Dec 06, 2024

Cahier 4: a benchmark for sampling atmospheric emissions from stationary sources in Québec

Cahier 4 du Guide d’échantillonnage à des fins d’analyses environnementales, titled Échantillonnage des émissions atmosphériques en provenance de sources fixes, is a key reference for sampling atmospheric emissions from stationary sources.

Developed by the Centre d’expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, this document standardizes sampling practices to ensure consistency and reliability. It provides a comprehensive methodological framework that guides users through every step, from planning sampling campaigns to drafting final reports. It also outlines approved methods by parameter and combination, tailored for use in Québec, while emphasizing rigorous quality assurance and control at every stage.

As a living document, Cahier 4 is updated regularly to reflect progress and user feedback, ensuring it remains a relevant and reliable resource for industry professionals.

By incorporating current regulatory standards, it helps verify compliance of atmospheric emissions with legal requirements, thereby safeguarding both environmental health and public well-being.

Example of channelled discharge
Figure 1. Chimney

Figure 2. Roof vents

Figure 3. Cyclone
Implications for the Québec industry

Cahier 4 play a critical role in Québec’s industry. It aligns with provincial regulatory requirements, particularly Québec’s Clean Air Regulation, which sets standards for emissions and concentration thresholds for atmospheric contaminants.

By outlining the sampling process, Cahier 4 helps businesses ensure compliance with regulatory contaminant emission limits. For example, it details the appropriate sampling methods to use based on the substance being measured and provides guidelines for evaluating the effectiveness of installed emission control systems, such as scrubbers, cyclones, precipitators, dust collectors or oxidizers, as required.

Following these guidelines allows companies to not only meet current standards but also adopt practices that reduce their environmental impact.

Selecting optimized air purification equipment for industrial processes improves air quality and supports the protection of public health.
A sampling campaign according to Cahier 4

A typical sampling campaign, as outlined in Cahier 4, follows a series of methodical steps. These begin with planning the sampling based on the campaign's objectives, followed by selecting the appropriate sampling methods. The process continues with verifying the compliance of the facility to be characterized, preparing the sampling supports, measuring and analyzing the samples, compiling the data and, finally, producing a sampling report.
Figure 4. Example of a sampling train diagram
Sampling firms operate from onsite laboratory trailers, which are equipped for preparing and processing sampling supports and samples directly in the field. These trailers also house the sampling equipment used to capture emissions at the contamination source. Pollutants are drawn in through sampling probes. Filters first separate the liquid and gas fractions, which are then captured on supports designed for the specific pollutants being measured. The gas fraction may also be directed to direct-reading analyzers. Data is then meticulously recorded to ensure traceability and the reliability of the results.
Figure 6. Sampling gaseous pollutants
Air quality challenges and solutions rooted in BBA expertise
Implementing Cahier 4 can pose significant challenges for companies given its complexity and strict requirements. Balancing detailed protocols with operational and cost constraints can be daunting. This is where BBA’s Air Quality department delivers essential support.

BBA can assist companies in interpreting methodologies and adapting them to industrial site conditions. The Air Quality team provides expert guidance in selecting sampling firms and ensures rigorous monitoring of compliance in the field. What's more, BBA can simplify the environmental compliance validation process and become an ally in monitoring and optimizing emission control equipment.

Beyond compliance, BBA can help:
- manage operational constraints while optimizing costs.
- ensure that best practices are efficiently integrated.
- support ongoing training programs for industrial personnel.
- strengthen in-house expertise for greater autonomy in sampling and results analysis.
These efforts are complemented by constant regulatory monitoring to remain updated on the latest advancements in the field.

Cahier 4 extends its relevance beyond sampling. Methodological references, such as Method EPS 1/RM/8, can also guide solutions for ventilation needs or help in designing chimneys that meet regulatory requirements. This broadens the scope of Cahier 4, making it a vital resource not only for pollutant sampling but also for addressing challenges in engineering disciplines and designing air purification equipment or industrial ventilation systems.

By calling on a team of air quality experts like BBA, companies can obtain valuable support for these initiatives.

If you have any questions about air quality, reach out to our experts—we’re here to help.

References
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, Cahier 4 – Échantillonnage des émissions atmosphériques en provenance de sources fixes, 2016
- Légis Québec, Québec’s Clean Air Regulation, 2022
- Government of Canada, Reference method; EPS 1/RM/8 – Reference method for sampling sources. Measuring for releases of particulate from stationary sources, 1994