SSOE heard it loud and clear. “This is our world headquarters and we want to show it.” It’s a predictable requirement for the world headquarters of a global company; however it’s not often that laboratories are the main focus of the space. Kemin, however, understood their laboratories were the best means to demonstrate to customers their passion for innovation. Continue Reading →

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 →

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 →

Dewayne Galyon, Basebuild Technical Specialist at SSOE, offers insights into cleanroom humidification challenges in this New Equipment Digest article. While there are numerous complex cleanroom challenges, humidity is a major factor in keeping cleanrooms free of electrostatic charge and moisture. Within the article, Dewayne explains how it takes a seasoned professional to analyze various changes and determine which are indicative of deeper issues and which are the result of a small change in operating. He then goes on to speak to the humidification specific challenge and the solutions. Continue Reading →

Dewayne Galyon, Basebuild Technical Specialist at SSOE, illustrates his keen understanding of statistical process control (SPC) in this article recently featured in Processing Magazine. An essential tool for controlling quality in cleanroom manufacturing processes, SPC works to identify problem areas and increase optimization, uncovering contaminant sources farther down the production line that may have otherwise remained undiagnosed. Continue Reading →

Industry survivors must embrace shifting paradigms in order to remain competitive in the private sector. Suzan Huff, RA, LEED AP BD+C, Master Architect at SSOE, recently authored an article in Lab Manager Magazine highlighting three concepts trending in commercial laboratory design: flexibility, transparency, and positive branding. With traditional lab practices changing, the spaces themselves are being modified to accommodate. In addition to creating open, adaptable spaces, Suzan also recommends incorporating movable / convertible items, such as furniture, to create an easily transformable, dynamic group environment and interior and exterior image branding to better appeal to the public. Continue Reading →