USEPA Method 22

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Visual Determination of Fugitive Emissions from Material Sources and Smoke Emissions from Flares – USEPA Method 22

USEPA Method 22 is used to determine the frequency of fugitive emissions from stationary sources. This method also is used for the determination of the frequency of visible smoke emissions from flares used for combustion of waste process materials.

Fugitive emissions produced during material processing, handling, and transfer operations or smoke emissions from flares are visually determined by an observer without the aid of instruments. This method determines the amount of time that visible emissions occur during the observation period (i.e., the accumulated emission time.)

Occasionally, fugitive emissions from sources other than the affected facility (e.g., road dust) prevent a clear view of the affected facility. This is often a problem during periods of high wind. If the view of the potential emission points is obscured to such a degree that the observer questions the validity of continuing observations, then the observations are terminated, and the observer clearly notes this fact on the data form.

This method does not require that the opacity of emissions be determined. Since this procedure requires only the determination of whether visible emissions occur and does not require the determination of opacity levels, observer certification according to the procedures of Method 9 is not required. However, it is necessary that the observer is knowledgeable with respect to the general procedures for determining the presence of visible emissions. At a minimum, the observer must be trained and knowledgeable regarding the effects of background contrast, ambient lighting, observer position relative to lighting, wind, and the presence of uncombined water (condensing water vapor) on the visibility of emissions. This training is obtained from the lecture portion of the Method 9 certification course.

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Last Update: October 25, 2006