Fugitive Emission Tracking

Many of the industrialized countries are turning their attention to fugitive emission tracking, as they try and understand the scale of the challenge posed by greenhouse gas emission. Government officials hope to gain a better understanding of the threat posed by these commissions in respect to global warming.

Sometimes an unexpected leak of a hazardous substance will occur and this has led to the need for fugitive emission tracking. If such an emission is not contained in a vent, stack, or duct, harmful gases could enter the environment. Such leaks can occur during bulk handling, during maintenance or during an industrial process. Certain compounds can prove very resilient following release and once they enter the stratosphere, damage to the ozone layer is certain.

In the United States alone, fugitive emission totals for a year are over 300,000 tons. Other countries have similar or worse outputs. In order to reduce the harmful effects to the ozone from the accidental discharge of these substances, strict laws have been implemented to reduce their usage and eventually eliminate them over time. The goal is to reduce the potential for global warming in the near future and to improve air quality.

The EPA has finalized its rules pertaining to any fugitive emission occurrence, whether through evaporation or a leak. The regulations apply to several industries, including existing and newly constructed facilities with systems using refrigerant gas in their workplace heating and cooling systems. Other industries are industrial chemical manufacturing, electric services, pulp and paper mills, and petroleum refinancing.

Those places that produce or use substances known to be harmful are required to monitor for potential fugitive emissions problems. Dangerous compounds are defined by the EPA and include chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide,halons and carbon tetrachloride.

Fugitive emission is of particular concern as it relates to refrigerant gas. This gas contains chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons which are two primary contributors to the weakening of the ozone layer. Numerous industries use refrigerant gas in air conditioning systems, fire protection systems, ventilation and refrigeration and cooling units.

If a fugitive emission takes place, businesses need to track leakage rate and report to the EPA. Full details are required, including the severity of the leak and the repair process completed. New regulations require regular inspections, wherever volatile chemicals are involved.

The US Clean Air Act established thresholds, which are now clarified and standardized by the new fugitive emission regulations. For example, these include continuous monitoring, leak tracking and reporting requirements for repair and containment. The first reports are due in early 2011. Many companies would choose automated rather than manual processes, including tracking software programs and web-based applications. Such automated systems reduce the likelihood of noncompliance.

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