The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), through its Air Quality Management Section, held a training workshop to beta-test the Online Relative Accuracy Test Audit (RATA) System with EMB Regional Offices and industry representatives on November 4-8, 2024, at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City.
The workshop equipped participants with the knowledge and tools to use the new online system, which streamlines the Relative Accuracy Test Audit (RATA) process, an essential procedure that audits data from a facility’s Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) by comparing it with independent Reference Method (RM) data.
The Online RATA System aims to simplify the RATA process for both industry stakeholders and EMB Regional Offices. This system enhances the efficiency and accuracy of emission monitoring, enabling faster and more precise audits.
Industry representatives were also invited to share best practices in CEMS Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), contributing to a more collaborative and robust approach to emission monitoring and compliance.
Engr. Jundy Del Socorro, Chief of the Air Quality Management Section (AQMS) of the Environmental Quality Management Division (EQMD) of EMB, presented the DENR Administrative Order No. 2007-22, which provides comprehensive guidelines on CEMS and Predictive or Parametric Emissions Monitoring System (PEMS) protocols. His discussion
underscored the importance of accurate monitoring systems and detailed the requirements for CEMS installation.
Additionally, Engr. Chadbert Nikko Aquino discussed EMB Memorandum Circular No. 2021-14, focusing on the establishment of an Integrated Air Quality Network Center. This network serves as a centralized repository of real-time industrial emissions data, enhancing the EMB’s capacity to monitor and respond to air quality exceedances promptly.
The workshop also featured industry experts, such as Engr. Glenn Dale Delica, President of Industramach Inc., who provided insights on U.S. EPA CEMS/COMS procedures. Engr. Carisa Sari, Associate Vice President for GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., shared her company’s QA/QC best practices, which include comprehensive daily, quarterly, and annual audits to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.
Engr. Marcel Javier, Environmental Manager of Pearl Energy Philippines Operating Inc., also presented on the CEMS and COMS QA/QC strategies employed at their facilities. She highlighted the daily calibration, optical checks, and third-party audits, emphasizing the critical role these procedures play in maintaining environmental compliance and operational efficiency.
In addition to the presentations, participants observed a demonstration of the CEMS RATA equipment setup, led by Engr. Thaddeus Abalos, General Manager of Tadchem Marketing. This practical session allowed participants to engage directly with the equipment and gain hands-on experience in calibration and data analysis.
The workshop concluded with a comprehensive overview of the Online RATA System by Engr. Amiel Chrysdin Afurong, owner of Daedalus IT Solutions.
The participants were provided with individual accounts to access the system and participated in hands-on testing. Feedback was gathered to further enhance the system’s user experience and functionality.
The EMB remains committed to strengthening air quality monitoring and regulatory compliance by promoting innovative tools like the Online RATA (ORATA) System.
This collaborative effort between EMB and industry stakeholders underscores the DENR’s dedication to protecting public health and the environment through reliable and efficient emission monitoring systems. ###