ClearingHouse for Inventories and Emission Factors United States Environmental Protection Agency Office Of Air Quality Planning And Standards Research Triangle Park, NC 2771 1 EPA-454/C-97-006 Volume VIII, No. 4 Fall 1997 Table of Contents (click on title) New Oracle Database for National Emissions Trends .................... 2 Unpaved Roads: A Revised Equation .............................................. 3 New Version of TANKS is Available ................................................. 4 New and Revised Locating and Estimating Documents ................ 4 National Emission Trends (NET) Database and Report ................. 5 EIIP Seven Volume Set Available [[[ 5 Emission Inventory Conference: Southern-Style ............................ 6 ------- New Oracle Database for National Emissions Trends by R. Lee Tooly, EFIG The Emission Factor and Inventory Group (EFIG) has historically maintained the National Emission Trends (NET) database. The NET data are used for policy analysis, control strategy determinations, and to commu- nicate air pollutant emissions information to the public. Principal users of the NET data are EPA air pro- grams, regional air quality modeling groups, members of the US Congress, and the general public. In order to develop a national, county-level inventory for point, area, mobile, and biogenic emission categories, the data are compiled from many different sources, using a blend of methodologies. The draft 1996 NET data have been distributed to the state and local agencies to review as they compile 1996 periodic State Imple- mentation Plan (SIP) emission inventories for ozone. Previous years of NET data are available on the NET Viewer CD-ROM from the Government Printing Office (202-512-1800) for $15.00 (Stock No. 055-000-00559- 1). The National Air Pollutant Emission Trends Report is also available from GPO and on the Internet at www.epa.gov/oar/emtrnd/. Using the Oracle Relational Database Management System, EFIG is developing a new database to store the NET inventory. The new Oracle NET database is expected to accept state and local inventory data directly through use of several optional data formats, and to allow easier state and local agency, and general public access to this national air emissions information. Organizing the national data in the Oracle database will also help automate the annual compilation and distribution of the National Air Pollutant Emission Trends Report. Public Access (Read-only) ra c •o E — o 0.2 s One of the primary design criteria be- ing used to develop the Oracle NET database is the Emission Inventory Improvement Program (ElIP) Phase I Data Model. The El IP data model is a standard reference that represents emission inventory data elements and relationships needed for regional air quality modeling and basic policy analysis. The new database system is being designed to initially accept and load four optional data transfer formats. The state and local agen- cies have been asked to make their 1996 inventory data available in one of the acceptable formats of their choice. EPA will then load the data sets into the new database. The op- tional transfer formats are described in the previously distributed Report- ing Guidance for 1996 Periodic Emission Inventories, Chapter 3.0 (a copy can be obtained from the EPA Regional Offices or on the web at www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/efig/ei/). One of the optional formats, the NET Input Format, is not yet available but will be distributed once the Oracle database development is completed. EFIG hopes to have a new production Oracle system in place by Spring 1998. As is customary with evolving systems, the new system will operate in parallel with the old (current) system until the transition is complete. Figure 1 illustrates the intended data flow into, and out of, the new Oracle NET database, and some of the basic data management operations expected. This new data system architecture is being considered as part of the AIRS re-engineering for emission inventories. The long range plan is to incorporate the NET database into a replacement for the AIRS/AFS system. This new system will include a state/local agency database and an EPA database for point, area, mobile and biogenic emissions. The shorter term move of the NET to Oracle will serve as a pilot for the eventual replacement of AIRS/AFS. Other EPA El Data Sources Production Oracle NET Pre-production Landing Area Figure 1: Oracle NET Database System i o CD I O ------- Unpaved Roads: A Revised Equation for Urban and Industrial Roads by Ron Myers, EFIG Unpaved roads are a significant component of the participate inventory. How- ever there is some concern that the inventory may be in error due to either an incorrect emission factor or the use of incorrect activity levels. Revision of the AP-42 section on unpaved roads was undertaken since the existing emission factor equation dates to 1979 and is primarily concerned with total particulate emissions (TSP). In addition, a substantial amount of unpaved road test data has been collected since that time and recent studies have indicated that a single equation may be suitable for the two existing equations. The presence of two different equations without a clear indication of the conditions for the application of each creates difficulty in estimating emissions from unpaved roads. Recent work indicated that one of the existing equa- tions needed to be revised to more accurately predict emissions. This article presents some of the decisions that were made in the development of the new draft equation which proposes to replace existing equations for unpaved roads. The development of this equation was built upon findings from the available validated data sets. First, the decision was made to include all tests of vehicles traveling over unpaved surfaces. This includes tests of very large off-road haul trucks used in the mining industry and tests of roads controlled by watering. Then the decision was made to focus on PM-10 emission tests. These decisions had the effect of greatly expanding the historical database. Not only are far more data available, but the data encompass a wider range of vehicle weights, travel speeds and road characteristics. Although a decision was made to combine the data sets, the decision was only tentative. To assess the validity of combining the data for the various conditions, comparative analyses were performed. For the initial analyses, the database was sorted by whether the test represented uncontrolled or watered conditions and by the type of road (industrial vs. public unpaved road). There were two main objectives in this step. The first objective was to determine simply whether the different portions of the database could be successfully combined. The second objective was to determine whether an emission factor model resulting from the large combined data would be consistent. The term "consistent" refers to (a) whether or not the same basic set of correction parameters could be used to estimate emission levels and (b) whether or not the relation- ships were similar between different subsets in the database. Various road surface and vehicle characteristics that might have an impact on the particulate emissions from unpaved roads were included in the analyses. Those parameters most likely to influence the particle emissions, which are also able to be measured practically, are considered for the emission equation devel- opment. The measure of source activity includes the speed, weight and average number of wheels of the vehicles traveling unpaved road. The roadway proper- ties include moisture content and the silt content of the surface material. When analyzed separately, the tests for uncontrolled and watered conditions and tests for industrial and public unpaved roads were consistent. As a result, all of the data were combined for final equation develop- ment. The supporting data include 180 tests. Of these tests, 137 were of uncontrolled roads and 43 were of watered roads. Also, 101 tests had average vehicle weights of less than 50 tons and 79 tests had average vehicle weights above 50 tons. The draft unpaved road section and background report are available in the AP-42 "Draft Sections" area of the CHIEF Website. Although the published comment period has passed, extensions to the middle of December have been given to State and local agencies. The background report contains additional infor- mation on the development of the equation beyond that which has been presented in this article. CD CD I O CO CO ------- New Version of TANKS is Available TANKS Version 3.1 is now available on the CHIEF Website for download and use. This PC model facilitates calculation of volatile organic compound (VOC) and hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions from storage of organic liquids using information in Section 7.1 of AP-42. Version 3.1 contains new loss factors for one additional controlled slotted guidepole configuration and for internal floating roof bolted deck seams and corrects minor software errors in Version 3.0. The model may be downloaded from the CHIEF Website at www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/. Subsequent to posting Version 3.1, it became apparent that one unintended software change could lead to incorrect emission estimates which prompted the following notice to be issued to TANKS users: Notice for TANKS 3.1 Users! When estimating emissions from storage of refined liq- uids (such as gasoline or crude oils), multiple com- ponent liquid rather than single component liquid should be selected on the liquid information screen. The model is now programmed to use the same mo- lecular weight for the liquid and vapor phases when single component liquid is selected. This is correct for pure compounds but will lead to errors when liquids such as gasoline or crude oils are input as single component liquids since the liquid and vapor phases will have different average molecular weights. We will be evaluating additional software changes to limit confusion generated by the current software configuration. t i o 1 This may be the last of the DOS-based TANKS programs. By this time next year we expect to have a Windows version of TANKS which will solve compatibility problems with newer operating systems and pro- vide additional flexibility and enhancements for TANKS users. Any software problems identified by users of TANKS 3.1 should be forwarded to Dennis Beauregard (E-mail address: beauregard.dennis@epamail.epa.gov). New and Revised . .. Locating and Estimating Documents A new document entitled Locating and Estimating Air Emissions from Sources ofDioxins and Furans (EPA-454/R-97-003) is now available on the CHIEF Website. An update of an earlier Locating and Estimating (L&E) document, entitled Locating and Estimating Air Emissions from Sources of Mercury and Mercury Compounds (EPA-454/R-97-012), will be available shortly at the same location. These L&Es contain the latest information on the emissions of their subject pollutants from stationary point and area sources as well as mobile sources. The documents are designed to assist users in identifying sources of hazardous air pollutant emissions and in developing estimates of emissions by source category. National emission estimates by source category are also presented in the docu- ments. To download these documents from the CHIEF Website, go to www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ and click on the "L&E's (Air Toxics)" link. CO CO ------- et your copy of r CHIEF version 5.0 CD-ROM! Only $15.00! Order now from GPO: Superintendent of Documents P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 Phone:(202)512-1800 Fax: (202)512-2250 (Stock No. 055-000-00580-0) For more information, or to order a copy for your governmental agency, call Info CHIEF, (919)541-5285. National Emission Trends (NET) Database and Report by Sharon Nizich, EFIG The 1997 National Air Pollutant Emission Trends Report is sched- uled for publication in December 1997. This year's report is a com- pendium of the latest air emission estimates for CO, NOx, VOC, SO2, PM-10, and Lead derived from a variety of sources, including the 1990 Ozone Transport and Assessment Group (OTAG), the 1990 Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission (GCVTC), 1990 through 1995 Aerometric Information Retrieval System, Facility Subsystem (AIRS/AFS) database, and the 1996 Continuous Emis- sions Monitoring (CEM) database from the Acid Rain Division. The report also contains chapters on air toxics, greenhouse gases, international emissions, biogenics, and an updated chapter of pro- jections for criteria pollutants. Trends in criteria pollutants for 1995-96 show small to moderate decreases in CO, Lead, VOC and NOx, no change for non-fugitive PM-10 sources, and a 3 percent increase for SO2. Increases in SO2can be mainly attributed to increased energy demand. To download a copy of the National Air Pollutant Emission Trends Report, along with national emission summaries, visit the CHIEF Website at www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/. Copies of the report will also be available in February from the Government Printing Office (GPO) at (202) 512-1800. Ask for publication number EPA-454/R-97-011. In addition, the NET database will be available via Internet FTP and in summary format on CD-ROM (includes years 1985 through 1996) in Spring 1998. For more information, contact the Info CHIEF Help Desk, (919) 541-5285 or E-mail info.chief@epamail.epa.gov. EIIP Seven Volume Set Available The entire Emission Inventory Improvement Program (EIIP) seven-volume set of documents is now available. Totaling over 2,400 pages, the set is available in shrink-wrapped, three-hole punched format. State, local agencies and EPA Regional Offices should have already received copies. If an agency has not received copies or if additional sets are needed, requests should be made to the Info CHIEF Help Desk, (919) 541-5285. Because of the expense associated with printing such large amounts of material, it is not anticipated that the effort will be repeated in the near future. The preferred route for obtaining documents is via the Internet. Those interested in any of the EIIP documents, including corrections to existing documents and additional chapters made since the Summer 1997 printing, should obtain them from the EIIP Website at www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/eiip/. o CO ------- The Emission Inventory Conference: Southern-Style by Roy Huntley, EFIG The seventh annual Emission Inventory Conference, sponsored by the Air & Waste Management Associa- tion, EPA, and the North Carolina DENR, was held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Research Triangle Park, NC from October 28-31, 1997. This conference was targeted toward those responsible for preparing emis- sion inventories from sources in a geographic area and also toward agency personnel who review invento- ries. ATTENDANCE Attendance was very good, with the following breakdown: • Total - 305 registrants • USEPA- 113, • State and Local Agencies - 77, • Consultants/Industry-68, • States represented - 32 • Countries represented - 9 (7 European countries plus Canada and Hong Kong). FOCUS OF THIS YEAR S CONFERENCE The focus of the conference was "Planning for the Future". State inventories for the year 1996 are due to the EPA in 1998, and persons attending the conference (and training sessions) were able to obtain the latest information on EPA tools and guidance for emission estimation and the preparation of emission inventories. KEYNOTE Dick Wilson, the Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of Air and Radiation, was the keynote speaker. Dick stressed the historical importance of the recent National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) revi- sions, noting that this was the first revision of the ozone standard in 20 years and the first revision of the PM standard in 10 years. Dick also noted that accurate emission inventories will be crucial for the development of workable control strategies. ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS On Wednesday night, we treated everyone to a Southern-style pig pickin'. The food was catered by the Sheraton Imperial and was greatly appreciated by the North Carolina folks, who are used to sliced and chopped pork barbecue, fried chicken, yellow cole slaw, potato salad, hush puppies, and banana pudding. It was not without comment otherwise, but regardless of that, everyone enjoyed the bluegrass music and dancing provided by the Apple Chill doggers. In between some of the clogging numbers, the doggers rested their feet and watched us try some square dancing. CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS Topics of the conference included the new NAAQS standards, the 1996 inventory that the states are ex- pected to prepare, and the emission factor and activity coefficient needs for the future. The states generally expressed the concern that the 1996 emission inventory would be difficult to prepare by 1998. To help, OAQPS is recommending that the EPA's 1996 National Emission Inventory (NET) database be used by states as a starting point for their 1996 inventory. Accurate PM2.5 inventories are a goal for the future. The need for accurate emission factors for condens- able and ammonia emissions was recognized. Also recognized was the need for improved emission factors and activity coefficients for fireplaces, condensable emissions from combustion, animal husbandry sources (NHs), windblown dust, and agricultural tilling. (Cont'd. onp.7) CD ------- E I Conference (Cont 'd. from p. 6) Topics of the emission factor papers included the update of utility NOx factors using Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM) data from EPA's acid rain program, new methods for estimating flash vaporization emis- sion from storage tanks, emissions from the quenching of hot steel with mineral oil, improved emission factors from cattle feedlots, emission factors for the disposal old explosives by open burning or open deto- nation, and emissions from the wood panel board manufacturing industry. In addition, there were several papers on emission factor uncertainty, which is of interest not only to people involved with inventories, but to the many people who use AP-42 emission factors as permit limits. Many people were surprised to learn that a factor may be rated "A" because many data points support the factor, not because emissions are within tight limits. In fact, the data for many "A" rated emission factors show a lot of variability. NEXT CONFERENCE All in all, the conference was a success, and we are looking forward to the next Emission Inventory Conference, which will be held in December 1998 in New Orleans, LA. i EFIG Welcomes New Staff! The Emission Factor and Inventory Group is proud to welcome the recent arrival of two new staff members, Greg Stella and Lewis Strong. Greg Stella is an Irwin, PA native with a BS in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins, and he currently lives in Raleigh. He comes to EPA after a few years with contractors, and in EFIG, he will be helping with the National Emission Trends (NET) project, working on web access to the Emission Inventory Improvement Program, and working on a project to have SIPs address en- ergy efficiency. Greg is interested in shepherding (after tracing his family roots to 15th Century Italy), mountain bicycling, ice hockey, and New Orleans. Lewis Strong recently retired from the NC State University Facilities Planning Dept., where he was involved with heating, cooling, & plumbing systems design and opera- tion. He comes to EFIG as a Senior Environmental Em- ployee (SEE) and is working on AP-42 revisions. Lewis is a Raleigh native who lives there still, and he has a de- gree from NC State in Me- chanical Engineering. His other interests include part-time farming and tinker- ing with old cars & radios. Lewis & Greg .. . Before EFIG After EFIG ------- Info CHIEFs Most Frequently Asked Questions Call (919) 541-5285 or email info.chief@epamail.epa.gov if you have questions! Q: I would like to run TANKS 3.1 on my Windows NT operating system, but it does not seem to install properly. Is it possible to run TANKS 3.1 on Windows NT? A: Yes, it is possible to run TANKS 3.1 on a Windows NT system, even though it is a DOS program. When running TANKS on a DOS, Windows 3.x or Windows 95 environment, the program requires that a FILE and BUFFER size statement be provided in the CONFIG.SYS system file, which is found in the root directory (usually C:\). The statements should read FILES=80 (or higher) and BUFFERS=40 (or higher). However, the Windows NT operating system does not store system files in the root directory in the same way that DOS, Windows 3.x and Windows 95 do. Most Windows NT systems store these files under the C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\ directory instead. Win- dows NT also uses the .NT file extensions instead of .SYS or .BAT , so that the C:\CONFIG.SYS file is really C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG.NT. In the other systems, the installation program will automatically update the CONFIG.SYS file (it will notify the user to this effect during installation). However, on NT systems, the user must manually type in the FILES=80 and BUFFERS=40 statement in the CONFIG.NT. This change should not require rebooting the computer, since the NT system creates a virtual DOS environment, which tricks the system into thinking that the computer was rebooted (in other words, it reads the system files) as soon as the DOS shell is run. Q: I would like to run the National Emission Trends Viewer (NET) CD-ROM on my Windows NT operating system. Is it possible to do this? A: Unfortunately, at this time, the National Emission Trends Viewer CD-ROM (containing 1985-1995 data) will not run on Windows NT. However, we are addressing this issue for the next version of the NET Viewer CD-ROM so that it will be compatible with Windows NT. Call Info CHIEF (919) 541-5285 or e-mail info.chief@epamail.epa.gov [Emission Factor & Inventory Group! \ The CHIEF Newsletter Volume VIII, No. 4 Fall 1997 The CHIEF Newsletter is produced quarterly by the Emission Factor and Inventory Group; Emissions, Monitoring, and Analysis Division; of EPA s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. Its purpose is to enhance communication within the emission factor and inventory community by pro- viding new and useful information and by allowing for the exchange of in- formation between and among its readers. Comments on the Newsletter and articles for inclusion in it are welcome and should be directed to Emis- sion Factor and Inventory Group (MD-14), US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone (919) 541-5285. The contents of The CHIEF Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Agency, neither does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. ------- |