Section 30. Emission testing

A. Emission tests for existing sources shall be conducted and reported, and data shall be reduced as set forth in this chapter and in the appropriate reference methods unless the board (i) specifies or approves, in specific cases, the use of a reference method with minor changes in methodology; (ii) approves the use of an equivalent method; (iii) approves the use of an alternative method the results of which the board has determined to be adequate for indicating whether a specific source is in compliance; (iv) waives the requirement for emission tests because the owner of a source has demonstrated by other means to the board's satisfaction that the affected facility is in compliance with the standard; or (v) approves shorter sampling times and smaller sample volumes when necessitated by process variables or other factors. In cases where no appropriate reference method exists for an existing source subject to an emission standard for volatile organic compounds, the applicable test method in 9VAC5-20-121 may be considered appropriate.

B. Emission testing for existing sources shall be subject to testing guidelines approved by the board. Procedures may be adjusted or changed by the board to suit specific sampling conditions or needs based upon good practice, judgement and experience. When such tests are adjusted, consideration shall be given to the effect of such change on established emission standards. Tests shall be performed under the direction of persons whose qualifications are acceptable to the board.

C. Emission tests for existing sources shall be conducted under conditions which the board shall specify to the owner, based on representative performance of the source. The owner shall make available to the board such records as may be necessary to determine the conditions of the emission tests. Operations during periods of startup, shutdown and malfunction shall not constitute representative conditions for the purpose of an emission test. During the initial emission test, emissions in excess of the level of the applicable emission limit during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction shall not be considered a violation of the applicable emission limit unless otherwise specified in the applicable standard.

D. An owner may request that the board determine the opacity of emissions from an existing source during the emission tests required by this section.

E. Each emission test for an existing source shall consist of three separate runs using the applicable test method. Each run shall be conducted for the time and under the conditions acceptable to the board. For the purpose of determining compliance with an applicable standard, the arithmetic mean of the results of the three runs shall apply. In the event that a sample is accidentally lost, or if conditions occur in which one of the three runs must be discontinued because of forced shutdown, failure of an irreplaceable portion of the sample train, extreme meteorological conditions or other circumstances beyond the owner's control, compliance may, upon the approval of the board, be determined using the arithmetic mean of the results of the two other runs.

F. The board may test emissions of air pollutants from any existing source. Upon request of the board the owner shall provide, or cause to be provided, emission testing facilities as follows:

1. Sampling ports adequate for test methods applicable to such source. This includes (i) constructing the air pollution control system such that volumetric flow rates and pollutant emission rates can be accurately determined by applicable test methods and procedures and (ii) providing a stack or duct with acceptable flow characteristics during emission tests, as demonstrated by applicable test methods and procedures.

2. Safe sampling platforms.

3. Safe access to sampling platforms.

4. Utilities for sampling and testing equipment.

G. Upon request of the board the owner of any existing source subject to the provisions of this chapter shall conduct emission tests in accordance with procedures approved by the board.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR120-04-03, eff. July 1, 1991; amended, Volume 18, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2002.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.