Controlling Atmospheric Deposition Effects
Graphic above: Annual SO2 emissions at 445 utility units affected by Phase I of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Emissions reductions in 1995, the first year of compliance, were 3.4 million tons greater than necessary to meet the targeted goal. (Source: U.S. EPA 1996) |
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As described above, the promise of the 10 million ton reduction in acid-producing emissions mandated by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 is likely reaping benefits in terms of reductions in the atmospheric deposition of acidic material. If this trend continues, it would constitute a major success story in the efforts to fight acid rain. In fact, reductions in 1995, the first year of program implementation, exceeded the targeted goal. It remains to be seen, however, whether these reductions will continue and when and how they will be reflected in recovering natural resources. While there is reason to believe that controls on acidic deposition will continue to be at least partially successful, effective controls on nutrient and toxic deposition have not yet been implemented. It remains to be seen what effect the ozone and mobile source emissions controls under CAAA with have on nitrogen deposition. Similarly, it is not known whether current studies on the effect of hazardous air pollutants on Great Waters will result in new controls on toxic deposition. |
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