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Emissions Tracking System Fact Sheet
The Emissions Tracking System (ETS) contains all emissions data submitted under various clean air market programs.
- How are data from the Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems submitted to EPA's Emissions Tracking System?
- What happens to the data collected by the Emissions Tracking System?
- Are there other uses for the data housed by the Emissions Tracking System?
How are data from the Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems submitted to EPA's Emissions Tracking System?
The continuous emissions monitor sends the emission data to the utility's computer system, which then compiles the data for submission to EPA on a quarterly basis. This system is the utility's Data Acquisition and Handling System (DAHS). The DAHS collects and records the necessary measurements and formats the information electronically into a "quarterly report".
EPA has provided PC software programs to assist utilities in the preparation, review, and submittal of quarterly reports. This software program allows users to check the format sequence and completeness of quarterly reports prior to submission. Utilities can submit the reports electronically to EPA's computer center in Research Triangle Park, NC which houses the ETS. Hard copy compliance certifications for each quarterly report signed by the utility's representative must be submitted to EPA's Clean Air Markets Division in Washington, D.C.
What happens to the data collected by the Emissions Tracking System?
Using the ETS mainframe software, EPA will check the quarterly reports for errors and contact the utilities to resolve data problems. At the end of each calendar year, EPA compares the emissions with the allowance holdings for the facility to ensure that it is in compliance with the relevant program. If the facility violates this requirement of compliance, the facility will be penalized in accordance with the rules for the program and will be required to relinquish allowances from its account.
For the Title IV NOx Program, EPA will compare the average annual emissions rates of affected utility units with the permitted limits. Utility units will be fined a penalty of $2,000 per ton (adjusted annually for inflation) of NOx emitted above their permitted limit.
Are there other uses for the data housed by the Emissions Tracking System?
ETS will serve as a repository of SO2, NOx, and CO2 emissions data from the utility industry. The SO2 and NOx emissions data may help states design programs for compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) provisions of the Clean Air Act for SO2, ozone, and particulate matter. The CO2 data will provide a valuable database for assessing the nation's progress in stabilizing greenhouse gases.