Monitoring Metals and Mercury Emissions: An EMC Effort
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently evaluating ambient fence line multimetals monitoring for compliance determination, health exposure studies, and locating sources of metals emissions. This initiative is part of a broader project that involves the EPA's Clean Air Markets Division, in collaboration with EPA's Office of Research and Development and the Environmental Monitoring and Control (EMC) division.
One key aspect of this project is the approval of the Eli Lilly Company to use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) metals CEMS on a hazardous waste incinerator. This instrument, built by a small business instrument developer named Cooper Environmental, has also been approved by the US Army for use on a hazardous waste incinerator.
The EPA has conducted evaluations of this commercial XRF metals CEMS at several facilities, although a Performance Specification 10 for metals CEMS, proposed in 1996, was not promulgated due to insufficient measurement technology. However, Performance Specification 12 for mercury (Hg) CEMS was also proposed in 1996, but it was not promulgated either. Between 2003 and 2005, Performance Specification 12A for Hg CEMS was proposed and promulgated in conjunction with the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR).
A validation field study is underway in Missouri to compare a fence line monitor for multimetals with existing PM-10 ambient monitors. The stakeholder group formed to provide feedback to EMC on the project is currently active.
For XRF metals analysis, the EPA typically uses X-ray fluorescence analyzers for elemental analysis of metals in various matrices. This technique is recognized for its rapid and precise measurement of metal content, including heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.
For mercury CEMS, the EPA mandates the use of continuous emission monitors specifically designed for mercury emissions with strict performance specifications outlined under EPA Methods such as EPA Method 30B (for mercury continuous monitoring) and EPA Method 29 (for measuring speciated metal emissions including mercury). These methods are referenced in 40 CFR Part 60, Appendices, for compliance with air quality standards.
Relevant criteria and quality assurance procedures are included to ensure data validity and regulatory compliance, including calibration, accuracy, and performance testing. The EPA Methods and CFR Title 40 (Protection of Environment) are primary sources that describe approved methods for metals and mercury monitoring, including CEMS. These regulations are available on the EPA’s official website and in the electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).
Documents related to XRF elemental analysis and related laboratory endorsements or guidelines can be found in technical appendices and standard operation procedure compilations, such as the EBC and WBC endorsement clarifications for laboratories that mention XRF analysis explicitly. State-level air quality regulations also adopt and reference EPA standards, including for particulate matter, sulfur oxides, and trace metals monitoring methods.
Scientific literature and technical articles provide updated advances on mercury detection techniques, but for regulatory compliance, EPA methods and CFR documents are authoritative. If you need direct links or more specific titles within EPA documents, official EPA websites or the eCFR portal are the recommended primary sources for downloading the latest regulatory methods and standards for metals and mercury CEMS.
- The EPA is assessing sources of metals emissions on land, as part of a broader project involving the Clean Air Markets Division, the Office of Research and Development, and the Environmental Monitoring and Control division.
- An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) metals Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) has been approved by the EPA for use in industries, including the Eli Lilly Company's hazardous waste incinerator.
- The EPA requires the use of specific continuous emission monitors for mercury emissions, with performance specifications outlined in EPA Methods like EPA Method 30B and 29, enforced under 40 CFR Part 60.
- In the field of environmental science, updated literature and articles offer advancements in mercury detection techniques, but for regulatory compliance, EPA methods and CFR documents hold primary authority.
