The Air Permitting Program intends to include language in Permits approved on or after July 1, 2014 that will require stack test protocols and stack test reports to be submitted to the Bureau of Technical Services (BTS) using ERT (unless otherwise approved by BTS.)  This will not affect any tests where protocols have already been submitted or approved, though ERT use is still encouraged for all tests.

Background

BTS has been interested in moving towards electronic submittals of stack test protocols and reports.  The USEPA released Version 1 of ERT in 2006.  The ERT is used to electronically create and submit stationary source sampling test plans to regulatory agencies and, after approval, to calculate and submit the test results as an electronic report to the regulatory agency.  Beginning in 2007, BTS began encouraging Testers to use the program so that both they and we could gain experience with it, and as a way to suggest refinements and improvements.  Since that time, enhancements have been made to ERT (including those made at our request), and BTS sponsored two hands-on training sessions.  Future enhancements are also in the works.  Throughout this period, we have also repeatedly stated our intention to move towards requiring the use of ERT, including stating this in Technical Manual 1004.

For more information regarding the Electronic Reporting Tool and/or to download the program, please visit the following website:

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ert/index.html