Waste Water Treatment Air Emissions
The discussion of emission sources is divided into four categories: surface impoundments, the very broad and diverse group of tanks and ancillary equipment, containers, and treatment devices. The major focus is on the first three categories because they are the most directly impacted by the RCRA air emission regulations.
Many impoundments and tanks are agitated for mixing, air stripping, or biodegradation. Agitation and aeration increase emissions by creating turbulent zones and increase contact between the waste and air. There are a highly turbulent area and water spray around the agitators used in mechanically aerated units. Essentially all of the highly volatile compounds can be emitted when the impoundment is mechanically agitated. Approximately half of the impoundments used to treat hazardous waste are aerated or agitated.
