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The CEMS Academy Baton Rouge: Practical Training for Environmental Professionals

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The CEMS Academy training in Baton Rouge, LA, on June 24-25 was a great success. The event sold out quickly, and attendees were fully engaged throughout the two days. A big thank you to Red Ball Specialty Gases for being such a welcoming host.

The training offered a perfect mix of hands-on learning and expert guidance. Participants rotated through group sessions covering all key aspects of CEMS, including hardware, source testing, data acquisition, and regulatory compliance. One of the highlights was the regulatory summary and data acquisition system training led by Eric Wiley, VIM Technologies’ Senior Air Compliance Specialist. With over 25 years of experience, Eric shared practical insights, common challenges, and real-world solutions that really connected with everyone, whether they were new to CEMS or seasoned professionals.

The combination of knowledgeable trainers, active participants, and a great venue made for lively discussions and valuable problem-solving. Attendees left not only with new skills but also with connections to colleagues they can rely on moving forward.

We’re proud to have been part of this event and look forward to continuing to support the CEMS community with practical, hands-on training opportunities.

VIM Attends EPRI 2025 CEMUG Conference

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On May 20 – 21, 2025, VIM attended and exhibited at the EPRI CEMUG Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  Andy Rothenberger, National Sales Manager, and Dru Sanders, Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist, represented VIM at the conference.  EPA’s Clean Air and Power Division (CAPD) kicked off the conference with several virtual presentations.  Later that afternoon,  Dru gave a presentation entitled, MATS Electronic Reporting, A Look Under the WebFIRE Hood.  WebFIRE is EPA’s publicly accessible database that houses the various MATS Rule (40CFR63, Subpart UUUUU, Appendix E) reports submitted via ECMPS as well as reports required by numerous other subparts in Part 63 which are submitted via CEDRI.  The presentation provided:

  • A summary of the current MATS electronic reporting requirements,
  • An overview of how to access and download reports housed in the WebFIRE database, and
  • A review of several MATS reports to illustrate the inconsistencies of both the report content and format.

The presentation concluded by urging EPA to issue definitive interim guidance that quarterly MATS compliance reports should be submitted only in PDF format until ECMPS 2.0 is formally launched with MATS electronic reporting capability.  Additionally, the language in Section 1.0 of Appendix E to the MATS Rule must be revised to accurately reflect the ongoing electronic reporting requirements via ECMPS 2.0.  It should be noted that one of CAPD presentations discussed uploading MATS XML files into the Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT) to begin checking the XML file formats.  Initially, all formatting errors would result in “Informational Errors.”

If you have any questions or would like a copy of the presentation, please contact Dru at dru.sanders@vimtechnologies.com.  Thanks again to EPRI and Oglethorpe Power for hosting an informative and enjoyable conference.

 

VIM’s Exclusive EPAS Service Pays Dividends

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VIM’s Exclusive EPAS Service Pays Dividends

VIM’s EPAS Service

Your facility’s environmental compliance program is only as strong as its documentation, procedures, and technical infrastructure. VIM Technologies’ Environmental Project Assessment Service (EPAS) is a turnkey solution to:

  1. Evaluate your current compliance framework
  2. Clarify applicable regulations
  3. Document systems, data flows, data validation, averaging, reporting, and procedures
  4. Recommend tailored improvements

Not sure of existing systems, antiquated and disparate documentation?  Bring it all to 100% with a complete assessment by VIM’s EPAS Service.

1. Deep Dive Compliance Evaluation

  • Regulation Gap Analysis
    We catalog every applicable federal and state regulation—down to emission limits, averaging periods (e.g., 24‑hour rolling vs. block averages), and validity criteria (startup/shutdown exemptions, valid data windows).
  • Process & Data Review
    From process‑signal availability to data‑validation rules, we document each environmental data point, its source, and document how it is currently being generated and reported.

2. Comprehensive Program Documentation

EPAS delivers a complete “snapshot” of your compliance program, including:

  • System Architecture Diagrams
    Network topology, communication protocols, data‐flow schematics, server and workstation placement.
  • Procedure & SOP Library
    Operating procedures, QA/QC plans, site specific monitoring plans, and maintenance checklists.
  • Intellectual‑Property Capture
    Transfer of tribal knowledge from long‑time operators into living, up‑to‑date documentation.

This library becomes your single source of truth—vital when onboarding new staff, working with compliance partners, or embarking on new projects/enhancements.

3. Technical Specifications

In many cases, “knowing what you don’t know” comes to roost early in the process of an environmental project.  Lack of clarity can result in project delays and cost overruns.  EPAS bridges that gap by identifying all existing systems and processes:

  • A fully detailed Technical Requirements Document, covering:
    • Complete up to date I/O documentation
    • Emission limits, averaging, validity rules
    • Regulatory report formats (federal, state, and internal)
    • Hardware footprints, data flow, communication protocols, and infrastructure
    • Software licensing, data‑backup and disaster‑recovery procedures

With these specifications in hand, you can move forward with confidence—knowing that all existing systems are documented with 100% accuracy.

4. Actionable Improvement Roadmap

Based on our findings, you receive a prioritized set of recommendations to:

  • Optimize data‑collection reliability
  • Strengthen QA/QC processes
  • Streamline reporting workflows
  • Reduce manual intervention and error potential
  • Align your compliance program with best‑practice benchmarks

Why EPAS Matters

  • Reduce Risk: Eliminate ambiguities that lead to non‑compliance or enforcement actions.
  • Save Time: Free your staff from reinventing the wheel every time systems and /or resources change.
  • Control Costs: Minimize rework, change orders, and overtime.
  • Future Proof: Build a living compliance framework that scales with new regulations and facility expansions.

Next Steps

  1. Schedule a Scoping Call
    We’ll review your current program and define the EPAS engagement scope.
  2. Engagement Kick‑off
    Onsite or remote workshops to gather data and interview stakeholders.
  3. Delivery & Debrief
    Walkthrough of findings, documentation handoff, and roadmap presentation.

Ready to make your compliance program bulletproof?

Contact VIM Technologies today to learn how EPAS can turn regulatory complexity into competitive advantage.

Reflecting on a Great Week at the IEEE/PCA Cement Conference in Birmingham

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Last week, we had the privilege of attending and exhibiting at the IEEE/PCA Cement Conference in Birmingham, Alabama — an event we’re always proud to support. As long-time partners of the cement industry, it was a pleasure to connect once again with so many familiar faces and forge new relationships within this dedicated and innovative community.

This conference continues to be a cornerstone event for us, offering invaluable face-to-face time with customers, industry partners, and peers. These conversations not only strengthen our relationships but also give us deeper insight into the challenges and opportunities that are top of mind for the industry today. From decarbonization strategies to digital transformation, the discussions were rich with purpose and progress.

A notable highlight from this year’s event was the unveiling of the Portland Cement Association’s new identity as the American Cement Association (ACA) — a move that reflects the growing material offering and ambition of the cement industry in the U.S. You can read the full announcement and learn more about this exciting transition on the ACA’s website here.

We’re truly grateful for the continued opportunity to be part of this evolving industry and appreciate everyone who stopped by to connect with our team during the conference. Thank you to the event organizers and all who made the week a success.

We’re already looking forward to reuniting with our cement industry colleagues in Ft. Lauderdale in 2026!

 

CEMLink6 Email to Text – AT&T Issue

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CEMLink6 can send text messages to users using the system’s email capabilities.  Users can receive alarm information and scheduled reports.

Mobile phone providers use email to text functionality to allow customers to receive a text message from an email through their email-to-text service.  CEMLink6 will send an email to a provider’s email address with the customer’s mobile phone number (i.e. number@mms.att.net).  The mobile phone provider will forward this onto the customer’s mobile phone as a text message.

AT&T has recently announced they will be removing this functionality.  There has been no indication of other carriers following suit to this point.

Say Goodbye to Email-to-Text and Text-to-Email – AT&T Wireless Customer Support

CEMLink6 users who are AT&T mobile phone users and rely on these text messages for notifications will need to make plans for receiving notifications from CEMLink6 in a different manner.

A couple of options…

  1. Switch all notifications over to email.

    CEMLink6 can also send email notifications for alarms and scheduled reports.
    Switching from email to text notifications requires reconfiguring the “Alarm Email/Text Configuration” to use email instead of text, if applicable.
    Scheduled reports would also need to be reconfigured to use email instead of text, if applicable.

  2. Use a third party to route your emails to text.

    We have investigated some third-party options that will forward emails to text. One such offering is TXTImpact from Wire2Air.
    SMS marketing services & Business texting platform | TXTImpact
    This service will accept an email from CEMLink6 and forward the message to your mobile phone via text messaging.
    There are monthly costs involved with this type of service as well as some potential registrations for a 10DLC number may be necessary. There are other third party options available.  One thing to note in researching these options is to ensure the service will send email via MMS messages.  This is required for attaching scheduled reports to text messages.  MMS is not required for only receiving notifications of alarms via text messaging.

While AT&T will discontinue this offering on June 17, 2025, we wanted to make you are of some alternatives.  If this affects you, please prepare alternative notifications.

VIM Technologies at CAPCA Spring 2025: Conference Highlights

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We had a fantastic time at the CAPCA Spring Conference, held April 9–12, 2025, at the beautiful Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC! We’re so proud to have participated alongside so many great people—our customers, and friends—from Domtar, Duke Energy, Georgia Pacific, Giant Cement, Ingevity, Nucor, Smurfit Westrock, University of South Carolina, and many more. It was a privilege to share the floor with our industry-leading partners: Air Hygiene, Alliance Technical Group, B3 Systems, M&C Technical Group, STI CEMS, and Thermon.

Conference Highlights

The CAPCA Spring Conference brought together the best minds in air quality and environmental compliance for a week of learning, networking, and innovation. Some of our favorite moments included:

  • Deep Dives into CEMS Innovations: We explored the latest advancements in Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems and data-driven approaches for real-time compliance monitoring.
  • Insightful Regulatory Panels: Panels on emerging regulations and best practices for air permit management provided practical takeaways for staying ahead of compliance requirements.
  • Capital Project Commissioning Tips: Experts shared tips and strategies for commissioning capital projects that support environmental compliance and operational excellence.
  • Regulatory Updates: We received valuable updates from the EPA, as well as North Carolina and South Carolina regulatory agencies, helping everyone stay informed on the latest changes.

Thank You for Making It Special

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth, joined our conversations, and contributed to the dynamic spirit of the event. Your insights, questions, and enthusiasm are what make the CAPCA community so special.

VIM Technologies is a proud supporter of the Carolina Air Pollution Control Association. We deeply value the relationships and knowledge shared at this conference—insights that drive innovation and help shape tomorrow’s solutions in emissions monitoring and environmental compliance.

We look forward to seeing you again at future CAPCA events!

 

ECMPS 2.0 Rollout Delayed to 2026: What You Need to Know

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On April 22nd, 2025, EPA’s Clean Air and Power Division (CAPD) provided a status update on the ECMPS 2.0 re-engineering effort. The blog post can be found here.

The key takeaway from the message is the delay for ECMPS 2.0 implementation until at least Q1 2026 (from Q3 2025). This announcement didn’t take us by surprise considering the beta testing environment has been unavailable for 9 of the last 10 months!

If you haven’t already done so, we strongly encourage you to get set up with CDX and CBS test accounts and start playing around with the new ECMPS 2.0 web-based client tool. EPA created a quick start guide that will walk you through setting up your test accounts in all applications (CBS, CDX and Login.gov). It also describes the various roles and responsibilities within CDX and what to expect during the official migration expected sometime next year.  To get a copy of the startup guide click here or visit the re-engineering page at https://www.epa.gov/power-sector/ecmps-re-engineering-effort.

We are excited to hear that ECMPS 2.0 beta environment is back on-line, but most importantly to hear that it’s been backfilled with historical MP, QA, and EM data through Q3 2024. The ECMPS 2.0 tool, even when it was on-line, was relatively unusable due to out-of-date records in monitoring plans and the divergence of data between production and beta systems. Any JSON files that were produced by a DAHS likely contained outdated monitoring plan information that weren’t present in the beta system.

Some other good news is that there was no mention of any JSON schema updates. This means that any CEMLink6 DAHS systems running 6.2.620 or greater are equipped with the tools they need to start playing around in the beta environment. If you’re unsure the version you’re running or need help getting your DAHS updated, please contact our support group at support@vimtechnologies.com or call us 1-866-484-6435 and follow the prompts for support.

Unfortunately, one area where EPA is digging in their heels, is regarding Contractor Access. This is a topic we have been very vocal about to both EPA and industry for the last 3 years. This is a feature that’s available in CBS and the current stand-alone ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool and one that the vendors (DAHS, Consultants and Stack testers) rely on to access key information. Without an equivalent feature in ECMPS 2.0, industry will be forced to add a significant number of preparer agents under the sponsor (original DR or ADR) to get the support they need.  It’s imperative that industry press EPA on this subject because it will pose a significant burden to you as it’s currently architected.

VIM will continue to stay abreast of the ECMPS 2.0 developments and update this blog as relevant information becomes available. Please contact our COMPAS group at compas@vimtechnologies.com for more information concerning the ECMPS 2.0 implementation or any questions you may have.

 

President Signs Proclamation Granting MATS Rule Exemption For Certain Sources

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On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the President issued a Presidential Proclamation exempting specified stationary sources, listed in Annex I of the Proclamation, from compliance with the “National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review” (89 Federal Register 38508) (the “Rule”).  A copy of the Proclamation and Annex I list is available HERE.  As specified in the Proclamation, the President’s exemption extends the compliance deadline for two (2) years beyond the Rule’s current compliance date (i.e., for the period beginning July 8, 2027 through July 8, 2029).  During the 2-year exemption period, the coal-fired sources listed in Annex I are subject to the compliance requirements that they are currently subject to under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) as the MATS Rule existed before the “RTR” MATS Rule (89 Federal Register 38508).

Facilities listed in Annex I must maintain compliance with the pre-RTR MATS standards. Monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance programs should continue to follow the requirements in place before the 2024 RTR amendments.  Affected sources not listed in Annex I must comply with the RTR MATS Rule requirements effective July 8, 2027.  It is unclear if MATS affected sources not listed in Annex I can request a similar Presential exemption.

While the exemption provides temporary relief to some sources, facilities should continue preparing for eventual compliance with the RTR MATS Rule.  Proactive planning and system readiness are essential for long-term compliance.

For more information or to schedule a compliance consultation, please contact VIM Technologies, Inc. (VIM).  VIM remains committed to being a trusted partner in environmental compliance, helping clients navigate regulatory changes with confidence and precision.

Stay tuned to the VIM Technologies News section for ongoing updates and expert insights on air compliance regulations.

 

The CEMS Academy Training in Reno Recap

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VIM Technologies is proud to announce the successful completion of another sold-out CEMS Academy training event in Reno this month. Our Senior Air Compliance Specialist, Eric Wiley, was among the esteemed instructors who led this comprehensive two-day workshop.

The training, which took place on February 19-20, 2025, brought together environmental professionals from diverse industries, including power, oil and gas, mining, and pulp and paper. This diverse representation contributed to the uniqueness of the training experience, fostering rich discussions and knowledge sharing among participants.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the students who dedicated their valuable time to attend this event. The level of engagement and interaction between students and instructors was truly remarkable, leading to insightful conversations and a deeper understanding of CEMS-related topics.

The CEMS Academy continues to provide a unique opportunity for professionals to learn from a team of experts with over 120 years of combined experience in the field. This hands-on approach to learning has proven to be highly effective in addressing the complex challenges faced by environmental professionals in their day-to-day operations.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that preparations are underway for the next CEMS Academy training event scheduled for late June. Details will be posted on the CEMS Academy website in the coming days. We encourage interested professionals to keep an eye out for this information and register early, as our events tend to sell out quickly.

At VIM Technologies, we remain committed to providing high-quality, practical training that empowers environmental professionals to excel in their roles. We look forward to seeing you at the next CEMS training workshop!

CEMS Mastery: Join VIM Technologies at The CEMS Academy in Reno

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VIM Technologies is thrilled to announce our continued partnership with The CEMS Academy for their upcoming workshop in Reno, NV. Join us on February 19-20, 2025, for an intensive two-day training event hosted by UES at 6995 Sierra Center Pkwy, offering a unique opportunity for environmental professionals to learn from Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) experts representing over 120 years of combined experience.

This hands-on workshop brings together experts from four disciplines, including representatives from STI CEMS, Universal Analyzers, and Air Hygiene. VIM Technologies’ Eric Wiley, Senior Air Compliance Specialist, will be among the instructors leading breakout sessions.

Workshop Features:

  • Small group learning
  • Comprehensive rotating breakout sessions
  • Hands-on training experiences

Participants will rotate through critical learning stations:

  • CEMS Components (Probes, Sample Lines, & Conditioners)
  • Analyzer Teardown & Repair
  • Stack Testing Fundamentals
  • Data Acquisition Systems & Regulatory Overview

Our experienced professionals will share insights on common mistakes, practical solutions, and industry best practices. This two-day, hands-on format is designed to benefit your entire CEMS team.

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and optimize your plant’s CEMS operations. Register today before seats sell out!

For more information and registration, visit The CEMS Academy website.

We look forward to seeing you in Reno for this no-nonsense, practical training that breaks the traditional CEMS workshop mold!