June 2010
2010 SSSAAP
Chair Report
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Stationary Source Sampling and Analysis of Air Pollutants XXXIV
Chair Report
The Source Evaluation Society hosted the 2010 Stationary Source Sampling and Analysis of Air Pollutants (SSSAAP) Conference in Panama City Beach, Florida the week of March 7th. This international conference is one of the most professional, comprehensive, and technically sound forums to discuss stationary source sampling and analysis. The conference focuses on regulatory testing and monitoring issues, new and developing emissions measurement technologies, industrial source owner’s perspectives, field and laboratory problem solving, data management, and data quality issues. The conference provides a unique opportunity for discussions with emissions measurement professionals from all fields and perspectives in a highly interactive setting.
The 2010 Conference was once again co-sponsored by an elite group of environmental agencies. A heartfelt thank you to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Source Testing Association (our sister group in the UK), the National Association of Clean Air Agencies, and the International Society for Automation – Analysis Division for their continued support and endorsement of the conference. The support from each of these groups continues to enrich the conference each year.
National and international recognition of the overall value of this conference has continued to climb. Indeed, the number of participants has essentially doubled in the last five years. Despite this increase in participation, the conference has maintained the intimate single session format greatly valued by all attendees. The conference format is designed to encourage open discussion in all sessions. The conference is designed for information to flow not only from the experts on the podium but also from and between the attendees.
The conference agenda included ten technical morning and evening sessions, leaving the midday free for ad hoc meetings and discussions. The first session began Sunday evening and the last on Friday morning. There were 48 technical presentations covering the spectrum of source testing from regulatory requirements to the most advanced technologies. The attendees participated in many discussions including Information Collection Requests (ICRs) for the Boiler MACT and Utility MACT, lengthy debates on how to handle non-detectable emissions, thoughts on improvements to methods, lessons learned from the EPA’s Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT), and updates on the changes to the audit sample requirements. There were also discussions about Greenhouse Gas measurements, development of the ASTM controlled condensate method, and means to manage the accreditation requirements for future regulatory requirements. EPA provided us with an update of the upcoming changes to the methods and performance specifications throughout the year as well as emerging technologies for open path measurements. We also heard presentations on instrumental measurements, updates in sampling for mercury, and learned of the latest developments in the measurement of fine and condensable particulate matter.
In addition to the presentations during the technical sessions, we had five poster presentations set up throughout the week. The poster presentations were available for one-on-one discussions during the breaks covering topics such as low-level mercury measurements, temperature effects on OTM-28, monitoring of bag filters, and experiences with PS-16 for Predictive Emissions Monitoring Systems. The posters provide an opportunity to expand on the technical sessions.
During the 2010 conference, we had a record number of 229 attendees from all aspects of the stationary source-sampling field. Testing companies represented the largest fraction of attendees (55%) followed by government representatives from EPA, state, and local agencies (13%). Vendors for all aspects of the testing field (gases, instruments, etc) represented 10% of the attendees. Laboratory services and industry each represented 7% of the attendees. The other 8% of the conference participants were from various backgrounds such as research, universities, etc. The wide range of backgrounds for the participants allowed for comprehensive discussions on all aspects of the topics. In the discussions of the handling of non-detectable values, representatives from regulatory, laboratories, and stack testers each presented their views on how the data should be handled. This conference is not a trade show, and as such, the presentations and discussions are presented for the benefit of all to draw on the knowledge of the experts in source sampling, many of whom attend the conference each year.
The afternoons were used for many meetings throughout the week including the annual meeting for the Source Evaluation Society. There were working group meetings of ASTM subcommittees on method development and the Stack Testing Accreditation Council (STAC) meeting. The afternoons were also available for attendees to take the Qualified Stack Testing Individual (QSTI) exams. For more information on the QSTI program, see the SES website at
I had the privilege to honor Bob Mann with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality with a “Lifetime of Dedication to SES” Award for his work and effort to the Source Evaluation Society. Bob has served on the SES Board of Directors and has been a session chair (at times for multiple sessions) for many conferences. Bob has strived to increase the involvement of state and local regulators at the conference and with SES and for many years has been their voice.
Roy Owens was also honored during the week with an induction to the SES Hall of Fame. Roy has been involved in environmental monitoring work since 1973 including over 30 years directing the emissions testing programs at the headquarters of Owens Corning. In that capacity, he not only managed the compliance testing programs for Owens Corning facilities around the world, he has also been influential in the development of several EPA regulations affection that industry. Roy has also chaired and participated in numerous standard setting committees, including the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, American Chemical Society, and the A&WMA. Roy has long been a faithful member and participant in SES, including serving as Vice President and as a Board of Directors member, chairing the Matt DeVito Award Committee, and as an integral member of the SES QSTI/QSTO committee.
My Chairmanship was an honor and a privilege this year. I worked with an exceptional group of people throughout the year in planning the conference. Larry Cottone, the 2011 Chair and my Co-Chair, has been instrumental in preserving the integrity of this conference as well as bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective. I look forward to what he will accomplish in 2011. I would also like to thank Peter Westlin, Ron McLeod, David Law, Ray Merrill and Glenn England, who offered their experience as former chairs. I am grateful for their advice and encouragement.
Once again, the efforts of Antoinette Chartier and Hospitality Management Systems resulted in a seemly effortless conference. Their experience and management of the details allowed each of us to focus on the technical aspects of the conference rather than the registration details. Since 2004, Antoinette and her staff have managed the conference and kept each Conference Chair on track. Due to their efforts, we are able to enjoy a complete week of lodging and food, a very technical program of the latest issues in source sampling, opportunities to interact with Federal, State, and Local regulators, excellent networking opportunities, and ample time to relax and discuss with our peers. In comparison to other technical conferences, we receive a quite a bargain!
I would also like to thank my session chairs. Without their dedication and efforts, this conference would not have been as strong. The presentations covered topics that were the latest developments in the respective fields from well-recognized professional experts. Thank you to Ray Merrill, Jeff Ryan, Robin Segall, Peter Westlin, Bob Davis, Bill Helfley, Jim Serne, Alexandra Siperstein, Scott Evans, Ron McLeod, Glenn England, Roy Owens, Jason DeWees, Steve Eckard, Tom Baldwin, Steve Mandel, Walter Gray, J Sutton, Mike Hartman, Pablo Maiz, David Law, David Curtis, Bob Mann and Scott Swiggard for a job well done.
During our free hours, we had many recreational activities to provide opportunities to interact with fellow conference attendees outside the traditional settings. Thank you to Airgas, Apex Instruments, Environmental Instrument Specialists, Enthalpy Analytical, Delta Air Quality Services, Dr. Lesley Sloss, and SES for their sponsorship for our fun during the week.
Thanks to each of the attendees and presenters for making this conference a success. All of the discussions and the interactions allowed each of us to learn from each other and work toward improving the methods and science of stationary source sampling and analysis.
DeAnna Oser, 2010 Chair
Source Evaluation Society’s
Stationary Source Sampling and Analysis for Air Pollution Conference