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Pipeline Pigging Technology

CLEAN AIR ACT (CAA)

Synopsis: CAA, enacted in 1970, is the successor to a number of acts whose
goal was the reduction of airborne emissions and the general improvement
in ambient air quality. The version of the act passed in 1970 included
provisions for the establishment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) which were designed to protect primary public health and second-
ary public welfare (i.e. the environment). In order to accomplish these goals,
CAA required the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
identify air pollutants; set national air quality standards; formulate plans to
control air pollutants; set standards for sources of air pollution; and set
standards limiting the discharges of hazardous substances into the air. The last
requirement, which establishes the National Emission Standards for Hazard-
ous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), applies to both new and existing sources of
pollutants that pose a significant health hazard. CAA results in both direct and
indirect control of toxic air pollutants.
NAAQS apply to sulphur oxides, particulates, nitrogen oxides, carbon
monoxide, ozone, non-methane hydrocarbons, and lead. Hazardous air pol-
lutants regulated by NESHAP include asbestos, beryllium, mercury, and vinyl
chloride. NESHAP-regulated pollutants differ from NAAQS-regulated pollut-
ants, in that NESHAP pollutants usually are localized and can be technically
difficult and costly to control.
In 1990, the United States Congress passed a sweeping Clean Air Bill which
will require even more stringent limitations of the emission of pollutants to
the atmosphere.

Impacts on the pipeline industry: CAA has had many significant impacts
on the pipeline industry, since most processes associated with hydrocarbon
development and pipeline operations result in some sort of potentially
regulated emission. In particular, the operation of pumping or natural gas
compressor facilities generally requires permits that qontrol the amount of
emissions. While the emissions generated by these facilities generally are
limited to the products of combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, pollution control
devices required to limit these emissions can be quite expensive. In addition,
recent developments have shown that regulatory agencies are becoming
more aware of fugitive releases of processed hydrocarbons.
CAA historically may not have affected the pipeline industry to the same
degree as some other environmental laws. However, it is likely that with the
passage of the 1990 bill, the control of air pollutants will become a much
greater priority on the agenda of regulators and the general population.

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