[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60985-60986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24638]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-9738-8]
Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods:
Designation of Three New Equivalent Methods
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of the designation of three 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, three new equivalent methods, one for
measuring concentrations of PM2.5, one for measuring
concentrations of PM10, and one for measuring concentrations
of PM10-2.5 in the ambient air.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Vanderpool, Human Exposure and
Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
Email: [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 three new equivalent
methods, one for measuring concentrations of PM2.5, one for
measuring concentrations of PM10, and one for measuring
concentrations of PM10-2.5 in the ambient air. These
designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR Part 53, as
amended on August 31, 2011 (76 FR 54326-54341).
The new equivalent methods are automated monitoring methods
utilizing a measurement principle based on sample collection by
filtration and analysis by beta radiation attenuation. The newly
designated equivalent methods are identified as follows:
EQPM-0912-204, ``Teledyne Model 602 Beta\PLUS\ Particle Measurement
System'' and ``SWAM 5a Dual Channel Monitor'' configured for 1-hour
measurements of PM2.5 by beta attenuation, on either a
single (Line A or B) or both sampling lines (Line A and B)
simultaneously, using 47 mm glass fiber filters, at a sample flow set
to 16.67 liters/min and software version 05-02.07.63 or later and with
an inlet system comprised of a PM10 pre-impactor inlet
(based on European PM10 inlet design) combined with a BGI
VSCC\TM\ PM2.5 cyclone separator. Operated in accordance
with the Teledyne Model 602 Beta\PLUS\ Particle Measurement System
Operation Manual.
EQPM-0912-205, ``Teledyne Model 602 Beta\PLUS\ Particle Measurement
System'' and ``SWAM 5a Dual Channel Monitor'' configured for 1-hour
measurements of PM10 by beta attenuation on a single
sampling line (Line A or B, but not both together), with the standard,
louvered US EPA PM10 size selective inlet specified in 40
CFR part 50 Appendix L, using 47 mm glass fiber filters, at a sample
flow set to 16.67 liters/min and software version 05-02.07.63 or later.
Operated in accordance with the Teledyne Model 602 Beta\PLUS\ Particle
Measurement System Operation Manual.''
EQPM-0912-206, ``Teledyne Model 602 Beta\PLUS\ Particle Measurement
System'' and ``SWAM 5a Dual Channel Monitor'' configured for 1-hour
measurements of PM10 and PM2.5 by beta
attenuation, with the standard, louvered US EPA PM10 size
selective inlet specified in 40 CFR part 50 Appendix L on one channel
(Line A or B) and with an inlet system comprised of a PM10
pre-impactor inlet (based on European PM10 inlet design)
combined with a BGI VSCC\TM\ PM2.5 cyclone separator on the
second channel (Line A or B, but always with PM10 on the
opposite Line). The PM10-2.5 mass measurement is performed
using the resultant subtraction of PM10 minus
PM2.5. Operated in accordance with the Teledyne Model 602
Beta\PLUS\ Particle Measurement System Operation Manual.
Applications for the equivalent method determinations for these
candidate methods were received by the EPA Office of Research and
Development on April 16, 2012. The monitors are commercially available
from the applicant, Teledyne Advanced Pollution Instrumentation, 9480
Carroll Park Drive, San Diego, CA 92121.
Test monitors representative of these methods have been tested in
accordance with the applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR part
53, as amended on August 31, 2011. After reviewing the results of those
tests and other information submitted in the applications, EPA has
determined, in accordance with Part 53, that these methods should be
designated as equivalent methods. The information in the applications
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,
the methods must be used in strict accordance with the operation or
instruction manuals
[[Page 60986]]
associated with the methods and subject to any specifications and
limitations (e.g., configuration or operational settings) specified in
the applicable designated descriptions (see the identification of the
methods above).
Use of the 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. 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.
Consistent or repeated noncompliance 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 applicant.
Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta,
Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 2012-24638 Filed 10-4-12; 8:45 am]
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