Idaho Admin. Code r. 58.01.01.157 - TEST METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This section establishes procedures and requirements for test methods and results unless otherwise specified in these rules, permit, order, consent decree, or prior written approval by the Department: (3-28-23)

01. General Requirements. If a source test is performed to satisfy a performance test requirement or a compliance test requirement imposed by state or federal regulation, rule, permit, order or consent decree, then the test methods and procedures must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section. (3-28-23)

a. Prior to conducting any emission test, owners or operators are encouraged to submit to the Department in writing, at least thirty (30) days in advance, the following for approval: (3-28-23)

i. The type of method to be used; (3-28-23)

ii. Any extenuating or unusual circumstances regarding the proposed test; and (3-28-23)

iii. The proposed schedule for conducting and reporting the test. (3-28-23)

b. Without prior Department approval, any alternative testing is conducted solely at the owner's or operator's risk. If the owner or operator fails to obtain prior written approval by the Department for any testing deviations, the Department may determine the test does not satisfy the testing requirements. (3-28-23)

02. Test Requirements. Tests must be conducted in accordance with the following requirements. (3-28-23)

a. The test must be conducted under operational conditions specified in the applicable state or federal regulation, rule, permit, order, consent decree or by Department approval. If the operational requirements are not specified, the source must test at worst-case normal operating conditions. Worst-case normal conditions are those conditions of fuel type, and moisture, process material makeup and moisture and process procedures that are changeable or that could reasonably be expected to be encountered during the operation of the facility and that would result in the highest pollutant emissions from the facility. (3-28-23)

b. The Department may impose operational limitations or require additional testing in a permit, order or consent decree if the test is conducted under conditions other than worst-case normal. (3-28-23)

c. The Department will accept the methods approved for the applicable pollutants, source type and operating conditions found in 40 CFR Parts 51, 60, 61, and 63 in determining the appropriate test method for an emission limit where one is not otherwise specified. (3-28-23)

d. The following requirements apply to owners or operators requesting minor changes in the test method. (3-28-23)

i. For federal emission standards codified at 40 CFR Parts 60, 61, and 63, the Department will accept those minor changes that have received written approval of the U.S. EPA Administrator if the Department determines they are appropriate for the specific application. (3-28-23)

ii. For all other emission standards in these rules or for permit requirements, the Department will accept those minor changes that the Department determines are appropriate for the specific application. (3-28-23)

e. An owner or operator proposing to use an alternative test method not considered a minor change in Subsection 157.02.d. above, must: (3-28-23)

i. Demonstrate to the Department by comparative testing or sufficient analysis, that the alternative method is comparable and equivalent to the designated test method. (3-28-23)

ii. Submit the request for approval to use an alternative test method to the Department at least thirty (30) days in advance of a scheduled test. (3-28-23)

iii. Obtain, and submit to the Department, EPA approval for use of the alternative test method for emission standards in these rules (except for state only toxic air pollutant standards) or for federal emission standards codified at 40 CFR Parts 60, 61, and 63. (3-28-23)

iv. Obtain verification that any prior approval of an alternative test method by the Department continues to be acceptable. Alternative methods may cease to be acceptable if new or different information indicates that the alternative test method is less accurate, less reliable, or not comparable with any current state or federal regulation, rule order, permit, or consent decree. (3-28-23)

f. Prior approval by the Department may not constitute Department approval for subsequent tests if new or different information indicates that a previously Department approved test method is less accurate, less reliable or not comparable with any current state or federal regulation, rule, order, permit or consent decree. (3-28-23)

03. Observation of Tests by Department Staff. The owner or operator must provide notice of intent to test to the Department at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled test, or shorter time period as provided in a permit, order, consent decree or by Department approval. The Department may, at its option, have an observer present at any emissions tests conducted on a source. (3-28-23)

04. Reporting Requirements. If the source test is performed to satisfy a performance test requirement imposed by state or federal regulation, rule, permit, order, or consent decree, a written report must: (3-28-23)

a. Be submitted to the Department within sixty (60) days of the completion of field sample collection; (3-28-23)

b. Meet the format and content requirements specified by the Department in any applicable rule, regulation, guidance, permit, order, or consent decree. Any deviations from the format and contents specified require prior written approval from the Department. Failure to obtain such approval may result in the rejection of the test results; and (3-28-23)

c. Include all data required to be noted or recorded in any referenced test method. (3-28-23)

05. Test Results Review Criteria. The Department will make every effort to review test results within a reasonable time. The Department may reject tests as invalid for: (3-28-23)

a. Failure to adhere to the approved/required method; (3-28-23)

b. Using a method inappropriate for the source type or operating conditions; (3-28-23)

c. An incomplete written report; (3-28-23)

d. Computational or data entry errors; (3-28-23)

e. Clearly unreasonable results; (3-28-23)

f. Failure to comply with the certification requirements of Section 123; or (3-28-23)

g. Failure of the source to conform to operational requirements in orders, permits, or consent decrees at the time of the test. (3-28-23)

Notes

Idaho Admin. Code r. 58.01.01.157