Some projects completed as PAE:

Public Reporting Thresholds 

PAE provided a technical analysis of reporting thresholds for PCBs and heavy metals taking into consideration emission sources and toxicity of each substance. Key tasks:

• Researched the toxicity and emission sources of arsenic, cadmium, lead, selenium and PCBs
• Recommended revised reporting thresholds on the National Pollutant Inventory to capture the majority of emissions and transfers of these substances for the Australian Federal Government. 

Alternative Fuels, Comparative Fuels Study 

PAE prepared a comparative fuels study which underpinned the Commonwealth’s policies on alternative fuels. Key tasks:

• Identified and compared the differences in emission outcomes (in terms of both regulated or ‘criteria’ air pollutants and air toxics) arising from a range of transport fuels – standardised against current Australian vehicle technology and fuel characteristics
• Provided comparative ranking for each fuel in terms of its impact on air quality 

Alternative Fuels, National Standard for Biodiesel 

For the Department of the Environment & Heritage (DEH), PAE prepared background technical paper for the National Standard for Biodiesel – Discussion Paper.

• Canvassed stakeholders in an industry-wide survey on the production, uses and economics of biodiesel in Australia
• Compiled a technical document evaluating a range of fuel parameters and their effects on engine operability and emissions performance (including greenhouse gases)
• Reviewed international biodiesel standards and trends and recommended ranges for biodiesel fuel parameters for an Australian biodiesel fuel standard. 

Policy Advice on Emission Reduction

PAE provided policy advice to the Queensland EPA sustainability section regarding the effect of E10 fuel on air quality in South East Queensland; in particular, its impact on photochemical smog formation.

This analysis required an in-depth knowledge of fuel characteristics and was based on the principles of chemical engineering. The study was performed in conjunction with the Scientific Assessment section of the EPA.

Urban Emissions Inventory for Non-road Engines

PAE prepared  urban emissions inventory for non-road engines and review of management options to reduce urban air pollution from non-road engines.
 
Key tasks:

• Developed Australia-wide inventory of emissions from non-road engines in urban environments (including lawn and garden equipment, airport service equipment, recreational marine and commercial marine equipment, diesel locomotives etc)
• Prioritised non-road engines in terms of emissions and toxicity of emissions in the urban environment
• Analysed changes in fuel composition on emissions from non-road engines and impact on emissions and toxicity resulting from progressive fuel standards
• Identified non-road engine markets in Australia
• Reviewed management options for non-road engines to progressively reduce toxic emissions and resulting health effects in urban areas.

Development of the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI)

PAE was instrumental in developing the NPI by providing technical support. During the development we:

• Developed the benchmark report on the suitability of emission estimation techniques for the NPI
• Developed assessment criteria for the selection of substances to be included in the NPI
• Defined the thresholds for industry reporting to the NPI
• Developed (between 1997 and 1999) of over 20 Industry Handbooks for the NPI - which provided guidance on reporting requirements and emission estimation techniques for a range of industrial sectors and activities.

Technical Support Underpinning the Air NEPM 

The project identified major drivers of air pollution in Australia and focused on a rational framework for developing management priorities and methods. In carrying out the assignment, PAE conducted an extensive literature review and consulted widely with industry. The resultant report detailed costs and reduction efficiencies expressed on a cost per tonne reduction for the criteria pollutants for all available control technology, and provided a detailed cost-benefit analysis. The report informed the technical committee formulating the Ambient Air NEPM