Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Subject 391-3-20 - INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Rule 391-3-20-.11 - Inspector Qualifications and Certification

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 391-3-20-.11

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) No person shall perform an emission inspection, or any part of an emission inspection, or issue a Certificate of Emission Inspection, unless he or she:

(a) has submitted an Inspector Certification Application to EPD in a format established by EPD. The application shall include all information required by the Director to determine that the applicant meets the requirements of the Act and this Chapter. An update shall be filed with the Management Contractor, in a format approved by EPD, no later than the next business day for any change in the information in or submitted with the application.

(b) has obtained the age of 18 prior to attending the inspector training class;

(c) has completed the appropriate EPD-approved training program for the type of inspection he or she will be performing;

(d) has obtained training on the proper operation of inspection equipment from the manufacturer of the GAS that will be used to perform the emission inspections;

(e) has passed a written and practical test of proficiency, and,

(f) holds a valid Certificate as a certified emission inspector issued by the Director.

(2) The EPD-approved training program will include information on:

(a) air pollution, its causes and effects;

(b) the purpose and functions of the I/M Program;

(c) inspection regulations and procedures, including technical details and the rationale for their design;

(d) emission control devices, their functions, configuration, identification and inspection;

(e) Georgia Analyzer System (GAS) operation, calibration and maintenance;

(f) quality control procedures and their purpose;

(g) public relations; and

(h) safety and health issues related to inspections.

(3) Inspectors must demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in proper inspection procedures. Inspectors must pass (with 80% correct answers) a written test on all aspects of the training.

Inspectors must also pass a practical test by demonstrating that they have knowledge about conducting all parts of the inspection correctly.

(4) The Director shall issue a Certificate and one Inspector picture ID badge to inspectors who satisfactorily complete the EPD-approved training program and pass the written and hands-on tests. Certificates may be suspended or revoked at any time, after notice and offer of a hearing, for failure to conduct inspections properly or to otherwise comply with the Act or this Chapter.

(5) Unless suspended, revoked or voluntarily surrendered, a Certificate issued by the Director is valid for two years from the date of issuance.

(a) For inspectors intending to renew their Certificate, a complete application for renewal of an inspector's Certificate must be submitted at least 30 calendar days prior to the expiration of the existing Certificate.

(b) The Director shall renew the Certificate upon timely receipt of a renewal application, determination that there is no cause to deny the renewal in accordance with the Act or Chapter 391-3-20 of the Rules, the inspector successfully completing an EPD approved retraining program, and the inspector passing the written test.

(6) No inspector shall perform an emissions inspection unless he or she is wearing his or her EPD-issued Inspector picture ID badge so the picture is clearly visible on his or her front upper body area. Replacement of a lost, missing, damaged or illegible ID badge is the responsibility of the inspector at a cost of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) paid to the Management Contractor.

(7) No inspector shall hold or attempt to fraudulently obtain two (2) or more valid Certificates.

(8) Whenever an inspector, after applying for and receiving a Certificate, moves from the address listed in his or her application or changes the telephone or e-mail address contact information, the inspector shall notify the Management Contractor of his or her change of address or contact information no later than the next business day. The address in the application or as updated by the inspector shall serve as the address for any and all notice required by law.

(9) No unauthorized person shall use a certified emission inspector's personal access code or biometric login to perform any part of an emission inspection. No certified emission inspector shall use the personal access code or biometric login of another certified emission inspector to perform any part of an emission inspection.

(10) An inspector shall not divulge or authorize the use of his or her personal access code or biometric login by any other person(s). An inspector shall be held responsible for all inspections performed by any person using his or her personal access code or biometric login.

(11) Before an inspector may perform emissions inspections at a station, the Management Contractor must allow the inspector access to the test system(s) at the station. Inspectors must notify the Management Contractor at least three (3) business days before they begin employment at a given station, and no later than the next business day when they cease employment at a station.

(12) The Director may deny issuance or renewal of a Certificate for cause, including, but not limited to, the inspector's compliance history.

O.C.G.A. §§ 12-9-40, et seq., as amended.

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