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NARSTO Workshop on Innovative Methods for Emission Inventory Development and Evaluation University of Texas, Austin October 14-17, 2003 |
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Innovative Methods for Emission-Inventory Development and Evaluation
Tom Chico, Zorik Pirveysian
South Coast Air Quality Management District, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Natasha Meskal
Ecotek, MST Solutions Inc., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Starting with the 2000-2001 reporting period the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has consolidated both the Annual Emissions Inventory Report Program and the Toxic Emissions Inventory Report Program to establish a comprehensive point source emission inventory for criteria and toxic emissions that can have an impact on air quality. The consolidated Annual Emissions Reports (AER) filed by over 3,000 facilities provide the basis for the SCAQMD point source emissions inventory. The challenging task of consolidation was greatly facilitated by the development and implementation of a new AER reporting software developed for the SCAQMD by Ecotek.
For the last seven years, Ecotek has been SCAQMD consultant for the AER program. Ecotek´s responsibilities include: assistance with design of the reporting forms and supplemental instructions, software development, information dissemination and public assistance including internet support, information tracking and record keeping, compilation of data files relative to emissions and fees, and data file QA/QC.
The new AER reporting software was instrumental in providing a simplified reporting option allowing the linkage and integration between the criteria and toxic air pollutants. Furthermore, the new AER reporting software is user friendly, reduces chances for errors, improves the data quality and accuracy, and assists the users with the transition to the new consolidated program. Accuracy of the emissions inventory has significant implications since it is used for planning, rule development, and emission fee calculations, as well as determining the applicability of federal, state, or local programs.
The success of this user friendly AER reporting software can be measured by the large and constantly growing number of facilities choosing software as a reporting option: this year 82% of the reporting facilities have used the AER reporting software. The software increased the AER program´s overall efficiency both at user and District levels.
This demonstration will illustrate the use of the new SCAQMD AER reporting software for consolidated reporting of criteria and toxic emissions.