned in the near future. This year,SMUD, along with BP and Ford, opened a 100% renewable hydrogen fuelstation, operating almost completely on photovoltaic panels. With easy free-way access and simple touch-screen fuel dispensers, the station has takena significant step closer toward becoming a “retail-like” experience.

But even with successes such as these, most of the existing stations arelimited to a small number of vehicle fleets. The Sacramento region acts asa hotbed for hydrogen research and development with research conducteddaily to advance this technology. The region is also home to companies suchas Jadoo Power Systems Inc., the world’s largest supplier of portable hydrogen fuel cells. Lessons learned from the hydrogen-related initiatives inthe Sacramento region will help transform the technology into providing better and more efficient vehicles and infrastructure in the future. em

Barbara Hayes is executive director of the Sacramento Area Commerce andTrade Organization (SACTO), Sacramento, CA. E-mail: [email protected].

emc a s e s t u d y


Frequently referred to as industrial symbiosis, or industrial ecology,1 efforts toshift industrial streams from linear or open-loop programs, with defined inputs andoutputs, to closed-loop processes, wherethe outputs from one activity become theinput for another, are gaining momentum.This is particularly true in the energyfield, where both legislative mandates(e.g., renewable portfolio standards) andenvironmental activism (e.g., the call toreduce greenhouse gas emissions) aredriving the need to develop more effi-cient and sustainable sources of energy.

A type of eco-industrial development, the keys to industrialsymbiosis include collaboration and a close examinationof the synergistic possibilities associated with geographicproximity. If done properly, this collection of efforts optimizes material and energy use, reducing overall costsand creating efficiencies that would not be possible whenlooking at any one individual process.

Taken on a higher level, this concept can be broadenedto include putting contaminated industrial sites back intoproductive reuse. In effect, it’s no longer acceptable to dobusiness as status quo—we need to look at each processand develop a better solution, one that minimizes environ-mental impacts and energy usage, reduces or eliminateswastes, and yields sustainable yet profitable results.

Combining many of these principles, a developer inUpstate New York has established a vision for what couldbecome the nation’s first “green” industrial park. This article highlights the early successes one small communityhas had in changing its economic fortunes, while at thesame time contributing toward U.S. energy independenceand potentially helping to evolve sustainable industrialbusiness practices.

Matthew Traister, P.E., is a senior managing engineer within the Environmental Solutions business unit, and Darek Letkiewicz , P.E.,is a vice president within the Capital & Facilities Solutions businessunit, both with O’Brien & Gere. E-mail: [email protected].

f e a t u r e

Questioningthe Status QuoA Case Study in Industrial Ecology

Riverview Business Park, Fulton, NY. Photo courtesy of O'Brien & Gere.

by Matthew Traister and Darek Letkiewicz


Miller BreweryNamed after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat,Fulton, NY, is a small city (pop. 11,459) approximately 25miles north of Syracuse and situated along the OswegoRiver. Fulton has a long industrial heritage, including theconstruction in the early 1900s of the first chocolate man-ufacturing facility in the United States.2 In the mid-1970s,capitalizing on the area’s plentiful and educated workforce,abundant natural resources, and heavy transportation in-frastructure, the Miller Brewing Company built one of itsflagship facilities, an 8-million-barrel-per-year productionfacility designed to service the eastern United States.

Built on a 423-acre parcel of farmland, the Miller Breweryemployed more than 1000 people during the height of itsexistence. However, global competition, and the growthof the “micro-beer” industry, among other things, forcedMiller to close the Fulton facility in 1994 and lay off morethan 900 people. Between 1994 and 2000, the formerbrewery site largely sat vacant.3

In 2000, the entire site was purchased by two local businessmen, both of whom had friends that had beenemployed by Miller Brewing Company. Their plan was toredevelop the property into an industrial park, theRiverview Business Park. However, many of the benefitsthat had once made the site attractive had vanished, alongwith many of the other manufacturers in the area. Whatremained—an aging facility in a state with high corporateand personal income taxes—did little to attract new industrial entities to the site.

Overcoming the Status QuoClearly, the status quo of converting a large, single industrialbuilding into a makeshift industrial park was not going to work for this site. Some “out of the box” thinking was required. The site infrastructure itself has a number ofunique and valuable assets (see Table 1).

In 2003, after several months of internal discussions, itbecame apparent to the site owners that a portion of thepark could be converted into a fuel-grade ethanol pro-duction facility. Acting quickly, the owners put together aproject development team needed to preliminarily designand secure the environmental approvals for a 110-MMgal/yr corn-to-ethanol production facility.

The proposed facility would put back into reuse the existing fermentation and product storage tanks that servedthe former brewery operations. Other components of acorn ethanol plant, including grain handing, distillation,drying, and ancillary operations (e.g., utilities, boiler operations, air pollution control systems) would be addedto the package to complete the facility layout. The final estimated price tag for this redevelopment project wasUS$165 million. Permits for the project were secured in2004 and the project closed financially in 2006.

Ironically, the primary driver for the project was the ban on the gasoline oxygenate, methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE), which took effect in New York State on January 1,

Soda bottling plant could consume carbon dioxide from ethanol plant

Dairy processing company could produce high-energy waste for anaerobic digester

Wastewater treatment plant could be converted to anaerobic digester to make methane

Biomass power plant

Wastewater lagoons for algae farm to consume carbon dioxide or make oil for biodiesel

Solar panels to cover warehouse roofs above fish farm

GS Fulton Biodiesel facility plans to make biodiesel from corn oil

Wind farms

Geothermal power plant

Northeast Biofuels will make ethanol from corn

J

I

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

Figure 1. Proposed site layout for Riverview Business Park.

Table 1. Partial list of assets at Riverview Business Park.

• 5-MM gal/day industrial wastewater pretreatment plant

• 7-MM gal/day potable water capacity

• Over 6600 tons of chilling capacity

• A pulverized coal-fired boiler and associated 6-MW back-pressure turbine

• 25 car rail service

• 64 truck docks

• 12-mile distance to deep water port access


2004. At that time, ethanol replaced MTBE as the primaryfuel oxygenate of gasoline, potentially spurring a localmarket for the ethanol to be produced by the facility,which is located approximately 150 miles northwest of theNew York City metropolitan area, considered to be a severeozone nonattainment area.

Other Influences AppearDuring the period of time between facility design and financial closing, several other important developmentshave occurred that raises the importance and demand forethanol. First, an important piece of legislation was signedthat tripled the amount (i.e., up to 7.5 billion gal/yr) of bio-fuel (usually ethanol) that must be mixed with gasoline soldin the United States by 2012. The Energy Policy Act of 2005,4

and its more recent companion, The Energy Independenceand Security Act of 20075 (which further advanced the bio-fuels production goal to 36 billion gal/yr by 2022), have con-tributed significantly to the rapid development of otherbiorefineries across the nation. These pieces of legislation,and others (e.g., the State of Minnesota will begin requiringthat all gasoline sold in the state contain 20% ethanol by2013), are expected to provide the necessary impetus for thecontinued development of next-generation biofuels.

Another driver for increased ethanol use is the currentprice of gasoline, which this summer exceeded US$4.00/galfor the first time ever, while ethanol pricing has largely remained near US$2.50/gal. In response, several retailersare voluntarily adding up to 10% ethanol to gasoline formulations, possibly as a means of offsetting the rise ingasoline prices, or perhaps to increase profit margins.

The ethanol plant has also been joined by a carbondioxide (CO2) liquefaction facility, which collects the CO2generated from fermentation operations then purifies andcompresses it for other uses. The benefits of this project, forthe local economy and the region, are shown in Table 2.

However, to the site owners, Riverview Business Park,

and its underlying assets, representedan opportunity to do even more. Inparticular, the two most valuable assets—the wastewater pretreatmentplant and the pulverized coal-firedboiler—are not being used by theethanol plant. That’s when the siteowners ultimate vision for the sitecame into clear focus—the remainderof the park could be redeveloped intothe nation’s first comprehensive“green” energy park.

The VisionBuoyed by a grant from a local energycompany (National Grid), a study wasperformed to develop an accurate in-ventory of current park assets andevaluate potential end uses for theseassets. A couple of brainstorming ses-sions were held among project stake-

holders and a general vision for the park soon took hold.In theory, each entity at the energy park would receive

waste output from another entity at the park and use thiswaste as part of its process input. This cascading effectwould ultimately result in little to no waste from the parkas a whole, which would presumably reduce overall costsfor all park patrons.

As shown in Figure 1, a carbonated beverage manufac-turer (A) will be recruited to the park and proceed to signa take-off agreement from the CO2 liquefaction facility.Wastewater from the carbonated beverage manufacturingprocess will have a high chemical oxygen demand loadand will require pretreatment prior to direct discharge tothe river. Potentially combining this high-strength waste-water with that derived from a new dairy processing facil-ity (B) will support an investment in converting theexisting wastewater pretreatment plant (C) to an anaerobicdigester, from which methane gas will be liberated. Themethane gas will be returned to the ethanol plant to supplement its operations, resulting in an offset of the natural gas the ethanol plant would otherwise require.

The existing pulverized coal-fired boiler (D) will beretrofitted to burn alternative forms of biomass. A portion

Figure 2. Plans for an integrated industrial green energy park.

Table 2. Partial list of benefits from the ethanol plant.

• 50–75 full-time, high-paying jobs

• 250–350 construction jobs

• Indirect job creation: 1500 jobs

• Approximately 25% of the corn consumed by the facilitywill be sourced from local farmers

• New corporate taxpayer

• Most of product will be used by New York State consumers


similar to this one across the nation, just waiting to be dis-covered and put back into a productive and sustainable use.

The benefits of industrial ecology in general, and thisenergy park in particular, are tremendous. Each offers theopportunity to lessen our impact on the environment,conserve our natural resources, and reduce waste.

Certainly not every site has the same infrastructure thatthis location offers. However, that’s not to say that everyabandoned industrial park should be turned into a greenenergy park, either. The importance of this case study is toillustrate that as environmental professionals, we can andshould find ways to better align our resources with our objectives. Creating harmony between brownfields programs,renewable fuels, and energy independence/sustainability isjust one potential avenue. There are numerous other programs and initiatives that would probably benefit bysome similar “out of the box” thinking. As environmentalprofessionals, it’s up to us to find those solutions. em

References1. For more on industrial symbiosis, go to www.symbiosis.dk.2. Nestlé USA. See www.nestleusa.com.3. Brewing a New Biofuels Market for the Northeast; RenewableEnergyWorld.com,

June 27, 2005; available at www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=33833 (accessed July 2008).

4. The Energy Policy Act of 2005. Public Law 109–58, August 8, 2005; available atwww.epa.gov/oust/fedlaws/publ_109-058.pdf (accessed July 2008).

5. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Public Law 110-140, December19, 2007; available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ140.110 (accessed July 2008).

6. Empire Zones Program. See www.tax.state.ny.us/sbc/empire_zone.htm.

of the CO2 and heat generated from the biomass boilerwill be directed to an algae (E) and fish farm (F), respec-tively, as inputs to those operations. The algae farm will beused to generate algae oil, which will supply the biodieselproduction facility (G), while the harvested algae can beused to fire the biomass boiler.

A schematic of the interrelationship between one facility’soutput (waste) and another facility’s input (raw material)is depicted in Figure 2. As illustrated in Figure 2, the site’sexisting wastewater treatment plant plays a central role inbeing able to aggregate a variety of waste streams, fromboth on-site and off-site sources, and convert these wastesinto usable inputs for other downstream activities. Examplesof treatment plant outputs include nutrients that are fedto the algae ponds to promote growth, organic sludge foruse in the biomass powerhouse, and biogas, generatedfrom the decomposition of treatment plant inputs, whichis used for additional site energy needs.

Finally, the existing roof of the former brewery warehouse(700,000 square feet), which will house the fish farm, will beretrofitted with photovoltaic panels (H). The resultant en-ergy produced (approximately 7 MW) is sufficient to powerthe remainder of the operations at the green energy park.Future park additions are expected to include geothermalheating facilities and localized wind power generation.

A Note on IncentivesIn order to promote and encourage better use of similarlyabandoned industrial facilities, the federal governmentand many states have developed brownfields programs.These programs often provide financial incentives, usuallyin the form of tax credits, to encourage the redevelopmentof such properties.

In the case of this industrial complex, the site is locatedwithin one of New York’s “Empire Zones,” which allowsqualifying companies a variety of financial incentives,6

including wage tax credits, investment tax credits, employment incentive credits, zone capital credits (to encourage community development projects), and NewYork State sales tax refunds (associated with the constructionor renovation of industrial property in the zone).

The ethanol plant also received financial assistancefrom New York State in the form of a US$4-million grant tosupport the construction and operation of a high-efficiencyregenerative thermal oxidation system, which is used todestroy volatile organic compounds generated from theethanol manufacturing operation.

While these financial incentives may not have been absolutely necessary to move the project forward, thesemonies encourage developers to consider such sites,rather than taking a more conventional, and perhaps easier route toward a greenfield site.

SummaryWhat makes a former commercial brewery site in UpstateNew York so unique that it would support such an eclecticmix of future industrial and utility tenants? In a word…nothing. There are literally hundreds of industrial sites

October 12-16, 2008, Pasadena, California

The ISEE-ISEA Joint Annual Conference will bring together speakers andattendees from around the world to exchange ideas about exposure,health, and epidemiology in a global environment. The exciting schedulefeatures four plenary sessions, 43 insightful symposia, 61 oral sessionswith 305 presentations, over 500 contributed posters, and plenty ofsocial activities and networking opportunities for attendees.

Visit the conference Web site to register, or to sign up for workshops,training sessions, and society membership.

International Society for Environmental Epidemiology &International Society of Exposure Analysis

2008 Joint Annual Conference: Exposureand Health in a Global Environment

http://secure.awma.org/events/isee-isea


eme p a r e s e a r c h h i g h l i g h t s Ongoing research and other activities at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) national laboratories

With their state partners, EPA re-searchers are collecting and analyzinggasoline samples from sites of leakingunderground storage tanks, wherethe leaks were thought to occur whenlead was still prevalent in gasoline.The researchers are analyzing thegasoline samples for organic lead andlead scavengers—ethylene dibromide(EDB) and 1, 2-dichloroethane (DCA)—compounds that may persist ingroundwater. EDB’s high toxicitycompared to other components ofgasoline can result in its continuedleaching from gasoline into ground-water and can contribute to its persistence at some sites. By selecting

sites where gasoline releases occurred beforethe phase-out of lead andother sites where EDB orDCA have been identi-fied, the sampling by EPAresearchers can focus onsites likely to contain leadand lead scavengers. EDB has been present inabout half of the samplestested so far.

Fresh Gasoline AnalysisEPA research on freshgasoline includes charac-terizing approximately300 compounds in theparaffin, isoparaffin, aro-matic, napthene, andolefin classes, as well as

ethers and alcohols. Sampling has included approximately 50 gasolinestations in conventional and refor-mulated gasoline territories, clusteredstations with different brand names inclose proximity, and high- and low-elevation locations. These data arebeing used to develop a detailed snap-shot of gasoline composition fromaround the United States.

EPA conducted sampling beforeand after the 2006 mandate to removeoxygenates from reformulated gaso-line. Published EPA findings haveshown that fresh conventional and reformulated gasoline can be reliablydifferentiated from each other, as canpremium from regular gasoline. Esti-mation of the expected water-phaseconcentrations show which of the

Fuels Research atEPA: Lessons for BiofuelsWill Americans celebrate “Energy Independence Day” in the future?What could energy independencemean for the nation’s environmentand health?

The 110th Congress passed the Energy Independence and SecurityAct of 2007 (Public Law 110-140,known as EISA) to move the UnitedStates toward increased production of clean and renewable fuels. EISA is augmenting market forces to rapidlyexpand the production of biofuels.Corn-based ethanol isone example. One fourthof all corn used in the United States in2006 went to producingethanol, according to aUniversity of Marylandresearcher, who expectsthat share to rise to 34%in 2008 and for federalmandates to raise theethanol share to 53% by 2014 (see John R.Lott, Jr. “Ethanol Man-dates Cause Rising FoodPrices;” Fox News On-line, April 28, 2008;www.foxnews.com).

EPA is working tomeet the need for betterunderstanding of fuelbehavior in light of the EISA mandatesfor expanded production of biofuels.Researchers at EPA’s National ExposureResearch Laboratory in Athens, GA,are interested in how biofuels (espe-cially ethanol) and their derivativesenter, move, and change in the, air,soil, and water.

Leaks from underground storagetanks and fuel spills in stream networks can lead to environmentalcontamination. EPA research is de-signed to determine the properties ofthe fuel types available today—andthose of the future—to more effec-tively and efficiently detect and prevent fuel spills and leaks. For example, methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE) was added to gasoline in the1970s and 1980s to boost the oxygen

content, while replacing harmful leadcompounds that were being phasedout. Many policy-makers and petro-leum firms sought to improve airquality by using MTBE and other oxygenates, but MTBE created theunforeseen effect of contaminatinggroundwater. It is just the type of scenario—unfortunate environmentalconsequences from well-intended actions—that enhanced knowledge offuel behavior can help prevent or reduce through research that en-hances knowledge of fuel charac-teristics and effects.

EPA researchers in Athens are investigating how regulations have

impacted the addition of chemicalcompounds in gasoline. Field samplingin the proximity of leaked fuels fromunderground storage tanks and otherstorage and distribution facilitiesanalysis are providing real-world datafor laboratory analysis and evaluation.

Sampling for Aged Gasoline in the EnvironmentHistorical data provide a view of pastand current chemical composition ofgasoline, which does not mix withwater, thus influencing the results ofsurface gasoline spills and subsurfaceleaks: gasoline can persist for manyyears in the subsurface, allowingchemicals to leach into groundwater,depending on their solubility andconcentration in the gasoline.

Sampling gasoline. Photo courtesy of James Weaver, EPA-Athens.


300 compounds are most likely to in-crease contamination of groundwater.These analyses have provided themeans for evaluating total loading tothe groundwater and biotransforma-tion in aquifers, as well as providingdata useful in forensic investigations.

Ethanol Fuel AnalysesIn 2008, EPA expanded its analysis ofgasoline to include fuel-grade ethanol,including E95 (denatured fuel-gradeethanol), E85 (a blend of nominally

85% fuel-grade ethanol and 15%gasoline), and various blends ofbiodiesel. EPA scientists have learnedhow the behavior of E95 and E85 insurface-water spills differs from thatof traditional gasoline: the two blendscan produce a gasoline slick on thewater surface, as well as an alcohol/water mixture containing constituentsthat are transported downstream. Insubsurface leaks, E95 and E85 producea similar alcohol/water mixture, butone that is less dense than water.

Consequently, contamination patternsin groundwater may be significantlydifferent than those resulting fromgasoline.

The changing composition oftransportation fuel—for which theEISA mandates and new regulationshave been significant drivers—canbring about changes in the environ-mental impacts from spills and leaksof biofuels and fuel blends. EPA’s research on the composition and behavior of fuels can help contributeto mitigating adverse environmentalimpacts as the nation moves towardenergy independence.

This month’s article was con-tributed by Robin Baily, James Weaver,and Maria Tucker of EPA’s NationalExposure Research Laboratory. em

For more information on the research discussed in thiscolumn, contact Deborah Janes, Public Information Officer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (B205-01), Office of Research and Development, Research Tri-angle Park, NC 27711; phone: 1-919-541-4577; e-mail:[email protected]. Disclaimer: Although this textwas reviewed by EPA staff and approved for publica-tion, it does not necessarily reflect official EPA policy.

Further Reading

Falta, R.W.; Bulsara, N.; Henderson, J.K.; Mayer, R.A. Leaded-Gasoline

Additives Still Contaminate Groundwater; Environ. Sci. Technol. 2005,

39 (18), 379A-384A.

Weaver, J.W.; Jordan, L.; Hall, D.B. Predicted Groundwater, Soil, and

Soil Gas Impacts from U.S. Gasolines, 2004 First Analysis of the

Autumnal Data; EPA 600/R-05/032; U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, Washington, DC, 2005.


Projects eventually come to an end, the enjoyable onessooner than the painful ones. In either case, there is littletime for reflection because the next project demands ourattention. But we can contribute to the success of futureprojects and project team members by using a simple,structured program to bring our projects to a close. It is inour best interest to develop project close-out proceduresthat mirror the rigor of our project planning and therebyprovide a springboard for future project success. Althoughthe close-out process and emphasis will vary with each organization, the following elements are appropriate forconsideration in any project close-out process.

1. Conduct a project close-out meeting. Another projectmeeting? Yes, but using a format appropriate to theneeds of the project. For some projects, a face-to-facemeeting of key program participants is appropriate. Forothers, an e-mail or phone call may suffice. In any case, theobjectives of the close-out meeting are to ensure that• contractual, performance, and financial obligations

have been satisfied;• personnel performance issues have been captured

and documented;• project problems and solutions have been identified

to prevent their recurrence on future projects;• project successes or innovations have been identified;• project scope and benefits have been captured and

documented;• project information is appropriately documented

and archived;• client or stakeholder satisfaction issues are properly

addressed; and• follow-on opportunities or needs are identified.

2. Close out the financials. The project cannot be closeduntil all financial issues have been resolved. During theclose-out process, it is appropriate to review• contract terms to ensure that all have been satisfied;• labor costs to make sure that all costs have been

posted properly; and• contractor, consultant, and vendor invoices to

ensure that all invoices have been received andthat invoiced amounts are correct and properlyposted to the project. This is also a convenienttime to insure that contractor, consultant, and vendor files are in order with respect to terms, insurance, bonds, guarantees, warrantees, and submittals.

Financial reviews at closing are appropriate for both the

buyer and seller of project services. These reviews reducethe possibility that lingering project costs will show up ata later date, resulting in a need to either re-open a closedproject to post and pay the costs or write-down additionalcosts if they cannot be properly posted and recovered.

3. Document the project. Most of us will oversee, manage,or participate in dozens, perhaps even hundreds, ofprojects in a year. And while the details of those projectsare at the forefront while they are active, they rapidlyfade once a project is completed. Yet those details areessential for establishing the value of our work and areworth summarizing and recording. At a minimum, weshould document the project scope and deliverables,the performance period, the cost of the project, thevalue the project produced, and the personnel involvedin the project. If we work for an engineering or con-sulting firm, project summaries can be useful sourcesof information for future assignments. If we work forindustry, project summaries can demonstrate the valueof our services to the organization, providing useful information for annual and corporate social responsi-bility reports. Project summaries will prove extremelyvaluable when writing a future proposal, planning a future project, updating a resume, or demonstratingthe value that an operation or individual provides.

4. Document the lessons learned. Each project provides alearning experience. Some project managers learn thesame lessons over and over and do nothing to changeproject delivery processes. Other project managerslearn lessons, but fail to share their experience withothers. In either case, these project managers and theirorganizations operate at a competitive disadvantage. Yetother project managers, working in organizations thatsupport process improvement, learn lessons that enablethem to improve project delivery processes for futureprojects throughout their organizations. The projectclosing is an excellent time to review project successesand failures, examine the delivery systems surroundingthose successes and failures, and identify service deliverychanges that can eliminate failures or advance successes.Often the systems for documenting project successesand failures are already in place, but not used. For example, most organizations utilize purchasing systemsthat facilitate documentation of vendor or contractorperformance. Yet it is easy to neglect these systems inour hurry to close a project. As a result, an unsatisfactoryprovider can remain active in the procurement system

emc o l u m n

Paying Forward at Project Completion

PM File by David Elam


while a stellar provider remains undifferentiated froma marginal one.

5. Document the roles and the results of project partici-pants. As project managers, we typically rely on teammembers that are supervised and reviewed by others.We can help team members and their supervisors by offering feedback on project performance throughoutthe project and at project closing. This feedback canhelp team members improve performance, developnew skills, and advance in their careers. Importantly,documented work experience information can also behelpful to team members when securing professionalcredentials or demonstrating capabilities for future assignments. This may be one of the most difficult tasksfor a project manager to perform at project closing because there can be many project team members andno system in place to support the process. Yet, this taskcan produce a dedicated and motivated workforce anda future pool of project managers. For this reason, projectmanagers and resource managers are best served byworking together to develop an employee feedback system that easily and effectively captures team memberproject performance issues.

6. Cull the files. We have a tendency to keep everythingduring the life of the project. As a result, our electronicand hard copy files swell with duplicate, redundant,outdated, and sometimes conflicting, information. While

David L. Elam, Jr., CIH, CQM, is principal consultantwith Summa Consultants Inc., Chapel Hill, NC. Envi-ronmental service organizations count on Elam, aconsulting scientist with 25 years of broad-basedEH&S management experience, to help them buildsuccessful enterprises.

E-mail: [email protected].

it makes sense to retain this information during the lifeof the project, this information is not always helpfulonce the project is closed. For this reason, we should—subject to the recordkeeping requirements of our or-ganizations or project contracts—take the time toeliminate unnecessary, confusing, duplicate, or redun-dant information from project files that would not allowa third party to recreate an accurate and representativepicture of the project as it was ultimately delivered.

Admittedly, these tasks contribute to the burden of theproject manager, will produce limited immediate value,and will typically go unnoticed on a given project.Nonetheless, these are the tasks that drive future projectwork, demonstrate project value, develop effective projectteams and future project managers, create financial success,build defensible projects, and drive improved project performance. Consider structuring your project close-outprocess to include these tasks. You may not see a returnon the project you’re closing, but you’ll most certainly seethe payback on future projects. em

26 em september 2008

Although it did not seem so at the time, communicating withbusiness managers was relatively easy during the 1970s and1980s. The regulations dictated what was needed to modifymanufacturing operations and companies spent billions tobuild pollution control systems. But that was then; the chal-lenge is much different now.

One could also argue that the stakes now are muchhigher. Environmental concerns have shifted from inside thefence line to global issues such as climate change. Opportu-nities have shifted from cost savings through recycling andreuse to competitive positioning through green product mar-keting. While in the past the requirements were narrowly defined, today there are broad voluntary guidelines on howto create a “sustainable company.”

Communicating a coherent strategy and guiding busi-ness management through this maze requires excellentcommunication and persuasion skills. Some are born withthese requisite talents, and others must painstakingly learnthem. If you are like most people (including me) and have not been gifted with the talents of a communicationsmaster, you need to arm yourself with all of the funda-mentals and best practices and then hone your skillsthrough practice. I first covered some of the basics of com-municating and educating adults in an earlier column(see “Moving Beyond Talking Heads Education,” EMFebruary 2001, pp 8–10). This month’s column outlinesthe essential best practices for facilitating communication sessions with groups of business managers.

Design ConsiderationsAirtimeU.S. business managers have a willingness to take the timeto participate in environmental sessions that vary by theirlevel within the organization. In the absence of somemajor crisis, top executives can be engaged for up to halfa day if the issue is considered immediately relevant. Mid-dle managers can be engaged for one or two days. Front-line individuals, such as those assigned environmentalresponsibilities, can be engaged as long as necessary toaccomplish whatever specific goal is needed, sincethese sessions often involve skills training.

The caveat is that the need to meet face-to-facemay first have to be established in a much morelimited and constrained environment (i.e., thetypical briefing). In very large corporations,environmental managers may never evenspeak to their CEOs other than at the annualawards ceremony, let alone spend hours dis-cussing strategies. However, due to all the

environmental dynamics going on today, the opportunityfor airtime has never been better.

StructureFor formal workshops, you should create a detailed lessonplan that lists each segment, its purpose, who will be pre-senting, and what supporting audio visuals will be used. Essentially, you want to create a roadmap that anyone familiar with the subject matter can use to deliver the session.Strategy sessions can be less structured, but only to a point.The worst case is when the audience veers off on a totally sep-arate and nonproductive tangent. The individuals organiz-ing the event should be, at a minimum, crystal clear on whatis to be accomplished and have present someone with the facilitation skills required to keep the discussions on track.

The issue with the design of most workshops is that the ob-jectives are stated in the form of what information or messagethe environmental staff wants to deliver to the participants.This approach is understandable since classroom lectures arethe foundation of our educational system from kindergartenthrough college. The focus in workshops, instead, should beon the behavioral changes that need to be accomplished. It’snot just about getting participants to know about X, Y, or Z,but having them assimilate that knowledge and act on it.

Strategy sessions take a carefully crafted blend of convey-ing information followed by group analysis and consensusover business direction. The overall flow is also critical. Forexample, the ratio of prepared lecture to open discussionand other activities must be cautiously controlled. Even giftedcommunicators have a tough time engaging an audience for more than an hour without some break in the flow. Attendees typ-ically have a lot to con-tribute tothe

emc o l u m n

B U S I N E S S M A N A G E M E N T C O M M U N I C AT I O N

Are Your Ski l ls Up to the Chal lenge?

Competitive Strategy by Richard MacLean

Copyright 2008 Air & Waste Management Association


discussion and really enjoy activities such as breakout andfeedback sessions, role-play exercises, and other class partic-ipation exercises. I have found that a 50/50 ratio of sessionparticipation to “talking heads” works well. Again, environ-mental professionals have a tendency to jam sessions with in-formation. Seemingly necessary, yes, but will they absorb it?Probably not.

Pre-session assignments can be problematic. Rarely willmanagers take the time to review material distributed in advance, at least in the United States. One technique thatI have frequently used is to distribute very concise surveys(e.g., 10 simple, check-the-box-style questions). These canbe collected, analyzed, and discussed at the session. Afterall, this helps make at least a portion of the session allabout the participants and their opinions. Deftly handlingegos is always a key factor.

Size MattersFor workshops, the ideal session size is 20–30 individuals. Thisallows for good group participation and the formation ofbreakout sessions. A breakout takes a minimum of 45 min-utes, of which only about 20 minutes will be used productively. It takes time for the group to settle down and gothrough the “forming – storming – norming – performing”model of group dynamics. You must also allow approximately15 minutes for every group to report back. Small groupbreakouts ideally consist of 7–10 individuals. A single groupexercise can easily consume one-and-one-half hours.

As soon as the audience approaches 50 or more, the entire design must shift. In this case, it is necessary to use alecture-type structure and class participation is much morerestricted: the session becomes more like a conference. Andsimilar to a typical symposium, the individual segments needto be rotated through 30- to 60-minute sessions of variousspeakers and content. If the objective is to shift behavior, thelikelihood of successful outcomes is limited. Participants maypick a few “nuggets,” but may remain mostly disengaged.

Strategy sessions require an even smaller audience—lessthan a dozen. If the group has very powerful authority fig-ures who might dominate the group, special precautionsneed to be taken. For example, one effective technique is tocreate a list of ground rules for the session (e.g., “one per-son talks at a time”). I once facilitated a strategy sessionwhere the president of the company attended and thenlater apologized to the group for bullying and dominatingthe discussion. He probably would not have acted contriteif these rules had not been laid out in advance; after all, hewas just behaving as his normal self. At other sessions, I haveused the ground rules to instantly cut off dysfunctionalgroup behavior without coming across as a bully myself.

Physical SetupThe layout for conference-style sessions is universally recognized (i.e., seats, podium, screen, etc.—basic and boring). Nonetheless, there are many nuances that a goodmeeting planner should be aware of to ensure the session issuccessful. For example, they should be skeptical of reportedmaximum hotel conference room seating capacities. No one

likes to be crammed into a room. They should also under-stand technical details such as the proper relationship between the screen dimensions and the height of the roomfor a particular group size.

Small groups are best hosted away from the worksite andwith a U-shaped open seating arrangement and adjacentquiet areas for breakouts. With business managers in partic-ular, it is necessary to remove them from the normal workenvironment with all its distractions and place them in a set-ting that will stimulate thinking outside the box. Again, thereare scores of minor details that need attending to, especiallyfor top executives who are used to first-class treatment.

Cultural FactorsIt would be very easy to replicate material used in U.S. busi-ness management sessions and take it on the road internationally. One could adapt it on the fly through trialand error. Indeed, it may work well within some countries,especially English-speaking, but it would be the wrong approach. In a number of cultures, the preceding consider-ations may or may not hold true. For example, the influence of authority figures may be substantially different instrategy sessions. Additionally, class participation and feed-back sessions may not be as effective.

Handout material and key presentation slides, of course,can be translated into the local language, even if the presen-ter is speaking English. Obviously, presenters would have tospeak very clearly and slowly and watch for signs that they aremoving too quickly through the material. My philosophy isthat it is best to design sessions that make it easiest for theparticipants and not necessarily the presenters. That mightmean facilitators are used to translate key points to the presenters as the participants speak in their local dialect.

There is a wealth of resources available at universities inthe form of visiting graduate students and professors whowould know the most effective approach. And, of course, employees in affiliated branches are the best resource of allto help structure the session design.

ConclusionsWorkshops and strategy sessions are extremely expensive toorganize and run. If you think that this is due to the cost ofpresenters, meeting planners, facilitators, conference rooms,and food charges, or even the airfare of the participants, youare mistaken. Although these costs can easily run into hun-dreds of thousands of dollars for a major annual environ-mental meeting, the really big bucks are almost alwaysassociated with the salaries paid to the individuals attending,especially if they are top executives making seven figures.Keep this in mind when designing your next session withbusiness management. em

Richard MacLean is president of Competitive Environment Inc., a management consulting firm in Scottsdale, AZ, and the executive director of the Center for Environmental Innovation (CEI), a university-based nonprofit research organization. E-mail: [email protected].

For electronic files of this and his other writings, visit his Web site at www.competitive-e.com.


ICAC-EPA Annual Roundtable Discus-sions. For more than five years, ICACmembers, representing industrial andemissions measurement sector inter-ests, have met each spring with keyEPA staff for technology and regula-tory updates. During these meetings,ICAC members receive updates andEPA staff receives technology briefingson topics of mutual interest, includingarea and major source standards de-velopment for air toxics (including theindustrial boiler MACT), mercurymeasurement, and the proposed EPAProtocol Gas Verification Program.Over a two-day period, this informationexchange serves to advance air qualityprograms and reinforce the under-standing of the technologies they relyupon. The next roundtable is plannedfor February 2009.

New Technical Guidelines. ICAC con-tinues to coordinate its members’ expertise through the development oftechnical guideline documents. Thesecontrol and measurement documentsreveal the depth of industry expertisecollected and prepared into clear andunderstandable terms to assist vendors,affected sources, and other interestedparties. All current documents areavailable online at www.icac.com. Most publications are provided free tomembers and air regulators. Recentdocuments include ICAC Guidelines forEvaluation & Selecting Portable Analyzersfor Combustion Emission Measurement—guidance in evaluating and selectingportable analyzers for combustionemissions measurement; ICAC Guide-lines for Specification and Selection ofDAHS for CEMS Applications—updates aprevious version (2000), including up-dates to references and acknowledgesrecent technology developments; and ICAC Wet Electrostatic Precipitator(WESP) Bid Specification and EvaluationDocument—facilitates bid requests forWESP design and approaches used inevaluating bids. em

The Institute of Clean Air Companies (ICAC) is the national trade association of companies that supply airpollution monitoring and control systems, equipment,and services for all stationary sources. For more infor-mation, contact David C. Foerter, Executive Director,ICAC, 1730 M St., Ste. 206, Washington, DC 20036; [email protected].

emI C A C U p d a t e

Executive Director to Serve on EPAAdvisory Committee. In May 2008,ICAC’s Executive Director, David Foerter, was appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s(EPA) Clean Air Act Advisory Com-mittee (CAAAC). Foerter also hasserved for several years on the Envi-ronmental Technologies Trade Advi-sory Committee to the Secretary ofCommerce.

ICAC Supports States’ IndustrialBoiler Model Permit Guidance. OnJune 10, ICAC participated in a pressconference hosted by the National Association of Clean Air Agencies(NACAA) signaling the release of its Model Permit Guidance for Indus-trial Source Hazardous Air Pollutants.Through a considerable data collec-tion effort, NACAA confirmed thatsubstantially low emission levels are already being achieved by new andmature industrial sources. ICAC applauds NACAA’s leadership in de-veloping the Model Permit Guidance asan important tool to assist state andlocal control programs, particularly inthe aftermath of the general failure ofEPA’s Industrial Boiler MACT. ICAC’sExecutive Director states that theNACAA guidance is an important toolto break regulatory gridlock and restore a reasonable, sound, and deliberate pathway for technology-based emissions improvements thatcan be applied by states and local gov-ernments. NACAA subsequently re-leased supporting data it had collectedand analyzed. For a copy of the guid-ance, support data, and other informa-tion, go to www.4cleanair.org/Boiler.For a copy of ICAC’s press release goto www.icac.com.

MARAMA and ICAC Host ControlTechnologies Workshop. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Air ManagementAssociation (MARAMA) and ICACjointly hosted a two-day workshop inExton, PA, July 9–10, for state andlocal air permit staff. The programfeatured roundtable discussions and23 presentations on advances in airpollution control and measurementtechnologies. The event attractedmore than 70 participants, including

representatives from seven states.ICAC’s participation was coordinatedthrough its Industrial Sector ControlsDivision. The workshop proceedingswill be made available online atwww.icac.com and www.marama.org.

Leadership in GHG Control Tech-nologies. ICAC has successfully in-corporated greenhouse gas (GHG)control and measurement into itsportfolio of technologies and expertise.Nearly two years ago, ICAC’s board established the Greenhouse Gas(GHG) Control Division as its sixthtechnology arm. Around the sametime, ICAC’s Executive Director andPresident were asked to serve on aone-year multiparty, multi-interest Advanced Coal Technology (ACT)Workgroup that ultimately reportedto EPA’s CAAAC. In January, the ACTWorkgroup completed its report; setting the stage for significant advancements in carbon dioxide(CO2) capture and storage initiativesin the United States (the workgroup’sfinal report is available online atwww.epa.gov/air/caaac/coaltech.html). Also in early 2008, ICAC andthe National Commission on EnergyPolicy hosted a joint CO2 controltechnology forum in Washington,DC, with technology presentationsand dialog on GHG emissions controlsolutions and timelines for existingcoal-fueled power plants. Joined bySenator George Voinovich (R-OH),leaders from the power sector, regula-tory, and the environmental commu-nity came together in this forum tohighlight the enormous potential toaddress climate change throughretrofit of the existing coal fleet andto examine the challenges in devel-oping and deploying these technolo-gies. Equipped with technologyinformation and policy insights, ICACstaff continues to present on andmoderate expert panels on the statusand future of GHG controls. ICACmembers are recognized as industryleaders in the development and deployment of post-combustion tech-nologies for a broad suite of pollu-tants and now are proud to also berecognized as technology leaders forcontrol of GHG emissions.

The latest news and activities from the Institute of Clean Air Companies (ICAC)

� Guidance Notebooks - $400.00 (incl. shipping)

AAdvanced New Source

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phone (919) 845-1422, ext. 21; fax (919) 845-1424; or email [email protected]

A hard copy of the Outline and Index will be provided and used during the workshop. A CD containingall the referenced documents will also be provided. You will not need to access the CD during theworkshop; however, if you wish to do so, you will need a laptop with a CD drive. To purchase a hardcopy of the referenced documents, please check the appropriate box(es) below and include the additionalcost with your registration fee. The books will be shipped to the address you provide above (cannot beshipped to a P.O. Box) and they will arrive shortly after the workshop.

� Guidance Notebooks - $400.00 (incl. shipping) � Red Books - $400.00 (incl. shipping)

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New Source Review Guidance Notebooks – Five-volume set = $350 + shipping (est. $50, check box above) (reg. $400 + shipping)The popular New Source Review Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Nonattainment Area Guidance Notebook set is a compilation of morethan 3,000 pages of policy memoranda, letters, and information developed to aid implementation of the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD)and Nonattainment area air pollution control programs under the Clean Air Act. Update II (Parts 1 and 2) is a recent update to the original three-volume set (i.e., Volume I, Volume II, and the first Update volume). Update II includes special features not available via EPA’s TechnologyTransfer Network (TTN). These features provide added value to the original three volumes as well, since they apply to the entire collection of policymemos contained in all five volumes. These features include:• An appendix that reproduces the NSR rules and indicates beside each section the memos that affect or interpret that portion of the rule.

• For separate indices that are extremely useful for quickly looking up memos in all five volumes, organized by date, category number, subject,and author.

• A list of discrepancies and referrals within the memoranda for all five volumes.

New Source Review Workshop Manual = $35 + shipping (est. $15, check box above) (reg. $40 + shipping)Draft, 1990, 220 pages, soft cover. This document was developed for use in conjunction with new source review workshops and training, and toguide permitting officials in the implementation of the new source review (NSR) program. The manual is designed to: (1) describe in general terms,and illustrate by examples, the requirements of the NSR regulations and existing policies interpreting those regulations; and (2) provide suggestedmethods of meeting the regulatory requirements as they have been interpreted by EPA. This document is still in great demand because of the usefulcontent of the material.

• AN INTENSIVE 4-DAY COURSE! This course assumes that you have a basic knowledge of the NSR air pollution permitting rules. It

focuses on how the most important of the over 13,300 pages of policy documents issued since 1974 interpret and affect the NSR rules. It

will also cover the NSR Workshop Manual and NSR Reform Rulemaking.

• Taught by Gary McCutchen, Principal of RTP Environmental Associates and former Chief of EPA’s New Source Review Section. Mr.

McCutchen has provided training on permitting rules to over 8000 students.

• The Advanced New Source Review workshop expansion and update has made this an even more intensive course with a mix of

regulations, EPA policy and first-hand experience that attendees have praised.


Compiled by Mark WilliamsThe Bureau of National Affairs Inc.

EPA defers decision on climate changehealth effects: The U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) deferred aregulatory decision on whether green-house gas (GHG) emissions endangerpublic health and welfare and shouldbe regulated under the Clean Air Act(CAA), and instead decided to issue arequest for comments that effectivelyleaves the issue in the hands of thenext administration. “The [CAA] isan ill-suited tool for regulating[GHG] emissions” because it wouldtake EPA years to bring such rules tofruition, a process that would be subject to decades of litigation, EPAAdministrator Stephen L. Johnsonsaid. Even though Johnson said regu-latory action is “premature,” he released an advance notice of pro-posed rulemaking prepared by EPAstaff that represents a possible roadmap for future emissions regulation.That document came under intensefire when it was submitted to WhiteHouse review. Johnson, in a prefaceto the document, said he could neither settle the complex legal issuesthat would have to be resolved to regulate emissions nor overcomestrong objections from the Office of

Management and Budget and severaldepartments, including Transportationand Energy. “Rather than attempt toforge a consensus on matters of greatcomplexity, controversy, and activelegislative debate, the administratorhas decided to publish the views ofother agencies and to seek commenton the full range of issues that theyraise,” Johnson wrote in the pream-ble. He referred to the CAA as “an outdated law originally enacted tocontrol regional pollutants that causedirect health effects” that is unsuitablefor regulating emissions that are aglobal concern. EPA has been underintense pressure from Congress and

environmental organizations to beginregulating GHG emissions since theU.S. Supreme Court ruled more thanone year ago that the agency had existing authority under the CAA toregulate GHG emissions from auto-mobiles. Critics have accused the WhiteHouse of pressuring EPA to reverse adraft decision in late 2007 that con-cluded GHG emissions from vehiclesendanger public health and welfare.Such a finding could trigger futureregulation not only of GHG emissionsfrom cars and other mobile sources,but also regulation of power plantsand other stationary sources.

EPA report says climate change couldcause greater ozone concentrations:Climate change could increase somesummer ozone concentrations by 2–8 parts per billion (ppb) by 2050,according to a draft EPA report. InMarch, EPA set an 8-hr ambientozone standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm; or 75 ppb), down from0.08 ppm previously. “These studiessuggest that [ozone] nonattainmentareas and areas just below the[ozone] National Ambient Air QualityStandards (NAAQS) should begin toconsider the impacts of climatechange as they develop their attain-ment and maintenance strategies,even for near-term planning horizons,”according to the report, 2007 InterimReport of the U.S. EPA Global Change Re-search Program Assessment of the Impactsof Global Climate Change on RegionalU.S. Air Quality: A Preliminary Synthesisof Climate Change Impacts on Ozone, pre-pared by EPA’s Office of Researchand Development. The draft reportlooked at various models studied by EPA’s Global Change Research Program. Although some regions ac-tually saw a decrease in ozone con-centrations under the various climatechange models, the draft report saidthe increases were larger and moreconsistent than the projected decreases.Ozone concentration increases weremost pronounced in the Mid-Atlantic,Northeast, and lower Midwest, whilevarious simulations provided conflict-ing results for the West Coast andSoutheast. Some models also sug-gested ozone concentrations could

remain elevated through the fall throughparts of Texas and the Southwest.

EPA assessment links illness to ambientNO2 exposure: Exposure to ambientnitrogen dioxide (NO2), even at levelsbelow current standards, increased the risk of hospital visits for respiratorysymptoms between 2% and 20%, according to EPA’s final report on thehealth effects of nitrogen oxides(NOx), Integrated Science Assessment for Oxides of Nitrogen—Health Criteria.A review of the available scientific studies found evidence “sufficient toinfer a likely causal relationship be-tween short-term NO2 exposure andadverse effects on the respiratory system,” according to EPA’s report. Increased incidences of asthma andchronic obstructive pulmonary diseasewere most strongly linked to exposureto NOx, according to the assessment.NOx is emitted from power plants,motor vehicles, and other sources that employ fossil-fuel combustion. “Although NO2-related health risk estimates may appear to be small, they may well be important from an overall public health perspective,owing to the large numbers of personsin the potential risk groups. Severalpopulation groups have been identi-fied as possibly having increased susceptibility or vulnerability to adversehealth effects from NO2, includingchildren, older adults, and personswith preexisting pulmonary diseases,”according to EPA’s final report. The report is the first step in decidingwhether to revise the air quality standard for NOx, which is 0.053 ppm,measured as an annual average. It is intended to provide the relevant scien-tific data to help EPA make its decision.The CAA requires EPA to reevaluateNAAQS for six key air pollutants—ozone, particulate matter, carbonmonoxide, NOx, sulfur dioxide, andlead—every five years. EPA last re-viewed the standard in 1996, when itopted to retain the existing standard.The NOx review is the first using EPA’s revised process for reviewing airquality standards, adopted in 2006, toheighten the role of agency manage-ment in deciding whether to revise astandard. em

emw a s h i n g t o n r e p o r t

“The Clean Air Act

is an ill-suited tool for

regulating greenhouse

gas emissions.”

—EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson


fertilizers. The remaining $2.5 millionwill be used to support a new biogasdemonstration facility at StantonFarms, which is expected to generategreen energy from manure and wastewater, while cutting greenhousegas emissions.

B.C. Announces Clean Energy Project FundingBritish Columbia (B.C.) is funding asuite of innovative clean energy proj-ects throughout the province, thanksto a $25-million investment from thegovernment’s Innovative Clean EnergyFund. Applications to the fund camefrom across the province, representinga broad range of technologies and sectors, including bio-energy, geother-mal, solar, and other alternative energysources. Projects selected address spe-cific B.C. energy and environmentalpriorities identified by the governmentand will accelerate the commercializa-tion of these clean technologies. Thelist of selected projects is available online at www.gov.bc.ca/empr/popt/ innovative_clean_energy_fund.html.

Ontario Agricultural Framework toFocus on Bio-ProductsOntario is providing almost $900,000in funding to help the counties of Stor-mont, Dundas, and Glengarry developan agri-industrial development frame-work that will link consumers, proces-sors, and the research community. The investment will help the partners focus on manufacturing and processingbio-products and bio-product-drivenagriculture in areas such as bio-energy,bio-chemicals, and functional foods.The project is expected to lead to newmanufacturing and processing oppor-tunities, new farm income, and low-cost renewable energy. More information is available online atwww.omaf.gov.on.ca/english/rural/red/index.html. em

Canadian Report is compiled with excerpts fromEcoLog News and the EcoCompliance.ca newsletter,both published by EcoLog Information Re-sources Group, a division of BIG InformationProduct LP. For more Canadian environmentalinformation, visit www.ecolog.com or phone +1-888-702-1111, ext. 8.

are held accountable for violations ofenvironmental laws. The officers willbe responsible for monitoring indus-trial pollution and responding to en-vironmental disasters such as oil spills.Environment Canada’s enforcementpersonnel conduct inspections andinvestigate potential offenses under anumber of acts and regulations, in-cluding the Canadian EnvironmentalProtection Act, 1999; the Species atRisk Act; the pollution provisions ofCanada’s Fisheries Act; the MigratoryBirds Convention Act, 1994, and itsregulation; and the Wild Animal andPlant Protection and Regulation ofInternational and InterprovincialTrade Act.

SDTC Approves $57 Million for CleanTechnology ProjectsSustainable Development TechnologyCanada (SDTC) has given 19 cleantechnology projects a boost by ap-proving them to share $57 million innew funding. Ranging from powergeneration, clean air, and water,SDTC approved funding for the development and demonstration ofprojects that benefit both the envi-ronment and the economy. SDTC received $1.05 billion from the Government of Canada, as part of itscommitment to create a healthy envi-ronment and a high quality of life forall Canadians. Detailed informationon the 19 projects, including their descriptions, can be found online atwww.sdtc.ca.

PROVINCIALOntario to Fund Two Biofuel ProjectsThe government of Ontario is pro-viding $7.5 million to two innovativeprojects, which it says represent thenext generation of biofuels becausethey create energy from agriculturalbyproducts, such as corn husks and manure. Ontario is providing $5 million to support the new Insti-tute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources at the Univer-sity of Western Ontario’s experimen-tal field station, which is working toturn agricultural byproducts into fuel and other chemicals, including organic insecticides, pesticides, and

FEDERALHealth Canada Releases ClimateChange ReportHealth Canada has released a 488-page report that examines the impactsclimate change is expected to haveon human health in Canada and offers several suggestions on how thehealth sector—nationally, provin-cially, and locally—can tackle the issues. The report, Human Health in aChanging Climate, says climate is oneof many factors that can affect health.Other factors include social and economic factors, biology and ge-netic endowment, health services, education and literacy, gender andculture, the physical environment,and personal health practices. The report says climate change is ex-pected to increase the risks to thehealth of Canadians through manypathways, including the food they eat,the air they breathe, the water theydrink, and their exposure to extremeweather events and infectious dis-eases. The report recommends ac-tions in the following three areas: (1)the health sector needs to maintain current efforts to protect health fromclimate-related risks and engageother sectors in their plans for futureprograms; (2) community-level assess-ments of health vulnerabilities areneeded to support adaptation throughpreventative risk reduction; and (3)multidisciplinary research and collab-orations across all levels of govern-ment can build the knowledge baseon vulnerabilities to climate changeto address existing adaptation gaps.More information is available onlineat www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Environment Canada Hires 42 New Enforcement OfficersEnvironment Canada has hired 42new environmental enforcement officers who have completed basic enforcement training and are readyto work across the country. The officers were trained as part of the Budget 2007 commitment of $22 million (Canadian dollars) to in-crease the number of on-the-groundenforcement officers and ensure polluters, smugglers, and poachers

emcan ad i an repor t


emSenators Favor LegislativeResponse to CAIR CourtDecision, but Differ on ScopeMost members of a Senate Environ-ment and Public Works subcommitteesaid at a hearing July 29 they favor alegislative fix to the Clean Air Inter-state Rule (CAIR) after federal judgesvacated the regulation, but they differed over the scope of possiblebills. The CAIR decision creates anopportunity to pass a “strong, com-prehensive clean air bill,” Clean Airand Nuclear Safety SubcommitteeChairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) said.“We have the science and technologyto clean up our act in a way thatmakes sense and won’t put anybodyout of business,” he said.

Three judges from the U.S. Courtof Appeals for the District of ColumbiaCircuit vacated CAIR July 11, citing“more than several fatal flaws.” Thedecision has left the U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA) andCongress with a host of issues to address, such as the future of emis-sions trading markets and state airquality goals. But the power industryand even some state air agencies cau-tioned the senators against rushing toact on a comprehensive pollution bill.

‘Surgical’ Amendments SuggestedOhio Environmental Protection AgencyDirector Chris Korleski suggested thesubcommittee consider a “surgical,laser-like” amendment to the Clean AirAct (CAA). Korleski told the subcom-mittee a legislative amendment to Sec-tion 110 of the CAA could potentiallyremove all of the objections raised bythe judges in their decision. Korleski’ssuggested an amendment would grantEPA Administrator Stephen Johnsonthe authority to address air pollutantsregionally rather than on a state-by-statebasis while Congress considers a longer-term solution.

Senators Spar Over Scope of FixWhile most subcommittee membersfavored a legislative solution, they dif-fered over how expansively Congressshould act in the short term. Carperhas used the CAIR decision as an impetus for his Clean Air PlanningAct, while Republican Sens. James Inhofe (Oklahoma) and George

Voinovich (Ohio) have lamentedCongress’s inability to pass the Clean Skies bill favored by the Bush administration, which would not cutpollutant emissions as sharply as Democrats wanted. Inhofe said anynew air pollution legislation wouldneed to be a “targeted and propor-tionate fix to the problem at hand.”

EPA Director of Atmospheric Pro-grams Brian McLean also told thecommittee he would favor a legislativesolution to CAIR rather than anotherrulemaking that could be challengedin court. “Given the choice today, I’drather have a legislative” than a regu-latory solution, he said. McLean toldthe senators EPA still is consideringhow to proceed and the agency hasuntil Aug. 25 to decide whether to appeal the judges’ decision.

Some power providers urged Con-gress to pass an immediate fix forCAIR before immediately trying topass broader air pollution laws.Carper’s bill goes beyond the nitrogenoxides and sulfur dioxide emissionslimits stipulated by CAIR and also includes caps for mercury and carbondioxide emissions. Though he wouldsupport a four-pollutant bill in the future, PPL Corp. Executive Vice Pres-ident and Chief Operating OfficerWilliam Spence urged the senators tocodify the requirements of CAIR inthe CAA. PPL lost an estimatedUS$100 million after the emissionscredit market plummeted followingthe court decision, he said. “We needa venue for dealing with all four pollutants in the long term,” he said.

However Congress proceeds,Voinovich predicted that lawmakerswould not be able to pass a compre-hensive air pollution bill until nextspring. “We’re living in the real world,the political world we find ourselvesin,” he said.—by Andrew Childers, BNA

EPA Estimates Fuel Economy Needed to Reduce GHG EmissionsFleetwide fuel economy would have toreach 75 miles per gallon (mpg) in2050 to achieve a 20% reduction ingreenhouse gas (GHG) emissionsfrom vehicles in the United States,EPA said in a letter released Aug. 5 bythe House Oversight and Govern-

ment Reform Committee.Robert Meyers, principal deputy

assistant EPA administrator for air andradiation, wrote to committee Chair-man Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) July 23saying that the IntergovernmentalPanel on Climate Change “has sug-gested that reductions of 50–80%from current levels are needed world-wide by 2050. “Our analysis shows thatthe light-duty vehicle fleet would needto average 75 mpg in 2050 to reachthis 20% reduction,” he said. Meyerswrote the letter in response to lettersent by Waxman to EPA AdministratorStephen Johnson in May. In that let-ter, Waxman said, “An April 14, 2008,article in Detroit News reported thatEPA has prepared analyses of the motorvehicle technologies, transportationfuels, and transportation strategiesthat would be needed to achieve 50–80% reductions from 2000 levels in[GHG] emissions by 2050.” Waxmanasked Johnson for copies “of theseand related analyses.”

In his July 23 letter, Meyers re-sponded, “EPA is analyzing this andother scenarios to explore what mightbe needed to achieve various goalsthat are being debated in the scien-tific and policy communities.” Meyerssaid much of the analyses are publicinformation, and he provided links tosome of the information on the Internet (Meyers letter is available online at http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=2147).

The current corporate average fueleconomy (CAFE) standard for cars is27.5 mpg, and the standard for lighttrucks is 22.5 mpg. Congress in 2007passed legislation (Pub. L. No. 110-140) that increased the combinedstandard for cars and light-duty trucksto a combined 35 mpg in 2020, a 30%increase.

The U.S. Department of Trans-portation held a hearing Aug. 4 on aproposal to increase fuel economy to31.6 mpg in 2015. Witnesses at thathearing criticized the proposal, sayingthe proposed fuel economy increasefor cars and light trucks is based on “yesterday’s prices,” that is, an estimate that gasoline will cost aboutUS$2.00 a gallon in 2020. Basing astandard on the current gasolineprice of about US$4.00 per gallon

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would justify a higher fuel economystandard, they said.

No Other Progress Assumed, Activist SaysDavid Friedman, research director forthe vehicles program at the Union ofConcerned Scientists, said the EPAanalysis presumes that the number ofcars on the road and the amount thatpeople drive—also known as vehiclemiles traveled—will grow at historicalrates, that low-carbon fuels such ascellulosic ethanol are not put intoproduction, and that mass transit isnot expanded. If a reduction in vehiclemiles traveled, low-carbon fuels, andexpanded mass transit were com-bined with fuel economy of 50–60mpg, the country could reduce itsemissions from vehicles by more than70%, Friedman said, while “savingpeople lot of money, literally tens ofbillions a year, if not more.”

An auto industry spokesman de-clined to say what level fuel economyis likely to be in 2050. “Trying to guesswhat technologies will be available 42years from now is very difficult. How-ever, manufacturers are committed tobringing new fuel-saving technologiesto market as they become available,”said Charles Territo, spokesman forthe Alliance of Automobile Manu-facturers. “Automakers have alreadycommitted to reducing carbon diox-ide from new autos by at least 30% by2020 making us the first industry tocommit to significant carbon dioxidereductions,” Territo said.

Massachusetts LegislaturePasses Bill Capping GHGEmissionsThe Massachusetts Legislature ap-proved a measure July 31 that will putinto place what supporters call thestrongest cap in the country on econ-omywide GHG emissions, mandatingreductions of up to 25% below 1990levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Theproposed Global Warming SolutionsAct, which was passed by lawmakers inthe final hours of the session, alsocalls for interim targets for 2030 and2040. Also included in the measureare tough penalties for violators, withcivil fines of up to US$25,000 per dayfor emission violations. Gov. Deval

Patrick (D), whose office said he hadnot yet received the final version ofthe bill as amended by lawmakers, isexpected to sign the legislation.

The legislation creates a statewideand regional GHG registry and inventory system. All facilities that arerequired to report emissions from stationary sources to the Departmentof Environmental Protection underthe CAA must report GHG emissionsto the registry. In addition, all stationary sources that emit morethan 5000 tons of GHGs per yearmust also report to the registry. TheExecutive Office of Energy and Envi-ronmental Affairs is required topromulgate regulations on the GHGregistry and inventory by Jan. 1, 2009,and mandatory reporting require-ments for emitters must take effect byApril 15, 2009. The legislation givesthe secretary the option to considermarket-based compliance mechanismsto address climate change, and requires that the 2020 statewide emissions limit and a plan to achieveit be in place by Jan. 1, 2011.

Nation’s Most Stringent Limits“In order to stop carbon emissionsfrom taking a toll on our environ-ment, it is going to take bold initiativesfrom the states and full cooperationand support of leadership in Wash-ington,” House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi (D) said in a statement, addingthat passage of the bill will set an example for the nation. The office ofSen. Mark Pacheco (D), chief sponsorof the measure, said the GHG emis-sion limits were the most stringent inthe country. By comparison, Califor-nia’s Global Warming Solutions Act of2006 (A.B. 32) requires emissions tobe reduced to 1990 levels by 2020.

Pacheco told BNA Aug. 1 that somesectors of the business community havecriticized the Massachusetts legislation.However, Pacheco said a study on theimpact of global warming on the econ-omy shows that “the cost of inactivitywas far greater than getting about thebusiness of doing something now.” Hecited a report released just before finalconsideration of bill, which detailed theeconomic impacts of climate change onthe economy. That report, released bythe Senate Committee on Post Audit

and Oversight and the Committee onGlobal Warming and Climate Change,outlined what he called the economicand environmental costs of inaction, in-cluding increases in storm emergencyfunding, higher insurance rates, andother impacts. Pacheco said that byadopting economywide emissions caps,the state will establish a framework thatwill stimulate whole new markets for re-newable sources of energy and energyconservation, as well as helping to solvethe climate crisis. He added that the billalso creates an advisory committee tostudy a wide range of related issues.

“There can be no doubt in anyone’smind that Massachusetts is seriousabout confronting the climate changecrisis,” Philip Warburg, president ofthe Massachusetts-based ConservationLaw Foundation, said following pas-sage of the bill. “These comprehensiveemissions caps, combined with theGreen Communities Act passed earlierthis year, have made our state a national leader in the battle againstglobal warming and will propel Massa-chusetts to the forefront of the grow-ing clean energy economy.”

A summary and the full text of theMassachusetts Global Warming Solu-tions Act are available online athttp://pub.bna.com/ptcj/Global-WarmingSolutionsAct1.htm.—byMartha Kessler, BNA

News Focus is compiled from the current edition ofEnvironment Reporter, published by the Bureauof National Affairs Inc. (BNA). For more information,visit www.bna.com.

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China is the world’s fourth-largest country in total areaafter Russia, Canada, and the United States, and is ad-ministratively divided into 23 provinces, five autonomousregions, four centrally administrative municipalities, andtwo special administrative regions (Hong Kong andMacao). With a population of just over 1.3 billion, Chinais also the world’s largest and most populous country.

A strong and resilient economy is quickly pushingChina to the forefront of the global financial stage. Ac-cording to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative thinktank based in Washington, DC (www.heritage.org), Chinahas surpassed the United States in manufacturing outputand is the global leader in the production of steel, copper,aluminum, cement, and coal.

However, since Beijing was selected as the host city forthe 2008 Olympic Games, China’s poor air quality has beenof great concern. Known sources of air pollution includeChina’s rapid industrialization, increasing transportation,the burning of coal and wood for cooking fuel, and thewidespread use of open burning in agricultural areas. Duststorms from the Gobi desert and the use of fireworks havealso been known to cause bad air episodes in Beijing.

Meetings in BeijingThe A&WMA delegation to China began its tour in Beijingwith meetings at the China State Environmental ProtectionAdministration, Tsinghua University, and the Global Village of Beijing (GVB).

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State Environmental Protection AdministrationChinese officials informed delegates that several projectswere planned to reduce air pollution in time for the 2008Olympic Games in Beijing. For example, in February 2008,China launched its first complete national inventory ofpollution sources. The data will greatly help reduce pollution, one of the objectives of China’s 11th five-yearplan, which calls for efforts to build a harmonious societyand improve environmental protection. In addition, largepower plants and important industrial sources that can influence air quality in the Beijing region were plannedto be significantly reduced or shutdown completely dur-ing the Olympic Games. The Shougang group plant, oneof the biggest steel plants of China and one of the most important pollution sources in Beijing, for example,planned to reduce production to less than 30% of its normal capacity, thus reducing pollutant emissions bymore than 70% during the Olympics.

Also, all construction projects in Beijing were to havebeen completed before the Olympics, otherwise they wouldbe suspended until after the completion of the Games.Similarly, traffic restrictions were being considered for theduration of the Olympic Games. A complete air qualitycontrol strategy for the Beijing area was to be approved bythe state council. In addition, in the first half of 2008, Beijing Subway Line 7 was put into operation and the airport line followed. By 2015, Beijing will have 19 metrolines to help relieve traffic congestion and pollution.

Tsinghua UniversityAt Tsinghua University, delegates were told that researchersare measuring profiles for a number of emissions sources,including particulate matter (PM), volatile organic com-pounds (VOCs), and mercury. University researchers havedeveloped emission inventory approaches for input intoair quality models and are looking at the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants. The researchers havedone reverse modeling to verify emission inventories. Inaddition, they are using the Community Multiscale AirQuality Modeling System (CMAQ) and the GEOS-CHEMtropospheric chemistry models in their analyses to look atprimary aerosols and the formation of secondary aerosols.For example, the researchers used the CMAQ model tocalculate pollutant levels on a gridded area covering Beijing and the surrounding area (4–30 km) and foundthat regional emissions have a significant impact on airquality levels in Beijing, where the regional emissions contribute 30–40% of levels in Beijing.

A&WMA Delegation Examines China’s Efforts to Improve Air Quality for the 2008 Olympic Gamesby Ronald Poissant

Ronald Poissant is a professional chemical engineer located in Montréal, Québec, Canada. E-mail: [email protected].

About the A&WMA Delegation

Traveling under the banner of the People-to-People Citizen Ambassador Programs, which was established in 1956 by U.S.President Dwight D. Eisenhower to improve international under-standing through individual exchange, the A&WMA delegationto China focused on China’s air pollution control progress priorto 29th Olympic Games held in Beijing last month. During thetwo-week tour, October 7–22, 2007, the delegation, led byA&WMA Past-President Robert E. Hall, discussed issues suchas smog, air pollution control, health effects of air pollution,mercury pollution control, and speciation studies with governmentofficials, university professors, students, environmental groups,private companies, and citizens. The delegates included RobertE. Hall, Larry Anderson, Jack Broadbent, Erin Garner, JohnGodleski, Bobby Manley, Monica Mazurek, Azriel Pillersdorf,Ronald Poissant, Mark Ross, Pamela Torliatt, Robert Vranka,and Paulo Zannetti.


Researchers at Tsinghua University have also looked atthe contribution of mobile sources to ambient PM levels ofair pollution and estimate that mobile sources contributeapproximately 8% to the ambient levels. In the case ofozone, modeling shows that vehicles contribute approxi-mately 38% to ambient levels. The researchers have generated and published several reports that address thecontributions of various sources to ambient levels in Beijing in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Global Village of BeijingFounded in 1996 as one of the first nongovernmental organizations in China, GVB is a nongovernment, non-profit organization dedicated to environmental educationand the strengthening of civil society. GVB’s focus is thepromotion of sustainable development and a green life-styleand its main functions include the production of envi-ronmental television programs, publications, training materials, the development of green communities, andthe organization of public events and forums.

GVB receives funding from international foundationsand U.S. Environmental Protection Agency programs andis now registered in California as a member of the U.S.China Association for Environmental Education.

During their visit to GVB, delegates were presented witha 30-minute slide show presentation on GVB’s activities,entitled “This Endangered Planet: A Chinese View.”

Meetings in Xi’anWhile in the Xi’an area, delegates visited the TechnicalPower Research Institute (TPRI) and the village of WangYan Chang.

Technical Power Research InstituteTPRI is a research organization devoted to engineering tech-nologies and, in particular, fossil-fired power plant equip-ment. As one of the principal research institutions for theChinese power sector, it has an excellent reputation for itsqualified technical consultation services. Its primary areas ofresearch include coal ash and limestone characterization,low-nitrogen oxides (NOx) combustion, desulfurization anddenitrification, fly ash utilization, and thermal system opti-mization. TPRI’s Green Gen program activities include in-tegrated gasification combined cycle, natural gas combinedcycle, coal gasification, renewable power, and nuclear power.

Wang Yan Chang VillageFinding alternatives to wood and coal for cooking fuel isbecoming an increasingly urgent task in China’s centralShaanxi province. Like many parts of China, it has sufferedfrom decades of deforestation and soil erosion. The gov-ernment is now addressing the problem by placing severerestrictions on tree felling and wood cutting and by undertaking a reforestation program.

The Shaanxi Volunteers Mothers Association for Envi-ronmental Protection—a largely voluntary group ofwomen dedicated to improving environmental quality inChina—have overseen the installation of thousands of

biogas systems in farming households across the province.The main source of the gas is methane generated by wastefrom humans and pigs.

Most biogas systems provide enough fuel for a two-burner stove and a single outdoor light. The waste issluiced directly into the biogas pit, warm water is thenadded, and through a process of anaerobic digestion, gasis produced, which is then piped into the home. An addedbenefit is that the remaining slurry acts as an effective fertilizer, allowing farmers to cut down massively on theiruse of chemical fertilizers.

A biogas system typically costs US$380–$560, depend-ing on its size. The farmers pay approximately one-third ofthe cost. Savings of around 1000 yuans (US$120) per yearcan be achieved by families who produce and use the bio-gas regularly due to a reduction in expenditure on coal orwood, fertilizer, and electricity. The biogas systems usuallypay for themselves within 18 months. During their visit tothe village of Wang Yan Chang to see the biogas systemsin use, delegates spontaneously donated enough foundsto pay the cost of one complete biogas installation.

Meetings in KunmingWhile in the Kunming area, in Southwest China, delegatesvisited the Yunnan Environmental Science Society (YESS)and Yunnan Green Environmental Protection EngineeringCo. Ltd.

Yunnan Environmental Science SocietyFounded in 1981, YESS was organized by people workingin the environmental field to enhance environmental pro-tection in the Yunnan province. YESS has approximately1200 individual members and 22 organizational membersfrom across the Yunnan province. The society services itsmembers, enterprises, and the local government by

• organizing academic sharing and exchange and promoting cooperation among different disciplines;

• providing environmental impact assessment and appraisal, technology consultancy, and environmentaleducation and training;

• performing environmental research; and• securing the legal rights of environmental scientists.

Workers stand near the new Olympic Stadium in Beijing, amidst hazy conditions on October 25, 2007.


Delegates learned that the Yunnan province has madesignificant progress in pollution control in recent years.For example, an air quality surveillance network has beenestablished in the Kunming area, which includes ninemonitoring stations. As a result, annual air pollution emission statistics are now provided to the State Environ-mental Protection Administration.

Yunnan Green Environmental Protection Engineering Co.The Yunnan Green Environmental Protection EngineeringCo., registered in 1998, holds three new patents and a national distinction award. The company designs andmanufactures water and wastewaster treatment equipment,air treatment equipment, and other environmental pro-tection products.

Company representatives told delegates that the companyhas successfully produced ethanol and organic fertilizersfrom waste. Also, the company has succeeded by encour-aging farmers to use more environmentally friendly organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers. The costof organic fertilizers actually works out to be less than thecost of synthetic fertilizers.

Cultural VisitsDelegates also had the occasion to experience the KungFu theatre show in Beijing; tours of Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall in Beijing; the OldXi’an City Wall, an ancient temple, the Terra Cotta War-riors and museum, and a Jade factory in Xi’an; and a silkstore and the Stone Forest in Kunming. An amateur DVDmovie of the trip, produced by Paolo Zannetti, is availableby contacting Robert E. Hall at [email protected].

SummaryThroughout the trip, delegates had the wonderful oppor-tunity to learn more about China, its people, its history, its present, and its future. China’s economy is growing rapidly. This brings important changes in China and

elsewhere in the world. The quality of life in China is expected to increase as the gross national product per capita is projected to double in the next five years. Furthermore, the environmental quality of life shouldgreatly improve in the next five years, as evidenced by thedetermination of citizens and government officials to enforce better environmental policies and solutions. Chinese environmental quality improvement expectationsconstitute very good news for both China and the rest ofthe world. em

People-to-People Announces A&WMA Delegation to India

Date: December 7–16, 2008

Delegation Leader: Robert E. Hall, A&WMA Past-President

A delegation of environmental professionals specializing in issues

related to air and waste management has been selected to participate

in a bilateral exchange with their professional counterparts in India,

under the auspices of People-to-People Citizen Ambassador Programs.

India represents diversity in all its forms, including its people, reli-

gions, traditions, clothing, dialects, and habits; even India’s landscape

ranges from the highest mountain peaks to rolling plains to coastlines

on three seas. This fascinating country, linking East Asia and Europe,

but belonging to neither, exudes a deep mystery.

For more information about this program and to register, go to

www.ambassadorprograms.org/upcomingprograms/science_tech/

hall-robert_12-2008.asp.

People-to-People Citizen Ambassador Programs has been

conducting educational programs for professionals since 1956. Each

year, People-to-People Citizen Ambassador Programs develops more

than 150 professional delegations across the globe, covering fields as

diverse as education, law, medicine, science, and agriculture.

Delegates and guests with local and national guides in Tiananmen Square on October 12, 2007.

®

After last year’s outstanding centennial conference in Pitts-burgh, expectations were high for the 101st Annual Con-ference & Exhibition—and Portland did not disappoint!An ideal location, dynamic keynote presentations, an innovative technical program, fun networking opportunities,and a re-energized student program all contributed to theconference’s success. The event drew more than 2400 attendees, full registrations were up from 2007, and studentattendance was the highest it’s been in nine years!

Keynote Program Draws Big CrowdsThe 2008 Keynote Program featured industry leaders froma variety of organizations and environmental backgrounds.Thomas Dunne, associate administrator for homeland security for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), kicked things off Tuesday morning with a presen-tation about the nation’s preparedness to deal with the environmental consequences of a nuclear, biological, orchemical terrorist attack. Dunne asserted that the UnitedStates is not devoting enough attention and resources to response and recovery, adding that environmental professionals will play a vital role when addressing the aftermath of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

Following Dunne, Bill Reinert, national manager of ad-vanced technology for Toyota Motor Sales USA, presented“Steps Toward Sustainable Mobility.” Reinert discussed

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energy policy, climate change, high gas prices, and wherehe thinks the automobile industry is headed.

Will Swope, vice president and general manager of corporate affairs for Intel Corp., presented “Sustainability:Why It’s Critical for Market Leadership in the 21st Century.”Swope detailed different strategies that businesses can employ to gain advantage through corporate social respon-sibility. He stated that the environment is an integral partof branding and explained how environmental leadershipis good for business.

William Reilly, former EPA administrator under GeorgeH.W. Bush, closed out the keynote program Thursdaymorning with a lively presentation covering his 30-year career in the environmental industry. Reilly’s views on top-ics ranging from the Exxon Valdez to climate change andclean energy kept the attendees glued to their seats (see“Quick Q&A” on page 40 for more from Reilly).

If you weren’t able to attend this year’s conference or youmissed these presentations, you can visit www.awma.org/ACE2008 to watch video of some of the keynote presenta-tions and listen to podcasts with Thomas Dunne and WillSwope.

A Cutting-Edge Technical ProgramThroughout the week, conference-goers attended technicalsessions and workshops that featured the most up-to-date

Postcards from Portland:2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition a Huge Success


Photo 1: President C.V. Mathai kicks off the Annual Business Meeting at A&WMA’s 101st Annual Conference & Exhibition. He is joined onstage by Treasurer Amy Gilligan, ExecutiveDirector Adrianne Carolla, and President-Elect Rick Sprott (from left). Photo 2: A view of the Exhibition Hall. Photo 3: Discussing the Critical Review. Mark Trexler, Carol Whitman, andAlberto Ayala (from left). Photo 4: Enjoying the Grand Reception. Photo 5: Padak Bihter, a Ph.D. student from Stanford University, participates in the student paper/poster contest.

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awma.org september 2008 em 39

information on hundreds of topics related to the environmental industry, including air science and management, international issues, waste management, remediation of hazardous waste, environmental manage-ment, sustainability, and climate change.

Wednesday morning, Michael MacCracken, chief scientist for climate change programs at the Climate Institute, presented his Critical Review, “Prospects for FutureClimate and the Reasons for Early Action,” to a packedroom. MacCracken discussed the consequences of climatechange and detailed the actions that need to be taken toslow emissions and to keep greenhouse gas concentrationsat their current values. Following his presentation, discus-sants Mark Trexler of EcoSecurities; Alberto Ayala of theCalifornia Air Resources Board; Carol Whitman of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; and MarkJacobson of Stanford University broke down his presenta-tion and offered different perspectives on the issue. Viewthe full session at www.awma.org/2008criticalreview.

Professional Development OpportunitiesA&WMA’s Annual Conference offers a multitude of professional development opportunities for attendees.One of this year’s highlights was a presentation by “GreenQueen” P.S. Reilly of the Athena Institute. Attendees weretreated to a discussion on how companies can employ variouslevels of green practices to become economically viable,environmentally sound, and more stable and secure. Herinformal presentation style built a rapport with the audienceand she involved participants by allowing audience expe-riences and comments to set the discussion’s direction.

Another popular session was Dr. Julie Sharp’s “Sharp’enYour Oral Presentation Skills,” a workshop that reviewedmethods and tools for delivering effective oral presentations.After the workshop, attendees lined up to meet Sharp andreview their resumes.

Honoring ExcellenceThursday afternoon, A&WMA held its annual Honors &Awards luncheon, where notable individuals were honoredfor outstanding individual accomplishments and leadershipin environmental service. Honorees included Mary A.Gade, regional administrator of EPA Region 5; S. WilliamBecker, executive director of the National Association ofClean Air Agencies; Peter A. Scheff, Ph.D., professor ofenvironmental and occupational health sciences at theUniversity of Illinois’ School of Public Health; and DavidW. Hoffman, Ph.D. An honorary A&WMA membershipwas presented to Douglas M. Bisset, P.Eng., CCEP, presidentof Bisset Engineering.

A full list of award honorees and their biographies can be viewed online at www.awma.org/awards/award_programs/index.html.

Student Program: Bigger, Better, and More FunThis year’s Annual Conference marked the beginning ofa new century for the Association and also a renewed importance for student programs. Students were offeredthe opportunity to present and discuss their research, network with environmental professionals of all disci-plines, partake in a “real-world” environmental challenge,and enjoy various social festivities and tours, all while enhancing their career endeavors. This year’s conferencedrew more than 145 students from around the world. Additionally, more than US$25,000 were given away fornumerous student competitions throughout the week.

A new and exciting feature of this year’s conference wasthe Environmental Challenge International (ECi). Eightteams (engaging more than 40 students) from across theUnited States and Canada competed to prepare and presentan optimal solution to a complex real-world environmentalproblem. During the conference, teams interacted withanimated “role players” who were directly involved withthe ECi problem. Teams had to confront riots, enragedneighbors, estranged business owners, and even endan-gered species. The winning team, Western WashingtonUniversity—Huxley College of the Environment, tookhome a check for US$6000, as well as bragging rights!

Over 60 students participated in this year’s StudentPaper/Poster Contest. The competition was tight and the topics enlightening. Paper/posters covered topics, including sustainability, air pollution engineering, publicpolicy, air quality modeling, water quality treatment, envi-ronmental management, and hazardous waste manage-ment. While students eagerly waited for judges to assesstheir papers/ posters, conference attendees engagedthemselves with students and inquired about their research and future career endeavors.


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A Greener ConferencePortland, a city recognized as one of the greenest in theUnited States, was the perfect location for A&WMA’s mostsustainable Annual Conference yet! The conference site,the Oregon Convention Center, was the first conventioncenter in the country to receive Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S.Green Building Council as an existing building. A&WMAstaff and conference attendees worked to reduce the environmental footprint of the event by making use of theOregon Convention Center’s recycling bins and energy-saving lighting and water systems, taking the MAX LightRail around town instead of driving, and using and refillingplastic water bottles throughout the day. A&WMA was alsoproud to offer the option to buy carbon credits to offsettravel to and from Portland. Attendees purchased morethan US$1400 in credits, while A&WMA headquartersmade a donation to help offset the travel of the 23 staffmembers who flew to from Pittsburgh to Portland. em

Quick Q&Awith Former EPA Administrator William Reilly

Editor’s Note: After giving an engaging and insightful keynote presentation at A&WMA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition in Portland, OR,former EPA Administrator William Reilly sat downfor coffee and a quick chat with recent A&WMAboard member John Seitz and A&WMA PresidentC.V. Mathai. Following is an edited transcript oftheir conversation.

John Seitz: As you know, A&WMA is an international organization of environmental professionals, and a key component of our mission is tofoster a neutral forum where open dialogue on critical topics can takeplace. As you spoke today, I was struck by the difficulties involved in theclimate issue and educating people adequately on the scale and risks involved. What do you think an organization like ours could do to helpfoster the dialogue on climate?

William Reilly: My sense is that one of the most practical ways to causethe public to understand the climate threat is to focus on anticipated regional impacts, localized impacts. I cannot recall that anything impressed me quite so much as the information that I just described inmy presentation, about sea level rise in the California delta. Thirty-nineto 55 inches is such a substantial change, and it will alter the ecology.It will create an inland sea. Well, an inland sea is not the ecology of thedelta—it’s not what the fish or the plants evolved to respond to. When Igo around the country and I look at the maps that have been preparedshowing the possible impact of sea level rise, I’m simply astonished thatthere seems to be so little practical accommodation [for the projections].

People say the insurance companies are more sensitive to this issue, asone might expect. Last year at the Clinton Global Initiative, I asked theCEO of [worldwide insurance company] Swiss Re why he—who doesnot manufacture anything, who doesn’t have any carbon footprint tospeak of—was so concerned about climate. He said, “Well, you take acity like Shanghai. It looks like a substantial bit of it is going to be underwater in the relatively near term.” So I asked him, “Do you insurethose buildings?” And he said, “The tall ones.” I thought, yes, we needto begin to think that way. But very few of us have.

And I think that the influence that you have as experts, as professionals,as knowledgeable authorities, can be brought to bear on things like possible crop pattern changes in the middle west, or the growing loss ofsoil moisture in the far west. Although they may not happen, the IPCC[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] expects them to. So yourorganization can take the IPCC report apart, and try to foster conversationsabout what it will mean if the nights are warmer for the growing season,what it will mean for insects and for disease vectors. Because climatechange will have an influence on all these things.

I used to get attention when I spoke in the early years about climate.Most people didn’t really take it that seriously; they thought it was thepurview of specialists and experts, far off in the future. But when I wasin Virginia and I said that their farm ponds are going to have cotton-mouths within a generation…wow, that really got their attention. Theythought it couldn’t possibly be true, but all you have to do is change thetemperature ever so slightly. Cotton mouths are already in South Carolinafarm ponds; how long is it going to take to get to Virginia? Those kindsof things resonate with people, in a way that upper atmospheric changesand far-off sea level rise might not.

Visit the Online Library at www.awma.org/go/onlinelibraryto purchase the conference proceedings CD, containingmore than 500 peer-reviewed papers and 50 panels thatwere presented in Portland.

Detroit, MI, June 16–19, 2009“Driving Environmental Progress”

You are cordially invited to submit a proposal for a professional development course to be held during next year’s Annual Conference & Exhibition. Become a member of our esteemed faculty by submitting yourcourse proposal form online at www.awma.org/files_orig-inal/ CourseProposalForm.pdf.

The deadline for proposals is October 10, 2008.

Call for Professional Development Coursesfor A&WMA’s 102nd Annual Conference & Exhibition


be fine. I’ve never purported to be a scientist, but how do you informyourself about scientific opinion? Is there a better authority around thanthe IPCC?

Seitz: A&WMA has a growing number of students and young profession-als in its membership. What advice would you give to the next generationof environmental scientists and professionals?

Reilly: I’ve been a career conservationist. And I used to look at the history of early conservation efforts and think, what a small band ofbrothers and sisters those people were for most of the last 100 years.How little salience they had in society, how few people knew what theywere doing or would have attached any significance to it! They werecalled birders or tree-huggers or worse, and they still kept at it. But now,if you’re entering the environmental field, you are where it’s at. You arereally lucky to be at the center of major scientific, economic, ecological,and cultural considerations because, make no mistake about it, if welose the snow melt here—and we are losing it in Oregon—the cultureof agricultural economies has got to change.

I think that young people are tremendously lucky to be in this field atthis time, and there are so many ways to use their expertise. It used tobe that environmental professionals just wanted to work for the government. But that’s not the case anymore. In our era, the private sec-tor has been a real driver of innovation, change, and new technologies.Companies are hiring people with a range of environmental expertise,and you can have great careers in them. em

Seitz: So A&WMA, with its broad experience and range of industry expertise, should be fostering regional workshops on the meaning of allthis, to help bring this message home?

Reilly: That’s exactly what I’m saying. I think that we’ve got to be muchclearer about what we think we know—at least what the preponder-ance of scientific opinion suggest is true—without pretending there’sany certainty in all of this. And I think it needs to be done in a credibleway. We’ve got to try to get this issue in among the priorities people areconcerned about, even as we are very distracted by the high prices ofgasoline and fuel.

C.V. Mathai: In your presentation, you mentioned that there is very little discussion about the consequences of climate change in Congressand, therefore, there is very little communication about policy. How canwe improve communication between the policy-makers, technologists,and scientists?

Reilly: That is something I’ve spent a lot of time worrying about. Itseemed to me when I was EPA administrator that the credibility of ourregulatory process very much depended on good science. I think wehave to continue to repair to it. Frankly, one of the damaging effects ofrecent years is that science is either disregarded or disdained when itdoes not conform to policy preferences. That’s a really big mistake…

…I noticed that the longer I was in office, the more the press was willing to take seriously when I said science was telling me something,including when I put a pesticide back into circulation that posed no exposure problems but was a known carcinogen. We had been told byour scientists that by the time that the fruits and vegetables treated withthis chemical get to the market there’s not likely to be any residue. Weconfirmed this with a study of the fruits and vegetables. I rememberlooking at the press and saying to the press, you can do exactly what youdid on Alar—and scare the daylights out of ordinary Americans—or youcan talk to my scientists without me in the room, and find that what I’mtelling you is what they are telling me. And the press didn’t hype it; in fact, they were a little embarrassed by having been over excited by the Alar scare…

…I always thought that communicating was a big part of the job of EPAadministrator. You have moral authority, you have expertise, and youhave local credibility. You have to take the issues and look for opportu-nities to remind policy-makers that certain kinds of policies will not besustainable if they are not based on what the scientists are saying. Andthat’s true with respect to so many issues around the country.

Mathai: We were surprised to hear that one of the sponsors of the Senate’s Climate Security Act (S.2191) was amazed when told that the im-pact of the bill would be to raise electricity rates in his state by 65%. Beinga neutral forum, how can A&WMA help come up with credible informationon legislative impacts and communicate those back to the policy-makers?

Reilly: At this point, it’s not a controversial thing to say that climatechange is in our future. The difference between this moment and whenI was in government is that what we had to go on then was the opinionof scientists based on computer models. We have more than modelsnow; we have observation. What is happening in the Antarctic is com-pletely conforming to what was predicted. What’s happening to sea levelrise, what’s happening to acidification of the oceans—these things areall likely consequences of a continuation of trends that were understoodand predicted without observation 15 years ago. So I don’t think thatyou need worry that you’re moving into extremely controversial waterswhen you simply acknowledge that. If you stick to the IPCC, you should

In Next Month's Issue…

Carbon Sequestration

CO2 sequestration, the captureand storage of carbon dioxideusing subsurface salineaquifers, reservoirs, oceanwater, or other sinks, has beenproposed as a way to help mitigate the accumulation ofgreenhouse gases in the atmosphere. EM looks at theproposed federal regulationsfor geologic sequestrationprojects, state-based initiatives

to regulate carbon sequestration, and some of the requirementsfor developing a deep brine CO2 sequestration project.

Also look for…Inside the Industry IT Insight Waste 101 EPA Research Highlights

…And a wrap-up of this year’s student awards


Call for Abstractsfor the Air & Waste Management Association’s102nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

The Air & Waste Management Association’s (A&WMA) 102nd Annual Conference & Exhibition will be held in Detroit, MI,June 16-19, 2009. On behalf of A&WMA, we are pleased to invite abstracts of original work on any environmental issue,including those related to the listed focus and principal areas. The abstracts will be evaluated for:• Technical quality• Relevance and significance to current environmental issues• Lack of commercialism

The theme for the conference is “Driving Environmental Progress,” while the topic for the 2009 Critical Review will be“The Earth’s Environment from Space – Informing Environmental Policy.” Papers that are related to the conferencetheme or the Critical Review topic are particularly welcome.

The schedule for the development of the 2009 technical program is shown to the left.

ABSTRACTS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 5, 2008.

An extended abstract or full manuscript will be required for each accepted abstract. Draft documents are due March 13, 2009, with final versions due April 10, 2009.

Abstracts may be submitted by filling out the abstract submittal form online at www.awma.org/ACE2009.

Please select from the focus and principal area list provided on the following pages when submitting your abstract on-line. Abstracts may be submitted to either a general focus area, usually associated with a Technical Coordinating Com-mittee (TCC) in Technical Council, or to a specific principal area (a subtopic). Some focus areas may have similarprincipal areas, so review the entire listing before deciding where to submit an abstract. If a chair of a specific area orTCC has invited you to participate, please be sure you have the correct focus area and check the box to indicate that thepaper was solicited. When submitting your abstract, please make sure that your contact information is correct.

Paper and poster submissions will be treated identically with respect to submittal and review. They differ only in themethod of delivery at the conference - a paper presentation is given orally, while a poster presentation is a visual display. Please note the requirement to submit either an extended abstract or full manuscript (choice to be made by thesubmitter) for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings. Authors who do not show up at the conference to presenttheir paper or poster risk having their manuscripts removed from the Conference Proceedings.

Authors will be notified of the preliminary acceptance of their abstract by February 13, 2009. For inclusion in the AnnualConference Technical Program, a complete draft manuscript or extended abstract (3-5 pages) must be received by March13, 2009, and reviewed and revised by the final deadline of April 10, 2009. The final acceptance for the conference is based upon the final manuscript/extended abstract. The manuscript/extended abstract must adhere tothe style guides, which will be available online at www.awma.org/ACE2009.

This year there will be awards for student posters and young professional manuscripts. Note that there will be a separate Call for Abstracts for student posters and they will be submitted to a separate online entry point. Stu-dents may submit similar material for a student poster and a paper presentation. Those individuals who want to havetheir submissions considered for an award must indicate it at the time they submit their abstracts and must provide the necessary personal information. To be eligible for the young professional manuscript award, the individualmust be the lead author, have the major responsibility for the work, and be the presenter at the conference.

Richard Tropp Ashok KumarTechnical Program Chair Technical Program Vice Chair

A&WMA policy stipulates that all authors who attend the Annual Conference & Exhibitionmust register and pay the appropriate registration fees.

2009 Technical Program Timeline

September 2008Call for Abstracts

December 5, 2008Abstracts Due

January 2, 2009Abstract Reviews Due

January 12, 2009Session Proposals & Draft Panel Info Due

January 22-23, 2009ACTP Planning “Develop Grid”

February 2009Preliminary Program

March 13, 2009Draft Panel Extended Abstracts &Draft Manuscripts Due

April 10, 2009Final Panel Extended Abstracts & Final Manuscripts Due

May 2009Final Program

June 16-19, 20092009 ACE Program


2009 A&WMA Annual Conference List of Proposed Principal AreasAbstracts are solicited on current issues, case studies, and practical experiences. Please reviewthe proposed principal areas and indicate on the online submittal form which focus area/prin-cipal area best encompasses your abstract. If your abstract matches more than one focusarea/principal area, list the choices in your preferred order. The following list of focus areas issegmented according to the Technical Council Groups (Air, Environmental Management, andWaste), Divisions, and Technical Coordinating Committees. Also included are focus areas forEducation Council, international focus, and local and regional issues.

PRINCIPAL AREAS

AIRBASIC SCIENCES

AB-1 Particulate Matter• PM Measurements• PM Chemical Speciation• Fugitive Dust• PM Models/Modeling• PM Measurement Uncertainty and Error Analysis• International PM Studies

AB-2 Chemistry of the Atmosphere • Biofuels - Characterization and Impact• Ambient Studies - Measurements and Modeling• Advances in Analytical Measurements and Techniques• Photochemistry and Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation

AB-3 Meteorology of the Atmosphere• Meteorological and Modeling Aspects of Nuclear Facility Siting• Applications of Short-Range Modeling• Ozone and Regional Haze Modeling• Regulatory Model Applications• Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Modeling• Uses of Remote Data in Air Modeling• Challenges to Air Quality Emissions, Modeling, Deposition,

and Measurements

AB-5 Noises and Vibration• Transportation, Industrial, and Community Noise Issues

AB-6 Visibility and Radiative Balance• Visibility and Radiative Balance• Visibility and Radiative Balance – Beyond Sulfur

AB-7 Indoor Air Quality• Transportation Indoor Air Quality• Soil Vapor Intrusion• Sources, Measurement, Impacts and Control• Chemistry and Physics• Investigations and Remediation• Balancing Sustainability and Indoor Air Quality• Green Buildings

EMISSIONS CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

AE-1 Control of Particulate and Associated Acid Gases• SOx Emissions Measurement and Control• Fine Particle Emissions Measurement and Control• Mercury Chemistry, Measurement, and Control• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emission Control Technology• Mercury and Power Generation: Control Technology

AE-2 Control of Solvents, Odors, and Gases• Control of Gaseous Emissions from Alternate Fuels Production• Air Treatment Technologies• Novel Air Pollution Control• Biotreatment, Biotransformation, and Biocatalysis Treatment of

Air Contaminants

MEASUREMENTS

AM-1 Emission Factors and Inventories• Use of Satellite Observations in Emissions Inventories• What to Do With Emissions Data That Are Collected: Dealing with

Outliers, Different Units, and Form of the Standard• How to Characterize Greenhouse Gas Emissions at Facilities

(Including Mobile Sources, Electricity Generation, Etc.)• International and Transboundary Perspectives on Emission Factor

Development


AM-2 Receptor/Source Apportionment• Advances in Source Apportionment and Receptor Modeling• Using Source Apportionment for Accountability• Using Source Apportionment Tools to Investigate Climate Change

AM-3 Ambient Monitoring• Ambient Monitoring International • Ambient Air Methods, Studies, and Advances• Ambient Air Studies and Projects that Cross Transboundary Areas• National Air Emissions Monitoring Study - Experience and Progress

in Assessing Emissions from Agricultural Operations

AM-4 Source Monitoring• Laboratory Aspects of Source Monitoring• Non-traditional Approaches to Continuous Compliance Determination• Recent Developments in Source Monitoring• Legal and Quality Management Aspects of Emission Monitoring

AM-5 Data Management, Analysis, and Quality Assur-ance• Quality Assurance and Quality Control• Fundamentals of Environmental Data Management and Analysis• Use of Environmental Metrics• Data Analysis and Trends• Choosing and Using Satellite Data: Basics of Satellite Data

Management• Using Satellite Data to Examine Special Events• Analysis of Particulate Matter Data Sets

OPTICAL SENSING

AO-1 Techniques of Optical Sensing• Validation, Standardization, and Protocol Development for Optical

Sensing (Including Issues Related to Regulatory Acceptance)• Novel Optical Sensing Techniques and Instrumentation

AO-2 Application of Optical Sensing• Optical Sensing of Transportation-Related Pollution• Application of Optical Sensing Instrumentation for Environmental

Monitoring• Optical Techniques for Greenhouse Gas and CO2 Sequestration

Monitoring

AO-3 Optical Sensing for Leak Detection• Leak Detection and Fenceline Monitoring in Petrochemical Plants

and Refineries• Release Detection and Emission Measurement from Oil and Gas

Fields and Refineries

TOXIC AIR POLLUTANTS

AT-1 Toxic Emissions Release, Response, and Strategies(TERRAS)• Air Toxics Emissions and Source Characterization• Air Toxics Developments – Implementation, Area Sources, and

Residual Risk• State Air Toxics Programs• Modeling of Accidental/Episodic Air Toxics and Flammable Releases

AT-3 Health and Environmental Effects of Air Toxics• Aspects of Health Effects Associated with Persistent

Bioaccumulative Compounds (PABs)• Vapor Intrusion – Health Effects• Health and Environmental Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials• Air Toxics of Alternate Fuels and Health Effects• Statistical Evaluation of Exposure and Health Effects of Air Toxics

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTEFFECTS

EE-1 Health Effects and Exposure• Near Roadway Exposure• Impacts of Changes in Transportation on Human Exposure• Assessing the Health Impacts of Exposure to Nanomaterials• Personal Exposure Monitoring• Integrating Exposure Data and Modeling• Exhaust Emissions from New Technology Diesel Engines• Exposure Estimates and Source Attribution of In-vehicle Pollution

EE-5 Risk Assessment and Management• Recent Experiences with Risk Assessment• Risk Communication• Risk Assessment and Modeling Techniques and Tools• Local, Regional, and Global Health Risk Management• Risk Assessment and Management of Mobile Source Emissions• Ecological Risk Assessment

EE-6 Odor Measurement, Effects, and Management• Municipal Solid Waste and Yard Waste Composting Odors –

Case Studies• Odor Measurement, Effects, and Management• Odor Control Case Studies• Modeling and Monitoring of Odors• Odor Nuisance and Enforcement Case Studies

EE-7 Homeland and Environmental Security• Chemical Site Security• Homeland Security Preparedness and Response


INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES

EI-1 Federal Facilities• Environmental Compliance at Federal Facilities• Implementation of Executive Order 13423, Energy Initiatives, and

Sustainability at Federal Facilities

EI-2 Power Generation• Bridge Technologies and Strategies for a Carbon Constrained World• Challenges in Public Utilities in a Carbon Constrained World• Nuclear Power – Moving Forward• The Role of Energy Efficiency in Combating Climate Change• International Power Generation Strategies for Dealing with Global

Climate Change

EI-3 Non-Utility Boilers, Furnaces, and Process Heaters• Environmental Issues Facing Commercial and Industrial Energy

Sources• Fundamentals of Efficient Boiler Operation• Carbon Footprinting for Industrial Boilers• Latest Developments on the Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional

Boiler MACT

EI-4 Chemical/Petroleum Sources• Global Issues in the Chemical and Petroleum Industries• Permitting and Enforcement Issues in the Chemical Manufacturing

Industry• Compliance Systems Solutions for the Petroleum and Chemical Sector• Emerging Issues in the Petrochemical Industry

EI-5 Cement, Lime, and Non-Metallic Mineral Processing• Regulatory Updates and Impacts on the Portland Cement and

Lime Industry• Sustainability

EI-6 Metal Industries• Energy Efficiency Projects in the Metals Industries• New Coke Oven Environmental Issues• Strategies for Metals Industry to Meet Requirements of New SIPs

for PM2.5 and Ozone

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

EP-1 Policy and Regulations• Air Permitting Conditions, Problems, and Issues• Great Lakes Protection and Diversions• The Federal/State Relationship• Review of EPA’s Current Substantive Rulemaking• Company Outreach to the Public• Modifying the Clean Air Act• Experience in Incorporating Flexibility into Title V Permits

EP-3 Legal/Liability• International/Transboundary Issues

EP-4 Facility Permitting and Siting• Facility Permitting Issues

EP-5 Public Participation and Facility Siting• Public Participation in Programs to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions• Public Participation in Environmental Policy and Projects

EP-8 Environmental Health and Safety ManagementSystems• EHS and Sustainability in the Public Sector – Lessons Learned from

Executive Order 13423• Identifying and Managing Key EHS Metrics and Systems• Raising the Bar on Compliance – Striving for Zero Defects• Six Sigma – Using Data to Improve Performance• Environmental Health and Safety• Driving Improved Performance by Behavior Management

POLLUTION PREVENTION AND SUSTAINABILITY

ES-1 Pollution Prevention• Integrated Contingency Planning• Approval and Implementation of Pollution Prevention Techniques• Identification of Pollution Prevention Opportunities• Design for Product Stewardship/Life Cycle Ownership• Innovative Technologies for Reducing Pollution Including Greenhouse

Gases

ES-4 Sustainability• Urban Built Environment Impacts on Climate Change• Green Building and Land Use• Sustainable Development through Partnership and Collaboration• Climate Change and Sustainability• Sustainable Agriculture• The Sustainability Movement

ES-5 Climate Change Strategies• The Role of Renewable Energy in Greenhouse Gas Mitigation• Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Clean Energy• Climate Policy and Regulation• Climate Impacts and Adaptation• Climate Change Including Its Impact on the Auto Industry• Energy Efficiency and Conservation


TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

ET-1 Transportation On and Off Road• Diesel Vehicles – Tier 4 and Beyond: Energy Efficient and Low

Emitting?• Technologies that Could Achieve Reductions of Greenhouse Gas

Emissions from the Transportation Sector Focusing on Engines and Fuels

• General Emissions/Modeling/Clean Diesel Issues• Transportation and Advanced Technologies Strategies from the

Auto Capital• Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles: Energy, Environmental, and Policy

Implications• Off Road Sources, Airports, Rail, Marine and Construction

ET-2 Land Use and Transportation Policy• Land Use and Transportation Measures to Address Global Warming• Transportation – Air Quality Issues in Developing Countries

RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENTMUNICIPAL AND MEDICAL WASTE

WM-1 Integrated Waste Management, Waste Preven-tion, and Recycling• Zero Waste Systems, Zero Waste to Landfills, Eco-Industrial Parks

and Communities• MSW Recycling Technology, Economics, Policy, and Outreach• Electronics Reuse, Recycling and Management• International Perspectives and Case Studies in Municipal Solid

Waste Management• Special Wastes, C&D and Disaster Waste Reuse and Recycling• Zero Waste in the Automotive Industry• Green Procurement, Green Accounting, Design for Environment

WM-3 Municipal Waste Treatment• Landfills, Bioreactors, Gas and Leachate Collection, Treatment, and

Energy Recovery, and Landfill Mining• Composting Technologies, Emissions, Quality, and Applications• Bioenergy and Alternative Fuels – Technologies, Policies, and

Applications• Anaerobic Digestion, Co-Digestion of Food Waste, Agricultural and

Industrial• Ash and Residuals Management and Beneficial Use – Technologies,

Policies, and Applications• Industrial Non-Hazardous Waste Management and Treatment• Thermal Treatment of Solid Wastes/Residuals, Gasification, and

Waste-To-Energy Applications• Water/Wastewater Treatment Residuals, Management, and Processing

WM-4 Medical Waste Treatment• Healthcare Waste Management (Including Infectious Wastes,

Pharmaceuticals, Radioactive Healthcare Waste, and Pathological Wastes)

• Medical Waste Prevention and Resource Efficiency• Medical Equipment Reuse and Recycling• Medical Waste Treatment and Processing Technologies (Including

Alternative Treatments)• Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Management• Community Generated Healthcare Wastes

HAZARDOUS, RADIOACTIVE, AND MIXED WASTE

WR-1 Site Characterization, Investigation, and Remedia-tion/Redevelopment• Site Investigation• Brownfields• Climate Change and Waste Management• Remediation of Emerging Contaminants

WR-2 Management and Treatment of Hazardous, Ra-dioactive, and Mixed Wastes• Area Based/Centralized Waste Management• Hazardous Waste Management• Management of Radioactive Materials Associated with Emergency

Response• Radioactive Decontamination and the Associated Wastes and

Byproducts• Greenhouse Gas Issues in Waste Management• Hazardous Waste Management at Federal Facilities

EDUCATION• Environmental Education and Outreach: Opportunities and

Challenges• State of Environmental Research and Development in the Energy

Arena• Information Technology for Environmental Action

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS• Environmental Issues in Emerging Economies• International Global Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

LOCAL AND REGIONAL ISSUES• Great Lakes Protection• Midwest Regional Initiatives Related to Climate Change• The Future of Power Generation in the Midwest• Auto Industry Challenges

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emprofessional development programs

The following course is being held in conjunction with thespecialty conference, Vapour Intrusion: Understanding Scientific, Technical, and Legal Issues and Solutions, September8–10, 2008, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For more informationabout this conference, go to www.awma.org/events.

SEPTEMBER 8 (8:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M.)AIR-212: Assessment, Modeling, and Mitigation of Soil Vapour IntrusionInstructors: Ian Hers, Ph.D., P.Eng., Associate/GlobalVapour Intrusion Leader; Jeanette Southwood, M.A.Sc.,P.Eng., QPESA, QPRA, Principal/Chair, Global BrownfieldsInitiative; Mike Z’Graggen, M.R.M., QPRA, Risk Assessmentand Toxicology Team Leader; and John Goodin, M.Sc.,C.Chem., QPRA, Senior Human Health Risk Assessor,Golder Associates Ltd.

This comprehensive one-day course will address key aspects for assessment and site characterization, predictivemodeling, and mitigation of soil vapour intrusion intobuildings and will be given by leading experts in this field.The course will consider recent developments for vapourintrusion, why this pathway is important for brownfieldsredevelopment, environmental health and safety and indoorair quality, and local and national regulatory context. Formore information, contact Autumn Secrest, A&WMA ProgramsCoordinator, at + 1-412-904-6031 or [email protected].

The following five courses are being held in conjunctionwith the A&WMA Specialty Conference, Symposium on AirQuality Measurement Methods and Technology, November 3–6,2008, in Chapel Hill, NC. For more information about thisconference, go to www.awma.org/events.

NOVEMBER 3 (8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.)AIR-253: Optical Remote Sensing for Emission Characterization from Non-Point SourcesInstructor: Ram A. Hashmonay, Ph.D., ARCADIS

This course is intended to give attendees an under-standing of the recently published Other Test Method 10(OTM10): Optical Remote Sensing for Emission Characterizationfrom Non-point Sources (www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/tmethods.html).Specific methodologies will be discussed with regard totheir potential applications. No prerequisites are required.

AIR-301: Chemical Mass Balance Receptor Model Version 8 (CMB8)Instructors: John Watson and Judy Chow, Desert ResearchInstitute

This course provides an introduction to CMB8 modeloperation and application. CMB8 is the primary software forapplying the Chemical Mass Balance receptor model to thesource apportionment of suspended particles and volatileorganic compounds on both urban and regional scales.

AIR-229: Analyzing Ambient Air Toxics DataInstructor: Hilary Hafner, Sonoma Technology Inc.

A national air toxics trends monitoring network hasbeen deployed as part of the National Air Monitoring Strategy. While national-scale analyses of the data have beenconducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), there is a need, and interest in, evaluation of the airtoxics data by region, urban area, and site. This course presents a comprehensive approach to air toxics data analysis. No prerequisites are required.

NOVEMBER 3 (8:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M.) AIR-206: Sampling and Analysis Methods for Vapor IntrusionInstructor: Bart Eklund, Principal Scientist, URS Corp.

Field studies of vapor intrusion may involve a wide varietyof different sampling and analytical approaches. Thiscourse provides attendees with a basic working knowledgeof approaches for measuring gas-phase concentrations andgas transport. Such measurements may be performed outsidethe building (e.g., soil gas, ambient air) or inside the building(e.g., sub-slab soil gas, indoor air, pressure differential,building ventilation rate).

NOVEMBER 3 (1:00–5:00 P.M.)AIR-268: Data Evaluation for Vapor Intrusion StudiesInstructor: Bart Eklund, Principal Scientist, URS Corp.

Vapor intrusion is the migration of gas-phase substancesfrom the subsurface into buildings or other structures. Thiscourse introduces various data analysis procedures for evaluating vapor intrusion data sets that include indoor airdata, with an emphasis on identifying background volatileorganic compound concentrations and taking any suchbackground into account in the decision-making process.No specific prerequisites are required, but attendees shouldbe familiar with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) guidance for vapor intrusion.

The following course is being held in conjunction with theA&WMA Specialty Conference, Hazardous Waste Combustors,November 12–14, 2008, in Galveston, TX. For more informationabout this conference, go to www.awma.org/events.

NOVEMBER 12 (8:00 A.M - 5:00 P.M.)AIR-285: HWC MACT, Trial Burn/Risk Burn Compliance TestingInstructor: Douglas Saathoff, Executive Vice President,METCO Environmental Inc.

This course will provide practical information for designing and conducting a successful trial burn, risk burn,or hazardous waste combustor (HWC) Maximum Achiev-able Control Technology (MACT) performance test. Specific roles, preparation steps, and responsibilities will bediscussed for each of the parties involved in the test program. The impact of regulatory requirements on testplan design will be addressed, as will the protocol U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods foremissions measurement, associated quality assurance/quality control, and method limitations.


emc a l l f o r a b s t r a c t s

The 2009 International Conference on Air Quality—Science and Application (formerly known as the UrbanAir Quality Conference) will be held March 24–27, in Istanbul, Turkey, and is being organized by the Univer-sity of Hertfordshire and the Istanbul Technical Univer-sity with support from a number of internationalorganizations, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the American Meteorological Society (AMS), and the Air & Waste Management Asso-ciation (A&WMA). For more than a decade, this con-ference has been held under the theme of urban airquality. While air quality continues to be associated with

cities and streets, developments in research have high-lighted the importance of interactions between allscales, including the linkages and feedbacks betweenurban, regional, and global air quality, as well as with climate change. These developments in science alsohave implications for the policy formulation process. Itis hoped that the new conference title and theme willbetter reflect the evolution of the field and will serve toencourage wider international dialogue and exchangeof ideas on air quality science and its application. Detailed submittal information is available online atwww.airqualityconference.org. em

The following four courses are being held in conjunctionwith the specialty conference, Vapor Intrusion Conference2009, January 27–30, 2009, San Diego, CA. For more infor-mation about this conference, go to www.awma.org/events.

JANUARY 27 (8:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M.)AIR-206: Sampling and Analysis Methods for Vapor IntrusionInstructors: Gina Plantz, Senior Scientist, Haley & Aldrich Inc.;and Bart Eklund, Principal Scientist, URS Corp.

Field studies of vapor intrusion may involve a wide va-riety of different sampling and analytical approaches. Thiscourse provides attendees with a basic working knowledgeof approaches for measuring gas-phase concentrationsand gas transport. Such measurements may be performedoutside the building (e.g., soil gas, ambient air) or insidethe building (e.g., sub-slab soil gas, indoor air, pressuredifferential, building ventilation rate). The course shouldprove useful for persons with responsibility for developingor reviewing test plans for vapor intrusion studies.

AIR-207: Design Considerations for the Mitigation ofVapor IntrusionInstructor: Matthew Traister, Managing Engineer, O’Brien& Gere

This course provides attendees with an understanding ofthe various techniques—both active and passive—that can beapplied in order to mitigate the vapor intrusion pathway. Siteremedies, institutional controls, and building control optionsare addressed, with the latter technique being discussed indetail. Advantages and disadvantages for the various buildingcontrol options are reviewed and discussed, and conceptualunit cost estimates are provided. Special design considerationsinvolving structure type and environmental factors are alsopresented.

JANUARY 27 (1:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M.)AIR-268: Data Evaluation for Vapor Intrusion StudiesInstructor: Bart Eklund, Principal Scientist, URS Corp.

This course introduces various data analysis proceduresfor evaluating vapor intrusion data sets that include indoorair data, with an emphasis on identifying background VOC concentrations and taking any such background into account in the decision-making process. The dataanalysis methods can be used to determine whether or not various compounds exhibit similar behavior to one another. This information can then be used to ascertainwhether the measured concentrations in indoor air for a given VOC are the result solely of vapor intrusion, solelyof background sources, or a combination of vapor intru-sion and background sources. No specific prerequisites are required, but attendees are assumed to be familiar with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance forvapor intrusion.

AIR-274: Vapor Intrusion Pathway Modeling—Develop-ment and ApplicationInstructor: Instructor: Robert Ettinger, Associate, GeosyntecConsultants

Modeling is frequently a key step in the evaluation of the vapor intrusion pathway for chemical release sites.This course is intended to give attendees an understandingof the development and use of models to evaluate this pathway. The fundamental fate and transport mecha-nisms included in common vapor intrusion models will bedescribed and evaluation of critical model inputs discussed.Additionally, the course will include an overview of avail-able models and provide examples of model application.No prerequisites are required. A scientific or engineeringbackground would be beneficial. em

COSPONSORED BY A&WMA

International Conference7th International Conference on Air Quality—Science and Application (Air Quality 2009)March 24–27, 2009, Istanbul, TurkeyAbstract Deadline: September 26, 2008


SIX-WEEK ONLINE COURSEAIR-284E: Boilers, Process Heaters, and Air Quality RequirementsInstructor: Leo H. Stander, P.E., DEE, NSPE, Environmental Consultant

The purpose of this course is to explain the air quality requirements that are involved in the design and operation of industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers and processheaters. Prior knowledge of the operation of these units is useful,but is not required. Prior knowledge of air pollution control measuresor requirements is not necessary or expected. Upon completionof this course, participants should be able to identify affected boilersand process heaters; discuss air quality requirements, includingSIP, PSD, NSR, NSPS, NESHAP, and MACT; describe emissions limitations and work practice standards; describe monitoring procedures for determining initial and continuous compliance;and explain reporting and record keeping requirements.

2008 Schedule:September 8 – October 19 (AIR-284E-7)October 27 – December 7 (AIR-284E-8)

SIX-WEEK ONLINE COURSEEMGM-191E: Internal Environmental AuditorInstructor: David R. McCallum, M.E.Des., President, M+A Environmental Consultants, Inc.

The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and skillsneeded to effectively participate in internal auditing programs, forboth environmental management systems (EMSs) and regulatorycompliance. At the end of this course, participants should be ableto explain the purpose of environmental auditing, describe thefactors necessary for a successful audit, assist in the planning andundertaking of environmental audits, develop audit protocols,gather acceptable audit evidence, and prepare appropriate auditfindings and follow-up audit results. Prior knowledge of EMSs, environmental regulations, or auditing techniques is useful, but isnot required.

2008 Schedule:October 27 – December 7 (EMGM-191E-22)

FOUR-WEEK ONLINE COURSEGEN-100E: Environmental Practices Review (EPR)Instructor: Tim C. Keener, Ph.D., P.E., QEP, Professor, University of Cincinnati

This course is intended to help those interested in reviewingtheir science and engineering skills as they relate to environmentalproblem-solving. Those interested in using this material as a refresher before taking certification examinations (e.g., QEP)should find it most helpful. This material can serve as both a reviewand a stand-alone course for the study of fundamental concepts in environmental engineering and science. The objective of the course will be to teach students how to solve problem

typically found in environmental engineering and science, and assumes that the participant has some previous knowledge of thesubject matter.

2008 Schedule:October 6 – November 2 (GEN-100E-30)

FOUR-WEEK ONLINE COURSEGENAQ-100E: Environmental Practices Review (EPR)Specialty Course: Air QualityInstructor: Joseph P. Pezze, QEP, President, The Hillcrest Group, LLC

This course is designed to help students prepare for profes-sional certification through a review of major air quality issues. Inthis course, students will not only focus on scientific and technicalissues, but will also learn how to apply them to real-world scenar-ios. Discussions topics will include ambient air quality standards,permit requirement, particulate and gaseous air pollution con-trols, toxic emissions, emission inventories, source testing, con-tinuous monitoring, air pollution meteorology, and combustion.Additionally, issues such as pollution prevention will be discussedas alternatives to end-of-pipe controls. Upon completion of the course, students will have a general understanding of air quality, and know what it takes to analyze and understand major airquality issues.

2008 Schedule:October 6 – November 2 (GENAQ-100E-22)

FOUR-WEEK ONLINE COURSEAIR-311E: NOx Control for Industrial and Utility ApplicationsInstructor: Thomas F. McGowan, P.E., President, TMTS Associates, Inc.

This intermediate course is focused on the control of nitrogenoxides (NOx) emissions for industrial heating equipment, includ-ing boilers, kilns, furnaces, and thermal oxidizers, as well as coal-fired boilers and gas turbines used for power production.Economical “front-end” changes in combustion equipment andmore expensive “end-of-pipe” post-combustion controls are covered. Regulations that affect allowable NOx levels are also reviewed. The knowledge gained in the course will allow attendeesto comply with myriad regulations and promote safe and economical operation. There are no prerequisites, however, a scientific, engineering, or operations background would be beneficial, as would some knowledge of industrial applications(e.g., steam boilers, gas turbines).

2008 Schedule:September 8 – October 5 (AIR-311E-20)

COURSE IN DEVELOPMENT:EMGM-382E: Fundamentals of New Source Review (NSR)

Visit the E-Learning Center atwww.awma.org for up-to-date schedules.

emp rofess iona l d eve l op m en t p rog ram s


JOURNALOF THE AIR & WASTE

MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Listed below are the articles appearing in the September 2008 issue

of the Journal.

For ordering information, go to www.awma.org/journal

or call 1-412-232-3444.

In This Month’s Issue…

Special Issue

Agricultural Air Quality: State of the Science

Guest Editor: Viney P. Aneja, Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences,North Carolina State University

Air Emissions of Ammonia and Methane fromLivestock Operations: Valuation and Policy Options

Characterizing Ammonia Emissions from SwineFarms in Eastern North Carolina: Part 1—Conventional Lagoon and Spray Technology for Waste Treatment

Characterizing Ammonia Emissions from SwineFarms in Eastern North Carolina: Part 2—Potential Environmentally Superior Technologiesfor Waste Treatment

Footprints on Ammonia Concentrations from Environmental Regulations

Dispersion Modeling to Compare Alternative Tech-nologies for Odor Remediation at Swine Facilities

The Development of Industry-Specific Odor Impact Criteria for Feedlots Using Models

Chemical-Sensory Characterization of Dairy Manure Odor Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and Multidimensional Gas Chro-matography Mass Spectrometry-Olfactometry

Modeling Studies of Ammonia Dispersion andDry Deposition at Some Hog Farms in NorthCarolina

Measurement, Analysis, and Modeling of FineParticulate Matter in Eastern North Carolina

Back-Trajectory Analysis and Source-ReceptorRelationships: Particulate Matter and NitrogenIsotopic Composition in Rainwater

Evidence of Enhanced Atmospheric AmmoniacalNitrogen in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area:Implications for Natural and Cultural Resources

Monitoring Agricultural Burning in the MississippiRiver Valley Region from the Moderate ResolutionImaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)

Air and Groundwater Pollution in an AgriculturalRegion of the Turkish Mediterranean Coast

9SEPTEMBER 2008VOLUME 58

em2008

SEPTEMBER

8–10 Canadian Vapour IntrusionConference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

18–19 Clearing the Air on NewSource Review (NSR) Workshop, Orlando, FL

30 Unintended Consequences:Ethical Considerations forEngineering Solutions Webinar, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.Eastern

OCTOBER

12–16 International Society forEnvironmental Epidemiol-ogy & International Societyof Exposure Analysis (ISEE–ISEA) 2008 Joint AnnualConference, Pasadena, CA

14–16 Energy from Biomass and Waste (EBW 2008),Pittsburgh, PA; www.ebw-expo.com

NOVEMBER

3–6 Symposium on Air QualityMeasurement Methods andTechnology, Chapel Hill, NC

12–14 Hazardous Waste Combustors Conference &Exhibition, Galveston, TX

12–14 Canadian Municipal WasteManagement Conference,Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

12–14 Better Air Quality 2008(BAQ 2008), Bangkok, Thailand

DECEMBER

2–4 Partners in EnvironmentalTechnology Technical Symposium & Workshop,“Meeting DoD’s EnvironmentalChallenges,” Washington, DC;www.serdp-estcp.org/symposium

2009JANUARY

11–15 16th Joint Conference onthe Applications of Air Pol-lution Meteorology withA&WMA, Phoenix, AZ

27–30 Vapor Intrusion Conference,San Diego, CA

FEBRUARY

1–4 12th Annual Conference onClean Air, Mercury, GlobalWarming & Renewable Energy (EUEC 2009), Phoenix,AZ; www.euec.com

MARCH

24–27 7th International Conference on Air Quality—Science and Application(Air Quality 2009), Istanbul,Turkey

MAY

18–22 28th Annual InternationalConference on ThermalTreatment Technologies,Cincinnati, OH

JUNE

16–19 A&WMA’s 102nd AnnualConference & Exhibition,Detroit, MI

OCTOBER

25–29 International Air Quality VIIConference, Arlington, VA;www.undeerc.org

26–30 Air Quality Modeling, Raleigh, NC

2010JUNE

22–25 A&WMA’s 103rd AnnualConference & Exhibition,Calgary, Alberta, Canada

SEPTEMBER

11–16 15th World Congress of theInternational Union of AirPollution Prevention Associations (IUAPPA), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Events sponsored and cosponsored by the Air &Waste Management Association (A&WMA) are high-lighted in bold. For more information, call A&WMAMember Services at 1-800-270-3444 or visit theA&WMA Events Web site: www.awma.org/events.

To add your events to this calendar, send to: CalendarListings, Air & Waste Management Association, OneGateway Center, 3rd Floor, 420 Fort Duquesne Blvd.,Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1435. Calendar listings arepublished on a space-available basis and should be received by A&WMA’s editorial offices at least threemonths in advance of publication.

c a l e n d a r o f e v e n t s


em Each month, this page profiles a different A&WMA memberto find out what makes them tick at work and at home.

MATILDE ESPINOSA, QEPEnvironmental ConsultantNaucalpan, Mexico

A&WMA Member Since: 1976Mexico Section

Association leadership roles held:

Chair, West Coast Section’s Mexico Chapter

Chair, Mexico Section

Members wantedTo recommend an A&WMA member tobe profiled on this page, please send themember’s name and contact informationto: Editor, EM Magazine, Air & WasteManagement Association, One GatewayCenter, 3rd Floor, 420 Ft. DuquesneBlvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1435; fax: 1-412-232-3450; e-mail: [email protected].

“I belong to several associations, but A&WMA has

a very special meaning to me.”

t h e m e m b e r m i n u t e

A&WMAA&WMA&member get amembmembeerr geg t amember campaign

A Century of Experience . . .To Solve Today's Challenges

When you recruit a new member, everyone’s a winner.Help us share the many benefits of A&WMA membershipby inviting your peers to join us during our new MemberGet a Member campaign! Members who recruit newmembers will be rewarded with great prizes.

Visit www.awma.org/go/membergetamember08 formembership applications and more details on the program.Start recruiting today!

C t f

em: What inspired you to become an environmental professional?Espinosa: Being a native of Mexico City, I didn’t just want to sit back and witness environmentaldeterioration (mainly of air quality) without doing something.

What environmental leader do you admire most and why?Dr. Arthur C. Stern, the late scientist and government official who pioneered in identifyingair pollution as a major threat and in mobilizing efforts to combat it. I’m an Eisenhower Fellow and it was through that Fellowship that I got to meet many important people, includingDr. Stern. I kept in touch with him for a long, long time (mainly through A&WMA), and I remember that during his last visit to Mexico he and his wife came to my house for dinner.

What advice would you give to students and/or young professionals just starting out in the field?To work very hard and never give up. To witness environmental improvement (even a smallimprovement) is a great reward.

What does A&WMA membership mean to you?I belong to several associations, but A&WMA has a very special meaning to me. Maybe it’s because as a member for over 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to see it grow and becomemore important.

What was the best A&WMA Annual Conference you’ve attended?San Antonio, TX, in 1995. Mexico’s participation was very important at that meeting. TheMexican government even had a booth at the exhibit (which I organized). And it was great fun!

What are your proudest accomplishments as an environmental professional?To witness my former students’ accomplishments.

Are you currently working on any interesting projects? Yes, actually two projects. I’m developing a Web page on sustainability for the MetropolitanUniversity in Mexico City, and I’m also working on a project that is looking at volatile organiccompounds—benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX)—for the federal government of Mexico.

What’s the single biggest environmental problem facing the world today?Global warming. No doubt.

How do you like to let off steam?Listening to music (both classical and opera), meeting with friends, watching TV (especiallythe Sci-fi Channel), and playing with my dogs and cats (Matilde is pictured above with her dog,Beethoven). em

A&WMA'S 102ND

ANNUALCONFERENCE& EXHIBITION

JUNE 16-19, 2009DETROIT, MICHIGAN

CONFERENCE SPONSOR Make plans now to join us in Detroit for the Air & Waste Management

Association’s 102nd Annual Conference & Exhibition (ACE).

Don’t miss your chance to network with environmental professionals from around the world at

ACE 2009. The conference will feature a technical program boasting over 500 speakers, social

tours and networking events, and professional development courses taught by leading instructors.

One of the most exciting features of every Annual Conference & Exhibition is the

bustling exhibit hall filled with hundreds of exhibitors displaying the newest products

and services. From instrumentation and testing services to control equipment and leading

industry publications, our exhibitors have the environmental industry covered. Visit

www.awma.org/ACE2009/floorplan to view the floor plan, and find out more about our

exhibitors.

ACE is the premier education, networking, and solutions event for environmental

professionals. Join us and be a part of a global conversation that will drive environmental

progress.


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THE MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS ...pubs.awma.org/gsearch/em/2008/9/not needed/_full EM...that offers opportunities for idea sharing, networking, and discussion on the New Source