Managing Emission Inventory Data in an integrated environmental management system

This paper provides an overview of the planning, development and operations of a process-based Emission Inventory (EI) module of an integrated environmental management computer system. A process-based point source inventory approach was chosen on the premise that emission estimates should be developed for each significant process at a facility. Each process is defined by one material or throughput, one emission factor per pollutant emitted and one operating schedule. This process-based approach was selected because it mirrors the mathematical formulas used to calculate emissions and streamlines quality assurance checks by supporting such features as automated comparisons of emission factors based on SCC code or process material. Highlights from the planning and development stages of the Emission Inventory module are discussed from an emission inventory data manager`s perspective. The critical needs that required computerization of a process-based emission inventory program are presented along with details on specific system features implemented to meet those needs. This paper closes by presenting future data sharing initiatives and showing how other Air Pollution Program modules could build on the emissions inventory module`s process-based structure to create a complete Air Quality Program.