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Next-generation emission measurement (NGEM) technologies to assess fugitive emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Citation:
Champion, W., M. MacDonald, I. George, AND E. Thoma. Next-generation emission measurement (NGEM) technologies to assess fugitive emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). CSU Seminar, Ft. Collins, CO, May 20, 2024.
Impact/Purpose:
This is a seminar being provided at Colorado State University on May 20th, 2024, as part of a visit to CSU and the NEIC summit (on the following days of travel). I will be meeting with faculty at CSU that morning and touring the Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center (METEC) in the afternoon. I am submitting the abstract now to allow for circulation at CSU, and will upload the presentation later in April, thank you.
Description:
The fugitive emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial processes are currently managed through in-person leak detection and repair (LDAR) efforts that are costly and occur periodically. These emissions are not rigorously accounted for in current emissions inventory practices (due in part to the complexities of safely measuring them), yet may at times contribute significantly to total facility emissions. These smaller VOC sources (e.g., fuel storage tanks) are ubiquitous across the country (e.g., 10% of Americans live within 3 miles of a fuel tank terminal) and can impact the air quality of many so-called “fenceline communities”, especially considering that these VOC emissions include many hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). The EPA has developed next-generation emission measurement (NGEM) techniques employing lower-cost sensors to monitor facility emissions in real time. Here, an overview of these techniques for the monitoring of fugitive VOC emissions is explored, and two case studies are described: 1) the Greensboro Storage Tank Assessment with Remote-sensing Technologies (G-START), and 2) controlled release testing of lower-cost methane sensors and their application at a local landfill. Ultimately, this work aims to better understand stochastic industrial air emissions, minimize leakage and operating costs for industry partners, improve air quality, and reduce exposures of communities living near these important sources.