2018-02813. Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods; Designation of One New Reference Method

AGENCY:

Office of Research and Development; Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION:

Notice of the designation of a new reference method for monitoring ambient air quality.

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated one new reference method for measuring concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Robert Vanderpool, Exposure Methods and Measurements Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. Phone: [phone]. Email: [e-mail].

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 NO₂ 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 reference method for NO₂ is an automated method (analyzer) utilizing the measurement principle based on gas phase chemiluminescence. This newly designated reference method is identified as follows:

RFNA-0118-249, “Environnement S. A. Model AC32e and AC32e* Chemiluminescent NO, NO_X, NO₂ Analyzer,” operated with user selectable ranges of 0-1 ppm or 0-10 ppm, at any temperature in the range of 0 °C to 40 °C, equipped with a 5-micron PTFE sample inlet filter, molybdenum NO_X converter operating at 340 °C, heated catalytic ozone scrubber, external pump, operating with a sample flow rate of 0.66 Lpm (1.00 Lpm with optional sample dryer), with an ozone flow rate of 0.06 Lpm, and operating from a 115V/60Hz, 230V/50Hz power source. Includes 7″ touch screen and USB and Ethernet outputs. Model AC32e* does not contain touch screen and communicates via user-provided computer, smartphone, or tablet. Analyzer operated and maintained in accordance with the Model AC32e Technical Manual.

This application for a reference method determination for this NO₂ method was received by the Office of Research and Development on December 6, 2017. This analyzer is commercially available from the applicant, Environment S.A., 111, bd Robespierre, 78300 Poissy, France.

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 a reference method.

As a designated reference 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, Exposure Methods and Measurements Division (MD-E205-01), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.

Designation of this reference 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.

Dated: February 5, 2018.

Timothy H. Watkins,

Acting Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.