[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51039-51040]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20476]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9190-5]


Office of Research and Development; Ambient Air Monitoring 
Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of Two New Equivalent 
Methods

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of the designation of two new equivalent methods for 
monitoring ambient air quality.

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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 
equivalent methods for measuring concentrations of PM10 and 
sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Surender Kaushik, Human Exposure and 
Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research 
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. 
Phone: (919) 541-5691, e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with regulations at 40 CFR 
Part 53, the EPA evaluates 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 compliance with the NAAQSs.
    The EPA hereby announces the designation of two new equivalent 
methods for measuring concentrations of PM10 and 
SO2 in the ambient air. These designations are made under 
the provisions of 40 CFR Part 53, as amended on November 12, 2008 (73 
FR 67057-67059).
    The new PM10 equivalent method is an automated 
monitoring method utilizing a measurement principle based on sample 
collection by filtration and analysis by beta-ray attenuation. The 
newly designated equivalent method is identified as follows:

    EQPM-0810-193, ``OPSIS Model SM200 Monitor,'' beta gauge semi-
continuous ambient particulate monitor operated for 24 hours at a 
flow rate of 16.67 LPM between 5[deg] and 40 [deg]C using 47 mm PTFE 
membrane filter media, in the mass measurement range of 0 to 60 mg, 
configured with a BGI Model SSI25 PM10 inlet meeting 
criteria specified in 40 CFR 50 Appendix L, with a roof mounting 
kit, and with or without an inlet tube heater (as recommended based 
on site RH conditions), according to the SM200 User's Guide.

    The new SO2 equivalent method is an automated method 
(analyzer) that utilizes a measurement principle based on ultraviolet 
fluorescence. The newly designated equivalent method is identified as 
follows:

    EQSA-0810-194, ``SERES model SF 2000 G Sulfur Dioxide 
Analyzer,'' UV fluorescence method using a wavelength source 
approaching 215 nm and a selective membrane for aromatic hydrocarbon 
removal, operated with a full scale

[[Page 51040]]

measurement range of 0-0.5 ppm at any ambient temperature in the 
range of 20 [deg]C to 30 [deg]C, with tabletop or rack mounts, 
microprocessor controlled menu-driven user interface, onboard 
diagnostics and system test functions, analog output signals of 4-20 
mA or user selectable voltage ranges up to 10 V, printer port, modem 
port and 32 pin data/control/alarm port, user selectable manual and 
automatic zero/span and calibrate modes; with or without a 
permeation tube system (optional equipment) for internal 
calibration; operated in accordance with the SF 2000 G User and 
Maintenance Manual.

    The applications for equivalent method determinations for these 
candidate methods were received by the EPA on June 22, 2007 and June 
23, 2010, respectively. The OPSIS monitor is commercially available 
from the applicant, OPSIS Inc., 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1950, 
Chicago, IL 60601. The SERES analyzer is available from the applicant, 
SERES, 360 Rue Louis de Broglie, La Duranne--BP 20087, 13793 Aix en 
Provence, Cedex 3, France.
    Test analyzers representative of these methods have been tested in 
accordance with the applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR Part 
53 (as amended on November 12, 2008). After reviewing the results of 
those tests and other information submitted by the applicants in the 
applications, EPA has determined, in accordance with Part 53, that 
these methods should be designated as equivalent methods. 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 designated equivalent methods, these methods are 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, 
these methods 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 or operational 
settings) specified in the applicable designated method description 
(see the identification of the methods above).
    Use of these methods also should be in general accordance with the 
guidance and recommendations of applicable sections of the ``Quality 
Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume I,'' 
EPA/600/R-94/038a and ``Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution 
Measurement Systems, Volume II, Ambient Air Quality Monitoring 
Program'' EPA-454/B-08-003, December, 2008. Vendor modifications of 
designated equivalent methods 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 (Modifications of Methods by Users) of 
Appendix C to 40 CFR Part 58.
    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.
    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.
    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-
E205-01), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
    Designation of these new 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 the methods should be directed to 
the applicants.

Jewel F. Morris,
Acting Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 2010-20476 Filed 8-17-10; 8:45 am]
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