About the Program
Method 303 is the inspection method used to demonstrate compliance with USEPA hazardous air emission regulations for by-product coke oven batteries. Individuals conducting inspections under Method 303 must complete initial certification training and be recertified on an annual basis. Crowder Environmental Associates, Inc. (CEA), provides initial certification training and recertification testing for Method 303. CEA also maintains records of individual inspector certifications for documentation of current or past certification status and provides advance notice of upcoming annual recertification requirements.
CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS
Who must be certified?
- Anyone who inspects a coke battery to comply with the coke oven NESHAP (40CFR63, Subpart L) must be a certified Method 303 observer. Under the rule, coke plants are not allowed to self-inspect, so observations by employees of the coke plant cannot be used to determine compliance.
How does one certify?
- One must attend and pass a Method 303 certification course. To obtain information about training courses, check this website or contact Jerry Crowder at 731-589-0911 or at jerry@cea303.com.
How much experience is required prior to attending the certification training course?
- Trainees must have completed at least 12 hours of field observations and must have attended the lecture portion of the EPA Method 9 certification course (40CFR60, Appendix A, Method 9). Although not required to, the trainee should complete the field observation requirement at a coke oven battery that they will be inspecting after becoming certified.
- During the 12 hours, the trainee must observe the operations of a coke oven battery, as it pertains to Method 303, and must also practice inspecting the battery using Method 303 or a similar method. For people with no experience with coke battery operations or coke oven inspection procedures, the 12 hours of field observation must contain instruction from an experienced coke oven observer. For people who are already familiar with coking operations (because they work on coke batteries, for example) and the coke oven inspection procedure (because they have inspected batteries, for example), it is acceptable for them to use previous experience to satisfy this requirement, providing their previous inspection experience includes inspecting coke batteries for door, lid, and offtake leaks, and timing charging emissions. If not, then they will have to obtain that experience. The general idea is for everyone to be familiar with coke battery operations and the general concepts of counting door, lid, and offtake leaks and timing charging emissions so that, during the course, the student can concentrate on learning Method 303.
How does one arrange to receive the 12 hours of field observation?
- Contact the applicable State or local air pollution control agency for guidance. Cooperation with the particular coke battery and with the State or local agency will be needed.
How much safety training do I need?
- Prior to attending the Method 303 certification course, all trainees must have completed a 24-hour basic health and safety training course, or equivalent, and be fit-tested for a respirator. Anyone who has not completed the necessary safety training will not be accepted.
What do I need to bring to the course?
- It is the responsibility of the trainees to supply their own hard hat, steel‑toed safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, flame retardant clothing and a fit-tested respirator. Also, trainees should bring a clipboard, a stopwatch, and a scientific calculator.
What is the certification course going to be like and how long does it last?
- The course usually lasts two days. The morning of the first day is a classroom lecture. This will either be held at a hotel conference room or at the plant. During the classroom portion of the certification course, the instructor will go over the method in detail. The Method 303 video will illustrate the various procedures for inspecting a battery, and a computer program to calculate the results will be provided. A test will be given, and the trainee must answer all the questions correctly.
- On the afternoon of the first day, the trainees go to the battery and divide into groups of 5 ‑ 8 people. Three panel members will act as field instructors for each group. The groups will practice the method on the battery.
- On the second day, the trainees go to the battery for their certification runs. Trainees will be certified when 3 certifying runs have been completed to the satisfaction of the panel.
How long does certification last and how does one re-certify?
- Certification lasts for one year. After the initial certification, observers obtain interim recertification twice by viewing the Method 303 video, reviewing the course materials from the initial certification training, and correctly answering all of the questions on the Method 303 test. Every third year, in addition to correctly answering all of the questions on the Method 303 test, observers must again demonstrate proficiency to the Method 303 panel.
Who pays for certification?
Each trainee pays a fee for certification. Fees in U.S. dollars are as follows:
Private Firms:
Initial certification $3,000
Third-year recertification 2,500
Interim recertification 250
U.S. Regulatory Agencies:
Initial certification $300
Third-year recertification 250
Interim recertification 25
Canadian Private Firms and Regulatory Agencies:
Initial certification $2,750
Third-year recertification 2,250
Interim recertification 250
TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE
April 16-17, 2024
STELCO Hamilton Works
Hamilton, Ontario
May 21-22, 2024
U.S. Steel Clairton Works
Clairton, Pennsylvania
June 2024 TBA (3rd-yr only)
Algoma Steel
Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario
Contact Us
Crowder Environmental Associates, Inc.
420 Murray Road
Fairview, Texas 75069 731-589-0911 jerry@cea303.com
