Best available technology

Best Available Technology (BAT) is a principle used in environmental regulation to determine the best technology available for controlling pollution. It is a key concept in environmental law and policy, particularly in the context of industrial processes and waste management. The goal of BAT is to ensure that the most effective and advanced technology is used to minimize environmental impact, taking into account economic and technical feasibility.

Definition

The term "Best Available Technology" refers to the most effective and advanced stage in the development of activities and their methods of operation which indicate the practical suitability of particular techniques for providing the basis for emission limit values designed to prevent and, where that is not practicable, generally to reduce emissions and the impact on the environment as a whole.

Criteria for BAT

The determination of BAT involves several criteria, including:

• The use of low-waste technology.
• The use of less hazardous substances.
• The furthering of recovery and recycling of substances generated and used in the process and of waste.
• Comparable processes, facilities, or methods of operation which have been tried with success on an industrial scale.
• Technological advances and changes in scientific knowledge and understanding.
• The nature, effects, and volume of the emissions concerned.
• The commissioning dates for new or existing installations.
• The length of time needed to introduce the best available technique.
• The consumption and nature of raw materials (including water) used in the process and their energy efficiency.
• The need to prevent or reduce to a minimum the overall impact of the emissions on the environment and the risks to it.
• The need to prevent accidents and to minimize the consequences for the environment.

Application in Environmental Regulation

BAT is applied in various environmental regulations, including:

• European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)
• United States' Clean Water Act
• Clean Air Act

Related Concepts

BAT is often associated with other environmental management concepts such as:

• Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO)
• Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost (BATNEEC)
• Best Environmental Practices (BEP)

Challenges and Criticisms

While BAT aims to promote the use of the most effective technologies, it faces several challenges, including:

• The rapid pace of technological change, which can make it difficult to keep regulations up to date.
• The economic feasibility for industries to adopt new technologies.
• The variability in what is considered "best" technology across different regions and industries.

See Also

• Environmental impact assessment
• Pollution control
• Sustainable development
• Environmental law
• Industrial ecology

Related Pages

• Industrial Emissions Directive
• Clean Water Act
• Clean Air Act (United States)
• Best Practicable Environmental Option
• Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost
• Best Environmental Practices