Initializing CERCS CharTrac

After CERCS user accounts are created, each operation must be configured within CERCS by its owner and/or manager. This involves four steps:

  1. Register the initial biomass types (pelletized wood, coconut tree, conifer shrubbery, etc.) and forms (pellets, chips, husks, leaves, branches, etc.) that are anticipated to be fuels for the kilns or cookstoves of the new operation. This is done by examining the existing CERCS Biomass Registry and then submitting the names of missing biomass types and forms to the CERCS team for review.  Generally, the CERCS team will review and add new entries to the CERCS Biomass Registry within 48 hours of a request.
  2. Register the physical locations of operation.
    • For kiln operations, these are generally farms, charcoal pile locations, biochar treatment (charging/inoculation) locations, areas of biochar dispersal into soil, etc.
    • For cookstove operations, registered physical locations generally include household addresses (where cookstoves are in use), charcoal pile locations, biochar treatment (charging/inoculation) locations, areas of biochar dispersal into soil, etc.
    This task is accomplished by launching the CERCS CharTrac app on a mobile device and visiting these locations.  The app collects one or two photographs at each named location, plus GPS data.  Pile locations are not only photographed (with GPS coordinates internally recorded by the app), but they are also physically marked with a numbered stake driven into the ground.  Refer to the CERCS User Manual for more information.
  3. Register equipment. This involves marking each kiln or cookstove with a unique, easily visible identifier (akin to a serial number).  Refer to the CERCS User Manual for more information.
  4. Register operations associates (human labor).  This involves registering each individual’s name and unique associate ID (akin to an employee number), and printing that information (first name, last name, and ID) onto a wallet card that can be photographed and read at a distance of 6-10 feet.  Refer to the CERCS User Manual for more information.
Updated on 2023-03-13