What is EPA Method 9?
EPA Method 9 is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency test method used to visually determine the opacity of visible emissions from stationary sources.
Individuals who perform Method 9 observations are trained to evaluate visible emissions and estimate their opacity in the field.
Learn About Method 9Understanding Visible Emissions
To understand EPA Method 9, it helps to first understand visible emissions and how opacity is used to describe them.
What Are Visible Emissions?
Visible emissions are emissions that can be seen as they enter the atmosphere from a source or process.
Examples include smoke leaving an industrial stack or dust generated by operations such as material handling, mining, or traffic on unpaved roads.
What Is Opacity?
Opacity describes the degree to which visible emissions block the transmission of light.
0% opacity represents no visible obstruction, while 100% opacity would completely block the view of the background.
Opacity Is Expressed as a Percentage
A trained observer visually estimates how much the emissions obscure a contrasting background.
What Is Smoke School?
Smoke school is the training and certification process used to prepare individuals to visually evaluate the opacity of visible emissions.
Trainees learn proper observation and documentation procedures and are trained to recognize known levels of opacity before completing a certification test.
Smoke school is also commonly referred to as Method 9 Certification, Visible Emissions Training, or Opacity Training.
Method 9 Training Has Two Main Components
Lecture
Covers the procedures for properly observing and documenting visible emissions.
Visual Certification
Trains and tests the observer's ability to accurately determine the opacity of visible emissions.
EPA Method 9 Certification
Method 9 observers must demonstrate their ability to accurately evaluate visible emissions before performing certified observations.
Learn the Method
Learn proper observation procedures, positioning, documentation, and the principles of visible emissions.
Train Your Eye
Review known opacity values and practice estimating the opacity of white and black smoke.
Pass Certification
Demonstrate the required level of accuracy during the certification test to become a certified Method 9 observer.
Method 9 Across Industry & Government
Industrial Facilities
Power generation, manufacturing, mining, quarries, waste facilities, and other regulated operations.
Environmental Consultants
Consultants and testing professionals who conduct visible emissions observations for clients.
Regulatory Agencies
Federal, state, and local inspectors responsible for evaluating compliance with opacity requirements.
Environmental Groups
Organizations and community groups that conduct or participate in visible emissions monitoring.
Method 9 Certification - Now in Virtual Reality
Virtual Smoke School provides an EPA-approved alternative to conventional in-person smoke school, allowing trainees to complete Method 9 certification in an immersive virtual environment.
Complete the FREE online Method 9 lecture, review standard opacity values, practice as much as needed, and complete your certification test when you're ready.
