Guidelines for the Validation and Interpretation of PCDDs/PCDFs Air Emissions Data, 1994 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Gary T. Hunt

Sample collection and in particular laboratory analysis of trace quantities (pg/m3) of PCDDs/PCDFs in stationary source emissions constitute a relatively complex process. It is extremely critical that the data gathered by representative of the industrial process in question (e.g., black liquor boilers, recovery boilers, etc.) as well as be of well-defined precision and accuracy. The collection and subsequent interpretation of PCDDs/PCDFs data is often hampered by nomenclature issues (chemical vs. regulatory definition), difficulties in appreciating data resulting from high-resolution/magnetic sector mass spectrometry (EPA Method 23), as well as conflicting data presentation formats and regulatory requirements (pg/m3 vs. TEF-weighted sums, etc.) This presentation will provide practical guidance for the design and conduct of emissions monitoring programs for PCDDs/PCDFs. This will include quality assurance/quality control measures for field sampling and laboratory analyses as well as guidelines for the determination of data quality based upon conformance to pre-established goals for these QA/QC criteria. Additional emphasis will be placed on proper handling of validated laboratory data in the course of data reduction and interpretation in advance of final presentation. This will include the proper use of 2,3,7,8 TCDD/TCDF confirmation data, presentation of non-detected value, calculation in TEF-weighted sums, as well as trends to be considered in an examination of congener profiles. Actual source emissions data will be examined for conformance/non-conformance with guidelines. These data will include emissions from several pulp and paper related processes.