The installation of a new data acquisition and handling system (DAHS) is a unique and complex project that many plant personnel may not experience during their careers. Moreover, the level of effort required to manage a DAHS installation project is typically in addition to existing plant staff workloads which can be taxing. Experience shows that there is often a void at the outset of a typical DAHS project where the project requirements and specifications have not been clearly defined. In the absence of clearly defined technical specifications, both the buyer and seller are often stuck in an uncomfortable position. There can be numerous open-ended questions that have a significant impact on the overall success of the project. Details such as:
- Are all emission limits, averaging periods (e.g., 24-hour rolling average versus 24-hour block average, etc.), and validity criteria (startup/shutdown exemptions, valid periods in an average, etc.) clearly defined?
- Have all applicable federal and State regulations been clearly defined?
- Are all necessary process signals readily available to the DAHS and the control room?
- Are all environmental data points identified and documented including how underlying data validity is performed?
- Are all reporting requirements (including required regulatory reports and necessary internal reports) clearly defined?
- What are the required site data backup procedures?
- Where will the DAHS server be located and how many workstations are required?
EPAS Features
- Thorough review of current and future reporting requirements.
- Detailed review of site-specific air permit and Part 75 monitoring plan (if applicable).
- Thorough review of current and future excess emissions limits.
- Thorough review of past problems and existing QA/QC plans.
- Revised set of guidance documents and QA/QC plans.
- Complete review and assemblance of all environmental data points including data flow and determination of underlying data validity required.
- Thorough project documentation and plans for environmental compliance assurance.
EPAS Benefits
- Projects are engineered to the finest compliance requirements before each DAHS is configured.
- Comprehensive presentation of “before” and “after” scenarios.
- Incorporation of CEMLink 6 features that will benefit the user based on their individual compliance needs and requests.
- Complete end-to-end project supervision to ensure that every detail is reviewed, programmed, tested, and demonstrated.
- We will manage any part of the process to make sure that the requirements are met and satisfied.
EPAS Costs
- Costs are incurred on a time and material basis and invoiced monthly.
- EPAS related direct costs such as airfare, hotel etc. are invoiced at cost plus ten percent.
- EPAS is designed to be a collaborative effort where the client decides how much of the service fits their needs.
- EPAS services are flexible and can be scaled up or scaled back depending on each client’s needs at various stages of the project.
EPAS Process
- The process begins with a detailed review of the air permit, Part 75 monitoring plan (if applicable), existing report requirements, and all applicable federal and State regulations.
- Next, VIM and the client will assess whether a site visit is warranted to gather additional information for the DAHS project such as data flows, underlying data validity, and incident response protocols.
- After completing the initial project assessment, VIM will submit a detailed report summarizing the project scope for the client’s review and comment.
- After receiving the client’s comments, VIM will participate in conference calls (or potentially a site visit) to finalize any outstanding issues or questions.
- A final project specification document will be provided to the client and the DAHS installation project team.
- EPAS services can include weekly conference calls, or even regular site visits to organize and gather all the necessary requirements and ensure that further clarifications are communicated and resolved.
- Weekly reports are submitted to the user in order to keep lines of communication open with regards to time spent, resources needed, and timelines for deliverables.
EPAS (Environmental Project Assessment Service) saves you time and resources. As a premier DAS supplier, VIM Technologies, Inc. knows that the key to success in implementing a DAHS solution lies with having the correct and detailed information needed before we build your application. Having the necessary information documented, along with quick and complete clarification leads to minimal rework down the road and most importantly, the correct data, measurements, calculations, and reporting to meet your needs.
Contact us today at Sales@vimtechnologies.com to discuss how EPAS can deliver results for your application and give you the peace of mind that comes with a turn-key solution from VIM Technologies, Inc.
