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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Quick CEMS Audit Prep Checklist
Use our quick checklist to pass an EPA CEMS audit of your facility. Use a proven CEMS DAS like StackVision and Prism for critical data and have current information about your designated representative, record keeping, QA/QC plan, permit & acid rain program at hand.
How to Improve Your Quality Assurance Filing Process
Don’t wait – prepare before the end of the quarter! Learn how to improve your quality assurance (QA) filing process, including our 7 Steps for success.
Guide to Part 75 Audit Preparation
Get ready for your Part 75 audits with ESC Spectrum’s useful guide and checklists for each part of the air emissions compliance process. This 40-page guide covers every part of the air emissions monitoring process, from QA/QC plans to DAS software to ECMPS and much more.
What is the EPA 40 CFR Part 75 Regulation?
Learn about the Part 75 rule created by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish requirements for monitoring and recordkeeping of air pollutants emitted from electric generating units (EGU) in support of the Acid Rain Program (ARP).
How StackVision™ Prevents Reporting Discrepancies
Learn how StackVision’s Database Locking Wizard can help you prevent emissions data discrepancies during reporting.
What is the Protocol Gas Verification Program (PGVP)?
Learn about the Protocol Gas Verification Program (PGVP) and how it applies to your site.
Recommended Monitoring Plan Checklists
When you have and use in-house procedures, checklists, QA/QC plans, and other organizational aids, you can achieve greater consistency and perform your tasks more efficiently. They also serve as an important reminder to perform infrequent but repetitive tasks and activities. Use our guidelines and helpful checklists to make sure you are prepared.
What are the MATS Revisions from September 2020?
Learn about the final revisions to the Mercury and Air Toxins Standards (MATS) and where to find resources on these revisions.
How StackVision™ Helps Refineries With RSR Regulations
Learn how using a data acquisition system such as StackVision helps refineries meet extensive Refinery Sector Rule (RSR) regulations.
What is the EPA 40 CFR Part 60 Regulation?
40 CFR Part 60 regulations, otherwise known as New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), are pollution control standards issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Adherence to these performance standards maintains the air quality in an area or region by reducing or eliminating pollutants’ release.
Bridging the RSR Compliance Gap: Part 2
This article appeared in Hydrocarbon Engineering’s August 2020 issue. This article focuses on US EPA approved alternative 131 (ALT 131). ALT 131 allows for total calibration cylinder net heating value (NHV) as an alternative to the PS-9 requirement that specifies calibration and calibration check individual component agreement.
NOx Correlation Testing Checklist
Facilities have in-house procedures for NOx Correlation Testing, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency. As with all procedures, preparation for NOx Correlation Testing is extremely important. Use this pre-testing checklist for assistance.
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 Refinery
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: FleXReports™ Version 1.2 Now Available
FleXReports gives StackVision Data Acquisition System (DAS) users the power to develop fleetwide reports that aggregate data, then customize the format with Excel. Enhancements in Version 1.2 make it easier for users to configure, filter, and view data that FleXReports has retrieved from StackVision.
New Release: StackVision™ Version 6.16 Data Acquisition System
Industry-leading DAS StackVision Version 6.16 provides new features resulting in increased usability, efficiency, processing speed, and more.
New Release: QAInsight™ Version 1.1 Now Available
QAInsight helps utilities and other industrial companies solve the challenges of scheduling, planning, and tracking a myriad of activities related to performing Quality Assurance tests required by state and federal agencies. Enhancements in Version 1.1 offer new features to improve overall user experience.
New Release: FleXReports™ Version 1.1 Now Available
FleXReports gives StackVision Data Acquisition System (DAS) users the power to develop fleetwide reports that aggregate data, then customize the format with Excel. Enhancements in FleXReports Version 1.1 make it easier for users to configure, filter, and view data that the software retrieves from StackVision.
Discover Upcoming Events
Webinar: ECMPS 2.0
The Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) is in the process of replacing the outdated ECMPS tool – now over a decade old – with a new, web-based tool, ECMPS 2.0. In this webinar, we will cover the implications of the transition to ECMPS 2.0 as well as the ways ESC Spectrum will support you during the ECMPS transition time.
Webinar: StackVision 6.17 in a Nutshell
Learn about all of the new features and enhancements in StackVision Version 6.17.