The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has finalized criteria for facilities to determine if predictive emission monitoring systems (PEMS) can be used instead of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS). These evaluation criteria are known as Performance Specification 16—Specifications and Test Procedures for Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationary Sources. PEMS predict source emissions indirectly using process parameters that have a known relationship to pollutant concentration.
US EPA is allowing, but not requiring, facilities to predict their emissions in
compliance with the following rules:
- Standards of Performance for Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units (40 CFR Part 60); and
- Standards of Performance for Stationary Gas Turbines (40 CFR Part 60).
In addition, a number of facilities regulated by state and local agencies are considering their use. The rule also amends several testing and monitoring provisions to make minor clarifications and corrections, including the use of portable analyzers for quarterly relative accuracy audits. For more information, see:
Performance Specification 16: Fact Sheet. (pdf, 1p., 18kB)- Performance Specification 16: Final Rule. (pdf, 83pp., 314kB)