Standard Operating Procedure for Recording Air Emission Monitoring Data

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to provide a standardized method for recording air emission monitoring data to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, facilitate accurate reporting, and support continuous improvement in air quality management.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all monitoring activities related to air emissions from organizational processes, including stack emissions, fugitive emissions, and ambient air quality measurements. It is applicable to personnel responsible for environmental monitoring and compliance.

3) Responsibilities

• Environmental Monitoring Officer: Supervise the recording and management of air emission data.
• Technicians: Conduct air emission measurements and ensure accurate data collection.
• Compliance Officer: Review and approve recorded data for submission to regulatory authorities.
• Data Analyst: Analyze recorded data for trends and compliance status.

4) Procedure

4.1 Preparing for Monitoring

1. Identify Monitoring Points:
   • Select emission sources (e.g., stacks, vents, ambient air points) based on regulatory requirements and operational significance.

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2. Verify Equipment Calibration:
   • Ensure that all monitoring equipment, such as gas analyzers and particulate monitors, is calibrated and functioning properly.
3. Prepare Sampling Plan:
   • Develop a schedule and methodology for sampling, including frequency, duration, and parameters to be measured (e.g., NOx, SOx, PM, VOCs).

4.2 Conducting Air Emission Monitoring

1. Set Up Monitoring Equipment:
   • Install equipment at designated locations and ensure proper setup to capture representative emissions.

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2. Collect Data:
   • Record real-time readings or collect samples for laboratory analysis, following the approved methodology.
3. Document Observations:
   • Note any abnormal conditions during sampling, such as weather changes or process fluctuations, that may influence results.

4.3 Recording and Managing Data

1. Use Standardized Templates:
   • Record all measurements in the Air Emission Monitoring Log (Annexure 1) to ensure consistency and completeness.

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2. Include Key Details:
   • Ensure that each entry includes the date, time, location, parameter measured, and results.
3. Digitize Records:
   • Input recorded data into the Environmental Monitoring System (EMS) for analysis and secure storage.

4.4 Reviewing and Analyzing Data

1. Verify Data Accuracy:
   • Review recorded data to identify anomalies, errors, or missing entries.

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2. Analyze Trends:
   • Compare data against historical records and regulatory limits to identify trends and potential non-compliance.
3. Prepare Summary Reports:
   • Generate monthly or quarterly reports summarizing monitoring results, compliance status, and recommendations for improvement.

4.5 Reporting to Regulatory Authorities

1. Compile Compliance Reports:
   • Prepare reports for submission to regulatory authorities, including required data and supporting documentation.

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2. Ensure Timely Submission:
   • Submit reports within the stipulated deadlines and retain proof of submission for records.
3. Address Queries:
   • Respond promptly to queries or requests for additional information from authorities.

4.6 Maintaining and Archiving Records

1. Store Records Securely:
   • Maintain physical and digital records in a secure location with access restricted to authorized personnel.

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2. Retention Period:
   • Retain monitoring data for at least five years or as mandated by regulations.
3. Archive Historical Data:
   • Transfer older records to an archive system, ensuring they remain accessible for audits and reference.

5) Abbreviations, if any

• NOx: Nitrogen Oxides
• SOx: Sulfur Oxides
• PM: Particulate Matter
• VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds
• EMS: Environmental Monitoring System

6) Documents, if any

• Air Emission Monitoring Log
• Calibration Certificates
• Monthly Monitoring Reports

7) Reference, if any

• EPA Air Quality Monitoring Guidelines
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standards
• National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Air Emission Monitoring Log

Date	Time	Location	Parameter	Value	Unit
DD/MM/YYYY	10:00 AM	Stack A	NOx	50	ppm

Template 2: Monitoring Summary Report

Parameter	Average Value	Maximum Value	Regulatory Limit	Compliance Status
NOx	45 ppm	50 ppm	60 ppm	Compliant