Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Completion of Electronic Reporting Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend the electronic reporting requirements for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired electric utility steam generating units (also known as the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)). This proposed rule would revise and streamline the electronic data reporting requirements of MATS (both for owners or operators of electric utility steam generating units (EGUs) who use performance stack testing and EGU owners or operators who use continuous monitoring to demonstrate compliance) and would increase data transparency. EGU owners or operators would use one familiar electronic reporting system, instead of two separate systems, reducing their burden. In addition, the public and regulatory authorities would have enhanced access to MATS data. Finally, no new continuous monitoring requirements are proposed by this action. Overall, this proposed rule would serve to ease burden, increase MATS data flow and usage, make it easier for inspectors and auditors to assess compliance, and encourage wider use of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) for MATS compliance.