Training
The Division of Air Quality conducts air quality related trainings throughout the year.
The Department conducts training semi-annually to provide air pollution control personnel and other interested persons the opportunity to become certified to
evaluate opacity created by emissions in accordance with EPA Reference Method 9.
For an initial certification an individual must complete both the lecture and field session. Recertification, which must be completed every 6 months, involves successfully reading 25 black and 25 white smoke emissions during a field session.
More information on EPA Reference Methods 9 and 22 can be found on the EPA's website .
Training & Certification Sessions
The lecture session and several field certification sessions are conducted each spring and fall. The lecture is required for initial certification.
Upcoming Sessions:
Spring - April 28 - April 30, 2026
Fall - October 7 - 9, 2025
NOTE: As an option, persons may complete an online commercially produced Referance Method 9 Lecture Presentation in lieu of attending the lecture session in Bismarck. A certification of attendance of completion for the online course will be required to satisfy the lecture component for initial certification.
The
lecture session is limited to 30 attendees per session. Registrations will be accepted by emailing
airquality@nd.gov until April 25, 2025 for the Spring 2025 training course. Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early pre-registration is encouraged.
Returning participants
DO NOT need to pre-register for the field sessions to re-certify.
For more information about visible emissions evaluator certification, including EPA Reference Method 22 training, 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.
List of VE Certified Individuals
The Department no longer mails individual VE certification cards. In lieu of certification cards, a list of individuals certified for 6 months is maintained. This list serves as the official record of certification. Individual certification cards are available upon request by emailing Rebekah Pfaff (RPfaff@nd.gov)
VE Location
All sessions are held in Bismarck at the Environmental Training Center (2639 East Main Avenue).
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.
Certification Sessions
The Department will hold several odor certification sessions during May for those who require odor certification.
For more specific information on Odor Certification: 2025 Odor Certification Program Schedule
Date
|
Time
|
Location
|
| May 14, 2025 |
8:00 am to 12:00 pm; 1:00 to 4:30pm |
ND DEQ, Bismarck—4201 Normandy Street, Room 205 |
| May 15, 2025 |
8:00 am to 12:00 pm; 1:00 to 4:30pm |
ND DEQ, Bismarck—4201 Normandy Street, Room 205 |
| May 21, 2025 |
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm |
ND DEQ, Bismarck—4201 Normandy Street, Room 205 |
| May 22, 2025 |
8:30 am to 1:00 pm |
Stantec, Fargo—3303 Fiechtner Dr |
| May 29, 2025 |
8:30 am to 10:30 am |
Dakota Gasification Company, Beulah —(DGC personnel only) |
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: 03/03/2025
