The Protocol Gas Verification Program (PGVP) and the Air Emission Testing Body (AETB) program, established in March of 2011, are ongoing programs that are designed to ensure the accuracy of calibration gases and the competency of emission stack testers, respectively. Both programs strengthen the emission measurement data supporting CAMD’s programs.

Protocol Gas Verification Program (PGVP)

Beginning May 27, 2012, emission sources that follow the Part 75 emissions monitoring and reporting requirements must procure EPA protocol gases from a production site that is listed as a PGVP participant on the date that the gases are procured, or from a vendor who sells unaltered EPA protocol gases produced by an EPA protocol gas production site that is listed as a PGVP participant on the date that the vendor procured the gases. Refer to 40 CFR 75.21(g)(6) and (7) for more details about the requirements.

These gases and the associated quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checks help ensure the quality of the emission data that EPA uses to assess compliance with emission reductions requirements under the Clean Air Act.

The PGVP has four main objectives: (1) to ensure that EPA protocol gases meet the accuracy requirements of 40 CFR Part 75; (2) to assist calibration gas consumers in their purchasing decisions; (3) to provide an incentive for gas vendors that perform well in the audits to continue to use good practices; and (4) to encourage gas vendors that perform poorly in the audits to make improvements.

Air Emissions Testing Body (AETB)

Beginning March 27, 2012, emission sources that follow the Part 75 emission monitoring and reporting requirements and conduct relative accuracy test audits (RATAs) or stack tests under Part 75, Appendix E or § 75.19, must use an Air Emission Testing Body (AETB) that meets certain competency standards, including experience and knowledge of test methods for individuals conducting the tests.

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