An enclosed system approach was designed for controlling contaminant generation from a battery plate formation process. Individual design elements were based on practical applications of a variety of parameters common to open surface tank ventilation designs. Beginning with a basic slot/plenum design, improvements such as tank covers with slots and interior baffles to assure equal distribution of the air flow and reduce the capture velocity required for proper control were incorporated. Comparison of exposure levels before and after installation of the system demonstrated that the design increased the capture and control ability of the ventilation system for the same air volume. The system achieved exposure goals and required low air volume without compromising operational requirements.