Common Mistakes

by Carrie Schroeder

Emission Factors

Where did they come from?

How old are they?

If you changed it in your spreadsheet, make sure to change it in Redbud

Document where you got the emission factor

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Control Efficiencies

Is yours included in the emission factor you’re using?

Then don’t forget to check the box!

3

Controls

Listing controls and efficiencies that do not apply to that pollutantFabric filters and baghouses only control PM

Catalytic converters control CO, VOCs and/or NOx

Catalytic oxidizers control CO and VOCs

4

Units

Double check that the units in Redbud are still accurate

Check:process rate units

emission factor units

We can’t replicate your emissions if the units are incorrect

5

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Are they in your VOCs?

Speciate your HAPs out of your VOCs

We especially saw this error on compressor engines

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Stack Parameters

If flow rate = 0 then list the unit as a fugitive

Cannot replicate flow rate and gas exit velocity calculation

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Stack parametersEquation:

Gas Exit Velocity = flow rate (acfm) ÷

(∏ x r2 x 60)

OR

Flow rate (acfm) = exit gas velocity x

(∏ x r2 x 60)

acfm= actual cubic feet per minute

For non-round stacks

Diameter = 1.128 x √(length x width)8

Stack Parameters

OR

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Reporting/Not Reporting

Emissions reported but have 0 for process rate and/or 0 for annual hours

OR

Process rate reported and/or annual hours reported but emissions are 0 and trace boxes are not checked

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Reporting Same Values

If you have the same annual process rate, annual hours, and emissions for 2 years in a row then you will get flagged in our QC program

Usually incorrect, so please don’t just re-enter last years data

Some correct situations might be emergency generators, fire pumps, and process tank heaters

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Inconsistent Increase/Decrease in Emissions

You will get flagged if:Annual process rate and hours vary slightly

from previous year to current year, but emissions decrease or increase greatly

And calculation method, controls, emission factor, and emission factor units have not changed

If you legitimately fall into this situation then please make an emission unit note explaining why

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Why Your Inventory Is Important

Missing or incorrect release point data lead to errors in geographical location of emissions and impacts photochemical modeling and health risk assessments

Missing or incorrect hours and season fractions lead to errors in temporal distribution of emissions

Errors in SCC and SIC impact control strategy development and attainment plans

Missing or incorrect control equipment data impacts rule development

Good data leads to effective air quality regulation13

Any Questions?

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