From the tall chimneys of the industrial zones, a grayish veil rises and tints the sky: industrial smoke. This phenomenon, which at first glance could be mistaken for passing clouds, is actually a symbol of a major environmental and public health problem. The emission of plumes from factories and production plants are not mere vapors, but contain particles and gases that can be harmful to both the ecosystem and the quality of the air we breathe.
Aware of this reality, the authorities and international organizations have intensified their efforts to regulate and legislate these emissions. The purpose is clear: to reduce the negative impact that industrial activity has on the environment and health.
Importance of Regulating the Emission of Tufts
The regulation of plume emission in the industry is of great importance due to several factors:
Impact on human health and the environment.
Plumes, created during industrial combustion or drying processes, represent an important source of atmospheric pollution. This pollution adversely impacts human health, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, and contributes to the formation of phenomena such as acid rain and smog.
2. Contribution to climate change
Compounds emitted in plumes, such as greenhouse gases, exacerbate climate change and contribute to global temperature rise.
3. Effects on ecosystems
The plumes also negatively affect nearby ecosystems, altering the quality of soils, waters and biological diversity.
4. Image problems
The populations in the vicinity of the plant that emits them associate the presence of plumes with all these negative impacts, which is a serious image problem for both the industrial plant operator and the authorities.
Existing regulations and legislation on the emission of plumes
European Union Legal Framework
Directive 2010/75/EU
It represents a central axis in the European Union’s industrial emission control regulations. Its purpose is to establish clear guidelines for the prevention and, failing that, the minimization of the environmental impact caused by emissions into the atmosphere, water bodies and soil, in addition to waste production.
Key points of the Directive
● Scope of Application: covers a wide range of sectors, including power generation, metals and minerals manufacturing and processing, chemical industry and waste management.
● Best Available Techniques (BAT): obliges facilities to implement BAT, which are state-of-the-art practices for pollution prevention and control.
● Permits: stipulates that facilities must obtain and operate under specific permits that ensure compliance with the standards and conditions imposed by the Directive.
Spanish Legislation
Spain, as a member of the European Union, has integrated the guidelines of the European Directive into its national legal system through two fundamental laws that reinforce the country’s commitment to environmental protection and air quality.
Law 34/2007
This law is a pillar in the promotion of air quality and atmospheric protection in Spain. It establishes a legal framework for the regulation of emissions and provides the basis for the development of policies and strategies to improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Law 16/2002
Focused on integrated pollution prevention and control, this law is a reflection of the holistic approach required to address environmental challenges. It recognizes that pollution knows no boundaries and that its effective management requires an integrated vision that takes into account all possible sources of pollution.
Specific Regulations
Order PRA/321/2017
This regulation details the limits and conditions under which large combustion facilities in Spain must operate, with the aim of controlling and reducing emissions of the main atmospheric pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulates and carbon monoxide (CO).
Royal Decree 815/2013
Royal Decree 815/2013 complements and develops the framework established by the European Directive and national legislation, establishing even stricter criteria for large combustion installations. Its objective is to ensure that these facilities operate with the lowest possible environmental impact, in line with commitments to reduce emissions and protect air quality.
National Emission Reduction Commitments
Directive (EU) 2016/2284
This directive is a step forward in the European Union’s ambition for cleaner air. It establishes commitments to reduce emissions of atmospheric pollutants at the national level, with the clear objective of reducing risks to public health and negative environmental impact. Recognizes the importance of coordinated and committed action by all member states to achieve a healthier and more sustainable environment for present and future generations.
Global commitment for a cleaner future
The task of regulating industrial smoke emissions is not limited to the European Union, but has become a global necessity.
At the international level, various regulations have been established to regulate the emission of plumes. These include the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, international agreements that have set the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as a goal.
However, it is crucial to note that the implementation of these regulations varies considerably from country to country. While some countries have adopted more stringent regulations, others are in the process of implementing them. In fact, since 1997, there has been a twenty-fold increase in the number of global laws related to climate change.
Conclusion
The global commitment to a cleaner future is not just a phrase, but a joint action that involves a series of concrete measures and actions to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.
This includes the adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies, such as the Hygroscopic Cycle, the promotion of sustainable practices in all sectors of the economy, and public education and awareness of the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, it is essential that governments, businesses and individuals work together to achieve these objectives. This may involve implementing stricter policies and regulations, investing in research and development to find innovative solutions, and promoting behavioral change at the individual and community levels.
