[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51039-51040]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20476]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-9190-5]
Office of Research and Development; Ambient Air Monitoring
Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of Two New Equivalent
Methods
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
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, in accordance with 40 CFR Part 53, two new
equivalent methods for measuring concentrations of PM10 and
sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the ambient air.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Surender Kaushik, Human Exposure and
Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
Phone: (919) 541-5691, e-mail: [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 methods 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.
The EPA hereby announces the designation of two new equivalent
methods for measuring concentrations of PM10 and
SO2 in the ambient air. These designations are made under
the provisions of 40 CFR Part 53, as amended on November 12, 2008 (73
FR 67057-67059).
The new PM10 equivalent method is an automated
monitoring method utilizing a measurement principle based on sample
collection by filtration and analysis by beta-ray attenuation. The
newly designated equivalent method is identified as follows:
EQPM-0810-193, ``OPSIS Model SM200 Monitor,'' beta gauge semi-
continuous ambient particulate monitor operated for 24 hours at a
flow rate of 16.67 LPM between 5[deg] and 40 [deg]C using 47 mm PTFE
membrane filter media, in the mass measurement range of 0 to 60 mg,
configured with a BGI Model SSI25 PM10 inlet meeting
criteria specified in 40 CFR 50 Appendix L, with a roof mounting
kit, and with or without an inlet tube heater (as recommended based
on site RH conditions), according to the SM200 User's Guide.
The new SO2 equivalent method is an automated method
(analyzer) that utilizes a measurement principle based on ultraviolet
fluorescence. The newly designated equivalent method is identified as
follows:
EQSA-0810-194, ``SERES model SF 2000 G Sulfur Dioxide
Analyzer,'' UV fluorescence method using a wavelength source
approaching 215 nm and a selective membrane for aromatic hydrocarbon
removal, operated with a full scale
[[Page 51040]]
measurement range of 0-0.5 ppm at any ambient temperature in the
range of 20 [deg]C to 30 [deg]C, with tabletop or rack mounts,
microprocessor controlled menu-driven user interface, onboard
diagnostics and system test functions, analog output signals of 4-20
mA or user selectable voltage ranges up to 10 V, printer port, modem
port and 32 pin data/control/alarm port, user selectable manual and
automatic zero/span and calibrate modes; with or without a
permeation tube system (optional equipment) for internal
calibration; operated in accordance with the SF 2000 G User and
Maintenance Manual.
The applications for equivalent method determinations for these
candidate methods were received by the EPA on June 22, 2007 and June
23, 2010, respectively. The OPSIS monitor is commercially available
from the applicant, OPSIS Inc., 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1950,
Chicago, IL 60601. The SERES analyzer is available from the applicant,
SERES, 360 Rue Louis de Broglie, La Duranne--BP 20087, 13793 Aix en
Provence, Cedex 3, France.
Test analyzers representative of these methods have been tested in
accordance with the applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR Part
53 (as amended on November 12, 2008). After reviewing the results of
those tests and other information submitted by the applicants in the
applications, EPA has determined, in accordance with Part 53, that
these methods should be designated as equivalent methods. The
information submitted by the applicants will be kept on file, either at
EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina 27711 or in an approved archive storage facility, and
will be available for inspection (with advance notice) to the extent
consistent with 40 CFR Part 2 (EPA's regulations implementing the
Freedom of Information Act).
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 applicable designated method description
(see the identification of the methods above).
Use of these 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-08-003, December, 2008. Vendor modifications of
designated equivalent methods used for purposes of Part 58 are
permitted only with prior approval of the EPA, as provided in Part 53.
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.
In general, a method designation applies to any sampler or analyzer
which is identical to the sampler or analyzer described in the
application for designation. In some cases, similar samplers or
analyzers manufactured prior to the designation may be upgraded or
converted (e.g., by minor modification or by substitution of the
approved operation or instruction manual) so as to be identical to the
designated method and thus achieve designated status. The manufacturer
should be consulted to determine the feasibility of such upgrading or
conversion.
Part 53 requires that sellers of designated reference or equivalent
method analyzers or samplers comply with certain conditions. These
conditions are specified in 40 CFR 53.9.
Aside from occasional breakdowns or malfunctions, consistent or
repeated noncompliance with any of these conditions should be reported
to: Director, Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-
E205-01), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
Designation of these new 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 the methods should be directed to
the applicants.
Jewel F. Morris,
Acting Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 2010-20476 Filed 8-17-10; 8:45 am]
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