[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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