Volatile organic compounds (VOC) policy innovation in petrochemicals river barge transportation

The aim of this paper was to emphasise the need for a volatile organic compounds VOC policy review in the field of river barge transportation of petrochemicals. Review of the VOC policy shows that barges neither fall under an integrated pollution prevention and control permit nor any other regulation or incentive related environmental policy. Current situation and trend in this area is presented through a case study of the Danube River, Serbia. The case study shows that evaporative losses have increased c ca 22 times in period 2006-2010 and, that vapour collection system can reduce VOC emissions by up to 3 times. A proposal for improved VOC policy has been developed in detail based on the following elements: a) The appropriate Best Available Techniques reference document (BREF) should include the transport sector; b) Mandatory reporting of VOC emitted during barge transport of crude oil and crude oil derivates should be introduced, and c) A pollution charge should be introduced on all barges without vapour collection system installed “onboard”. Three potential scenarios for the VOC charge are presented, which vary according to the charge introducing dynamics. The differences between scenarios are in initial levels of charge, but the final charge is same for all three and it is proposed to be 220 € per capacity ton.