88 FR 126 pg. 42718 - Ambient Air Monitoring Equivalent and Equivalent Methods; Designation of One New Equivalent Method
Type: NOTICEVolume: 88Number: 126Page: 42718
Page: 42718Docket number: [FRL-10912-01-ORD]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2023-14083 Filed 6-30-23; 8:45 am]
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-10912-01-ORD]
Ambient Air Monitoring Equivalent and Equivalent Methods; Designation of One 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 one new equivalent method for measuring concentrations of PM 10 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: 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 (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 equivalent 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 equivalent or equivalent methods that have been previously designated by EPA may be found at https://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html.
The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new equivalent method for measuring concentrations of PM 10 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). The new equivalent method for PM 10 is an automated method (monitor) utilizing the measurement principle based on inertial separation of the PM 10 size range with filter sample collection followed by analysis by beta attenuation. This newly designated equivalent method is identified as follows:
EQPM-0423-260,"Thermo Scientific Model 5030iQ SHARP Monitor" operated at a flow rate of 16.67 liters per minute for 24-hour average measurements configured for PM 10 measurements with a louvered PM 10 size selective inlet as specified in 40 CFR 50 Appendix L, Figs. L-2 through L-19, inlet connector, and operational calibration and servicing as outlined in the Model 5030iQ SHARP instructional manual. Model 5030iQ instrument firmware version 01.0.09 or later.
This application for an equivalent method determination for this PM 10 method was received by the Office of Research and Development on February 22, 2023. This monitor is commercially available from the applicant, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Air Quality Instruments, Environmental Instruments Division, 27 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038.
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 this method should be designated as an 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, this 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 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 Measurements and Modeling, 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.
Alice Gilliland,
Acting Director, Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2023-14083 Filed 6-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P