Integrated strategies for reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide: A multi-pollutant analysis of Dane County, Wisconsin VOC incinerators and their greenhouse gas emission trade-offs

The earth's climate is predicted to change because human activities are altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases (GHG)---primarily carbon dioxide (CO2). The heat-trapping property of GHGs is undisputed and there is broad international agreement that reducing CO2 emissions is necessary to mitigate climate change.; An incinerator is a prevalent combustion device used to destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs, a precursor to ozone, can be controlled by heat destruction in several ways, including thermal oxidation, catalytic oxidation, and flaring. The purpose of this research was to identify and quantify CO 2 emissions from VOC incinerators in Dane County, which, in the process of destroying an air pollutant, form a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. A pollutant trade-off, between clean air and climate change, is being made with the continued use of this VOC control technology.; In retrospect, failure to factor in the "secondary emissions" (pollution created by the abatement equipment) upwardly biased the perceived efficiency of all pollution control systems. Control devices have been credited with reducing emissions of VOCs, but they were not "debited" for the pollution created in order for them to function. Part of what is considered the "efficiency of VOC control" has in reality been merely an exchange of one pollutant for another.; This research looked at the potential for harmonizing the control of VOCs with the goal of decreasing GHG emissions. The methods utilized were the ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection software, the Wisconsin Air Emissions Inventory, and a mass balance approach. The research estimated total Dane County CO2 emissions (∼7.6 million tons in 1996); analyzed the 17 air pollution sources using incinerators in Dane County, Wisconsin; quantified the amount of CO2 generated by these devices (156,487 tons or ∼2% of Dane County CO2 emissions); examined alternative control devices available; and explored how policies can shape technology choice. The results of this research can be used by industry when calculating carbon emissions as well as state, local, and national governments considering carbon taxes or emission trading policies.