[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 2, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15566-15568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7944]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Research and Development
[FRL-7166-8]
Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods:
Designation of One New Reference Method for PM10, Four New
Equivalent Methods for PM2.5, and One New Reference Method
for NO2
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of designation of reference and equivalent methods.
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has designated one new reference method for measuring
concentrations of PM10 in ambient air, four new equivalent
methods for measuring concentrations of PM2.5 in ambient
air, and one new reference method for measuring concentrations of
NO2 in ambient air.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Hunike, Human Exposure and
Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-46), National Exposure Research
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
Phone: (919) 541-3737, email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with regulations at 40 CFR
part 53, the EPA examines 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 attainment of the NAAQSs. The EPA hereby announces the
designation of one new reference method for measuring concentrations of
particulate matter as PM10 in ambient air, four new
equivalent methods for measuring concentrations of particulate matter
as PM2.5 in ambient air, and one new reference method for
measuring concentrations of NO2 in ambient air. These
designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as
amended on July 18, 1997 (62 FR 38764).
The new reference method for PM10 is a manual method
that is based on a particular, commercially available high volume
PM10 sampler, as specified in appendixes J and M of 40 CFR
part 50. The newly designated reference method is identified as
follows:
RFPS-0202-141, ``Tisch Environmental Model TE-6070 PM10
High-Volume Air Sampler,'' consisting of a TE-6001 PM10
size-selective inlet, 8" x 10" filter holder, aluminum outdoor
shelter, mass flow controller or volumetric flow controller with
brush or brushless motor, 7 day mechanical off/on-elapsed timer or
11 day digital off/on-elapsed timer, and any of the high volume
sampler variants identified as TE-6070, TE-6070-BL, TE-6070D, TE-
6070D-BL, TE-6070V, TE-6070V-BL, TE-6070-DV, or TE-6070DV-BL, with
or without the optional stainless steel filter media holder/filter
cartridge or continuous flow/pressure recorder.
An application for a reference method determination for the method
based on this Tisch sampler was received by the EPA on September 24,
1998. The sampler is available commercially from the applicant, Tisch
Environmental, Inc., 145 South Miami Avenue, Village of Cleves, Ohio
45002.
The four new equivalent methods for PM2.5 are manual
monitoring methods that are based on particular, commercially available
PM2.5 samplers. The methods are identified as Class II
equivalent methods, which means that they are based on an integrated,
filtered air sample with gravimetric analysis,
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but deviate significantly from the specifications for reference methods
set forth in appendix L of 40 CFR part 50. In this case, each of the
four new equivalent method samplers is nearly identical to a
corresponding sampler that has been previously designated by EPA as a
reference method sampler for PM2.5. (Three of the samplers,
with modest reconfiguration, have also been designated as reference
methods for PM10.) The significant difference is that these
newly designated PM2.5 equivalent method samplers are
configured to use a specific, very sharp cut cyclone device as the
principle particle size separator (fractionator) for the sampler rather
than the WINS impactor used in the corresponding PM2.5
reference method sampler. The newly designated Class II equivalent
methods are identified as follows:
EQPM-0202-142, ``BGI Incorporated Models PQ200-VSCC or PQ200A-
VSCC PM2.5 Ambient Fine Particle Sampler,'' configured
with a BGI VSCCTM Very Sharp Cut Cyclone particle size
separator (in lieu of a WINS impactor) and operated with firmware
version 3.88, 3.91, 3.89R, or 3.91R, for 24-hour continuous sample
periods, in accordance with the Model PQ200/PQ200A Instruction
Manual and VSCC supplemental manual and with the requirements and
sample collection filters specified in 40 CFR part 50, appendix L,
and with or without the optional Solar Power Supply or the optional
dual-filter cassette (P/N F-21/6) and associated lower impactor
housing (P/N B2027), where the upper filter is used for
PM2.5. The Model PQ200A VSCC is described as a portable
audit sampler and includes a set of three carrying cases.
EQPM-0202-143, ``Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc.
Partisol-FRM Model 2000 PM-2.5 FEM Air Sampler,''
configured with a BGI VSCCTM Very Sharp Cut Cyclone
particle size separator (in lieu of a WINS impactor) and operated
with software versions 1.102-1.202, with either R&P-specified
machined or molded filter cassettes, for 24-hour continuous sample
periods, in accordance with the Model 2000 Instruction Manual and
VSCC supplemental manual, with the requirements and sample
collection filters specified in 40 CFR part 50, appendix L, and with
or without the optional insulating jacket for cold weather
operation.
EQPM-0202-144, ``Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc.
Partisol Model 2000 PM-2.5 FEM Audit Sampler,'' configured
with a BGI VSCCTM Very Sharp Cut Cyclone particle size
separator (in lieu of a WINS impactor), and operated with software
(firmware) version 1.2-1.202, for 24-hour continuous sample periods
at a flow rate of 16.67 liters/minute, in accordance with the
Partisol Model 2000 Operating Manual and VSCC supplemental
manual and with the requirements and sample collection filters
specified in 40 CFR part 50, appendix L.
EQPM-0202-145, ``Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc.
Partisol-Plus Model 2025 PM-2.5 FEM Sequential Air
Sampler,'' configured with a BGI VSCC'' Very Sharp Cut Cyclone
particle size separator (in lieu of a WINS impactor), and operated
with any software version 1.003 through 1.413, with either R&P-
specified machined or molded filter cassettes, for 24-hour
continuous sample periods, in accordance with the Model 2025
Instruction Manual and VSCC supplemental manual and with the
requirements and sample collection filters specified in 40 CFR part
50, appendix L.
Related applications for equivalent method determinations for
methods based on these BGI and Rupprecht & Patashnick samplers were
received by the EPA on June 21, 2001, and November 6, 2001,
(respectively) from BGI, Incorported and Rupprecht and Patashnick, Co.,
Inc. (R&P). The samplers are available commercially from the respective
applicants, BGI Incorporated, 58 Guinan Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02154, and Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc., 25 Corporate Circle,
Albany, New York 12203.
The new reference method for NO2 is an automated method
(analyzer) which utilizes the measurement principle (gas phase
chemiluminescence) and calibration procedure specified in appendix F of
40 CFR part 50. The newly designated reference method is identified as
follows:
RFNA-0202-146, ``Environnement S. A. Model AC32M
Chemiluminescent Nitrogen Oxides Analyzer,'' operated with a full
scale range of 0--500 ppb, at any temperature in the range of
10 deg. C to 35 deg. C, with a 5-micron PTFE sample particulate
filter, with response time setting 11 (automatic response time), and
with or without the following option: Internal permeation oven.
An application for a reference method determination for this method
was received by the EPA on September 24, 2001. The method is available
commercially from the applicant, Environnement S. A., 111, Boulevard
Robespierre, 78304 Poissy, France.
Test samplers or a test analyzer representative of each of these
methods have been tested by the corresponding applicants in accordance
with the applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 53 (as
amended on July 18, 1997). After reviewing the results of those tests
and other information submitted by the applicants, EPA has determined,
in accordance with part 53, that each of these methods should be
designated as a reference or equivalent method, as indicated. 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 a designated reference or equivalent method, each of these
methods 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, sample period, or temperature range) specified in the
applicable designation method description (see the identification of
the methods above). Use of the method 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 II, EPA/600/R-94/0386'' and with the Quality Assurance
Guidance Document 2.12 (available at www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/pmqainf.html). Vendor modifications of a designated reference or
equivalent method 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 of appendix C to 40 CFR part 58 (Modifications of Methods
by Users).
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.
In the particular case of the four new PM2.5 Class II
equivalent methods, a corresponding PM2.5 (or
PM10) reference method sampler may be converted to the
equivalent method configuration by replacement of the WINS impactor (or
the PM10 extension tube for the PM10 version)
with the BGI Very Sharp Cut Cyclone (VSCCTM) device
specified in the equivalent method description. Such a conversion may
be made by the sampler owner or operator. The VSCCTM device
should be purchased from the sampler manufacturer, who will also
furnish installation, conversion,
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operation, and maintenance instructions for the VSCCTM as
well as a new equivalent method identification label to be installed on
the sampler. If the conversion is to be permanent, the original
designated reference method label should be removed from the sampler
and replaced with the new designated equivalent method label. In a case
where a converted sampler may need to be restored later to its original
reference method configuration (such as for an application specifically
requiring a reference method) by re-installation of the WINS impactor
(or PM10 extension tube), the new equivalent method label
may be installed on the sampler without removing the original reference
method label, such that the sampler bears both labels. (Alternatively,
the new label may describe multiple configurations.) In this situation,
the sampler shall be clearly and conspicuously marked by the operator
to indicate its current configuration (i.e. WINS/PM2.5
reference method, VSCCTM/PM2.5 equivalent method,
or PM10 reference method) so that the monitoring method is
correctly identified and the correct method code is used when reporting
monitoring data obtained with the sampler.
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 and are summarized below:
(a) A copy of the approved operation or instruction manual must
accompany the sampler or analyzer when it is delivered to the ultimate
purchaser.
(b) The sampler or analyzer must not generate any unreasonable
hazard to operators or to the environment.
(c) The sampler or analyzer must function within the limits of the
applicable performance specifications given in 40 CFR parts 50 and 53
for at least one year after delivery when maintained and operated in
accordance with the operation or instruction manual.
(d) Any sampler or analyzer offered for sale as part of a reference
or equivalent method must bear a label or sticker indicating that it
has been designated as part of a reference or equivalent method in
accordance with part 53 and showing its designated method
identification number.
(e) If such an analyzer has two or more selectable ranges, the
label or sticker must be placed in close proximity to the range
selector and indicate which range or ranges have been included in the
reference or equivalent method designation.
(f) An applicant who offers samplers or analyzers for sale as part
of a reference or equivalent method is required to maintain a list of
ultimate purchasers of such samplers or analyzers and to notify them
within 30 days if a reference or equivalent method designation
applicable to the method has been canceled or if adjustment of the
sampler or analyzer is necessary under 40 CFR 53.11(b) to avoid a
cancellation.
(g) An applicant who modifies a sampler or analyzer previously
designated as part of a reference or equivalent method is not permitted
to sell the sampler or analyzer (as modified) as part of a reference or
equivalent method (although it may be sold without such
representation), nor to attach a designation label or sticker to the
sampler or analyzer (as modified) under the provisions described above,
until the applicant has received notice under 40 CFR 53.14(c) that the
original designation or a new designation applies to the method as
modified, or until the applicant has applied for and received notice
under 40 CFR 53.8(b) of a new reference or equivalent method
determination for the sampler or analyzer as modified.
(h) An applicant who offers PM2.5 samplers for sale as
part of a reference or equivalent method is required to maintain the
manufacturing facility in which the sampler is manufactured as an ISO
9001-certified facility.
(i) An applicant who offers PM2.5 samplers for sale as
part of a reference or equivalent method is required to submit annually
a properly completed Product Manufacturing Checklist, as specified in
part 53.
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-77),
National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
Designation of these reference and 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 any of these methods should be directed to the appropriate
applicant.
Dated: March 21, 2002.
Jewel F. Morris,
Acting Deputy Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 02-7944 Filed 4-1-02; 8:45 am]
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