The invention provides various methods for removing gas phase pollutants by calcining limestone or dolomite using flash calcination to produce a high surface area lime or hydrated lime and directly adding the lime or hydrated lime to a gas stream containing gas phase pollutants. In other methods, the production of an activated sorbent, such as activated carbon, is combined with the production of the high surface area lime or hydrated lime and directly added to a gas stream containing gas phase pollutants. The combination of lime or hydrated lime and an activated sorbent enhances the removal of gas phase pollutants such as those from a coal-fired boiler flue gas.