On May 9, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions for New, Modified, and Reconstructed Electric Generating Units and emission guidelines for existing electric generating units. This significant regulatory update, effective from July 8, 2024, sets forth new compliance timelines and requirements centered around particulate matter monitoring.
One of the new requirements involves all Mercury Air Toxic Standards (MATS) facilities to meet new requirements involving PM CEMS, PM Limit, Hg Limit, and Startup Definition #2 removal. This blog post will focus on the PM CEMS requirement, what these systems are, and how ESC Spectrum can help you meet these new requirements.
The Role of PM CEMS in Compliance
Particulate Matter Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (PM CEMS) are essential for accurately measuring and reporting PM emissions in real-time. The EPA estimates that while only one-third of MATS facilities currently use PM CEMS, all are now required to implement these systems to meet the new standards.
PM CEMS provide several benefits such as the following:
- Real-Time Data: Continuous monitoring offers immediate insights into emission levels, allowing for prompt corrective actions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures facilities meet stringent EPA requirements, avoiding potential fines and penalties. For the new regulations, the timeline for compliance is 3 years (with an option for a one-year extension).
- Improved Data Acquisition: By accurately tracking PM emissions, facilities can optimize their operations to minimize environmental impact. By using one, you can anticipate issues, get instant monitoring insights, and allow for easier data reporting.
Want a deep dive to learn more about the new regulations? Read our blog post “Final Rules – MATS Residual Risk & Technology Review and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Performance Standards”.
How ESC Spectrum Can Assist With Particulate Matter Monitoring
At ESC Spectrum, we understand the challenges facilities face in adapting to new regulatory requirements. Our team is ready to assist MATS facilities in implementing PM CEMS and making necessary adjustments to their Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) to ensure seamless compliance.
We work with a variety of suppliers to provide products for two forms of PM CEMS equipment: In-Situ and Extractive. In-Situ deals with “dry” stacks while Extractive deals with “wet” ones. Every facility is different and we can help you determine which product is the right fit for your needs. Here are a few of the particulate matter monitoring equipment solutions that we offer:
Additional Particulate Matter Monitoring Resources
The EPA’s new regulations represent a significant step forward in reducing emissions and protecting the environment. While the compliance timeline of three years provides some flexibility, facilities must begin planning and implementing changes as soon as possible. To learn more about the new regulations, refer to the EPA MATS webpage.
For a better general understanding of CEMS and Emissions Regulations, view our guides on each topic:
- Understanding Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS): A Comprehensive Guide
- The Definitive Guide to Air Emissions Regulations
By partnering with ESC Spectrum, you can navigate these regulatory changes with confidence. Our CEM Systems and Services are tailored to the needs of a variety of industries. Contact us today to learn how we can assist your facility in meeting the new EPA regulations.
Daniel Napolitan
Daniel joined ESC Spectrum in August of 2023 as a Marketing Specialist I. He started this position shortly after graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. Prior to working with ESC Spectrum, Daniel gained experience in the digital marketing field doing SEO and keyword research to produce successful organic content. He is now responsible for completing various marketing tasks such as blog writing, social media posts, paid search advertisements, web analytics, and more.
