[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 112 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31991-31993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15587]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-6110-4]


Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods; 
Designation of Two Reference Methods and Two Equivalent Methods

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of designation.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) has designated, in accordance with 40 CFR part 53, two new 
reference methods for the measurement of PM2.5 
concentrations in the ambient air and two new equivalent methods for 
the measurement of sulfur dioxide and ozone (respectively) in the 
ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank F. McElroy, Human Exposure and 
Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-46), National Exposure Research 
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. 
Phone: (919) 541-2622, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA announces the designation of two new 
reference methods for measuring mass concentrations of particulate 
matter as PM2.5 in the ambient air and two new equivalent 
methods, for monitoring concentrations of sulfur dioxide 
(SO2) and ozone (O3), respectively, in the 
ambient air. These designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR 
part 53, as amended on July 18, 1997 (62 FR 38764).
    Each of the new reference methods is a manual monitoring method 
based on a particular PM2.5 sampler, one being a single-
filter sampler and the other capable of automatically collecting 
multiple (sequential) samples. The first equivalent method is an 
automated method (analyzer) for SO2 that utilizes a 
measurement principle based on ultraviolet fluorescence. The other 
equivalent method is an automated method (analyzer) for O3 
that utilizes a measurement principle based on absorption of 
ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 254 nm. The new methods are 
identified as follows:
    RFPS-0598-119, ``Graseby Andersen Model RAAS2.5-100 
PM2.5 Ambient Air Sampler,'' operated with software version 
4B configured for ``Single 2.5'' operation, for 24-hour continuous 
sample periods at a flow rate of 16.67 liters/minute, and in accordance 
with the Model RAAS2.5-100 Operator's Manual and with the requirements 
and sample collection filters specified in 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L.
    RFPS-0598-120, ``Graseby Andersen Model RAAS2.5-300 
PM2.5 Sequential Ambient Air Sampler,'' operated with 
software version 4B configured for ``Multi 2.5'' operation, for 24-hour 
continuous sample periods at a flow rate of 16.67 liters/minute, and in 
accordance with the Model RAAS2.5-300 Operator's Manual and with the 
requirements and sample collection filters specified in 40 CFR Part 50, 
Appendix L.

[[Page 31992]]

    EQSA-0197-114, ``Horiba Instruments Model APSA-360 or APSA-360ACE 
Ambient Sulfur Dioxide Monitor,'' operated at any temperature in the 
range of 5  deg.C to 40  deg.C; Model APSA-360: operated with a full 
scale range of 0-0.5 ppm, with a Line Setting of ``MEASURE'', and an 
Analog Output of ``MOMENTARY VALUE'', and with or without either of the 
following options: 1) Rack Mounting Plate and Side Rails; 2) RS-232 
Communications Port; Model APSA-360ACE: operated on any of the 
following ranges: 0-0.05 ppm or 0-0.1 ppm or 0-0.2 ppm or 0-0.5 ppm or 
0-1.0 ppm, with any selectable time constant from 10 to 300 seconds.
    EQOA-0992-087, ``Advanced Pollution Instrumentation, Inc. Model 400 
or 400A Ozone Analyzer,'' operated on any full scale range between 0-
100 ppb and 0-1000 ppb, with any range mode (Single, Dual, or 
AutoRange), at any ambient temperature in the range of 5  deg.C to 40 
deg.C, with the dynamic zero and span adjustment feature (some Model 
400 units only) set to OFF, with a 5-micron TFE filter element 
installed in the rear-panel filter assembly, and with or without any of 
the following options: Zero/Span Valve option, Internal Zero/Span (IZS) 
option, IZS ozone generator reference feedback option, standard serial 
port or Multi-drop RS-232, digital status outputs, analog outputs: 100 
mV, 1 V, 5 V, 10 V, 4-20 mA current loop, optional metal wool ozone 
scrubber, optional external sample pump, optional 47 mm diameter 
filter, optical bench heater, rack mount with slides.
    An application for reference method determinations for the Graseby 
Andersen PM2.5 methods was received by the EPA on January 8, 
1998, and a notice of the receipt of this application was published in 
the Federal Register on February 10, 1998. The methods are available 
commercially from the applicant, Graseby Andersen, 500 Technology 
Court, Smyrna, GA 30082.
    An application for an equivalent method determination for the 
Horiba Model APSA-360ACE SO2 method was received by EPA on 
March 26, 1998 (publication of notice of receipt in the Federal 
Register is currently pending). The Horiba Model APSA-360 was 
previously designated as an equivalent method (62 FR 6968) and 
continues to be designated, although it will be commercially superseded 
by the Model APSA-360ACE. These analyzers are available from the 
applicant, Horiba Instruments, Incorporated, 17671 Armstrong Avenue, 
Irvine, CA 92714.
    An application for an equivalent method determination for the 
Advanced Pollution Instrumentation, Inc. (API) Model 400A O3 
method was received by EPA on February 24, 1998 (publication of notice 
of receipt in the Federal Register is currently pending). The API Model 
400 was previously designated as an equivalent method (57 FR 44565) and 
continues to be designated, although it will be commercially superseded 
by the Model 400A. These analyzers are available from the applicant, 
Advanced Pollution Instrumentation, Incorporated, 6565 Nancy Ridge 
Drive, San Diego, CA 92121.
    Test samplers or analyzers representative of each of these methods 
have been tested by the respective applicants in accordance with the 
test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 53 (as amended on July 18, 
1997). After reviewing the results of those tests and other information 
submitted by the applicants, EPA has determined, in accordance with 
part 53, that these methods should be designated as reference or 
equivalent methods, as appropriate. The information submitted by the 
applicants will be kept on file at EPA's National Exposure Research 
Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 and will be 
available for inspection to the extent consistent with 40 CFR part 2 
(EPA's regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act).
    As a designated reference or equivalent method, each of these 
methods is acceptable for use by states and other air monitoring 
agencies under the requirements of 40 CFR part 58, Ambient Air Quality 
Surveillance. For such purposes, the method must be used in strict 
accordance with the operation or instruction manual associated with the 
method, the specifications and limitations (e.g., sample period or 
operating temperature range) specified in the applicable designation 
method description (see identification of the methods above), and (for 
PM2.5 reference methods) the specifications and requirements 
set forth in Appendix L to 40 CFR part 50. Use of the method should 
also be in general accordance with the guidance and recommendations of 
Quality Assurance Guidance Document 2.12 (for PM2.5 
reference methods) or other applicable section of the Quality Assurance 
Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume II (EPA/600/R-
94/038b). Vendor modifications of a designated reference or equivalent 
method used for purposes of part 58 are permitted only with prior 
approval of the EPA, as provided in part 53. Provisions concerning 
modification of such methods by users are specified under Section 2.8 
of Appendix C to 40 CFR part 58 (Modifications of Methods by Users).
    In general, a method designation applies to any sampler or analyzer 
which is identical to the sampler or analyzer described in the 
designation application. In some cases, similar samplers or analyzers 
manufactured prior to the designation may be upgraded (e.g., by minor 
modification or by substitution of a new operation or instruction 
manual) so as to be identical to the designated method and thus achieve 
designated status at a modest cost. The manufacturer should be 
consulted to determine the feasibility of such upgrading.
    Part 53 requires that sellers of designated reference or equivalent 
method analyzers or samplers comply with certain conditions. These 
conditions are given in 40 CFR 53.9 and are summarized below:
    (a) A copy of the approved operation or instruction manual must 
accompany the sampler or analyzer when it is delivered to the ultimate 
purchaser.
    (b) The sampler or analyzer must not generate any unreasonable 
hazard to operators or to the environment.
    (c) The sampler or analyzer must function within the limits of the 
applicable performance specifications given in parts 50 and 53 for at 
least one year after delivery when maintained and operated in 
accordance with the operation or instruction manual.
    (d) Any sampler or analyzer offered for sale as part of a reference 
or equivalent method must bear a label or sticker indicating that it 
has been designated as part of a reference or equivalent method in 
accordance with part 53 and show its designated method identification 
number.
    (e) If such an analyzer has two or more selectable ranges, the 
label or sticker must be placed in close proximity to the range 
selector and indicate which range or ranges have been included in the 
reference or equivalent method designation.
    (f) An applicant who offers samplers or analyzers for sale as part 
of a reference or equivalent method is required to maintain a list of 
ultimate purchasers of such samplers or analyzers and to notify them 
within 30 days if a reference or equivalent method designation 
applicable to the method has been canceled or if adjustment of the 
sampler or analyzer is necessary under 40 CFR part 53.11(b) to avoid a 
cancellation.
    (g) An applicant who modifies a sampler or analyzer previously 
designated as part of a reference or equivalent method is not permitted 
to sell the sampler or analyzer (as

[[Page 31993]]

modified) as part of a reference or equivalent method (although he may 
choose to sell it without such representation), nor to attach a label 
or sticker to the sampler or analyzer (as modified) under the 
provisions described above, until he has received notice under 40 CFR 
part 53.14(c) that the original designation or a new designation 
applies to the method as modified, or until he has applied for and 
received notice under 40 CFR 53.8(b) of a new reference or equivalent 
method determination for the sampler or analyzer as modified.
    (h) An applicant who offers PM2.5 samplers for sale as 
part of a reference or equivalent method is required to maintain the 
manufacturing facility in which the sampler is manufactured as an ISO 
9001-registered facility.
    (i) An applicant who offers PM2.5 samplers for sale as 
part of a reference or equivalent method is required to submit annually 
a properly completed Product Manufacturing Checklist, as specified in 
part 53.
    Aside from occasional breakdowns or malfunctions, consistent or 
repeated noncompliance with any of these conditions should be reported 
to: Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Human Exposure and 
Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-77), U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
    Designation of these reference and equivalent methods is intended 
to assist the States in establishing and operating their air quality 
surveillance systems under part 58. Questions concerning the commercial 
availability or technical aspects of any of these methods should be 
directed to the appropriate applicant.
    In a notice in the April 16, 1998 issue of the Federal Register (63 
FR 18911), the EPA announced that a method for monitoring 
PM2.5 in the ambient air identified as ``RFPS-0498-116, BGI 
Incorporated Model PQ200 PM2.5 Ambient Find Particle 
Sampler'' was ``conditionally'' designated as a reference method under 
Sec. 53.51(b)(2) pending ISO 9001 certification of the BGI 
manufacturing facility. That certification is now complete, and the 
designation of the PM2.5 reference method based on the BGI 
Model PQ200 sampler (BGI, Incorporated, 58 Guinan Street, Waltham, MA 
02154) is no longer conditional.
Henry L. Longest II,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Research and Development.
[FR Doc. 98-15587 Filed 6-10-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P