Opacity Consultants

Opacity Consultants, LLC offers the highest quality Visible Emissions Observer Training and Certification Programs available onsite and in the public forum. Our schedule includes numerous community college locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Georgia.   

What We Do

Many sources discharge emissions that are visible to the human eye.  Federal, state and local regulatory agencies limit the opacity and duration of the emissions using a number of Test Methods.  USEPA Method 9 is the core method used to determine compliance with opacity standards.  Method 9 requires observers to be periodically certified to ensure the accuracy of their observations.  This training and certification porgram is commonly called SMOKE SCHOOL.  The lecture portion of smoke school is not required by Method 9.   Method 9 allows observers to evaluate the full 0-100% range of opacity of emissions from sources. EPA Method 22 is used to measure the duration of emission events. Methods 203 a, b, and c, allow for alternate averaging times, time aggregation standards, and instantaneous caps regulations.  The EPA also uses a variety of Subparts to limit the emissions from specific industry processes.  Our staff have extensive experience helping our industry and regulatory clients to fully understand and implement monitoring plans.

Smoke School Schedule

USEPA Method 9 certification is valid for a period of six months.  To remain certied, observers must repeat the certification process.  Opacity Consultants offer bi-annual certification opportunities in many locations.  Or call us directly if you would like to have a sesssion conducted near you site.

Call Us Today!

Contact us directly at (919) 902-8602 or curtis@opacityconsultants.com to discuss your training and monitoring needs.

Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.