EPA @ Cal Poly General Information

EPA @ CAL POLY General Information
The Air Pollution Training Institute
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Harold Cota, PhD, PE

The Air Pollution Training Institute (APTI), located in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, provides a comprehensive curriculum for the air pollution control community. The APTI is comprised of environmental training programs at several universities and is managed by the Education and Outreach Group (EOG), Information Transfer and Program Integration Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (The EOG includes the functions of what was the EPA Air Pollution Training Branch before the latest OAQPS reorganization.) Participating universities are listed in either Area Training Centers (ATC's) or Specialized Training Centers (STC's).

The goal of the APTI is to present the latest course materials in each particular subject area. The course materials are updated by nationally-recognized experts in the subject matter of each course. Generally, classroom presentations provide hands-on learning opportunities. Satellite versions of classroom courses use video tapes and simulations to enhance presentations. The self-study program offers students an opportunity to explore additional subject areas at their own pace.

The classroom and satellite course schedules were prepared with the assistance of the State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrator's Association, the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officers, and the technical staffs of the EPA Regional Offices. Regularly scheduled courses are presented free to State and local air pollution control agency and EPA employees. Others may participate on a fee basis and where space is available. Individuals outside the United States may participate in APTI self-instructional, classroom and telecourses. For more information, please contact the APTI International Training Coordinator, Fax No. 919-541-3641.

Classroom Courses are presented by recognized professionals. In many cases, the university faculty of the ATC's present APTI courses. Courses are taught at these universities and at other locations as indicated in the course schedule. Applications to register for scheduled classroom courses should be made to the APTI Registrar, using the APTI application form.(More Information)

Telecourses are delivered through satellite broadcasting technologies. Telecourses are designed for a broad audience and utilize audiovisual materials that are often not available in other courses. As with classroom courses, instructors are recognized professionals in the subject area. In many cases, the last day of the telecourse features an open forum with technical specialists and managers currently involved in establishing national policy in the subject area of the telecourse. There are two general categories of telecourses: (1) 400-level (instructional) telecourses, and (2) telecourse workshops/seminars. The EPA and non-Federal employees of Regional, State and local government air pollution control agencies must register for 400-level telecourses through the APTI Registrar and, for telecourse workshops and seminars through the Air Pollution Distance Learning Network (APDLN) Site Coordinators or the APTI Registrar. Others can obtain registration and fee information from the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Environmental Programs Office at 919-515-5875.

Self-Study courses are available free of charge to EPA and non-Federal employees of Regional, State and local government air pollution control agencies. Persons in these categories can register for self-study courses through the APTI Registrar, using the APTI application. Others can obtain registration and fee information for self-study courses from NCSU Environmental Programs Office at 919-515-5875.

The EPA Regional Offices may be able to provide technical assistance and information on other air pollution training activities. For information, please contact the appropriate Regional Office.

Applications for Classroom Courses
Applications for all courses (lecture and laboratory), Self-Instructional, and Telecourses must be made on the Application for Training form available from any ATC or EPA Regional Office. Applications can also be downloaded from the EPA website. Please mail your application and fee payment (if applicable--see section on tuition fees) as early as possible. Many courses fill up as early as 6 months in advance of the scheduled date of the course. Telephone applications are not accepted.

Approval of Applications
Approval of an application is based on relevant education, experience and employment in a position with work responsibility involving enforcement of, or compliance with, regulatory programs for the achievement of air quality standards. Applications are reviewed for enrollment eligibility by the APTI staff. Applicants judged to be fully qualified are approved immediately following review of the application. Applicants whose attendance would make class enrollment exceed established ceilings are placed on a "wait" list. In general, the maximum number of spaces available in lecture courses is 36. For laboratory courses, the maximum number is 24.

Confirmation
Written notice of the action taken on an application (acceptance, wait list, or disapproval) is typically mailed within 10 working days from the date the application is received. Please do not telephone to check on your application status unless the 10-day period has passed and you have not received a notice.

Cancellations / Substitutions
If you find that you cannot attend a course for which you are registered, please notify the Registrar as soon as possible. Courses often have waiting lists, and failure to cancel in advance may preclude admission of another qualified applicant. To receive a refund of fees, a notice of cancellation must be received at least 10 days prior to the starting date of the course. Substitutions can be made with the approval of the Registrar. Phone calls are accepted for cancellations/substitutions if the substitute meets all of the prerequisites for the course.

Fees
Non-Federal employees of Regional, State and local government air pollution control agencies are exempt from tuition fees. All other students must pay fees according to the following schedule:

Applicants from other than Regional, State and local government air pollution control agencies must send a check or money order payable to the Cal Poly Foundation AirPollution Control Areawide Training Center with the application form. The EPA cannot bill individuals or companies. Federal employees must send a check or money order with applications, or they may send billing instructions. The former is preferred. If you are subject to tuition fees, you must send either payment or billing instructions as appropriate, otherwise your application will be returned to you without consideration.

Grading
All students will receive a certificate of attendance for classroom courses. Students who meet the following criteria will receive a certificate of successful course completion and Continuing Education Units (CEU's).

The APTI maintains a record of the CEU's awarded to each student and updates individual records as additional units are earned in APTI courses.

Travel
Students must make their own travel arrangements. Please note that some courses include half days that are always on the last day (e.g., a 4.5-day course begins on Monday and ends at 12 noon on Friday). Allow yourself ample travel time between the end of the course and your departure.

Lodging
Students must make their own lodging arrangements. You will receive local lodging information when such information is available.

Course Characteristics
The APTI conducts both classroom (lecture and laboratory) courses and workshops. Instruction is intense. Classes are typically held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Students usually have homework problems and reading assignments to do in the evenings. Students may be required to provide a hand-held scientific calculator for some courses. For the requirements of each course, see the complete course descriptions that follow this introduction.

Course Materials for Registered Students
Students will receive all course materials during the course. These materials include such items as student manuals, workbooks, lab manuals, and handouts, depending on the course.

Availability of Course Materials
Training course materials, while developed primarily for use by APTI, have proven to be useful training aids for universities, technical schools, and other training programs. The APTI training materials can be obtained, for a reasonable fee, through NCSU Environmental Programs Office, University Box 7513, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7513; telephone number 919-515-5875. The FAX number is (919) 515-4386.

423

Air Pollution Dispersion Models--Applications WESTAR, San Luis Obispo, CA, 3-day laboratory course, 2 CEU's ---June 2000

Course Description: Students successfully completing this course will be able to select dispersion models appropriate to particular problems in air quality impact analysis, apply recommend models, and judge the validity of the models' output. Students will become familiar with selected theories of dispersion as employed in current regulatory modeling practice and with the various technical options incorporated in the models preferred by EPA. Students will be able to apply a number of models for point, area, and line sources through hands-on use of personal computers and modem connections to EPA's Support Center for Regulatory Models (SCRAM) Bulletin Board System (BBS), to complete examples, exercises, and assignments.

Major Topics:

Dispersion parameters
Plume rise
Meteorological data
EPA's "Guideline on Air Quality Models" and SCRAM BBS
Selecting the appropriate air quality model
Special meteorological situations and model options
Executing specific models for selected scenarios
Modeling complex terrain situations
Modeling hazardous/toxic pollutants
Forum on air quality modeling issues

Desired Background: Successful completion of APTI Courses SI:409 and SI:410, and ability to use a personal computer (PC) for scientific applications.

424
Source Receptor Modeling Workshop (Not offered in 1999), San Luis Obispo, CA, 4-day laboratory course, 3 CEU's

Course Description: Receptor models are a group of measurement-based air quality models for identifying and quantifying the contribution of specific source categories to concentrations at air measurement (receptor) sites. While this course focuses on Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) receptor modeling, other source apportionment techniques will be covered, including optical and scanning electron microscopy, radiocarbon analysis, and multiple linear regression. Students will learn the major components and criteria for a successful CMB study, methods for ambient sampling and analysis, the requirements for and contents of source profiles, and principles of receptor model evaluation and validation. CMB applications for particles, as well as for ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), will be reviewed. Homework assignments will require students to apply CMB-8 model software (will be provided) to test data sets, using their PCS. Note that, between the third and fourth telecast days, 3 weeks are allowed for students to complete and submit their assignments.

Target Audience: This four-day course is designed for Federal, State, and local air pollution control agency technical personnel and environmental managers involved with the development or review of receptor model applications, or who work on State Implementation Plan revisions, New Source Reviews, or Prevention of Significant Deterioration analyses, and need to gain experience setting up and running EPA's receptor model (CMB-8) on a personal computer. Emission inventory professionals and air quality modelers are examples of individuals who will benefit by taking this course. Students should be familiar with emission inventories, ambient monitoring equipment, analytical analysis methods for particle and gas samples, statistical techniques, multiple linear regression and atmospheric dispersion models, and be able to use a PC for scientific applications.

435
Atmospheric Sampling (August 16-20, 1999, July 30-August 3, 2001, August 19-23, 2002, 2007, September 8-12, 2008 ), San Luis Obispo, CA, 4 1/2-day lecture course
3.5 CEUs

Course Description
Students successfully completing this course will understand how to select sampling methods and the instruments appropriate to various sampling needs. The students will be able to calibrate and operate laboratory air sampling devices. They will learn about factors affecting sample collection efficiency. Topics discussed in lectures and investigated in the laboratories include methods of calibration, use of flow rate measuring instruments, general techniques for sampling the atmosphere, and reference methods for sampling and analyzing criteria pollutants. A scientific calculator is required for class exercises.

Major topics

LECTURE

Generation of test atmospheres of gaseous pollutants
Effects of variables on atmospheric sampling
Selection of sampling train components
Air quality surveillance networks and their siting
Concepts and procedures for ensuring quality in atmospheric sampling

PARTICULATE LABORATORY

High volume sampler and orifice calibration.
Performance audit of reference flow device.
Use of constant flow controllers.

FLOW LABORATORY

Calibration of flow devices including wet test meters, limiting orifices, rotameters, and mass flow meters.
Preparation of dynamic calibration gas via a dilution system.

CONTROLLED TEST ATMOSPHERE LABORATORY

Preparation of dynamic calibration gas via a permeation system coupled with a dilution system calibration of continuous monitors using these calibration gases.

450
Source Sampling for Pollutants (December 13-17, 1999,August 7-11,2000, August 13-17, 2001, August 5-9, 2002, August 11-15, 2003, August 9-13, 2004, August 8-12, 2005, December 11-15, 2006, December 15-19, 2008), San Luis Obispo, CA, 5-day laboratory course, 4 CEU's.

Course Description: 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 details and clarifies EPA Reference Methods 1, 2, 3, and 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. Instruction relies on laboratory exercises in which students work with stack sampling equipment. Students perform components of the various methods, extract a sample from an actual or simulated stack, and make the necessary calculations to follow a sampling procedure and to report test results. A scientific calculator is necessary for class and homework exercises.

Major Topics:

Basic concepts of gases
EPA Reference Methods 1 through 4, process tasks and basis for task requirements
Source testing procedures for gaseous and particulate pollutants
Source sampling equipment (function and calibration)
Calculations in source sampling
Orsat analysis
Quality assurance and safety in source sampling

Desired Background: Engineering/scientific degree or successful completion of Course RE:100 or 6 months of equivalent work experience.

468

Source Sampling and Analysis of Gaseous Pollutants

Offered at Cal Poly August 21-25, 2000, August 15-19, 2005.

click here for course description.

470

Quality Assurance for Air Pollution Measurement Systems
4-day lecture course held on Cal Poly Campus room 13-118 3 CEUs Offered at Cal Poly ATC March 22-25,1999, September 5-8,2000, August 26-29, 2003, July 27-30, 2004.
Course Description [more details] This course is designed for quality assurance coordinators or managers, field or laboratory supervisors, and technicians involved with quality assurance. Lectures present the basic quality management principles and techniques applicable to air pollution monitoring systems. It covers the four principal areas of management, measurement, systems, and statistics. You will get hands on experience.
Major topics
Basic concepts of statistical control charts Regression analysis and control charts for calibration data Identification and treatment of outliers Quality assurance for SLAMS and PSD Performance and system audits	Measurement Intra-laboratory testing Procurement quality control Data validation Quality costs
Desired Background Students should be proficient in high school algebra and familiar with basic statistical concepts. Successful completion of APTI SI:100 "Mathematics Review for Air Pollution Control" will satisfy the high school algebra requirement. Course SI:473A is recommended for the statistical techniques used in this course.

Applications / Registration for Telecourses
EPA and non-Federal employees of Regional, State and local government air pollution control agency employees must preregister for all telecourses 2 weeks prior to the date of the telecourse. For 400-level telecourses, a formal APTI application must be submitted to the APTI Registrar. For telecourse workshops/seminars, students should register through the APDLN Site Coordinator, or through the APTI Registrar using an APTI application.

Others should contact the North Carolina State University Environmental Programs Office at 919-515-5875 to register for all telecourses and pay the appropriate fees.

Fees for the Private Sector
The EPA is required by the Clean Air Act Amendments to recover costs from all participants except those specifically exempted (EPA and non-Federal Regional, State, and local government air pollution control agency employees). The fees collected help offset the cost of future broadcasts. The fee for participation in telecourses is $150.00 per day, per student. Occasionally, there may be satellite presentations for the general public or for a specific source group; in that case, there is no fee.

Telecourse Charcteristics
The APTI broadcasts air pollution training courses, workshops, and seminars over satellites using compressed digital signal technology. Because telecourses are broadcast nationally, they usually begin at 12 noon eastern time and end promptly at 5 p.m. eastern time. Student materials are provided by site coordinators at the opening session of each broadcast. All 400-level courses have pre-tests and post-tests. The post-test should be completed after the course ends and before the student leaves the training site. The site coordinator is responsible for collecting the tests and course critiques. Students who wish to receive CEU's and a certificate of successful course completion must meet the general requirements specified in this catalog under the heading "Grading" (page 6). In general, telecourses are designed to meet the same education standards as those taught in the classroom.

Telecourse Materials for Registered Students
Course materials vary with the type of course being presented. Each student will receive all training course materials from the site coordinator. (One exception: State and local students who attend at an Area Training Center must provide their own copies of materials.) Generally, each student will receive a course manual and other handouts appropriate for the telecourse. To ensure that materials are available for you at the time of the telecourse presentation, you must preregister for the telecourse with the Site Coordinator.

Offerings
Consult the OAQPS Home Page, the APTI Bulletin Board or the APTI Information Line for the specific dates. Telecourses are generally announced 3 months prior to the broadcast.

Planned Telecourses
The actual schedule of telecourses is announced on the 3-month "rolling" schedule that is updated on the APTI Bulletin Board and APTI Information Line by the 10th of each month.

400-Level Telecourses
EPA and non-Federal employees of Regional, State or local air pollution control agencies must preregister for these courses as required through the APTI Registrar using the APTI application. Others should contact the NCSU Environmental Programs Office at 919-515-5875 for preregistration and fee information. When the date of the course is announced on the 3-month schedule, the registration deadline will be indicated.

Workshops and Seminars
Telecourse workshops and seminars do not have prerequisites, tests or result in earning of CEU's. However, EPA and non-Federal employees of Regional, State or local government air pollution control agencies must preregister for telecourse workshops and seminars by contacting the Site Coordinator or the APTI Registrar.

Others should contact the NCSU Environmental Programs Office at (919) 515-5875 for registration and fee information.

Air Pollution Training Institute
Environmental Resource Center Annex, MD-17
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711

Managed by
The Education and Outreach Group
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711

Additional APTI course information (including a catalog of APTI Training Courses) is available through the following internet links: