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.
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.
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.
Where our ALT-152C program is authorized
Our current coverage includes 49 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada. South Dakota remains under review.
This directory is maintained for the Opacity Vision program. It connects each jurisdiction to its environmental authority and flags added steps that may affect a specific use. It is not a blanket statement about other virtual smoke-school systems, individual permits, local or Tribal authorities, or an employer’s own qualification policy.
Current coverage
Alabama
AuthorizedAlaska
AuthorizedArizona
AuthorizedArkansas
AuthorizedCalifornia
AuthorizedColorado
AuthorizedConnecticut
AuthorizedConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Additional Connecticut guidance
Federal-source work is covered. When Connecticut’s own testing requirements apply, name ALT-152 in the test plan and secure the advance approval used for alternative methods.
Delaware
AuthorizedDelaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Additional Delaware guidance
Federal applications are covered. Present a state-regulated facility’s intended use to DNREC for site-specific approval before relying on the certification.
Florida
AuthorizedGeorgia
AuthorizedHawaii
AuthorizedIdaho
AuthorizedIdaho 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.
Illinois
AuthorizedIndiana
AuthorizedIowa
AuthorizedIowa 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.
Kansas
AuthorizedKentucky
AuthorizedLouisiana
AuthorizedMaine
AuthorizedMaryland
AuthorizedMassachusetts
AuthorizedMichigan
AuthorizedMichigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Additional Michigan guidance
Federal-source work is covered. For testing governed by Michigan requirements, identify ALT-152 in the plan and follow the normal alternative-method preapproval process.
Minnesota
AuthorizedMississippi
AuthorizedMissouri
AuthorizedMontana
AuthorizedNebraska
AuthorizedNevada
AuthorizedNevada 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
AuthorizedNew 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.
New Jersey
AuthorizedNew Mexico
AuthorizedNew York
AuthorizedNorth Carolina
AuthorizedNorth Dakota
AuthorizedOhio
AuthorizedOklahoma
AuthorizedOntario, Canada
AuthorizedOregon
AuthorizedPennsylvania
AuthorizedRhode Island
AuthorizedSouth Carolina
AuthorizedTennessee
AuthorizedTexas
AuthorizedTexas 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.
Utah
AuthorizedVermont
AuthorizedVirginia
AuthorizedWashington
AuthorizedWashington State Department of Ecology
Washington agency coverage
Coverage includes sources permitted by Ecology and the Northwest, Olympic Region, Benton, Southwest, and Spokane regional clean-air agencies. Confirmation from the Yakima and Puget Sound agencies remains outstanding.
West Virginia
AuthorizedWisconsin
AuthorizedWisconsin 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.
Wyoming
AuthorizedAuthorization in review
South Dakota
PendingSouth Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Directory reviewed August 31, 2026. 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
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.
“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
Read about ALT-152C, understand Method 9 certification, prepare compatible VR headsets, or explore enterprise program management.
OPACITY VISION