Source Testing

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Air Quality's Source Testing Program provides an independent means to audit company source test results and emission compliance status. The program also provides a direct means of responding to citizen concerns with the capability of performing source tests for toxics, observing risk and trial burns at incinerators and other sources of concern. The Bureau maintains two source testing vans equipped with various instruments.

• Contact the Source Testing Section
• Source Testing FAQs (PDF)

Important Notice Pertaining To Accreditation

The Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Act (Act 25 of 2002) requires that all environmental laboratories register with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection within six months of the effective date of the Act, April 2, 2002, on a registration form prepared by the Department. An environment laboratory is defined in the Act as a facility engaged in the testing or analysis of environmental samples as required by an environmental statute administered by the Department.

Manuals And Important Documents

• Source Testing Manual (PDF) (Revision 3.3)
  This manual is intended to clarify the Department's existing regulatory requirements by providing guidance on how to conduct stationary source testing and report the results.
• Continuous Source Monitoring Manual (PDF) (Revision 8)
  This manual contains design specifications, performance specifications, performance test procedures, data storage and reporting requirements, quality assurance criteria, and administrative procedures.
• Standard Protocols (SPs)
  In lieu of submitting a site-specific test protocol for review and approval, a SP may be utilized, without deviation.
  • SP-005 Standard Protocol for 40 CFR 60 (NSPS), Subpart JJJJ and/or GP-5 (Coming soon)
  • SP-013 Standard Protocol for 40 CFR 60 (NSPS), Subpart I and/or GP-13 (Coming soon)
  • SP-101 Standard Protocol for 40 CFR 60 (NSPS), Subpart XX and/or 40 CFR 63 (MACT), Subpart BBBBBB (effective 01/03/2022)
• EPA Guidebook (PDF) The purpose of this guidebook is to promote consistency in the preparation and review of test reports for emission test programs sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state and local agencies, and the private sector.
• EPA Methods 25A Notes (PDF)
• Use of Method 25A for Compliance (PDF)
• Alcoa Method for Cold Rolling Mills (PDF) 3.8MB
• Inconsistency in the Reporting of VOC's

EPA Links

• Emission Measurement Center
• EMC Test Methods
• List of Source Testing Firms
• List of Available Audit Samples
• SW-846 Test Methods