2023 Spring Smoke Schools Registration Open

The VTCA Smoke Schools are designed to produce qualified observers who can make plume opacity determinations that are accurate and minimally affected by variable field conditions.

Compliance Assurance Associates, Inc. will conduct the smoke schools in accordance with EPA Reference Method 9, offering attendees who meet the qualification requirements with official certification to conduct visible emissions evaluations.  Compliance Assurance’s training meets or exceeds EPA requirements, and the requirements of each State environmental agency, including Virginia.  The certificates are valid nationwide. 

The workshop consists of an optional online half day classroom lecture and a half day Method 9 field-testing and certification.  The classroom lecture is now held online.   The online classroom portion is a self-paced lecture that will take about two hours and needs to be completed prior to the field session.  Compliance will email participants a link to the classroom  lecture after they have signed up for the training.

Attendees will take the Method 9 certification field test and earn a certificate in one day.  EPA recommends the lecture for all new attendees.  You are required to retake the field test every six months to maintain Method 9 certification.  For all field-testing participants, it is strongly suggested that you  wear a mask and follow social distancing requirements during the field-testing session.  Also, each participant will be required to bring their own mobile device or their own clipboard and pen for testing purposes.

Each test consists of opacity readings of 25 white plumes and 25 black plumes.  Attendees will know the fundamentals required for reading opacity before each portion of the test.  Testing methods and equipment meet or exceed EPA requirements.

The schools will be held:

Richmond, VA – March 7
Roanoke, VA – March 8
Abingdon, VA – March 11

Contact Dana Morris or Rob Lanham with any questions.