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VOC emissions from ethanol plants was reported as a
concern of the EPA, according to the New York Times today,
May 3,
2002
Ethanol Plants Said Releasing Toxins
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Apparently most of the 61 ethanol plants have been built without VOC
control (thermal oxidizers, biofilters) and some are being found to emit more
than expected, others are drawing compaints.
Complaints are usually about odors. People are less willing to accept odors
these days. While working at a major midwestern food processing plant on
Thursday I was told about a problem they were having with a young dentist who
decided to build a house in the path of the plants plume, then sue. Yuppies
have no tolerance, they concluded.
Ethanol plants are not alone. Many industries are just now being required
to control VOCs under new Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)
standards. I would say that the main control technologies - thermal
oxidizers and biofilters - are still under development and trying to gain
acceptance by industry. There are many choices of thermal oxiders.
They are going in some plants and coming out of others. We've had growing
success with biofilters for VOC control, a technology that is more
energy efficient than burning gas in a thermal oxidizer but one that has seen
many failures.
Tom
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