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Code of practice for the management of air emissions from pulp and paper facilities: appendix 2

Appendix 2: characterization of sulphur dioxide and total particulate matter air emissions

1. General

Characterization of the emissions should include the following types of emission sources:

  • boiler
  • dissolving tank
  • thermal oxidizer
  • lime kiln
  • recovery boiler
  • other stationary combustion sources meeting the definition requirements

Characterization of the emissions should be expressed as follows:

  • sulphur dioxide should be expressed in tonnes of SO2. Measurement expressed in “S” should be converted to SO2.
  • total particulate matter (TPM) should be expressed in tonnes of TPM. Refer to the Definition section.

The characterization of SO2 and TPM is based on a calendar year from January 1 to December 31.

2. Estimation methods

Emission sources subject to the code of practice can be characterized using the following measurement or estimation methods which are listed in hierarchical order:

  1. Measurements using a continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS), only if it is calibrated and maintained in accordance with approved provincial or federal methods.
  2. If no valid CEMS data is available, use measurements from a recognized sampling method listed in section 3.2.
  3. If no emission measurements are available for the reporting year, use a site-specific emission factor for the emission source, calculated from the previous year’s measurement results. The equipment must not have undergone major modifications that would affect the validity of the site-specific emission factor.
  4. If no site-specific emission factor is available, use industry-specific or generic emission factors such as AP-42Footnote 1 to estimate SO2 or TPM emissions.
  5. If no generic emission factor is available, use engineering calculations.

3. Guidance

This section provides guidance on how to calculate the annual SO2 and TPM emission sources depending on the measurement or estimation method used:

    3.1 Continuous measurements of TPM and SO2

  • Data from CEMS can be used only if calibration and maintenance are done regularly in accordance with approved provincial or federal method such as Environment Canada's Protocols and Performance Specifications for Continuous Monitoring of Gaseous Emissions from Thermal Power Generation (EPS 1/PG/7).
  • The CEMS device should be maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
  • The emission rates can be calculated by multiplying the concentration of the substance by the discharge flow rate or volumetric stack gas flow rate. Annual emissions of the substance can be estimated by adding emission data collected during the calendar year.

3.2 Stack testing

  • The sampling for each source should be performed under the operating conditions specified by the provincial, municipal or federal authorities, or by the stack testing method used.
  • The emissions data collected during stack sampling events should be used to determine annual total emissions through sound application of engineering calculations.
    3.2.1 Stack testing recognized methods for TPM
    • Environment Canada, Reference Method for Source Testing: Measurement of Releases of Particulate from Stationary Sources, EPS 1/RM/8 (Method E).
    • U.S. EPA Method 5 - Determination of particulate matter emissions from stationary sources.
    • U.S. EPA Method 5B - Determination of nonsulfuric acid particulate matter emissions from stationary sources.
    • U.S. EPA Method 5D - Determination of particulate matter emissions from positive pressure fabric filters.
    • U.S. EPA Method 17 - Determination of particulate matter emissions from stationary sources.
    • U.S. EPA CTM 003 - Determination of particulate matter (modified high volume sampling procedure).
    • Any other TPM stack testing method authorized by a provincial permit or regulation is allowed for assessing emissions.
    3.2.2 Stack test recognized methods for SO2
    • Environment Canada, Standard Reference Methods for Source Testing: Measurement of Emissions of Sulphur Dioxide from Stationary Sources, EPS 1-AP-74-3.
    • Environment Canada, Reference Method for the Monitoring of Gaseous Emissions from Fossil Fuel-fired Boilers, EPS 1/RM/15, September 1990.
    • U.S. EPA Method 6 - Determination of sulfur dioxide emissions from stationary sources.
    • U.S. EPA Method 6A - Determination of sulfur dioxide, moisture, and carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion sources.
    • U.S. EPA Method 6B - Determination of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide daily average emissions from fossil fuel combustion sources.
    • U.S. EPA Method 6C - Determination of sulfur dioxide emissions from stationary sources (Instrumental Analyzer Procedure).
    • U.S. EPA Method 8 - Determination of sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide emissions from stationary sources.
    • Any other SO2 stack testing method authorized by a provincial permit or regulation is allowed for assessing emissions.

3.3 Emission factors

  • A site-specific emission factor can be calculated and used for emission sources for which the previous year’s measurement results are available (CEMS or sampling) and quantities of fuel or raw materials. Details of the emission factor calculation can be included in the emission assessment report.
  • If a measurement device is used to measure the quantities of fuel or raw materials, the measurement devices should be installed, operated, maintained, and calibrated in accordance with the device manufacturer's instructions.
  • If engineering calculations are used to estimate the quantities of fuel or raw materials, a brief description of the methodology used should be provided in the comment box of the emission assessment report.
  • A generic emission factor such as AP-42Footnote 1  can be used for emission sources for which no measurements are available. The emission factor used to estimate SO2 and TPM emissions should be noted in the emission assessment report.

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