Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Environmental Justice
Possible environmental justice impacts during operation include the alteration of sce-
nic quality in areas of traditional or cultural significance to minority or low-income
populations and disruption of access to those areas. Noise impacts, health and safety
impacts, and water consumption are also possible sources of disproportionate effect.
IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH AND SAFETY
*
As demand for low-carbon-impact, domestically sourced fuels has increased, bio-
fuels have become a fast-growing part of the energy sector. Biofuels are produced
from renewable resources, such as grains, plants biomass, vegetable oils, and treated
municipal and industrial wastes. They are flammable or combustible, and their man-
ufacture can involve potentially dangerous chemical reactions. Employers must pro-
tect workers from the hazards of these fuels and their production processes. There
are currently two major types of biofuels being produced in the United States:
•
Ethanol
is a flammable liquid that is readily ignited at ordinary temper-
atures. Renewable ethanol is produced by the fermentation of grains, or,
using advanced technologies, from cellulosic material such as waste paper,
wood chips, and agricultural wastes. The production process can involve
other hazardous materials, such as acids, bases, and gasoline (to denature
the alcohol or for blending). Up to 10% ethanol is blended with gasoline in
most automotive fuel currently sold in the United States. Higher ethanol
blends, up to E85 (85% ethanol blended with gasoline), are also available in
some parts of the country.
•
Biodiesel
is a combustible liquid that burns readily when heated; blend-
ing it with petroleum-based diesel fuel or contamination by materials used
in manufacturing can increase its flammability. Biodiesel is produced by
reacting organic materials such as vegetable oils with an alcohol, typically
methanol, using a strong base, such as a caustic, as a catalyst. Glycerin, a
combustible liquid, is produced as a byproduct. The caustic is neutralized
with acid, typically sulfuric acid. All of these materials may require careful
management to protect workers. Biodiesel blended with petroleum-based
diesel is widely available.
B
ioFuel
h
azards
Potential hazards in biofuels production and handling include the following:
•
Fire/explosion hazards
•
Chemical reactivity hazards
•
Toxicity hazards
*
Adapted from OSHA's
Green Job Hazards: Biofuels
,
https://www.osha.gov/dep/greenjobs/biofuels.
