Smoke School Information in Texas

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

Accepted.

Texas Acceptance Letter »

Texas Visible Emissions / Opacity Standard

The opacity limit for Texas is 30% opacity (6-min avg) for sources begun on/before Jan 31, 1972; 20% (6-min avg) for construction begun after Jan 31, 1972; 15% (6-min avg) for vents >=100,000 acfm without COMS; buildings/structures and other unspecified sources 30%; firebox cleaning/soot blowing etc. may exceed for <=6 min aggregate/hr, <=6 hrs per 10 days, as established under 30 TAC 111.111(a)(1)(A)-(C); SSM-type exemption at (a)(1)(E).

Compliance is demonstrated via Method 9.

Averaging period: 6-minute average

CRITICAL NOTE: Texas requires its own separate smoke school certification for visible emissions observers. Certifications from other states are NOT accepted by TCEQ. Anyone needing to evaluate visible emissions in Texas must obtain Texas certification. Texas has a tiered opacity standard based on source construction date and flow rate.

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.