EPA Method 22 was established in 1982 and is a test method for determining the frequency of emissions from fugitive sources and from flares. It is not an alternative method to EPA Method 9. Instead of determining the opacity of emissions, Method 22 determines the frequency of emissions.
A source's air permit will usually indicate if a Method 22 test is required.
EPA Method 22 may be used for the following applications:- Fugitive emissions which escape capture from a collection system
- Fugitive emissions resulting from material transfer (such as loading a railcar)
- Fugitive emissions escaping buildings where material handling occurs.
- Flares used for combustion of waste materials
- Emissions going beyond a property boundary.
Method 22 is most commonly used on gas flares and buildings where emissions may escape.
Unlike Method 9, there is no certification requirement for Method 22. However, it is strongly recommended that you are familiar with visible emissions observations by completing a lecture course for Method 9 and at least one smoke school.
Although not required, attendance to at least one smoke school is recommended to perform EPA Method 22 testing. Review of a visible emissions lecture, such as this one, is strongly recommended for proper documentation.
| EPA Method 22 | EPA Method 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Certification | No | Yes, Every 6 months. |
| Determines Opacity | No | Yes, in 5% increments. |
| Used on Defined Emission Points & Stacks | No | Yes |
| Used on Fugitive Sources | Yes | Yes* |
| Used on Flares | Yes | No** |
| Determines Frequency of Emissions | Yes | No |
*Method 9 is used on fugitive emissions when there is an opacity limitation.
**A properly working flare should not produce visible emissions. Some flares require a Method 22 test unless visible emissions are present. Then the test may revert to a Method 9 test to determine opacity of the emissions.