Section 30. Emission testing

A. Emission tests for operations and products subject to standards prescribed under this chapter 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 such operation or product is in compliance; (iv) waives the requirement for emission tests because the owner or other person has demonstrated by other means to the board's satisfaction that such operation or product 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 operation or product 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 operations and products subject to standards prescribed under this chapter 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, judgment, 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 operations and products subject to standards prescribed under this chapter shall be conducted under conditions that the board shall specify to the owner, based on representative performance of such operation or product. 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 unless otherwise specified in the applicable standard.

D. An owner may request that the board determine the opacity of emissions from operations or control devices that are subject to the provisions of this chapter during the emission tests required by this section.

E. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable test method or procedure, each emission test for an operation or product subject to standards prescribed under this chapter 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 volatile organic compounds from any operation or product subject to standards prescribed under this chapter. 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.

5. Test enclosures for determining capture efficiency.

G. The board may, at its discretion, accept other demonstrations of compliance in lieu of emission testing, such as the results of manufacturer emission testing of a product batch or manufacturer product batch formulation records.

H. Upon request of the board, any owner or other person causing or permitting any operation subject to the provisions of this chapter shall conduct emission tests in accordance with procedures approved by the board.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.