Document ID: EPA_FRDOC_0001-26559
Agency: epa
Document Type: Notice
Title: Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of One New Reference Method and One New Equivalent Method
Posted Date: 2021-03-04T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 41 (Thursday, March 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12682-12683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04497]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-10020-31-ORD]

Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods; 
Designation of One New Reference Method and One New Equivalent Method

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of the designation of one new reference method and one 
new equivalent method for monitoring ambient air quality.

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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 sulfur dioxide (SO2), and one new 
equivalent method for measuring concentrations of particulate matter 
(PM10) 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 
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 http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html.
    The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new reference 
method for measuring concentrations of SO2 in ambient air 
and one new equivalent method for measuring concentrations of 
PM10 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 reference method for SO2 is an automated method 
(analyzer) utilizing the measurement principle based on UV 
fluorescence. This newly designated reference method is identified as 
follows:
    RFSA-1120-257, ``KENTEK Inc. Model MEZUS 110 SO2 
Analyzer,'' UV fluorescence analyzer operated in a range of 0-0.5 ppm, 
with 0.5 [micro]m, 47 mm diameter Teflon[supreg] filter installed, 
operated at temperatures between 20[deg] C and 30[deg] C, at a nominal 
sampling flow rate of 800 cc/min, using a 5 minute averaging time, with 
either 105VAC-125VAC or 200VAC-240VAC input power options installed, 
280-watt power consumption, equipped with 7 inch LCD touch screen 
display, and operated according to the KENTEK Inc. Model Mezus 110 
Sulfur Dioxide Analyzer User's Instruction Manual.
    This application for a reference method determination for this 
SO2 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on July 21, 2020. This analyzer is commercially available 
from the applicant, KENTEK Inc., Hanshin S. Meca Room #526, 65 Techno 
3-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, 34016.
    The new equivalent method for PM10 is an automated 
method (monitor) utilizing the measurement principle based on Beta 
Attenuation or [beta]-ray monitoring. This newly designated equivalent 
method is identified as follows:
    EQPM-0121-258, ``Focused Photonics Inc. BPM-200 PM10 
Monitor,'' [beta]-ray monitor operated in the following concentration 
ranges: 0-1 mg/m\3\, 0-2 mg/m\3\, 0-5 mg/m\3\, or 0-10 mg/m\3\, 
analyzing ambient conditions temperatures between -30[deg] C to 50[deg] 
C, while the monitor can operate in a conditioned space between 0[deg] 
C to 50[deg] C. The unit is operated for 24-hour average measurements, 
with the FPI P/N 6150138000X EPA PM10 inlet, glass fiber 
filter tape with axial inner diameter of 40mm (GCY00003900), the 220VAC 
50Hz power supply, the FPI P/N 6150139000X Atmospheric Temperature 
Unit, the 6100050000X Air heating unit for maintaining moisture at 
about 35% and no [Delta]T control, the FPI P/N GCX00013700 filter, the 
FPI P/N 6102182000X internal calibration device, 290508D00A Main Board, 
and 2910510B00X Interface board display. Instrument must be operated in 
accordance with the appropriate instrument manual and with software 
(firmware) version AQMSPlus.P005.V01A.US001.
    This application for an equivalent method determination for this 
PM10 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on October 13, 2020. This monitor is commercially available 
from the applicant, Focused Photonics Inc. (FPI), 760 Bin`an Road, 
Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.

[[Page 12683]]

    Representative test analyzers have been 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 applicants, EPA has determined, in 
accordance with 40 CFR part 53, that these methods should be designated 
as a reference or equivalent method.
    As a designated reference or equivalent method, 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, each 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, 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 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 the methods should be 
directed to the applicants.

Timothy Watkins,
Director, Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2021-04497 Filed 3-3-21; 8:45 am]
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