SPRI methods and methodologies
Operators are required to include which method was used to determine emission releases and off-site transfers in their SPRI return. The methods are: Measurement, Calculation, and Estimation.
While there is no strict quality ranking between methods, measurements generally offer greater confidence in accuracy. However, this confidence depends on using accredited methods, trained personnel, and properly calibrated equipment suited to the specific process and substance.
The appropriate method type is determined by the best information available to the operator. The method types and methodologies are explained in detail below.
Measurement ("M")
Release data are based on measurements (“M”). Additional calculations are needed to convert the results of measurements into annual release data. For these calculations the results of flow determinations are needed. “M” should also be used when the annual releases are determined based on the results of short term and spot measurements. “M” is used when the releases of a facility are derived from direct monitoring results for specific processes at the facility, based on actual continuous or discontinuous measurements of pollutant concentrations for a given release route.
Measurement methodologies
| Method used for determination of releases/off-site transfers | Designation of the methodology used |
|---|---|
| Internationally approved measurement standard | Short designation of the relevant standard (e.g. EN 14385:2004) |
| Measurement methodology already prescribed by the SEPA in a licence or an operating permit for that facility | PER* |
| National or regional binding measurement methodology prescribed by legal act for the pollutant and facility concerned | NRB* |
| Alternative Measurement Method in accordance with existing CEN/ISO measurement standards | ALT |
| Measurement methodology the performance of which is demonstrated by means of certified reference materials and accepted by competent authority | CRM |
| Other measurement methodology | OTH* |
Calculation ("C")
Release data are based on calculations (“C”). “C” is used when the releases are based on calculations using activity data (fuel used, production rate, etc.) and emission factors or mass balances. In some cases more complicated calculation methods can be applied, using variables like temperature, global radiance etc.
Calculation methodologies
| Method used for determination of releases/off-site transfers | Designation of the methodology used |
|---|---|
| Internationally approved calculation method | Short designation of the method used: ETS, IPCC, UNECE/EMEP |
| Calculation methodology already prescribed by the competent authority in a licence or an operating permit for that facility | PER* |
| National or regional binding calculation methodology prescribed by legal act for the pollutant and facility concerned | NRB* |
| Mass balance method which is accepted by the competent authority | MAB* |
| European-wide sector specific calculation method | SSC |
| Other calculation methodology | OTH* |
Note: In addition to the three letter abbreviation (e.g. NRB) the short designation (e.g. VDI 3873) or a short description of the methodology could be given.
Estimation ("E")
Release data are based on non-standardised estimations (“E”). “E” is used when the releases are determined by best assumptions or expert guesses that are not based on publicly available references or in case of absence of recognised emission estimation methodologies or good practice guidelines.
Where the total release of a pollutant at a facility is determined by more than one method type (e.g. M and C), the method with the highest amount of release is chosen for reporting. For example, the release of an air pollutant at a site occurs at two stacks (stack A and stack B) exceeds the relevant pollutant threshold. The release at stack A is measured and amounts 100 kg/year. The release at stack B is calculated and amounts 50 kg/year. Since the highest amount of release (100 kg/year) is measured, the total release (150 kg/year) is based on the Measurement method type.
Where reported data are based on measurements or calculations ("M" or "C"), the methodology used to determine the release or transfer value shall be indicated. To this end the following designations are used for each method type.
Estimation methodologies
A description of the methodology used must be reported to SEPA.
- Measurement = Weighing
- Calculation as above