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Show PREDICTIVE EMISSION MONITORING SYSTEMS: LOW-COST CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING PEMS REGULATORY HISTORY The fIrst predictive emission monitoring system (PEMS) requirements were established by the Arkansas Division of Pollution Control in a permit issued to Arkansas Eastman. These requirements were based on the hardware continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) requirements established under 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix B, Performance Specification 2. In response to industry and a concern for affordable monitoring, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) in their nitrogen oxides reasonably achievable control technology rules (NOx RACT rules) created PEMS requirements based on the alternative monitoring system requirements of 40 CPR Part 75, Subpart E of the Acid Rain Program. The TNRCC determined that the Acid Rain requirements were impractical and altered those requirements so that a PEMS could certified in 2 to 3 days instead of the 30 day period mandated by the Acid Rain Program. On October 26, 1994, Exxon, Dow Chemical, Houston Light & Power, Arkansas Eastman and Pavilion provided five Predictive Emission Monitoring System (PEMS) Enhanced Monitoring Protocols to the U.S. EPA's Emission Measurement Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. These protocols were provided because the proposed Enhanced Monitoring rule did not favor alternatives to hardware continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) and the establishment of a PEMS under the proposed rule was arduous. After evaluation and review of additional information, the Emission Measurement Center informed Pavilion! that the protocols were complete and that PEMS are a viable alternative to hardware continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS). The personnel of the Emission Measurement Center are EPA's technical experts on source air pollution testing and monitoring. They are responsible for the performance specifications and quality assurance procedures applicable to hardware CEMS under New Source Performance Standards. Their conclusions regarding the initial demonstration and ongoing quality assurance requirements for PEMS result in cost effective and reasonable requirements for PEMS. 2 |