Integrated HSE Framework to Mitigate Air Pollution: Emphasis on Strict Enforcement of the “Clean Air Act” and Rigorous Auditing of Industrial and Mobile Emission Sources

Deputy Head for Human Environment at the Department of Environment (DoE) details the strategic roadmap for seasonal pollution risk management, dust hotspot stabilization, mandatory end-of-life vehicle scrappage, and compliance with climate adaptation targets under the 7th National Development Plan.

TEHRAN – HSE Information Portal: Regulating air quality indicators and safeguarding public and occupational health fundamentally rely on full compliance with mandates outlined in the Clean Air Act. The Department of Environment (DoE) has announced the implementation of specialized seasonal monitoring protocols, the revival of the vehicle scrappage program, the enforcement of stringent compliance standards on stationary industrial sources, and the execution of national climate change adaptation strategies.

Dr. Sedigheh Torabi, Deputy Head for Human Environment at the Department of Environment, outlined the national roadmap for air pollution monitoring and abatement. She characterized urban air pollution as a critical challenge to public health and environmental safety, underscoring the necessity of differentiating seasonal risk matrices.

1. Seasonal Risk Assessment and Particulate Matter (Dust Storm) Monitoring

Analyzing seasonal pollutant behavior, the Deputy Head stated:

“Risk assessment and pollution management must follow a differentiated, bi-annual strategy. During the first half of the year, priority is given to monitoring fugitive mineral dust and coarse particulate matter () from wind erosion hotspots. In contrast, during the second half of the year—exacerbated by thermal inversion phenomena—combustion emissions, vehicular exhaust, and secondary aerosols from stationary and mobile sources become the primary environmental and occupational safety concerns.”

She noted that while improved seasonal precipitation across various regions has contributed to temporary soil stabilization, the DoE continues to lead the National Task Force on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) in coordination with key stakeholders (the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad, Iran Meteorological Organization, and Ministry of Health). Initiatives focus on allocating dedicated budgets for identifying, biologically stabilizing, and mechanically managing wind erosion hotspots. She also emphasized that unsustainable industrial expansion and land degradation remain major drivers accelerating soil erosion.

2. Environmental & Safety Mandates for Mobile Emission Sources: Fleet Modernization and Clean Transit

Regarding mobile emission management, Dr. Torabi highlighted the critical impact of fuel specifications and the technical condition of industrial and urban fleets:

• Overcoming Stagnation in Vehicle Scrappage: Reactivating the mandatory retirement and scrapping of obsolete, high-emission vehicles is a critical HSE priority to curb excessive fuel consumption and eliminate major emission points.
• Standardized Fuel Infrastructure: Expanding the distribution of Euro-standard fuels, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and cleaner energy alternatives across commercial and public transport fleets is vital for urban air quality management.
• Public Fleet Electrification: Accelerating the transition to electric mobility within metropolitan transit systems (including buses, taxis, and two-wheelers) represents a low-risk, sustainable solution that the DoE is actively pursuing.

3. Auditing Stationary Sources, Real-Time Industrial Monitoring, and Environmental Compliance

Emphasizing mandatory self-declaration audits and emissions compliance for industrial complexes, the Deputy Head stated that:

Identifying polluting facilities, deploying Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) on exhaust stacks and effluents, and mandating the installation of advanced air pollution control devices (baghouses, wet scrubbers, and electrostatic precipitators) are non-negotiable prerequisites for industrial operations located near urban perimeters and industrial parks. Non-compliant facilities will face stringent regulatory penalties and operational restrictions.

4. National Climate Change Adaptation under the 7th National Development Plan

Concluding her remarks, Dr. Torabi referenced the environmental mandates established under the 7th National Progress and Development Plan:

“The Comprehensive National Plan for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation has been drafted and ratified by the Cabinet. This strategic framework establishes binding guidelines for industrial, energy, and administrative sectors to enhance ecological resilience, optimize energy intensity, and safeguard sustainable public health.”