Use of environmental control enclosures to manage VOC emissions for remediation projects — what is best practice?

Remediation projects that involve excavation and treatment of contaminated soil may release dust, odour and volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during a range of remediation activities. Emissions to air must meet standards to protect human health and the environment. Both Victoria and NSW clean air legislation includes a list of Principal Toxic Air Pollutants (PTAPs) such as benzene, BaP, EDC, TCE and dioxins and furans, which site require the application of "best practice" methods to minimise emissions to air to the extent practicable. That is above and beyond what would be required to meet ambient air impact standards. This presentation explores the concept of best practice for air emissions based on remediation practice in Australia. Best practice in a regulatory context is based on the philosophy of minimising emissions to the maximum extent achievable through the application of best practice design and/or emission controls, having regard to technical, logistical and financial considerations. (author)