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Training
The Division of Air Quality conducts several air quality related trainings throughout the year.
Fall 2021 VE Certification sessions attendance has been LIMITED due to guidance and restrictions concerning COVID-19.
Due to the COVID epidemic, we will be limiting session attendance to adhere to social distancing guidelines. The lecture session will be limited to 30 attendees and field sessions will be limited to 30 attendees per session. To facilitate this change, we are requiring participants to pre-register for ALL sessions (Lecture and Field). Additionally, an extra field session (Field Session A) will be made available for recertification while the lecture session is taking place on October 5, 2021 (see schedule).
The following procedures will be followed at the Environmental Training Center:
- Temperatures will be taken prior to entering the facility (temp ≥ 99.5°F will not be allowed inside).
- Participants will be asked to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer prior to checking in at the registration desk.
- Masks must be worn.
- If there is a line for check-in, social-distancing must be followed.
If you feel ill on the day of testing or show any signs of COVID, you are asked to stay home.
The Department conducts training semi-annually to provide air pollution control personnel and other interested persons the opportunity to become certified to evaluate visible emissions in accordance with EPA Reference Method 9 . To become certified, a person must attend, or have attended, a classroom session and successfully complete a field session involving the visual reading of 25 black smoke emissions and 25 white smoke emissions.
Visible Emissions Training Pre-Registration Form.
All sessions are held in Bismarck at the Environmental Training Center (2639 East Main Avenue).
For more information about visible emissions evaluator certification, to include training in EPA Reference Method 22, contact the Division of Air Quality at 701-328-5188, or email Keith Hinnenkamp (KHinnenk@nd.gov) or Rebekah Pfaff (RPfaff@nd.gov). Training and certification is conducted free of charge.
Spring Training
A classroom session and several field sessions are conducted each spring. The current schedule for training is May 4, 5 and 6, 2021. Training on May 4th is intended for first time trainees only. The normal field sessions for recertification are scheduled for May 5 & 6, 2021. Click here for a link to a memo with more specific information on Visible Emissions Spring Training.
Fall Training
A classroom session and several field sessions are conducted each fall. The current schedule for training is October 5, 6 and 7, 2021. Training on October 5th is intended for first time trainees only. The normal field sessions for recertification are scheduled for October 6 & 7, 2021. Click here for a link to a memo with more specific information on Visible Emissions Fall Training.
More information on EPA Reference Methods 9 and 22 can be found on the EPA's website . The Division has developed the Visible Emissions Observation Form (SFN 8441).
List of Certified Individuals
Guidance and restrictions concerning COVID-19.
Due to issues regarding COVID-19, odor certification training will be postponed until further Notice. All persons who have been previously certified are considered “Trained” and may continue to perform odor evaluations as necessary to the extent practical. Please continue to check this site for updates as they become available.
The Department conducts training and certification sessions annually to provide air pollution control personnel and other interested persons the opportunity to become certified in the evaluation of odors pursuant to Chapter 33.1-15-16 of the North Dakota Air Pollution Control Rules.
The primary objective of training is to familiarize trainees with the:
- Requirements of Chapter 33.1-15-16 – Restriction of Odorous Air Contaminants.
- Use of a device to measure the intensity of an odor.
- Department field odor survey procedures.
The trainee must demonstrate the ability to distinguish various odorous samples and concentrations by successfully completing the three tests prescribed in the Department's Odor Certification Guideline.
Training and certification sessions are held in Bismarck at the Gold Seal Center located at 918 E. Divide Avenue. Additional sessions may be scheduled elsewhere across the State if there is sufficient interest by at least three persons per location; sessions have been held in the recent past at Minot, Devils Lake, Grand Forks, Fargo, West Fargo, and Beulah.
For more information about the certification process, contact Elizabeth Trythall at 701-328-5153 or (EKTrythall@nd.gov). Training and certification are conducted free of charge.
Last Updated: 08/03/2021
