Air Quality Research: Projects

Shandong Flue Gas Denitrification (deNOx) Project (2009-2010)

Client/Agency

U.S. Trade and Development Agency

Description

RTI is working with the Shandong Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau (SEPB) to investigate the feasibility and facilitate implementation of flue gas denitrification (deNOx) technology used in the United States at a selected coal-fired power plant in the province. This project will help SEPB assess the potential for installing deNOx technology to reduce air pollutant emissions from coal-fired power plants throughout the Shandong Province.

Methane-to-Markets Capacity Building and Expo (2007–2008)

Client/Agency

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Description

RTI helped strengthen the capacity of the China University of Petroleum (CUP) to research, identify, and promote key methane-reduction technologies for oil and gas development in China. The project also assisted CUP in networking with other organizations at the 2007 Methane-to-Markets Expo in Beijing.

Expert Assistance on Analysis of Operations and Air Emissions from Brick Manufacturing Plant (2007-2008)

Client/Agency

Ireland Environmental Protection Agency

Description

RTI was contacted by the Ireland Environmental Protection Agency for assistance in evaluating process operations and emissions from a brick manufacturing plant. The agency sought to examine activities at the brick plant to determine if emissions might be contributing to animal health problems at a nearby dairy farm.

As part of an expert review group, which included process and permitting experts from the United Kingdom, our staff

Reviewed permit files
Met with agency staff and the other members of the expert review group to review the brick plant's operating permit, evaluate emissions and monitoring data, and assess the role of emissions in the observed health problems
Visited the plant to observe brick manufacturing operations, evaluate process modifications implemented by the plant to reduce emissions of hydrogen fluoride, and meet with plant staff to discuss operations and emissions
Assisted in preparing the final report on the expert review group's findings

Shandong Flue Gas Desulfurization Project (2006–2007)

Client/Agency

Shandong Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) / U.S. Trade and Development Agency

Description

RTI assisted Shandong EPB, electric utility power plant owners, and their design institutes to select and specify the most efficient and cost-effective flue gas desulfurization systems to control sulfur dioxide air emissions from six coal-fired power plants in Shandong Province.

Beijing Air Quality Management Decision Support System (AQMDSS) (2003-2005)

Client/Agency

World Bank, Beijing Municipal Government (BMG), and PA Consulting Group

Description

In an effort to reduce Beijing’s air pollution before the 2008 Olympics, RTI developed a state-of-the-art urban air quality management decision support system (AQMDSS) for the city. The system integrated several existing air quality models into one system to present the user with a complete picture of air quality that would be easy to interpret. Emissions, meteorological and other relevant data, collected by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, were entered into the AQMDSS, which output a variety of visual displays showing existing and forecasted air quality. This allowed people to know current and forecasted pollution conditions.

RTI worked with PA Consulting Group, the prime contractor for the project, and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which created an emission inventory of the city. This inventory identified the sources contributing to air pollution, from factories and power plants to cars and small businesses such as bakeries and laundries.

The AQMDSS took 2 years to develop, and was then harnessed to the task of supporting Beijing's effort to improve its air in time for the Olympics.

The main goal was long-term control. The AQMDSS system enabled officials to test proposed pollution control measures before implementing them, letting them see the cost-benefit trade-offs as well as environmental impacts.

RTI’s project tasks were to design the databases, compile an emission inventory, and establish a state-of-the-art AQMDSS for Beijing’s Municipal Government (BMG), thereby upgrading BMG's ability to make decisions on air quality management. The AQMDSS forecasts air quality, assesses the environmental impact of BMG’s pollution control measures, and analyzes costs and benefits. AQMDSS operations provide effective operations, including institutional arrangements and timely updating of databases. The air modeling system provides a full range of support for BMG’s decision making in controlling pollution and improving air quality.

Hai River Basin Integrated Water and Environment Management Project (2002-2005)

Client/Agency

World Bank and Chinese Academy for Environment Planning

Description

We developed technical documents to explain the data structure and standards of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) materials. The documents highlight applications of NHD usage in the United States on state and national levels, and compare the U.S. coding system to international river/reach-coding systems. We provided an overview of approaches used by several countries in constructing river/reach-coding systems and demonstrated the advantages of the NHD approach. We also advised Chinese staff working to develop a Unified River Coding System to construct a database model of the river/reach-coding system that facilitates water quality management for the Hai River Basin.

Chemical Speciation of PM2.5 Filter Samples

Client

US EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards

Description

We assist state and local agencies in the operation of EPA's PM2.5 chemical speciation monitoring network by providing filter media and analytical support for the analysis of air filters for gravimetric mass, elemental concentrations (sodium through lead), organic and elemental carbon, cations (ammonium, sodium, and potassium) and anions (sulfate and nitrate), analysis of semivolatile organics, and microscopic analysis of selected filters.

We analyze over 1,800 samples and reports more than 200,000 data elements per month. We are currently providing chemical speciation support to more than 230 PM2.5 monitoring sites throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

In order to improve the data quality, we have identified and addressed several complex challenges involving sample handling, high blank levels for gravimetric mass on Teflon® filters, high background levels for quartz and nylon filters, data validation, and reporting.

Contact

R. K. M. Jayanty, James Shannon

PM2.5 Performance Evaluation Database

Client

US EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS)

Description

In support of OAQPS efforts to evaluate measurement system bias of the particulate monitoring network for PM2.5, we designed and developed the Federal Reference Method Performance Evaluation Database (PED).

PED supports the Performance Evaluation Program, which collocates a portable audit sampler with an established routine air monitoring site, operate both monitors concurrently, collect a 24-hour sample, and then compare the resultant PM2.5 concentration data from the audit sampler with data obtained by the site's routine sampler. The PED supports data-handling activities and validation of data produced in the field and in each of two laboratories performing gravimetric analysis for the program. EPA staff operate the database; RTI provides technical support.

PED functions include

Storing PEP equilibration information and field performance data
Tracking filters throughout the system, including equilibration, weighing, cassette loading, shipment, and archiving
Preparing packing lists and chain-of-custody labels for out-going shipments
Downloading data input from the portable audit samplers
Performing automated validation of PM2.5 sampling data, which includes evaluating the filter conditioning environment, holding times, laboratory and field blanks, balance checks, and duplicate filter weighings
Generating reports and statistics for local, state, and regional personnel to assess performance of their sites
Formatting data approved by the QA Manager for uploading to the AQS

Contact

R. K. M. Jayanty, James Shannon

Technical Support for Ambient Air Monitoring and Air Quality Assurance Program

Client

US EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS)

Description

We provide comprehensive QA support to OAQPS in six task areas:

Data quality objectives
Ambient air QA reports
Assessments and audit
Ambient air QA program
QA guidance documents
Precision and accuracy programs

Examples of our work include

Providing air monitoring support and training in Ghana and Tanzania
Continuing support for the PM2.5 FRM network's PEP QA network, for which RTI supports database and training needs (described in more detail above)
Developing Federal Register materials, including the preparation of an announcement about a proposed PM-coarse regulation
Performing special studies, analysis of special filters, and data analysis in support of the PM2.5 chemical speciation network
Providing support for promulgation of the Specifications and Test Procedures for Continuous Parameter Monitoring Systems at Stationary Sources and the Quality Assurance Requirements for Continuous Parameter Monitoring Systems at Stationary Sources
Providing QA materials (QAPP and standard operating procedures) for the Burdens Creek prototype NCORE site in Research Triangle Park, NC
Conducting the health indicators study, which provides for the assessment and development of improved air quality and health indices for EPA's Report on the Environment
Developing ambient air QA reports
Coordinating network, site, field, and laboratory assessments and systems audits for various scientific projects
Developing and revising QA guidance documentation
Verifying the quality of collected data, including establishing and verifying data quality objectives

Contact

James B. Flanagan, James Shannon

Analysis of Filters from the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) Air Quality Network

Client

National Park Service

Description

We provide the following support to the IMPROVE Air Quality Network:

Extract and analyze 17,000 nylon filters per year for chloride, nitrite, nitrate, and sulfate ions
Prepare, extract, and analyze for sulfate ion of 250 carbonate-coated filters per year
Load passive ozone sampler and distribute samplers to collection sites; extract filter and analyze for nitrate ion for 1,200 ozone samples per year
Extract and analyze 375 nylon filter extracts per year for ammonium ion and 10 nylon filter extracts per year for sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Report all data obtained, including results for all QA/QC sample analyses, to the Particulate Monitoring Coordination Contractor and/or the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative in the requested format

Contact

Eva D. Hardison, James Shannon

Support for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Program

Client

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards

Description

The CAA Amendments of 1990 designated 189 Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) and required EPA to

Establish emission standards for major and area sources
Propose new source performance standards for certain source categories
Prepare guideline documents to assist states

Activities. Since 1991, we have been helping EPA develop regulatory and policy actions in support of NESHAP.

We performed background studies to support regulatory actions for several industry sectors. We studied the industrial processes involved, pollutants emitted, operational factors affecting emission rates, control technologies applied, and the effectiveness of control systems. Using these and other data, RTI defined control strategies, developed regulatory alternatives, and prepared background information documents and technical memoranda that were placed in the regulatory docket.

We drafted preambles and regulations under EPA's guidance. We provided meeting support and prepared briefing packages for EPA decision makers and state partners. We documented rationale for the decisions related to the standards, summarized public comments, drafted responses, and recommended options for addressing technical issues raised in the comments.

Results. We gathered the essential background information and data to support emission standards for more than 60 industries. Our support contributed to the improvement of national air quality and helped the Agency meet statutory deadlines.

Contact

Roy Neulicht, Rebecca Nicholson

Environmental Technology Verification Program

Client

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development

Description

EPA established its ETV Program to evaluate the performance of innovative technical solutions to problems that threaten human health or the environment. In partnership with EPA, we established the Air Pollution Control Technology (APCT) Verification Center and are conducting ETV pilot programs for APCT. We have also conducted two projects to establish and run an ETV program for safe buildings as part of EPA's Homeland Security Program.

A challenge that industries face is knowing which technologies really work in their particular applications. Information provided by technology and equipment vendors may not always be sufficient to make the best decisions. The objective of the ETV Program is to independently verify the environmental performance of commercial-ready technologies through the evaluation of objective and quality-assured data. The technologies are verified by RTI -- an independent, objective third party -- ensuring that the findings are based on high-quality, credible, and consistent performance data and procedures. Technologies that have undergone verification for outdoor sources include add-on nitrogen oxide (NOx) controls, baghouse filtration products, dust suppressants, controls for mobile pollution sources and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and paint overspray arrestors.

Indoor air sources that have been evaluated include commercial furniture, ventilation air filters, and electronic air cleaners. Our ETV efforts in support of EPA's Homeland Security Program specifically addressed verification of the performance of products, methods, and equipment for destroying/neutralizing and removing chemical and/or biological warfare agents from building ventilation and equipment.

Our work in these centers has allowed us to expand our experience in the area of APCTs and to develop knowledge on the technical and economic feasibility, as well as real-world performance, of existing and emerging technologies. This experience will be beneficial to clients that are faced with the challenges of identifying, evaluating, and selecting cost-effective and environmentally beneficial technologies.

Contact

Jenia Tufts, Karin Foarde

More Information

Environmental Technology Verification Program.