Nitrogen is a colorless, tasteless and odorless element that as a gas is relatively inert and constitutes over three-quarters of the atmosphere by volume. Nitrogen is a constituent and a requirement of every living cell and is part of the genetic blueprints RNA and DNA.

Unlike other nutrients, nitrogen is not mined. It is taken from the air and reacted with a hydrogen source, usually natural gas which has been combined with steam. The hydrogen and nitrogen are combined in a chemical process which uses pressure, temperature and a catalyst to form ammonia.

The primary emissions from the ammonia production process are combustion products from burning natural gas, the largest being carbon dioxide (CO₂). Most CO₂ is utilized as a raw material in the production of urea. Some amounts of ammonia are emitted, mostly from seals and pumps. Generally, emergency releases of ammonia are destroyed by burning them.

All releases to the air are controlled, many by scrubbers and emission control devices to minimize losses. In the production of ammonia and other nitrogen products, the amount of solid waste generated is negligible. Waste oil is sold and recycled.

Releases to the environment, in particular ammonia, are subject to state and federal regulations and in many instances are included in the EPA’s annual Toxic Release Inventory.

Although the Geismar plant produces primarily phosphate products, it also produced nitrogen products.