Innovative role of statistics in acid rain performance testing

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:271856

Warren-Hicks, W; Etchison, T ^[1]; Lieberman, E R ^[2]

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1. Cadmus Group, Durham, NC (United States)
2. EPA, Washington, DC (United States). Acid Rain Div.

Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAAs) of 1990 mandated that affected electric utilities reduce sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}) and nitrogen oxide (NO{sub x}) emissions, the primary precursors of acidic deposition, and included an innovative market-based SO{sub 2} regulatory program. A central element of the Acid Rain Program is the requirement that affected utility units install CEMS. This paper describes how the Acid Rain Regulations incorporated statistical procedures in the performance tests for continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) and how statistical analysis was used to assess the appropriateness, stringency, and potential impact of various performance tests and standards that were considered for inclusion in the Acid Rain Regulations. Described here is the statistical analysis that was used to set a relative accuracy standard, establish the calculation procedures for filling in missing data when a monitor malfunctions, and evaluate the performance tests applied to petitions for alternative monitoring systems. The paper concludes that the statistical evaluations of proposed provisions of the Acid Rain Regulations resulted in the adoption of performance tests and standards that were scientifically substantiated, workable, and effective.

• OSTI ID: 271856
• Report Number(s): CONF-950196--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
AIR POLLUTION MONITORS
CLEAN AIR ACTS
COMPLIANCE
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
NITROGEN OXIDES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SULFUR DIOXIDE