Office of Research and Development; Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of a New Equivalent Method

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Notice of the designation of a new equivalent method for monitoring ambient air quality.

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated, in accordance with 40 CFR part 53, one new reference method for measuring concentrations of PM₁₀ in the ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Robert Vanderpool, Exposure Methods and Measurement Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. Email: Vanderpool.Robert@epa.gov.

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 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. 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 a new equivalent method for measuring pollutant concentrations of PM₁₀ in the ambient air. These designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as amended on August 31, 2011 (76 FR 54326-54341).

The new equivalent method for PM₁₀ is an automated monitoring method utilizing a measurement principle based on sample collection by filtration and analysis by beta-ray attenuation and is identified as follows:

EQPM-1215-226, “Met One Instruments, Inc. E-BAM + Beta Attenuation Mass Monitor − PM₁₀ FEM Configuration,” configured for 24 1-hour average measurements of PM₁₀ by beta attenuation, using a glass fiber filter tape roll (460130 or 460180), a sample flow rate of 16.67 liters/min, with the standard (BX-802) EPA PM₁₀ inlet (meeting 40 CFR 50 Appendix L specifications) and equipped with 9250 ambient temperature sensor. Instrument must be operated in accordance with the E-BAM + Particulate Monitor operation manual, revision 1 or later. This designation applies to PM₁₀ measurements only.

The application for equivalent method determination for the PM₁₀ method was received by the Office of Research and Development on November 19, 2015. This monitor is commercially available from the applicant, Met One Instruments, Inc., 1600 Washington Blvd., Grants Pass, OR 97526.

Representative test monitors have been tested in accordance with the applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 53, as amended on August 31, 2011. After reviewing the results of those tests and other information submitted by the applicant, EPA has determined, in accordance with Part 53, that these methods should be designated as a reference or 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, the 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 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 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.