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Method 9 VR acceptance

Federal approval is the starting point. Your actual use case still matters.

Opacity Vision’s VR method is approved by EPA as ALT-152C. Before relying on any certification path, confirm the authority, permit, facility policy, employer, and purpose that apply to the observer’s work.

Read the ALT-152C approval

What ALT-152C establishes

EPA approved Opacity Vision’s headset-based alternative method for conducting Method 9 plume demonstrations and certification as described in ALT-152. EPA lists ALT-152C among its broadly applicable approved alternative test methods.

Provider-specific approval

ALT-152C applies to the documented Opacity Vision system and process. It does not automatically approve every VR course, headset application, or provider claiming to offer virtual smoke school.

Opacity Vision jurisdiction directory

State and local acceptance guide

OpacityVision is EPA-approved under ALT-152C. Acceptance depends on the applicable method, authority, permit and intended use. Review jurisdiction guidance or contact us for supporting documentation.

A general agency acceptance of EPA-approved ALT-152 methods can apply without a separate company-named letter. Check the scope of the agency guidance and the requirements for the intended use.

Jurisdiction guidance

Idaho

Review requirements

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

Additional Idaho guidance

Federal applications are covered. On state-regulated sources, VR recertification is available to observers with prior field certification; a first-time observer should request Idaho DEQ approval.

Iowa

Review requirements

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Additional Iowa guidance

A new observer needs one passing visual examination plus exposure to at least 500 smoke plumes before performing Iowa observations. The additional plume readings are experience-building observations, not additional passing exams.

Montana

Documentation review

Montana Department of Environmental Quality

Method and jurisdiction guidance

We are verifying the applicable method-acceptance documentation. The training agreement reviewed does not establish blanket method acceptance. This documentation review is not a rejection or a determination that ALT-152 is prohibited.

Nevada

Review requirements

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection

Additional Nevada guidance

Federal applications are covered. A state-regulated facility should obtain Nevada DEP’s site-specific approval before using the certification.

New Hampshire

Review requirements

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

Additional New Hampshire guidance

For a formal compliance program, document ALT-152 as the observer-certification method in both the pre-test protocol and the final report alongside the other EPA methods used.

Texas

Review requirements

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Additional Texas guidance

A first-time observer completes a full practice sequence before beginning the certification exam. Texas does not require that preliminary sequence to be passed.

Washington

Regional requirements apply

Washington State Department of Ecology

Method and jurisdiction guidance

Washington has multiple air authorities. ORCAA's June 26, 2025 correspondence describes acceptance of EPA-approved methods, specifically ALT-152A, within its region. Puget Sound's August 8, 2025 correspondence explains that EPA approves certification and that the agency had neither approved nor denied ALT-152A. These statements do not establish blanket statewide acceptance. Confirm the applicable authority, permit and use; Yakima and other regional coverage remain to be verified. ORCAA correspondence; Puget Sound correspondence.

Wisconsin

Review requirements

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Additional Wisconsin guidance

Federal applications are covered. When the work will satisfy a permit condition or test plan, obtain advance confirmation from the facility’s assigned inspector.

Additional jurisdiction guidance

Supporting records have different dates; consult the linked guidance and applicable authority. Because jurisdiction and use-specific requirements can change, request current documentation from info@opacityvision.com when proof of authorization is needed.

Questions to answer before using VR certification

Who has authority?Identify the state, local, Tribal, or federal agency responsible for the applicable requirement or permit.
What does the permit or rule require?Read the actual language governing observer qualification and any incorporated method or approval conditions.
What is the certification being used for?Routine facility observations, agency reporting, contractor qualification, and litigation support may involve different expectations.
Does the employer impose a stricter policy?A company or customer may require a particular provider, in-person event, practical evaluation, or additional documentation.

Avoid “accepted everywhere” claims.

A broadly applicable EPA approval is meaningful, but it should not be turned into a promise that every authority or employer will accept every certificate for every purpose.

Use the exact ALT-152C approval, describe the actual Opacity Vision workflow, and ask the applicable authority when the permit, rule, or intended use leaves uncertainty.

A defensible answer sounds like this

“Opacity Vision is EPA-approved under ALT-152C. We are confirming that the certification fits this facility’s applicable permit, authority, and employer requirements.”

What to provide when asking an authority

The approval

Provide the ALT-152C letter and identify Opacity Vision as the provider-specific approved system.

The intended use

Explain the facility, jurisdiction, permit or program, observer role, and how the certification will be used.

The actual workflow

Describe the compatible VR headset, lecture requirement, certification testing, records, and certificate.

Acceptance questions

Is Opacity Vision approved by EPA?

Yes. EPA approved the Opacity Vision headset-based alternative method as ALT-152C for the Method 9 plume demonstrations and certification described in the approval.

Does that mean every state must accept it for every use?

Do not assume universal acceptance. Confirm the requirements imposed by the applicable authority, permit, rule, employer, customer, and intended use.

Is ALT-152C the same as another provider’s approval?

No. EPA lists separate provider-specific approvals under the ALT-152 framework. Evaluate the approval belonging to the system actually being used.

Can Opacity Vision help with an acceptance question?

Yes. Contact info@opacityvision.com with the facility, state, authority, permit context, and intended use so the question can be evaluated accurately.

Primary sources: U.S. EPA broadly applicable approved alternative test methods and the Opacity Vision ALT-152C approval letter.

Review the supporting program

See how the virtual smoke school works, read about ALT-152C, understand Method 9 certification, prepare compatible VR headsets, or explore enterprise program management.

Bring us the facility and use case. We’ll help you ask the right question.

Contact Opacity Vision