Components Of A Visible Emissions Training

By Mia Kent


Visible Emissions Training is an effective strategy in informing the public about procedures in air pollution control. This ensures that there will be a reliable opacity observation in varied locations. The hazardous effect of air pollution prodded the environmental engineers to act and develop ways in controlling these problems.

Unaided by any form of instruments, one can directly see through the naked eye the visible gasses and emissions in the air. These are comprised of black and white smoke, flown ashes, dusts and fumes. They are measured in micrometers not greater than two hundred in their diameter. They are also referred to as plumes. They can cause illnesses to living organisms particularly those that are manifested in respiration.

Before the eighteen hundreds, it is hard to say whether the emission has violated any environmental acts because the Ringelmann Smoke chart was not yet invented. After its introduction to the public, laws on air management have been improved and standards have been set. The darker and the larger the population of the particles present in plumes, the bigger the threat to health and environment is.

Under the EPA Reference Method Nine, the government adopted a standard inspection method to establish uniformity in the readings of measurements. This is the basis for training of the observers. There are various requirements that an observer should exhibit to pass the evaluation done after the training.

There is a required distance from the observed gas emission to the point the observer should stand. Establishing a clearer view without the danger of being caught by the fume is advisable. An average distance of a quarter mile is suggested with the trainee in perpendicular to the direction of the observed matter. The trainee should only look at one plume in a given time in cases where there are multiple layers of plumes.

The information that the observer should be aware of are the type, location and source of plume. It will also be necessary to jot down the external factors affecting the test such as gust direction and the condition of the weather. Information pertaining the name and affiliation of the observer are needed as well. These help in the administration of proper recommendation to the people concerned.

Opacity observations must be made at the point of greatest opacity at fifteen second intervals. A clear background of contrasting color will result to the highest reading accuracy. Readings must be recorded to the nearest five percent every fifteen second interval. There are states that require a minimum of thirty readings that covers a duration of approximately eight minutes.

The garnered information may be tainted with doubt if miscalculation and biased factors are proven. Repetition of the entire procedure will be suggested. There are strategies in calculating that may make the data erroneous to some areas. A clear comparison should be provided by the observer to the clients. A reading of twentieth fraction of a hundred and less than are the allowable values of emission.

Anyone with a clear eyesight and sound judgment can participate in a Visible Emissions Training. The endeavor will help in the giving of proper penalty and sanction to whoever found to be violating the laws on air protection. Observations must be made accurately documented by the observer so that the presented data can suffice rigorous examinations.




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