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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Read Latest Posts

EPA “Good Neighbor” Plan – The Saga Continues
Learn about the latest updates to the EPA’s Good Neighbor Plan, including a proposed supplement that would cover 5 states.

2023 Regulatory Snapshot: Key Changes Unveiled
Dive into the 2023 key regulatory updates for ECMPS 2.0, MATS Residual Risk and Technology Review, Low Mass Emissions (LME), and more. Stay ahead of the curve as we guide you through each topic and equip you with the tools to navigate 2024.

Understanding New In-Situ Optical Monitoring Technology – What is it and is it Right for Your Facility?
Read about recent advancements, particularly demonstrated by EPRI on gas turbine combined cycle and coal stacks, that have sparked a growing interest in the integration of in-situ optical monitors in a CEM framework.

Improving Operational Efficiency with Data Acquisition Systems in Refineries
This blog post will walk you through all the ways having a data acquisition system for refineries can improve overall operations and efficiency.

Mastering Air Compliance: Best Practices for Your Data Acquisition System
In the intricate landscape of environmental regulations, industries face the ongoing challenge of remaining compliant. Read this blog post for a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the complexities of these regulations with confidence, starting with your Data Acquisition System.

ECMPS 2.0 Re-Engineering: Current Status and Recent Updates
Following Chris Worley’s (EPA) Fall 2023 User Group Presentation, we have compiled the most relevant information for an update on the status of the ECMPS 2.0 Re-Engineering Project.

8864 Data Controller: Best Practices
The 8864 Data Controller is a powerful tool used for monitoring and collecting environmental data in industrial applications. To make the most out of this device, it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure efficient and reliable operation. In this blog post, we will explore the 8864 Data Controller and discuss best practices for it.

Monitoring Plans: Ease Stress During Reporting Month
Monitoring plans are far from a one-and-done document. Rather than it being a dusty old file sitting in the archives of the plant computer, your monitoring plan should be changing in step with your plant operation. While not overly time-consuming, this small check can save you a major headache during reporting months.

Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: Oxygen & Flow Analyzers
Read this article to learn more about two of the most reliable analyzers in the CEMS world: oxygen and flow.

The EPA’s Good Neighbor Plan – Response to Judicial Stays
On July 31, 2023, the US EPA issued a final action to address emission sources affected by judicial stays of the Good Neighbor Plan in the following states: Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. Read our article to learn more about how these final actions might affect your facility.

Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: CO Analyzers
Read this article to learn more about CEMS Analyzers, specifically NDIR technology used to measure Carbon Monoxide (CO).

Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: SO2 Analyzers
Read this article to learn more about Pulsed Fluorescence technology in CEMS analyzers used for measuring Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas.

Understanding Monitoring Plans: A Comprehensive Overview
Monitoring plans play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and accurate reporting of air emissions. Whether you are familiar with monitoring plans or new to the concept, this blog post aims to provide a high-level overview of their significance, components, and upcoming changes. By the end, you will have a better understanding of what monitoring plans entail and why they are essential.

The EPA’s MATS Residual Risk & Technology Review Proposed Rule: Key Takeaways
Read this article for key takeaways about EPA’s proposed rule to address findings from the Residual Risk & Technology Review for MATS.

Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: NOx Analyzers
Read this article to learn more about NOx Analyzers, how they measure NOx through Chemiluminescence, and how to maintain your NOx analyzer.

Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: Air Clean Up Systems
Read this article to learn more about CEMS Air Clean-Up Systems in the CEMS cabinet or shelter, such as preventative maintenance & components.

ECMPS MATS Reporting Conference Call (March 15, 2023): Key Takeaways
Following the EPA’s conference call on March 15, ESC Spectrum compiled the Key Takeaways regarding ECMPS MATS Reporting.

Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: Sample Conditioning Systems
Read this article to learn more about CEMS sample conditioning systems, located in the CEMS cabinet or shelter.

Upcoming EDR Format and MATS Reporting Changes
Read this article for a review of these new reporting instructions to ensure you understand any changes that may need to be made in Monitoring Plan records, QA files, or emission files.

Continuous Emissions Monitoring 101: Extractive CEMS Probes
Read this article to learn more about extractive CEMS Probe processes, steps, and components from industry experts.
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

Alliance Technical Group Acquires ESC Spectrum, Cementing Global Leadership in Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEMS) and Data Acquisition Systems (DAS)
ESC Spectrum is now part of Alliance Technical Group, combining forces to deliver the most comprehensive CEMS and DAS compliance platform in the industry. This strategic acquisition strengthens our ability to serve customers with expanded resources, nationwide support, and end-to-end environmental solutions.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenlights ESC Spectrum’s New Integrated Path CEMS (IP CEMS) Technology for Air Emissions Compliance
ESC Spectrum, a leading provider of environmental compliance solutions, is excited to announce the successful demonstration of Integrated Path CEMS for air emissions monitoring and reporting.

ESC Spectrum Launches Interim Reporting Services to Support Facilities with Temporary Reporting & Regulatory Help
ESC Spectrum is excited to introduce Interim Reporting Services, designed to help facilities maintain compliance during short-term staffing challenges. Our expert team provides support with data review, permit compliance, QA/QC management, and more—ensuring critical reporting obligations are met accurately and on time.

ESC Spectrum Academy Launches CEMS Training to Streamline Technician Education
Designed with technicians’ busy schedules in mind, the self-paced, online CEMS training empowers techs to learn best practices without interrupting daily operations.
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