Category: Featured

ECMPS 2.0 Update EPA Announces Q3 2025 Rollout and Key Changes

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On December 20th, 2024, EPA’s Clean Air and Power Division (CAPD) provided a status update on the ECMPS 2.0 re-engineering effort. The blog post can be found here.

Their message addressed the following three (3) key points:

  1. Copies of the ECMPS 2.0 monitoring plan, quality assurance and emissions reporting instructions were posted.
  2. They confirmed that the initial rollout of ECMPS 2.0 would NOT contain any new MATS related records.
  3. ECMPS 2.0 via the new web-based utility has a tentative earliest effective date of Q3 2025. 

Now that EPA has brought the ECMPS 2.0 beta system back on-line and penciled in a deadline of 2025 Q3, industry should be prepared to re-engage with the project. There are no plans to run both systems in parallel so the transition will be aggressive when it occurs. DAHS vendors have what we need to prepare industry for reporting. Detailed below are a few things you can do to prepare for the deadline:

  • EPA has finished migrating security and login capability for the ECMPS 2.0 beta systems from CAMD Business System (CBS) to Central Data Exchange (CDX) and Login.gov. If you haven’t already familiarized yourself with the CDX and Beta startup guide, we encourage you to do so. To access a copy of the startup guide please click here.
  • Reach out to your DAHS vendor to discuss their plans and to schedule an update. Most vendors have been testing in the beta environment since it came back on-line earlier this fall. VIM recently announced to all Part 75 CEMLink customers that an update (Ver. 6.2.620) is available for users who want it to test in the beta environments. We have been encouraging end users to update to familiarize themselves with the new ECMPS 2.0 web-based interface. EPA has been spending time on critical bug fixes rather than usability enhancements, so the look-and-feel of the screens are a bit crude.
  • Provide feedback on your experience with the new interface to EPA. Once your set up with the required test accounts (in CDX and CBS), you can provide feedback to EPA via ecmps-beta@camdsupport.com. It’s important that industry acquaint themselves with the new interface and workflow. There are significant changes to Agent designations and EPA has not re-established “Contractor Access” like we have in the current environment. It’s imperative that industry press EPA on this subject because it will pose a significant burden to you as it’s currently architected.
  • MATS-affected sources should contact their stack test contractors to ensure that they will continue to provide the applicable required MATS stack test data elements specified in Sections 17 through 30 of Appendix E to the MATS Rule in XML format. EPA will likely continue with the “attachment” approach until there are at least a few years of run-time in the new environment.  We don’t expect EPA to re-engage with vendors or industry until at least 2026 to discuss the additional MATS data elements.  

VIM will continue to stay abreast of the ECMPS 2.0 developments and update this blog as relevant information becomes available. Please contact our COMPAS group at compas@vimtechnologies.com for more information concerning the ECMPS 2.0 implementation or any questions you may have.

What’s New In CEMLink6 — August 2024

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We have some CEMLink6 news for you! Before we move further into August and forget Christmas in July, VIM Technologies is thrilled to announce a range of top-notch features we’ve rolled out in CEMLink6.

We understand that today’s requirements and trends are evolving rapidly, and our dedicated development team is here to meet those challenges head-on. By actively seeking feedback from our customers and Steering Committee, we collaboratively design and implement user-focused enhancements that ensure CEMLink6 remains at the forefront of technology in the emissions monitoring industry.

With these latest updates, we aim to empower you with greater flexibility, improved transparency, and smarter features tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to streamline data analysis, enhance alarm management, or simplify calibration processes, we’ve got you covered.

The features described below were developed into CEMLink6 release versions 6.2.220 thru 6.2.575, and are deemed the most important updates. If you are not running the latest version of CEMLink6 (6.2.575), please reach out to our support group so we can schedule an update. The best way to contact us is support@vimtechnologies.com or call 1-866-484-6435 for immediate assistance.

Let’s dive into the exciting new features that will help you get the most out of your CEMLink6 experience!

Don’t forget the sunscreen, and have a great rest of your summer!

Key Enhancements

1. Data Viewer: Multi-Interval Selection

The Data Viewer in CEMLink6 now offers both single and multi-interval selection modes, providing users with unprecedented flexibility in data analysis. This feature allows for:

  • Simultaneous viewing of multiple data intervals, enabling more comprehensive trend analysis
  • Efficient comparison of data across different time periods
  • Customizable views that can be saved for quick access in future sessions
  • Enhanced ability to spot patterns and anomalies in emissions data

How to use: Simply open the Data Viewer and select the desired intervals using the new multi-select option. You can then analyze, compare, and export data from these multiple intervals simultaneously.

Figure 1 Select Data to View portion of Data Viewer

2. Calculation Activity Monitor: Enhanced Transparency

The upgraded Calculation Activity window in the Data Editor now offers more detailed information about ongoing recalculations, including:

  • Real-time visibility into the recalculation process, showing which averages are being calculated
  • Clear identification of the current average being recalculated, displaying the source, average name, and interval type
  • A progress tracker with a recalculation counter, allowing users to monitor the overall process

This enhancement provides users with a much clearer picture of the recalculation process, helping to identify potential issues or bottlenecks more quickly.

Figure 2 Calculation Activity tab in the Data Editor

3. Fuel Analysis: Automated GCV Conversion

To streamline compliance with EPA requirements, we’ve introduced an automatic conversion feature for Gross Calorific Value (GCV) data. This feature:

  • Automatically adjusts GCV samples from 60°F to 68°F
  • Reduces manual calculation errors
  • Ensures compliance with EPA standards

To enable this feature:

  • Click the Configuration button in the Fuel Analysis toolbar 
  • Navigate to the Fuel Analysis Configuration dialog
  • Navigate to the Fuel Analysis Configuration dialog

Once enabled, you can mark samples as taken at 60°F, and the system will automatically convert them to 68°F by reducing the GCV value by 1.52%.

Figure 3 Details tab with the new Sample at 60 degrees F and Converted to 68 degrees F fields

4. Auto Acknowledge Older Alarms

This new feature automatically acknowledges alarms older than a specified number of days, offering:

  • Reduced clutter in alarm logs
  • Improved focus on current, actionable alarms
  • Customizable timeframe for auto-acknowledgment

To set up this feature:

  1. Access the Alarms and Events UI under Alarm Settings
  2. In the Alarm Settings dialog, enter the desired number of days in “Auto Acknowledge Alarm Days”
  3. Set to “0” to disable this feature

Alarms are automatically acknowledged when the Alarm Service is started and the beginning of each subsequent day (just after midnight).

Figure 4 Alarm Settings with the new Auto Acknowledge Alarm Days fields

5. Calibration Status Indicator

The Calibration Control now includes a visual status indicator, providing:

Immediate insight into calibration status without the need to select individual calibrations

Color-coded indicators for quick assessment:

  1. RED: Any calibration step has failed
  2. YELLOW: Any step is in a warning state (and not failed)
  3. GREEN: All calibration steps have passed

This feature allows for rapid identification of calibration issues, enabling faster response times and improved system maintenance.

Figure 5 Calibration Control showing the Calibration Status Indicator turned green to show passing.

These enhancements demonstrate our commitment to providing a robust, user-friendly, and compliant emissions monitoring solution.

Staying Updated

Again, these enhancements are available in CEMLink6 versions 6.2.220 through 6.2.575. We strongly recommend updating to the latest version (6.2.575) to access all new features.

For update assistance, please contact our support team:

Your Input Matters

We value your feedback in shaping future enhancements. To provide input, please contact our Steering Committee at steeringcommittee@vimtechnologies.com.

At VIM Technologies, we remain committed to delivering intelligent, data-intensive, and user-friendly software solutions that meet the evolving requirements of the emissions monitoring industry. Thank you for your continued trust in CEMLink6.

Part 75 Desk Audit Update

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The Clean Air & Power Division (CAPD), formerly known as the Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD), continues to conduct virtual Part 75 continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) program audits referred to as “Part 75 Desk Audits.” Initially, the Desk Audits primarily focused on coal-fired units equipped with full CEMS. Part 75 Desk Audits are conducted by CAPD personnel or contractors and typically last approximately four (4) months. Ongoing communication is handled via emails and/or conference calls. Information requested from the plant usually includes:

  • Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan
  • Hardcopy Monitoring Plan, including all schematics and diagrams
  • Latest relative accuracy test audit report
  • Targeted CEMS logbook entries for previous year
  • Various photos of CEMS shelter, analyzer serial numbers, and images of current daily calibration error test and linearity check PGVP cylinder certifications.

These audits also included a review of the QA/QC requirements for mercury (Hg) CEMS and/or Hg sorbent trap monitoring systems used for compliance with Subpart UUUUU to Part 63 (aka The MATS Rule).

During the May 2024 EPRI CEMUG Conference, CAPD gave a presentation which discussed expanding the scope of the Part 75 Desk Audits to include requirements and checklists specific to gas- and oil-fired units using Appendix D & NOx CEMS as well as peaking units utilizing Appendix E NOx correlation curves. In addition to the standard information request listed above, some checks specific to gas- and oil-fired units include, but are not limited to:

  • Documentation that the fuel meets the definition of pipeline natural gas (PNG) or natural gas (NNG).
  • Verification that fuel flow is corrected to EPA “standard conditions” as defined in §72.2
  • Fuel sampling procedures
  • Fuel flowmeter QA test procedures

The CAPD presentation also discussed conducting Appendix D correlation checks to detect discrepancies in reporting heat input. In general, the check compares hourly heat input values at the same load bin in two adjacent calendar quarters. The check only considers bins 5 – 10 and there must be at least 168 hourly values or more in a bin. CAPD stated that their initial analysis showed that most Appendix D units reported consistent heat input data. In a few cases, issues with fuel flowmeter “scaling factors” required resubmission of quarterly emissions files.

VIM has reviewed a draft Appendix D checklist from the Part 75 Desk Audit Manual and is ready to help. VIM has successfully conducted numerous CEMS program audits. Audits can be tailored to assess compliance with air permit requirements, 40 CFR Part 75, 40 CFR Part 60, 40 CFR Part 63 and Greenhouse Gas Reporting rule specifications. A comprehensive audit can provide an objective assessment of compliance with the applicable federal and State regulations and evaluate the efficiency of your overall CEMS program. During the audit, VIM conducts a detailed review of the QA Plan, Monitoring Plan, CEMS maintenance logs, corrective maintenance activities, and associated standard operating procedures. VIM also reviews the data acquisition and handling system (DAHS) to ensure that calculations are performed correctly.

VIM typically conducts a review of documentation prior to performing an on-site inspection of CEMS equipment and other site records. This process makes the site visit more efficient, requiring less time for your busy plant staff. VIM’s findings and recommendations are submitted in a formal report. If you’re interested in hearing more about the Part 75 Appendix D Desk Audit guidance or an audit for your facility, please contact Dru Sanders at dru.sanders@vimtechnologies.com or at (410) 859-5455 Ext. 4051.

 

Part 75 ECMPS Re-Engineering Update

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On February 6, 2024, the EPA’s Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) hosted a webinar to discuss modifications to the existing ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool to accommodate the Good Neighbor Rule and MATS Rule electronic reporting requirements that became effective January 1, 2024.  The deadline for implementing ECMPS 2.0 continues to be postponed indefinitely.  Indications are pointing to either a 2024 Q3 or 2025 Q1 implementation schedule, with 2025 the likely scenario.

The ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool MATS PDF Submit module will be modified to allow the submittal of XML, JSON, and PDF files and will be renamed accordingly.

CAMD stated that the release date for the stand-alone ECMPS Client Tool would follow the usual deployment schedule and take place around “mid-March.”  There were no personnel from EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) to clarify how certain reports would be formatted (XML vs. JSON vs. PDF).

The ECMPS 2.0 schema for the quarterly compliance report has not been finalized and the first report was anticipated to be in JSON format.  CAMD suggested that affected sources contact the delegated authority to obtain guidance on whether a PDF copy of the report could continue to be submitted in lieu of an XML or JSON.  The same confusion applies to the requirements to submit hourly PM CEMS data, hourly PM CPMS data, and 30/90-day rolling averages.  A recording of the webinar will be posted at https://www.epa.gov/power-sector/ecmps-re-engineering-effort but has not been loaded up yet.

All VIM Technologies customers running CEMLink6 who are subject to either the Good Neighbor Rule or the MATS Rule will require a CEMLink6 update before Q1 2024 reporting in April.  We are in the final phase of QC and will be prepared to release CEMLink6 Ver. 6.2.550 in late March.  This release will allow users to generate MATS quarterly compliance reports and PM CEMS quarterly emission reports in JSON format.

VIM recommends that MATS-affected sources contact their stack test contractors to ensure that they will provide the applicable required MATS stack test data elements specified in Sections 17 through 30 of Appendix E to the MATS Rule in XML format.  VIM is not planning to include a CEMLink6 module to generate XML files for MATS compliance tests for elements required in this section of the rule.

VIM Technologies will continue to stay on top of these changes and will provide an update when we know more.  In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our COMPAS group (COMPAS@vimtechnologies.com) if you have any questions.

 

ECMPS 2.0 Start Date Postponed

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UPDATE: ECMPS 2.0 Start Date Postponed

On November 15, 2023, the EPA’s Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) hosted a webinar to discuss transitioning from ECMPS 1.0 (i.e., the ECMPS Client Tool) to the new web-based ECMPS 2.0 reporting platform. During the webinar, CAMD announced that ECMPS 2.0 would not be used to report quarterly QA and emissions files as initially scheduled for Q1 2024. Additionally, CAMD did not specify a new start date for ECMPS 2.0. The agency does not want to postpone the ECMPS 2.0 implementation date more than once, so they intend to conduct a thorough assessment of the status of the software platform before setting a new realistic start date. CAMD indicated that they hope to complete this assessment before the end of 2023. The webinar was recorded, and a copy will be posted to the ECMPS Re-engineering Effort website at https://www.epa.gov/power-sector/ecmps-re-engineering-effort

Read more »

Recap of the 2023 VIM User Group and Training Event

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We are thrilled to take you through the highlights of the 2023 VIM User Group and Training event, held at the beautiful Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes in Tempe, Arizona from October 24 to 27, 2023. This event brought together VIM end-users for two days of in-depth product and regulatory training. It also served as a platform for end-users and vendors to come together and explore VIM’s latest industry insights and product updates.

Training and Networking
The event kicked off on Tuesday, October 24th, and continued throughout the day on Wednesday, October 25th. Attendees had the opportunity to choose from three tracks of training, including CEMLink 6 and Regulatory training. As a special treat, Wednesday evening featured a delightful Welcome Reception held by the hotel pool, where attendees mingled and exchanged ideas in a relaxed and picturesque setting.

User Group Sessions
Thursday, October 26th marked the commencement of the User Group sessions. . It began with a series of informative updates from VIM executives, providing insights into the company’s strategic direction and vision. The day proceeded with vendor and end-user presentations sharing valuable experiences and expertise, as well as a presentation by a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shedding light on regulatory matters.

Unforgettable Evening at Rawhide Western Town
One of the most memorable moments of the event was the off-site gathering on Thursday evening, hosted at Rawhide Western Town in Chandler, AZ. Attendees were treated to a delightful array of food and beverages, live music to set the mood, opportunities for capturing old-time photos, the mystique of a roaming magician, and even some dancing to cap off the evening. It was an opportunity for attendees to unwind, socialize, and create lasting memories.

Knowledge Sharing and Closing

The User Group event wrapped up on Friday morning with presentations from VIM staff specializing in Operations and Software Development. These sessions provided attendees with deeper insights into the inner workings of VIM and its commitment to innovation and service excellence.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, and we would like to express our special thanks to our sponsors and vendors for their invaluable contributions in making this event truly remarkable. As we look back on this event, we also look forward to future gatherings and opportunities for shared learning and growth.

Check out some of the photos taken during this event. 

EPA Administrator Signs Final Federal “Good Neighbor Plan” for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards

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UPDATE: EPA Publishes Final Good Neighbor Plan In Federal Register

On June 5, 2023, EPA published the final Federal “Good Neighbor Plan” for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards in the Federal Register.  The rule effective date is August 4, 2023.  A copy of the Federal Register version of the final rule is available here.  Read below our previous News Post concerning the final rule.

Read more »

Discover the New LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 by VIM Technologies

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Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, Part 75 sources will be required to report their Electronic Data Reports (EDRs) using the new web-based ECMPS 2.0 platform. This change means that the original ECMPS standalone client tool will no longer be an option for reporting EDRs. This can create some challenges for organizations that need to prepare for this change.

VIM Technologies, a leading provider of innovative solutions for the energy industry, has developed a solution to address this challenge. VIM’s LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is an advanced web-based utility tool that provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for creating Part 75 Low Mass Emitter (LME) XML & JSON formatted Electronic Data Reports (EDR).

The upcoming webinar, “LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0,” hosted by VIM on May 24th from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM ET, will provide an opportunity to learn more about this innovative tool. During the webinar, attendees will see a demonstration of the tool’s features and capabilities and have the chance to ask questions.  REGISTER HERE

The LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is designed to help LME sources create and format their EDRs with ease and efficiency while ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their data. The tool is user-friendly and intuitive, allowing LME sources to quickly and easily create EDRs without requiring technical expertise. This feature ensures that users can adapt to the new system quickly.

Platform users can also manually enter operating and long-term fuel flow data or import a CSV file, one that’s been used for years in the current ECMPS client tool. If the existing CSV file import format isn’t suitable for you, or if it takes hours or labor, and resources to convert it, VIM can develop a custom import utility that matches your exact file format needs, thus reducing the need to convert and risk transcription errors.

In addition to being easy to use, the LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is also highly secure and dependable. VIM has taken measures to ensure that the tool is safe and that data remains confidential. Users can trust that their data is protected and that they will be in compliance with regulations.

LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is web-based, which means that LME sources can access it from anywhere with an internet connection. This feature allows users to work on their EDRs at any time that is convenient for them without needing to be in the same physical location.

Overall, the LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is an essential solution for LME sources who want to improve their EDR reporting processes and ensure that their data is accurate, complete, and compliant with regulations. The upcoming webinar provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about this innovative tool and discover how it can benefit your organization.

Try out the LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 Today! Launch LME EDR Tool

If you’re interested in hearing more about this utility or want a private demonstration, please reach out to a sales representative at sales@vimtechnologies.com.

EPA Publishes Proposed MATS Rule Revisions in Federal Register

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On April 24, 2023, EPA published proposed revisions to the MATS Rule (Subpart UUUUU, 40 CFR Part 63) in the Federal Register. Comments on the proposed rule are due on or before June 23, 2023. EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on May 9, 2023. A copy of the proposed rule is available HERE.

As an overview, EPA is proposing to (1) eliminate the surrogate non-Hg metals HAP standard for filterable PM compliance for existing coal-fired EGUs; (2) require PM CEMS to demonstrate compliance with the applicable filterable PM limit (thereby eliminating the quarterly stack testing option); (3) set a new Hg emission limit for EGUs combusting lignite; and (4) remove “Startup Definition 2.”

The EPA Administrator signed the proposed MATS Rule on April 3, 2023. You can find a link to our previous website news post HERE, which features a redline/strikeout version of the proposed rule and a summary of the proposed revisions.

We welcome any questions or concerns you may have regarding the impact of these rule changes, and we would be more than happy to connect you with a regulatory specialist to discuss further. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our COMPAS group at compas@vimtechnologies.com if you require any assistance. Additionally, if you need help updating your DAHS (Data Acquisition and Handling System) to ensure compliance with the changes, our support group at support@vimtechnologies.com is always available and ready to help.

ANNOUNCING: 2023 VIM User Group & Training

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Updated 5/19/2023: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

REGISTER TODAY

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our 2023 User Group & Training event is happening on October 24-27, 2023 at beautiful Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes in Tempe, AZ.

We have a jam-packed schedule of events planned for you that we’re sure you’ll find exciting and engaging. Let’s take a look at what’s in store:

Training Sessions
Firstly, on October 24-25, we have arranged two days of comprehensive training sessions, which are designed to enhance your skills and deepen your knowledge of our products and services. Our expert trainers will provide valuable insights and hands-on experience to help you optimize your use of our offerings. We’re confident that you’ll walk away feeling more confident and knowledgeable in your use of our services.

Welcome Reception
On the evening of October 25, we will be hosting a Welcome Reception where you can network and connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors. You can enjoy delicious refreshments and prepare for an engaging User Group event.

User Group
The main event kicks off on October 26 and runs until the afternoon of October 27. We have a packed agenda of informative sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops lined up. Learn from industry experts, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in our field. This is the perfect opportunity for you to connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting relationships.

Offsite Event
On October 26, we’ve also planned an exciting offsite event where you can relax, unwind, and have fun with your fellow attendees.

Be on the lookout for event and hotel registration links, as well as the training agenda, which we expect to have live by the end of the month. We want to ensure you have all the information you need to plan your attendance at our 2023 User Group & Training. Stay tuned for updates, and be sure to secure your spot early!

We hope you’re just as excited as we are about this upcoming event. It’s going to be an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Check out some of the fun memories from our last User Group & Training Event!