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EPA Says Use ASTM D6866 to Measure Biogenic CO2 in Combustion Emissions

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) final greenhouse gas mandatory reporting rule allows owners and operators of general stationary units combusting a mix of biomass-derived and fossil fuels to use ASTM D6866 in determining the exact percentage of biogenic CO2. The reporting rule applies to all companies with facilities that produce a minimum of 25,000 metric tons CO2e (CO2 equivalent) in combined emissions from all source categories identified by the EPA.

ASTM D6866 for Biogenic CO2 Emissions

According to the EPA, ASTM D7459-08 sampling and the ASTM D6866-08 analysis should be done at least once in every calendar quarter in which municipal solid waste (MSW) or other mixed fuels are combusted. If there is a common MSW source for multiple units at the facility, testing at only one of the units is acceptable.

Owners and operators of units co-firing fossil and biomass fuels may also use ASTM D6866 to determine the biogenic portion of the CO2 emissions. Analysis is to be done on a quarterly basis. ASTM D6866 can also be used by facilities with continuous emission monitoring systems in place.

EPA Mandatory Reporting Rule (MRR)

Companies in any industry with facilities operating boilers, process heaters, incinerators, turbines, and internal combustion engines (regardless of fuel type) are required by the EPA to submit annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reports no later than March 31 of each calendar year for emissions in the previous calendar year. The MRR contains methodologies on calculating for annual CO2 emissions and specifies monitoring, record keeping, and verification requirements to ensure the accuracy of reported data.

Annual reports covering general stationary fuel combustion units should include emissions of biogenic and non-biogenic CO2, CH4, N2O, and fluorinated GHG (see page 56379 of the MRR). The MRR has 4 methodologies on how to calculate annual GHG emissions in metric tons. One such methodology includes ASTM D6866 for the quantification of biogenic CO2 emitted from the combustion of municipal solid waste and from the co-firing of biogenic and non-biogenic fuels.

Companies are required to submit the report every year and can only cease reporting, upon notifying the EPA, if (a) they can demonstrate that their emissions are less than 25,000 metric tons of CO2e per year for five consecutive years or less than 15,000 metric tons of CO2e per year for three consecutive years, or (b) they close the GHG-emitting facilities. Reporting resumes when annual emissions reach 25,000 metric tons CO2e or more. For more information on the MRR, visit the EPA website.

More information: EPA Mandatory Reporting Rule

Related posts:

1. Ontario GHG Regulation Identifies ASTM D6866 as Emissions Quantification Method
2. Beta Analytic Comments on US EPA Proposed Rule for Deferral of Biogenic CO2 Emissions
3. WCI: Use ASTM D6866 to Determine Biomass Fuel Portion of CO2 Emissions
4. WCI Recommends ASTM D6866 Testing for Mixed Fuels Emissions