Westar

WESTAR Planning Committee
2025-08-07 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-03 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-05 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-03 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-06 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-02-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | AZ
The WESTAR Planning Committee includes air quality planners from the 15 member states. Planners from Tribal and local air agencies as well as EPA and Federal Land Management agencies are welcome to attend. These calls occur every month on the First Thursday at 2:00 Mountain Time. The purpose of the call is to identify policy issues of concern, make recommendations and comment on EPA policies and proposals, and exchange information and expertise on relevant topics.
If you are interested in attending these calls, please contact Jay Baker at jbaker@westar.org.

WRAP Technical Steering Committee/Workgroup Co-Chairs Coordination Call
2025-07-30 12:30 - 13:30, 2025-05-28 12:30 - 14:00, 2025-03-24 12:30 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | AZ
Agenda

Effective Permit Writing - ONLINE
2025-07-29 09:00 - 2025-07-31 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | AZ
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course presents information on the major national programs in air pollution stationary source permitting. This course was designed to provide methods and procedures used to effectively draft and review permit conditions used with a variety of permit programs. This course is designed for personnel of state and local permitting agencies who are new to permit programs, managers of programs which are impacted by permits, and inspectors who must read and interpret permit conditions. Examples of the various types of permit conditions are presented along with practical exercises.
MAJOR TOPICS:
• Identification of the components required in a complete permit application evaluation,
• Explanation of the functions and purposes of each component of a complete permit application,
• Description of the characteristics of an effective permit,
• Explanation of the process, approaches that can be used to assure an effective permit is produced.
Course Delivery: This is a virtual, instructor-led training.
SPACE LIMITATION: Registration is limited to 35 attendees. Air quality staff from the fifteen western states receive registration preference.
Course Brochure
To Register: EPA AirKnowledge

WESTAR Technical Committee
2025-07-23 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-28 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-23 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-26 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-02-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | AZ
The WESTAR Technical Committee includes technical professionals from the 15 member states. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds including monitoring, emissions inventory, and modeling analysis. Technical professionals from Tribal and local air agencies as well as EPA and Federal Land Management agencies are welcome to attend. These calls occur every month on the First Thursday at 2:00 Mountain Time. The purpose of the call is to identify policy issues of concern, make recommendations and comment on EPA policies and proposals, and exchange information and expertise on relevant topics.
If you are interested in attending these calls, please contact Jay Baker at jbaker@westar.org.

NOx Control/Regulation - ONLINE
2025-07-08 09:00 - 2025-07-10 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | AZ
Who Should Attend: This course was designed to address the needs of tribal, state, and local air agency personnel involved in the permitting and compliance assessment of existing regulatory requirements as well as those personnel involved in the development of nitrogen oxide (NOx) control programs. This class is intended for new permit and compliance engineers and scientists who are responsible for permitting, compliance, and SIP planning activities.
About the Course: This course presents fundamental information on NOx emissions from combustion sources such as industrial and utility boilers. The goal of this course is to present information that will help environmental professionals address present and future NOx control issues. The course introduces a broad range of control technology topics and identifies some of the sources for obtaining further information on these topics.
Learning Objectives: Those completing this course will gain an understanding of the mechanisms by which NOx is formed in the combustion process as well as sources of NOx emissions and the history related to regulating NOx emissions from these sources. Attendees will be able to perform regulatory reviews involving the types, applicability, capability, and limitations of available control techniques to suppress the formation of NOx emissions or to minimize NOx emissions.
Course Delivery: This is a virtual, instructor-led training.
Course Brochure
To Register: EPA AirKnowledge

WRAP Board Meeting
2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | AZ

Monitoring Compliance Testing & Source Test Observation
2025-06-04 08:30 - 2025-06-06 17:00 (America/Denver) | Utah DEQ, 195 N 1950 W, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116, United States
WESTAR’s Training Center will host this training course for state, local and tribal air quality professional staff working, or planning to work, in source testing.
This lecture-based course is designed for state, local and tribal air quality professional whose role is to observe source testing, evaluate source test methods, approve test protocols and review source test results as required under various federal and state regulations or as required by issued permits. This class is intended for compliance and field engineers, scientists and technicians who have responsibility for the above source testing tasks.
Those completing this course will gain a basic understanding of the general information associated with source testing and source test methods. This course develops the ability to plan, guide, evaluate, and (after experience on the job) perform source sampling measurements to determine rates of emissions from stationary sources. It clarifies EPA Reference Methods 1 to 4, and Method 5. The course develops knowledge of the equipment employed, understanding of why the prescribed methods are established, and ability to perform the calibrations and calculations which are a part of the reference methods.
To ensure that the source test methods utilized to demonstrate compliance are performed according to EPA guidelines, both agency and industrial personnel will be required to observe stack tests to document that compliance with the methodology is being achieved. This will mean that an observer must be intimately familiar with numerous stack test methods, each one with its own particular operation.
SPACE LIMITATION: Registration is limited to 40 attendees. Air quality staff from the fifteen western states receive registration preference.
REGISTRATION FEES:
There are no registration fees for state, local or tribal air quality agency staff. For federal agency staff a $1,000 registration fee will be charged.
COURSE BROCHURE
COURSE MATERIALS
To register log onto EPA’s AirKnowledge

Electrostatic Precipitators (PERM 242)
2025-05-23 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | AZ
This is a virtual, instructor-led training
TARGET AUDIENCE: This course is intended for new, inexperienced state, local and tribal air quality professionals.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will help the inspector understand the fundamentals of electrostatic precipitator operation for fine particulate or aerosols and the likely defects or operator oversight. Topics include: theory and design, cleaning cycles, operation and maintenance and inspection techniques.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Those completing this course will gain a basic understanding of the general information associated with electrostatic precipitators operations. Attendees will be able to:

List the major industrial applications for ESPs.
Explain the theory of operation of ESPs, using appropriate terminology
Describe the major types/categories of ESPs.
List the main things to consider in designing an ESP.
List the major components of a typical ESP and explain the functions of these components.
Be aware of how ESP performance can be monitored by operators.
Explain in detail how to conduct an inspection of an ESP.

To Register log onto EPA AirKnowledge
Course Materials
Course Brochure

Industrial Boilers (TOXC 226)
2025-05-22 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | AZ
This is a virtual, instructor-led training
TARGET AUDIENCE: This course is intended for new, inexperienced state, local and tribal air quality professionals.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Boilers are one of the most common emission sources and range in use from small fire tube boilers to large utility boilers associated with power plant facilities. The course discusses uses of boilers, heat transfer methods and fundamentals of operation of modern industrial and utility boilers including those fired by natural gas, biomass municipal waste and coal (circulating fluidized bed units). The course also discusses steam turbines and power generation. This is followed by a detailed discussion on emissions and control techniques such as Low-NOx burners, FGR, staged combustion, SCR and SNCR. New technologies such as Ultra Low-NOx 9 ppm burners, applicable federal and local BACT regulations, permitting requirements and agency inspection procedures and safety concerns are thoroughly discussed.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Those completing this course will gain a basic understanding of the general information associated with industrial boiler operations. Attendees will be able to perform regulatory reviews involving the following elements of
industrial boilers:

Air Pollution – Why
Boiler Uses
Boiler Theory and Operation
Air Pollution Formation
Air Pollution Control Devices
Boiler Regulations
Typical Permit Conditions
Inspection Procedures

To Register log onto EPA AirKnowledge
Course Materials
Course Brochure

Stationary Gas Turbines (TOXC 224)
2025-05-21 09:00 - 15:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | AZ
This is a virtual, instructor-led training
TARGET AUDIENCE: This course is intended for new, inexperienced state, local and tribal air quality professionals.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Stationary gas turbines are popular as combined-cycles, peaking power plants and cogeneration facilities. The course discusses the uses of gas turbines, fundamentals of operation of modern turbines with emphasis on state-of-the-art controls to achieve some of the lowest emission concentrations for this source category. The course also discusses combined cycles with HRSG units, steam turbines and power generation. This is followed by a detailed discussion on emissions and control techniques such as Dry Low-NOx combustors with staged combustion, water or steam injection followed by SCR and CO catalysts. Applicable federal and local BACT regulations, permitting requirements, and agency inspection procedures and safety concerns are thoroughly discussed.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Those completing this course will gain a basic understanding of the general information associated with stationary gas turbines plants. Attendees will be able to perform regulatory reviews involving the following elements of stationary gas turbines:

Gas turbine history, theory of operation
Gas turbine uses
Air pollution control devices
Gas turbine regulations
Typical permit conditions
Inspection procedures
Continuous emission monitoring
Source testing requirements

To register log onto EPA AirKnowledge
Course Materials
Course Brochure

Incinerators (TOXC 222)
2025-05-20 09:00 - 15:20 (America/Los_Angeles) | AZ
This is a virtual, instructor-led training
TARGET AUDIENCE: This course is intended for new, inexperienced state, local and tribal air quality professionals.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on the process, emission control equipment and inspection procedures of small to medium sized solid waste incinerators. The types of incinerators include biomedical, pathological, crematories and commercial heat stripping ovens. This course does not address municipal waste combustors, biomass or hazardous waste incinerators.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Those completing this course will gain a basic understanding of the general information associated with incinerators operations. Attendees will be able to perform regulatory reviews involving the following elements of incinerators: The following topics will be covered in this course:
• 3 T’s of combustion
• Types of combustion
• Categories of Industrial Incinerators
• Typical Incinerator Operating Procedures
• Typical Operational Errors
• Incinerator Emissions & Control
• Incinerator Inspection
• Air Pollution Control Points of Inspection
To Register for the Course log onto EPA AirKnowledge
Course Material
Course Brochure

Air Quality Dispersion Modeling - Pearl City
2025-05-12 08:30 - 2025-05-13 17:00 (Pacific/Honolulu) | Hawaii Clean Air Branch, 2827 Waimano Home Rd #130, Pearl City, 96782, United States
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 2-day training course is not intended to produce modelers but rather to focus on atmospheric science principles, model options, and configurations, as well as pre- and post-processing steps that ultimately determine the outcome of the modeling study. The course will develop a solid understanding of regulatory air dispersion modeling fundamentals combined with the application of this knowledge toward solving real-world air quality challenges. Practical and real-world AERMOD examples will be utilized throughout the course to effectively demonstrate how these topics work together to influence model outcomes. In addition, hands-on training is incorporated throughout the training to reinforce concepts.
The intent of the course is to empower permit engineers and managers with the knowledge and real-world experience needed to quickly assess the validity of model selection, configuration, and results interpretation as related to specific regulatory programs. Emphasis is on explaining and demonstrating important modeling concepts that permit writers and managers must understand to make informed and defensible decisions during the permitting process to ensure the permit conditions meet regulatory requirements.
WESTAR’s funding and mission limit attendance at WESTAR’s educational opportunities to staff from government air pollution control agencies.

To REGISTER contact Jeff Gabler: 503-744-0486

Introduction to Continuous Monitoring Systems (SRCE 104)
2025-05-06 08:30 - 2025-05-08 16:30 (America/Chicago) | North Dakota DEQ, 4201 Normandy Street, Bismarck, ND, 58507, United States
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Continuous Monitoring Systems (CMS) training course is 3 days and in-person. It provides participants with a basic understanding of CMS including an overview of how to perform regulatory reviews and includes key concepts, terminology, techniques, and information on CMS, including types, regulations, analytical techniques, systems design and components, performance specifications (PS), quality assurance (QA) requirements, commonly used technologies, audits/inspections, and enforcement procedures. In addition to the instructor presentation and lecture, participants have opportunities to apply their knowledge through practical exercises, facilitated discussions, and knowledge check games.
There are four modules in this course and an introductory module:

Course Introduction
Module 1: Introduction to CMS
Module 2: Overview of CMS and CMS Design and Components
Module 3: Performance Specifications, Quality Assurance, and Commonly Used Technologies

REGISTRATION FEES: There are no registration fees for state, local or tribal air quality agency staff. For federal employees the registration fees are $500.
WESTAR’s funding and mission limit attendance at WESTAR’s educational opportunities to staff from government air pollution control agencies.
Course Brochure
Course Materials
To Register Log onto EPA’s AirKnowledge

Intermediate NSR/PSD
2025-04-28 08:00 - 2025-04-30 17:00 (Pacific/Honolulu) | Hawaii Clean Air Branch, 2827 Waimano Home Rd #130, Pearl City, 96782, United States
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 3-day Intermediate NSR/PSD Permitting training course is for SLT agency personnel who have, or will have, permitting responsibilities for major sources. The objectives of the course are to provide with a high-level understanding of permitting elements, regulatory requirements, and policies pertaining to the major permitting programs, and provide attendees with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to identify pertinent regulatory and policy materials, and the ability to apply these to day-to-day responsibilities and activities.
Major Topics Include:

New Source Review and Prevention of Significant Deterioration Programs – Background and History
Definitions
Applicability
Requirements
BACT
NAAQS Analysis
Netting Analysis
Increment and Other Analyses
Relationship between NSR and other programs
Effective Use of Exclusions and Permit Procedures
Pre-Application Monitoring Waivers
Operating Permits

REGISTRATION FEES: There are no registration fees for state, local or tribal air quality agency staff. For federal employees the registration fees are $1,200.
WESTAR’s funding and mission limit attendance at WESTAR’s educational opportunities to staff from government air pollution control agencies.
To Register Please Contact Jeff Gabler: 503-744-0486

Air Toxics & Regulating Hazardous Air Pollutants
2025-04-22 08:30 - 2025-04-23 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Washington Dept of Ecology, 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States
DESCRIPTION: This two-day course provides an overview of air toxics emission sources that may be regulated under the Clean Air Act. The following topics will be covered:
• History and Types of Air Toxics
• Federal Air Toxic Laws and Programs
• State Air Toxics Programs
• Exposure and Toxicity Assessments
• Risk Characterization
• Compliance Assessment – Federal and State Programs
COURSE MATERIALS: Training course materials will only be available electronically. Attendees will receive an online document sharing link for access to materials. It is the attendee’s responsibility for downloading files and for providing the device or media on which to view materials. WESTAR will provide hard copies only for those needing accommodation.
SPACE LIMITATION: Registration is limited to 30 attendees. Air quality staff from the fifteen western states receive registration preference.
REGISTRATION FEES: There are no registration fees for state, local or tribal air quality agency staff. For federal employees the registration fees are $500.
To Register log onto EPA’s AirKnowledge
Course Materials: Click Here
COURSE BROCHURE: Air Toxics & Regulating Hazardous Air Pollutants

Basic Inspector Training (NACT 350)
2025-03-25 08:30 - 2025-03-27 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, 97232, United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Those completing this course will have an understanding of the compliance assessment practices that are employed for evaluating air emission sources. The individual will gain an understanding of the following inspector tasks:

Role of the field inspector
Permit conditions compliance documentation and evidence gathering
Complaints handling and other inspection investigations
Inspection of air pollution sources

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course provides an overview of the aspects of inspection preparation, the procedures for conducting an inspection, and follow-up tasks that must be completed after conducting an inspection. Proper procedures are covered for investigating an air pollution complaint, conducting an inspection, and gathering evidence of an emission source compliance. The course also introduces various federal environmental laws and regulations to individuals that are new to environmental compliance programs.
WESTAR’s funding and mission limit attendance at WESTAR’s educational opportunities to staff from government air pollution control agencies.
Course Materials
Course Brochure
TO REGISTER log onto EPA’s AirKnowledge
