Recommended Monitoring Plan Checklists for CEMS Compliance
Updated: Sep 9
Working in an environmental group at a facility means managing competing responsibilities — all of which require close attention to detail. When you have in-house procedures, checklists, QA/QC plans, and other organizational aids, you achieve greater consistency and perform tasks more efficiently. Our Monitoring Plan Checklists serve as a built-in reminder for infrequent but recurring activities that can't be missed.
Having standardized workplace procedures in place keeps you in compliance and out of trouble with auditors. There's a Better Way — and it starts with planning ahead.
Data Review Checklists for CEMS
Use the following data review checklists to stay organized and audit-ready:
Data Review Checklist for Full CEM Systems
Data Review Checklist for Appendix D CEM Systems
Data Review Checklist for Appendix E CEM Systems
Data Review Checklist for LME (Low Mass Emitting) Monitoring Systems
Additional Activities to Keep on Your Radar
Quarterly Linearities
Before attempting a linearity check, confirm you have more than 500 psi remaining in each cylinder. Review the last few daily calibration checks to verify monitors are responding within normal expectations.
Routine Maintenance Equipment and Supplies
Routine maintenance is typically performed on a monthly schedule. Set aside time for it, and keep extra equipment and supplies on hand to minimize downtime. Maintaining spare equipment and a contingency plan for unexpected situations is a sound practice.
Gas Cylinder Supplies
Track your gas cylinder inventory carefully — Protocol I gas cylinders require at least 28 days from order to ship after the vendor receives your request. If you're down to your last set of linearity or daily gas cylinders, order at least two more sets immediately. Shelf life is not a concern; certification sheets typically confirm cylinders remain valid for at least seven years.
Compliance Reports
Compliance reports are high-stakes documents with specific content requirements. Reporting frequency varies by program — quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. A checklist approach ensures consistency and completeness. Key reports include:
Quarterly acid rain files, review documents, and submission records
Quarterly excess emissions, downtime, and performance summary reports for state or local agencies
Semi-annual monitoring status reports for your operating permit
Annual compliance reports for your operating permits
Reports for Management Review
Facility management needs visibility into unit performance to stay prepared — staffing levels, supply chains, and operational decisions all depend on it. Standard reports to prepare include:
Unit/Turbine/Generator Performance Reports
Fuel Consumption Reports
Generation Reports
Multiple Unit Operating Reports
A well-maintained set of procedures and supporting documents reduces the burden of ongoing compliance obligations. In the event of staff turnover, documented processes also help new team members understand their responsibilities and get up to speed quickly.
Alliance's StackVision DAS includes built-in tools to support your monitoring plan. The QA Test Deadline Report tracks scheduled QA activities — including upcoming linearities, cylinder gas audits, RATAs, annual fuel flow meter calibrations, and NOx Correlation testing (required every five years) — and shows how many days remain before each deadline. The report can be scheduled to print or email automatically, or configured to generate an alarm when a warning threshold is reached. It's one of the more practical tools for avoiding missed QA milestones.
Alliance Technical Group also provides regulatory and reporting services for facilities that need additional support managing compliance obligations.
