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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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.

Don’t Skip The Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)
The purpose of a FAT is to verify that equipment/software for a new project is working properly prior to installation. While FATs are not required, they are certainly a very important step in ensuring a successful project.

Reporting Month: Key Air Compliance Lessons Learned
Once the fourth quarter’s reporting window has closed, there is finally an opportunity to reflect on the past year. We compiled a list of air compliance lessons learned, based on customers’ feedback.

RATA Load Analysis Errors and How to Avoid Them
Load Analysis Errors are usually discovered after a RATA test has been conducted and can lead to hundreds of hours of invalid data. To avoid this error at your facility, learn about some of our best practices to consider when planning your next RATA test.

What is the EPA January 2022 MATS Proposal?
Learn more about the EPA’s announcement on January 31, 2022, regarding proposed changes to the Mercury and Air Toxin Standards (MATS).

Air Emissions Regulations 101
Air Emissions Regulations 101 provides an overview of EPA history, the similarities and differences between Part 60, 63 and 75 and ESC Spectrum’s role in monitoring and compliance.

Air Quality Compliance Reporting 101
Learn more about the activities required for 40 CFR Part 60/63 and 40 CFR Part 75 reporting and how ESC Spectrum can help!

Air Compliance Reporting: January is the Busiest Month of the Year
January is the busiest time of the year in the CEMS world for many reasons. The holiday season interrupts the day-to-day life and makes preparation for future activities more difficult. On top of that, January isn’t just a reporting month, but the reporting month; not only do you have to prepare quarterly reports, but also semiannual monitoring reports for Title V operating periods, and annual compliance reports. For most of the people involved in preparing and submitting these series of reports exhale a big breath of relief when it is finally done — but what’s next?

CEMS Data Review Checklists
Now is the perfect time for organizing to get ready for next year – from straightening your closet to cleaning up your desktop to staying on top of reviewing your CEMS data. There are many data points to track at different times of the year. To help make this process easier, we’ve created a series of CEMS Data Review Checklists to keep it all straight.

End of Year CEMS Checklist
December can be a challenging time to prepare for the New Year: it’s cold, and the upcoming holidays interfere with your attempts to get everything done on time! That’s why we have created a list of critical CEMS items you should address before the final countdown to ensure a Happy New Year.

What to Expect with the ECMPS Tool Transition (ECMPS 2.0)
CAMD is in the process of replacing the outdated ECMPS Client tool – now over a decade old – with a new, web-based program: ECMPS 2.0. Learn key deadlines and important information about upcoming changes.

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.
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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