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The following is a selection of PQA projects representing our current staffing and areas of PQA work. Contact PQA for a list of clients or references or for a complete list of PQA projects.
Emissions and Allowance Tracking System (EATS)
Client: U.S. EPA, Clean Air Markets Division
Under sponsorship by EPA, PQA has developed the Emissions and Allowance Tracking System (EATS), a generic software application, to support other agencies and countries who adopt an emissions trading approach to reduce air pollution emissions. EATS uses a SQL server database and was developed using ColdFusion. The application is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the business needs of different programs. It incorporates a data driven user interface to support deployment in multiple languages and a separate business layer using stored procedures and rule catalogs to facilitate adaptation to a variety of agency needs. More recently, PQA has developed the Online Calculation, Reporting, and Verification Tool (CRAVe), the emissions calculation and reporting component of the EATS software. CRAVe allows users to calculate, track, and report emissions, including both criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Canada's National Registry under the Kyoto Protocol
Client: Environment Canada
PQA is currently developing Canada's national registry under the Kyoto Protocol for Environment Canada. The Canada Kyoto Protocol National Registry (CKPNR) is a mechanism for issuing, holding, transferring and retiring Kyoto-related emission units, which are monitored by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The application contains complex business logic (required by the decisions under the Kyoto Protocol), including a role-based security model to manage each user groups' ability to perform specified functions. The system is based upon the Emissions and Allowance Tracking System (EATS), a generic emissions trading program software application sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and developed by PQA. The CKPNR represents PQA's first application to support deployment in multiple languages.
New Zealand Emission Unit Register (NZEUR)
Client: New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development
In 2005, PQA began development of a national emission unit register under the Climate Change Response Act 2002, which was passed in recognition of New Zealand's obligation under the Kyoto Protocol. The register is based upon the Emissions and Allowance Tracking System (EATS), a generic emissions trading program software application sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The NZEUR was initialized with the International Transaction Log (ITL) in the summer of 2007 and successfully went live in December of 2007.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Registry
Client: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
In October 2004, the UNFCCC Secretariat awarded PQA a three year contract to develop and support the Clean Development Mechanism Registry. This web-based registry application issues the allowances for projects in non-Kyoto Protocol countries that are designed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. It also performs other functions for the CDM Executive Board, which is responsible for the implementation of Clean Development Mechanisms. The CDM Registry is based on the Emissions and Allowance Tracking System (EATS) which was developed by PQA under U.S. EPA sponsorship as a generic web application to support emissions trading programs initiated by other countries and agencies. The CDM Registry initialized with the Internal Transaction Log (ITL) in the Summer of 2007, and the UNFCCC announced on November 15, 2007 that it was fully operational with the ITL.
The Climate Registry (TCR) Software Application Technical Specification
Client: California Climate Action Registry and the TCR Software Workgroup
In 2007, PQA was selected to customize the Emissions and Allowance Tracking System (EATS) to deploy as the voluntary GHG reporting platform for The Climate Registry, a collaboration between states, provinces and tribes to support GHG reporting and reduction initiatives. In early November, the technical specifications were delivered to the workgroup to serve as the basis for the customization and configuration of the GHG reporting registry in late March 2008. The technical specifications were based upon a thorough analysis of the overall objectives of the initiative, the General Reporting Protocol (GRP), and business process analysis for reporting, verifying, approving and publishing GHG emissions.
New York Acid Deposition Program Support
Client: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
PQA is currently providing support to the State of New York to implement emissions trading programs to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and non-ozone season NOx emissions under New York regulations. These programs supplement the federal Acid Rain and NOx budget programs. PQA is supporting all aspects of the program, including the development and deployment of a web-based application to establish compliance and general accounts, record allowance transfers and determine compliance. The application (known as NADATS) is based on the generic Emissions and Allowance Tracking System (EATS). In addition to application development, deployment and support, PQA is assisting the state with all phases of implementation, including analysis of program needs, communications plans and day-to-day operational support.
Data Exchange Standards for Registries Under the Kyoto Protocol
Client: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Beginning in 2003, PQA was asked by the UNFCCC Secretariat to develop the communication standards necessary for transaction verification for the Kyoto Protocol. This work established the technical underpinnings for the global verification of emissions trading transactions for the Kyoto Protocol and included an assessment of technical architecture, development of XML requirements, and detailed design specifications for technical components necessary for effective data exchange.
International Transaction Log (ITL) Design
Client: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
For the UNFCCC Secretariat in 2004, PQA designed the International Transaction Log (ITL), the centralized database of all tradable credits under the Kyoto Protocol and the application that verifies all international transactions and their compliance with Kyoto rules and policies. The ITL design defines a large and complex Oracle database, web services and protocols to support communications between the ITL and up to 40 national registry applications, and complex business logic implementing standards and requirements that have been designed to provide confidence in the UNFCCC's implementation of trading rules and analysis at the heart of the Kyoto Protocol implementation.
International Transaction Log (ITL) Testing and Training
Client: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
For the UNFCCC Secretariat to assist with the acceptance and deployment of the International Transaction Log (ITL) in 2007, PQA created test plans and participated in on-site testing of the ITL in association with the CDM Registry and national registries. This work involved extensive on-site support and collaboration involving detailed test scenarios involving complex data exchange and administrative support functionality. PQA has also provided extensive training relating to the technical implementation of the Kyoto Protocol emissions trading scheme to UNFCCC and contractor support staff.
Data and Maps
Client: U.S. EPA, Clean Air Markets Division
As part of the Clean Air Markets Division information system reengineering initiative, PQA designed, developed, and deployed a public website to provide access to Clean Air Markets data. Data and Maps provides an easy to use, interactive, and intuitive web-based interface to view unit, facility, emissions, and allowance data collected as part of EPA’s emissions trading programs, as well as deposition data from the Clean Air Status and Trend Network (CASTNET). The website allows users to view standard reports, create custom queries, drill down geographically, and access prepackaged data sets for analysis. PQA collected requirements, designed, and developed a data warehouse to optimize performance and created initial and ongoing data loading procedures. PQA continues to support and enhance the website.
Emissions Collection and Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS)
Client: U.S. EPA, Clean Air Markets Division
As part of the Clean Air Markets Division information system reengineering initiative, PQA designed, developed, and deployed the Emissions Collection and Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS). This new system supports the submission of monitoring plans, quality assurance test results, and emissions data under Part 75 and related state emissions trading programs. ECMPS includes an XML submission format and an Oracle database designed to integrate with the central CAMD database. The main component of ECMPS is a desktop application which is distributed to users for the purposes of quality assuring and submitting data to EPA. ECMPS was released for production on April 1, 2008 for users who have elected to use ECMPS for official submissions. This new system will be used for all Part 75 emissions reporting in 2009. PQA continues to support ECMPS through continued design, development, testing, and deployment of new functionality and by providing technical support to ECMPS users. In addition, PQA has developed and provides ECMPS tutorials, a comprehensive training tool to assist new users as they prepare to submit their data to EPA using ECMPS.
Emissions and Data Analysis Trends (EDAT) Software Tool
Client: U.S. EPA, Clean Air Markets Division
Since 2004, PQA has provided technical assistance to CAMD to develop the Emissions and Data Analysis Trends (EDAT) software tool. EDAT can be used to analyze emissions data and identify trends relating to specified operating conditions at selected facilities subject to the Acid Rain Program or other emissions trading programs supported by CAMD. Trends analysis is important to evaluating the implementation of existing programs such as the NOx Budget Trading Program and the Acid Rain Program, as well as future programs such as the Clean Air Interstate Rule. The software has a graphical user interface that enables the user to display graphs and tables with air pollutant information (i.e., NOx, SO2, CO2) for a single unit or multiple units as well as unit operational information (i.e., flow rate, heat input, percent load) over multiple years. EDAT also can calculate useful statistics, such as mean averages and standard deviations, to gauge data precision and trends. These statistical tools also allow the user to compare results among different units. PQA has created and populated all required unit level data tables used in EDAT and has also developed and populated additional data tables based on the growing functional requirements of the software. PQA is currently expanding the software’s ability to produce GIS-based results, including an extensive library of trajectory analyses associated with regulated sources. PQA also verifies the facilities' reports and provides ad hoc data analysis.
Monitoring Data Checking Software (MDC) Design, Development and Support
Client: U.S. EPA, Clean Air Markets Division
To assist states in implementing the Part 75 monitoring requirements, PQA designed and developed a desktop application to quality assure monitoring plan and CEMS test data submitted to EPA to demonstrate compliance with emissions monitoring requirements for the Acid Rain and NOx emissions trading programs. The application is currently used by state air pollution agencies, CAMD and thousands of industry users to maintain information on monitoring strategies and compliance activities for these programs. PQA provides technical support to industry users and manages data used for EPA's day-to-day monitoring program operations.
Diesel Emissions Quantifier (Web Calculator Tool)
Client: U.S. EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality
In a two-month period from July - August 2006, PQA programming and engineering staff designed, developed, and deployed the Quantifier. PQA designed the Quantifier as web application that asks users questions to help them estimate emissions from a fleet of diesel vehicles or equipment. The Quantifier can calculate emissions estimates of pollutants (NOx, PM, HC, CO, and CO2) for highway and nonroad vehicles that utilize various emission control technologies. The Quantifier is modeled after the National Mobile Inventory Model (NMIM), an EPA application used to estimate current and future mobile source emission inventories in state implementation plans. Any person can use the Quantifier to compare emissions reductions from different retrofit control technologies. SmartWay carrier partners and grantees can use the tool to develop data reports for submission to EPA. Version 2.0 of the Diesel Emissions Quantifier was released in October, 2007 on the EPA website.
Emissions Inventory System Business Process Analysis
Client: U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
PQA was tasked in October 2005 to assist the Emissions Inventory Group and the Information Management Group National Air Data Group (NADG) to consider options and formulate new and improved business processes, as the first step in a major reengineering initiative for EPA's air emissions inventory. Working with the EIS workgroup, PQA developed new business processes by employing a reengineering methodology, which included identifying existing business conditions, establishing improvement objectives, and preparing implementation and planning strategies for the improved processes. In July 2006, PQA submitted a Business Process Report containing detailed recommendations for changing the emissions inventory timelines, as well as the submission process and the information system supporting the emissions inventory.
Emissions Inventory System (EIS) Design and Development
Client: U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
In January 2007, PQA was awarded a three year contract to design and develop the Emissions Inventory System. The EIS will be used to support the National Emissions Inventory (NEI), EPA's official repository for air emissions information. The NEI is developed with input from state, local and tribal air pollution control agencies. The EIS project objectives are to improve the ease of gathering emissions data, improve data quality, enhance transparency within the data process, reduce the time required to develop and inventory and provide the public with improved accessibility to the NEI.
U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory Database Design
Client: U.S. EPA, Climate Change Division
In 2006, PQA was awarded a GSA task order to design an Information Management System (IMS) to support the National Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks. Completed in September 2007, the work resulted in a comprehensive analysis and information system design, including system requirements, business use cases and data models. This work involved extensive background research into the source data associated with the inventory, analysis and understanding of all current GHG calculation methodologies and included an assessment of EPA's current and future needs for the system.
U.S. Climate Technology Cooperation Gateway (U.S.-CTC Gateway) Website Support
Client: U.S. EPA, Climate Change Division
In 2007, PQA was awarded a task order by the International Capacity Building Branch (ICBB) of the Climate Change Division to support the general operations, maintenance and content expansion of an existing website, www.usctcgateway.gov, and to provide outreach activities to increase its usage in developing and transition countries. The U.S.-CTC Gateway Website is sponsored jointly by EPA and USAID to increase public access to information about U.S.-sponsored international technology cooperation via an online tool.
International Capacity Building
Client: U.S. EPA, Climate Change Division
PQA assists the Climate Change Division (CCD) in its program to develop and support the environmental regulatory capabilities of developing countries and economies in transition. CCD's primary focus is on greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory development and integrated environmental strategies (IES) to address both GHG emissions and local environmental concerns. In support of these efforts, PQA has planned and managed domestic and international events, including an IES Co-Benefits Workshop in Seattle that was co-sponsored by Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States, and a U.S. EPA sponsored GHG Inventory Workshop in San José, Costa Rica that included delegations from six Central American countries. PQA also provided planning and onsite management for an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Workshop, organized by CCD, to develop IPCC's Emission Factor Database. In addition to onsite event management, PQA facilitates the participation of environmental experts from IES and GHG development partner countries in meetings in the United States and abroad. An additional area of PQA's support for CCD is the writing, design, and production of outreach materials, including tools for developing a national GHG inventory and comprehensive web pages on CCD's capacity building efforts.
Fuel Economy Trends Report
Client: U.S. EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality
EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) has published the Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends Report nearly every year since 1975. This report is the most authoritative source of new U.S. personal vehicle fuel economy data and has no independent alternative. It is widely used by a broad range of stakeholders, including independent analysts, industry, environmental groups, congressional staffers, and reporters. For the 2007 report, PQA developed, managed, and analyzed the database used to present information in the report. The database relies on information from EPA data systems, followed by extensive data cleaning and quality assurance checks, including comparisons to other industry data sources. Based on the final database, PQA developed all of the tables, figures and appendices used in the final report. The 2007 Fuel Economy Trends Report can be reviewed at www.epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm.
Acid Rain and NOx Budget Program Progress Reports
Client: U.S. EPA, Clean Air Markets Division
PQA has assisted EPA’s Clean Air Markets Division in producing publication quality reports on progress achieved under various emissions trading programs. In 2003, PQA produced a report summarizing the progress achieved under the Ozone Transport Commission's NOx Budget Program between 1999 and 2002. Since 2004, PQA has provided similar support for EPA's progress reports for the federal NOx Budget Trading Program. In 2005, PQA began to provide similar support for the Acid Rain Program progress reports. For each of these efforts, PQA has conducted extensive data analyses to identify specific trends in emission, monitoring, allowance trading, and control technology, and then provided writing and editing support to convey the results in an informative, yet easy to read style, suitable for a wide audience.
Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), Mercury, and Regional Haze Rule Support
Client: U.S. EPA, Clean Air Markets Division
PQA has conducted a wide range of data analysis and other support for these major air program rulemakings. PQA used a variety of data sources to assist EPA in setting emission budget and allowance allocations under these rules. PQA also conducted cost effectiveness analyses for various rule options. PQA has reviewed and commented on draft rule packages to ensure accuracy and completeness, and has prepared summaries of major public comments on various issues. In 2007, PQA has managed outreach meetings in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas, and Denver, and supported internal EPA implementation workgroup activities.
Part 75 Rulemaking Support
Client: U.S. EPA, Clean Air Markets Division
Since 1992, PQA has assisted CAMD with drafting and revising the regulations that govern emissions monitoring for the Acid Rain Program and other trading programs (40 CFR Part 75). This support has included: reviewing the regulations for substantive consistency and proper cross references; formatting revisions in proper Federal Register format; and drafting rule and preamble text to accomplish Agency decisions. In addition to rule drafting support, PQA has conducted technical analyses to determine the potential impacts of rule options, such as the extent to which units would be able to use reduced monitoring requirements if they have low emissions. Finally, PQA has provided support for workgroup meetings related to the rule development that involved CAMD staff, as well as state and local agencies and affected utilities.
Compliance Monitoring Strategy
Client: U.S. EPA, Compliance Assessment and Media Programs Division
The Compliance Monitoring Strategy (CMS) serves as EPA's central guideline on the minimum elements of state or local agency oversight of stationary source compliance. For CMS support, PQA first provided assistance to OECA in 1999 by developing a background report on the critical features of a source evaluation policy from the perspective of EPA regional office and state and local agency staff. In 2001, PQA evaluated the reporting and recordkeeping burdens on state and local agencies associated with implementing the CMS, including detailed interviews used to prepare burden estimates for an Information Collection Request under the federal Paperwork Reduction Act. Most recently, PQA conducted an evaluation to determine the extent to which state and local agencies are documenting and reporting facility evaluations consistent with the 2001 CMS. PQA reviewed permit, inspection, and other compliance monitoring evaluation materials, and made findings as to whether the documentation confirms that a full compliance evaluation occurred at facilities where an agency reported completing that type of evaluation. PQA finalized a detailed report that EPA has shared with all of the agencies involved and has used to recommend changes in state agency CMS activities.
Applicability Determination Index
Client: U.S. EPA, Compliance Assessment and Media Programs Division
Since 1997, PQA has provided support to the Applicability Determination Index (ADI), which provides public access to EPA determinations concerning applicability and alternative monitoring and testing under several major air programs. The ADI covers the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) in 40 CFR Part 60, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) in Parts 61 and 63, and Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) requirements in Part 82. The system was initially established as an EPA bulletin board system, and since that time PQA has redesigned the system as a web-based query tool. PQA staff receive new materials to post on the website from various EPA headquarters and regional offices, quality check all materials, assist with preparation of abstracts, and analyze whether new determinations raise any questions about consistency with prior determinations.
AFS Business Case Analysis
Client: U.S. EPA, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
In 2007, as a follow-on to the AFS Needs Assessment Report, PQA began a business case analysis for OECA to assess options for modernizing the Airs Facility Subsystem (AFS), EPA's legacy air compliance information system. The business case analysis will result in an analysis of four basic approaches to the modernization effort which will set the stage for the next phase of Air Compliance System reengineering.
Coastal Elevations and Sensitivity to Sea-Level Rise Peer Review
Client: U.S. EPA, Climate Change Division
PQA has managed the peer review process for this report on the anticipated effects of sea-level rise along the Atlantic coast from New York to North Carolina. Commissioned by the Climate Change Science Program (CSSP), the report will be released for public comment in late 2007. PQA has recruited and managed reviewers and compiled their comments for both the background documents and the final report.
State Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Policy Analysis
Client: U.S. EPA, Climate Protection Partnership Division
Beginning in 2002, PQA provided EPA with a variety of analyses and other support to promote state and local energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) initiatives. PQA has developed reports on EE/RE set aside programs in emissions trading programs and on EE/RE measures that have been incorporated into state implementation plans. PQA also has provided technical support to EPA's State EE/RE Technical Forum, a facilitated process that allows state energy and environmental officials to discuss emerging issues and promote coordinated efforts to meet energy and environmental objectives. During 2004 - 2005, PQA prepared a series of background briefing summaries on topics such as measurement and verification issues, renewable energy credits, renewable portfolio standards, supplemental environmental projects, distributed generation and combined heat and power projects, energy efficiency and appliance standards, and measures for encouraging utility investment in efficiency projects.
Heat Island Guidebook Development
Client: U.S. EPA, Climate Protection Partnership Division
PQA provides research, writing, and editing support for publication of an EPA reference work on urban heat island mitigation strategies. Initially, PQA recompiled and edited materials previously prepared for EPA, and completed a draft document for review by more than 40 experts in heat island science and mitigation implementation. After compiling and analyzing comments, PQA has assisted EPA with further refinement of the guidebook, including analyzing various heat island mitigation issues, refining existing graphics, updating reference information, and adding new written and graphical material.
Mobile Air Conditioning Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimates
Client: U.S. EPA, Stratospheric Protection Division
PQA evaluated EPA's model for estimating hydrofluorocarbon (HFC-134a) emissions from mobile air conditioning units used in passenger cars and other vehicles. In 2004 - 2005, PQA conducted a detailed literature review, interviewed leading industry experts, and prepared a report on options for improving upon current model assumptions and approaches. In 2006-2007, PQA prepared a report on the results of a testing study conducted to evaluate the potential HFC-134a emissions from do-it-yourself repairs of mobile air conditioning units. The report was provided for external review and released in April 2007. EPA expects to use the report as one element of a national communications strategy to promote practices that could reduce emissions from this activity.
Mobile Source Certification and Compliance Program Support
Client: U.S. EPA, Compliance and Innovative Strategies Division
Since 2004, PQA has provided wide ranging support to the Compliance and Innovative Strategies Division in the Office of Transportation and Air Quality. PQA has managed the tracking of all certification fees information submitted by vehicle and engine manufacturers. PQA also has facilitated an audit of service information websites that EPA regulations require engine manufacturers to maintain. In addition, PQA is assisting CISD with: preparing fuel economy guidance materials and the annual fuel economy trends report; developing new materials for the OTAQ website; developing standardized reporting templates for manufacturers to submit their production line testing, in-use testing, and averaging, banking and trading data; analyzing and summarizing comments submitted in response to proposed rules; developing process documentation to support expansion of EPA's Verify system; and processing Information Collection Requests under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Meeting Support for Diesel Retrofit Funding Forums
Client: U.S. EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality
Beginning in August 2006, PQA supported a series of workshops designed by EPA Regional Offices as part of regional clean diesel initiatives. The workshops brought together key decision makers from voluntary program partners and others to learn about financing opportunities for diesel retrofits and other clean diesel programs. PQA staff assisted with pre-meeting planning, preparation of meeting materials, and on-site meeting management and facilitation. PQA facilitated the initial forum in Chicago in September 2006 and subsequent workshops in Philadelphia, Nashville, and Monterrey, Mexico.
Support for Backstop Emissions Trading Program
Client: Western Regional Air Partnership
PQA has assisted the Western Regional Air Partnership (WRAP) with efforts to develop a backstop trading program for sulfur dioxide emissions as part of a regional state implementation plan (SIP) under section 309 of the Clean Air Act. PQA analyzed existing "best monitoring practices" for various industrial categories as part of developing appropriate monitoring requirements under the trading program. PQA also drafted monitoring rule text and appendices for different monitoring options. In 2003, PQA provided an analysis for the design of the data systems to track emissions and allowance data under the WRAP backstop trading program. Since 2004, PQA has assisted WRAP in preparing a milestone tracking report to indicate the progress made toward reducing sulfur dioxide emissions and to identify whether the backstop trading program would be triggered.
last updated on: July 1, 2008
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