Document ID: EPA_FRDOC_0001-28894
Agency: epa
Document Type: Notice
Title: Designation of One New Equivalent Method: Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods
Posted Date: 2022-10-28T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 208 (Friday, October 28, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65203-65204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-23524]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-10263-01-ORD]

Ambient Air Monitoring Reference 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.

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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 Particulate Matter in the 2.5-micron range 
(PM2.5) 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: [email protected].

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 equivalent 
method for measuring concentrations of Particulate Matter in the 2.5-
micron range (PM2.5) 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 PM2.5 is an automated 
method (analyzer) utilizing an optically based measurement principle. 
This newly designated equivalent method is identified as follows:
    EQPM-0922-260 ``Ambilabs Model 2WIN PM2.5 FEM Monitor'' 
Optically based continuous ambient particulate analyzer operated at a 
volumetric flow rate of 2 Lpm, equipped with Ambilabs omnidirectional 
sampling inlet (P/N: M9003011), an Ambilabs 2 Lpm sharp cut cyclone 
inlet (P/N: A001025), and an Ambilabs ambient temperature sensor (P/N: 
AL-2WIN-TEMP) configured for operation with firmware version 1.36 or 
later, and operated in accordance with the Ambilabs 2WIN operations 
manual. The 2WIN PM2.5 FEM Monitor is set for red and blue 
scattering coefficients and the internal sample conditioning must be 
set for an RH < 35%. The Monitor can be operated either outside in an 
Ambilabs environmental enclosure (P/N: Neph Shelter) or as tabletop or 
wall mount in an AC controlled shelter. This designation applies to 
PM2.5 measurements only.
    This application for an equivalent method determination for this 
PM2.5 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on July 12, 2022. This analyzer is commercially available 
from the applicant, Ambilabs, 100 Elm Street, Warren, RI 02885.
    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 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 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 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

[[Page 65204]]

aspects of the method should be directed to the applicant.

Alice Gilliland,
Director (Acting), Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2022-23524 Filed 10-27-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P