Application of passive sorbent tube and canister samplers for volatile organic compounds at refinery fenceline locations in Whiting,Indiana

Select volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air were measured at four fenceline sites at a petroleum refinery in Whiting, IN, using modified EPA Method 325 A/B with passive tubes and EPA Compendium Method TO-15 with canister samplers. One-week, time-integrated samplers were deployed for 8 weeks with tubes and canister samplers deployed in duplicate. Good precision was obtained from the duplicate tubes (<7%) and duplicate canisters (≤10%) for BTEX, perchloroethylene, and styrene. The tubes yielded statistically significantly higher concentrations than canisters for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m,p-xylene. However, all differences were estimated to be <0.1 ppbv. No concentration differences among the four Whiting sites were found for any of the VOCs.

Implications: Recently enacted EPA Methods 325A/B use passive-diffusive tube samplers to measure benzene at refinery fenceline locations. This pilot study presents VOC data applying a modified version of EPA Method 325 A/B and its comparison to EPA Compendium Method TO-15 canister samplers at four refinery fenceline sites. The findings from this study provide additional confidence in application of the tube method at refineries to ascertain VOC source influence since tube and canister samplers were comparable and good precision was obtained from duplicate sampling for both methods. No overall difference in these reported VOC concentrations was found between Whiting sites for tubes or canisters.     

Air toxics in ambient air of Delhi

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major group of air pollutants which play critical role in atmospheric chemistry. It contributes to toxic oxidants which are harmful to ecosystem human health and atmosphere. Data on levels of VOCs in developing countries is lacking. In India information at target VOCs as defined in USEPA compendium method TO-14 is almost totally lacking. The present work deals with estimation of target VOCs at 15 locations in five categories namely residential, industrial, commercial, traffic intersections and petrol refueling stations in Delhi, the capital of India. The monitoring was carried out during peak hours in morning and evening each month for a year in 2001. Ambient air was adsorbed on adsorbent tubes, thermally desorbed and analyzed on GC–MS. The results show that levels of VOCs are high and stress the need for regular monitoring programme of VOCs in urban environment.     

Interlaboratory Study of a Test Method Measuring Total Volatile Organic Compound Content of Consumer Products

Abstract

Consumer products are potentially significant sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are precursors to the formation of ozone in photochemical smog. To address the problem of ozone formation in ambient air, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been involved in the development of test methods for measuring the VOC content of consumer products. This paper describes results of an interlaboratory study to estimate the repeatability (precision of analyses performed by a single laboratory) and reproducibility (precision of analyses performed by different laboratories) of the consumer products’ VOC measurement method based on EPA Method 24 (for VOCs in surface coatings).

The mean method repeatability was 2.7 wt % VOC, and the mean method reproducibility was 4.8 wt % VOC. Method repeatability ranged from 0.2 to 4.4 wt % VOC, and reproducibility ranged from 0.6 to 11.9 weight percent VOC. The precision of the VOC method for consumer

products is similar to the precision of EPA Method 24 for surface coatings.     

Comparison of seasonal phenol and p-cresol emissions from ground-level area sources in a dairy operation in central Texas

Although there are more than 200 odor-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phenol and p-cresol are two prominent odor-causing VOCs found downwind from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The VOC emissions from cattle and dairy production are difficult to quantify accurately because of their low concentrations, spatial variability, and limitations of available instruments. To quantify VOCs, a protocol following US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method TO-14A has been established based on the isolation flux chamber method and a portable gas chromatograph (GC) coupled with a purge-and-trap system. The general objective of this research was to quantify phenol and p-cresol emission rates (ERs) from different ground-level area sources (GLASs) in a free-stall dairy during summer and winter seasons using this protocol. Two-week-long sampling campaigns were conducted in a dairy operation in central Texas. Twenty-nine air samples were collected during winter and 37 samples were collected during summer from six specifically delineated GLASs (barn, loafing pen, lagoon, settling basin, silage pile, and walkway) at the free-stall dairy. Thirteen VOCs were identified during the sampling period and the GC was calibrated for phenol and p-cresol, the primary odorous VOCs identified. The overall calculated ERs for phenol and p-cresol were 2656 +/- 728 and 763 +/- 212 mg hd(-1) day(-1), respectively, during winter. Overall phenol and p-cresol ERs were calculated to be 1183 +/- 361 and 551 +/- 214 mg hd(-1) day(-1), respectively, during summer. In general, overall phenol and p-cresol ERs during winter were about 2.3 and 1.4 times, respectively, higher than those during summer.     

Volatile organic compounds at two oil and natural gas production well pads in Colorado and Texas using passive samplers

A pilot study was conducted in application of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Methods 325A/B variant for monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) near two oil and natural gas (ONG) production well pads in the Texas Barnett Shale formation and Colorado Denver–Julesburg Basin (DJB), along with a traffic-dominated site in downtown Denver, CO. As indicated in the EPA method, VOC concentrations were measured for 14-day sampling periods using passive-diffusive tube samplers with Carbopack X sorbent at fenceline perimeter and other locations. VOCs were significantly higher at the DJB well pad versus the Barnett well pad and were likely due to higher production levels at the DJB well pad during the study. Benzene and toluene were significantly higher at the DJB well pad versus downtown Denver. Except for perchloroethylene, VOCs measured at passive sampler locations (PSs) along the perimeter of the Barnett well pad were significantly higher than PSs farther away. At the DJB well pad, most VOC concentrations, except perchloroethylene, were significantly higher prior to operational changes than after these changes were made. Though limited, the results suggest passive samplers are precise (duplicate precision usually ≤10%) and that they can be useful to assess spatial gradients and operational conditions at well pad locations over time-integrated periods.

Implications: Recently enacted EPA Methods 325A/B use passive-diffusive tube samplers to measure benzene at multiple fenceline locations at petrochemical refineries. This pilot study presents initial data demonstrating the utility of Methods 325A/B for monitoring at ONG facilities. Measurements revealed elevated concentrations reflective of production levels and spatial gradients of VOCs relative to source proximity at the Barnett well pad, as well as operational changes at the DJB well pad. Though limited, these findings indicate that Methods 325A/B can be useful in application to characterize VOCs at well pad boundaries.     

Volatile organic compound emissions from municipal solid waste disposal sites: A case study of Mumbai,India

Improper solid waste management leads to aesthetic and environmental problems. Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is one of the problems from uncontrolled dumpsite. VOCs are well known to be hazardous to human health and many of them are known or potential carcinogens. They also contribute to ozone formation at ground level and climate change as well. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of VOCs emitting from two municipal waste (MSW) disposal sites in Mumbai, India, namely Deonar and Malad, are presented in this paper. Air at dumpsites was sampled and analyzed on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TO-17 compendium method for analysis of toxic compounds. As many as 64 VOCs were qualitatively identified, among which 13 are listed under Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). Study of environmental distribution of a few major VOCs indicates that although air is the principal compartment of residence, they also get considerably partitioned in soil and vegetation. The CO₂ equivalent of target VOCs from the landfills in Malad and Deonar shows that the total yearly emissions are 7.89E+03 and 8.08E+02 kg, respectively. The total per hour ozone production from major VOCs was found to be 5.34E-01 ppb in Deonar and 9.55E-02 ppb in Malad. The total carcinogenic risk for the workers in the dumpsite considering all target HAPs are calculated to be 275 persons in 1 million in Deonar and 139 persons in 1 million in Malad.

Implications: This paper describes the hazards of VOC emission from open dumpsites, a common practice, in an Indian metro city. The subsequent partitioning of the emitted VOCs in other environmental compartment from air is presented. The global warming potential and the health hazards to the dumpsite workers from the emitted VOCs have also been estimated.     

Volatile organic compound emissions from municipal solid waste disposal sites: a case study of Mumbai, India

Improper solid waste management leads to aesthetic and environmental problems. Emission ofvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) is one of the problems from uncontrolled dumpsite. VOCs are well known to be hazardous to human health and many of them are known or potential carcinogens. They also contribute to ozone formation at ground level and climate change as well. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of VOCs emitting from two municipal waste (MSW) disposal sites in Mumbai, India, namely Deonar and Malad, are presented in this paper. Air at dumpsites was sampled and analyzed on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TO-17 compendium method for analysis of toxic compounds. As many as 64 VOCs were qualitatively identified, among which 13 are listed under hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Study of environmental distribution of a few major VOCs indicates that although air is the principal compartment of residence, they also get considerably partitioned in soil and vegetation. The CO2 equivalent of target VOCs from the landfills in Malad and Deonar shows that the total yearly emissions are 7.89E+03 and 8.08E+02 kg, respectively. The total per hour ozone production from major VOCs was found to be 5.34E-01 ppb in Deonar and 9.55E-02 ppb in Malad. The total carcinogenic risk for the workers in the dumpsite considering all target HAPs are calculated to be 275 persons in 1 million in Deonar and 139 persons in 1 million in Malad.     

Quantification of indoor VOCs in twenty mechanically ventilated buildings in Hong Kong

Information of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in buildings in Hong Kong is relatively scared compared to other countries. Information of how much VOC accumulation comes from occupants themselves, from building materials and other outdoor sources are scarce even on a global basis. This study aimed at collecting information of the levels of individual VOCs using US-EPA Method TO-14. Twenty building premises including offices and public places such as customer service centers, shopping centers, etc. were studied. Samples were taken during the time slots when the mechanical ventilation system was operating. The 43 VOCs were grouped into three categories, i.e. aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons and organohalogen. The most dominant VOCs found in the indoor samples were benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BETX), chloroform and trichloroethylene as 100% of the samples were found to contain these VOCs. Besides, more than 75% of the samples were found to contain 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, methylchloride and dichloromethane. The wt% of chlorinated hydrocarbons (48%) and the wt% of aromatic hydrocarbons (38%) only differed by about 10% in the office sector. Organohalogen (14%) contributed to the smallest fraction of the total on all the premises in the office sector on weight basis. A completely different distribution pattern was found in the non-office sector. The most abundant class of VOCs in terms of weight was aromatic hydrocarbons (80%). The second abundant class of VOCs was chlorinated hydrocarbons (14%) and was much less than the level of aromatic hydrocarbons in terms of weight. Organohalogen (6%) contributed to the smallest fraction of the total on all the premises in the non-office sector on weight basis.     

Mapping and profile of emission sources for airborne volatile organic compounds from process regions at a petrochemical plant in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

This work surveyed five process regions inside a petrochemical plant in Taiwan to characterize the profiles of airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and locate emission sources. Samples, taken with canisters, were analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry according to the TO-14 method. Each region was deployed with 24 sampling sites, sampled twice, and 240 samples in total were measured during the survey period. All of the data were consolidated into a database on Excel to facilitate retrieval, statistical analysis, and presentation in the form of a table or graph, and, subsequently, the profile of VOCs was elucidated. Emission sources were located by mapping the concentration distribution of either an individual or a type of species in terms of contour maps on Surfer. Through the cross-analysis of data, the abundant VOCs included alkenes, dienes, alkanes, and aromatics. A total of 19 emission sources were located from these five regions. The sources for alkanes stood inside first, third aromatic, and fourth naphtha cracking regions, whereas the ones for alkenes were inside two naphtha cracking regions. The sources for dienes were found inside the third naphtha cracking region alone; in contrast, the sources for aromatics were universally traced except inside the third naphtha cracking region. The measured intensity for sources mostly ranged from 1000 to 7000 ppb.     

Assessment of spatial variation of ambient volatile organic compound levels at a power station in Kuwait

Twenty-four-hour integrated ambient air samples were collected in canisters at 10 locations within Kuwait’s major power station: Doha West Power Station to assess the spatial distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the perimeter of the station. A total of 30 samples, i.e., three samples per location, were collected during February and March. The samples were analyzed using a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) system and following the U.S. EPA Method TO-14A with modification. The results reflected the emission activities on the site and the meteorological conditions during sampling. Generally speaking, there was a negative correlation between the ambient temperature and the VOC concentrations, which indicates the sources were local. The halogenated compounds formed the highest proportion (i.e. 50–75 %) of the total VOC concentrations at the ten locations. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene and Vinyl Chloride concentrations were the highest amongst the other halogenated compounds. The aromatic compounds formed the least proportion (i.e. 1–4%) of the total VOC levels at all locations with Toluene having the highest concentrations amongst the aromatic compounds at seven locations. Propene, which is a major constituent of the fuel used, was the highest amongst the aliphatic compounds. The findings of this study and other relevant work suggests the measured VOC levels were the highest over the year, nevertheless, further work is required to assess the precisely temporal variation of VOC due to change in meteorological conditions and the emission rates.

Implications: Assessment of VOC concentrations around a power plant in Kuwait during the peak season showed halogenated compounds to be the dominant group. The calculated indoor concentrations were lower than those reported in a residential area about 12 km away.     

The Ozone Productivity of n-Propyl Bromide: Part 2—An Exception to the Maximum Incremental Reactivity Scale

Abstract

In an earlier paper the ozone-forming potential of n-propyl bromide (NPB) was studied with a new methodology designed to address issues associated with a marginal smog-forming compound. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subsequently revised its policy and now recommends using the Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) scale to rank the ozone-forming potential of all volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including those of marginal ozone productivity. Nevertheless, EPA contemplated exceptions to the box-model-derived MIR scale by allowing use of photochemical grid-model simulations for case specific reactivity assessments. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) also uses the MIR scale and CARB has a Reactivity Scientific Advisory Committee that can consider exceptions to the MIR scale. In this study, grid-model simulations that were recommended by EPA are used to evaluate the incremental ozone impacts of NPB using an update to the chemical mechanism developed in an earlier paper. New methods of analysis of the grid-model output are further developed here to quantify the relative reactivities between NPB and ethane over a wide range of conditions. The new grid-model-based analyses show that NPB is significantly different and generally less in ozone-forming potential (i.e., reactivity) than predicted by the box-model-based MIR scale relative to ethane, EPA’s “bright-line” test for non-VOC status. Although NPB has low reactivity compared to typical VOCs on any scale, the new grid-model analyses developed here show that NPB is far less reactive (and even has negative reactivity) compared to the reactivity predicted by the MIR scale.     

Integrated Sampling and Analysis Methods for Determining NO x Emissions at Electric Utility Plants

Two integrated sampling and analysis methods for determining NO_x emissions in electric utility plants were developed and field tested. The collection systems consist of: a 4.0% potassium permanganate-2.0% sodium hydroxide solution in restricted-orifice impingers, and a 5A° molecular sieve in midget impingers. Sample analysis is accomplished by a colorimetric or ion-chromatographic procedure with the alkaline-permanganate method and by a colorimetric procedure with the molecular sieve method. The alkalinepermanganate method gives excellent agreement with the EPA reference method, Method 7, for NO _x measurements. The molecular sieve method shows a significant negative bias relative to Method 7. It is anticipated that the permanganate methods will be proposed as alternates to Method 7, for NO _x determinations, under the EPA New Source Performance Standards.     

Formaldehyde Concentrations Inside Private Residences: A Mail-Out Approach to Indoor Air Monitoring

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to monitor the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the stack gas released from organic chemical industrial plants to determine emission factors. Samples from 52 stacks, with or without air pollution control devices (APCDs), from seven industrial processes were taken and VOCs measured using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 18. These 7 processes, including 26 plants, were the manufacturers of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylic resin (ACR), vinyl chloride (VC), para–terephthalic acid (PTA), and synthetic fiber (SYF). The results clearly indicate significant variations of emission factors among the various industrial processes, particularly emission factors for those without APCDs. As expected, those with APCDs yield much less emission factors. Regardless of those with or without APCDs, the order of manufacturing processes with regard to VOC emission factors is SYF > ABS > PS > ACR > PTA > PVC > VC. The emission factors for some processes also differ from those in EPA–42 data file. The VOC profiles further indicate that some VOCs are not listed in the U.S. VOC/Particulate Matter Speciation Data System (SPECIATE). The potential O₃ formation is determined from the total amount of VOC emitted for each of seven processes. The resultant O₃ yield varied from 0.22 (ACR) to 2.33 g O₃ g^–1 VOC (PTA). The significance of this O₃ yield is discussed.     

Landfill Gas Effects on Groundwater Samples at a Municipal Solid Waste Facility

A study was performed to determine the source of low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detected in groundwater samples at a solid waste management facility. The affected wells were identified as hydraulically upgradient of an old unlined facility, but downgradient of a new clay-lined landfill. These monitoring wells are close to both sites. Subsurface landfill gas migration was identified after a low permeability cap was installed on the older site. Subsurface gas pressure was monitored to identify horizontal landfill gas migration. Monitoring well headspace gases were evaluated to identify depressed oxygen concentrations and methane because of landfill gas migration into the well. Monitoring well headspace gas VOC concentrations were compared to groundwater VOC concentrations to determine the direction of phase transfer. A ratio above 1.0 of the observed well headspace gas concentration of a VOC to the concentration that would be in equilibrium with the groundwater concentration indicates gas-to-water phase transfer within the well. For the major gas-phase and aqueous-phase VOC, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, gas-to-water phase transfer is clearly indicated from the data for two of the four wells. Fifteen other VOCs were detected in monitoring well headspace gases but not in groundwater samples from the four wells studied. Only one compound in one well was detected in the groundwater sample but not in the headspace gases, and only one compound in one well was detected in both matrices at concentrations that suggested water-to-gas phase transfer. This study suggests that if landfill gas is suspected as the source of detected VOCs, monitoring well construction and stratigraphy are important considerations when attempting to differentiate between groundwater contamination by landfill gas and contamination from other sources.     

Nonvolatile,semivolatile, or volatile: Redefining volatile for volatile organic compounds

Although widely used in air quality regulatory frameworks, the term “volatile organic compound” (VOC) is poorly defined. Numerous standardized tests are currently used in regulations to determine VOC content (and thus volatility), but in many cases the tests do not agree with each other, nor do they always accurately represent actual evaporation rates under ambient conditions. The parameters (time, temperature, reference material, column polarity, etc.) used in the definitions and the associated test methods were created without a significant evaluation of volatilization characteristics in real world settings. Not only do these differences lead to varying VOC content results, but occasionally they conflict with one another. An ambient evaporation study of selected compounds and a few formulated products was conducted and the results were compared to several current VOC test methodologies: SCAQMD Method 313 (M313), ASTM Standard Test Method E 1868-10 (E1868), and U.S. EPA Reference Method 24 (M24). The ambient evaporation study showed a definite distinction between nonvolatile, semivolatile, and volatile compounds. Some low vapor pressure (LVP) solvents, currently considered exempt as VOCs by some methods, volatilize at ambient conditions nearly as rapidly as the traditional high-volatility solvents they are meant to replace. Conversely, bio-based and heavy hydrocarbons did not readily volatilize, though they often are calculated as VOCs in some traditional test methods. The study suggests that regulatory standards should be reevaluated to more accurately reflect real-world emission from the use of VOC containing products.

Implications:The definition of VOC in current test methods may lead to regulations that exclude otherwise viable alternatives or allow substitutions of chemicals that may limit the environmental benefits sought in the regulation. A study was conducted to examine volatility of several compounds and a few formulated products under several current VOC test methodologies and ambient evaporation. This paper provides ample evidence to warrant a reevaluation of regulatory standards and provides a framework for progressive developments based on reasonable and scientifically justifiable definitions of VOCs.     

Woodstove Smoke and CO Emissions: Comparison of Reference Methods with the VPI Sampler

A new field sampler has been developed for measuring the particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide emissions of woodburning stoves. Particulate matter is determined by carbon balance and the workup of a sample train which is similar to a room-temperature EPA Method 5G train. A steel tank, initially evacuated, serves as the motive force for sampling and also accumulates a gas sample for post-test analysis of time-averaged stack CO and CO₂ concentrations. Workup procedures can be completed, within 72 hours of sampler retrieval. The system has been compared to reference methods in two laboratory test series involving six different woodburning appliances and two independent laboratories. The correlation of field sampler emission rates and reference method rates is strong.     

The evolution and impact of testing baghouse filter performance

In 1995, the US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program for the purpose of generating both independent and credible performance verification of innovative technologies and helping to accelerate acceptance of these products into the marketplace to further benefit the environment and protect public health. The EPA has approved a testing protocol under this program to verify the performance of commercially available filtration products for pulse-jet baghouses in removingfine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter<2.5 microm; PM2.5). This verification testing protocol was later used as a basis for the development of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method D6830-02 and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Method 11057. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in California and the EPA s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) highly encourage the use of ETV/ASTM-verified filtration media. This paper highlights the evolution of the standard test methods, the EPA's and SCAQMD's regulatory activities, the benefits of using verified filtration media, and the importance of including the filter performance testing in future consideration of baghouse permitting, baghouse operation and maintenance (O&M) plans, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and bag monitoring plans.     

Volatile organic compounds in urban rivers and their estuaries in Osaka, Japan

The levels and distribution of 55 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were determined by purge and trap GC-MS on water samples from 30 sites within the urban rivers and estuaries of Osaka, a populated industrialized city of Japan. Forty of 55 target VOCs listed in the US EPA Method 524.2 were detected. Dichloromethane (DCM) was found at higher levels at all of the sampling sites. The distribution of dominant VOCs followed four different patterns. First, the most common VOCs (DCM, toluene, trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene) showed concentration maxima in the river segments, and the sites of maximum concentration fluctuated due to irregular large spills and/or loadings. Second, one VOC (cis-1,2-dichloroethene) was evenly distributed in particular rivers due to fixed loadings. Both of these patterns were found in the upper and middle reaches. Third, some of VOCs (1,2,3-trichloropropane and benzene) were specific to a single industrial site and truceable to those sources. Finally, some VOCs showed no concentration maxima along the rivers and entered from multiple sources (chloroform and bromodichloromethane). Diurnal variations of VOCs at the border of the city area, receiving domestic and industrial discharges, provided information to interpret their observed downstream distribution and possible sources.     

Validation of three new methods for determination of metal emissions using a modified Environmental Protection Agency Method 301

Three new methods applicable to the determination of hazardous metal concentrations in stationary source emissions were developed and evaluated for use in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance applications. Two of the three independent methods, a continuous emissions monitor-based method (Xact) and an X-ray-based filter method (XFM), are used to measure metal emissions. The third method involves a quantitative aerosol generator (QAG), which produces a reference aerosol used to evaluate the measurement methods. A modification of EPA Method 301 was used to validate the three methods for As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg, representing three hazardous waste combustor Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) metal categories (low volatile, semivolatile, and volatile). The modified procedure tested the methods using more stringent criteria than EPA Method 301; these criteria included accuracy, precision, and linearity. The aerosol generation method was evaluated in the laboratory by comparing actual with theoretical aerosol concentrations. The measurement methods were evaluated at a hazardous waste combustor (HWC) by comparing measured with reference aerosol concentrations. The QAG, Xact, and XFM met the modified Method 301 validation criteria. All three of the methods demonstrated precisions and accuracies on the order of 5%. In addition, correlation coefficients for each method were on the order of 0.99, confirming the methods' linear response and high precision over a wide range of concentrations. The measurement methods should be applicable to emissions from a wide range of sources, and the reference aerosol generator should be applicable to additional analytes. EPA recently approved an alternative monitoring petition for an HWC at Eli Lilly's Tippecanoe site in Lafayette, IN, in which the Xact is used for demonstrating compliance with the HWC MACT metal emissions (low volatile, semivolatile, and volatile). The QAG reference aerosol generator was approved as a method for providing a quantitative reference aerosol, which is required for certification and continuing quality assurance of the Xact.     

Validation of the Digital Opacity Compliance System under Regulatory Enforcement Conditions

Abstract

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Emission Measurement Center in conjunction with EPA Regions VI and VIII, the state of Utah, and the U.S. Department of Defense have conducted a series of long-term pilot and field tests to determine the accuracy and reliability of a visible opacity monitoring system consisting of a conventional digital camera and a separate computer software application for plume opacity determination. This technology, known as the Digital Opacity Compliance System (DOCS), has been successfully demonstrated at EPA-sponsored Method-9 “smoke schools,” as well as at a number of government and commercially operated industrial facilities.

Results from the current DOCS regulatory pilot study demonstrated that, under regulatory enforcement conditions, the average difference in opacity measurement between the DOCS technology and EPA Reference Method 9 (Method 9) was 1.12%. This opacity difference, which was computed from the evaluation of 241 regulated air sources, was found to be statistically significant at the 99% confidence level. In evaluating only those sources for which a nonzero visible opacity level was recorded, the average difference in opacity measurement between the DOCS technology and Method 9 was 1.20%. These results suggest that the two opacity measurement methods are essentially equivalent when measuring the opacity of visible emissions.

Given the costs and technical limitations associated with use of Method 9, there is a recognized need to develop accurate, reproducible, and scientifically defensible alternatives to the use of human observers. The use of digital imaging/processing brings current technology to bear on this important regulatory issue. Digital technology offers increased accuracy, a permanent record of measurement events, lower costs, and a scientifically defensible approach for opacity determination.