Electronic Reporting Tool Version 7: How Does This Affect My Facility?
Posted: June 6th, 2024
Authors: Cheyanne L.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) released an updated version of the Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT Version 7) on March 12, 2024. The ERT is a Microsoft Access-based tool that is used to create performance test plans and reports. Various federal air regulations in 40 CFR Parts 52, 60, 62, and 63 require performance tests to be submitted to U.S. EPA’s Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI) using the ERT.
ERT Version 7 Additions
The ERT Version 7 has a few notable additions that could affect report submittal processes:
- Miscellaneous Test Methods Table
- With the development of the Miscellaneous Methods table, all performance test methods are now supported by the ERT (previously, only performance tests using certain methods were required to be submitted via the ERT). Miscellaneous methods test data can be entered manually or using the Miscellaneous Methods Import sheet.
- Wood Heater Application and Certification Module
- The wood heater module within the ERT is an optional platform that, if facilities choose, may replace the time-intensive preparation of test reports and application packages to the Agency. Performance test data can be entered manually or using the Wood heater method ASTM 2515 import sheetv2. The ERT will create a wood heater certification application, calculate results using the information and data entered by the Facility, and create the test results as an electronic submission package or report for the EPA. The submission data package created using the ERT can be electronically submitted to the EPA via WoodHeaterReports@epa.gov.
How does this affect my facility?
Before ERT Version 7, Facilities that were required to submit emissions test results electronically were often exempt due to the limited test methods on the ERT website. These waivers were outlined in many of the regulatory drivers for electronic reporting submissions, like the following: “Within 60 days after the date of completing each performance test, the owner or operator must submit the results of the performance tests, including any associated fuel analyses, required by this subpart to the EPA’s WebFIRE database by using the Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI) that is accessed through the EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) (http://www.epa.gov/cdx). Performance test data must be submitted in the file format generated through use of the EPA’s Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT) (see http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ert/index.html). Only data collected using test methods on the ERT Web site are subject to this requirement for submitting reports electronically to WebFIRE.” However, with the development of the Miscellaneous Methods table in ERT Version 7, all performance test methods are now supported by the ERT and should be submitted electronically. As a result, Facilities that were previously exempt from electronic submittal will now be required to use the ERT to submit their results electronically via CEDRI. Note that performance testing may include non-air testing, such as evaluation of wastewater treatment system performance.
Good news though! U.S. EPA has developed a few resources to help users interface with the new ERT Version 7 additions.
ERT Version 7 Helpful Resources
- Miscellaneous Test Methods Table
- Wood Heater Application and Certification Module
Have Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about the potential implications of the ERT Version 7, have a question about what needs to be submitted through the ERT, or need help with development of ERT submittals, feel free to contact Cheyanne Laux at claux@all4inc.com for more information.
