[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 26, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4294-4295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01560]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9941-73-ORD]


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

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of the designation of a new equivalent method 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, one new 
reference method for measuring concentrations of PM10 in the 
ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Vanderpool, Exposure Methods 
and Measurement 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 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. A list of all reference or 
equivalent methods that have been previously designated by EPA may be 
found at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html.
    The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new reference 
method for measuring concentrations of a new equivalent method for 
measuring pollutant concentrations of PM10 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 method for PM10 is an automated 
monitoring method utilizing a measurement principle based on sample 
collection by filtration and analysis by beta-ray attenuation and is 
identified as follows:
    EQPM-1215-226, ``Met One Instruments, Inc. E-BAM + Beta Attenuation 
Mass Monitor - PM10 FEM Configuration,'' configured for 24 
1-hour average measurements of PM10 by beta attenuation, 
using a glass fiber filter tape roll (460130 or 460180), a sample flow 
rate of 16.67 liters/min, with the standard (BX-802) EPA 
PM10 inlet (meeting 40 CFR 50 Appendix L specifications) and 
equipped with 9250 ambient temperature sensor. Instrument must be 
operated in accordance with the E-BAM + Particulate Monitor operation 
manual, revision 1 or later. This designation applies to 
PM10 measurements only.
    The application for equivalent method determination for the 
PM10 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on November 19, 2015. This monitor is commercially 
available from the applicant, Met One Instruments, Inc., 1600 
Washington Blvd., Grants Pass, OR 97526.

[[Page 4295]]

    Representative test monitors 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 by the applicant, EPA has determined, in 
accordance with Part 53, that these methods should be designated as a 
reference or equivalent method.
    As a designated equivalent method, this method 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 or operational 
settings) specified in the designated method description (see the 
identification of the method above).
    Use of the method 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-13-003, (both available at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qalist.html). 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 with any of these conditions 
should be reported to: Director, Exposure Methods and Measurements 
Division (MD-E205-01), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 
27711.
    Designation of this equivalent method 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 method should be directed to 
the applicant.

    Dated: January 19, 2016.
Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta,
Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 2016-01560 Filed 1-25-16; 8:45 am]
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