Air pollution control through land-use planning

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for developing air pollution control strategies through emission-density zoning. The emission potential of each parcel of land is considered to be a function of the type of land use and the level of intensity of the use. Based on this relationship, allowable emission-density limits corresponding to each category of land use are established by a linear programming model. Emissions could then be controlled through zoningordinances in order to maintain acceptable regional air quality standards.

A numerical example is presented which demonstrates the concepts and methodology of the emission-density zoning technique. Potential practical applications of the proposed methodology include long-range air resourced management, regulation and control of air pollution, the evaluation of the capacity of an existing control system to handle increased emissions from future development, and the channelling of future developments to locations of minimum regional pollution effects.