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IEE - Environmental Info. Page 5 of 8 It is very important for crematory operators to understand the air pollution permit that allows them to operate their cremation equipment. Non- compliance with the permit conditions can result in fines or other enforcement action. Air pollution permits consist of conditions that specify how the cremator is to be operated and required compliance methods to prove the conditions are being met. Permit Conditions The following are examples of common permit conditions: - Minimum Temperature and Retention Time Requirements Many states have an established minimum temperature requirement for the afterchamber. This may require preheating the afterchamber to the minimum temperature before beginning the cremation. A minimum retention time for the afterchamber is usually specified also. » Emission Limits The most common specified limits are for visible emissions, particulate matter and carbon monoxide. The limits for visible emissions may be specified in average opacity readings over a period of time or for a maximum opacity at any time. The particulate matter and carbon monoxide limits are usually in concentrations of the amount of pollutant per cubic foot of flue gas emitted. Sometimes the limit is given as the total amount of pollutant emitted. - Maximum Usage The number of cremations per year, hours per year or total weight of remains per year may be limited. - Operator Certification Certification and training of cremator operators is on the increase. Although operator certification is not uncommon in the more sophisticated incinerator industry, crematories have been exempt from this requirement. Several states now require that cremator operators be trained by an approved manufacturer or qualified training company using a program that has been pre-approved by the state. Some states allow managers who have completed the training process to train new employees; however, other states require all potential operators to be trained by the original training company. In many states, cremation equipment may not be operated by anyone except certified operators. The training certificate is needed to show compliance with the certification requirement. Permit Compliance It is necessary to demonstrate compliance with every permit condition. Demonstrating compliance means proving that the facility is meeting the condition. The permit will list the required methods of showing compliance. Common compliance methods may include the following: Monitoring - Monitoring refers to the measurement of a process variable (temperature, opacity, CO, 02), and its display on a digital (LED text) or analog (dial with indicating needle) device. Monitoring is used to show compliance with an emission limit or a process control requirement. Monitoring can also provide information to the operator for use and action. . Recording Recording generally incorporates monitoring: it measures a process variable and shows the resulting value on a digital or analog display. In addition, the information is recorded. Color-coded pens are used if more than one process variable or level is recorded on the same chart. Two charts often used are a circular chart (a paper disc) and a strip chart (a roll of paper). More sophisticated devices can be cabled directly to a computer and printer and the data printed out for review. Recording is necessary when the environmental authority wants proof of continuous compliance with the http://www.ieeco.com/environ2.htm 06/21/2001