As you’re starting up your plant this spring, keep an eye – and nose – out for blue smoke and VOC emissions. Blue smoke is actually tiny oil droplets that comprise the visible blue haze typically associated with paving and production of hot mix asphalt. It can be found at transfer points, silo-filling areas, and truck-loading locations.

Odors — from invisible VOCs (volatile organic compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide) — usually escape from hot asphalt storage tanks.

While it is true that certain areas of the country are seeing an increase in regulatory requirements — including New York and Utah — asphalt plants everywhere are dealing with more and more neighbor opposition. If your eyes and nose are telling you that you might be facing angry calls from your neighbors, you may want to consider adding a blue smoke and/or odor control system to your plant.

The good news is there are several options within the industry today that are highly effective at controlling blue smoke and odor emissions, and they are retrofittable. And, by putting controls into place now, you may be able to proactively stop neighbor complaints before they start.

Toolbox Tip Created for AsphaltPro, April 1, 2024