[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 126 (Monday, July 3, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 42718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14083]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-10912-01-ORD]


Ambient Air Monitoring Equivalent and Equivalent Methods; 
Designation of One 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 one new equivalent method for measuring 
concentrations of PM10 in ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Vanderpool, Air Methods and 
Characterization Division (MD-D205-03), Center for Environmental 
Measurements and Modeling, 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 
equivalent 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 equivalent or 
equivalent methods that have been previously designated by EPA may be 
found at https://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html.
    The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new equivalent 
method for measuring concentrations of PM10 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 equivalent 
method for PM10 is an automated method (monitor) utilizing 
the measurement principle based on inertial separation of the 
PM10 size range with filter sample collection followed by 
analysis by beta attenuation. This newly designated equivalent method 
is identified as follows:
    EQPM-0423-260,''Thermo Scientific Model 5030iQ SHARP Monitor'' 
operated at a flow rate of 16.67 liters per minute for 24-hour average 
measurements configured for PM10 measurements with a 
louvered PM10 size selective inlet as specified in 40 CFR 50 
Appendix L, Figs. L-2 through L-19, inlet connector, and operational 
calibration and servicing as outlined in the Model 5030iQ SHARP 
instructional manual. Model 5030iQ instrument firmware version 01.0.09 
or later.
    This application for an equivalent method determination for this 
PM10 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on February 22, 2023. This monitor is commercially 
available from the applicant, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Air Quality 
Instruments, Environmental Instruments Division, 27 Forge Parkway, 
Franklin, MA 02038.
    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 40 CFR part 53, that this method should be designated 
as an 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, 
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 available at https://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, Air Methods and Characterization 
Division (MD-D205-03), Center for Environmental Measurements and 
Modeling, 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.

Alice Gilliland,
Acting Director, Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2023-14083 Filed 6-30-23; 8:45 am]
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