ECMPS Support

Through a recent ad-hoc data audit, EPA identified some errors with reported load range (load bin) data. To prevent such errors in the future, EPA has implemented new informational checks in the 2017 Q2 release of ECMPS, and has attempted to clarify the reporting of load range data in the revised emissions reporting instructions. These checks are currently informational, but may be elevated to critical in a future release. Please note that these programming changes represent enhanced validation of existing requirements. They are not new reporting requirements.

Specifically, EPA identified four types of errors during the audit. The 2017 Q2 ECMPS Release includes checks for these errors:

• Misreporting of zero values: Zero values for load range data were occurring for units where hourly operating time was greater than zero. Leave this element blank (do not report zeros) for any clock hour in which a load-based unit does not operate or gases do not flow through the stack (as applicable). Also leave this element blank for LME units and non-load-based units that do not use operating bins for missing data purposes.
• Unnecessary reporting at unmonitored locations: Reporting of load range values for locations other than the monitoring location is not necessary. Load range values should only be reported at the unit or stack monitoring location using load-based missing data substitution for one or more monitored parameters. For example, if Unit 1 discharges through two stacks, MS1FGD and MS1BYP, and emissions are monitored only at MS1FGD, only report the MS1FGD load range number in the stack-level HOURLY OPERATING DATA record.
• Incorrect common stack reporting: Common stack load range values of 1-20 were being misreported. For a common stack with a stack flow monitor, if you have elected to establish 20 load bins for missing data substitution purposes, report the appropriate load bin number using the COMMON STACK LOAD RANGE data element. If you are reporting for a common stack and are only establishing 10 load bins, you should use the LOAD RANGE data element.
• Incorrect calculation: Load range values were being calculated incorrectly likely due to use of the wrong MAXIMUM LOAD VALUE. The load ranges must be calculated using the reported hourly load and MAXIMUM LOAD VALUE associated with the respective hour in the monitoring plan.

Labels: Check Specifications, Technical Support Tip