Smoke School Information in Montana

Smoke school and state air quality information

VIRTUAL SMOKE SCHOOLS:
The Federal EPA has approved CAA's VirtualOpacity® VR smoke school. See below for this state's acceptance status. Read the EPA's approval letter »
Learn about VirtualOpacity »

IN-PERSON SMOKE SCHOOLS:
Compliance Assurance offers 2 public smoke schools in Montana. Classes are available in Billings and Helena. Smoke School Schedule for MT »

PRIVATE IN-PERSON SMOKE SCHOOLS:
Compliance Assurance offers private, on-site smoke schools that are affordable and convenient. Learn more »

Have questions? Call us at 901-381-9960 or email info@compliance-assurance.com.

Montana Acceptance Status for VirtualOpacity® — EPA ALT-152A

Accepted.

Montana Acceptance Letter (Email Thread) »
Montana Acceptance Letter »

Montana Visible Emissions / Opacity Standard

The opacity limit for Montana is Sources installed after Nov 23, 1968: less than 20% opacity averaged over 6 minutes; sources installed on/before Nov 23, 1968: 40% (pre-1968 tier per rule structure; post-1968 tier verified verbatim in current DEQ permits); fugitive sources: 20% per 17.8.308, as established under ARM 17.8.304 (visible air contaminants); fugitive at ARM 17.8.308.

Compliance is demonstrated via EPA Method 9 (Montana Source Test Protocol and Procedures Manual); source test protocol referenced in ARM 17.8.106.

Averaging period: 6-min average, Method 9 per Montana Source Test Protocol

ARM 17.8.304 applies to emission sources installed after November 23, 1968. ARM 17.8.308 additionally limits fugitive emission sources to <20% opacity. Montana requires a state air quality permit for sources with potential to emit >25 tons/year.

Last verified July 8, 2026

Note: Regulations change — always verify current requirements with your state's air quality agency before making compliance decisions. This page is for informational purposes and is not legal advice; consult a qualified attorney or environmental compliance professional for guidance specific to your facility.

Air Quality Agency Information for Montana

Montana Department of Environmental Quality - Air Resources Management Bureau
Website: https://deq.mt.gov/air/
Phone: (406) 444-3490
Address: P.O. Box 200901, Helena, MT 59620-0901

Compliance Assurance Public In-Person Smoke Schools in Montana

Date School Name CAA
ID		 Additional Session(s)
(May be second day or afternoon session)
09/29/2026 Helena, MT 8515
09/30/2026 Billings, MT 8516