Services

Developed detailed compliance test protocol for a New England municipal waste combustor (mass burn). Upon acceptance from the regulatory agency compliance testing was then performed which included mercury, multiple metals, PCDD/PCDF, hydrochloric acid, total suspended particulate matter, CEMS RATA, and quarterly cylinder gas audits (CGA). Final compliance reports were then submitted for regulatory review and acceptance.

GamAir has been under contract with this particular client for the past seven years.

Thirty-five engines, providing cooling, heating, and power have been tested for compliance purposes across four different states (USEPA Regions 1 and 2) under the provisions of Subpart JJJJ (Title 40, CFR, Part 60). A “blanket” source test protocol was submitted to the USEPA encompassing EPA test methods 3A, 4, 7E, 10, 18, and 25A for all engines that have been and will be tested. All engines are identical in model number, size, air pollution controls, and kilowatt output. Since the engines were manufactured by the same company and are identical the “blanket” compliance protocol enabled the USEPA to approve the test procedures and allow for timely testing. This alleviated the submittal of 35 different compliance test protocols and the review process associated with that many submittals. This also was a very cost effective means and savings to our client. Prior to each test program an engine “fact sheet” was submitted to the USEPA which detailed the specifics of each engine (block number, CHP unit).

Sixteen of these engines required the use of a portable CEMS which enabled sampling to take place in crowded/cramped areas not accessible with a trailer mounted CEMS. This test program also saw the use of a VIG Model 200 total hydrocarbon (THC) and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) analyzer equipped with gas chromatography for the speciation of methane and real time analysis of NMHC.

2015 USEPA regulations (Title 40, CFR, Part 60, Subparts LLLL and MMMM and Part 62, Subpart LLL) require a full suite of emissions testing and process monitoring on new and existing sewage sludge incinerators (SSI). In April 2016 GamAir performed the first Subpart LLLL test program, in the United States, on a new SUEZ fluidized bed incinerator (FBI). All emission limits were met including a successful RATA on their CO, NO_x, and O₂ CEMS during the initial compliance test program. As of October 2016 GamAir has performed 18 different Subpart MMMM compliance test programs and is contracted to perform another 11 compliance test programs by the end of January 2017.

During the eight year period of 2009 to 2016 GamAir served a large wastewater treatment municipality under two 4-year contracts. Services included multi-disciplinary emissions testing on three multiple heart incinerators (MHI) and seven reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE). MHI compliance testing consisted of annual multiple metals, annual RATA/CGA, annual oxygen correlation (between existing CEMS and Hearth #1), semi-annual Part 503 emissions reporting, tri-annual NOx RACT, and five year Title V programs. The current contract will expire at the end of 2016. GamAir will be responding to the new five year contract that currently is being solicited by the municipality.

Indirectly Heated Thermal Desorption (ITD) SystemIndirectly heated thermal desorption (IHTD) utilizes a low temperature thermal desorption process that removes PCB’s from soil without using direct combustion. A Proof of Performance (POP) test protocol was developed to assure that the IHTD system functioned properly and met regulatory (USEPA) approved performance levels prior to full scale operations. Simultaneous emissions testing occurred at three different locations (oven exhaust, baghouse exhaust, and vent line exhaust). Testing of the oven exhaust consisted of total gaseous non-methane organic compounds (TGNMO) and carbon monoxide, testing of the baghouse exhaust consisted of total suspended particulate (TSP) matter, and the vent line testing was comprised of TSP, multiple metals, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) including PCB’s, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF). Compounds of interest were tested in triplicate with full field sample train blanks and reagent blanks collected and analyzed as well. Three test programs were conducted on South Pacific islands that formerly housed Department of Defense installations. Care and attention was needed for the proper storage and international shipping of all collected field samples. Sample analyses were performed on a rush basis with a final compliance report delivered to the client within five days of receipt of all laboratory analyses.

Multiple compliance test programs have been performed throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England region for various hot mix asphalt (HMA) facilities outfitted with asphalt batch plants and drum mix plants. These test programs were performed for eight different manufacturers. Aside from the typical total particulate and opacity testing the following test programs are highlighted.Compliance formaldehyde testing (EPA Method 316) on both an asphalt batch plant and drum mix plant. The drum mix plant was also combining reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to the mix.Compliance testing on a batch plant wanting the capability of burning both specification oil and virgin No. 2 fuel oil. Air emissions testing were performed at the fabric filter exhaust on both fuels for multiple metals, HCl, and carbon monoxide.A portable drum mix plant required polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), formaldehyde, NOx and CO compliance testing prior to the issuance of the permit to operate. CARB sampling and analysis methods (Methods 429 and 430, respectively) were employed for this test program.

With the recent energy transmission shortage, in New England, stationary gas turbines were quick getting off the line. Most new facilities were placed on the “fast track” in order to meet the rising energy demand. Mr. Gammie has managed and tested several start up projects on both simple cycle and combined cycle gas turbines. Performance testing as well as compliance testing has been performed for NOx, SO2, CO, VOC, TSP, opacity and ammonia slip. Follow up projects have included relative accuracy test audits (RATA), cylinder gas audits (CGA), and opacity monitor audits.

• Pressure Sensitive Tape and Label Surface Coating Operation
• Metal Coil Surface Coating

These volatile organic compound (VOC) sources typically require testing prior to and after their respective emission control systems (i.e. thermal oxidizers, catalytic oxidizers, regenerative thermal oxidizers). Compliance and performance testing has required the use of several different sampling and analytical methods all of which GamAir is well experienced in. Our method involvement includes EPA Method 18 using Tedlar® sample bags, SUMMAÒ canisters, and solid sorbent tubes coupled with the on or off-site analysis by gas chromatography/flame ionization detection. EPA Method 25 (what a lovely method), EPA Method 25A (continuous FID’s equipped with methane columns for the real-time determination of non-methane organic compounds). Where applicable, verification of VOC capture efficiency has been accomplished via EPA Method 204 for both permanent and temporary enclosures.

Multi-disciplinary compliance test programs have been performed on uncontrolled and controlled landfill gases (LFG). Testing of air pollution control devices include enclosed flares and internal combustion engines.

Uncontrolled LFG sampling and analysis consisted of:
• Hazardous Air Pollutants (EPA Method TO-14)
• NMOC (EPA Methods 3C & 25C)

Controlled LFG sampling and analysis consisted of:
•VOC (EPA Method 25A)
•NMOC (destruction efficiency EPA Methods 3C & 25C)
•Multiple Metals (EPA Method 29)
•Mercury (EPA Method 101A)
•Arsenic (speciated EPA Method 108)
•Chromium (speciated EPA Method 306)
•Carbon monoxide

This is one source category which enables the tester to truly enjoy the great outdoors while observing a particular process or operation. With the exception of two plants, all GamAir projects associated with mineral processing has been with our certified opacity observers. The exceptions were compliance testing on two stone crushers for total suspended particulate matter.