There’s a lot at stake when selecting a site for a new facility

Choosing the wrong consultant and especially the wrong property could be detrimental to your project budget and schedule. SSOE provides an overview touching on the important aspects of site selection and the details that will help you make an informed choice on a firm to partner with. In our site selection presentation, we explain our step-by-step process of securing solid ground for your facility, and how our way of working helps save you time, trouble, and money on your project. Continue Reading →

Feeling squeezed by greenhouse gas regulations?

Set Up an Effective Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Plan In this month’s issue of Chemical Processing, SSOE Group’s Anna Koperczak, Senior Environmental Specialist, discusses the upcoming deadline mandated by the U.S. EPA. In this article Koperczak also breaks down the components of a successful monitoring plan necessary to fulfill this federal regulation. Click the link below to read Anna's article in Chemical Processing magazine. "Set Up An Effective Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Plan" Our Senior Environmental Specialist, Anna Koperczak, gives expert advice on how to set up a GHG monitoring plan. Anna has more than 20 years experience preparing environmental permits and helping clients comply with environmental regulations for their facilities and processes. She has utilized her extensive knowledge of reporting and permitting requirements for a variety of clients, including those in the automotive, energy, food, chemical, steel, and refining industries. View the Q&A below Federal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Tailoring Rule Download the complete chart What is it? In May 2010, the EPA issued a final ruling to increase the major source thresholds for GHGs from 100/250 TPY to 25,000 TPY, effectively "tailoring" the PSD and Title V permit programs to target only "major" GHG sources and major modifications. GHG's include CO2, N2O, CH4, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6. Why does it exist? To phase in permitting requirements and reduce the number of applications submitted at one time. Who does it affect? All facilities applying for, renewing, or revising an air quality permit; or facilities that increase their GHG emissions by 75,000 TPY. What's required? Phase 1:Permits Issued Jan. 2, 2011 – June 30, 2011 PSD permit: new construction projects or modifications that increase GHG to more than 75,000 TPY are required to conduct a Best Available Control Technology (BACT) analysis. Title V permits: only when applying for a new, renewing, or revising a permit. Phase 2: Permits Issued July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2013 PSD permit: new construction projects that emit GHG emissions of at least 100,000 TPY, and modifications to existing facilities that increase GHG emissions by at least 75,000 TPY. Title V permit: facilities that emit at least 100,000 TPY How does SSOE help? Help clients understand the permit requirements and how they apply to them. Complete / coordinate permit applications and help revise processes and/or building plans to meet guidelines. How does SSOE add value? SSOE applies its broad knowledge of industrial processes and facilities and full range of services to identify emissions issues before permits are submitted for review. Mandatory GHG Reporting Rule Download the complete chart What is it? In October 2009, the EPA issued the "Mandatory Reporting of GHGs Rule" that requires industrial facilities to report their GHG data and other relevant information. The Rule is referred to as 40 CFR 98 (or Part 98 Rule).The gases reported include CO2, N2O,and CH4. Why does it exist? To gain accurate and timely GHG data that will inform future decisions. Who does it affect? Facilities that emit 25,000 TPY of GHGs, and any of the following facility Continue Reading →

Are safety hazards hiding on you?

Any time a catastrophic event occurs that is related to an industrial or manufacturing process, there is speculation as to how it could have been prevented. Was it human error? Were the safety standards followed? Did the company know there was a potential hazard? Many companies equate assuring worker safety with following OSHA mandates. Although OSHA’s regulations apply to a long list of situations, not all environments where hazardous materials are handled are covered. Despite the fact that OSHA has been in force since the early 70’s, there are many vulnerable areas in terms of safety they have yet to address. Then too, with new technologies and products come new hazards. That leaves the onus to fully protect workers on the companies themselves. To make this easier, SSOE advises its clients to apply “ready-to-use” OSHA procedures voluntarily even to areas or industries that are exempted or are not yet covered. One method for identifying potential safety hazards is a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) that OSHA requires of companies engaged in the processing or handling of hazardous chemicals. The Three Ws of a Process Hazard Analysis PHAs take place in a single meeting, or series of them, and have a prescribed format. Continue Reading →

Chem.Info Magazine Article: “Increase Global Advantage With Energy Assessments: PART II”

Eric Hopkins, PE, Senior Chemical Process Engineer and Senior Associate at SSOE, continues his examination of the advantages of energy assessments in this Chem.Info Magazine article. In Part I of the article, he discusses the importance of planning and how to manage documentation and data disparities. In Part II, he focuses on strategy and involving key stakeholders to optimize the assessment process and qualify your data to achieve better results. Ultimately, a thoughtful, pragmatic approach to energy assessments will allow for continuous global competitive benefits long after the assessment is complete. Continue Reading →

Chem.Info Magazine Article: “Increase Global Advantage With Energy Assessments: PART I”

Eric Hopkins, PE, Senior Chemical Process Engineer and Senior Associate at SSOE, guides readers through the value of performing energy assessments to stay competitive despite the ever-changing market demands in this Chem.Info Magazine article. Although conducting an effective energy assessment can have its challenges and constraints, the in-depth data it provides often points plant owners to exactly where spending will be most lucrative for their specific operations. Eric shares his recommendations for navigating gaps in documentation and data and how careful planning upfront can make all the difference. Continue Reading →

Reliable Plant Magazine Article: “Optimize Manufacturing with Statistical Process Control”

Dewayne Galyon, Basebuild Technical Specialist at SSOE, dives back into statistical process control (SPC) in this Reliable Plant Magazine article. SPC—a method of quality control that assists manufacturers in maximizing production, minimizing waste, and keeping costs down—consists of multiple procedures designed to monitor conditions critical for maintaining process control, which vary depending on the type of facility. Dewayne walks readers through his guidelines for fully leveraging the advantages of SPC, which can make significant impacts to a plant’s bottom line when correctly applied to a process. Continue Reading →