CEM - Abstract

Abstract Information :

Compliance Monitoring under the U.S. EPA Electric Generating Unit, Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (EGU MATS) , incorporates a provision whereby, if ongoing mercury emissions stay below a threshold level, the requirement of compliance monitoring, via continuous electronic mercury emission monitoring systems (HgCEMS), is waived. Instead, ongoing verification of “low emissions” is effected with Sorbent Trap testing, conducted annually for a 30-day period. This presentation will chronical the experience of one utility whose emissions limits were lowered via a State-imposed ceiling on mercury emissions, combined with process changes which resulted in elevated emissions of mercury. The latter two dynamics combined to compel the utility to install, commission and certify electronic HgCEM Systems on two of their coal-fired power plant units. The presentation will provide normalized emissions data, changes in process conditions, as well as State-specific regulations which are more stringent than those stipulated by the U.S. EPA EGU MATS regulations. A discussion of potential analogous implementation of compliance with the EU Best Available Technology Reference documents (BREF) will be incorporated into the presentation, as in many respects, the requirement of continuous Hg emissions monitoring via HgCEMS is what coal-fired power plant owner/operators in the EU will face in the near future, as they comply with BREF.

Note: It is hoped that those convened in this targeted session might weigh in on anticipated regional and country-specific guidelines, in the EU, for mercury emissions control and monitoring; a dynamic which may further discussions on regional customization of the pending EU BREF regulations – and afford additional sharing of perspectives on similar dynamics which have transpired in the U.S. under EPA’s EGU MATS and the Portland Cement Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (PC MACT) regulations.