Continuous PM-2.5 and Meteorological Monitoring (2016)
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Continuous PM-2.5 and Meteorological Monitoring
Project on the Tribal Reservation
Quality Assurance Project Plan
Prepared by
Confederated Tribes of the
Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians
Department of Natural Resources
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, Oregon
Version: 2.0
February 2016
Air Quality Program
PM 2.5 and Met. Monitoring Project
QAPP Version 2.0
02/17/2016
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN IDENTIFICATION AND APPROVAL
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.1
List of Tables & Maps
3. DISTRIBUTION
4. PROJECT/TASK ORGANIZATION
4.1
4.2
4.3
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
Outside Data Auditor
5. BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DEFINITION
6. PROJECT/TASK DESCRIPTION
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
Instruments/Monitors
Description of Work
Field Activities
Laboratory Activities
Project Assessment Techniques
Project Records
7. DATA AND MEASUREMENT QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND CRITERIA
7.1
7.2
7.3
Data Quality Objectives
7.1.1 Intended Use of Data
7.1.2 Type of Data Needed
7.1.3 Tolerable Error Limits
Measurement Quality Objectives
7.2.1 General Data Quality Objectives
7.2.2 Specific Data Quality Objectives
Network Scale
8. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
8.1
Health and Safety Warnings
9. DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS
9.1
9.2
Information Included in the Reporting Package
9.1.1 Routine Data Activities
9.1.2 Data Submittal to EPA
Data Reporting Package Format and Documentation Control
9.2.1 Notebooks
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9.3
9.2.2 Electronic Data Collection
Data Reporting Package Archiving and Retrieval
10. MONITORING PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
10.1 Monitoring Objectives
10.2 Site Selection
10.2.1 Site Location
10.2.2 Monitor Placement
10.3 Siting Criteria for Pollutant Sampler/Analyzer
10.3.1 Meteorological Sensors
10.3.2 Towers
10.3.3 Wind Velocity Sensors
10.3.4 Temperature and Humidity Sensors
10.3.5 Barometric Pressure Sensors
10.3.6 Solar Radiation Sensors
10.3.7 PM2.5 Sensors
10.4 Rationale for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
11. SAMPLING METHODS REQUIREMENTS
11.1 Purpose
11.2 Monitoring Technology/Methodology
11.2.1 Real-Time Ambient Air Monitoring
11.2.2 Electronic Data Collection
11.3 Support Facilities
11.3.1 Monitoring Station Design
11.3.2 Ambient Air Sampler
11.4 Sampling/Measurement System Corrective Action
11.4.1 Sample Contamination Prevention
11.4.2 Sample Volume
11.5 Analyzer Audits
11.5.1 Auditing the Nephelometer
11.5.2 Auditing the Meteorological Equipment
12. ANALYTICAL METHODS REQUIREMENTS
12.1 Purpose/Background
13. QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
13.1 Quality Control Procedures
13.1.1 Calibrations
13.1.2 Precision Checks
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13.1.3 Zero and Span Calibration
13.1.3a Zero Air (Particle Free)
13.1.3b Span Gas
13.2 Control Charts
14. EQUIPMENT TESTING, INSPECTION, AND MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS
14.1 Purpose/Background
14.2 Testing
14.3 Inspection
14.3.1 Inspections and Field Items
14.3.2 Field Maintenance Items
15.
INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION AND FREQUENCY
15.1 Calibration of Laboratory/Field Equipment
15.2 Document Calibration Frequency
16.
DATA MANAGEMENT
16.1 Purpose
16.2 Data Recording
16.3 Data Validation
16.4 Data Transformation
16.5 Data Transmittal
16.6 Data Storage and Retrieval
17.
ASSESSMENTS AND RESPONSE ACTIONS
17.1 Management Systems Review
17.2 Network Reviews/Assessments
17.3 Assessment Documentation
17.3.1 Number, Frequency and Types of Assessments
17.3.2 Assessment Personnel
18.
REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
18.1 Response/Corrective Action Reports
APPENDIX A METEOROLOGICAL DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM
APPENDIX B RADIANCE RESEARCH MODEL M903 INTEGRATING
NEPHELOMETER
APPENDIX C MET ONE INSTURMENTS, INC. METEROLOGICAL
MONITORING SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS
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2.1
LIST OF TABLES & MAPS
Table 5.1
Table 6.1
Table 6.2
Table 6.3
Table 6.4
Table 10.1
Table 10.2
Table 11.1
Table 11.2.
Table 11.3
Table 11.4
EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Field Measurements
Parameters, Frequency, Units, and Comments
Calculated Parameters
Critical Documents and Records
Sensor, Make, and Model of Meteorological Equipment
Limits on Terrain and Obstacles near Meteorological Tower
PM2.5 Ambient Air Quality Monitor
Meteorological Monitoring Equipment
Nephelometer Field Corrective Actions
Meteorological Field Corrective Actions
Table 12.1
Table 16.1
Quality Control Verification Limits (Audit)
Data Screening Criteria
Map 5.1
Map 5.2
Map 5.3
Coos Bay/North Bend, Oregon Aerial Overview
Location of Monitoring Station Near Coos Bay, OR on Tribal Lands
National Geographic TOPO! Over of Coos Bay/North Bend, Oregon
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3. DISTRIBUTION LIST
Upon approval of the QAPP a copy will be distributed to the following.
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
Mark Ingersoll, Tribal Council Chairman
Alexis Barry, Tribal Administrator
Margaret Corvi, Director, Department of Natural Resources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
Chris Hall, Air QA Reviewer
Kris Carre, Project Officer
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Christine Svetkovich, Tribal Liaison
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4. PROJECT/TASK ORGANIZATION
4.1 Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
As a sovereign federally recognized Tribal Government, the Confederated Tribes of the
Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians have both the rights and responsibilities with
respect to the management and protection of the natural resources within the Tribes’
Ancestral Territory and current tribal holdings. To exercise these rights and responsibilities,
the Tribal Council authorized the establishment, within the Tribal Administration, of the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Environmental Division is one of the divisions
of the DNR. The mission of the Environmental Division is to research, monitor, assess,
manage, use, conserve, protect, and restore the natural resources of the Confederated Tribes’
Ancestral Territory consistent with tribal values.
The Air Quality Program (AQP) is a component of the Environmental Division. The primary
goals of the AQP are to protect tribal member health and resources from ambient and indoor
air pollution sources. In an effort to accomplish these goals, the AQP is working with the
United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 (EPA) to establish tribal air
management authority under the Tribal Authority Rule within the Federal Clean Air Act
(CAA) (as amended). In conjunction with AQP development efforts, the AQP has secured
grant funding from EPA under Section 103 of the CAA to develop and operate continuous
Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) and meteorological monitoring projects in accordance with
this Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), as written. The AQP is responsible for
coordinating all aspects of the monitoring project (quality assurance, instrument
maintenance, data collection, and data processing) and works with the Tribal Environmental
Exchange Network (TREX) (http://trexwww55.ucc.nau.edu) to implement data management,
data formatting in accordance with the EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS) data submittal
process, and develop web display capabilities.
The following DNR staff are responsible for the successful operation of the AQP’s
monitoring project.
AQP Staff
Director of the DNR
Manage and oversee the development and successful operation of the AQP.
Prepare and review budgets, contracts, grants and proposals.
Secure funding for the AQP.
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Air Quality Specialist (or alternate Environmental Staff as designated)
Follow the EPA-approved QAPP and Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) for data
collection and management
Collect, verify, and report on air quality and meteorological data collected
Install, operate, and maintain monitoring equipment and site
Attend capacity building trainings that increase air quality monitoring skills
4.2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
The EPA is providing grant funding for this monitoring project under the authority of Section
103 of the Clean Air Act. EPA’s role for this monitoring project is to provide technical
assistance and project oversight so that grant tasks are completed in accordance to identified
grant timelines. The EPA project officer will directly receive a copy of all the data collected
by the program as well as any other required reports.
EPA Region 10 Staff
Project Officer
Monitor the activities and completion of grant objectives
Provide technical assistance as needed
EPA point of contact for tribal staff
Quality Assurance Officer
Review, comment, and provide approval for the QAPP and SOPs for the monitoring
project
Provide technical assistance and suggestions to improve the monitoring project
4.3 Outside Data Auditor
The AQP will contract with an audit services as described in Section 7.1.3.
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6. BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DEFINITION
Background
The Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates air emissions from area, stationary, and mobile
sources within the United States. The CAA authorizes the EPA to establish National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and the environment. The goal of the
CAA was to set and achieve NAAQS in every state by 1975. The setting of maximum pollutant
standards was coupled with directing the states to develop state implementation plans (SIP's)
applicable to appropriate industrial sources in the state. The Act was amended in 1977 primarily
to set new goals and timelines for achieving attainment of NAAQS since many areas of the
country had failed to meet the deadlines. The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act in large
part were intended to meet unaddressed or insufficiently addressed problems such as acid rain,
ground-level ozone, stratospheric ozone depletion, and air toxics. EPA has established the
NAAQS which sets the limits for six criteria pollutants. These pollutants include: Particulate
Matter [PM2.5 or PM10], Sulfur Dioxide [SO2], Carbon monoxide [CO], Nitrogen Oxide [NOx],
Ozone [O3], and Lead [Pb]). Based on emission sources, Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) may
be an air pollution concern and quantified. Below, Table 5.1 lists each criteria pollutant and the
current limits established by EPA.
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Table 6.1 EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Pollutant
Primary/
Secondary
Carbon Monoxide
primary
Lead
primary and
secondary
Nitrogen Dioxide
Ozone
PM 2.5
Particle
Pollution
PM 10
Averaging
Time
8-hour
1-hour
Rolling 3
month average
Level
Form
9ppm
35ppm
Not to be exceeded more
than once per year
0.15 ug/m3
Not to be exceeded
primary
1-hour
100 ppb
primary
Annual
53 ppm
primary and
secondary
8-hour
0.075 ppm
primary
Annual
12 ug/m3
secondary
Annual
15 ug/m3
primary and
secondary
24-hour
35 ug/m3
primary and
secondary
24-hour
150 ug/m3
primary
1-hour
75 ppb
secondary
3-hour
0.5 ppm
Sulfur Dioxide
98th percentile of 1-hour
daily maximum
concentration, averaged
over 3 years
Annual Mean
Annual fourth-highest
daily maximum 8-hr
concentration, averaged
over 3 years
Annual mean, averaged
over 3 years
Annual mean, averaged
over 3 years
th
98 percentile, averaged
over 3 years
Not to be exceeded more
than once per year on
average over 3 years
99th percentile of 1=hour
daily maximum
concentrations, averaged
over 3 years
Not to be exceeded more
than once per year
Source: http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html
Ambient air quality monitoring is designed to focus on documenting air pollutants of concern.
To identify air pollutants of concerns, an Air Quality Assessment is usually completed prior to a
monitoring project.
Projects funded by the EPA that generate environmental data are required to have an EPAApproved QAPP completed prior to any data collection. The purpose of a QAPP is to document
how Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) activities will be followed during the
project’s data collection and processing efforts. The following QAPP describes project methods,
establishes data quality objectives, and defines data quality assurance and control for the AQP’s
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monitoring project. The QAPP is intended to serve as the primary guidance document for
properly implementing the monitoring project’s QA & QC requirements, provide detailed
operational procedures for the measurement process, and includes a compilation of QA
requirements, procedures, and guidelines that are applicable to air pollution and meteorological
measurements systems. The QAPP is designed to achieve a high percentage of valid data
samples (>95%) while maintaining integrity and accuracy. Required monitoring program duties
will be conducted by AQP staff with a focus on quality assurance in the field, laboratory, and
data processing.
QA is a system of management activities designed to ensure that the data produced by the
operation will be of the type and quality needed and expected by the data user. QC defines the
procedures implemented to assure that acceptable precision, bias, completeness,
representiveness1, and comparability are obtained and maintained in the generated data set.
Quality control procedures, when properly executed, ensure that data meets or exceeds the
minimally acceptable quality criteria established to assist management in making confident
decisions. It is the policy of the DNR to implement a QA program and QC procedures to assure
that data of known and acceptable precision, bias, completeness, comparability, and
representiveness are collected in all environmental monitoring projects.
Precision, bias, completeness, comparability, and representiveness are the principle Data Quality
Indicators (DQI) that provide qualitative and quantitative descriptions used in interpreting the
degree of acceptability of data. Establishing acceptance criteria for these DQIs sets quantitative
goals for the quality of data generated in the analytical measurement process.
Of the five principal DQIs, precision and bias are the quantitative measures, representiveness and
comparability are qualitative, and completeness is a combination of both qualitative and
quantitative measures.
Accuracy is a combined metric that represents the closeness of an individual measurement, or the
average of a number of measurements, to the true value. Components of accuracy are random
error, represented by the metric precision, and systematic error, represented by the metric bias.
These error components result from sampling and analytical operations.
The specific requirements of these five DQIs are established beforehand, on a project by project
basis, so that the goals of each project are met. The goal is to locate and eliminate or minimize
bias, so the data collected show the true conditions of the area being sampled. This includes
1
Representiveness is defined as a measure of the degree to which data accurately and precisely represent a selected characteristic
of a monitored system.
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consideration of station location criteria, spatial scales, monitoring objectives, climatic change,
source configuration, and duration of study.
Project Definition
EPA approval of this updated QAPP will maintain Particulate Matter (PM-2.5) and
meteorological monitoring projects at the air quality site on tribal lands near Coos Bay, OR. The
data collected during the project will be used to establish ambient baseline of PM-2.5 conditions
on tribal lands, provide the Tribes’ and public with near real time air quality information, and
provide EPA Region 10 with data to assist in Federal Air Rules for Reservation’s burn ban
decisions. The data collected will be viewable online at http://trexwww55.ucc.nau.edu/cgibin/daily_summary.pl?cams=1036 on the TREX Network hosted by IPS Meteostar
(http://wxweb.meteostar.com).
The monitoring station, Radar Hill, is located just south of the Tribal Administration building
located at 1245 Fulton Avenue, Coos Bay, OR (43°22'55.19"N, 124°15'49.39"W). The
approximate elevation at the monitoring station is 270 feet. The following maps show the
location of the monitoring site.
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Map 5.1. Aerial of Coos Bay/North Bend, Oregon with Monitoring Station
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Map 5.2. Location of Monitoring Station near Coos Bay, Oregon on Tribal Lands
Map 5.3. Location of Monitoring Station near Coos Bay, Oregon on Tribal Lands - TOPO
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5. PROJECT / TASK DESCRIPTION
The objective of the AQP at Radar Hill is to document baseline ambient PM-2.5 and
meteorological conditions on tribal lands near Coos Bay, OR. The data collected for this project
is available near real time online using the TREX website (http://trexwww55.ucc.nau.edu/cgibin/daily_summary.pl?cams=1036).
5.1
Instruments/Monitors
This monitoring project will document baseline ambient PM-2.5 and meteorological conditions
on tribal lands using a Radiance Research M903 Integrating Nephelometer and Met One
Instruments, Inc. meteorological sensors. All the hardware and software for this project is
capable of providing near real time data. The nephelometer estimates the scattering coefficient of
light (bscat) caused by aerosols and gases in the ambient air. The light scattered from an
internally tube-mounted flashing light source is integrated from 5 to 175º deflection and
measured by a photodiode detector at the opposite end of the tube. The meteorological station
consists of a 10 meter meteorological weather tower that measures wind speed and direction,
temperature and humidity, solar radiation, barometric pressure, and rainfall.
5.2
Description of Work
The following list describes the work required for the monitoring project:
Identify and secure monitoring site
Identify sampling frequency and scale
Establish recording equipment, procedures, and software
Establish data and report format, content, and schedules
Collect ambient PM2.5 and meteorological data at site
Meet or exceed quality objectives and criteria
Follow standard operating procedures for equipment
Perform preventative maintenance on all equipment
Conduct instrument calibrations, zero, and span, and precision and accuracy evaluations
Submit QA/QC data to EPA’s AQS
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5.3
Field Activities
Field activities at the Radar Hill monitoring site are important to ensure data integrity for the
monitoring project. AQP staff will conduct activities that support successful operation and
maintenance of the nephelometer and meteorological equipment. Field activities include periodic
preventative maintenance and servicing of the equipment at the monitoring site. Operational
servicing activities include recording pertinent field data and performing calibration and audit of
the equipment at the monitoring site. Audits, calibrations and verifications will be conducted as
specified by the equipment requirements. Maintenance is conducted according to the schedule
and audits are conducted annually as shown in Table 6.1. Data are transmitted directly to a local
computer via a ZENO 3200 data logger and simultaneously sent to the TREX server. Data
checks occur weekly and validations monthly by AQP staff via the LEADS IPS Meteostar
system to ensure proper flagging for proposed AQS submission.
Table 6.1. Instrument maintenance and Data Management
Item
Weekly
Verify that displays on all instruments have values
that are reasonable for current meteorological and
air quality conditions.
X2
Perform zero/span checks on PM-2.5 monitor.
X
Check instruments for insects, dust, etc., and clean
as necessary.
Quarterly
Semi- Annually
X
Audit meteorological instruments. Calibrate/
Repair / replace as needed (based on audit
findings).
X2
Audit PM2.5 nephelometer. Calibrate/ Repair /
replace as necessary. (based on audit findings).3
X1
Field measurements are described in Table 6.2 below. All measurements are collected in English
units. The ZENO data logger collects information every 2 seconds and combines it into 51. Standard Operating Procedures CTCLUSI PM2.5 Data Collection
2. Standard Operating Procedures CTCLUSI Meteorological Data Collection
3. Weekly verifications on any AQP equipment may justify audits, calibrations, repairs beyond what is specified in this table.
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minute averages. The LEADS system polls the data logger every 15 minutes retrieving three 5minute packets of information. This information is then combined into 1-hour averages. The
one-hour averages are posted on the publicly-available web-pages. The original 5-minute data
are available for manual validation via LEADS IPS Meteostar software.
Table 6.2. Parameters, Frequency, Units, and Comments
Parameter
Date
Time
PM-2.5
Temperature
Solar Radiation
Barometric
Pressure
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Precipitation
Relative
Humidity
Frequency
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages.
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Collected by the ZENO data
logger every 2 seconds for 5minute and 1-hour averages
Units
Comment
Month/Day/Year
Hour: Minutes AM or
PM
Pacific Standard Time
µg/m³
Degrees (F)
Langleys per minute
Millibars
Miles / Hour
Compass direction in
degrees
Inches (cumulative for
relevant interval)
Percent relative
humidity
In addition, to the basic measurements listed in Table 6.2, the software calculates the following
additional parameters, listed in Table 6.3.
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Table 6.3. Calculated Parameters
Parameter
Units
Resultant Wind Speed Miles per
hour
Resultant Wind
Direction
Degrees
Maximum Wind Gust
Miles per
hour
Degrees
Standard Deviation of
Horizontal Wind
Direction
Definition
5-minute wind speeds and directions for the hour
are converted into a single hourly vector.
Resultant wind speed is the magnitude of this
vector.
5-minute wind speeds and directions for the hour
are converted into a single hourly vector.
Resultant wind direction is the direction of this
vector.
Peak wind speed during the hour.
A measure of the variability of the direction from
which the wind is blowing.
For monthly summaries of each parameter, the software calculates the following summary
statistics:
Maximum value
Second highest value
Minimum value
Average value
Standard deviation
Data capture (data completeness)
6.4
Laboratory Activities
The nephelometer and meteorological data does not require laboratory or chain of custody
handling procedures. Data handling is completely automated. Data are automatically backed up
through routine IPS MeteoStar server back-ups.
6.5
Project Assessment Techniques
An assessment is an evaluation process used to measure the performance or effectiveness of a
project and its elements. As used here, “assessment” is an all-inclusive term used to denote any
of the following: audit, performance evaluation, Management Systems Review (MSR), peer
review, inspection, or surveillance. Section 18 discusses the details of the assessments.
6.6 Project Records
AQP staff will establish and maintain procedures for the timely preparation, review, approval,
issuance, use, control, revision, and maintenance of documents and records. The categories and
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types of records and documents which are applicable to document control for ambient air quality
information are presented in Table 6.4. Information on key documents in each category is
explained in more detail in Section 9.
Table 6.4. Critical Documents and Records
Categories
Site Information
Environmental Data
Operations
Raw Data
Data Reporting
Record/Document Types
Network descriptions
Site characterization files
Site maps
Site pictures
Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP)
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for equipment used
Field and laboratory notebooks
Inspection/maintenance records
Any original data (routine and quality control data) including data entry
forms
Air quality index reports
Data/summary reports
EPA’s Air Quality System Database via TREX.
Website: http://trexwww.ucc.nau.edu/
Data Management
Quality Assurance
Data algorithms
Data management plans/flowcharts
PM2.5 data
Data management systems
Good laboratory practices
Network reviews
Control charts
Data quality assessments
Quality assurance reports
System audits
Response/corrective action reports
Site audits
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6. DATA AND MEASUREMENT QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND CRITERIA
This QAPP is designed for ambient baseline PM-2.5 and meteorological monitoring at the Radar
Hill, the Tribes’ air monitoring site. Any other special project, monitoring, or assessment beyond
the scope of this monitoring project will require different procedures depending on the purpose
and objectives of the project.
The specific written procedures or methodologies for operating instruments and handling data
must be adhered to by any individuals, firms, or agencies producing air quality data for this
specific project.
6.1
Data Quality Objectives
This section provides a description of the Data Quality Objectives (DQO) for the ambient air
quality monitoring program. DQO are qualitative and quantitative statements that clarify the
intended use of the data, define the type of data needed, and specify the tolerable limits on the
probability of making a decision error due to uncertainty in the data.
6.1.1 Intended Use of Data
Establish a quantifiable baseline of PM2.5 concentrations and meteorological
conditions on tribal lands near Coos Bay, OR.
Monitor and understand the dynamic concentrations of PM2.5.
Evaluate PM2.5 compliance with the NAAQS and Federal Air Rules for
Reservations (FARR) Burn Bans.
Activate emergency burn bans that prevent or reduce impacts from air pollution
episodes.
Provide PM2.5 data upon which long term control strategies can be reliably
developed.
Observe and document PM2.5 pollution trends on tribal lands near Coos Bay, OR.
Provide a database for tribal members and the public to access air pollution trends
locally
6.1.2 Type of Data Needed
Ambient PM2.5 and meteorological data will be collected for this monitoring project.
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6.1.3 Tolerable Error Limits
EPA utilized the Data Quality Objectives (DQO) process (see: Guidance for the Data Quality
Objectives Process, EPA QA/G-4, EPA/600/R-96/055, September 1994) to specify tolerable
limits on the probability of making a decision error due to uncertainty in the data. This
establishes limits on the probability of coming up with false positive or false negative error. A
false positive error is encountered when the data indicate that an emissions limit have been
exceeded when in fact, due to errors in the data, it has not been exceeded. Alternately, a false
negative error is encountered when the data indicate that no emissions limit has been exceeded
when in fact, due to errors in the data, an emissions limit has been exceeded. The AQP will
establish an acceptable precision of 10%, as measured by coefficient of variation, and an
acceptable bias of 10%. By controlling precision and bias at these levels, the decision error
probability limit will be 5%.
The AQP will determine the monitoring project’s data precision and bias by contracting audit
services from one of the following organizations; Oregon Department of Environmental Quality,
Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, qualified private air quality monitoring audit service,
qualified staff from another Tribal AQP, or TREX. The AQP will work with the selected audit
service and schedule audits for the nephelometer and meteorological equipment as specified in
Table 6.1.
6.2
Measurement Quality Objectives
The quality of the data must be evaluated and controlled to ensure that it is maintained within the
established acceptance criteria. Measurement Quality Objectives (MQOs) are designed to
evaluate and control various phases (sampling, preparation, analysis) of the measurement process
to ensure that total measurement uncertainty is within the range prescribed by the DQO’s. The
MQO’s and acceptance criteria for this project are the same as the monitoring equipment’s
specifications. The following are the specifications for the Radiance Research PM-2.5
Nephelometer and meteorological equipment.
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Radiance Research PM 2.5 Nephelometer Specifications
Parameter
Ranges
Lower Detection
Outputs
Time Constant Adjustable
Principle
Electronics
Operating Parameters
Optics No Lenses
Wavelength
Pressure
Temperature
Rh
Measurement
Light scattering extinction coefficient
0 to > 1 km-1
< 0.004 km-1 (1 x 10-6m-1) at 30 sec average
4 Analog (0 to 5 VDC) and RS 232 serial, Baud Rate selectable,
9600, 4800, 2400, 1200
2 sec. to several minutes
Measurement Characteristics
Integrating nephelometer
Computer based, MD68HC11 at 8 MHz
Diagnostics through serial port 3 sets of default operating
parameters selected with panel switches
Reference brightness measurement and chopper stabilized span.
Chopper rate adjustable (typical, 20% duty cycle)
475 nm
Microsoft absolute, 1%
Thermistor, 0.2%
Vaisala, 2%
Met One Instruments Meteorological Equipment Specifications
See Table A.3.1 within Standard Operating Procedures for Meteorological data
collection systems for meteorological equipment specifications.
6.2.1 General Data Quality Objectives
Data shall be of a known and documented quality. The level of quality required for
each specific monitoring project shall be established during the initial planning stages
of the project and will depend upon the data’s intended use.
Data shall be comparable and shall be produced in a similar and scientific manner.
Data shall be representative of the parameters being measured with respect to time,
location, and the conditions from which the data are obtained. The use of the standard
methodologies contained in the QAPP should ensure that the data generated are
representative.
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Ideally, a 95% confidence of both precision and bias should be maintained with a ±15%
difference or better between the actual amount of an introduced parameter (to a measurement
system) and the indicated response of the measurement system.
The QAPP must be dynamic to continue to achieve its stated goals as techniques, systems,
concepts, and project objectives evolve.
6.2.2 Specific Data Quality Objectives
6.3
Determine whether or not the primary and secondary 24-hour NAAQS for
particulate matter (measured as PM2.5) of 35 μg/m3 are exceeded.
Determine whether or not the primary and secondary NAAQS for particulate
matter (measured as PM2.5) of 15 μg/m3 (annual arithmetic mean) are exceeded.
Provide near real-time PM 2.5 and meteorological monitoring data for baseline
monitoring assessment.
Network Scale
Representiveness is defined as a measure of the degree to which data accurately and precisely
represent a selected characteristic of a monitored system. Support in achieving Representiveness
is provided through adhering to the guidelines provided in:
40 CFR Part 58, Appendix D (Network Design for State and Local Air
Monitoring Stations [SLAMS], National Air Monitoring Stations [NAMS], and
Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations [PAMS]).
40 CFR Part 58, Appendix E (Probe and Monitoring Path Siting Criteria for
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring).
Each monitor is assigned a scale of representiveness based on the definitions of 40 CFR Part 58,
Appendix D.
Micro Scale - describes air volumes associated with area dimensions ranging from several
meters up to about 100 meters (m).
Middle Scale - describes air volumes associated with area dimensions up to several city blocks
in size with dimensions ranging from about 100 m to 500 m (0.5 kilometer [km]).
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Neighborhood Scale - describes air volumes associated with an area of a city that has relatively
uniform land use with dimensions in the 500 m to 4,000 m (0.5 to 4.0 km) range.
Urban Scale - describes air volumes within cities with dimensions on the order of 4,000 m to
50,000 m (4.0 km to 50 km). This scale would usually require more than one site for definitions.
Regional Scale - describes air volumes associated with rural areas of reasonably homogeneous
geography that extends for tens to hundreds of kilometers.
7. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Ongoing education and training are integral to any monitoring project that strives to produce
reliable and comparable data. Training is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of employees and
their organization. As part of a QA program, 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix A requires the
development of operational procedures for training.
Staff training will consist of required reading prior to implementation of QAPP requirements.
Required reading shall include this QAPP and appendices, and the Standard Operating
Procedures of the monitoring equipment employed for the project. All AQP staff are highly
encouraged to pursue training opportunities whenever possible and as funding resources allow.
Organizations that provide training opportunities include universities, Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality- ODEQ (www.odeq.state.or.us) the Western Regional Air Partnership
(www.wrapair.org), the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals- ITEP
(http://www4.nau.edu/itep),
Tribal
Environmental
Exchange
NetworkTREX
(http://trexwww55.ucc.nau.edu/), and Region 10 EPA (http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/tribal.NSF).
Trainings will focus on the proper operation and maintenance of PM 2.5 and meteorological
monitoring equipment and on data management and submittal into EPA’s Air Quality System
(AQS). ITEP and EPA provide training opportunities to properly manage and upload data into
AQS. All AQP staff working on this project will have adequate training to perform the assigned
functions as determined by the AQP Director.
7.1
Health and Safety Warnings
The health and safety hazards associated with operating the monitoring equipment are minimal.
Below are the hazards listed in decreasing order of importance.
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Nephelometer
Asphyxiation by calibration gases. All gases used for span calibration of the integrating
nephelometer are heavier than air and are capable of displacing the oxygen in a vehicle or
workspace. This can occur if an accident breaks or opens the valve that closes the gas
cylinder or a large flow of the calibration gas is used in a poorly vented space. Care
should be taken when transporting the calibration gas cylinders to and from the monitor
in a manner that minimizes the possibility of damaging or opening the gas cylinder valve.
Calibration gas cylinders are pressurized tanks. The site operator must be careful when
handling the tanks to prevent the tanks from tipping over. Gas cylinders that do not have
a built-in base must be kept from tipping over.
The integrating nephelometer contains high voltage circuits. The instrument should be
unplugged from the power source and capacitors allowed to discharge before servicing
the instrument.
Meteorological Equipment
Proper techniques will be used when lowering and raising the meteorological tower.
The data logger contains high voltage circuits, and should be unplugged from the power
sources and capacitors allowed to discharge before servicing the instrument.
8. DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS
The following information describes the AQP’s documentation and records procedures for the
monitoring project. The AQP will maintain the documents and records pertaining to data, data
quality, and other records required. EPA required data submittals will be accomplished through
EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS, http://www.epa.gov/ttn/airs/airsaqs/index.htm) using the IPS
MeteoSTAR LEADS system.
Quarterly progress reports are provided to the appropriate Project Officer for the duration of the
relevant grant.
8.1
Information Included in the Reporting Package
8.1.1 Routine Data Activities
The AQP will maintain records in appropriate files that allow for the efficient archival and
retrieval of records.
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8.1.2 Data Submittal to EPA
The AQP will submit monitoring data into EPA’s AQS through the IPS MeteoStar LEADS
system.
8.2
Data Reporting Package Format and Documentation Control
8.2.1 Notebooks
Each field and laboratory staff will be responsible for obtaining appropriate field notebooks.
These notebooks will be uniquely numbered and associated with the individual and/or a specific
program. The notebooks will be used to record information about the site and laboratory
operations as well as document routine operations.
Completion of data entry forms, associated with all routine environmental data operations, are
required even when the field notebooks contain all appropriate and associated information
required for the routine operation being performed.
Field Notebooks - Notebooks will be used for each sampling site, specific program, or
individual. Each notebook should be hardbound and paginated. Appropriate data entry forms
may be used instead of notebooks; however, these forms are not required for routine operations,
inspection and maintenance operations, or SOP activities as long as the information is contained
in a notebook.
8.2.2 Electronic Data Collection
All data transmittal is automated. Data are collected automatically from all sensors by the ZENO
data logger and assembled into 5-minute averages. The IPS MeteoStar LEADS system polls the
ZENO every 5 minutes and collects the 5-minute averages. The 5-minute averages are then
combined into 1-hour averages for posting on the publicly available web pages. Detailed 5minute and 1-hour data are available electronically for manual validation. Any editing is
specifically documented directly in notes appended to the affected records and in the electronic
mail accompanying the data transfer. Validated data may be transferred to the AQS data system
using the LEADS software.
Accuracy of data transmittal is evaluated by the auditor during the course of comprehensive
annual system audits.
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8.3
Data Reporting Package Archiving and Retrieval
All information will be retained for three years from the date of collection. However, if any
litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before
the expiration of the three-year period, the records will be retained until completion of the action
and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular three year period,
whichever is later. The AQP will extend this time period and store records for three full years
past the year of collection. For example, any data collected in calendar year 2003 will be retained
until at least January 1, 2007.
9.
MONITORING PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this section is to:
Identify the Functions of the Monitoring project.
Outline Monitoring Objectives.
Establish the Criteria for Sampling Design and Monitoring Site Selection.
The primary function of the monitoring program is to generate a baseline documentation of PM2.5 and meteorological conditions on tribal lands. Other functions include determining trends
over time, developing algorithms based on historical air quality and other conditions which will
forecast air quality, verifying air quality modeling programs, assist in the Federal Air Rules for
Reservations (FARR) implementation, and correlating health effects to air quality.
Sampling network design and monitoring site selection comply with the following appendices of
40 CFR Part 58:
40 CFR Part 58, Appendix A - Quality Assurance Requirements for State and Local Air
Monitoring Stations (SLAMS)
40 CFR Part 58, Appendix D - Network Design for State and Local Air Monitoring Stations
(SLAMS) and National Air Monitoring Stations (NAMS).
40 CFR Part 58, Appendix E - Probe and Monitoring Path Siting Criteria for Ambient Air
Quality Monitoring
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9.1
Monitoring Objectives
Determine the highest concentrations expected to occur in the area covered by the
monitoring station.
Determine representative concentrations in areas of high population density.
Determine the impact of significant sources or source categories on ambient pollution
levels.
Determine general background PM-2.5 concentration levels.
Determine the extent of regional pollutant transport among populated areas and in
support of secondary standards.
Determine the welfare-related impacts in rural and remote areas (such as visibility
impairment and effects on health).
The AQP will utilize the network design criteria specified in 40 CFR Part 58, and establish the
appropriate network configuration necessary to meet these objectives. The monitoring station
monitor has been assigned as Background from the following monitoring objective designations:
Population Exposure - the monitor is located in an area associated with high population
density.
Background - the monitor is located where manmade pollutant emissions are minimal.
Transport - the monitor is located to measure pollutants transported from other areas.
Maximum Concentration - the monitor is located where a high concentration of the
pollutant is expected (often based on results of receptor models).
Comparison Study - the monitor is located adjacent to other instrumentation measuring
the same pollutant to compare different sampling/monitoring methodologies.
Air Quality Index - the monitor provides data primarily for reporting to the Air Quality
Index (previously called the Pollutant Standards Index).
Data collected within the monitoring network must be representative of the spatial area under
each study. The goal of establishing a monitoring station is to match the spatial scale represented
by the samples obtained with the spatial scale most appropriate for the monitoring objective of
the station.
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9.2
Site Selection
Selection of a monitoring site includes the following activities:
Developing and understanding the monitoring objective and appropriate data quality
objectives.
Identifying the spatial scale most appropriate for the monitoring objective of the site.
Identifying potential locations where the monitoring site could be placed.
Identifying the specific monitoring site.
The AQP will adhere to the site selection criteria as specified in 40 CFR Part 58.
9.2.1 Site Location
Four criteria will be considered when evaluating potential sites. Monitoring sites should be
oriented to measure the following (single or in combination as appropriate for the sampling
objective):
Impacts of known pollutant emission categories on air quality.
Population density relative to receptor-dose levels, both short- and long-term.
Impacts of known pollutant emission sources (area and point) on air quality.
Representative air quality.
Selection according to these criteria requires detailed information concerning the location of
sources, geographic variability of ambient pollutant concentrations, meteorological conditions,
and population density. Selection of the number, geographic locations, and types of sampling
stations is, therefore, a complex process.
The sampling site selection process involves consideration of the following factors:
Economics - The quantity of funding resources required to accomplish all data collection
activities, including instrumentation, installation, maintenance, data retrieval, data analysis, QA,
and data interpretation, will be established.
Security - In some cases, a preferred location may have associated problems that compromise the
security of monitoring equipment (i.e., high risk of theft, vandalism, etc.). If such problems
cannot be remedied through the use of standard measures such as additional lighting, fencing,
etc., then an attempt to locate the site as near to the preferred location as possible shall be made.
Logistics - This process includes procurement, maintenance, and transportation of material and
personnel for the monitoring operation. The logistics process requires full knowledge of all
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aspects of the data collection operation: planning, reconnaissance, training, scheduling, safety,
staffing, procuring goods and services, communications, and inventory management.
Atmospheric Considerations - These considerations may include spatial and temporal variability
of pollutants and their transport. Effects of buildings, terrain, and heat sources or sinks on air
trajectories can produce localized anomalies of pollutant concentrations. Meteorology must be
considered in determining the geographic location of a site as well as the height, direction, and
extension of sampling probes. Evaluation of a local wind rose is essential to properly locate
many monitoring sites (e.g., siting either to detect or avoid emissions from specific sources).
Topography - Evaluation of the local topography based upon land use maps, U.S. Geological
Survey topographic maps, and other available resources must be completed. Minor and major
topological features that impact both the transport and diffusion of air pollutants must be
identified and evaluated. Minor features may consist of an adjacent tree-lined stream or tall
structures either upwind or downwind of a point source, each of which may exert small
influences on pollutant dispersion patterns. Major features include river canyons or deep valleys,
mountain ranges, and large lakes. Major features significantly impact the prevailing wind
patterns or create their own local weather such as katabatic or anabatic winds.
Overlap exists between all of the factors listed above. Consequently, a professional judgment
procedure will be employed in order to successfully select appropriate sites that can provide the
data necessary to accomplish the project’s stated objectives. In situations where the sites do not
specifically meet the requirements necessary to obtain the project objectives, reevaluation of the
project priorities may be necessary prior to the final monitoring site selection. Experience in the
operation of air quality measurement systems; estimates of air quality, field, and theoretical
studies of air diffusion; and considerations of atmospheric chemistry and air pollution effects
make up the required expertise needed to select the optimum sampling site for obtaining data
necessary to fulfill the monitoring objectives.
9.2.2 Monitor Placement
The placement of each monitor is generally determined by the defined monitoring objective.
Monitors are thus usually placed according to potential exposure to pollution. Due to the various
factors discussed above, tradeoffs are often necessary to locate a site for collection of optimally
representative data. Final placement of a particular monitor at a selected site is dependent on
physical obstructions and activities in the immediate area. Monitors must be placed away from
obstructions such as trees and fences in order to avoid their effects on airflow. To prevent
sampling bias, airflow around monitor sampling probes must be representative of the general
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airflow in the area. In addition, the availability of utilities (i.e., electricity and telephone services)
is critical.
9.3
EQUIPMENT LOCATIONS
9.3.1 Meteorological Sensors
The location of the meteorological sensors varies greatly from parameter to parameter. Because
of the variations, the location criteria are discussed below on a parameter-by-parameter basis.
Meteorological sensors and equipment specifications are attached as Appendix C.
Instruments shall be mounted on booms at the top of or projecting horizontally from the tower.
The booms shall be securely fastened to the tower and shall be strong enough so that they will
not sway or vibrate in strong winds. Wind instruments shall be mounted on a boom so that the
sensors are twice the maximum diameter or diagonal of the tower away from the tower. The
boom shall project into the prevailing winds. Wind sensors shall be mounted on booms or cross
arms so that a sensor’s wake does not impact adjacent sensors. Usually, this means mounting the
sensors a minimum of 2 meters apart. If the wind sensors are to be mounted on top of a tower,
they shall be mounted at a height and distance from the tower so that the diagonal distance
between the sensor and the tower is equal to twice the maximum diameter or diagonal of the
tower.
Temperature sensors and solar radiation sensors that are to be mounted on a boom shall be
mounted on a boom with a length that is greater than the diameter of the tower at the height at
which the boom is mounted. The temperature and solar radiation sensors shall always be
mounted on the south side of a tower. Temperature sensors that are mechanically aspirated shall
have a downward-facing shielding.
Below in Table 10.1 with the make and model of all meteorological monitoring equipment that
will be used for this project.
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Table 9.1 Sensor, Make, and Model of Meteorological Equipment
Sensor
Make
Model #
Wind Speed
Met One Instruments (http://www.metone.com) Model 010C
Wind Direction
Met One Instruments (http://www.metone.com) Model 020C
Temperature
Met One Instruments (http://www.metone.com) Model 083E
Relative Humidity
Met One Instruments (http://www.metone.com) Model 083E
Precipitation
Met One Instruments (http://www.metone.com)
300 Series
Barometric Pressure Met One Instruments (http://www.metone.com)
Model 092
Solar Radiation
Met One Instruments (http://www.metone.com)
Model 095
9.3.2 Towers
The sensor should be securely mounted on a mast (tower or pole) that will not twist, rotate, or
sway.
The tower shall be of an open grid-type construction and of sufficient strength (steel or other
suitable material) to be lowered safely in order to install, service, and audit the sensors. A tower
must be rigid enough to maintain all mounted instruments in proper alignment and orientation in
high winds.
When instruments are located on a cross arm projecting out from the tower, the cross arm shall
be securely fastened to the tower and shall be strong enough so that the sensors do not sway or
vibrate in high winds. The sensors shall be securely fastened to the cross arm at a distance of two
tower diameters or widths, measured from the edge of the tower to the sensor, to avoid any
influence of tower-induced turbulence on the sensors. The cross arm shall be installed so that it is
horizontally level and the sensors shall be installed so that they are vertical. The cross arm shall
be mounted and aligned so that the wind direction sensor is correctly aligned.
9.3.3 Wind Velocity Sensors
If the wind sensors are to measure surface level winds, the sensors should be located on a 10-m
tower in open terrain. Open terrain is defined as an area where the distance between the tower
base and any obstruction is at least ten times the height of that obstruction above the instrument.
This applies to manmade (buildings) and natural (trees, rocks, or hills) obstructions. All distances
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are to be measured from the edge of the obstruction nearest the tower. Trees and shrubs shall be
measured from the outside edge of the crown or drip line, and not the trunk.
If the sensors (and tower) are to be located in areas of uneven terrain or terrain containing
obstacles, refer to Table 10.2 for the limits for terrain variation and obstacle height near the
tower.
Note: The issue with the air stations location in proximity to the structures around it, is on
ongoing issue in relation to the wind sensors. Due to the Tribes limited amount if reservation and
fee lands, it was determined that this location, though not perfect, was the best place for the
station. It is the highest point in Coos Bay, and close to several of our tribal buildings and
gathering locations. Another important reasoning is that a potential Title V emitter is in the
process of getting its permits to set up right across the bay, which the Air State will be essential
in monitoring the proposed facility’s effect on air quality. The tribes do own a forested piece of
land directly to the south of the air station, however we do not have the funding to clear the land
and move the air station. Also the small forest is considered a Cultural Resource which makes
clearing it a complicated issue.
Table 9.2 Limits on Terrain and Obstacles near Tower
Distance from Tower
(m)
Slope, no
Greater Than
(%)
Maximum Obstruction or Vegetation
Height (m)
0 – 15
15 – 30
30 – 100
100 – 300
±2
±3
±7
± 11
0.3
0.5 – 1.0 (most vegetation <0.3)
3.0
10 x Ht *
9.3.4 Temperature and Humidity Sensors
Temperature and humidity sensors shall be mounted over an open plot of short grass or natural
earth (not concrete or asphalt) at least 9 m in diameter. A height of 1.25 to 2 m above the ground
surface is the standard height for mounting temperature and humidity sensors, but tower
mounting, as is the case in most air pollution/meteorological monitoring applications, is also
acceptable. Wherever the sensor is mounted, the height of the sensor should be measured and
recorded.
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The sensors shall be no closer to obstructions than a distance of four times the height differential
between the height of the sensor and the height of the obstruction. This applies to both manmade
and natural obstructions.
The distance shall be measured from the edge of the crown or dripline of the vegetation, not the
trunk. The sensors shall be positioned at a minimum of 30 m from large paved areas (streets,
parking lots, etc.), steep slopes, ridges, hollows, or bodies of standing water. Temperature probes
shall be located so that they are not influenced by heat leakage from the shelter containing the
electronics and recorders for the meteorological equipment.
9.3.5 Barometric Pressure Sensors
Barometric pressure sensors are usually mounted inside the shelter housing meteorological
instruments and recorders since barometric pressure is not affected by indoor installations. The
installation of the barometric pressure sensors inside the stable shelter environment protects the
instruments from exposure to extreme climatological events that may impact the sensors or
recorders. However, when a sensor is mounted inside a shelter, it should be placed inside the
building on an interior wall, and removed from drafts from the heating/ventilating/air
conditioning system, doors, and windows. The instrument should be mounted to minimize
vibration and be vented to eliminate shelter interior pressurization.
9.3.6 Solar Radiation Sensors
All solar or net radiation sensors must be positioned so they are horizontal. These sensors must
have an unobstructed view of the sun during the entire year, from sunrise to sunset. They should
not be positioned within 50 m of any light colored walls or sources of artificial light.
If net radiation is to be measured, the sensors shall be sited according to the siting criteria for
temperature sensors unless a specific application is desired.
9.3.7 PM2.5 Sensors
When monitoring for PM2.5, it is important to select a site where the collected particulate mass is
representative of the monitored area.
Optimum placement of the sampling inlet for PM2.5 is at breathing height level. However,
practical factors such as prevention of vandalism, security, and safety precautions must also be
considered. Given these considerations, the sampler inlet for micro scale PM2.5 monitors must be
between 2 and 7 m above the ground. For middle or larger spatial scales the inlet must be 2 to 15
m above the ground.
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If the sampler is located on a roof or other structure, there must be 2 meters separation from
walls, parapets, penthouses, etc. No furnace or incineration flues should be nearby. Collocated
samplers must be at least 2 m, but not greater than 4 m, away from each other.
Samplers should be located at least 20 m from the dripline of the nearest trees, but must be 10
meters from the dripline when it acts as an obstruction.
The sampler must be located away from obstacles such as buildings, so that the distance between
the obstacle and the sampler is at least two times the height that the obstacle protrudes above the
sampler.
There must be unrestricted airflow in an arc of at least 270° around the sampler. The
predominant wind direction for the season with the greatest pollutant concentration potential
must be included in the 270° unrestricted arc. If the sampler is to measure concentrations from a
road or point source, there must be no obstructions between a road or point source, even when
other spacing from obstruction criteria are met.
There are many factors to be considered in establishing a particulate sampling location. These
include accessibility under all weather conditions, availability of adequate electricity, and the
security of the monitoring personnel and equipment. The sampler must be situated where the
operator can reach it safely despite adverse weather conditions. If the sampler is located on a
rooftop, care should be taken that the operator’s personal safety is not jeopardized by a slippery
roof surface. Consideration should also be given to the fact that routine operational procedures
such as calibration, maintenance, and filter installation and recovery involve transporting
supplies and equipment to and from the monitoring site.
The lack of suitable power source can often result in the loss of many samples because of power
interruptions or fluctuations. To ensure that adequate power is available, consult the
manufacturer’s instruction manual for the sampler’s minimum voltage and power requirements.
The security of the sampler depends mostly on the location. Rooftop sites with locked access and
ground level sites with fences are common. In all cases, the security of the operating personnel as
well as the sampler should be considered.
For this monitoring project, the AQP will place the PM 2.5 sampler in a small climate controlled
shed at the base of the meteorological tower.
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9.4
Rationale for the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
The rationale for the monitoring project is to establish baseline PM 2.5 pollutant levels and
associated meteorological conditions based on the findings and recommendations from the
AQP’s Tribal Air Quality Assessment Version 1.0.
10.
SAMPLING METHODS REQUIREMENTS
10.1 Purpose
Identify the sampling methods.
Identify the procedures for collecting the required environmental samples.
Describe the equipment to be used for the project.
Describe necessary support facilities.
Sample preservation requirements.
Implementation requirements.
Required materials include.
Processes for preparing and decontaminating sampling equipment.
Identify corrective actions necessary to reestablish network data integrity.
Identify responsible parties to implement the corrective actions.
Methods required to verify corrective action effectiveness.
10.2 Monitoring Technology/Methodology
10.2.1 Real-Time Ambient Air Monitoring PM-2.5
The Radiance Research Model M903 Integrating Nephelometer estimates the scattering
coefficient of light (bscat) caused by aerosols and gases in the ambient air. The Nephelometer
measures bscat caused by maintaining a steady ambient air flow rate through an optical tube. The
tube contains a variable rate flash lamp with a wavelength limiting optical filter of 475nm. At the
opposite end of the tube is a photodiode detector that measures light scattered by aerosols and
gases in the tubes ambient air plus light reflected from the inside surfaces of the instrument’s
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optical chamber. The inside reflective component is constant and corrected for by performing
Zero and Span calibrations.
Directly across the optical tube is a second photodiode detector that measures the output level of
light from the lamp. This compensates for any changes in the lamps brightness due to power
supply changes, lamp aging, and dust on optical surfaces.
The Radiance Research Nephelometer is computer based with a menu driven display and toggle
switches for control. A serial port is included with the instrument to communicate with an
external computer. An internal Random Access Memory (RAM) with battery backup allows for
data storage. A 9-pin connector labeled “analog output” can be utilized to collect nephelometer
data on a separate datalogger. A constant speed exhaust fan, ensuring adequate airflow through
the system. A purge port is included with the instrument to facilitate calibrations.
10.2.2 Electronic Data Collection
Nephelometer and meteorological sensor data are collected automatically every 2 seconds by the
ZENO data logger, which compiles 5-minute averages. The LEADS system collects the 5minute averages every 15 minutes and assembles them into 1-hour averages for website posting.
5-minute and 1-hour data are available for manual validation.
10.3 Support Facilities
The following describes the monitoring design and equipment to be used for this project.
10.3.1 Monitoring Station Design
The monitoring station design must encompass the operational needs of the equipment, and must
also provide an environment that supports sample integrity, and allow the operator to safely
service and maintain the equipment. Winter weather conditions must be considered during site
selection in order to meet the station safety and serviceability requirements.
10.3.2 Ambient Air Sampler
The analyzer to be used is listed below in Table 11.1.
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Table 10.1. PM2.5 Ambient Air Quality Monitor
Criteria Pollutant
Model Designation
EPA Reference / Equivalence
PM2.5
Radiance Research
Model M903
Integrating
Nephelometer
N/A
Table 11.2. Meteorological Monitoring Equipment
Sensor
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Precipitation
Barometric Pressure
Solar Radiation
Make
Met One Instruments
(http://www.metone.com)
Met One Instruments
(http://www.metone.com)
Met One Instruments
(http://www.metone.com)
Met One Instruments
(http://www.metone.com)
Met One Instruments
(http://www.metone.com)
Model #
Model 010C
Model 020C
Model 083E
Model 083E
300 Series
Met One Instruments
(http://www.metone.com)
Model 092
Met One Instruments
(http://www.metone.com)
Model 095
10.4 Sampling/Measurement System Corrective Action
Corrective action measures will be taken to ensure the data quality objectives are attained. There
are potentially many types of sampling and measurement system corrective actions. Table 11.2
and 11.3 details some expected problems and corrective actions needed for a well-run monitoring
program.
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Table 11.3. Nephelometer Field Corrective Actions
Routine site visit (daily)
If the unit is operational
Sign, date and comment
in field data note book.
If the unit is NOT operational
Check flash lamp, verify if it is functioning
Check power cord assembly, verify that all cords are
plugged into the correct locations, refer to assemble
photos
Check fuse box or main breaker panel– check to make
sure a fuse has not been switched off
Check the 12 volt dc transformer - refer to assembly
photos to make sure everything is attached
appropriately
Document to the field data note book
Notify Supervisor
Routine site visit (weekly)
If the unit is operational and
consistent
If the nephelometer data is consistently high or low, then
Sign, date and comment
in field data note book.
If the wall scatter is greater than 75% then the water or
other material has contaminated the optical tube and a
cleaning will be necessary
If cleaning doesn’t improve the wall scatter %, the
optical alignment may need to be adjusted
The O-rings may need to be changed at the dark trap
and the lamp gasket.
The internal optical chopper may need to be adjusted,
check the chopper operation
Document to the field data note book.
Notify Supervisor.
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Table 11.4. Meteorological Field Corrective Actions
Sensor
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Precipitation
Barometric Pressure
Solar Radiation
Supplier
Recommended Action and Frequency
Met One Instruments
Trouble shoot after audit findings. Replace
(http://www.metone.com) with calibrated spare sensor when the
criteria of table 13.1 cannot be met.
Met One Instruments
Trouble shoot after audit findings. Replace
(http://www.metone.com) with calibrated spare sensor when the
criteria of table 13.1 cannot be met.
Met One Instruments
Trouble shoot after audit findings. Replace
(http://www.metone.com) with calibrated spare sensor when the
criteria of table 13.1 cannot be met.
Met One Instruments
Trouble shoot after audit findings. Replace
(http://www.metone.com) with calibrated spare sensor when the
criteria of table 13.1 cannot be met.
Met One Instruments
Trouble shoot after audit findings. Replace
(http://www.metone.com) with calibrated spare sensor when the
criteria of table 13.1 cannot be met.
Met One Instruments
Trouble shoot after audit findings. Replace
(http://www.metone.com) with calibrated spare sensor when the
criteria of table 13.1 cannot be met.
Met One Instruments
Trouble shoot after audit findings. Replace
(http://www.metone.com) with calibrated spare sensor when the
criteria of table 13.1 cannot be met.
10.4.1 Sample Contamination Prevention
Real time analyzers, extraction systems, and all materials that contact the sample stream shall be
constructed of inert materials. This criterion requires that systems be composed of chemically
inert plastics, glasses, and stainless steels. Additionally, sampling systems are to be designed to
prevent the condensation or entrapment of water and other solvents that would provide an
environment for bacterial growth, the chemical alteration of sample gases and particles, and the
entrapment of particulates and criteria pollutants.
10.4.2 Sample Volume
The supply of sample gases must exceed the combined volumetric draw for all sampling
analyzers. This requirement will prevent the sample manifold from developing a vacuum and
drawing air in from locations other than the sample port.
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10.5 Analyzer Audits
Audits are performed according to the methodology required by EPA. For each specific method
and sampler type, the method followed is according to the procedures outlined in the Appendix
A and Appendix B included with this QAPP.
10.5.1 Auditing the Nephelometer
The Air Quality Specialist is required to perform a zero and span verification every two (2)
weeks using the procedures outlined in the SOP included with this QAPP.
The nephelometer performance audit confirms the accuracy of the instrument calibrations. The
audit assesses the data for accuracy and ensures the data integrity. The audit is performed at least
two times per year by an audit contractor.
The following general procedure is performed for the audit:
1. Pre-inspection zero and span check with the station calibration gases.
2. The audit zero and span check with the Auditor’s zero and span gases.
3. The Auditor compares the audit results with the station calibration results.
4. The Auditor files the proper report with a field annotated audit form(s).
10.5.2 Auditing the Meteorological Equipment
Semi-annual audits will be completed by an audit contractor. Necessary repairs, replacements are
carried out by the manufacturer. Audit reports are maintained by the Air Quality Specialist and
archived. The verifications performed and their limits and frequencies are described in Table
13.1.
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11.
ANALYTICAL METHODS REQUIREMENTS
This section will identify the equipment and analytical methods required to complete the
analyses of the particulate matter samples. Where appropriate, the analytical methods will be
identified by the regulatory citation, number, and date.
11.1 Purpose/Background
The Radiance Research Model 903 Nephelometer measures light scattering (bscat) in an airflow
that passes through the scattering chamber of the instrument. The measurement geometry has
been designed so that the instrument reading is almost proportional to the light-scattering
coefficient, which indicates the total amount of light scattered into all directions by the air
sample in the scattering chamber. The nephelometer is typically calibrated to read zero when
filled with particle-free air, so the readings are proportional to light scattering by particles (bscat).
A span gas, which has a larger scattering coefficient than air, is used to adjust the span of the
nephelometer so the bscat data are recorded directly in engineering units of m-1.
The nephelometer does not respond to light absorption by gases or particles. However, when it is
hazy, the dominant cause of visibility impairment light scattering (bscat) by fine particles.
Therefore, nephelometer measurements provide a good measure of visibility impairment by
haze. If the nephelometer has a size selective inlet, large particles, including drizzle, fog, and
snow can be excluded so they do not interfere with the measurement of light scattering by
particles smaller than the inlet cut point. On the other hand, nephelometers can be designed to
admit fog or cloud particles into the scattering volume so the instrument signal includes light
scattering by these particles.
The instruments used to gather meteorological data are self-contained and do not require any
actual analyses by the operator other than the creation of daily, monthly and annual reports
which are generated automatically using the IPS MeteoStar LEADS software and are available
on the web. Special reports are generated from existing data bases as needed.
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12.
QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
To assure the quality of data, two distinct and important interrelated functions must be
performed. One function is the control of the measurement process through broad QA activities,
such as establishing policies and procedures, developing DQOs, assigning roles and
responsibilities, conducting oversight and reviews, and implementing corrective actions. The
other function is the control of the measurement process through the implementation of specific
quality control procedures, such as audits, calibrations, checks, replicates, routine selfassessments, etc.
Quality Control (QC) is the overall system of technical activities that measure the attributes and
performance of a process, item, or service against defined standards to verify that they meet the
stated requirements established by the customer. QC activities are used to ensure that
measurement uncertainty, as discussed in Section 7, is maintained within acceptance criteria for
the attainment of the DQOs.
12.1 Quality Control Procedures
QC for the nephelometer is achieved through periodic maintenance, semi-annual audits, zero and
span checks, and other verification techniques.
QC checks for the meteorological equipment are conducted both by the Air Quality Specialist
and by the selected audit contractor during the course of semi-annual audits. Because the
equipment is intended primarily for public information, it is calibrated on site by the Air Quality
Specialist. Necessary repairs, replacements are carried out by the manufacturer. Audit reports are
maintained by the Air Quality Specialist and archived. The verifications performed and their
limits and frequencies are described in below in Table 13.1.
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Table 12.1. Quality Control Verification Limits (Audit)
Sensor
Parameter
Acceptance Criteria
Frequency of
Verification by
Site Operator
METONE calibrations
6 months
Yearly, or as needed
At WS ≤ 5m/s (11.18mph)
±0.25m/s (0.56mph)
Wind Speed
Speed
Accuracy
Starting threshold
Wind Direction
Accuracy
Linearity
Starting threshold
Orientation verified
Input ±5°
0.5m/s (1.12mph)
6 months
Yearly, or as needed
Accuracy
Input ±0.5°C (0.9°F)
6 months
Yearly, or as needed
Accuracy
± 5% RHa
6 months
Yearly, or as needed
Accuracy
Input ± 1%
6 months
Yearly, or as needed
Accuracy
Accuracy
Input ± 10%
Zero when covered
6 months
6 months
Yearly, or as needed
Yearly, or as needed
Temperature
Relative
Humidity
Barometric
Pressure
Precipitation
Solar Radiation
At WS > 5m/s (11.18
mph) ±5%
0.25m/s (0.56 mph)
12.1.1 Calibrations
Calibration is the process employed to verify and rectify an instrument’s measurements in order
to minimize deviation from a standard. This multiphase process begins with certifying a
calibration or transfer standard against an authoritative standard. The sampling or analytical
instrument’s measurements are then compared to this calibration/transfer standard. If significant
deviations exist between the instrument’s measurements and the calibration/transfer standard’s
measurements, corrective action is implemented to rectify the analytical instrument’s
measurements.
Calibration requirements for field equipment are included within Appendix A and Appendix B.
12.1.2 Precision Checks
Precision is the measure of mutual agreement among individual measurements of the same
property, usually under prescribed similar conditions. In order to meet the DQOs for precision,
staff will ensure the entire measurement process is within statistical control. Various tools will be
employed in evaluating and monitoring precision measurements. Periodically exercising
instruments with zero and span checks, and monitoring data integrity with control charts will
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provide evidence of deviations from the required precision measurement. Precision requirements
for the applicable instrumentation are found in the SOP of this QAPP and in the specific
instruments’ operations manuals.
12.1.3 Zero and Span Calibration
The procedures described should be used to determine the zero and span of the nephelometer.
Since the loss of data is not a consideration during the acceptance tests, it is recommended that
the calibration gases be left flowing for a long enough period of time that several 5-min averages
are recorded for both the zero and the span. At the beginning of calibration, it was recommended
that the factory settings for the zero and span not be changed unless two independent calibrations
show that the zero is in error by more than 10 Mm-1 and the slope is in error by more than 20%
when the ambient temperature is below 30°C (86°F).
Light scattering by a gas depends linearly on its density, so the temperature and pressure of the
calibration gas in the scattering chamber are measured and the light-scattering coefficient of the
gas under those conditions is calculated. These two data points define a straight line. The
response of integrating nephelometers is typically linear, so the straight line is the calibration
curve relating the instrument response to the light scattering in the sample chamber.
13.1.3a Zero Air (Particle Free)
Particle-free air can be obtained by passing ambient air through a filter. This air contains the
ambient concentrations of water and CO2, which is desirable because they affect the lightscattering coefficient. The nephelometer will be calibrated to read zero when filled with particlefree air. Therefore, the particle-free air is sometimes called the “zero gas.”
The nephelometer contains a temperature sensor. The signal processing electronics in the
nephelometer calculates the light scattering by air at the measured temperature and subtracts the
calculated value from the measured signal. Thus, the zero reading is automatically compensated
for changes in ambient temperature. The ambient pressure is set by the user according to the site
elevation, and remains constant.
13.1.3b Span Gas
The other calibration gas should have a higher light-scattering coefficient and produce an upscale
reading. This gas is sometimes called the “span gas.” The two best choices are CO2 and HFC
134a, also known by the DuPont trade name, SUVA. CO2 has the advantages that it is
inexpensive, widely available, and its use causes negligible environmental effects, so generous
flows of the calibration gas can be used to assure that the scattering chamber contains only the
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calibration gas. Calibrations can also be continued for many averaging times to evaluate
instrument noise. The scattering coefficient of CO2 is a factor of 2.61 times greater than for
particle-free air. SUVA has the advantage that it has a higher light-scattering coefficient, which
is 7.35 times greater than for particle-free air.
12.2 Control Charts
Control charts will be used extensively. The charts will have a log all of the stations calibrations
and the sensors potential variations or drifts in accuracy, as well as the sensors parameters for
comparison. The charts then provide a graphical means of determining whether various phases of
the measurement process are in statistical control. The control charts will be utilized as an “early
warning system” to evaluate trends in precision and bias. They will be appropriately filed and
archived.
13.
EQUIPMENT TESTING, INSPECTION, AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
13.1 Purpose/Background
The purpose of this section is to discuss the procedures used to verify that all instruments and
equipment are maintained and capable of operating at acceptable performance levels. All
instrument inspection and maintenance activities must be documented and filed. See Section 9
for document and record details.
13.2 Testing
Prior to field installation, staff will assemble and run the ambient air sampler at the laboratory.
The field operator will perform a zero and span calibration. If any of these checks are out of
specification, staff will contact the vendor for initial corrective action. Once installed at the site,
the field operator will again run the tests mentioned above. If the sampling instrument meets the
acceptance criteria, it will be assumed to be operating properly.
13.3 Inspection
A discussion of the necessary inspections of various equipment and components is provided
here. Inspections are subdivided into two sections: one pertaining to daily data reviewing issues
and one associated with field activities.
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13.3.1 Inspections of Field Items
There are several items that require periodically field inspection. These items are identified and
procedures are presented in the applicable equipment SOPs and operations manuals.
Specific activities must be performed both before and after a Zero and Span calibration has been
done to the nephelometer. These activities and the frequency at which they should be checked
are listed in the SOP for the nephelometer included with this QAPP.
13.3.2 Field Maintenance Items
Field equipment will be maintained according to manufacturers’ specifications, manuals, and the
applicable SOP located in the indicated appendices:
APPENDIX A: Standard Operating Procedures for Meteorological Data Collection Systems
APPENDIX B: Operation Procedures for Radiance Research M903 Nephelometer
14.
INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION AND FREQUENCY
14.1 Calibration of Laboratory/Field Equipment
The specific calibration procedures for the laboratory and field equipment can be found in the
applicable SOPs and operation manuals.
14.2 Document Calibration Frequency
All calibrations, audits, and site inspections of any sort that have to do with the instrument or the
site shall be documented in the site logbook. Any and all activity that occurs around the site such
as small fires or site clean-up shall also be recorded in the field logbook. The site operator shall
be the one in charge of making sure this happens accordingly.
Continued sensor stability is assessed through site visits, routine maintenance and verifications.
If the performance of any sensor is out of the range specified or if the equipment is moved or
damaged, verification is conducted to determine if the instrument is still operating within limits
or if it should be sent to the manufacturer for calibration and/or repair. Verification by the Air
Quality Specialist occurs every 6 months and by the selected audit contractor during semi-annual
audits. Instruments are then calibrated as needed.
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15.
DATA MANAGEMENT
15.1 Purpose
The following section will identify the processes and procedures that are to be followed to
acquire, transmit, transform, reduce, analyze, store, and retrieve data. These processes and
procedures will maintain the data integrity and validity through application of the identified data
custody protocols.
15.2 Data Recording
Site logbooks shall record site inspections, instrument maintenance, repair and replacement; 6
month instrument verifications and semi-annual audit, and instrument calibration, as described in
Section 9.
Electronic downloaded data records are maintained in a database supported by IPS MeteoSTar.
Any edits are documents with notes attached to the relevant records and are documented on hard
copy.
15.3 Data Validation
The instruments deployed to document ambient PM-2.5 and meteorological conditions undergo
periodic audits and calibrations as previously specified within the QAPP. These procedures are
outlined in the appropriate SOPs attached as Appendix A and B. Performance audits,
verifications, and calibrations ascertain the accuracy, precision, and repeatability of the
instrument in performing its required function.
The AQP conducts periodic data screening of the downloaded data, reviews the data against the
values listed in Table 16.1 below, and identifies missing data, unacceptable shifts in values and
records the problems or errors encountered. The data verifications and reports are reviewed by
the auditor and validated during annually system audits. Data on the IPS MeteoStar LEADS
system are manually validated and flagged monthly.
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TABLE 16.1. DATA SCREENING CRITERIA
Sensor
Screening Criteria for Investigation
Wind Speed
Between 0 & 44.7m/s (0 & 100mph) (any exceedances verified with
nearby NWS station)
Varies by more than 0.45m/s (1mph) for 3 consecutive hours
Varies by more than 1.34m/s (3mph) for 12 consecutive hours
Wind Direction
Between 0° and 360°
Varies by > 1° in 3 hours; and by >10° in 18 hours
Temperature
Exceedances of local records independently verified by nearby NWS
station
Changes do not exceed 5.5°C (10°F) from the previous hour
Varies by more than 0.5°C (1°F) for 12 consecutive hours
Relative Humidity
Between 0 and 100%
Varies by more than 1% from one hour to the next
Precipitation
Not greater than 0.25mm (1 inch) per hour
Never greater 101mm (4 inches) per 24 hours
Barometric
Pressure
Always between 850 and 890 mb
Varies by 5mb in 3 hours
Solar Radiation
Daily peaks below 1.5 Langleys
Night is at but not below 0 W/m2
Nephelometer
Outside of the range 0.001 to 1.0 km-1
15.4 Data Assessment
Data assessment is conducted on an ongoing basis, during daily validations and more extensive
monthly validations, when reports are produced, when verifications are conducted, and during
site visits. In general, the major criterion for data assessment is reasonableness. The data
screening values in Table 8 are used as benchmarks for data reasonableness.
Data errors are evaluated during formal and informal instrument verifications. The percent
difference between the “known” value and the instrument reading, prior to any adjustments, is
used as an estimate of the measurement error from the time of the verification to the last previous
verification.
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Data completeness is determined for each parameter and expressed as a percentage. The data
completeness goal is 90% for all parameters. Percent valid data are documented on the IPS
MeteoStar LEADS system and represent a gauge of the amount of valid data obtained from a
sensor compared with ideal conditions (24 hours per day, 365 days per year).
15.5 Data Transmittal
Sensor data capture is automated and recorded electronically at the site to the ZENO data logger
and from there to the IPS MeteoStar server where the electronic records are maintained.
15.6 Data Storage and Retrieval
Site logbooks shall record site inspections, instrument maintenance, repair and replacement; 6
month instrument verifications and semi-annual audit, and instrument calibrations (as needed),
are described in Section 9. Site logbooks, all associated forms, and reports are grouped by
calendar year and kept a minimum of five years before archiving. All electronic data is stored on
the IPS MeteoStar Server and routinely backed-up. All archived records are stored indefinitely
at the Environmental Management Office or in storage procured specifically for this purpose.
Electronic downloaded data records are maintained in a database supported by IPS MeteoStar.
Any edits are documents with notes attached to the relevant records and are documented on hard
copy.
16.
ASSESSMENTS AND RESPONSE ACTIONS
An assessment is the process used to measure the performance or effectiveness of the quality
system, the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network and its sites, and various measurement
phases of the data operation. In order to ensure the adequate performance of the air quality
system, staff will perform and/or participate in the following assessments:
Management Systems Reviews
Network Reviews
Data Quality Audits
Data Quality Assessments
Assessment Activities and Project Planning
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16.1 Management Systems Review
A Management Systems Review (MSR) is a qualitative assessment of a data collection operation
or organization. A MSR is employed to establish whether the prevailing quality management
structure, policies, practices, and procedures are adequate to ensure data obtained are of the
necessary type and quality to support the decision process.
A MSR of the monitoring program will be conducted if the Director suspects that DQOs are not
being met for the program. The MSR will be conducted by a qualified contractor as funding
allows and will use appropriate federal regulations and this QAPP to determine the adequate
operation of the ambient air monitoring program and its related quality system. The contractor
will report its findings to the tribal management within 30 days of completion of the MSR. The
report will be filed appropriately. The Air Quality Specialist or an appointed representative will
regularly monitor progress on corrective action(s).
16.2 Network Reviews/Assessments
Conformance with monitoring requirements as set forth in 40 CFR Part 58, Appendices D and E
are determined through annual network reviews of the ambient air quality monitoring system, as
required by 40 CFR Section 58.20(d). The review is used to determine if a particular air monitor
is collecting adequate, representative, and useful data in pursuit of its air monitoring objectives.
Additionally, the monitor review may identify needed modifications to improve the system or
correct deficiencies.
Prior to implementing a monitoring review, significant data and information pertaining to the
network will be compiled and evaluated. Such information might include:
Network files (including updated site information and site photographs).
AQS reports.
Five year air quality summaries.
National Weather Service summaries for the monitoring area.
Sensor Location Requirements. Applicable siting criteria for SLAMS are specified in 40 CFR
Part 58, Appendix E. The on-site visit will consist of physical measurements and observations to
determine compliance with the 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix E requirements, such as height above
ground level, distance from trees, appropriate ground cover, etc. Since many of 40 CFR Part 58
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Appendix E requirements will not change within one year, this check at each site will be
performed every three years.
Prior to a site visit, the reviewer will obtain and review the following:
The most recent hard copy of site description (including any photographs).
Seasonal, pollutant-specific data identifying the greatest potential for high concentrations.
Data describing predominant seasonal wind directions.
A checklist similar to the checklist used by the EPA regional offices during their scheduled
network reviews will be used. This checklist can be found in the SLAMS/NAMS/PAMS
Network Review Guidance, which is intended to assist the reviewers in determining
conformance with 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix E. In addition to the items on the checklist, the
reviewer will also perform the following tasks:
Make sure the inlet is clean.
Check equipment for missing parts, frayed cords, damage, etc.
Record findings in field notebook and/or checklist.
Take photographs/videotape in the eight directions (E, SE, S, SW, W, NW, N, and NE).
Document site conditions with additional photographs/videotape.
In addition to the items included in the checklists, other subjects for discussion as part of the
network review and overall adequacy of the monitoring program will include:
Installation of new monitors.
Relocation of existing monitors.
Citing criteria problems and suggested solutions.
Listing problems with data submittals and data completeness.
Maintenance and replacement of existing monitors and related equipment.
Quality assurance problems.
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Air quality studies and special monitoring programs.
Other issues such as proposed regulations and funding.
The monitor review will be documented in a report within two months of completion. This report
will be distributed to DNR staff and EPA.
16.3 Assessment Documentation
16.3.1 Number, Frequency, and Types of Assessments
The PM-2.5 and meteorological parameters are automatically measured and electronically
logged and stored in the monitoring station’s data logger. The site’s data logger is polled by the
LEADS system and records are stored on the IPS MeteoStar Server. The downloaded records are
captured on the AQP’s website.
The monitoring station is visited every 2 weeks during regular verifications of the air monitoring
equipment and is examined quarterly to inspect the equipment and sensors, or more frequently as
needed.
Semi-annual verifications are performed by the Air Quality Specialist at the station for all
equipment and sensors. External audits are performed semi-annually by a selected contractor,
for both the nephelometer and the MET sensors.
The Air Quality Specialist is responsible for inspecting, testing and accepting instruments and
supplies, and for reporting to the Environmental Manager equipment and supply needs.
17.3.2 Assessment Personnel
The Air Quality Specialist is responsible for performing routine preventive and corrective
maintenance. Calibration is performed by the Air Quality Specialist semi-annually or more
frequently depending on audit findings. The Air Quality Specialist is responsible for working
with the manufacturer on any other major maintenance and/or repair needs.
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17.
REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
Monthly summaries are automatically generated by the IPS MeteoStar LEADS software and are
available online at http://weather.meteostar.com/tribal_weather/
Semi-annual verification reports (conducted by the Air Quality Specialist) and semi-annual audit
reports (conducted by the selected contractor) will be filed at the Air Quality Specialist’s desk
and are available for inspection as requested. Semi-annual audit reports are provided to the
Project officer.
Quarterly progress reports are provided to the EPA Project Officer throughout the duration of
EPA grant funding.
Special reports are developed to discuss data acquisition results and sources of error, assess
seasonal trends, and recommend further investigation of site operations as necessary. These may
include assessments of trends and comparison with historic data and they may include integrated
analyses of meteorological and particulate pollution information. They may be used for program
evaluation and to identify recommendations for future equipment modification and/or
acquisition.
17.1 Response/Corrective Action Reports
The response/corrective action report procedure will be followed whenever a problem is found
such as a safety defect, an operational problem, or a failure to comply with procedures. A
separate report will be required for each problem identified. The response/corrective action
report is one of the most important ongoing reports to management because it documents
primary QA activities and provides valuable records of QA activities that can be used in
preparing other summary reports. Copies of response/corrective action reports will be distributed
twice: first when the problem has been identified and the action has been scheduled and second
when the correction has been completed.
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LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
STANDARD
OPERATING
PROCEDURES
METEOROLOGICAL DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS
APPENDIX B
OPERATION PROCEDURES FOR RADIANCE RESEARCH M903
NEPHELOMETER
APPENDIX C
MET ONE INSTRUMENTS, INC. METEROLOGICAL
MONITORING SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS
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FOR
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