Lead Reduction in Ambient Air: Technical Feasibility and Cost Analysis at Domestic Primary Lead Smelters and Refineries

摘要

The Bureau of Mines evaluated the emission control methods, including the capital investments and operating cost, necessary for further reducing lead levels in ambient air at the Glover, Herculaneum, and Buick smelter-refineries in Missouri and the East Helena, MT, smelter. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed more stringent lead in ambient air standards than those currently in effect. The report presents theoretically achievable lead emission reductions and estimated capital and operating costs. Lead emission inventories theoretically can be reduced from 1985 levels by 2,421 lb/d at the three Missouri operations by containing and filtering fugitive emissions within structural enclosures and baghouses. Additional regulatory costs attributable to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor, workplace standards are included since proposed environmental controls may otherwise degrade workplace conditions. Continuous drossing is evaluated as an alternative to conventional OSHA controls.