Smoke School Information in New Mexico
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:
There are no upcoming public smoke schools in NM. Check below for the status of our virtual reality implementation for New Mexico, or email us to request a school in your area.
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.
New Mexico Acceptance Status for VirtualOpacity® — EPA ALT-152A
Accepted.
New Mexico Acceptance Letter »
New Mexico Visible Emissions / Opacity Standard
The opacity limit for New Mexico is 20% opacity for stationary combustion equipment (unless another Part sets a source-specific standard); diesel vehicles 20% below 8,000 ft / 40% above 8,000 ft for >10 sec, as established under 20.2.61.109 NMAC (stationary combustion equipment); opacity determinations 20.2.61.114 (10-min minimum reading).
Compliance is demonstrated via EPA Method 9 (40 CFR 60 Appendix A, Method 9); certified observer required.
Averaging period: 6-minute time-average (20.11.5.12 NMAC explicitly states '6 minute time-averaged'); 10-minute minimum observation period
New Mexico has both a statewide rule (20.2.61 NMAC for combustion equipment) and a local/area-specific rule (20.11.5 NMAC for general stationary sources). The 6-minute time-average is explicitly specified in 20.11.5.12 NMAC. Certified observers use Method 9.
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 New Mexico
• Website: https://www.env.nm.gov/aqb/
• Phone: (505) 476-4300
• Address: 525 Camino de los Marquez, Suite 1, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Albuquerque Environmental Health & Energy Department
• Website: https://www.cabq.gov/airquality/
• Phone: (505) 768-1930
• Address: P.O. Box 1293, Albuquerque, NM 87103