How to Successfully Plan and Complete a Relative Accuracy Test Audit

Learn about what a Relative Accuracy Test Audit (RATA) is and what measures to take leading up to your test, the day of, and afterwards.
Understanding Part 60 and Part 63 Excess Emissions and Performance Summary Reports

This blog dives into Part 60 and Part 63 reporting requirements, specifically focusing on Semiannual Excess Emissions and Monitoring Systems Performance Reports.
Tracking Fuel Gas Sulfur Content: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

Accurate fuel gas sulfur tracking is critical in the oil and gas industry to meet regulatory standards, protect equipment, and reduce environmental impact. This blog explores challenges in monitoring sulfur content, methods like Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and how advancements in technology help industries achieve precise and reliable sulfur management.
Understanding the Data Assessment Report (DAR) for CEMS Audits

The Data Assessment Report (DAR) is a crucial but often overlooked component of CEMS audit compliance. This guide breaks down what needs to be included, from quarterly accuracy results to EPA audit sample requirements, helping you keep up with regulations and streamline your reporting process.
Tail Gas Treatment Units (TGTUs): Essential for Sulfur Recovery

Read this post to discover how Tail Gas Treatment Units (TGTUs) help refineries meet stringent sulfur recovery and emissions control standards. This blog covers essential TGTU technologies, regulatory requirements, and the vital role that TGTUs play to improve sulfur recovery efficiency.
PM CEMS and PS-11 Compliance Explained: Best Practices for Reliable Particulate Matter Monitoring

Read this post for a deeper understanding of the certification requirements for PM CEMS, with a special emphasis on the PS-11 Correlation.
New Release: Prism Version 2.0 Data Acquisition System

We’re excited to announce the release of Prism Version 2.0! This release provides new features designed to make CEMS compliance and monitoring easier and more productive than ever.
Particulate Matter CEMS: Navigating New EPA Regulations

This article will walk you through the role of Particulate Matter (PM) Continuous Emissions Monitoring System’s (CEMS) in air compliance.
Final Rules – MATS Residual Risk & Technology Review and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Performance Standards

In May of 2024, the EPA finalized stricter rules for Mercury Air Toxic Standards (MATS) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Performance Standards. Key changes include tighter limits on particulate matter and mercury emissions, mandatory use of PM Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and new compliance timelines. Learn more about how these final rules can affect your facility.
New Release: RATAView™ Version 1.5 Now Available

RATAView Version 1.5 release offers new features and enhancements to help stack testers’ perform RATA tests accurately and efficiently.
New Release: Prism Version 1.9 Data Acquisition System

We’re excited to announce the release of Prism Version 1.9! This release provides new features designed to make CEMS compliance and monitoring easier and more productive than ever.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Release: Prism Version 1.8 Data Acquisition System

We’re excited to announce the release of Prism Version 1.8! This release provides new features designed to make CEMS compliance and monitoring easier and more productive than ever.
New Release: RATAView™ Version 1.4 Now Available

RATAView Version 1.4 release offers new features and enhancements to help stack testers’ perform RATA tests accurately and efficiently.
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.
New Release: RATAView™ Version 1.3 Now Available

RATAView Version 1.3 release offers new features and enhancements to help stack testers’ perform RATA tests accurately and efficiently.
New Release: Prism Version 1.7 Data Acquisition System

We’re excited to announce the release of Prism Version 1.7! This release provides new features designed to make CEMS compliance and monitoring easier and more productive than ever.
ECMPS 2.0 Re-Engineering: Key Takeaways

In this article, we outline all of the latest updates with the ECMPS 2.0 tool for submitting monitoring plans, QA data, and emissions data.
Resubmitting Data to ECMPS

While resubmitting data can seem intimidating, it does happen from time to time. This article covers helpful tips for such a process.
How to Avoid Errors With the Right ECMPS Evaluation Selections

Learn more about the valuable lessons our Reporting Engineers have learned while working with ECMPS to achieve the best results.
New Release: RATAView™ Version 1.2 Now Available

RATAView Version 1.2 release offers new features and enhancements to help stack testers’ perform RATA tests accurately and efficiently.
New Release: Prism Version 1.6 Data Acquisition System

The Prism data acquisition system (DAS) Version 1.6 release provides new features designed to make CEMS compliance and monitoring easier and more productive than ever.
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.
Environmental Compliance Emissions Reporting Requirements

Learn how to keep up with quarterly reporting deadlines so your facility can maintain its environmental compliance requirements.
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 Release: StackVision™ Version 6.18 Data Acquisition System

Industry-leading DAS StackVision Version 6.18 provides enhancements and updates to existing features that will improve user efficiency.
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.
New Firmware Release Further Enhances the Robust and Reliable 8864 Data Controller

The 8864 Data Controller Firmware v6.02.r60 includes a number of new features that enhance its usability and reliability.
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!
New Release: RATAView™ Version 1.1 Now Available

RATAView Version 1.1 release offers new features and enhancements to help stack testers’ perform RATA tests accurately and efficiently.
New Release: Prism Version 1.5 Data Acquisition System

The Prism data acquisition system (DAS) Version 1.5 release provides new features designed to make CEMS compliance and monitoring easier and more productive than ever.