Cotton Gin Plant Compliance with Air Pollution Regulations of Texas

Abstract

Recent air pollution legislation affects stationary sources such as cotton gins. This study estimated the increase in gin plant costs that resulted from compliance with various levels of air pollution control and the associated impact on returns. Because investment in air pollution control differs by gin plant size and level of pollution control, five plant sizes were examined in combination with control systems that reduce per bale emissions from 4 lb per bale to 2.24, 1.60 and 1.06 per bale. Cost increases and rates of return were affected by gin plant size, level of control technology, plant volume, and method of harvest (picked or stripped).