Stack Emissions Monitoring
What is stack emission monitoring?
Stack emission monitoring refers to the process of monitoring the air released from an emission point, such as printer exhausts, thermal oxidizers, and boiler stacks, among others. Industrial process stacks emit various pollutants, such as solvents, gases, dusts, and particles, which can negatively impact local air quality. To regulate such emissions, they are often subject to regulatory controls. Air emission testing is a crucial service used to determine whether a process is in compliance with the regulated emission limits.
Is Air Emissions Testing Required?
In the UK, monitoring requirements for stack emissions vary depending on the process. However, it is generally necessary to regularly measure the concentration of pollutants emitted (known as periodic stack emission monitoring). The regulator establishes concentration limits, and monitoring is conducted to determine whether emissions are within these limits or not.
Part A processors are regulated by the Environment Agency, while lower emitting processors (Part B) are regulated by Local Authorities. Site-specific requirements are documented within each permit.
The frequency of stack emission monitoring can range from quarterly to every three to four years, depending on the permit regulations. In some cases, continuous monitoring over a 24-hour period may be necessary, depending on the scale of emissions being emitted.
Who monitors stack air emissions?
In order to monitor emissions from Part A processors, only MCERTS-accredited test houses are authorized. While MCERTS accreditation is not mandatory for smaller Part B processors, Local Authorities recommend it due to the required level of service quality, proper management systems, and training and experience.
When emissions exceed the limits set by the regulator via permits or licenses, a non-conformance will be issued, and the regulator will require evidence of efforts to rectify the issue. This can be done through abatement techniques, such as scrubbers, thermal oxidizers, bag filters, and/or cyclones, depending on the type of pollutant. Alternatively, atmospheric dispersion modeling can be conducted to ensure that local air quality is not negatively affected.
An experienced, fully qualified, and accredited air emissions testing company is essential in this process.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR STACK EMISSION TESTING IN THE USA?
In the United States, the responsibility for monitoring stack emissions falls primarily on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is a federal agency tasked with protecting human health and the environment. They establish and enforce regulations related to air quality, including emissions from industrial sources.
As part of the monitoring process, the EPA requires regular emissions testing to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The specific testing requirements may vary depending on the type of industry and the pollutants being emitted. However, some common methods and processes involved in stack emissions monitoring include:
Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM): CEM involves the use of automated monitoring systems installed in stacks to continuously measure and record emissions. This method provides real-time data on various pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other regulated gases.
Periodic Source Testing: Source testing involves conducting periodic emissions measurements through stack testing. This typically includes taking samples of stack emissions over a specific period, using approved methods and equipment. These tests are often performed by third-party environmental consulting firms or in-house environmental personnel.
Method 9 Visual Emissions Evaluation: Method 9 is a visual emissions evaluation method used to assess opacity (visible smoke) from industrial sources, such as power plants or manufacturing facilities. Trained observers conduct visual assessments to determine compliance with opacity limits.
Compliance Reports: Facilities are typically required to submit regular compliance reports to regulatory agencies, documenting their emissions levels, monitoring data, and any deviations from the established standards.
It's important to note that specific testing requirements can vary depending on the industry, the type of pollutants emitted, the location of the facility, and the applicable regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. The EPA sets minimum standards, but individual states may have additional or more stringent requirements in place.