About Us

Fred Ellis:

Fred has a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the Montana School of Mines and started managing and running the EPA Method 9 training program for Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) in 1999. Fred has conducted Method 9 training throughout the state of Arizona and trained approximately 1200 people annually while at ADEQ. Fred assisted Maricopa County Environmental Services Department with the development of the “modified” Method 9 visible emissions observation used in Maricopa County. Fred had conducted air quality compliance inspections for nearly eight (8) years at ADEQ and has extensive experience concerning compliance issues and in conducting Method 9 Visible Emissions Observations (VEOs) at all types of facilities. Fred has recently attended a smoke generator operator’s workshop sponsored by the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and is keenly aware of all the requirements to conduct a Method 9 training program to certify participants to perform Method 9 VEOs for record. Fred incorporated several design changes in the ADEQ smoke generator that improved the reliability and performance of the generator. Some of these design features have been incorporated in the building of the smoke generator used by Arizona Smoke School.

Aaron LaRoque, P.E.

Aaron has a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the Montana School of Mines as well as a registration of Professional Engineer in the state of Arizona in Environmental Engineering. Aaron worked for the Air Quality Division of ADEQ for several years and performed many duties while at ADEQ, to include writing permits, conducting compliance inspections, and conducting Method 9 training.  Aaron has operated a small consulting business for several years helping companies obtain their air quality control permits, responding to Notice of Violations, completing Compliance Certifications and Emissions Inventories, and writing and reviewing Dust Control Plans.