Virginia Administrative Code › Title 9 - ENVIRONMENT › Agency 5 - STATE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD › Chapter 40 - EXISTING STATIONARY SOURCES › Part I - Special Provisions › Section 9VAC5-40-30 - Emission testing

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
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.