[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76212-76213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-24495]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-11450-01-ORD]


Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods; 
Designation of Two New Equivalent Methods

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of the designation of two 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 one new equivalent method for measuring 
concentrations of Lead (pb), and one new equivalent method for 
measuring concentrations of Particulate Matter (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 
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 equivalent 
method for measuring concentrations of Pb, and one new equivalent 
method for measuring concentrations of PM10 in ambient air. 
These designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as 
amended on October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65291-65468).
    The new equivalent method for Pb is a manual method that uses the 
sampling procedure specified in the Reference Method for the 
Determination of Lead in Suspended Particulate Matter Collected from 
Ambient Air (High-Volume Sampler), 40 CFR part 50, appendix G, with a 
different extraction and analytical procedure. The method is identified 
as follows:
    EQL-0723-261, ``Microwave Assisted Digestion and Quadrupole 
Inductively Coupled Plasma--Mass Spectrometry (South Coast Air Quality 
Management District Laboratory)'' ``Determination of Lead (Pb) on TSP 
Hi-Volume Filters by Microwave Assisted Digestion and Quadrupole 
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (Quadrupole ICP-MS).'' A 
sample of total suspended particulate matter (TSP) is collected on a 
glass or quartz fiber filter, using the sampler and procedure of the 
EPA Reference Method for the Determination of Suspended Particulate 
Matter in the Atmosphere (High-Volume Method) (40 CFR part 50, appendix 
B). The TSP sample is extracted with a nitric acid solution and 
digested in a microwave system, centrifuged and brought to a final acid 
concentration of 2-3%. The lead content of the sample extract is 
analysed by Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry 
(Quadrupole ICP-MS), based on EPA Method IO-3.5.
    The application for equivalent method determination for this Pb 
method was submitted by South Coast Air Quality Management District, 
21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 and was received by the 
Office of Research and Development on July 11, 2023.
    The new equivalent method for PM10 is an automated 
monitoring method (monitor) utilizing the measurement principle based 
on beta-ray attenuation. This newly designated equivalent method is 
identified as follows:
    EQPM-0923-262, ``Vasthi Instruments Pvt. Ltd Vair-9009 
p.m.10 Monitor,'' beta-ray monitor operated in a range of 0-
5mg/m\3\, with an operational temperature range of 0 [deg]C to

[[Page 76213]]

40 [deg]C. The unit is configured for 24, 1-hour average measurements 
of PM10 by beta attenuation, using a glass fiber paper tape 
roll (VPM-1006). The unit operates at a sample flow rate of 16.67 
liters/min, with PM10 inlet meeting 40 CFR part 50 appendix 
L specifications, and heated inlet to control sample relative humidity 
to 35%. Instrument must be operated in accordance with the Vair-9009 
Operating Manual. This designation applies to PM10 
measurements only.
    This application for an equivalent method determination for this 
PM10 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on July 11, 2023. This monitor is commercially available 
from the applicant, Vasthi Instruments, Guntur 522 001, Andhra Pradesh, 
India.
    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 these methods should be designated 
as equivalent methods.
    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, 
these methods 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 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-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, 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 these equivalent methods are 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 these methods should be directed 
to the applicants.

Alice Gilliland,
Acting Director, Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2023-24495 Filed 11-3-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P