Back to the Table of Contents page for information on many other subjects!

Introduction

Emission factors and emission inventories have long been fundamental tools for air quality management. Emission estimates are important for developing emission control strategies, determining applicability of permitting and control programs, ascertaining the effects of sources and appropriate mitigation strategies, and a number of other related applications by an array of users, including federal, state, and local agencies, consultants, and industry. Data from source-specific emission tests or continuous emission monitors are usually preferred for estimating a source's emissions because those data provide the best representation of the tested source's emissions. However, test data from individual sources are not always available and, even then, they may not reflect the variability of actual emissions over time. Thus, emission factors are frequently the best or only method available for estimating emissions, in spite of their limitations.

The passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments Of 1990 (CAAA) and the Emergency Planning And Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 has increased the need for both criteria and Hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emission factors and inventories. The Emission Factor And Inventory Group (EFIG), in the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office Of Air Quality Planning And Standards (OAQPS), develops and maintains emission estimating tools to support the many activities mentioned above. The AP-42 series is the principal means by which EFIG can document its emission factors. These factors are cited in numerous other EPA publications and electronic data bases, but without the process details and supporting reference material provided in AP-42.

An emission factor is a representative value that attempts to relate the quantity of a pollutant released to the atmosphere with an activity associated with the release of that pollutant. These factors are usually expressed as the weight of pollutant divided by a unit weight, volume, distance, or duration of the activity emitting the pollutant (e. g., kilograms of particulate emitted per megagram of coal burned). Such factors facilitate estimation of emissions from various sources of air pollution. In most cases, these factors are simply averages of all available data of acceptable quality, and are generally assumed to be representative of long-term averages for all facilities in the source category (i. e., a population average).

The general equation for emission estimation is:

E = A x EF x (1-ER/100)

where:

E = emissions,
A = activity rate,
EF = emission factor, and
ER= overall emission reduction efficiency, %.

ER is further defined as the product of the control device destruction or removal efficiency and the capture efficiency of the control system. When estimating emissions for a long time period (e. g., one year), both the device and the capture efficiency terms should account for upset periods as well as routine operations.

Emission factor ratings in AP-42 (discussed below) provide indications of the robustness, or appropriateness, of emission factors for estimating average emissions for a source activity. Usually, data are insufficient to indicate the influence of various process parameters such as temperature and reactant concentrations. For a few cases, however, such as in estimating emissions from petroleum storage tanks, this document contains empirical formulae (or emission models) that relate emissions to variables such as tank diameter, liquid temperature, and wind velocity. Emission factor formulae that account for the influence of such variables tend to yield more realistic estimates than would factors that do not consider those parameters.

The extent of completeness and detail of the emissions information in AP-42 is determined by the information available from published references. Emissions from some processes are better documented than others. For example, several emission factors may be listed for the production of one substance: one factor for each of a number of steps in the production process such as neutralization, drying, distillation, and other operations. However, because of less extensive information, only one emission factor may be given for production facility releases for another substance, though emissions are probably produced during several intermediate steps. There may be more than one emission factor for the production of a certain substance because differing production processes may exist, or because different control devices may be used. Therefore, it is necessary to look at more than just the emission factor for a particular application and to observe details in the text and in table footnotes.

The fact that an emission factor for a pollutant or process is not available from EPA does not imply that the Agency believes the source does not emit that pollutant or that the source should not be inventoried, but it is only that EPA does not have enough data to provide any advice.

Emission factors may be appropriate to use in a number of situations such as making source-specific emission estimates for areawide inventories. These inventories have many purposes including ambient dispersion modeling and analysis, control strategy development, and in screening sources for compliance investigations. Emission factor use may also be appropriate in some permitting applications, such as in applicability determinations and in establishing operating permit fees.

Emission factors in AP-42 are neither EPA-recommended emission limits (e. g., best available control technology or BACT, or lowest achievable emission rate or LAER) nor standards (e. g., National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants or NESHAP, or New Source Performance Standards or NSPS). Use of these factors as source-specific permit limits and/or as emission regulation compliance determinations is not recommended by EPA. Because emission factors essentially represent an average of a range of emission rates, approximately half of the subject sources will have emission rates greater than the emission factor and the other half will have emission rates less than the factor. As such, a permit limit using an AP-42 emission factor would result in half of the sources being in noncompliance.

Also, for some sources, emission factors may be presented for facilities having air pollution control equipment in place. Factors noted as being influenced by control technology do not necessarily reflect the best available or state-of-the-art controls, but rather reflect the level of (typical) control for which data were available at the time the information was published. Sources often are tested more frequently when they are new and when they are believed to be operating properly, and either situation may bias the results.

As stated, source-specific tests or continuous emission monitors can determine the actual pollutant contribution from an existing source better than can emission factors. Even then, the results will be applicable only to the conditions existing at the time of the testing or monitoring. To provide the best estimate of longer-term (e. g., yearly or typical day) emissions, these conditions should be representative of the source's routine operations.

A material balance approach also may provide reliable average emission estimates for specific sources. For some sources, a material balance may provide a better estimate of emissions than emission tests would. In general, material balances are appropriate for use in situations where a high percentage of material is lost to the atmosphere (e. g., sulfur in fuel, or solvent loss in an uncontrolled coating process.) In contrast, material balances may be inappropriate where material is consumed or chemically combined in the process, or where losses to the atmosphere are a small portion of the total process throughput. As the term implies, one needs to account for all the materials going into and coming out of the process for such an emission estimation to be credible.

If representative source-specific data cannot be obtained, emissions information from equipment vendors, particularly emission performance guarantees or actual test data from similar equipment, is a better source of information for permitting decisions than an AP-42 emission factor. When such information is not available, use of emission factors may be necessary as a last resort. Whenever factors are used, one should be aware of their limitations in accurately representing a particular facility, and the risks of using emission factors in such situations should be evaluated against the costs of further testing or analyses.

Each AP-42 emission factor is given a rating from A through E, with A being the best. A factor's rating is a general indication of the reliability, or robustness, of that factor. This rating is assigned based on the estimated reliability of the tests used to develop the factor and on both the amount and the representative characteristics of those data. In general, factors based on many observations, or on more widely accepted test procedures, are assigned higher rankings. Conversely, a factor based on a single observation of questionable quality, or one extrapolated from another factor for a similar process, would probably be rated much lower. Because ratings are subjective and only indirectly consider the inherent scatter among the data used to calculate factors, the ratings should be seen only as approximations. AP-42 factor ratings do not imply statistical error bounds or confidence intervals about each emission factor. At most, a rating should be considered an indicator of the accuracy and precision of a given factor being used to estimate emissions from a large number of sources. This indicator is largely a reflection of the professional judgment of AP-42 authors and reviewers concerning the reliability of any estimates derived with these factors.

Because emission factors can be based on source tests, modeling, mass balance, or other information, factor ratings can vary greatly. Some factors have been through more rigorous quality assurance than others.

Two steps are involved in factor rating determination. The first step is an appraisal of data quality, the reliability of the basic emission data that will be used to develop the factor. The second step is an appraisal of the ability of the factor to stand as a national annual average emission factor for that source activity.

Test data quality is rated A through D, and ratings are thus assigned:

	A = Tests are performed by a sound methodology and are reported in enough detail for adequate validation.
	B = Tests are performed by a generally sound methodology, but lacking enough detail for adequate validation.
	C = Tests are based on an unproven or new methodology, or are lacking a significant amount of background information.
	D = Tests are based on a generally unacceptable method, but the method may provide an order-of-magnitude value for the source. The quality rating of AP-42 data helps identify good data, even when it is not possible to extract a factor representative of a typical source in the category from those data. For example, the data from a given test may be good enough for a data quality rating of "A", but the test may be for a unique feed material, or the production specifications may be either more or less stringent than at the typical facility. The AP-42 emission factor rating is an overall assessment of how good a factor is, based on both the quality of the test(s) or information that is the source of the factor and on how well the factor represents the emission source. Higher ratings are for factors based on many unbiased observations, or on widely accepted test procedures. For example, ten or more source tests on different randomly selected plants would likely be assigned an "A" rating if all tests are conducted using a single valid reference measurement method. Likewise, a single observation based on questionable methods of testing would be assigned an "E", and a factor extrapolated from higher-rated factors for similar processes would be assigned a "D" or an "E". AP-42 emission factor quality ratings are thus assigned: A: Excellent. Factor is developed from A- and B-rated source test data taken from many randomly chosen facilities in the industry population. The source category population is sufficiently specific to minimize variability. B: Above average. Factor is developed from A- or B-rated test data from a "reasonable number" of facilities. Although no specific bias is evident, it is not clear if the facilities tested represent a random sample of the industry. As with an A rating, the source category population is sufficiently specific to minimize variability. C: Average. Factor is developed from A-, B-, and/or C-rated test data from a reasonable number of facilities. Although no specific bias is evident, it is not clear if the facilities tested represent a random sample of the industry. As with the A rating, the source category population is sufficiently specific to minimize variability. D: Below average. Factor is developed from A-, B- and/or C-rated test data from a small number of facilities, and there may be reason to suspect that these facilities do not represent a random sample of the industry. There also may be evidence of variability within the source population. E: Poor. Factor is developed from C- and D-rated test data, and there may be reason to suspect that the facilities tested do not represent a random sample of the industry. There also may be evidence of variability within the source category population. Public Review Of Emission Factors Since AP-42 emission factors may have effects on most aspects of air pollution control and air quality management including operating permit fees, compliance assessments, and SIP attainment emission inventories, these factors are always made available for public review and comment before publication. The Emission Factor And Inventory Group panel of public and peer reviewers includes representatives of affected industries, state and local air pollution agencies, and environmental groups. More information on AP-42 review procedures is available in the document, Public Participation Procedures For EPA's Emission Estimation Guidance Materials, EPA-454/R-94-022, July 1994. This publication is available on EFIG's CHIEF (Clearinghouse For Inventories And Emission Factors) electronic bulletin board (BB) and its Fax CHIEF, an automated facsimile machine. (the publication is accessible on the World Wide Web from the CHIEF section). It is also available in conventional paper copy from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). The Agency encourages all interested parties to take every opportunity to review factors and to provide information for factor quality improvement. Toward this objective, EFIG invites comments and questions about AP-42, and users are invited to submit any data or other information in accordance with this procedures document. Other Ways To Obtain AP-42 Information And Updates All or part of AP-42 can be downloaded either from the CHIEF BB or Fax CHIEF, and it is available on the Air CHIEF CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory). AP-42 is available in conventional paper copy from the Government Printing Office and NTIS, as well as through the Fax CHIEF. Look on EHSO's Clean Air Act Downloads page! The emission factors contained in AP-42 are available in the Factor Information Retrieval System (FIRE - see below). Also, software has been developed for emission models such as TANKS, WATER7, the Surface Impoundment Modeling System (SIMS), and fugitive dust models. This software and the FIRE data base are available through the CHIEF BB. FIRE is also on the Air CHIEF compact disc. The Fax CHIEF and the CHIEF BB will always contain the latest factor information, as they are updated frequently, whereas Air CHIEF, the FIRE program, and printed AP-42 portions are routinely updated only once per year. What Is FIRE? The Factor Information Retrieval (FIRE) Data System is a database management system containing EPA's recommended emission estimation factors for criteria and hazardous air pollutants. FIRE includes information about industries and their emitting processes, the chemicals emitted, and the emission factors themselves. FIRE allows easy access to criteria and hazardous air pollutant emission factors obtained from the Compilation Of Air Pollutant Emission Factors (AP-42), Locating and Estimating (L&E) series documents, and the retired AFSEF and XATEF documents. FIRE Version 6.2 (released April, 1999) is a user-friendly, menu-driven Windows® program. At this time there is only a 32 bit version, which runs under Windows® 95/98 or Windows® NT. Users can browse through records in the database or can select specific emission factors by source category name or source classification code (SCC), by pollutant name or CAS number, or by control device type or code. FIRE 6.2 contains emission factors from AP-42 through Supplement D and part of Supplement E (through 3/15/99) of the Fifth Edition. FIRE 6.2 also contains all EPA point and area Source Classification Codes (SCC) through March 1999, and provides a convenient interface to these codes. Audience The FIRE database is designed for use by local, state, and federal agencies, environmental consultants, and others who require emission factor information for estimating both criteria and toxic air emissions from stationary sources. System Requirements The FIRE 6.2 program requires an IBM-compatible PC running Windows® 95/98 or Windows® NT with at least 34 MB of available hard disk space to install and run. How To Get A Copy Of FIRE The latest version of the FIRE software is available here! If you have problems or questions about the files below, please contact Info CHIEF at (919) 541-5285. Description File Name Upload Date File Size ************************* ******** ****** ****** OPTION 1: Download one 4 MB installation file. Installation instructions and User's Guide are in the README.TXT file. ************************* ******** ****** ****** Readme file (PLEASE READ) readme.txt 4-05-99 10 KB FIRE 6.2 (installation file) fire32.exe 4-05-99 4 MB ************************* ******** ****** ****** For information or assistance regarding the availability or use of any of these tools and services, an AP-42 telephone help desk, Info CHIEF, is available at 770-645-0788 (EHSO) or (919) 541-5285 (EPA). Ways to save money AND help the environment: Eat healthier AND save money: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates Save water AND money with this showerhead adapter, it lets the water flow until the water is hot, then shuts off water flow until you restart it, ShowerStart TSV Hot Water Standby Adapter Protect your health with these: Mattress Dust mite-Bedbug protector, 100% Waterproof, Hypoallergenic, Zippered Handheld Allergen Vacuum Cleaner with UV Sanitizing and Heating for Allergies and Pet, Kills Mite, Virus, Molds, True HEPA with Powerful Suction removes Hair, Dander, Pollen, Dust, Immune Support Supplement with Quercetin, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D3 GermGuardian Air Purifier with UV-C Light and HEPA 13 Filter, Removes 99.97% of Pollutants 5 Stage Air Purifier, Features Ultraviolet Light (UVC), H13 True Hepa, Carbon, PCO, Smart Wifi, Auto Mode, Quiet, Removes 99.97% of Particles, Smoke, Mold, Pet Dander, Dust, Odors Interesting Reads: THE PREPPER'S CANNING & PRESERVING BIBLE: [13 in 1] Your Path to Food Self-Sufficiency. Canning, Dehydrating, Fermenting, Pickling & More, Plus The Food Preservation Calendar for a Sustainable Pantry The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre! Paperback The Citizens' Guide to Geologic Hazards: A Guide to Understanding Geologic Hazards Including Asbestos, Radon, Swelling Soils, Earthquakes, Volcanoes The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming Book: The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History Paperback See Echo Dot on Amazon