C.T. Male Associates Now Offers EPA Method 9 Opacity Testing

Many stationary sources discharge visible emissions into the atmosphere. These emissions are usually in the shape of a plume. Industrial and commercial facilities that have the potential to emit particulate matter into the air may be regulated by federal, state, or municipal opacity standards. A facility is compliant with these standards when the opacity of their emissions is under an established limit. In order to demonstrate compliance, the opacity of emissions from stationary sources is determined visually by a qualified observer.

What is Opacity?

Opacity is the degree to which light is blocked by visible emissions. In terms of industrial and commercial processes, opacity is often caused by the presence of particulate matter in the air.

What are considered visible emissions?

A visible emission is the visible particulate matter that occurs as the result of an industrial process. Such a process may involve smoke exiting a stack at a commercial or industrial facility, smoke exiting a chimney from a fireplace or kiln, or dust produced from driving down a gravel road.

C. T. Male Associates is now pleased to offer EPA Method 9 Opacity Testing.

C.T. Male Associates personnel, certified to perform opacity observations, routinely travel to clients’ facilities and perform opacity observations in person. These observations are often required on an annual basis within air permits or may be completed as a follow-up to an issue related to opacity occurring at a facility. To speak with someone in our Environmental Services Division concerning EPA Method 9 Opacity Testing, please contact James Young, Ph.D. at 518-786-7541 or via email at [email protected].

To learn more about our many other environmental services, please visit our Environmental Services Project Portfolio.