[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 65 (Monday, April 7, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15001-15002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05923]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-12580-01-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 PM2.5 and one new equivalent method for 
measuring PM10-2.5 in ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Vanderpool, Air Methods and 
Characterization Division (MD-D205-03), Center for Environmental 
Measurement 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 PM2.5 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).
    This new equivalent method for PM2.5 is an automated 
method (monitor) utilizing the measurement principle based on beta 
attenuation analysis. This newly designated equivalent method is 
identified as follows:
    EQPM-1224-264, ``DKK-TOA Models FPM-377C(S), FPM-377C, Particulate 
Monitor,'' for monitoring PM2.5 in Ambient Air (beta 
attenuation monitor), configured with a standard EPA PM10 
inlet (meeting 40 CFR part 50, appendix L specifications) and with 
either; a URG-2000-30EGN PM2.5 cyclone, or BGI 
VSCCTM Very Sharp Cut Cyclone particle size separator, or 
Tisch TE-PM2.5C cyclone for PM2.5, or other 
PM2.5 separator that meets 40 CFR 50 part, appendix L, and 
operated with Software Firmware Version FPM4-749840 or later, Corrected 
Slope Factor (FACT SLOPE) set to 1.242, Corrected Zero Value (FACT 
ZERO) set to 0, and with or without any of the following options: Auto 
Check and Serial Recorder. This designation applies to PM2.5 
measurements only.
    This application for an equivalent method determination for this 
PM2.5 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on October 22, 2023. This monitor is commercially available 
from the applicant, DKK-TOA Corporation 29-10, 1-Chome, Takadanobaba, 
Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 169-8648, Japan.
    The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new equivalent 
method for measuring concentrations of PM10-2.5 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).
    This new equivalent method for PM10-2.5 is an automated 
method (monitor) utilizing the measurement principle based on beta 
attenuation analysis. This newly designated equivalent method is 
identified as follows:
    EQPM-1224-265, ``DKK-TOA Models FPM-377C(S), FPM-377C, Particulate 
Monitor Pair,'' for the determination of coarse particulate matter as 
PM10-2.5, consisting of a pair of DKK-TOA monitors, with one 
being the approved PM10 monitors (EQPM-0905-156) and the 
other being the approved PM2.5 monitors (designation EQPM-
1224-264). The monitors are collocated with

[[Page 15002]]

1-4 meters of one another and are concurrently operated. Both monitors 
are operated in accordance with their associated Operating Manual. This 
designation applies to PM10-2.5 measurements only.
    This application for an equivalent method determination for this 
PM10-2.5 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on December 23, 2024. This monitor is commercially 
available from the applicant, DKK-TOA Corporation 29-10, 1-Chome, 
Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 169-8648, Japan.
    Representative test monitors were 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 these methods and subject to any 
specifications and limitations (e.g., configuration or operational 
settings) specified in the designated method descriptions (see the 
identification of the methods above).
    Use of these methods should also 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 Measurement and 
Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, 
North Carolina 27711.
    Designation of these 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 these methods should be directed 
to the applicant.

Alice Gilliland,
Acting Director, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2025-05923 Filed 4-4-25; 8:45 am]
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