§ 98.124 - Monitoring and QA/QC requirements.

§ 98.124 Monitoring and QA/QC requirements.

(a) Initial scoping speciation to identify fluorinated GHGs. You must conduct an initial scoping speciation to identify all fluorinated GHGs that may be generated from processes that are subject to this subpart and that have at least one process vent with uncontrolled emissions of 1.0 metric ton or more of fluorinated GHGs per year based on the preliminary estimate of emissions in § 98.123(c)(1). You are not required to quantify emissions under this initial scoping speciation. Only fluorinated GHG products and by-products that occur in greater than trace concentrations in at least one stream must be identified under this paragraph.

(1) Procedure. To conduct the scoping speciation, select the stream(s) (including process streams or destroyed streams) or process vent(s) that would be expected to individually or collectively contain all of the fluorinated GHG by-products of the process at their maximum concentrations and sample and analyze the contents of these selected streams or process vents. For example, if fluorinated GHG by-products are separated into one low-boiling-point and one high-boiling-point stream, sample and analyze both of these streams. Alternatively, you may sample and analyze streams where fluorinated GHG by-products occur at less than their maximum concentrations, but you must ensure that the sensitivity of the analysis is sufficient to compensate for the expected difference in concentration. For example, if you sample and analyze streams where fluorinated GHG by-products are expected to occur at one half their maximum concentrations elsewhere in the process, you must ensure that the sensitivity of the analysis is sufficient to detect fluorinated GHG by-products that occur at concentrations of 0.05 percent or higher. You do not have to sample and analyze every stream or process vent, i.e., you do not have to sample and analyze a stream or process vent that contains only fluorinated GHGs that are contained in other streams or process vents that are being sampled and analyzed. Sampling and analysis must be conducted according to the procedures in paragraph (e) of this section.

(2) Previous measurements. If you have conducted testing of streams (including process streams or destroyed streams) or process vents less than 10 years before December 31, 2010, and the testing meets the requirements in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, you may use the previous testing to satisfy this requirement.

(b) Mass balance monitoring. Mass balance monitoring was available for reporting years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 only. See paragraph 2 of Appendix A of this subpart for the former mass balance method.

(c) Emission factor testing. If you determine fluorinated GHG emissions using the site-specific process-vent-specific emission factor, you must meet the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(8) of this section.

(1) Process vent testing. Conduct an emissions test that is based on representative performance of the process or operating scenario(s) of the process, as applicable. For process vents for which you performed an initial scoping speciation, include in the emission test any fluorinated GHG that was identified in the initial scoping speciation. For process vents for which you did not perform an initial scoping speciation, include in the emission test any fluorinated greenhouse gas that occurs in more than trace concentrations in the vent stream or, where a destruction device is used, in the inlet to the destruction device. You may include startup and shutdown events if the testing is sufficiently long or comprehensive to ensure that such events are not overrepresented in the emission factor. Malfunction events must not be included in the testing. If you do not detect a fluorinated GHG that was identified in the scoping speciation or that occurs in more than trace concentrations in the vent stream or in the inlet to the destruction device, assume that fluorinated GHG was emitted at one half of the detection limit.

(2) Number of runs. For continuous processes, sample the process vent for a minimum of three runs of 1 hour each. If the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the emission factor calculated based on the first three runs is greater than or equal to 0.15 for the emission factor, continue to sample the process vent for an additional three runs of 1 hour each. If more than one fluorinated GHG is measured, the RSD must be expressed in terms of total CO₂e.

(3) Process activity measurements. Determine the mass rate of process feed, process production, or other process activity as applicable during the test using flow meters, weigh scales, or other measurement devices or instruments with an accuracy and precision of ±1 percent of full scale or better. These devices may be the same plant instruments or procedures that are used for accounting purposes (such as weigh hoppers, belt weigh feeders, combination of volume measurements and bulk density, etc.) if these devices or procedures meet the requirement. For monitoring ongoing process activity, use flow meters, weigh scales, or other measurement devices or instruments with an accuracy and precision of ±1 percent of full scale or better.

(4) Sample each process. If process vents from separate processes are manifolded together to a common vent or to a common destruction device, you must follow paragraph (c)(4)(i), (c)(4)(ii), or (c)(4)(iii) of this section.

(i) You may sample emissions from each process in the ducts before the emissions are combined.

(ii) You may sample in the common duct or at the outlet of the destruction device when only one process is operating.

(iii) You may sample the combined emissions and use engineering calculations and assessments as specified in § 98.123(c)(4) to allocate the emissions to each manifolded process vent, provided the sum of the calculated fluorinated GHG emissions across the individual process vents is within 20 percent of the total fluorinated GHG emissions measured during the manifolded testing.

(5) Emission test results. The results of an emission test must include the analysis of samples, number of test runs, the results of the RSD analysis, the analytical method used, determination of emissions, the process activity, and raw data and must identify the process, the operating scenario, the process vents tested, and the fluorinated GHGs that were included in the test. The emissions test report must contain all information and data used to derive the process-vent-specific emission factor, as well as key process conditions during the test. Key process conditions include those that are normally monitored for process control purposes and may include but are not limited to yields, pressures, temperatures, etc. (e.g., of reactor vessels, distillation columns).

(6) Emissions testing frequency. You must conduct emissions testing to develop the process-vent-specific emission factor under paragraph (c)(7)(i) or (c)(7)(ii) of this section, whichever occurs first:

(i) 10-year revision. Conduct an emissions test every 10 years. In the calculations under § 98.123, apply the revised process-vent-specific emission factor to the process activity that occurs after the revision.

(ii) Operating scenario change that affects the emission factor. For planned operating scenario changes, you must estimate and compare the emission calculation factors for the changed operating scenario and for the original operating scenario whose process vent specific emission factor was measured. Use the calculation methods in § 98.123(c)(4). If the emission calculation factor for the changed operating scenario is 15 percent or more different from the emission calculation factor for the previous operating scenario (this includes the cumulative change in the emission calculation factor since the last emissions test), you must conduct an emissions test to update the process-vent-specific emission factor, unless the difference between the operating scenarios is solely due to the application of a destruction device to emissions under the changed operating scenario. Conduct the test before February 28 of the year that immediately follows the change. In the calculations under § 98.123, apply the revised process-vent-specific emission factor to the process activity that occurs after the operating scenario change.

(7) Subsequent measurements. If a continuous process vent with fluorinated GHG emissions less than 10,000 metric tons CO₂e, per § 98.123(c)(2), is later found to have fluorinated GHG emissions of 10,000 metric tons CO₂e or greater, you must conduct the emissions testing for the process vent during the following year and develop the process-vent-specific emission factor from the emissions testing.

(8) Previous measurements. If you have conducted an emissions test less than 10 years before December 31, 2010, and the emissions testing meets the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(8) of this section, you may use the previous emissions testing to develop process-vent-specific emission factors. For purposes of paragraph (c)(7)(i) of this section, the date of the previous emissions test rather than December 31, 2010 shall constitute the beginning of the 10-year re-measurement cycle.

(d) Emission calculation factor monitoring. If you determine fluorinated GHG emissions using the site-specific process-vent-specific emission calculation factor, you must meet the requirements in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4) of this section.

(1) Operating scenario. Perform the emissions calculation for the process vent based on representative performance of the operating scenario of the process. If more than one operating scenario applies to the process that contains the subject process vent, you must conduct a separate emissions calculation for operation under each operating scenario. For each continuous process vent that contains more than trace concentrations of any fluorinated GHG and for each batch process vent that contains more than trace concentrations of any fluorinated GHG, develop the process-vent-specific emission calculation factor for each operating scenario. For continuous process vents, determine the emissions based on the process activity for the representative performance of the operating scenario. For batch process vents, determine emissions based on the process activity for each typical batch operating scenario.

(2) Process activity measurements. Use flow meters, weigh scales, or other measurement devices or instruments with an accuracy and precision of ±1 percent of full scale or better for monitoring ongoing process activity.

(3) Emission calculation results. The emission calculation must be documented by identifying the process, the operating scenario, and the process vents. The documentation must contain the information and data used to calculate the process-vent-specific emission calculation factor.

(4) Operating scenario change that affects the emission calculation factor. For planned operating scenario changes that are expected to change the process-vent-specific emission calculation factor, you must conduct an emissions calculation to update the process-vent-specific emission calculation factor. In the calculations under § 98.123, apply the revised emission calculation factor to the process activity that occurs after the operating scenario change.

(5) Previous calculations. If you have performed an emissions calculation for the process vent and operating scenario less than 10 years before December 31, 2010, and the emissions calculation meets the requirements in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4) of this section and in § 98.123(c)(4)(i) and (c)(4)(ii), you may use the previous calculation to develop the site-specific process-vent-specific emission calculation factor.

(e) Emission and stream testing, including analytical methods. Select and document testing and analytical methods as follows:

(1) Sampling and mass measurement for emission testing. For emission testing in process vents or at the stack, use methods for sampling, measuring volumetric flow rates, non-fluorinated-GHG gas analysis, and measuring stack gas moisture that have been validated using a scientifically sound validation protocol.

(i) Sample and velocity traverses. Acceptable methods include but are not limited to EPA Method 1 or 1A in Appendix A-1 of 40 CFR part 60.

(ii) Velocity and volumetric flow rates. Acceptable methods include but are not limited to EPA Method 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2F, or 2G in Appendix A-1 of 40 CFR part 60. Alternatives that may be used for determining flow rates include OTM-24 (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7) and ALT-012 (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(iii) Non-fluorinated-GHG gas analysis. Acceptable methods include but are not limited to EPA Method 3, 3A, or 3B in Appendix A-1 of 40 CFR part 60.

(iv) Stack gas moisture. Acceptable methods include but are not limited to EPA Method 4 in Appendix A-1 of 40 CFR part 60.

(2) Analytical methods. Use a quality-assured analytical measurement technology capable of detecting the analyte of interest at the concentration of interest and use a sampling and analytical procedure validated with the analyte of interest at the concentration of interest. Where calibration standards for the analyte are not available, a chemically similar surrogate may be used. Acceptable analytical measurement technologies include but are not limited to gas chromatography (GC) with an appropriate detector, infrared (IR), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Acceptable methods for determining fluorinated GHGs include EPA Method 18 in appendix A-1 of 40 CFR part 60, EPA Method 320 in appendix A of 40 CFR part 63, EPA 430-R-10-003 (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7), ASTM D6348-03 (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7), or other analytical methods validated using EPA Method 301 at 40 CFR part 63, appendix A or some other scientifically sound validation protocol. Acceptable methods for determining total fluorine concentrations for fluorine-containing compounds in streams under paragraph (b)(3) of this section include ASTM D7359-08 (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7), or other analytical methods validated using EPA Method 301 at 40 CFR part 63, appendix A or some other scientifically sound validation protocol. The validation protocol may include analytical technology manufacturer specifications or recommendations.

(3) Documentation in GHG Monitoring Plan. Describe the sampling, measurement, and analytical method(s) used under paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this section in the GHG Monitoring Plan as required under § 98.3(g)(5). Identify the methods used to obtain the samples and measurements listed under paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(iv) of this section. At a minimum, include in the description of the analytical method a description of the analytical measurement equipment and procedures, quantitative estimates of the method's accuracy and precision for the analytes of interest at the concentrations of interest, as well as a description of how these accuracies and precisions were estimated, including the validation protocol used.

(f) Emission monitoring for pieces of equipment. If you conduct a site-specific leak detection method or monitoring approach for pieces of equipment, follow paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this section and follow paragraph (f)(3) of this section.

(1) Site-specific leak monitoring approach. You may develop a site-specific leak monitoring approach. You must validate the leak monitoring method and describe the method and the validation in the GHG Monitoring Plan. To validate the site-specific method, you may, for example, release a known rate of the fluorinated GHGs or surrogates of interest, or you may compare the results of the site-specific method to those of a method that has been validated for the fluorinated GHGs or surrogates of interest. In the description of the leak detection method and its validation, include a detailed description of the method, including the procedures and equipment used and any sampling strategies. Also include the rationale behind the method, including why the method is expected to result in an unbiased estimate of emissions from equipment leaks. If the method is based on methods that are used to detect or quantify leaks or other emissions in other regulations, standards, or guidelines, identify and describe the regulations, standards, or guidelines and why their methods are applicable to emissions of fluorinated GHGs or surrogates from leaks. Account for possible sources of error in the method, e.g., instrument detection limits, measurement biases, and sampling biases. Describe validation efforts, including but not limited to any comparisons against standard leaks or concentrations, any comparisons against other methods, and their results. If you use the Screening Ranges Approach, the EPA Correlation Approach, or the Unit-Specific Correlation Approach with a monitoring instrument that does not meet all of the specifications in EPA Method 21 at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-7, then explain how and why the monitoring instrument, as used at your facility, would nevertheless be expected to accurately detect and quantify emissions of fluorinated GHGs or surrogates from process equipment, and describe how you verified its accuracy. For all methods, provide a quantitative estimate of the accuracy and precision of the method.

(2) EPA Method 21 monitoring. If you determine that EPA Method 21 at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-7 is appropriate for monitoring a fluorinated GHG, conduct the screening value concentration measurements using EPA Method 21 at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-7 to determine the screening range data or the actual screening value data for the Screening Ranges Approach, EPA Correlation Approach, or the Unit-Specific Correlation Approach. For the one-time testing to develop the Unit-Specific Correlation equations in EPA-453/R-95-017 (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7), conduct the screening value concentration measurements using EPA Method 21 at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-7 and the bagging procedures to measure mass emissions. Concentration measurements of bagged samples must be conducted using gas chromatography following EPA Method 18 analytical procedures or other method according to § 98.124(e). Use methane or other appropriate compound as the calibration gas.

(3) Frequency of measurement and sampling. If you estimate emissions based on monitoring of equipment, conduct monitoring at least annually. Sample at least one-third of equipment annually (except for equipment that is unsafe-to-monitor, difficult-to-monitor, insulated, or in heavy liquid service, pumps with dual mechanical seals, agitators with dual mechanical seals, pumps with no external shaft, agitators with no external shaft, pressure relief devices in gas and vapor service with an upstream rupture disk, sampling connection systems with closed-loop or closed purge systems, and pieces of equipment whose leaks are routed through a closed vent system to a destruction device), changing the sample each year such that at the end of three years, all equipment in the process has been monitored. If you estimate emissions based on a sample of the equipment in the process, ensure that the sample is representative of the equipment in the process. If you have multiple processes that have similar types of equipment in similar service, and that produce or transform similar fluorinated GHGs (in terms of chemical composition, molecular weight, and vapor pressure) at similar pressures and concentrations, then you may annually sample all of the equipment in one third of these processes rather than one third of the equipment in each process.

(g) Destruction device performance testing. If you vent or otherwise feed fluorinated GHGs into a destruction device and apply the destruction efficiency of the device to one or more fluorinated GHGs in § 98.123, you must conduct emissions testing to determine the destruction efficiency for each fluorinated GHG to which you apply the destruction efficiency. You must either determine the destruction efficiency for the most-difficult-to-destroy fluorinated GHG fed into the device (or a surrogate that is still more difficult to destroy) and apply that destruction efficiency to all the fluorinated GHGs fed into the device or alternatively determine different destruction efficiencies for different groups of fluorinated GHGs using the most-difficult-to-destroy fluorinated GHG of each group (or a surrogate that is still more difficult to destroy).

(1) Destruction efficiency testing. You must sample the inlet and outlet of the destruction device for a minimum of three runs of 1 hour each to determine the destruction efficiency. You must conduct the emissions testing using the methods in paragraph (e) of this section. To determine the destruction efficiency, emission testing must be conducted when operating at high loads reasonably expected to occur (i.e., representative of high total fluorinated GHG load that will be sent to the device) and when destroying the most-difficult-to-destroy fluorinated GHG (or a surrogate that is still more difficult to destroy) that is fed into the device from the processes subject to this subpart or that belongs to the group of fluorinated GHGs for which you wish to establish a DE. If the outlet concentration of a fluorinated GHG that is fed into the device is below the detection limit of the method, you may use a concentration of one-half the detection limit to estimate the destruction efficiency.

(i) If perfluoromethane (CF₄) is vented to the destruction device in any stream in more than trace concentrations, you must test and determine the destruction efficiency achieved specifically for CF₄ to take credit for the CF₄ emissions reduction.

(ii) If sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is vented to the destruction device in any stream in more than trace concentrations, you must test and determine the destruction efficiency achieved specifically for SF₆, or alternatively for CF₄ as a surrogate, to take credit for the SF₆ emissions reduction.

(iii) If saturated perfluorocarbons other than CF₄ are vented to the destruction device in any stream in more than trace concentrations, you must test and determine the destruction efficiency achieved for the lowest molecular weight saturated perfluorocarbon vented to the destruction device, or alternatively for a lower molecular weight saturated PFC or SF₆ as a surrogate, to take credit for the PFC emission reduction.

(iv) For all other fluorinated GHGs that are vented to the destruction device in any stream in more than trace concentrations, you must test and determine the destruction efficiency achieved for the most-difficult-to-destroy fluorinated GHG or surrogate vented to the destruction device. Examples of acceptable surrogates include the Class 1 compounds (ranked 1 through 34) in Appendix D, Table D-1 of “Guidance on Setting Permit Conditions and Reporting Trial Burn Results; Volume II of the Hazardous Waste Incineration Guidance Series,” January 1989, EPA Publication EPA 625/6-89/019. You can obtain a copy of this publication by contacting the Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, [phone], http://www.epa.gov.

(2) Destruction efficiency testing frequency. You must conduct emissions testing to determine the destruction efficiency as provided in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section, whichever occurs first:

(i) Conduct an emissions test every 10 years. In the calculations under § 98.123, apply the updated destruction efficiency to the destruction that occurs after the test.

(ii) Destruction device changes that affect the destruction efficiency. If you make a change to the destruction device that would be expected to affect the destruction efficiency, you must conduct an emissions test to update the destruction efficiency. Conduct the test before the February 28 of the year that immediately follows the change. In the calculations under § 98.123, apply the updated destruction efficiency to the destruction that occurs after the change to the device.

(3) Previous testing .If you have conducted an emissions test within the 10 years prior to December 31, 2010, and the emissions testing meets the requirements in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, you may use the destruction efficiency determined during this previous emissions testing. For purposes of paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section, the date of the previous emissions test rather than December 31, 2010 shall constitute the beginning of the 10-year re-measurement cycle.

(4) Hazardous Waste Combustor testing. If a destruction device used to destroy fluorinated GHG is subject to subpart EEE of part 63 of this chapter or any portion of parts 260-270 of this chapter, you may apply the destruction efficiency specifically determined for CF₄, SF₆, PFCs other than CF₄, and all other fluorinated GHGs under that test if the testing meets the criteria in paragraph (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(iv) of this section. If the testing of the destruction efficiency under subpart EEE of part 63 of this chapter was conducted more than 10 years ago, you may use the most recent destruction efficiency test provided that the design, operation, or maintenance of the destruction device has not changed since the last destruction efficiency test in a manner that could affect the ability to achieve the destruction efficiency, and the hazardous waste is fed into the normal flame zone.

(h) Mass of previously produced fluorinated GHGs fed into destruction device. You must measure the mass of each fluorinated GHG that is fed into the destruction device in more than trace concentrations and that was previously produced as defined at § 98.410(b). Such fluorinated GHGs include but are not limited to quantities that are shipped to the facility by another facility for destruction and quantities that are returned to the facility for reclamation but are found to be irretrievably contaminated and are therefore destroyed. You must use flowmeters, weigh scales, or a combination of volumetric and density measurements with an accuracy and precision of ±1 percent of full scale or better. If the measured mass includes more than trace concentrations of materials other than the fluorinated GHG being destroyed, you must measure the concentration of the fluorinated GHG being destroyed. You must multiply this concentration (mass fraction) by the mass measurement to obtain the mass of the fluorinated GHG fed into the destruction device.

(i) Emissions due to malfunctions of destruction device. In their estimates of the mass of fluorinated GHG destroyed, fluorinated gas production facilities that destroy fluorinated GHGs must account for any temporary reductions in the destruction efficiency that result from any malfunctions of the destruction device, including periods of operation outside of the operating conditions defined in operating permit requirements and/or destruction device manufacturer specifications.

(j) Emissions due to process startup, shutdown, or malfunctions. Fluorinated GHG production facilities must account for fluorinated GHG emissions that occur as a result of startups, shutdowns, and malfunctions, either recording fluorinated GHG emissions during these events, or documenting that these events do not result in significant fluorinated GHG emissions. Facilities may use the calculation methods in § 98.123(c)(1) to estimate emissions during startups, shutdowns, and malfunctions.

(k) Monitoring for venting residual fluorinated GHG in containers. Measure the residual fluorinated GHG in containers received by the facility either using scales or using pressure and temperature measurements. You may use pressure and temperature measurements only in cases where no liquid fluorinated GHG is present in the container. Scales must have an accuracy and precision of ±1 percent or better of the filled weight (gas plus tare) of the containers of fluorinated GHGs that are typically weighed on the scale. For example, for scales that are generally used to weigh cylinders that contain 115 pounds of gas when full and that have a tare weight of 115 pounds, this equates to ±1 percent of 230 pounds, or ±2.3 pounds. Pressure gauges and thermometers used to measure quantities that are monitored under this paragraph must have an accuracy and precision of ±1 percent of full scale or better.

(l) Initial scoping speciations, emissions testing, emission factor development, emission calculation factor development, emission characterization development, and destruction efficiency determinations must be completed by February 29, 2012 for processes and operating scenarios that operate between December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011. For other processes and operating scenarios, initial scoping speciations, emissions testing, emission factor development, emission calculation factor development, emission characterization development, and destruction efficiency determinations must be complete by February 28 of the year following the year in which the process or operating scenario commences or recommences.

(m) Calibrate all flow meters, weigh scales, and combinations of volumetric and density measures using monitoring instruments traceable to the International System of Units (SI) through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or other recognized national measurement institute. Recalibrate all flow meters, weigh scales, and combinations of volumetric and density measures at the minimum frequency specified by the manufacturer. Use any of the following applicable flow meter test methods or the calibration procedures specified by the flow meter, weigh-scale, or other volumetric or density measure manufacturer.

(1) ASME MFC-3M-2004 Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Orifice, Nozzle, and Venturi (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(2) ASME MFC-4M-1986 (Reaffirmed 1997) Measurement of Gas Flow by Turbine Meters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(3) ASME-MFC-5M-1985, (Reaffirmed 1994) Measurement of Liquid Flow in Closed Conduits Using Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flowmeters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(4) ASME MFC-6M-1998 Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Vortex Flowmeters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(5) ASME MFC-7M-1987 (Reaffirmed 1992) Measurement of Gas Flow by Means of Critical Flow Venturi Nozzles (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(6) ASME MFC-9M-1988 (Reaffirmed 2001) Measurement of Liquid Flow in Closed Conduits by Weighing Method (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(7) ASME MFC-11M-2006 Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of Coriolis Mass Flowmeters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(8) ASME MFC-14M-2003 Measurement of Fluid Flow Using Small Bore Precision Orifice Meters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(n) All analytical equipment used to determine the concentration of fluorinated GHGs, including but not limited to gas chromatographs and associated detectors, infrared (IR), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) devices, must be calibrated at a frequency needed to support the type of analysis specified in the GHG Monitoring Plan as required under § 98.124(e)(3) and 93.3(g)(5). Quality assurance samples at the concentrations of concern must be used for the calibration. Such quality assurance samples must consist of or be prepared from certified standards of the analytes of concern where available; if not available, calibration must be performed by a method specified in the GHG Monitoring Plan.

(o) Special provisions for estimating 2011 and subsequent year emissions.

(1) Best available monitoring methods. To estimate emissions that occur from January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011, owners or operators may use best available monitoring methods for any parameter that cannot reasonably be measured according to the monitoring and QA/QC requirements of this subpart. The owner or operator must use the calculation methodologies and equations in § 98.123, but may use the best available monitoring method for any parameter for which it is not reasonably feasible to acquire, install, or operate a required piece of monitoring equipment, to procure measurement services from necessary providers, or to gain physical access to make required measurements in a facility by January 1, 2011. Starting no later than July 1, 2011, the owner or operator must discontinue using best available methods and begin following all applicable monitoring and QA/QC requirements of this part, except as provided in paragraphs (o)(2) through (o)(4) of this section. Best available monitoring methods means any of the following methods specified in this paragraph:

(i) Monitoring methods currently used by the facility that do not meet the specifications of this subpart.

(ii) Supplier data.

(iii) Engineering calculations or assessments.

(iv) Other company records.

(2) Requests for extension of the use of best available monitoring methods to estimate 2011 emissions: parameters other than scoping speciations, emission factors, and emission characterizations. The owner or operator may submit a request to the Administrator to use one or more best available monitoring methods for parameters other than scoping speciations, emission factors, or emission characterizations to estimate emissions that occur between July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

(i) Timing of request. The extension request must be submitted to EPA no later than February 28, 2011.

(ii) Content of request. Requests must contain the following information:

(A) A list of specific items of monitoring equipment and measurement services for which the request is being made and the locations (e.g., processes and vents) where each piece of monitoring equipment will be installed and where each measurement service will be provided.

(B) Identification of the specific rule requirements for which the monitoring equipment or measurement service is needed.

(C) A description of the reasons why the needed equipment could not be obtained, installed, or operated or why the needed measurement service could not be provided before July 1, 2011. The owner or operator must consider all of the data collection and emission calculation options outlined in the rule for a specific emissions source before claiming that a specific safety, technical, logistical, or legal barrier exists.

(D) If the reason for the extension is that the equipment cannot be purchased, delivered, or installed before July 1, 2011, include supporting documentation such as the date the monitoring equipment was ordered, investigation of alternative suppliers, the dates by which alternative vendors promised delivery or installation, backorder notices or unexpected delays, descriptions of actions taken to expedite delivery or installation, and the current expected date of delivery or installation.

(E) If the reason for the extension is that service providers were unable to provide necessary measurement services, include supporting documentation demonstrating that these services could not be acquired before July 1, 2011. This documentation must include written correspondence to and from at least two service providers stating that they will not be able to provide the necessary services before July 1, 2011.

(F) If the reason for the extension is that the process is operating continuously without process shutdown, include supporting documentation showing that it is not practicable to isolate the process equipment or unit and install the measurement device without a full shutdown or a hot tap, and that there is no opportunity before July 1, 2011 to install the device. Include the date of the three most recent shutdowns for each relevant process equipment or unit, the frequency of shutdowns for each relevant process equipment or unit, and the date of the next planned process equipment or unit shutdown.

(G) If the reason for the extension is that access to process streams, emissions streams, or destroyed streams, as applicable, could not be gained before July 1, 2011 for reasons other than the continuous operation of the process without shutdown, include illustrative documentation such as photographs and engineering diagrams demonstrating that access could not be gained.

(H) A description of the best available monitoring methods that will be used and how their results will be applied (i.e., which calculation method will be used) to develop the emission estimate. Where the proposed best available monitoring method is the use of current monitoring data in the mass-balance approach, include the estimated relative and absolute errors of the mass-balance approach using the current monitoring data.

(I) A description of the specific actions the owner or operator will take to comply with monitoring requirements by January 1, 2012.

(3) Requests for extension of the use of best available monitoring methods to estimate 2011 emissions: scoping speciations, emission factors, and emission characterizations. The owner or operator may submit a request to the Administrator to use one or more best available monitoring methods for scoping speciations, emission factors, and emission characterizations to estimate emissions that occur between July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

(i) Timing of request. The extension request must be submitted to EPA no later than June 30, 2011.

(ii) Content of request. Requests must contain the information outlined in paragraph (o)(2)(ii) of this section, substituting March 1, 2012 for July 1, 2011 and substituting March 1, 2013 for January 1, 2012.

(iii) Reporting of 2011 emissions using scoping speciations, emission factors, and emission characterizations developed after February 29, 2012. Facilities that are approved to use best available monitoring methods in 2011 for scoping speciations, emission factors, or emission characterizations for certain processes must submit, by March 31, 2013, revised 2011 emission estimates that reflect the scoping speciations, emission factors, and emission characterizations that are measured for those processes after February 29, 2012. If the operating scenario for 2011 is different from all of the operating scenarios for which emission factors are developed after February 29, 2012, use Equation L-23 at § 98.123(c)(3)(viii) to adjust the emission factor(s) or emission characterizations measured for the post-February 29, 2012 operating scenario(s) to account for the differences.

(4) Requests for extension of the use of best available monitoring methods to estimate emissions that occur after 2011. EPA does not anticipate approving the use of best available monitoring methods to estimate emissions that occur beyond December 31, 2011; however, EPA reserves the right to review requests for unique and extreme circumstances which include safety, technical infeasibility, or inconsistency with other local, State or Federal regulations.

(i) Timing of request. The extension request must be submitted to EPA no later than June 30, 2011.

(ii) Content of request. Requests must contain the following information:

(A) The information outlined in paragraph (o)(2)(ii) of this section. For scoping speciations, emission factors, and emission characterizations, substitute March 1, 2013 for July 1, 2011 and substitute March 1, 2014 for January 1, 2012. For other parameters, substitute January 1, 2012 for July 1, 2011 and substitute January 1, 2013 for January 1, 2012.

(B) A detailed outline of the unique circumstances necessitating an extension, including specific data collection issues that do not meet safety regulations, technical infeasibility or specific laws or regulations that conflict with data collection. The owner or operator must consider all the data collection and emission calculation options outlined in the rule for a specific emissions source before claiming that a specific safety, technical or legal barrier exists.

(C) A detailed explanation and supporting documentation of how and when the owner or operator will receive the required data and/or services to comply with the reporting requirements of this subpart in the future.

(E) The Administrator reserves the right to require that the owner or operator provide additional documentation.

(iii) Reporting of 2011 and subsequent year emissions using scoping speciations, emission factors, and emission characterizations developed after approval to use best available monitoring methods expires. Facilities that are approved to use best available monitoring methods in 2011 and subsequent years for scoping speciations, emission factors, or emission characterizations for certain processes must submit, by March 31 of the year that begins one year after their approval to use best available monitoring method(s) expires, revised emission estimates for 2011 and subsequent years that reflect the scoping speciations, emission factors, and emission characterizations that are measured for those processes in 2013 or subsequent years. If the operating scenario for 2011 or subsequent years is different from all of the operating scenarios for which emission factors or emission characterizations are developed in 2013 or subsequent years, use Equation L-23 of § 98.123(c)(3)(viii) to adjust the emission factor(s) or emission characterization(s) measured for the new operating scenario(s) to account for the differences.

(5) Approval criteria. To obtain approval, the owner or operator must demonstrate to the Administrator's satisfaction that it is not reasonably feasible to acquire, install, or operate the required piece of monitoring equipment, to procure measurement services from necessary providers, or to gain physical access to make required measurements in a facility according to the requirements of this subpart by the dates specified in paragraphs (o)(2), (3), and (4) of this section for any of the reasons described in paragraph (o)(2)(ii) of this section, or, for requests under paragraph (o)(4) of this section, any of the reasons described in paragraph (o)(4)(ii)(B) of this section.

[75 FR 74831, Dec. 1, 2010, as amended at 79 FR 73787, Dec. 11, 2014]