Monitoring of Particulate Emissions to Assess the Outcomes of Retrofitting Measures at an Ironmaking Plant

This paper, deriving from a joint effort of its authors, reports the results of a wide-ranging survey on particulate matter (PM) emissions from the operation of ironmaking plants, where this type of emissions is especially problematic and, if not properly addressed, may lead to environmental deterioration conditions that are totally incompatible with the protection standards set at the European Union level. With reference to the Lucchini Severstal plant in Servola (Trieste – Italy), the description of its operating cycle and the relevant flows of materials is followed by an estimation of PM emissions from each of its main activities. Technical and economic efforts were focused on the most critical ones. These efforts led to the implementation of plant retrofitting measures, presently completed, which are illustrated in the paper together with the environmental performances shown by the monitoring activity performed on its systems within the framework of the Integrated Environmental Authorisation required by the regional authority. The analysis of air quality in the areas surrounding the manufacturing plant performed through the monitoring of PM10 concentrations for a significant period of time, before and after the actions taken, shows a positive trend that confirms, on the one hand, the absolute relevance of this source of emissions and, on the other hand, the effectiveness of the aforementioned measures.