EPA Air Emissions Testing of MACT Standards for SSI Units by Environmental Source Samplers, Inc.

WILMINGTON, NC, August 31, 2012 (Press-News.org) The EPA approved new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines for sewage sludge incineration (SSI) units and more recently issued a Denial of Reconsideration Petitions for the Final Rule. Environmental Source Samplers, Inc. (ESS) recently conducted source tests of SSI units for compliance with the new EPA regulations in VA, OH, and NY. The team at ESS has extensive experience in the SSI source test program, having partnered with some of the leading experts on SSI in the nation.

The EPA estimates that the new guidelines for air quality testing may impact 204 SSI units currently in operation at municipal facilities throughout the U.S. This rule is one of the many new standards for units that emit pollutants under the MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) Standards, and was enacted under Section 129 of the Clean Air Act.

Sewage Sludge Treatment Plants, typically are regulated under 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart O, as well as 40 CFR Part 61, Subparts C and E. The new source performance standards for these units have been promulgated under Subpart LLLL, and the Emission Guidelines themselves are promulgated under Subpart MMMM. The EPA estimates that of the 204 active SSI units, 155 are currently meeting these emission limits, and forty will need to install one or more air pollution control devices.

ESS published a table of Regulated Pollutants for SSI units that includes the Regulated Pollutant, the unit of measurement for emission limits, and the emission limit itself for both Multiple Hearth (which accounts for over 80% of identified SSI units) and Fluidized Bed Combusters. The table can be found here: http://www.essknowsair-blog.com/2012/07/30/new-source-performance-standards-nsps-and-emissions-guidelines-for-ssi-units/.

In order to measure emission rates for the pollutants relevant to SSI units, it is necessary to do an Emissions Sampling Program, or Stack Test, conducted by a qualified and accredited stack testing organization The EPA has reference methods for quantifying emissions for each regulated pollutant, and the testing must be done in accordance with those methods. ESS is an accredited stack testing company with extensive experience in a wide range of EPA Methods, including those specific to SSI units.

To learn more about Environmental Source Samplers, Inc. stack testing company, please visit http://www.ESSKnowsAir.com and http://www.ESSKnowsAir-Blog.com.

Environmental Source Samplers, Inc. (ESS) has some of the most experienced SSI test crews in the country. Our experience in some of the more specific source testing methodologies required by the SSI test program is unsurpassed in this industry.