Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods; Reference Method Designation

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Office of Research and Development

[FRL-5010-5]

Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods;

Reference Method Designation

Notice is hereby given that EPA, in accordance with 40 CFR part 53,

has designated another reference method for the determination of

ambient concentrations of particulate matter measured as PM10. The

new reference method is a gravimetric method which utilizes a specially

designed PM10 sampler for particle collection. The designated

method is identified as follows:

RFPS-0694-098, ``Rupprecht & Patashnick PartisolTM Model

2000 Air Sampler'', consisting of a Hub Unit and 0, 1, 2, or 3

Satellite Units, with each sampling station used for PM10

measurements equipped with a Rupprecht & Patashnick PM10 Inlet

and operated for continuous 24-hour periods using the Basic, Manual,

Time, Analog Input, or Serial Input programming modes, and with or

without any of the following options:

Stand for Hub or Satellite

57-002320

Advanced EPROM

59-002542

Large Pump (\1/4\ hp), 120 VAC

10-001403

Hardware for Indoor Installation consisting of:

Temperature Sensor (Extended

Length)

51-002638-xxxx

Roof Flange (1\1/4\'')

55-001289

Support Tripod for Inlet

57-000604

Sample Tube Extension

(1 m)

57-002526-0001

Sample Tube Extension

(2 m)

57-002526-0002

Hardware for Outdoor Installation in Extreme Cold Environments:

Insulating Jacket for Hub Unit

10-002645

This method is available from Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc.

(R&P), 25 Corporate Circle, Albany, New York 12203. A notice of receipt

of application for this method appeared in the Federal Register, Volume

59, March 30, 1994, page 14853.

The hub unit of the PartisolTM Model 2000 Air Sampler contains

a filter holder assembly, the flow control system, the valves to direct

the sample flow through the hub or appropriate satellite unit, the

sample pump, a microprocessor, keypad, information display, and

associated electronics. Each satellite unit contains only a filter

holder assembly and is connected to the hub unit through a single flow

line. Each sampling station (hub or satellite) used for PM10

measurements must be equipped with an R&P PM10 inlet (other

sampling stations may have other types of inlets). Only one sampling

station may operate at a time.

The Model 2000 uses 47mm diameter filters mounted in cassettes.

Filter media meeting the minimum requirements specified in appendix J

to 40 CFR part 50 (Reference Method for the Determination of

Particulate Matter as PM10 in the Atmosphere) are available from

R&P, or may be obtained from other sources, depending on individual

user needs. A 5-place analytical balance is required for weighing

filters before and after sampling.

Test samplers representative of this method have been tested by the

applicant, in accordance with the test procedures specified in 40 CFR

part 53. After reviewing the results of these 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. The information submitted by the applicant will be

kept on file at EPA's Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment

Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, and will be

available for inspection to the extent consistent with 40 CFR part 2

(EPA's regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act).

As a designated reference method, this method is acceptable for use

by States and other air monitoring agencies under requirements of 40

CFR part 58, Ambient Air Quality Surveillance. For such purposes, the

method must be used in accordance with the guidance in appendix J to 40

CFR part 50 and the specific procedures contained in the operation or

instruction manual associated with the method. Use of the method is

also subject to any limitations specified in the applicable designation

(see description of the method above). Vendor modifications of a

designated method used for purposes of part 58 are permitted only with

prior approval of EPA, as provided in part 53. Provisions concerning

modification of such methods by users are specified under section 2.8

of appendix C to 40 CFR part 58 (Modifications of Methods by Users).

In general, this designation applies to any sampler which is

identical to the sampler described in the designation. Similar samplers

manufactured and sold prior to the designation may be upgraded (e.g.,

by minor modification or by substitution of a new operation or

instruction manual) so as to be identical to the designated method and

thus achieve designation status at a modest cost. The manufacturer

should be consulted to determine the feasibility of such upgrading.

Part 53 requires that sellers of designated methods comply with

certain conditions. These conditions are given in 40 CFR 53.9 and are

summarized below for PM10 methods:

(1) A copy of the approved operation or instruction manual must

accompany the PM10 sampler when it is delivered to the ultimate

purchaser.

(2) The PM10 sampler must not generate any unreasonable hazard

to operators or to the environment.

(3) The PM10 sampler must function within the limits of the

performance specifications given in table D-1 of part 53 for at least

one year after delivery when maintained and operated in accordance with

the operation manual.

(4) Any PM10 sampler offered for sale as a reference or

equivalent method must bear a label or sticker indicating that it has

been designated as a reference or equivalent method in accordance with

part 53.

(5) An applicant who offers PM10 samplers for sale as

reference or equivalent methods is required to maintain a list of

ultimate purchasers of such samplers and to notify them within 30 days

if a reference or equivalent method designation applicable to the

sampler has been canceled or if adjustment of the samplers is necessary

under 40 CFR 53.11(b) to avoid a cancellation.

(6) An applicant who modifies PM10 sampler previously

designated as a reference or equivalent method is not permitted to sell

the sampler (as modified) as a reference or equivalent method (although

he may choose to sell it without such representation), nor to attach a

label or sticker to the sampler (as modified) under the provisions

described above, until he has received notice under 40 CFR 53.14(c)

that the original designation or a new designation applies to the

method as modified or until he has applied for and received notice

under 40 CFR 53.8(b) of a new reference or equivalent method

determination for the sampler as modified.

Aside from occasional breakdowns or malfunctions, consistent or

repeated noncompliance with any of these conditions should be reported

to: Director, Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory,

Department E (MD-77), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research

Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.

Designation of this reference method will provide assistance to the

States in establishing and operating their air quality surveillance

systems under part 58. Technical questions concerning the method should

be directed to the manufacturer. Additional information concerning this

action may be obtained from Frank F. McElroy, Methods Research and

Development Division (MD-77), Atmospheric Research and Exposure

Assessment Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research

Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, (919) 541-2622.

Carl Gerber,

Assistant Administrator for Research and Development.

[FR Doc. 94-16723 Filed 7-8-94; 8:45 am]

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