Category: CEMS Related Resources

CEMLink6 Excel Add-In: CEDRI Reports Are Just a Few Clicks Away

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VIM Technologies is in high gear and getting ready to release the CEMLink6 Excel Add-In – a CEMLink6 tool designed to reduce the challenges associated with assembling and populating CEDRI reporting.

Over the last four years, PC MACT affected facility managers have witnessed the EPA change its demand regarding CEDRI reporting formats and requirements numerous times. The most recent change took effect on September 24, 2020, discontinuing the web format and replacing it with a new, consolidated, Excel spreadsheet template. The change effectively mandates all PC MACT sources to use the latest Excel template in the upcoming reporting period.
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Maximize Your Company’s Environmental Compliance

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Updated Original Post Dated: April 3, 2019

A Data Acquisition System (DAS) is a crucial tool for gathering and analyzing your plant’s compliance data. When it comes to ensuring environmental compliance, DO NOT take any chances that could lead to fines or enforcement. Here are 5 key assessments you NEED to consider when evaluating your current compliance system(s). The right solution can maximize your company’s environmental compliance while significantly reducing risk.Read more »

Alberta Publishes Draft Revisions to 1998 CEMS Code

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On October 13, 2020, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) published a second draft of the 1998 Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) Code.  On the same day, AEP hosted a webinar to provide information concerning the proposed revisions to the CEMS Code.  AEP intends to issue the final CEMS Code after January 1, 2021 and the CEMS Code would tentatively become effective on January 1, 2022.  A copy of the draft CEMS Code, supporting documents as well as a recording of the AEP webinar is available at www.alberta.ca/continuous-emissions-monitoring.aspx.  A brochure summarizing the significant revisions to the CEMS code is available here.

5 Tips for Managing a CEMS and DAHS With Limited Resources

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Updated Original Post Dated: November 14, 2018

Graphic with logo, plant image, and title of blog

VIM Technologies recognizes the complications that come with managing a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) and Data Acquisition and Handling System (DAHS) with limited resources. Outside of our flagship products CEMLink 6 and COMPAS, designed specifically for the collection, monitoring, management, and reporting of plant emission data; we are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve systems management for our clients and colleagues. Here are five tips our team has put together for combating resource challenges at your workplace:

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6 Strategies to Maximize CEMS Data Availability

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A CEMS percent monitor availability (PMA) is a key component in determining how well a CEMS program is performing. If the PMA is below 95%, you may face consequences like additional reporting requirements for Part 60 facilities and more punitive data substitution values for Part 75 facilities.

Below, we detail 6 strategies you can implement to help you increase the CEMS PMA and reduce potential reporting and data replacement consequences.
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DAHS Updates for Part 75 XML Reporters

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On Wednesday, September 11, 2019, EPA announced the 2019 Quarter 3 release of the ECMPS client tool. Included in this release are checks to allow reporting of system and component ID’s during periods of missing data. In reality, the changes are much more broad than that, and also include changes to formula ID’s, MODC and reporting of emissions data for combined cycle units with bypass stacks. The VIM Technologies development and compliance teams have been working closely with EPA since they originally announced these changes in March 2019.
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Factors to Consider When Replacing Your DAS

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Your Data Acquisition System (DAS) helps to monitor emissions and keep your company compliant. When you determined it is time to replace your DAS there are several factors you need to take into consideration while moving forward with the upgrade. Discover some of the hidden challenges associated with the endeavor:

Infrastructure

Often overlooked, infrastructure can pose as a major hindrance to a successful DAS upgrade. Ethernet is the most common connection. You’ll want to make sure you have connectivity from all your monitoring locations that loops to one, central location. Incorporate the process group and IT team into the decision-making process to make sure every angle is covered. Evaluate current needs with those of the future in mind.

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5 Common DAS/CEMS Management Challenges and Solutions

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When it comes to managing DAS and CEMS systems, there are some common challenges that arise. Compliance Managers must have access to the most current and thorough emissions data to ensure regulations are being met. Here are five common DAS and CEMS operations concerns and accompanying solutions:

1. Multiple Regulations

Combustion units are typically subject to multiple air regulatory programs. More often than not, different rules require different validations, averaging, calculations and/or reporting. Steps you can take to address this problem include fully understanding your company’s compliance obligations (NSPS, NESHAPS, Title V), determining if “harmonization” is permitted among the various programs, and checking DAS documentation and the QA/QC Plan to make sure you’re in compliance with all necessary validation and ongoing QA tests.

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