Smoke School Information in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Acceptance Status for VirtualOpacity^® — EPA ALT-152A

Accepted.

Rhode Island Acceptance Letter »

Rhode Island Visible Emissions / Opacity Standard

The opacity limit for Rhode Island is No emission greater than or equal to 20% opacity for periods aggregating more than 3 minutes in any one hour, as established under 250-RICR-120-05-1 (APC Regulation No. 1), Sec. 1.4.

Compliance is demonstrated via EPA Method 9 (40 CFR Part 60, Appendix A); all observers must be Method 9 qualified per 250-RICR-120-05-1.7.

Averaging period: Aggregate >3 minutes in any 1 hour = violation; same structure as Pennsylvania and Delaware

Rhode Island's visible emissions rule uses the aggregate-minutes approach: emissions at or above 20% opacity for more than 3 minutes aggregate in any 1 hour are a violation. Like Pennsylvania and Delaware, this differs from the 6-minute block average structure common in most states.

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.