Atmospheric emissions from petrochemical plants vary widely in terms 

 of quantity and type. Quantities depend on the volume of flow through the 

 plant, the types of chemical compounds produced, plant complexity, and the 

 kinds of air pollution abatement equipment used. Major process emissions 

 from a typical plant are toluene, propylene, styrene, and polyethylene. 

 Furnace and cracking operations can release large quantities of carbon 

 monoxide. Machinery and equipment, including heaters and generators, are 

 also major sources of emissions. Evaporative hydrocarbon emissions from 

 fuel storage tanks, and leaks from pipelines, valves, and seals also 

 contribute to air emission problems. Petrochemical plant emissions become 

 more critical when they mix with those from adjacent petrochemical plants, 

 refineries, and gas processing plants. 



Major sources of noise at petrochemical plants are air coolers, 

 blowers, compressors, and furnaces. Noise levels from this equipment can 

 be controlled by the use of mufflers, modifications in design, or enclosures. 

 The effects of unpleasant odors can be mitigated by site selection, 

 provision of buffer areas, and design techniques. 



Subproject: Site Preparation (SP-5) 



Disturbing Activity: Clearing, grading 



Clearing and grading the large areas required for major petrochemical 

 complexes may produce disturbances such as soil erosion and loss of prime 

 habitat. Much of the facility requires a level grade and will be surfaced. 

 Roughly 40 percent of a petrochemical plant site is used for processing 

 units and related equipment, and 10 percent for storage tanks. The 

 remaining 50 percent of the site contains ancillary structures, road, rail 

 and pipeline access, buffer areas, and space for future expansion. The 

 work areas usually require buffer strips to minimize dust and noise 

 problems and to aid in water runoff filtration. 



Subproject: Site Development (SP-6) 



Disturbing Activity: Line construction and installation 



During site development, provisions are made for stormwater 

 collection systems, which are most important for petrochemical plants 

 because of the extent of surface area used and the potential for polluted 

 runoff. These systems include settlement and treatment facilities because 

 of the likelihood of high concentrations of heavy metals and other toxic 

 substances in the runoff. 



Since petrochemical plants do not require waterfront locations, 

 inland site preparation activities, including leveling and filling, road 

 construction, and cable and pipeline laying, probably have minimal 

 adverse effects. However, important natural watercourses and vital areas 

 of terrestrial ecosystems, including endangered species habitats, may be 

 involved. 



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