Recommended Monitoring Plan Checklists

Working in an environmental group at a facility is challenging. You face many responsibilities that pull you in different directions, requiring incredible attention to detail. When you have and use in-house procedures, checklists, QA/QC plans, and other organizational aids, you can achieve greater consistency and perform your tasks more efficiently. These procedures also serve as an important reminder to perform infrequent but repetitive tasks and activities. Use our guidelines and helpful checklists to make sure you are prepared.

Protect Your Facility by Planning Ahead

We recommend several activities and their frequencies that you should use for efficient and effective air emissions compliance monitoring at your facility. Standardized workplace procedures keep you in compliance and out of trouble with auditors.

Data Review Checklists

Use the following Data Review Checklists to stay organized and prepared:

• Data Review Checklist for Full CEM Systems
• Data Review Checklist for Appendix D CEM Systems
• Data Review Checklist for Appendix E CEM Systems
• Data Review Checklist for LME (Low Mass Emitting) Monitoring Systems

Additional Review Activities

Quarterly Linearities: Before attempting a linearity check, make sure you have enough gas (>500 psi) in each cylinder to complete the linearity. Review the last couple of daily calibration checks to ensure the monitors respond within normal expectations.

Routine Maintenance Equipment Supplies: Typically, routine maintenance is performed on a monthly schedule. Ensure you have the time set aside to perform the maintenance and the extra equipment and supplies you may need to minimize the downtime you might encounter. It is an excellent practice to keep spare equipment in case of emergency and have a plan in place for unexpected situations.

Gas Cylinder Supplies: Tracking your inventory of gas cylinders is essential because of the long ordering lead time. Once the gas cylinder vendor receives your order, preparing Protocol gas cylinders takes at least 28 days before the cylinders can be shipped. If you are down to your last set of linearity or gas cylinders, order at least two more sets immediately. There is no need to worry about the shelf life of gas cylinders. The certification sheets show that the cylinders will be good for at least seven years.

Compliance Reports: These reports are critical and need to contain particular types of information. Different programs have various requirements; reports can be required quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Using a checklist helps you prepare them consistently and accurately and ensure that they contain all the requirements, which include:

• Quarterly Acid Rain files, plus review documents and submission records
• Quarterly air permit excess emissions, downtime, and performance summary reports for each of your reporting systems for state or local air quality agencies
• Semi-annual monitoring status reports for your operating permit
• Annual compliance reports for your operating permits

Reports for Management Review: The management team at your facility needs to know how the unit operates to remain ready to address issues, including maintaining staff and supply levels. Make sure you have the following information prepared for management review:

• Unit/Turbine/Generator Performance Reports
• Fuel Consumption Reports
• Generation Reports
• Multiple Unit Operating Reports

Monitoring Compliance Procedures

Having a set of previously developed procedures and other support documents like those mentioned above will help manage the burden created by these obligations. In the case of turnover, they will also help new staff understand their responsibilities and ensure a smooth transition from one person to the next.

The StackVision Data Acquisition System is a valuable tool for helping you collect, organize, and collate your data review. StackVision offers valuable tools to help you avoid overlooking periodic quality assurance tasks, like linearities, RATAs, audits, annual fuel flow meter calibrations, or even NOx Correlations testing, which must occur every five years.

Need assistance with compliance at your facility? We're here to support you and ensure your facility aligns with your federal, state, and local air emissions regulations. Reach out to us today!

Are you looking for more air emissions resources? Check out our blog, The Source.