Virginia Administrative Code › Title 9 - ENVIRONMENT › Agency 5 - STATE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD › Chapter 50 - NEW AND MODIFIED STATIONARY SOURCES › Part I - Special Provisions › Section 9VAC5-50-30 - Performance testing

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A.
				  Performance tests for new or modified sources shall be conducted and reported
				  and data shall be reduced as set forth in this chapter and the test methods and
				  procedures contained in each applicable subpart listed in
				  9VAC5-50-410 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 performance 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. Any new or modified source, for which no standards
				  of performance are set forth in Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of this part,
				  shall be performance tested by 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 performance 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 a new or modified source subject to a
				  standard of performance for volatile organic compounds, the test methods in
				  9VAC5-20-121 may be considered
				  appropriate.
B. Performance testing
				  for new or modified 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, judgment and experience.
				  When such tests are adjusted, consideration shall be given to the effect of
				  such change on established standards. Tests shall be performed under the
				  direction of persons whose qualifications are acceptable to the
				  board.
C. Performance tests for new
				  or modified 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 performance tests. Operation during periods of
				  startup, shutdown and malfunction shall not constitute representative
				  conditions for the purpose of a performance test. During the initial
				  performance 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 a new or modified source during the
				  performance tests required by this section.
E. Unless specified otherwise in the
				  applicable standard, each performance test for a new or modified source shall
				  consist of three separate runs using the applicable test method. Each run shall
				  be conducted for the time and under the conditions specified in the applicable
				  standard. 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 new or modified source. Upon
				  request of the board the owner shall provide, or cause to be provided,
				  performance 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 performance 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.