U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

This document is the User Guide for the OTAQ DC FUEL online application. It describes the process a user must follow to submit reports using DC FUEL. This document will cover registration, how to upload a file and submit a report, and how to view your copy of record. If you have any questions about the content, format, or policies for the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) please reference the Fuels Program website at http: //www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/index.htm. If you have any general or technical questions related to the Central Data Exchange (CDX) you may contact any of the following: Telephone - Person-to-person telephone support is available from the CDX Help Desk 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EST. Call our toll-free line at 888-890-1995. Email - Send e-mail to Technical Support at [email protected] with "Technical Support" in the Subject line. If you have any questions relating to fuels programs registration, reporting, or DC FUEL, please contact the EPA Fuels Programs and EMTS Support Line: [email protected]

TDOT followed most applicable laws, regulations, and terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement in the procurement and monitoring of contracts for the TSE facilities-with the exception of the Buy American requirements of the Recovery Act. TDOT did not determine whether trusses used in the construction of TSE facilities by one contractor qualify as substantial transformation as defined in 2 CFR 176.160. This occurred because subsequent to the contract awards, EPA incorrectly determined that the Buy American requirements did not apply to the project. Consequently, there is no assurance that all iron, steel, or manufactured goods incorporated into the project were manufactured or substantially transformed in the United States, as required by Section 1605 of the Recovery Act. TDOT complied with the cooperative agreement requirements and satisfied Region 4 requirements for projecting results. However, TDOT overstated its results. This occurred because TDOT utilized significantly overestimated usage assumptions in its projections rather than current usage. As a result, TDOT does not have reasonable assurance that the TSE project will achieve projected emissions reductions, and the expected environmental results and human health benefits. Quarterly reporting of diesel emissions reductions by the DERA program may also be overstated.