The Source Blog
Welcome to The Source, ESC Spectrum's air emissions compliance blog.
After 50 years in the air emissions compliance industry, we’ve seen it all. We are passionate about helping people comply with clean air regulations and believe in sharing what we’ve learned with others. The Source blog provides explanations and advice regarding federal, state, and local regulations, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) best practices, audit checklists, case studies, news, and more. Want to suggest a blog topic or participate in a case study? We would love to hear from you.
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Increasing Demand for Ethanol Affects Your Monitoring Systems
Read about how the increasing demand for ethanol can affect your continuous emissions monitoring system components at your ethanol facility.

Update on 40 CFR 63 Subpart YYYY – Formaldehyde Emission Standards
This blog post discusses updates on 40 CFR 63 Subpart YYYY including changes, who is subject to YYYY, facility limits and more. Compliance with changes is required within 180 days of March 9, 2022 (i.e., September 6, 2022).

How to Successfully Navigate July Reporting Month
July is the second busiest reporting period of the year; read our guide for tips and tricks to make reporting month feel like a breeze!

What the April 2022 Cross State Air Pollution Rule Federal Implementation Plan Means
Recent changes have been proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the CSAPR Federal Implementation Plan. These proposed changes would have significant impact on industrial plants.

An Inside Look at Ethanol Regulations in the CEMS World
The 2007 EPA 40 CFR Part 60 permits’ rule about chemical process plants changed ethanol regulations for CEMS. After 15 years since this rule change, it could be time to update your ethanol plant’s emission monitoring system and possibly look for a DAS that helps comply with 40 CFR Part 60 regulations.

How to Make Quarterly Reports Easier
Do you usually wait until the end of the quarter to begin generating your quality assurance and hourly emission files? Learn how to improve your Quarterly Report submission process with a few simple suggestions from our Senior Regulatory Specialist.

ECMPS Re-Engineering Update
The ECMPS Re-Engineering Update includes an extension to the current beta testing period through the end of December 2023. Chris Worley, team leader for the ECMPS Re-Engineering project shares the upcoming changes. Read more below about the update and see how ESC Spectrum Reporting Services can help.

CEMS Analyzers: What They Are and How to Maintain Them
As your facility’s continuous emissions monitoring systems age, it’s vital to keep up with CEMS analyzers to avoid the potential risks of downtime and fading reliability.

Part 60 Monitoring Plan Overview
Gain a clearer understanding of 40 CFR Part 60 with ESC Spectrum’s useful Part 60 Monitoring Plan Overview. This 13-page overview covers the most common industries found under the Part 60 air quality regulations served by ESC Spectrum’s StackVision™, Prism® and CEMDAS Evolution™ Data Acquisition Systems.

Environmental Compliance Emissions Reporting Requirements
Learn how to keep up with quarterly reporting deadlines so your facility can maintain its environmental compliance requirements.

What are Title V Operating Permits?
Learn about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Title V Operating Permits for emissions sources and how to comply.

New to CEMS? This One’s For You!
Being the new guy in any position can be overwhelming, and that is no exception for the continuous emissions monitoring (CEMS) and environmental compliance world. You may find yourself in a situation you didn’t plan on; maybe you are thrust into a new role or job because someone is out sick, or an unfamiliar assignment lands in your lap. Whatever the reason, there are many resources out there for those new to environmental compliance.
Case Studies

StackVision™ Case Study: New Orleans Power Station
Learn how the New Orleans Power Station used StackVision for Reciprocal Internal Combustion Engine (RICE)-specific monitoring and reporting.

StackVision Case Study: Petrochemical Plant
Learn how a Petrochemical plant used the StackVision Data Acquisition System for a +200K ROI by reducing Emergency Work Orders by 50%.

CEMS Solutions Case Study: O-I
Learn how the Owens-Illinois (O-I) glass manufacturer used ESC Spectrum’s full suite of CEMS solutions to meet air compliance challenges.

StackVision™ Case Study: Calumet Refinery
Learn how Calumet refinery used the StackVision DAS for flare monitoring and compliance with the Refinery Sector Rule (RSR).
Latest News

New Release: StackVision™ Version 7.0 Data Acquisition System
Industry-leading DAS StackVision Version 7.0 presents new features and provides enhancements and updates to existing features that will improve user efficiency.

New Release: QAInsight™ Version 1.2 Now Available
QAInsight helps industrial companies solve challenges with scheduling, planning, and tracking a myriad of activities related to performing Quality Assurance tests required by state and federal agencies. Enhancements in Version 1.2 offer new features to improve overall user experience.

New Release: StackVision™ Version 6.18 Data Acquisition System
Industry-leading DAS StackVision Version 6.18 provides enhancements and updates to existing features that will improve user efficiency.

New Firmware Release Further Enhances the Robust and Reliable 8864 Data Controller
The 8864 Data Controller Firmware v6.02.r60 includes a number of new features that enhance its usability and reliability.
Discover Upcoming Events
CEMS & DAS Training – Beach Edition
Hilton Pensacola Beach 12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola, FLJoin us in Pensacola Beach, FL for CEMS & DAS Training in August! Get ready to learn CEMS and DAS best practices and tips and tricks in a beautiful setting. […]
Webinar: What’s New in Prism 1.6
Learn about new features and enhancements in the Prism Version 1.6 Data Acquisition System. Register now!
Happy Labor Day from ESC Spectrum!
ESC Spectrum 10801 N MOPAC EXPY, AUSTINIn honor of Labor Day, our ESC Spectrum offices will be closed on Monday, September 5. As always, our Customer Support team is on call to assist you in an […]