[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 13, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6174-6175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02813]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[9974-34-ORD]


Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods; 
Designation of One New Reference Method

AGENCY: Office of Research and Development; Environmental Protection 
Agency.

ACTION: Notice of the designation of a new reference method for 
monitoring ambient air quality.

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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 nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Vanderpool, Exposure Methods 
and Measurements Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research 
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. 
Phone: 919-541-7877. 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 (NAAQS) 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 NAAQS. 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 NO2 in ambient air. 
This designation is made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as 
amended on October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65291-65468).
    The new reference method for NO2 is an automated method 
(analyzer) utilizing the measurement principle based on gas phase 
chemiluminescence. This newly designated reference method is identified 
as follows:
    RFNA-0118-249, ``Environnement S. A. Model AC32e and AC32e* 
Chemiluminescent NO, NOX, NO2 Analyzer,'' 
operated with user selectable ranges of 0-1 ppm or 0-10 ppm, at any 
temperature in the range of 0 [deg]C to 40 [deg]C, equipped with a 5-
micron PTFE sample inlet filter, molybdenum NOX converter 
operating at 340 [deg]C, heated catalytic ozone scrubber, external 
pump, operating with a sample flow rate of 0.66 Lpm (1.00 Lpm with 
optional sample dryer), with an ozone flow rate of 0.06 Lpm, and 
operating from a 115V/60Hz, 230V/50Hz power source. Includes 7'' touch 
screen and USB and Ethernet outputs. Model AC32e* does not contain 
touch screen and communicates via user-provided computer, smartphone, 
or tablet. Analyzer operated and maintained in accordance with the 
Model AC32e Technical Manual.
    This application for a reference method determination for this 
NO2 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on December 6, 2017. This analyzer is commercially 
available from the applicant, Environment S.A., 111, bd Robespierre, 
78300 Poissy, France.
    A representative test analyzer was tested in accordance with the 
applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 53, as amended on 
October 26, 2015. After reviewing the results of those tests and other 
information submitted by the applicant, EPA has determined, in 
accordance with part 53, that this method should be designated as a 
reference method.
    As a designated reference 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, 
this 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

[[Page 6175]]

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 reference 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: February 5, 2018.
Timothy H. Watkins,
Acting Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 2018-02813 Filed 2-12-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P