This paper, deriving from a joint effort of its authors, reports the results of a wide-ranging survey on particulate
matter (PM) emissions from the operation of ironmaking plants, where this type of emissions is
especially problematic and, if not properly addressed, may lead to environmental deterioration conditions
that are totally incompatible with the protection standards set at the European Union level. With reference
to the Lucchini Severstal plant in Servola (Trieste – Italy), the description of its operating cycle and the relevant
flows of materials is followed by an estimation of PM emissions from each of its main activities.
Technical and economic efforts were focused on the most critical ones. These efforts led to the implementation
of plant retrofitting measures, presently completed, which are illustrated in the paper together
with the environmental performances shown by the monitoring activity performed on its systems within
the framework of the Integrated Environmental Authorisation required by the regional authority. The analysis
of air quality in the areas surrounding the manufacturing plant performed through the monitoring of
PM10 concentrations for a significant period of time, before and after the actions taken, shows a positive
trend that confirms, on the one hand, the absolute relevance of this source of emissions and, on the other
hand, the effectiveness of the aforementioned measures.
