Announcement

2010 Fall VEE Certification

(Smoke School)

The VEE training program will satisfy the certification requirements of 40 CFR 60 Appendix A, Method 9 - Visible Determination of the Opacity of Emissions from Stationary Sources. The certifications include both classroom and field training. In accordance with EPA guidelines, HMH requires that first-time readers attend the VEE-classroom session and recommends that all smoke-readers periodically participate in the VEE classroom session as a refresher. The field re-certifications are required every six months by Method 9 rule in order to stay current as a VEE observer. The classroom training covers topics directly related to VEE-Readings per EPA Reference Methods 9 and 22. HMH continually updates the classroom materials to include any new guidelines by the US-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. This program has undergone an audit by the EPA to assure that all participants receive a thorough education of all requirements of the Reference Methods.

Important Notes for VEE Certification

• Low, mid and high opacity orientation points and practice readings will be provided prior to each black or white smoke run.

• In order to be accepted as a “passing” VEE field certification form, each form needs to include all details on sun-angle, distance and direction relative to the smoke stack. A correctly filled out form demonstrates that the participant understands the basic requirements of Method 9.

• A VEE valid run must consist of 25 white and 25 black readings conducted consecutively (back-to-back). A passing VEE run therefore must show a passing score on a white run followed by a passing score on a black run or vice versa, conducted back-to-back. It is up to the participant to verify that this requirement has been met for a passing VEE score before leaving the field training. Please do not hesitate to ask one of the field operators if you need clarification regarding your score.

• Sunglasses should not be worn when viewing the smoke plume.

• In case of high winds (> 25mph) the training can no longer be carried out in accordance with EPA guidance.

• VEE-observation forms will be provided. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN PEN, CLIP BOARD AND PENCIL.

• Participants are reminded that the field class is outdoors and to dress appropriately for the weather.

• Please note that the field training will end once all registered participants have left the site.

• During the course of the session participants can attend or repeat any of the classroom or field certifications at no extra charge. Please note price differential between field locations.

Conducted By HMH0

2010 Fall Schedule

Anchorage First Session: Classroom Training - October 5th Location - Hilltop Ski Chalet (1) Time: 1pm - 5pm

Night Field Training - October 5th Location - Hilltop Ski Chalet (1) Time : 7pm - 10pm

Day Field Training - October 6th Location - Hilltop Ski Chalet (1) Time: 9am - 5pm

Valdez Session: Classroom Training - October 11th Location - APSC/VMT VTO Building (2) Time: 9am - 12pm

Day Field Training - October 11th Location - APSC/VMT Contractor Parking Lot (2) Time: 1pm - 5pm

Night Field Training - October 11th Location - APSC/VMT Contractor Parking Lot (2) Time: 7pm - 10pm

Fairbanks Session: Classroom Training - October 13th Location - GVEA Training Room (3) Time: 1pm - 5pm

Night Field Training - October 13th Location - GVEA Yard/North of Turbine Bldg. (3) Time: 7pm - 10pm

Day Field Training - October 14th Location - GVEA Yard/North of Turbine Bldg. (3) Time: 9am - 5pm

Anchorage Make-Up Session: Classroom Training - October 19th Location - HMH Bldg. (4) Time: 1pm - 5pm

Night Field Training - October 19th Location - HMH Yard (4) Time: 7pm - 10pm

Day Field Training - October 20th Location - HMH Yard (4) Time: 9am - 5pm

Location Descriptions:

1. Hilltop Ski Chalet

• From mid-town drive east on Dimond Blvd. past Service High School. Turn left at Hilltop ski area access road and proceed to Chalet.

2. Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Valdez Marine Terminal,

• Contractor parking lot: At end of Dayville Road, turn left just before Security check point.

• VTO Building: Valdez Marine Terminal, at the end of Dayville Road, go through Security.

3. Golden Valley Electric Association: 758 Illinois St.

• Training Room: Check in with the receptionist, head up the stairs and turn right.

• Yard: Park in the front parking lot, walk through the main gate and turn right to head around to the back to the turbine building.

4. HMH: 6228 Nielsen Way.

• From downtown head south on C-Street. Turn right on 64th (Nielsen Way). HMH building is 3rd on left. Park in front of HMH building or off the street on either lot to left or right or across the street.

Fee Schedule (U.S.$)

Anchorage Amounts Per-Person

Classroom Training - $75

Day Field Training - $145

Night Field Training - $75

Valdez Amounts Per-Person

Classroom Training - $75

Day Field Training - $350

Night Field Training - $125

Fairbanks Amounts Per-Person

Classroom Training - $75

Day Field Training - $275

Night Field Training - $125

Important:

Pre-registration: In order to ensure a suitable size classroom facility, pre-registration is required for the VEE classroom/refresher sessions for all locations. It is strongly recommended to attend the Classroom/Field training in Anchorage at the Hilltop Ski area location, as the (make-up) session on the later date will be limited in size (max 25 for classroom/max 50 for field) due to space constraints. Registration forms can be filled out and submitted by mail, e-mail or faxed to the HMH office no later than one week prior to each classroom session. Pre-registration is not required for all other field sessions (except for the October 20 session at the HMH Yard), however, HMH will need a completed registration form for each participant in order to assure that certificates and invoices/receipts are sent to the proper addresses. Forms will also be available at each field location. Only one form is needed for multiple participants attending from the same organization.

Course Registration Form

August 2010

Tammy Birch

Phone No. 907-562-8100

Fax No. 907-562-8900

Email hmh-smokeschool@gci.net

Tests & Grading

Karen Haas

Phone No. 907-562-8100

Fax No. 907-562-8900

Email hmh-khaas@gci.net

Training, Regulations & Related Questions

Erik Haas

Phone No. 907-562-8100

Fax No. 907-562-8900

Email hmh-ehaas@alaska.com

Conducted By HMH

VEE-Practice Runs

Due to repeated requests, HMH created electronic practice runs for 25 black and 25 white opacity readings. The following practice run files can be downloaded in a MS-PowerPoint format and saved to your desktop. The file size is indicated and the time for downloading will depend on your connection speed. Each file can be best viewed in a slide-show mode. Download also the Observation form and use for recording your observed opacities for all 25 black and 25 white slides. A separate result form is available below. Each Practice Run includes three calibration points (25%, 50% and 75%).

Note: We were careful taking the pictures at correct sun-angles, at a distance of 3-times the stack height and perpendicular to the plume center lines. The background consists of blue sky and green foliage which provide excellent contrast and a choice of background. Winds were light to moderate. The images have a fairly high resolution (therefore the large file size of each practice run). However, in spite of the fact that all conditions were quite favorable, these images cannot and are in no way meant to be of the same value as the actual field observations. As always we value your comments.

VEE-Practice Run--Black #1 (15,000 KB)

(Record opacities on observation form)

VEE-Practice Run--White #1 (14,000 KB)

VEE-Practive Run – Observation Form (463 KB) (Download and print)

VEE-Practive Run #1 – Results (6 KB) (Calculate your individual and combined deviations on observation form)