maricopa county air quality department performance test specifics rob arpino environmental...

Maricopa CountyAir Quality Department

Performance Test SpecificsRob Arpino

Environmental Engineering Specialist

Maricopa County Air Quality DepartmentProtecting our most vital natural resource - air

Test PlanningTest Planning



Test Methods

• EPA test methods preferred

• Other methods such as CARB and BAAQMD may be acceptable

• All deviations must receive prior approval



Test Companies

• MCAQD currently has no certification program

• No recommendations permitted

• List of recently-used test companies available on website


Pre-Test Site Surveys

Strongly recommended to avoid

surprises on the test day


Test Protocols

• Complete and accurate submittal

• Facility and test company representatives designated

• Minimum requirements identified in Attachment 2 of guidelines


Test Protocol Submittal Forms


• Form available on the website


Confidentiality Claims

• Submit notice of confidentiality pursuant to ARS §49-487(c)

• Submit both a public and confidential version of test protocol


Test Protocol Reviews

• MCAQD conducts thorough review of each test protocol

• MCAQD will provide a written response to facility and test company


Test Date Notifications

• Two week prior notice required

• Usually provided in test protocol


Performance TestingPerformance Testing


Test Observations

• MCAQD attempts to have an observer present at every test

• Testing may occur without observer, if approved


Audit Samples

May be provided by MCAQD toverify accuracy of

test company/lab procedures


Traverse Point Locations

Clearly marked in appropriate positions


Cyclonic Flow Checks

Conducted prior to test


Number of Test Runs

• Generally, three test runs are required (some exceptions apply)

• MCAQD may approve test results based on two runs under certain circumstances


Data Documentation

• Non-erasable ink

• Properly labeled strip chart recordings


Time Keeping

Accurate start and stop times


Units of Measure

Proper and consistent

units of measure


Calibration Gases

• Valid (non-expired) EPA Protocol Gases

• Proper concentrations


Sample Times and Volumes

• Minimum of 60 minutes per test run

• Minimum of 30 dry standard cubic feet (dscf) per test run


Sample Identificationand Handling

• Uniquely labeled samples

• Maintain proper chain of custody

• Special handling requirements identified on chain of custody


Detection Limits

• Attempt to obtain results greater than the analytical detection limit

• Use detection limit in cases where non-detectable results are obtained


Leak Checks

• Pre-test leak checks recommended

• Post-test leak checks required

• Leakage rate must not exceed allowable rates


Records Retention

Five-year records retention applies to

field notes, laboratory analysis

and original data sheets


Test ReportingTest Reporting


Test Reports


• Facility and test company representatives designated

• Minimum requirements identified in Attachment 4 of guidelines


Test Report Submittal Forms


• Form available on the website


Confidentiality Claims

• Submit notice of confidentiality pursuant to ARS §49-487(c)

• Submit both a public and confidential version of test report


Test Report Reviews

• MCAQD conducts thorough review of each test report

• MCAQD provides written response to facility and test company

Maricopa CountyAir Quality Department

Kathy Houed (602) 506-6903

Rob Arpino (602) 506-6737

Quyen Nguyen (602) 506-6904

Lorna Lynum (602) 372-1702

maricopa county air quality department performance test specifics rob arpino environmental...

Documents

test runsgenerally

test protocolmcaqd

test results

test companies available

test site surveysstrongly

accurate submittalfacility

observer present

acceptableall deviations