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ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF INCREASED COAL UTILIZATION ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF GASEOUS EMISSIONS FROM COAL COMBUSTION
Citation:
Glass, N. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF INCREASED COAL UTILIZATION ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF GASEOUS EMISSIONS FROM COAL COMBUSTION. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/7-78/108 (NTIS PB285440).
Description:
This report is provided for the 'Health and Environmental Effects of Coal Utilization' Committee which was created by the request of the DOE in response to the President's Environmental Message. It evaluates ecological environmental effects of gaseous emissions and aerosols of various types which result from coal combustion. The report deals with NOx, SOx fine particulate, photochemical oxidant and acid precipitation as these pollutants affect natural and managed resources and ecosystems. The economic implications of ecological effects are identified within acceptable limits. In addition, the reliability of the data base upon which conclusions or estimates are made is evaluated to the degree possible. Aquatic and terrestrial effects are distinguished where the pollutants in question are clearly problems in both media. Sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are projected to be higher in 1985 and 2000 than in 1975. Since SOx and NOx are major contributors to acid precipitation, substantial increases in total acid deposition can be expected in the nation as a whole. At present, acid precipitation is most abundant in the North Central and Northeastern States. Estimates of the non health-related cost of air pollutants range from several hundred million dollars per year to $1.7 billion dollars per year. In general, these estimates include only those relatively easily measured considerations such as crop losses result-from acute pollution episodes or cost of frequent repainting as a result of air pollution.