Stationary source

Stationary Source refers to any fixed emitter of pollution, often in the context of air pollution. These sources contrast with mobile sources, such as cars and trucks, which move around while emitting pollution. Stationary sources include power plants, factories, and waste treatment facilities.

Types of Stationary Sources

Stationary sources can be categorized into two types: point sources and area sources.

Point Sources

Point sources are single, identifiable sources of pollution, such as a smokestack at a power plant or a discharge pipe at a wastewater treatment plant. These sources are usually large, industrial facilities that emit significant amounts of pollutants.

Area Sources

Area sources are numerous, smaller sources of pollution that are grouped together and treated as a single source. Examples include residential wood burning stoves or small businesses that use solvents.

Regulation

In many countries, stationary sources of air pollution are regulated by environmental agencies. In the United States, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates stationary sources under the Clean Air Act. The EPA sets emission standards for certain types of stationary sources, and requires states to develop State Implementation Plans to control pollution from these sources.

Health and Environmental Impacts

Pollution from stationary sources can have significant health and environmental impacts. Exposure to air pollution can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. Environmental impacts can include damage to ecosystems, acid rain, and climate change.

See Also

• Air pollution
• Mobile source
• Point source
• Area source
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Clean Air Act
• State Implementation Plan