Monitoring Flare Gas Flows: Challenges and Solutions

This blog post examines the challenges and solutions of monitoring flare gas flows within industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, petrochemical, and refining. Explore how advanced technologies along with innovative monitoring systems, ensure accurate measurements, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
Adapting to New EPA Ethylene Oxide Regulations: The Role of CEMS

This blog post examines a series of 2024 EPA Regulations on Ethylene Oxide and explores how Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) can help facilities navigate these new standards.
NSPS OOOOb & OOOOc Rules on Methane: What You Need to Know

Discover key insights on the EPA’s finalized NSPS OOOOb and OOOOc rules targeting methane emissions in the oil and natural gas sector. Learn about the stringent measures, compliance requirements, and industry impacts of these essential regulations effective November 2022.
Refining Processes: Understanding Flare Requirements in EMACT

The Ethylene Manufacturing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) under Subpart XX and YY establish requirements to control hazardous air pollutants (HAP) emissions from ethylene production units. This blog post focuses on the flare requirements specified in these regulations.
Gas Chromatography CEMS for Refining: Performance Specification 9

Learn more about 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart CC Performance Specification 9 to ensure accurate measurement of gaseous organic compound emissions. Performance Specification 9 (PS-9) establishes the requirements and procedures for Gas Chromatographic Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) in stationary sources.
Navigating Refining Regulations: 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart CC

Learn more about National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from Petroleum Refineries specifically on 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart CC. This blog post outlines the steps to comply with Subpart CC and how ESC Spectrum can equip your facility to streamline emission monitoring needs.
Understanding Air Emissions Regulations for Industrial Cooling Towers & Heat Exchangers

Explore industrial process cooling towers and heat exchangers and their requirements under NSR in Texas and nationwide.
Electronic Data Report (EDR): A Guide to Effective Emissions Data Management

Dive into the world of Electronic Data Reports (EDRs) with our expert guide. Learn how to manage emissions data effectively, ensure compliance, and avoid errors. Explore practical tips and real-world solutions from industry experts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
ESC Spectrum Expands Thought Leadership in Regulatory Realm with Launch of “The Source” Air Emissions Compliance Blog

After 50 years in the emissions compliance industry, ESC Spectrum launched “The Source” blog. The Source seeks to offer advice and explanations regarding air emissions compliance based on ESC Spectrum’s decades of experience.
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.
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).
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 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.