An air emissions inventory is a comprehensive list of potential and/or actual air emissions from each air emission source at an industrial facility. Air pollutants are calculated based on equipment or process throughputs and selected emission factors.
What are Air Pollutants?
Air pollutants are grouped into two categories: criteria pollutants and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Criteria pollutants primarily include particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) is a grouping for various chemicals that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects or adverse environmental effects. A current list of the 188 HAPs can be found on EPA’s website.
Potential vs Actual Emissions
When determining whether a facility needs a permit, potential uncontrolled emissions are typically used. Potential emissions are calculated based on around the clock operation at maximum capacity. Actual emissions are what is actually being emitted, and take into account lower usages, less operating time, etc.
What produces Air Pollutants?
Many different types of equipment and processes generate emissions through use, storage, combustion, evaporation, etc. Examples of such equipment and processes include but are not limited to:
- Boilers
- Heaters
- Engines (generators, fire pumps)
- Gluing operations
- Painting or coating operations
- Storage tanks (depending on the material contained within the tank)
- Metal fabrication and welding
- Foam fabrication and molding or pouring operations
- Rubber manufacturing
- Sawmills and dry kilns
- Plywood or other wood manufacturing
- Plastics or polymer manufacturing
- Abrasive blasting
- Fiberglass components
- Chemical manufacturing
- Steel fabrication or manufacturing
- Furniture manufacturing
Who needs an Air Emissions Inventory?
Any new facility or a facility making operational changes or additions should complete or update the air emissions inventory. After completing the air emissions inventory, a regulatory review should be conducted to verify any permitting or other regulatory requirements associated with the operation, construction, or modification of any air pollution equipment. A regulator review should be done in companion with the air emissions inventory. Click here to read more about Regulatory Reviews.
Even if permitting is not required, most states require site to maintain an updated air emissions inventory on-site. While this may vary from state to state, it is recommended that all industrial sites maintain an updated air emissions inventory.
For questions or need assistance with Air Emission Inventories, contact Environmental Compliance & Safety at:
- Phone: (662) 840 5945
- Website: https://envirocomp.net/contact/
