Notice2023-24495
Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods; Designation of Two New Equivalent Methods
Primary source
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Published
November 6, 2023
Issuing agencies
Environmental Protection Agency
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated one new equivalent method for measuring concentrations of Lead (pb), and one new equivalent method for measuring concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM<INF>10</INF>) in ambient air.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 213 (Monday, November 6, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76212-76213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-24495]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-11450-01-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 Lead (pb), and one new equivalent method for
measuring concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM<INF>10</INF>) 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0452656a606176746b6b682a566b66617670446174652a636b72"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a6f0c7c8c2c3d4d6c9c9ca88f4c9c4c3d4d2e6c3d6c788c1c9d0">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 <a href="http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html">http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html</a>.
The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new equivalent
method for measuring concentrations of Pb, and one new equivalent
method for measuring concentrations of PM<INF>10</INF> in ambient air.
These designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as
amended on October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65291-65468).
The new equivalent method for Pb is a manual method that uses the
sampling procedure specified in the Reference Method for the
Determination of Lead in Suspended Particulate Matter Collected from
Ambient Air (High-Volume Sampler), 40 CFR part 50, appendix G, with a
different extraction and analytical procedure. The method is identified
as follows:
EQL-0723-261, ``Microwave Assisted Digestion and Quadrupole
Inductively Coupled Plasma--Mass Spectrometry (South Coast Air Quality
Management District Laboratory)'' ``Determination of Lead (Pb) on TSP
Hi-Volume Filters by Microwave Assisted Digestion and Quadrupole
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (Quadrupole ICP-MS).'' A
sample of total suspended particulate matter (TSP) is collected on a
glass or quartz fiber filter, using the sampler and procedure of the
EPA Reference Method for the Determination of Suspended Particulate
Matter in the Atmosphere (High-Volume Method) (40 CFR part 50, appendix
B). The TSP sample is extracted with a nitric acid solution and
digested in a microwave system, centrifuged and brought to a final acid
concentration of 2-3%. The lead content of the sample extract is
analysed by Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
(Quadrupole ICP-MS), based on EPA Method IO-3.5.
The application for equivalent method determination for this Pb
method was submitted by South Coast Air Quality Management District,
21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 and was received by the
Office of Research and Development on July 11, 2023.
The new equivalent method for PM<INF>10</INF> is an automated
monitoring method (monitor) utilizing the measurement principle based
on beta-ray attenuation. This newly designated equivalent method is
identified as follows:
EQPM-0923-262, ``Vasthi Instruments Pvt. Ltd Vair-9009
p.m.<INF>10</INF> Monitor,'' beta-ray monitor operated in a range of 0-
5mg/m\3\, with an operational temperature range of 0 [deg]C to
[[Page 76213]]
40 [deg]C. The unit is configured for 24, 1-hour average measurements
of PM<INF>10</INF> by beta attenuation, using a glass fiber paper tape
roll (VPM-1006). The unit operates at a sample flow rate of 16.67
liters/min, with PM<INF>10</INF> inlet meeting 40 CFR part 50 appendix
L specifications, and heated inlet to control sample relative humidity
to 35%. Instrument must be operated in accordance with the Vair-9009
Operating Manual. This designation applies to PM<INF>10</INF>
measurements only.
This application for an equivalent method determination for this
PM<INF>10</INF> method was received by the Office of Research and
Development on July 11, 2023. This monitor is commercially available
from the applicant, Vasthi Instruments, Guntur 522 001, Andhra Pradesh,
India.
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 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 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 methods above).
Use of the 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-13-003, (both available at <a href="http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qalist.html">http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qalist.html</a>). 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 these equivalent methods are 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 applicants.
Alice Gilliland,
Acting Director, Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2023-24495 Filed 11-3-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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