ECMPS Support Web Site

One More Day

2009-10-29T21:30:00.003-04:00

Although a large percentage of the third quarter emission submissions have been received (92% of the 4,191 expected submissions), there are a number that are outstanding. That means that many people will be hustling to complete their submissions before the end of the day on October 30th.

At technical support, we will answer as many questions as we can. However, if you are submitting a technical support request in these last hours of the submission period, please remember that you are arriving late to the queue and your question may not be answered as fast as you would like.

If you find yourself in the last minute mode trying to complete your submissions, please consult the information in the FAQ on what do if you are running out of time to submit.

Technical Support Rush Hour

2009-10-20T11:00:00.001-04:00

We are about to hit the technical support rush hour which occurs at the end of each reporting period.

As technical support requests increase in these last two weeks of the month, please be patient. At technical support, we are working to answer your questions as fast as we can, but the later you wait to submit your question, the more likely it will not be answered in time. And, if you really wait until the last couple of days to submit a request, it is very likely that you will not get a quick turnaround because there will be a large number of requests ahead of yours in the technical support queue.

Update to Historical Emissions May Affect Evaluated But Not Yet Submitted Data

2009-10-14T16:00:00.001-04:00

On October 13th, historical emissions data were updated on the EPA Host System. These updates will affect users in two ways:

1. When logging into the EPA Host System for the first time after this update, synchronization may take longer than it normally does. Users who are associated with a large number of facilities will notice a significant increase in synchronization time.

2. Any emissions files that had been evaluated but not yet submitted may need to be re-evaluated. The Client Tool will automatically update these files to the status of "Needs Evaluation." In almost all cases, after reevaluating, the evaluation status of the file will revert to what it was prior to synchronization.

ECMPS News Now Has Over 500 Subscribers

2009-10-13T07:30:00.001-04:00

Recently, the number of subscriptions to ECMPS News increased to over 500 subscribers.

ECMPS News is the primary means for providing up-to-date information about ECMPS technical support. The ECMPS News posts include information about new releases, schedules for upcoming releases, planned outages, and new technical support information available on the rest of the Web site. Subscribers receive this information via email or RSS feed. Rather than having to check the Web site to determine what is new, you can simply have the new information delivered to your email inbox or RSS feed reader.

If you are not subscribed, we would suggest adding your email address to the list of subscribers in order to receive ECMPS News via email. New emails are only sent when new ECMPS News posts are made, and there is only at most one email per day. Finally, the emails are sent in the early morning so that the ECMPS News emails are one of the first new emails in your inbox when you open up your email in the morning.

To subscribe, click here, or enter your email address in the box in the upper right corner of the ECMPS New page and click the Subscribe button.

ECMPS Technical Support Help Desk closed on Columbus Day

2009-10-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

In observance of Columbus Day, the ECMPS Technical Support Help Desk will be closed on Monday, October 12th. Technical support will be available again on Tuesday, October 13th.

The ECMPS Technical Support Help Desk will also be closed on the following upcoming holidays:

Thanksgiving - Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, 2009
Christmas - Friday, December 25, 2009
New Year's Day - Friday, January 1, 2010
Presidents' Day - Monday, February 15, 2010

You can view the full technical support holiday schedule here.

The 2009 Quarter 3 Reporting Period Has Begun

2009-10-01T07:30:00.005-04:00

October 1st marks the beginning of the 2009 quarter 3 reporting period. Sources required to report emissions data under the Acid Rain Program (ARP), Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), and Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) have until October 30th to submit their emissions data to the EPA using the ECMPS Client Tool.

During this reporting period, the EPA expects to receive over 4,150 emissions data submissions. Given these large number of files that need to be submitted over the next 30 days, we, at technical support, encourage all sources to start working as soon as possible on the evaluation and submission of their data.

Start Early

We want to encourage sources to start early primarily because, with the large volume of submissions expected, if you have questions, you will get a faster response to your technical support request, the earlier in the month that you submit your request. If you wait until later in the month to begin working with your data and you run into problems that require technical support, your request will be added to a much longer queue than if you had submitted the request earlier in the submission period.

Technical Support Information

Information on getting technical support through the resources on the Web site or by submitting a technical support request has all been consolidated in the Web site's Help section. We would like to highlight that, as necessary, FAQs and Known Issues will continue to be updated throughout the submission period. Hours for technical support are listed on the Contact Us page. Note, that technical support will be unavailable on the business day of Monday, October 12th because it is Columbus Day.

Resubmission Requests

Requests to resubmit QA or emissions data should be made using the new Resubmission Request Form. The form has been put online in order to streamline the process of receiving the information for the request and providing the necessary submission access.

Keep Up-To-Date

If you have not been able to keep up-to-date with recent ECMPS News items, we would suggest reviewing recent news items on the ECMPS News page. Some of the recent posts include:

A Known Issue with Updating the Shared Database to the 2009 Q3 Version

Service Pack 1 for the 2009 Q3 Version

The New ECMPS Support Web Site

Also, if you have not already subscribed, we want to remind you that you can receive the ECMPS News posts via email by subscribing to ECMPS News or adding the ECMPS News feed to your RSS Reader. To subscribe via email, simply enter your email address in the box provided on the upper right part of the ECMPS News page and click the Subscribe button. To receive the RSS feed, click on the RSS feed, which also located at the bottom of every page on the Web site.

Known Issue with Updating the Shared Database to the 2009 Q3 Version

2009-09-30T22:00:00.003-04:00

There is a known issue related to updating the shared database version of the Client Tool. The issue only affects shared database users who are attempting to update from the 2009 Q2 version of the Client Tool to the 2009 Q3 version of the Client Tool. The known issue does not affect users who use a stand-alone version of the Client Tool.

Shared database updates are performed by first updating the Client Tool's shared database. This quarter, users must update their shared database from the 2009 Q2 version to the 2009 Q3 version. (Service Pack 1 for 2009 Q3 only affects the Client Tool. It does not affect the Client Tool shared database.) This is done the database administrator running a script which updates the shared database.

After the shared database has been updated, each Client Tool which connects to the shared database needs to be updated. This is where the known issue occurs. Normally, users can start up their Client Tool, log in to the EPA Host System, and then be guided through the automatic update process built in to the Client Tool. However, when users attempt to start up the Client Tool, an error occurs:

"Invalid object name 'dbo.VW_CLIENT_TOOL_SNAPINS'"

Generally, this error prevents users from continuing and updating their version of the Client Tool. In order to complete the update, shared database users should follow the steps provided on the Shared Database Update page. If the shared database has already been updated, users should only need to perform all of the steps listed under item 7. After the steps have been completed, users will have updated their version of the Client Tool to the 2009 Q3 SP1 version.

After updating to the latest version of the Client Tool, shared database users should no longer receive the error. This error only relates to the 2009 Q3 update, and the error should not occur during future updates of the Client Tool.

Service Pack 1 for the 2009 Q3 Version has been Released

2009-09-29T16:30:00.003-04:00

Service Pack 1 for the 2009 Q3 version of the Client Tool has been released.

The service pack addresses a bug in the emission evaluation checks which erroneously produces HOURAGG-15B and HOURAGG-16B errors for ozone season reporters.

Here is how the service pack will affect users:

Users who HAVE NOT updated to the 2009 Q3 version from the 2009 Q2 version will be required to perform one update. After the update, users will have the latest version of the Client Tool which is 2009 Q3 Service Pack 1.

Users who HAVE already updated to the 2009 Q3 version will be required to perform one update. After the update, users will have the latest version of the Client Tool which is 2009 Q3 Service Pack 1.

Users who need to install the Client Tool for the first time will be able to download an installation with service pack 1. After the installation, users will have the latest version of the Client Tool which is 2009 Q3 Service Pack 1.

Shared database users should note that service pack 1 does not include any database changes. Shared database users will not need to update anything in their shared database. Shared database users can refer to the earlier descriptions of what must be done in order to update the individual installations of the Client Tool which connect to their shared database.

Service Pack 1 To Be Released on September 29

2009-09-25T07:30:00.002-04:00

On September 29th, a service pack for the 2009 Q3 version of the Client Tool will be released.

The service pack addresses a bug in the emission evaluation checks which erroneously produces HOURAGG-15B and HOURAGG-16B errors for ozone season reporters.

Here is how the service pack will affect users:

Users who HAVE NOT updated to the 2009 Q3 version from the 2009 Q2 version will be required to perform one update. After the update, users will have the latest version of the Client Tool which is 2009 Q3 Service Pack 1.

Users who HAVE already updated to the 2009 Q3 version will be required to perform one update. After the update, users will have the latest version of the Client Tool which is 2009 Q3 Service Pack 1.

Users who need to install the Client Tool for the first time will be able to download an installation with service pack 1. After the installation, users will have the latest version of the Client Tool which is 2009 Q3 Service Pack 1.

Shared database users should note that service pack 1 does not include any database changes. Shared database users will not need to update anything in their shared database. Shared database users can refer to the earlier descriptions of what must be done in order to update the individual installations of the Client Tool which connect to their shared database.

The Client Tool 2009 Quarter 3 Release is now Available

2009-09-17T16:30:00.001-04:00

The 2009 Quarter 3 Release of the Client Tool is now available.

For details about what was included in this release, consult the Release Notes.

In order to use the Client Tool, you must be a Designated Representative, Alternate Designated Representative, or an ECMPS agent for a Representative. In addition, you must have a CAMD Business System (CBS) user name, current CBS password, and have completed a CROMERR Subscriber Agreement Form.

All current users of the Client Tool will be prompted to upgrade to this latest version the next time that each user logs in to the EPA Host System. For more information about the Update Service which updates the Client Tool, watch the Update Service tutorial.

All new users of the Client Tool must download and install the 2009 Q3 version of the Client Tool. Users are urged to follow all instructions on the Web site and to consult the Installation Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to install the Client Tool.

In order to insure that all technical support questions are tracked and answered, EPA has requested that all technical support questions, including installation questions, should be submitted to ECMPS Technical Support.

The CAMD Business System (CBS) is Available Again

2009-09-16T17:30:00.000-04:00

The CAMD Business System (CBS) is back online.

This announcement replaces the previous announcement that CBS was unavailable.

ECMPS 2009 Q3 Release Rescheduled to September 17

2009-09-16T12:30:00.005-04:00

Due to the system problems on the EPA Host System, which are also affecting the CAMD Business System (CBS), the release of the 2009 Q3 version of the Client Tool has been rescheduled.

The target for the release of the 2009 Q3 version of the Client Tool has been rescheduled to September 17, 2009.

The CAMD Business System (CBS) is Currently Unavailable

2009-09-16T12:00:00.002-04:00

The CAMD Business System (CBS) is currently unavailable due to a database system issue. There is no current estimated time for CBS to become available. Please check back on the CBS home page for more information.

New Features in the 2009 Q3 Release

2009-09-15T07:30:00.001-04:00

The 2009 Q3 Release of the Client Tool is scheduled to be available on Wednesday, September 16th. In anticipation of the release, here are some of the highlights of new features which will be available in the latest version:

An installation for 64-bit Windows operating systems will be available.

In the Add/Edit screens, fields now retain their sort order after editing.

In Add/Edit screens, the filter for a selected quarter will remain in place after evaluation.

Selected quarterly emission data can be deleted from the Client Tool.

The View Emissions screen has a monthly totals tab.

In all data display grids, the end date and end time fields were combined to improve record sorting.

For LME, a CSV file containing only operating hours can be imported and the remaining non-operating hours in the quarter can be generated from the Add/Edit screen.

In the Evaluate module, during the evaluation of multiple data types, the evaluation can be stopped if CRIT1 errors are found.

The full text is displayed in the Check Spec Viewer.

The complete list of changes, including bug fixes, will be included in the Release Notes which will be available after the release.

CBS Certificate of Representation Tutorial is Now Available

2009-09-10T07:30:00.005-04:00

Recently, the CAMD Business System (CBS) was updated in order to make the online Certificate of Representation (COR) compliant with CROMERR. This is an important area of functionality in CBS because industry sources use the COR, among other reasons, to inform the EPA who are the designated and alternate representatives for a unit.

In order to be compliant with CROMERR, the process to complete the new online COR was modified. In order to assist users with becoming familiar with the new process, a tutorial has been added to CBS which explains how to complete the COR.

Similar to the ECMPS tutorials, the CBS Certificate of Representation tutorial is an interactive, audiovisual presentation with closed captioning available. The tutorial should only take about 15 minutes to complete.

The tutorial can be viewed by logging in to the CBS and clicking on the tutorial link located under the Certification of Representation link.

Note, in order to view the tutorial, you must be logged in to CBS and you must have an active relationship as a representative or source management agent with at least one facility.

This is the first of a series of CBS tutorials. Other tutorials will be available in the coming months including ones on agents, emissions compliance, and the annual auction. If you have any suggestions for other tutorial topics for CBS, contact Laurel DeSantis.

ECMPS Technical Support Help Desk closed on Labor Day

2009-09-06T14:00:00.002-04:00

In observance of Labor Day, the ECMPS Technical Support Help Desk will be closed on Monday, September 7th. Technical support will be available again on Tuesday, September 8th.

However, note that beginning on September 8th and continuing until the release of the next version of the Client Tool, which is scheduled for September 16th, there will be no access to the EPA Host System.

The ECMPS Technical Support Help Desk will also be closed on the following upcoming holidays:

Columbus Day - Monday, October 12, 2009
Thanksgiving - Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, 2009
Christmas - Friday, December 25, 2009
New Year's Day - Friday, January 1, 2010

You can view the full technical support holiday schedule here.

Planned Outage Scheduled for September 8 - 16

2009-09-03T11:30:00.001-04:00

As part of the preparation for the release of the next version of the ECMPS Client Tool, the EPA Host System will be unavailable from September 8th through September 16th. On September 16th, the next version is scheduled to be released. At that time users who have already installed the Client Tool will be required to update to the new version, and users who have not installed the Client Tool will be able to download and install the new version.

During the planned outage time, users will only be able to use the Client Tool in the "Work Offline" mode. The following functionality will not be available:

Perform the initial synchronization which is the last step in installing the Client Tool.

Synchronize data from the EPA Host System.

Retrieve data from the EPA Host System.

Submit data to the EPA Host System.

Planned Schedule for September Release

2009-08-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

As has been mentioned in Stakeholder meetings, ECMPS will continue to have quarterly updates of the Client Tool for the foreseeable future. These updates are essential for a number of reasons, including correcting bugs, adding enhancements, and improving performance.

The September release is scheduled to be available sometime on Wednesday, September 16th. All current users of the Client Tool will be required to update to the new version. Users will be prompted to update their Client Tool after they attempt to log in to the EPA Host after the update is made available. For more information on updating the Client Tool view the tutorial on this topic.

Any new users will be able to download an installation which will allow the users to install the latest version.

All shared database users should coordinate with their database administrators because the update will include changes to the shared database, and the database administrators will need to run a script in order to update the shared database. The script for updating the shared database will be made available on September 16th.

In order to complete the release of the Client Tool and to continue loading of historical emissions data, access to the EPA Host System will be unavailable from September 8th until the release of the new version on September 16th.

The New ECMPS Support Web Site is Here

2009-08-25T22:30:00.004-04:00

ECMPS Technical Support is excited to announce that the enhancements to the ECMPS Support Web site have been rolled out.

The most obvious difference from the old Web site is the look-and-feel. The changes were made to make navigation of the site much easier and to organize the information around several categories, namely ECMPS News, Software Downloads, Learn about ECMPS, and Help. To view the overall organization, you should click on the Site Map link which is available on every page in the upper right-hand side.

All of the information which was previously available is still on the new Web site. In addition, a number of new features were added, including changes to the Help section to help you more easily find answers to your technical support questions.

For a more detailed description of the changes to the Web site, you should read the FAQ entitled, "Why does the site look different?" We invite you to take a look at the site to become more familiar with its layout, and we also invite you to give us your feedback.

Progressing Forward on Data and Maps

2009-08-20T14:00:00.003-04:00

As was noted in an earlier post, Data and Maps, is the Web site on which ECMPS data can be accessed after the data have been submitted to the EPA Host System. In the early hours of each morning, a database process is run which copies data from the EPA Host System to the Data and Maps database. After this process is complete, all of the data which were submitted the previous day have been copied from the EPA Host System to the Data and Maps.

Previously this was a manual process that occurred a few weeks after the end of a submission period. Now this process is automated, and it the process is run every day of the year in order to capture each submission from the previous day.

That means that the Data and Maps data are always up-to-data as of yesterday's submissions. The amount of emissions data which have been copied from the EPA Host System are indicated by the progress bar. The progress bar indicates the percentage of emissions data which have been received relative to the amount expected. Until all emissions data for a submission period have been submitted via ECMPS, the progress bar will not reach one hundred percent.

New and Enhanced Support Web Site About to be Launched

2009-08-19T23:30:00.002-04:00

ECMPS Technical Support is excited about the imminent launch of a project which has been in the works for a while. Early next week, an enhanced ECMPS Support Web site will be launched.

The new Web site is an overhaul of the current ECMPS Support Web site. All of the same features and information that users have come to expect are still on the new Web site including FAQs, tutorials, reporting documentation, known issues, site-wide search, installation downloads, and the latest news.

However, the navigation and layout of the Web site have been enhanced to make finding the information users need even easier. In addition, the site has also been made fully Section 508 compliant in order to provide greater access to all users. We certainly hope that users find this site more intuitive and easier to use in order to help them find the answers to their reporting questions.

Next week, after the new Web site has been launched, an announcement will be made in ECMPS News. After you have an opportunity to view the site, let us know what you think of the changes.

Limited Technical Support Until Release of Next Version

2009-08-18T17:00:00.003-04:00

In order to focus on the release of the next version of the ECMPS Client Tool, which is scheduled for September 16th, technical support will be limited from now until the release of the next version.

Any questions submitted will be maintained in the technical support queue, but, depending on the number of requests coming in, it may take somewhat longer than usual for users to receive a response from technical support.

The EPA Host System is Available Again

2009-08-17T16:24:00.000-04:00

The problem which prevented users from logging into the EPA Host System has
been corrected.

The EPA Host System is Currently Unavailable

2009-08-17T12:27:00.000-04:00

There is a known outage at this time. EPA computing personnel are
working to correct the problem. We will post a notification when the problem
has been resolved.

The End (of the Reporting Period) is Near

2009-07-29T14:00:00.002-04:00

Although a large percentage of 2009Q2 emission submissions have been received, there are a large number that are outstanding. That means that many people will be hustling to complete their submissions before the end of the day on July 30th.

At technical support, we will answer as many questions as we can. However, if you are submitting a technical support request in these last hours of the submission period, please remember that you are arriving late to the queue and your question may not be answered as fast as you would like.

If you find yourself in the last minute mode trying to complete your submissions, please consult the information in the FAQ on what do if you are running out of time to submit.