[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 2, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15566-15568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7944]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Office of Research and Development

[FRL-7166-8]


Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods: 
Designation of One New Reference Method for PM10, Four New 
Equivalent Methods for PM2.5, and One New Reference Method 
for NO2

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of designation of reference and equivalent methods.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) has designated one new reference method for measuring 
concentrations of PM10 in ambient air, four new equivalent 
methods for measuring concentrations of PM2.5 in ambient 
air, and one new reference method for measuring concentrations of 
NO2 in ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Hunike, Human Exposure and 
Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-46), National Exposure Research 
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. 
Phone: (919) 541-3737, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with regulations at 40 CFR 
part 53, the EPA examines various methods for monitoring the 
concentrations of those ambient air pollutants for which EPA has 
established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs), as set 
forth in 40 CFR part 50. Monitoring methods that are determined to meet 
specific requirements for adequacy are designated by the EPA as either 
reference methods or equivalent methods (as applicable), thereby 
permitting their use under 40 CFR part 58 by States and other agencies 
for determining attainment of the NAAQSs. The EPA hereby announces the 
designation of one new reference method for measuring concentrations of 
particulate matter as PM10 in ambient air, four new 
equivalent methods for measuring concentrations of particulate matter 
as PM2.5 in ambient air, and one new reference method for 
measuring concentrations of NO2 in ambient air. These 
designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as 
amended on July 18, 1997 (62 FR 38764).
    The new reference method for PM10 is a manual method 
that is based on a particular, commercially available high volume 
PM10 sampler, as specified in appendixes J and M of 40 CFR 
part 50. The newly designated reference method is identified as 
follows:

    RFPS-0202-141, ``Tisch Environmental Model TE-6070 PM10 
High-Volume Air Sampler,'' consisting of a TE-6001 PM10 
size-selective inlet, 8" x 10" filter holder, aluminum outdoor 
shelter, mass flow controller or volumetric flow controller with 
brush or brushless motor, 7 day mechanical off/on-elapsed timer or 
11 day digital off/on-elapsed timer, and any of the high volume 
sampler variants identified as TE-6070, TE-6070-BL, TE-6070D, TE-
6070D-BL, TE-6070V, TE-6070V-BL, TE-6070-DV, or TE-6070DV-BL, with 
or without the optional stainless steel filter media holder/filter 
cartridge or continuous flow/pressure recorder.

    An application for a reference method determination for the method 
based on this Tisch sampler was received by the EPA on September 24, 
1998. The sampler is available commercially from the applicant, Tisch 
Environmental, Inc., 145 South Miami Avenue, Village of Cleves, Ohio 
45002.
    The four new equivalent methods for PM2.5 are manual 
monitoring methods that are based on particular, commercially available 
PM2.5 samplers. The methods are identified as Class II 
equivalent methods, which means that they are based on an integrated, 
filtered air sample with gravimetric analysis,

[[Page 15567]]

but deviate significantly from the specifications for reference methods 
set forth in appendix L of 40 CFR part 50. In this case, each of the 
four new equivalent method samplers is nearly identical to a 
corresponding sampler that has been previously designated by EPA as a 
reference method sampler for PM2.5. (Three of the samplers, 
with modest reconfiguration, have also been designated as reference 
methods for PM10.) The significant difference is that these 
newly designated PM2.5 equivalent method samplers are 
configured to use a specific, very sharp cut cyclone device as the 
principle particle size separator (fractionator) for the sampler rather 
than the WINS impactor used in the corresponding PM2.5 
reference method sampler. The newly designated Class II equivalent 
methods are identified as follows:

    EQPM-0202-142, ``BGI Incorporated Models PQ200-VSCC or PQ200A-
VSCC PM2.5 Ambient Fine Particle Sampler,'' configured 
with a BGI VSCCTM Very Sharp Cut Cyclone particle size 
separator (in lieu of a WINS impactor) and operated with firmware 
version 3.88, 3.91, 3.89R, or 3.91R, for 24-hour continuous sample 
periods, in accordance with the Model PQ200/PQ200A Instruction 
Manual and VSCC supplemental manual and with the requirements and 
sample collection filters specified in 40 CFR part 50, appendix L, 
and with or without the optional Solar Power Supply or the optional 
dual-filter cassette (P/N F-21/6) and associated lower impactor 
housing (P/N B2027), where the upper filter is used for 
PM2.5. The Model PQ200A VSCC is described as a portable 
audit sampler and includes a set of three carrying cases.
    EQPM-0202-143, ``Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc. 
Partisol-FRM Model 2000 PM-2.5 FEM Air Sampler,'' 
configured with a BGI VSCCTM Very Sharp Cut Cyclone 
particle size separator (in lieu of a WINS impactor) and operated 
with software versions 1.102-1.202, with either R&P-specified 
machined or molded filter cassettes, for 24-hour continuous sample 
periods, in accordance with the Model 2000 Instruction Manual and 
VSCC supplemental manual, with the requirements and sample 
collection filters specified in 40 CFR part 50, appendix L, and with 
or without the optional insulating jacket for cold weather 
operation.
    EQPM-0202-144, ``Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc. 
Partisol Model 2000 PM-2.5 FEM Audit Sampler,'' configured 
with a BGI VSCCTM Very Sharp Cut Cyclone particle size 
separator (in lieu of a WINS impactor), and operated with software 
(firmware) version 1.2-1.202, for 24-hour continuous sample periods 
at a flow rate of 16.67 liters/minute, in accordance with the 
Partisol Model 2000 Operating Manual and VSCC supplemental 
manual and with the requirements and sample collection filters 
specified in 40 CFR part 50, appendix L.
    EQPM-0202-145, ``Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc. 
Partisol-Plus Model 2025 PM-2.5 FEM Sequential Air 
Sampler,'' configured with a BGI VSCC'' Very Sharp Cut Cyclone 
particle size separator (in lieu of a WINS impactor), and operated 
with any software version 1.003 through 1.413, with either R&P-
specified machined or molded filter cassettes, for 24-hour 
continuous sample periods, in accordance with the Model 2025 
Instruction Manual and VSCC supplemental manual and with the 
requirements and sample collection filters specified in 40 CFR part 
50, appendix L.

    Related applications for equivalent method determinations for 
methods based on these BGI and Rupprecht & Patashnick samplers were 
received by the EPA on June 21, 2001, and November 6, 2001, 
(respectively) from BGI, Incorported and Rupprecht and Patashnick, Co., 
Inc. (R&P). The samplers are available commercially from the respective 
applicants, BGI Incorporated, 58 Guinan Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 
02154, and Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc., 25 Corporate Circle, 
Albany, New York 12203.
    The new reference method for NO2 is an automated method 
(analyzer) which utilizes the measurement principle (gas phase 
chemiluminescence) and calibration procedure specified in appendix F of 
40 CFR part 50. The newly designated reference method is identified as 
follows:

    RFNA-0202-146, ``Environnement S. A. Model AC32M 
Chemiluminescent Nitrogen Oxides Analyzer,'' operated with a full 
scale range of 0--500 ppb, at any temperature in the range of 
10 deg. C to 35 deg. C, with a 5-micron PTFE sample particulate 
filter, with response time setting 11 (automatic response time), and 
with or without the following option: Internal permeation oven.

    An application for a reference method determination for this method 
was received by the EPA on September 24, 2001. The method is available 
commercially from the applicant, Environnement S. A., 111, Boulevard 
Robespierre, 78304 Poissy, France.
    Test samplers or a test analyzer representative of each of these 
methods have been tested by the corresponding applicants in accordance 
with the applicable 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 each of these methods should be 
designated as a reference or equivalent method, as indicated. The 
information submitted by the applicants will be kept on file, either at 
EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, 
North Carolina 27711 or in an approved archive storage facility, and 
will be available for inspection (with advance notice) 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 and subject to any specifications and limitations (e.g., 
configuration, sample period, or temperature range) specified in the 
applicable designation method description (see the identification of 
the methods above). Use of the method should also be in general 
accordance with the guidance and recommendations of applicable sections 
of the ``Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement 
Systems, Volume II, EPA/600/R-94/0386'' and with the Quality Assurance 
Guidance Document 2.12 (available at www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/pmqainf.html). 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 
application for designation. In some cases, similar samplers or 
analyzers manufactured prior to the designation may be upgraded or 
converted (e.g., by minor modification or by substitution of the 
approved operation or instruction manual) so as to be identical to the 
designated method and thus achieve designated status. The manufacturer 
should be consulted to determine the feasibility of such upgrading or 
conversion.
    In the particular case of the four new PM2.5 Class II 
equivalent methods, a corresponding PM2.5 (or 
PM10) reference method sampler may be converted to the 
equivalent method configuration by replacement of the WINS impactor (or 
the PM10 extension tube for the PM10 version) 
with the BGI Very Sharp Cut Cyclone (VSCCTM) device 
specified in the equivalent method description. Such a conversion may 
be made by the sampler owner or operator. The VSCCTM device 
should be purchased from the sampler manufacturer, who will also 
furnish installation, conversion,

[[Page 15568]]

operation, and maintenance instructions for the VSCCTM as 
well as a new equivalent method identification label to be installed on 
the sampler. If the conversion is to be permanent, the original 
designated reference method label should be removed from the sampler 
and replaced with the new designated equivalent method label. In a case 
where a converted sampler may need to be restored later to its original 
reference method configuration (such as for an application specifically 
requiring a reference method) by re-installation of the WINS impactor 
(or PM10 extension tube), the new equivalent method label 
may be installed on the sampler without removing the original reference 
method label, such that the sampler bears both labels. (Alternatively, 
the new label may describe multiple configurations.) In this situation, 
the sampler shall be clearly and conspicuously marked by the operator 
to indicate its current configuration (i.e. WINS/PM2.5 
reference method, VSCCTM/PM2.5 equivalent method, 
or PM10 reference method) so that the monitoring method is 
correctly identified and the correct method code is used when reporting 
monitoring data obtained with the sampler.
    Part 53 requires that sellers of designated reference or equivalent 
method analyzers or samplers comply with certain conditions. These 
conditions are specified 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 40 CFR 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 showing 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 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 modified) as part of a reference or 
equivalent method (although it may be sold without such 
representation), nor to attach a designation label or sticker to the 
sampler or analyzer (as modified) under the provisions described above, 
until the applicant has received notice under 40 CFR 53.14(c) that the 
original designation or a new designation applies to the method as 
modified, or until the applicant 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-certified 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, Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-77), 
National Exposure Research Laboratory, 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 40 CFR part 58.
    Questions concerning the commercial availability or technical 
aspects of any of these methods should be directed to the appropriate 
applicant.

    Dated: March 21, 2002.
Jewel F. Morris,
Acting Deputy Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 02-7944 Filed 4-1-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P