Atmospheric Pollution Standards for Thermal Power Plants GB 13223-1996
Thermal power plants generate electricity through the burning of coal and the burning of the coal releases pollutants into the atmosphere. China enacted the Atmospheric Pollution Standards for Thermal Power Plants GB 13223-1996 to regulate the emissions of pollutants from thermal power plants and to protect public health.
GB 13223-1996 specifies the air pollutant emissions concentration requirements for exhaust gases, dust, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and the total suspended particulates for thermal power plants. The requirements are divided into two groups, urban and rural. These regulations require that the emission concentrations must not be higher than the standards set by the regulations. GB 13223-1996 states that urban and rural power plants must not exceed the concentrations of the particulate matter, ashes, and other polluting gases and particles.
The requirements are divided into two categories, new and existing. New thermal power plants are required to comply with the more stringent concentration requirements. Existing power plants must meet the more lenient concentration requirements. The requirements are further divided into concentration-based and rate-based emissions standards. Concentration-based emissions standards determine the maximum allowable concentrations of specific pollutants. Rate-based emissions standards determine the maximum allowable emissions rate of pollutants.
The emissions standards of GB 13223-1996 require thermal power plants to install emissions control systems that reduce the amount of pollutant emissions from the exhaust pipe. These emission control systems should adopt reasonable and effective measures, such as desulfurization and denitrification of exhaust, dust collection and treatment methods, smoke filtration, and other appropriate technologies. These regulations also require continuous monitoring and testing of the plants emission control systems to ensure the compliance with the regulations.
These regulations are enforced by the Environmental Protection Department of the State Council of China. Violation of GB 13223-1996 will result in the imposed fines and penalties for those who are found responsible. The power plants are required to reduce emission levels to meet the regulation requirements within the given timeline. In some cases, the plant may be shut down if the emissions exceed the regulation limits.
GB 13223-1996 is designed to protect public health by reducing the emission of pollutants from thermal power plants. The reduction of emissions also improves visibility. The presence of pollutants can cause poor air quality, irritation to eyes and respiratory illnesses. The airborne pollutants can also cause damage to ecosystems and agricultural areas. The compliance with GB 13223-1996 allows China to achieve its goal of clean air and water resources.
