DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONSERVATION

Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible 

Emissions and Particulate Matter Monitoring Plan for 

Liquid-Fired Emission Units and Flares

Permit Condition for Air Quality Permits

Adopted by Reference in 18 AAC 50.346

August 25, 2004

Revised September 27, 2010
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 2

Standard Operating Permit Condition IX –Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter 

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Emission Units

Emission Unit or Stationary Source Categories This Condition Applies to:

Conditions IX.1 – IX.4 for visible emissions apply to liquid-fired emission units subject 

to the opacity standard of 18 AAC 50.055(a)(1).

Conditions IX.5 – IX.8 apply to diesel engines and liquid-fired turbines subject to 

18 AAC 50.055(b)(1).

Standard permit condition IX does not apply to emission units that are insignificant under 

18 AAC 50.326(d)-(i), which could include standby emission units.

The department will use standard permit condition IX in any operating permit unless the 

department determines that emission unit or stationary source specific conditions more 

adequately meet the requirements of 18 AAC 50.

Circumstances where emission unit or stationary source specific conditions more 

adequately meet 18 AAC 50 include:

1. if the department finds that particulate matter and opacity emissions data available for the 

emission unit or for the equipment make and model is sufficient to demonstrate that there 

is a different relationship between opacity and particulate matter than that used as the 

basis for standard permit condition IX;

2. emission unit specific conditions are requested for conditions IX.5 - IX.8 for turbines 

with very wide stacks;

3. the department determines that a different frequency of visible emissions monitoring is 

necessary to assure compliance because of the characteristics of the emission unit;

4. the department determines that, to assure that an emission unit complies with the 

applicable standard, visible emissions monitoring is necessary during a particular phase 

of operation.

Permit Wording:
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 3

Section 1.State Requirements

Visible Emissions Standards

1. Industrial Process and Fuel-Burning Equipment Visible Emissions. The Permittee 

shall not cause or allow visible emissions, excluding condensed water vapor, emitted from 

EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> listed in Table <insert Table of Emission Units

designation> to reduce visibility through the exhaust effluent by more than 20 percent 

averaged over any six consecutive minutes.

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j); and 50.055(a)(1)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(1)]

1.1 For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, monitor, record, and report in accordance 

with Conditions 3 - 5.

1.2 For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, burn only gas as fuel. Monitoring for these 

emission unit(s) shall consist of a statement in each operating report under Condition 

<insert Operating Report condition number> whether each of these emission unit(s) 

fired only gas during the period covered by the report. Report under Condition 

<refer to excess emission/permit deviations condition number> if any fuel is burned 

other than gas.

1.3 For each of EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, as long as the emission unit does not 

exceed the limits in Condition(s) <insert number(s) of Condition(s) that state EU(s) 

operating limits>, monitoring shall consist of an annual compliance certification 

under Condition <refer to Annual Compliance Certification condition number> with 

the visible emissions standard.

1.4 For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, use only gas as primary fuel. Monitoring for 

these emission unit(s) shall consist of a statement in each operating report required in 

Condition <insert Operating Report condition number> indicating whether each of 

these emission unit(s) fired gas as the primary fuel during the period covered by this 

report. If operation on a back-up liquid fuel occurred during the period covered by 

the report, the Permittee shall monitor, record, and report according to Condition 15.

1.5 For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, monitor, record, and report in accordance 

with Condition 6.

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.346(c)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)]

2. Incinerator Visible Emissions. The Permittee shall not cause or allow visible emissions, 

excluding condensed water vapor, through the exhaust of EU ID(s) <insert EU ID 

numbers>, to reduce visibility by more than 20 percent averaged over any six consecutive 

minutes.

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j); and 50.050(a)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(1)]
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 4

2.1 (Use Stationary Source-specific VE MR&R for incinerators.)

[18 AAC 50.040(j) and 50.326(j)(4)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3) & (c)(6)]

Visible Emissions Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting

Liquid Fuel-fired Emission Units (EU IDs <insert EU ID numbers>) 

3. Visible Emissions Monitoring. When required by any of conditions 1.1 through 1.3, or in 

the event of replacement during the permit term, the Permittee shall observe the exhaust of 

EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> for visible emissions using either the Method 9 Plan 

under Condition 3.1or the Smoke/No-Smoke Plan under Condition 3.2. The Permittee 

may change visible-emissions plans for an emission unit at any time unless prohibited from 

doing so by Condition 3.3. The Permittee may, for each unit, elect to continue the 

visible emissions monitoring schedule in effect from the previous permit at the time a 

renewal permit is issued, if applicable.

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.346(c)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(i)]

3.1 Method 9 Plan. For all 18-minute observations in this plan, observe exhaust, 

following 40 C.F.R. 60, Appendix A-4, Method 9, adopted by reference in 18 AAC 

50.040(a), for 18 minutes to obtain 72 consecutive 15-second opacity observations.

a. First Method 9 Observation. Except as provided in Condition 3.4, for EU 

ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, observe exhaust for 18 minutes within six 

months after the issue date of this permit. For any unit, observe exhaust for 18 

minutes within 14 calendar days after changing from the Smoke/No-Smoke 

Plan of Condition 3.2. 

(i) For any units replaced during the term of this permit, observe exhaust for 

18 minutes within 30 days of startup. 

(ii) For each existing emission unit that exceeds the operational threshold in 

Condition IX.1.3, observe the exhaust for 18 minutes of operations within 

30 days after the calendar month during which that threshold has been 

exceeded, or within 30 days of the unit’s next scheduled operations, 

whichever is later.

b. Monthly Method 9 Observations. After the first Method 9 observation, 

perform 18-minute observations at least once in each calendar month that an 

emission unit operates.

c. Semiannual Method 9 Observations. After observing emissions for three 

consecutive operating months under Condition 3.1a(i), unless a six-minute 

average is greater than 15 percent and one or more observations are greater 

than 20 percent, perform 18-minute observations: 
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 5

(i) within six months after the preceding observation; or

(ii) for an emission unit with intermittent operations, during the next 

scheduled operation immediately following six months after the preceding 

observation.

d. Annual Method 9 Observations. After at least two semiannual 18-minute 

observations, unless a six-minute average is greater than 15 percent and one or 

more individual observations are greater than 20 percent, perform 18-minute 

observations:

(i) Within twelve months after the preceding observation; or

(ii) For an emission unit with intermittent operations, during the next 

scheduled operation immediately following twelve months after the 

preceding observation.

e. Increased Method 9 Frequency. If a six-minute average opacity is observed 

during the most recent set of observations to be greater than 15 percent and one 

or more observations are greater than 20 percent, then increase or maintain the 

18-minute observation frequency for that emission unit to at least monthly 

intervals as described in Condition 3.1b, until the criteria in Condition 3.1c for 

semiannual monitoring are met.

3.2 Smoke/No Smoke Plan. Observe the exhaust for the presence or absence of visible 

emissions, excluding condensed water vapor.

a. Initial Monitoring Frequency. Observe the exhaust during each calendar day 

that an emission unit operates.

b. Reduced Monitoring Frequency. After the emission unit has been observed on 

30 consecutive operating days, if the emission unit operated without visible 

smoke in the exhaust for those 30 days, then observe emissions at least once in 

every calendar month that an emission unit operates.

c. Smoke Observed. If smoke is observed, either begin the Method 9 Plan of 

Condition 3.1 or perform the corrective action required under Condition 3.3.

3.3 Corrective Actions Based on Smoke/No Smoke Observations. If visible 

emissions are present in the exhaust during an observation performed under the 

Smoke/No Smoke Plan of Condition 3.2, then the Permittee shall either follow the 

Method 9 plan of Condition 3.1 or

a. initiate actions to eliminate smoke from the emission unit within 24 hours of 

the observation;
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 6

b. keep a written record of the starting date, the completion date, and a 

description of the actions taken to reduce smoke; and

c. after completing the actions required under Condition 3.3a,

(i) take Smoke/No Smoke observations in accordance with Condition 3.2.

(A) at least once per day for the next seven operating days and until the 

initial 30 day observation period is completed; and

(B) continue as described in Condition 3.2b; or

(ii) if the actions taken under Condition 3.3a do not eliminate the smoke, or if 

subsequent smoke is observed under the schedule of Condition 3.3c(i)(A), 

then observe the exhaust using the Method 9 Plan unless the department 

gives written approval to resume observations under the Smoke/No Smoke 

Plan; after observing smoke and making observations under the Method 9 

Plan, the Permittee may at any time take corrective action that eliminates 

smoke and restart the Smoke/No Smoke Plan under Condition 3.2a. 

4. Visible Emissions Recordkeeping. When required by any of conditions 1.1 through 1.4, 

or in the event of replacement of any EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> during the permit 

term, the Permittee shall keep records as follows:

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.346(c)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(ii)]

4.1 If using the Method 9 Plan of Condition 3.1,

a. the observer shall record:

(i) the name of the stationary source, emission unit and location, emission 

unit type, observer's name and affiliation, and the date on the Visible 

Emissions Field Data Sheet in <insert Visible Emissions Field Data Sheet 

Section number>;

(ii) the time, estimated distance to the emissions location, sun location, 

approximate wind direction, estimated wind speed, description of the sky 

Condition (presence and color of clouds), plume background, and 

operating rate (load or fuel consumption rate or best estimate if unknown) 

on the sheet at the time opacity observations are initiated and completed;

(iii) the presence or absence of an attached or detached plume and the 

approximate distance from the emissions outlet to the point in the plume at 

which the observations are made;
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 7

(iv) opacity observations to the nearest five percent at 15-second intervals on 

the Visible Emissions Observation in Section <insert Visible Emissions 

Section number>, and

(v) the minimum number of observations required by the permit; each 

momentary observation recorded shall be deemed to represent the average 

opacity of emissions for a 15-second period.

b. To determine the six-minute average opacity, divide the observations recorded 

on the record sheet into sets of 24 consecutive observations; sets need not be 

consecutive in time and in no case shall two sets overlap; for each set of 24 

observations, calculate the average by summing the opacity of the 24 

observations and dividing this sum by 24; record the average opacity on the 

sheet.

c. Calculate and record the highest 6-minute and 18-consecutive-minute averages 

observed.

4.2 If using the Smoke/No Smoke Plan of Condition 3.2, record the following 

information in a written log for each observation and submit copies of the recorded 

information upon request of the department:

a. the date and time of the observation;

b. from Table <insert Table of Emission Units designation>, the ID of the 

emission unit observed;

c. whether visible emissions are present or absent in the exhaust;

d. a description of the background to the exhaust during the observation;

e. if the emission unit starts operation on the day of the observation, the startup 

time of the emission unit;

f. name and title of the person making the observation; and

g. operating rate (load or fuel consumption rate).

5. Visible Emissions Reporting. When required by any of conditions 1.1 through 1.4, or in 

the event of replacement of any EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> during the permit term, 

the Permittee shall report visible emissions as follows:

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.346(c)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(iii)]

5.1 include in each operating report required under Condition <insert Operating Reports 

condition number>:
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 8

a. which visible-emissions plan of Condition 3 was used for each emission unit; 

if more than one plan was used, give the time periods covered by each plan;

b. for each emission unit under the Method 9 Plan,

(i) copies of the observation results (i.e. opacity observations) for each 

emission unit that used the Method 9 Plan, except for the observations the 

Permittee has already supplied to the department; and

(ii) a summary to include:

(A) number of days observations were made;

(B) highest six-minute average observed; and

(C) dates when one or more observed six-minute averages were greater 

than 20 percent;

c. for each emission unit under the Smoke/No Smoke Plan, the number of days 

that Smoke/No Smoke observations were made and which days, if any, that 

smoke was observed; and

d. a summary of any monitoring or record keeping required under Conditions 3

and 3.3c(ii) that was not done;

5.2 report under Condition <insert Excess Emissions and Permit Deviations condition 

number>:

a. the results of Method 9 observations that exceed an average 20 percent for any 

six-minute period; and

b. if any monitoring under Condition 3 was not performed when required, report 

within three days of the date the monitoring was required.

Flares, EU ID(s) <insert flare/EU ID numbers>

6. Visible Emissions Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting. The Permittee shall 

observe one daylight flare event1 within 12 months of the preceding flare event 

observation. If no event exceeds 1 hour within that 12-month period, then the Permittee 

shall observe the next daylight flare event.

6.1 Monitor flare events using Method 9.

6.2 Record the following information for observed events:

 

1

For purposes of this permit, a “flare event” is flaring of gas for greater than one hour as a result of scheduled 

release operations, i.e. maintenance or well testing activities. It does not include non-scheduled release 

operations, i.e. process upsets, emergency flaring, or de-minimis venting of gas incidental to normal operations.
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 9

a. the flare(s) EU ID number;

b. results of the Method-9 observations;

c. reason(s) for flaring;

d. date, beginning and ending time of event; and

e. volume of gas flared.

6.3 Monitoring of a flare event may be postponed for safety or weather reasons, or 

because a qualified observer is not available. If monitoring of a flare event is 

postponed for any of the reasons described in this condition, the Permittee shall 

include in the next operating report required by Condition <insert Operating Reports 

condition number> an explanation of the reason the event was not monitored.

6.4 Attach copies of the records required by Condition 6.2 with the operating report 

required by Condition <insert Operating Reports condition number> for the period 

covered by the report.

6.5 Report under Condition <insert Excess Emissions and Permit Deviations condition 

number> whenever the opacity standard in Condition 1 is exceeded.

[18 AAC 50.040(j) and 50.326(j)(4)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3) & (c)(6)]

Particulate Matter Emissions Standards

7. Industrial Process and Fuel-Burning Equipment Particulate Matter. The Permittee 

shall not cause or allow particulate matter emitted from EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> 

listed in Table <insert reference to Table of Emission Units> to exceed 0.05 grains per 

cubic foot of exhaust gas corrected to standard conditions and averaged over three hours.

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j); and 50.055(b)(1)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(1)]

7.1 For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, monitor, record and report in accordance 

with Conditions 9 - 11. 

7.2 For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, burn only gas as fuel. Monitoring for these 

emission unit(s) shall consist of a statement in each operating report under Condition 

<insert Operating Reports condition number> whether each of these emission unit(s) 

fired only gas during the period covered by the report. Report under Condition 

<insert Excess Emissions and Permit Deviations Reports condition number> if any 

fuel other than gas is burned.

7.3 For each of EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, as long as each emission unit does 

not exceed the limits in Condition <insert number of condition that states emission 

unit(s) operating limits>, monitoring shall consist of an annual compliance 
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 10

certification under Condition <insert Annual Compliance Certification condition 

number> with the particulate matter standard.

7.4 For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, the Permittee must annually certify 

compliance under Condition <insert Annual Compliance Certification condition 

number> with the particulate matter standard.

7.5 For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, use gas as primary fuel. Monitoring for 

these emission unit(s) shall consist of a statement in each operating report required in 

Condition <insert Operating Reports condition number> whether each of these 

emission unit(s) fired gas as the primary fuel during the period covered by the 

report. If operation on a back-up liquid fuel occurred during the period covered by 

the report, the Permittee shall monitor, record and report according to Condition 

<insert VE & PM MR&R for Dual Fuel-Fired Sources condition number>.

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.346(c)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)]

8. Incinerator Particulate Matter Emissions. Particulate matter emissions from EU ID(s) 

<insert EU ID numbers> may not exceed the particulate matter standard, as listed in Table 

A:

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.050(b)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(1)]

Table A - Particulate Matter Standards for Incinerators

Incinerator Rated Capacity Particulate Matter Standard

Less than 1000 lbs./hr No Limits

EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>: Greater 

than or equal to 1000 lbs./hr but less than 2000 

lbs./hr

0.15 grains/cubic foot of exhaust gas corrected to 12 percent 

CO2 and standard Conditions, averaged over three hours

EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>: Greater 

than or equal to 2000 lbs./hr

0.08 grains/cubic foot of exhaust gas corrected to 12 percent 

CO2 and standard Conditions, averaged over three hours

EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>: Burns 

waste containing more than 10 percent 

wastewater treatment plant sludge by dry 

weight from a municipal wastewater treatment 

plant that serves 10,000 or more persons

0.65 grams per kilogram of dry sludge input

8.1 (Use Stationary Source-specific PM MR&R for incinerators.)

[18 AAC 50.040(j) and 50.326(j)(4)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3) and 71.6(c)(6)]

PM Monitoring, Recordkeeping and Reporting

Liquid Fuel-fired Emission Units (EU IDs <insert EU ID numbers>)

9. Particulate Matter Monitoring for Diesel Engines and Liquid-Fired Turbines. The 

Permittee shall conduct source tests on diesel engines and liquid-fired turbines, <identify 

emission units>, to determine the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the exhaust of 

an emission unit as follows:
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 11

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.346(c)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(i)]

9.1 Except as allowed under Condition 9.4, within six months of exceeding the criteria 

of Conditions 9.2a or 9.2b, either

a. conduct a PM source test according to requirements set out in <insert Standard 

Source Test Section number>; or 

b. make repairs so that emissions no longer exceed the criteria of Condition 9.2; 

to show that emissions are below those criteria, observe emissions as described 

in Condition 3.1 under load conditions comparable to those when the criteria 

were exceeded. 

9.2 Conduct the test according to Condition 9.1 if 

a. 18 consecutive minutes of Method 9 observations result in an 18-minute 

average opacity greater than 20 percent; or

b. for an emission unit with an exhaust stack diameter that is less than 18 inches, 

18 consecutive minutes of Method 9 observations result in an 18-minute 

average opacity that is greater than 15 percent and not more than 20 percent, 

unless the department has waived this requirement in writing. 

9.3 During each one-hour PM source test run, observe the exhaust for 60 minutes in 

accordance with Method 9 and calculate the average opacity measured during each 

one-hour test run. Submit a copy of these observations with the source test report. 

9.4 The automatic PM source test requirements in Conditions 9.1 and 9.2 are waived for 

an emissions unit if a PM source test on that unit has shown compliance with the PM 

standard during this permit term. 

10. Particulate Matter Record Keeping for Diesel Engines and Liquid-Fired Turbines. 

Within 180 calendar days after the effective date of this permit, the Permittee shall record 

the exhaust stack diameter(s) of EU ID(s) <list EU ID numbers from the <insert Table of 

Emission Units designation> in the permit>. Report the stack diameter(s) in the next 

operating report under Condition <insert Operating Reports condition number>.

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.346(c)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(ii)]

11. Particulate Matter Reporting for Diesel Engines and Liquid-Fired Turbines. The 

Permittee shall report as follows:

[18 AAC 50.040(j); 50.326(j) and 50.346(c)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(iii)]

11.1 report under Condition <insert Excess Emissions and Permit Deviations condition 

number>:

a. the results of any PM source test that exceeds the PM emissions limit; or
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 12

b. if one of the criteria of Condition 9.2 was exceeded and the Permittee did not 

comply with either Condition 9.1a or 9.1b, this must be reported by the day 

following the day compliance with Condition 9.1 was required; 

11.2 report observations in excess of the threshold of Condition 9.2b within 30 days of the 

end of the month in which the observations occur;

11.3 in each operating report under Condition <insert Operating Report condition 

number>, include

a. the dates, EU ID(s), and results when an observed 18-minute average was 

greater than an applicable threshold in Condition 9.2;

b. a summary of the results of any PM testing under Condition 9; and

c. copies of any visible emissions observation results (opacity observations) 

greater than the thresholds of Condition 9.2, if they were not already 

submitted.

For Liquid-Fired Boilers and Heaters

12. Particulate Matter Monitoring for Liquid Fuel-Fired Boilers and Heaters. The 

Permittee shall conduct source tests on EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> to determine the 

concentration of PM in the exhaust of EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> as follows:

[18 AAC 50.040(j) and 50.326(j)(4)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(i) and 71.6(c)(6)]

12.1 Except as allowed under Condition 12.3, conduct a PM source test according to the 

requirements set out in <insert Standard Source Test Section> no later than 90 

calendar days after any time corrective maintenance fails to eliminate visible 

emissions greater than the 20 percent opacity threshold for two or more 18-minute 

observations in a consecutive six-month period.

12.2 During each one-hour PM source test run, observe the exhaust for 60 minutes in 

accordance with Method 9 and calculate the average opacity measured during each 

one-hour test run. Submit a copy of these observations with the source test report.

12.3 The PM source test requirement in Condition 12.1 is waived for an emission unit if:

a. a PM source test on that unit has shown compliance with the PM standard 

during this permit term, or

b. take corrective action and conduct two 18-minute visible emissions 

observations in a consecutive six-month period to show that the excess visible 

emissions described in Condition 12.1 no longer occur.
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 13

13. Particulate Matter Recordkeeping for Liquid Fuel-Fired Boilers and Heaters. The 

Permittee shall keep records of the results of any PM testing and visible emissions 

observations conducted under Condition 12.

[18 AAC 50.040(j) and 50.326(j)(4)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(ii) and 71.6(c)(6)]

14. Particulate Matter Reporting. The Permittee shall report as follows:

[18 AAC 50.040(j) and 50.326(j)(4)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3)(iii) and 71.6(c)(6)]

14.1 In each operating report required by Condition <insert Operating Report condition 

number>, include for the period covered by the report:

a. the dates, EU ID(s), and results when an 18-minute opacity observation was 

greater than the applicable threshold criterion in Condition 12.1.

b. a summary of the results of any PM testing and visible emissions observations 

conducted under Condition 12.

14.2 Report as excess emissions, in accordance with Condition <insert Excess Emissions 

and Permit Deviations condition number>, any time the results of a source test for 

PM exceeds the PM emission limit stated in Condition 7.

VE & PM MR&R for Dual Fuel-Fired Emission Units, EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>

15. The Permittee shall monitor, record and report the monthly hours of operation when 

operating on a back-up liquid fuel.

15.1 For any of EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> that does not exceed 400 hours of 

operations per calendar year on a back-up liquid fuel, monitoring of compliance for 

visible emissions and particulate matter is not required for that emission unit and 

monitoring shall consist of an annual certification under Condition <insert Annual 

Compliance Certification condition number>.

15.2 For any of EU IDs <insert EU ID numbers>, notify the Department and begin 

monitoring the affected emission unit according to Condition 15.3 no later than 15 

days after the end of a calendar month in which the cumulative hours of operation for 

the calendar year exceed any multiple of 400 hours on a back-up liquid fuel. If the 

observation exceeds the limit in Condition 1, monitor as described in Condition 9 or 

12, as applicable by the type of emission unit. If the observation does not exceed the 

limit in Condition 1, no additional monitoring is required until the cumulative hours 

of operation exceed each subsequent multiple of 400 hours on back-up liquid fuel 

during a calendar year2.

 

2

 If the requirement to monitor is triggered more than once in a calendar month, only one Method-9 observation is 

required to be conducted by the stated deadline for that month.
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 14

15.3 When required to do so by Condition 15.2, observe the exhaust, following 40 C.F.R. 

60, Appendix A-4 Method 9 (adopted by reference in 18 AAC 50.040(a), for 18-

minutes to obtain 72 consecutive 15-second opacity observations.

15.4 Keep records and report in accordance with Conditions <edit list as applicable> 4, 5, 

10, 11, 13 and/or 14 as applicable.

15.5 Report under Condition <insert Excess Emissions and Permit Deviations condition 

number> if the Permittee fails to comply with Conditions 15.2, 15.3 or 15.4. 

[18 AAC 50.040(j) and 50.326(j)(4)]

[40 C.F.R. 71.6(a)(3) and 71.6(c)(6)]
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 15

REASON FOR THE STANDARD PERMIT CONDITION CHANGES:

Condition 3.1a was modified to account for an emission unit’s status change. If the unit is 

replaced, the permittee will need to conduct an initial observation within 30 days after 

replacement to ensure the replacement unit can meet the emission standard. Further, if an 

emission unit status changes from insignificant to one requiring periodic monitoring, record 

keeping and reporting, then the permittee would conduct the initial observation within a 

reasonable period of operations.

Conditions 3.1(c) and (d) were changed to allow greater flexibility and reduce periodic 

monitoring. First, periodic monitoring can be conducted at any time within the six-month or 

twelve months following the latest observation rather than to be limited within a three month 

block (ie. 4-7 months or 11-13 months for semi-annual and annual surveillance frequency 

respectively). If a Permittee conducts an emission unit surveillance at any time, that surveillance 

can re-set the date for which the next periodic surveillance is due.

Further to accommodate intermittently operated emission units such as emergency units or standby units, the next surveillance due date will be upon the next scheduled operations after the 

deadline, such as for readiness testing of such units.

Condition 4.1 was modified to allow for estimating operational parameters for an emission unit 

that the permittee does not measure and record those parameters. 

Condition 6.1 was modified to allow the permittee to conduct visible emission surveillance of 

scheduled flare events within 12 months of the last observation or during the next scheduled flare 

event. This provides added flexibility to stationary source permittees equipped with such devices 

to schedule certified staff to observed scheduled events. Further the revised text allows the 

permittee to reset the due date whenever the permittee chooses to conduct surveillance on the 

flare. Finally, the revised text provides the permittee an opportunity to conduct the following 

observation upon the next scheduled event if no one-hour event occurs within twelve months.

STATEMENT OF BASIS FOR THE PERMIT CONDITIONS

The state and federal regulations for each Condition are cited in Operating Permit No. 

<Insert Operating Permit Number>.

Conditions 1 and 3 - 5, 6, & 15 Visible Emissions Standard and MR&R

Legal Basis: These conditions ensure compliance with the applicable requirements in 18 AAC 

50.050(a) and 18 AAC 50.055(a).

18 AAC 50.055(a) applies to the operation of fuel-burning equipment and industrial 

processes. EU IDs < > are fuel-burning equipment or industrial processes.

18 AAC 50.050 (a) applies to the operation of incinerators. EU IDs < > are 

incinerators.

U.S. EPA incorporated these standards as revised in 2002 into the State Implementation Plan 

effective September 13, 2007.
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 16

Factual Basis: Condition 1 prohibits the Permittee from causing or allowing visible 

emissions in excess of 18 AAC 50.055(a)(1). Condition 2 prohibits the Permittee from causing 

or allowing visible emissions in excess of 18 AAC 50.050(a).

MR&R requirements are listed in Conditions 3 through 5, 6, and 15 of the permit. 

These conditions have been adopted into regulation as Standard Conditions.

The Permittee must establish by actual visual observations that can be supplemented by other 

means, such as a defined Stationary Source Operation and Maintenance Program that the 

stationary source is in continuous compliance with the State's emission standards for visible 

emissions and particulate matter.

These conditions detail a stepwise process for monitoring compliance with the State's visible 

emissions and particulate matter standards for liquid and gas fired emission units. Equipment 

types covered by these conditions are internal combustion engines, turbines, heaters, boilers, and 

flares. Initial monitoring frequency schedules are established along with subsequent reductions 

or increases in frequency depending on the results of the self-monitoring program. 

Reasonable action thresholds are established in these conditions that require the Permittee to 

progressively address potential visible emission problems from emission units either through 

maintenance programs and/or more rigorous tests that will quantify whether a specific emission 

standard has been exceeded. 

Condition 6 was developed to provide a standardized version of flare monitoring that is not 

dependent upon the type or design of upstream equipment. It has been claimed that gas-fired 

flares normally burn without emitting visible emissions, but actual field data demonstrating this 

assumption is not available. However, gas-fired flares have been shown to smoke when a 

control device, i.e. a knockout drum, flare scrubber, gas or steam assist, or vapor recovery 

system malfunctions. Thus, the Condition sets out a protocol to collect actual field data to 

determine compliance with the 20 percent opacity standard for flares.

Gas Fired:

Monitoring – The monitoring of gas fired emission units for visible emissions is waived, i.e. no 

source testing will be required. The department has found that natural gas fired equipment 

inherently has negligible PM emissions. However, the department can request a source test for 

PM emissions from any smoking equipment.

Reporting – The Permittee must state in each operating report whether only gas was fired in the 

emission unit for the period covered by the report.

Liquid Fired:

Monitoring – The visible emissions may be observed by either Method 9 or the Smoke/No 

Smoke plans as detailed in Condition 3. Corrective actions such as maintenance procedures and 

either more frequent or less frequent testing may be required depending on the results of the 

observations.
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 17

Recordkeeping - The Permittee is required to record the results of all visible emission 

observations and record any actions taken to reduce visible emissions.

Reporting - The Permittee is required to report: 1) emissions in excess of the State visible 

emissions standard and 2) deviations from permit conditions. The Permittee is required to 

include copies of the results of all visible emission observations with the operating report. 

Dual Fuel-Fired Emission Units:

For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, as long as they operate only on gas, monitoring consists 

of a statement in each operating report to indicate whether only gaseous fuels were used in the 

equipment during the reporting period. When any of these emission units operates on a backup 

liquid fuel for more than 400 hours in a calendar year, monitoring as detailed in Condition 15 is 

required for that emission unit in accordance with department Policy and Procedure No. AWQ 

04.02.103, Topic # 2, 10/8/04. When any of these emission units operates on a backup liquid fuel 

for less than 400 hours in a calendar year, monitoring for that emission unit consists of an annual 

certification of compliance with the opacity standard. The 400-hour trigger for additional 

monitoring applies to each individual unit and not as a combined total for all units.

Insignificant Emission Units:

For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> no visible emissions monitoring is required when these 

emission units are insignificant based on actual or potential emissions due to permit 

Condition(s) <insert Condition numbers> that limit either their hours of operation or fuel 

consumption. As long as the emission units do not exceed these limits, they are insignificant by 

emissions rate as specified in 18 AAC 50.326(e) and no monitoring is required in accordance 

with department Policy and Procedure No. AWQ 04.02.103, Topic # 3, 10/8/04. The Permittee 

must annually certify compliance under Condition <insert Annual Compliance Certificate 

Condition> with the opacity standard.

Flares:

Monitoring for flares (EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>) requires Method 9 observations of 

scheduled flaring events lasting more than one hour. The Permittee must report the results of 

these observations to the department.

Condition 2, Incinerator Visible Emissions and MR&R

Legal Basis: This visible emission standard applies to the operation of any incinerator in 

Alaska, including an air curtain incinerator.

Factual Basis: The Condition requires the Permittee to comply with the visible emission 

standard applicable to incinerators. The Permittee may not cause or allow the affected 

incinerator to violate this standard. The Permittee is required to monitor, record, and report 

according to Condition 2.1. 

Conditions 7 and 9 - 11, 12 - 14, & 15, Particulate Matter (PM) Standard

Legal Basis: The PM standard applies to operation of all fuel-burning equipment in Alaska. 

EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers> are fuel-burning equipment. The SIP standard for PM applies 
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 18

to all fuel-burning equipment because it is contained in the federally approved SIP dated October 

1983.

Factual Basis: Condition 7 requires the Permittee to comply with the State PM (also 

called grain loading) standard applicable to fuel-burning equipment. The Permittee shall not 

cause or allow fuel-burning equipment to violate this standard.

MR&R requirements are listed in Conditions 9 - 11, 12 - 14, and 15 of the permit. 

The Permittee must establish by actual visual observations, which may be supplemented by other 

means, such as a defined Stationary Source Operation and Maintenance Program that the 

stationary source is in continuous compliance with the State's emission standards for particulate 

matter.

These conditions detail a stepwise process for monitoring compliance with the State's particulate 

matter standards for liquid- and gas-fired emission units. Equipment types covered by these 

conditions are internal combustion engines, turbines, heaters, and boilers. Initial monitoring 

frequency schedules are established along with subsequent reductions or increases in frequency 

depending on the results of the self-monitoring program. 

Gas Fired:

Monitoring – The monitoring of gas-fired emission units for particulate matter is waived, i.e. no 

source testing will be required. The department has found that natural gas-fired equipment 

inherently has negligible PM emissions. However, the department can request a source test for 

PM emissions from any smoking equipment.

Reporting – The Permittee must state in each operating report whether only gaseous fuels were

used in the equipment during the period covered by the report.

Liquid Fired:

Monitoring – The Permittee is required to conduct PM source testing if threshold values for 

opacity are exceeded.

Recordkeeping - The Permittee is required to record the results of PM source tests.

Reporting - The Permittee is required to report: 1) incidents when emissions in excess of the 

opacity threshold values have been observed, 2) and results of PM source tests. The Permittee is 

required to include copies of the results of all visible emission observations with the operating 

report.

Dual Fuel-Fired Emission Units:

For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, as long as they operate only on gas, monitoring consists 

of certification statement in the operating report to indicate whether only gaseous fuels were used 

in the equipment during the period covered by the report. When any of these emission units

operates on a backup liquid fuel for more than 400 hours in a calendar year, monitoring as 

detailed in Conditions 9 and 12 is required for that emission unit in accordance with department 

Policy and Procedure No. AWQ 04.02.103, Topic # 2, 10/8/04. When any of these emission 

units operates on a backup liquid fuel for 400 hours or less in a calendar year, monitoring for that 
Standard Operating Permit Condition IX – Visible Emissions and Particulate Matter

Monitoring Plan for Liquid-Fired Sources August 20. 2008

Revised September 27, 2010 19

source consists of an annual certification of compliance with the particulate matter standard. The 

400-hour trigger for additional monitoring applies to each individual unit and not as a combined 

total for all units.

Insignificant Emission Units:

For EU ID(s) <insert EU ID numbers>, no monitoring is required because these emission units 

are insignificant emission units based on actual or potential emissions. EU ID(s) <insert EU ID 

numbers> must not exceed operational hour limit(s) as required by Condition(s) <insert 

Conditions that apply>. As long as they operate within these limits, they are considered 

insignificant sources by emissions as specified in 18 AAC 50.326(e) and no monitoring is 

required in accordance with department Policy and Procedure No. AWQ 04.02.103, Topic # 3, 

10/8/04. The Permittee must annually certify compliance under Condition <insert condition 

reference to Annual Compliance Certification condition number> with the particulate matter 

standard.

Flares:

Monitoring of gas-fired flares for particulate matter is waived, i.e. no source testing will be 

required, because of the difficulty and questionable results these tests produce when applied to 

flares. The department has recognized this fact by incorporating the waiver in the State 

Implementation Plan adopted in November 1984, which has not been federally approved. No 

recordkeeping or reporting is required.

Condition 8, Incinerator Particulate Matter Emissions and MR&R 

Legal Basis: The particulate matter emission standards as listed in Table A apply to the 

operation of an incinerator based on its rated capacity.

Factual Basis: The Condition requires the Permittee to comply with the particulate matter 

emission standards applicable to incinerators based on rated capacity. The Permittee may not 

cause or allow the affected incinerator to violate this standard.

The Permittee is required to monitor, record, and report according to Condition 8.1. For 

incinerators with a rated capacity of less than 1000 pounds per hour, the Permittee is not required 

to monitor particulate matter because there is no standard set for such incinerators.