Abstract |
One is that, as presented, all of the cost of control could mistakenly be attributed to mercury removal. Many of these controls achieve reductions of other pollutants as well (e.g., acid gases, dioxin, other metals). In some cases (e.g., the emission guidelines for MWI (medical waste incinerators)), the choice of control technology or control strategy is aimed at reducing pollutants other than mercury. In these cases, there is a co-control benefit of mercury reduction. The benefits of reducing other pollutants should be considered when interpreting the mercury control costs. Second, the technologies available for mercury control represent relatively new applications of these technologies. Thus, in the future, it is likely that as new or emerging technologies develop, the cost-effectiveness of control will improve. Air pollution control and prevention techniques are continuously under development and improvement. There is a fairly rapid pace of innovation in the air pollution control sector. The demand for cleaner products and cleaner processes that lower overall costs, combined with the necessity for improved air and water quality, create strong incentives for technological innovation and a growing market for such innovations. |