Office of Research and Development; Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of Three New Reference Methods and Four New Equivalent Methods, 26395-26397 [E9-12789]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 2, 2009 / Notices Part 34, of future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest should file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Notice is hereby given that the deadline for filing protests with regard to the Applicant’s request for blanket authorization, under 18 CFR Part 34, of future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability, is June 11, 2009. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper, using the FERC Online links at https:// www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic service, persons with Internet access who will eFile a document and/or be listed as a contact for an intervenor must create and validate an eRegistration account using the eRegistration link. Select the eFiling link to log on and submit the intervention or protests. Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the intervention or protest to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., Washington, DC 20426. The filings in the above-referenced proceeding are accessible in the Commission’s eLibrary system by clicking on the appropriate link in the above list. They are also available for review in the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an eSubscription link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed dockets(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–12697 Filed 6–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:43 Jun 01, 2009 Jkt 217001 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. AD09–6–000] Pipeline Siting and Stakeholder Involvement Workshop; Supplemental Notice of Pipeline Siting and Stakeholder Involvement Workshop May 26, 2009. On May 15, 2009, the Commission issued a notice scheduling a workshop in the above-captioned proceeding. In addition to the information provided in that notice, a free Webcast of the meeting/conference is available through https://www.ferc.gov. Anyone with Internet access who desires to listen to this event can do so by navigating to https://www.ferc.gov’s Calendar of Events and locating this event in the Calendar. The event will contain a link to its Webcast. The Capitol Connection provides technical support for the Webcasts and offers the option of listening to the meeting via phonebridge for a fee. If you have any questions, visit https:// www.CapitolConnection.org or call 703– 993–3100. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–12703 Filed 6–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8909–9] Office of Research and Development; Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of Three New Reference Methods and Four New Equivalent Methods AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice of the designation of three new reference methods and four new equivalent methods for monitoring ambient air quality. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated, in accordance with 40 CFR Part 53, three new reference methods and four new equivalent methods. The reference methods include one for measuring carbon monoxide (CO) in ambient air (Ecotech Serinus 30 Carbon Monoxide Analyzer) and two for measuring PM10-2.5 in the ambient air (a Thermo Scientific Partisol® Model 2000 sampler pair and a Partisol®-Plus Model 2025 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26395 Sequential sampler pair). The four new equivalent methods are two for measuring PM2.5 and two for measuring PM10-2.5 in the ambient air (Thermo Scientific Partisol® Model 2000–D, and Dichotomous Partisol®-Plus Model 2025–D Sequential, air samplers). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Surender Kaushik, Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD–D205–03), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. Phone: (919) 541–5691, e-mail: Kaushik.Surender@epa.gov. In accordance with regulations at 40 CFR Part 53, the EPA evaluates various methods for monitoring the concentrations of those ambient air pollutants for which EPA has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs) as set forth in 40 CFR Part 50. Monitoring methods that are determined to meet specific requirements for adequacy are designated by the EPA as either reference methods or equivalent methods (as applicable), thereby permitting their use under 40 CFR Part 58 by States and other agencies for determining compliance with the NAAQSs. The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new reference method for measuring concentrations of CO, two new reference methods for measuring PM10-2.5, two new equivalent methods for measuring PM2.5, and two new equivalent methods for measuring PM10-2.5 in the ambient air. These designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR Part 53, as amended on October 17, 2006 (71 FR 61271). The new reference method for CO is an automated method that utilizes the measurement principle based on nondispersive infra-red adsorption photometry (combined with gas filter correlation) and the calibration procedure specified in Appendix C of 40 CFR Part 50. The newly designated reference method is identified as follows: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RFCA–0509–174, ‘‘Ecotech Serinus 30 Carbon Monoxide Analyzer’’, operated in the range of 0–50 ppm, with a five-micron Teflon® filter element installed, and with the following selected: Background-Enabled, Control Loop-Enabled, Diagnostic ModeOperate, Pres/Temp/Flow CompensationEnabled, Span Compensation-Disabled, with concentration automatically corrected for temperature and pressure changes. An application for a reference method determination for this candidate method was received by the EPA on October 17, E:\FR\FM\02JNN1.SGM 02JNN1 26396 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 2, 2009 / Notices 2008. This analyzer is commercially available from the applicant, Ecotech Pty. Ltd., 1492 Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield, Victoria, 3180, Australia. The two new PM10-2.5 reference methods are manual methods that each utilize a pair of filter samplers that have been previously designated individually as reference methods, one for PM2.5 and the other for PM10, and have been shown to meet the requirements specified in Appendix O of 40 CFR Part 50. The samplers of the first method are currently designated as reference methods RFPS–0498–117 and RFPS– 1298–126 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. The samplers of the second method are currently designated as reference methods RFPS–0498–118 and RFPS–1298–127 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. These newly designated reference methods for PM10-2.5 are identified as follows: RFPS–0509–175, ‘‘Thermo Scientific Partisol® Model 2000 PM10–2.5 Sampler Pair’’ for the determination of coarse particulate matter as PM10-2.5, consisting of a pair of Thermo Scientific Partisol® Model 2000 samplers, with one configured as a PM2.5 sampler (RFPS–0498–117) and the other configured as a PM10c sampler with the PM2.5 separator replaced with a Thermo Scientific WINS Bypass Downtube (RFPS– 1298–126), and operated in accordance with the associated Partisol® Model 2000 Instruction manual supplement. RFPS–0509–176, ‘‘Thermo Scientific Partisol®-Plus Model 2025 Sequential PM10– 2.5 air sampler pair’’ for the determination of coarse particulate matter as PM10-2.5, consisting of a pair of Thermo Scientific Partisol®-Plus Model 2025 Sequential samplers, with one configured as a PM2.5 sampler (RFPS–0498–118) and the other configured as a PM10c sampler with the PM2.5 separator replaced with a Thermo Scientific Partisol® 2025 Downtube (RFPS–1298–127), and operated in accordance with the associated Partisol®-Plus Model 2025 Sequential Instruction manual supplement. Applications for PM10-2.5 reference method determinations for these candidate methods were received by the EPA on April 29, 2009. The samplers are commercially available from the applicant, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Air Quality Instruments, Environmental Instruments Division, 27 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038. The four new PM equivalent methods are two dual-channel samplers that measure both PM2.5 and PM10-2.5, utilizing a manual, filter method (sampler) and a measurement principle based on PM separation in a virtual impactor, with separate fine and coarse filter sample collection and gravimetric analysis. The first sampler is a singleevent sampler, and the second is a sequential-filter device. These newly designated equivalent methods, for VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:43 Jun 01, 2009 Jkt 217001 PM2.5 and PM10-2.5, are identified as follows: EQPS–0509–177 (PM2.5) and EQPS–0509– 178 (PM10-2.5), ‘‘Thermo Scientific Partisol® 2000–D Dichotomous Air Sampler’’, configured for dual-filter, single-event sampling of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) particles, using a virtual impactor to separate fine and coarse PM into two samples for collection on two separate filter membranes, operated for a 24-hour sample period, in accordance with the Model 2000–D Dichotomous Instruction Manual. EQPS–0509–179 (PM2.5) and EQPS–0509– 180 (PM10-2.5), ‘‘Thermo Scientific Dichotomous Partisol®-Plus Model 2025–D Sequential Air Sampler’’, configured for dual-filter sampling of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) particle components, using a virtual impactor to separate the fine and coarse PM into two samples for collection on two separate filter membranes, and operated with the modified filter shuttle mechanism implemented May 31, 2008 and firmware version 1.500, or later, for 24-hour continuous sample periods, in accordance with the Model 2025–D Sequential Dichotomous Instruction Manual. Applications for PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 equivalent method determinations for these candidate samplers were received by the EPA on April 10, October 3, and October 7, 2008. The samplers are commercially available from the applicant, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Air Quality Instruments, Environmental Instruments Division, 27 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038. A test analyzer and test samplers representative of these methods have been tested in accordance with the applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR Part 53 (as amended on October 17, 2006). After reviewing the results of those tests and other information submitted by the applicants in the respective applications, EPA has determined, in accordance with Part 53, that each of these methods should be designated as a reference or equivalent method, as appropriate. The information submitted by the applicants in the respective applications will be kept on file, either at EPA’s National Exposure Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 or in an approved archive storage facility, and will be available for inspection (with advance notice) to the extent consistent with 40 CFR Part 2 (EPA’s regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act). As designated reference or equivalent methods, these methods are acceptable for use by States and other air monitoring agencies under the requirements of 40 CFR Part 58, Ambient Air Quality Surveillance. For such purposes, each method must be used in strict accordance with the PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 operation or instruction manual associated with the method and subject to any specifications and limitations (e.g., configuration or operational settings) specified in the applicable designated method description (see the identifications of the methods above). Use of each method should also be in general accordance with the guidance and recommendations of applicable sections of the ‘‘Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume I,’’ EPA/ 600/R–94/038a and ‘‘Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume II, Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Program’’ EPA–454/B–08–003, December, 2008 (available at https:// www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qabook.html). Vendor modifications of a designated reference or equivalent method used for purposes of Part 58 are permitted only with prior approval of the EPA, as provided in Part 53. Provisions concerning modification of such methods by users are specified under Section 2.8 (Modifications of Methods by Users) of Appendix C to 40 CFR Part 58. In general, a method designation applies to any sampler or analyzer which is identical to the sampler or analyzer described in the application for designation. In some cases, similar samplers or analyzers manufactured prior to the designation may be upgraded or converted (e.g., by minor modification or by substitution of the approved operation or instruction manual) so as to be identical to the designated method and thus achieve designated status. The manufacturer should be consulted to determine the feasibility of such upgrading or conversion. Part 53 requires that sellers of designated reference or equivalent method analyzers or samplers comply with certain conditions. These conditions are specified in 40 CFR 53.9. Aside from occasional breakdowns or malfunctions, consistent or repeated noncompliance with any of these conditions should be reported to: Director, Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD– E205–01), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. Designation of these new reference and equivalent methods is intended to assist the States in establishing and operating their air quality surveillance systems under 40 CFR Part 58. Questions concerning the commercial availability or technical aspects of any E:\FR\FM\02JNN1.SGM 02JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 2, 2009 / Notices of the methods should be directed to the appropriate applicant. Linda S. Sheldon, Acting Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory. [FR Doc. E9–12789 Filed 6–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P disabilities, please contact Jennifer Peyser at (202) 965–6215 or jpeyser@RESOLV.org. To request accommodation of a disability, please contact Jennifer Peyser at least 10 days prior to the meeting to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. Dated: May 22, 2009. Regina Langton, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. E9–12794 Filed 6–1–09; 8:45 am] ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8913–1] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P NACEPT Subcommittee on Promoting Environmental Stewardship ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of meeting. [FRL–8911–9] SUMMARY: Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92–463, EPA gives notice of a meeting of the NACEPT Subcommittee on Promoting Environmental Stewardship. The purpose of the proposed Subcommittee on Promoting Environmental Stewardship (SPES) of the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) will be to advise the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on how to promote broad, organizationwide environmental stewardship practices in the regulated community and other sectors, as appropriate, in order to enhance human health and environmental protection. A copy of the meeting agenda will be posted at https://www.epa.gov/ocem/. DATES: The NACEPT Subcommittee on Promoting Environmental Stewardship will hold an open meeting on June 30, 2009 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) and July 1, 2009 (9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) Eastern. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs, One Potomac Yard Conference Center (1st Floor), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA 22202. The meeting is open to the public, with limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regina Langton, Designated Federal Officer, langton.regina@epa.gov, 202– 566–2178, U.S. EPA Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation (MC1807T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Requests to make brief oral comments or provide written statements to the SPES should be sent to Jennifer Peyser at (202) 965– 6215 or jpeyser@RESOLV.org. All requests must be received no later than June 16, 2009. Meeting Access: For information on access or services for individuals with VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:43 Jun 01, 2009 Jkt 217001 Notice of Nationwide Waiver of Section 1605 (Buy America Requirement) of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for Projects that Solicited Bids on or after October 1, 2008 and prior to February 17, 2009 that are Financed through the Clean or Drinking Water State Revolving Funds using Assistance Provided under ARRA AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. The EPA is hereby granting a nationwide waiver of the Buy America requirements of ARRA Section 1605 under the authority of Section 1605(b)(1) (public interest waiver) for eligible projects that solicited bids on or after October 1, 2008, and prior to February 17, 2009, the date of enactment of ARRA, and that did so in reasonable and prudent, specific anticipation of ARRA funding, or any other source of timely funding. This action permits the use of non-domestic iron, steel, and manufactured goods in such projects funded by ARRA that may otherwise be prohibited under section 1605(a). SUMMARY: DATES: Effective Date: May 22, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jordan Dorfman, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Wastewater Management, (202) 564–0614, or Philip Metzger, AttorneyAdvisor, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, (202) 564–3776, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with ARRA Section 1605(c), the EPA hereby provides notice that it is granting a nationwide waiver of the requirements of section 1605(a) of Public Law 111–5, Buy American PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26397 requirements, for eligible projects for which a Clean or Drinking Water State Revolving Fund will conclude or has concluded an assistance agreement using ARRA funds for projects that solicited bids on or after October 1, 2008 and prior to February 17, 2009. The basis for the nationwide waiver is the requirement in the SRF appropriations heading of ARRA Title VII for giving priority to those projects that are ready to proceed to construction within 12 months of the enactment of ARRA, as follows: That, notwithstanding the priority rankings they would otherwise receive under each program, priority for funds appropriated herein shall be given to projects on a State priority list that are ready to proceed to construction within 12 months of the date of enactment of this Act. This waiver also relies on the requirement in the SRF appropriations heading that all funds must be under contract or construction within 12 months of the enactment of ARRA, as follows: That the Administrator shall reallocate funds appropriated herein for the Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (Revolving Funds) that are not under contract or construction within 12 months of the date of enactment of this Act. As authorized by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, base State programs (not appropriated under ARRA) are not required to meet a deadline for having appropriated funds under contract or under construction. States are required to commit funds appropriated to projects within 1 year. Binding commitments, in the context of the SRF programs, are typically executed in the form of loan agreements. Loan agreements, however, do not carry a particular statutory deadline for assistance recipients to enter contracts or to begin construction. For appropriations under ARRA, however, States are required to ensure that all funds are under contract or construction within 1 year of enactment of ARRA. In order to meet the special requirements authorized by ARRA, most importantly the requirement to have all funds under contract or construction within 12 months of enactment, States began the development of priority lists and intended use plans (IUP) prior to, and in anticipation of, passage of the Act. Such advance planning was considered crucial by both States and EPA. EPA actively encouraged such planning in anticipation of possible deadlines for construction. Those States that effectively planned for such an eventuality took the additional step of E:\FR\FM\02JNN1.SGM 02JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26395-26397]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-12789]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-8909-9]


Office of Research and Development; Ambient Air Monitoring 
Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of Three New Reference 
Methods and Four New Equivalent Methods

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of the designation of three new reference methods and 
four new equivalent methods for monitoring ambient air quality.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) has designated, in accordance with 40 CFR Part 53, three 
new reference methods and four new equivalent methods. The reference 
methods include one for measuring carbon monoxide (CO) in ambient air 
(Ecotech Serinus 30 Carbon Monoxide Analyzer) and two for measuring 
PM10-2.5 in the ambient air (a Thermo Scientific 
Partisol[supreg] Model 2000 sampler pair and a Partisol[supreg]-Plus 
Model 2025 Sequential sampler pair). The four new equivalent methods 
are two for measuring PM2.5 and two for measuring 
PM10-2.5 in the ambient air (Thermo Scientific 
Partisol[supreg] Model 2000-D, and Dichotomous Partisol[supreg]-Plus 
Model 2025-D Sequential, air samplers).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Surender Kaushik, Human Exposure and 
Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research 
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. 
Phone: (919) 541-5691, e-mail: Kaushik.Surender@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with regulations at 40 CFR 
Part 53, the EPA evaluates various methods for monitoring the 
concentrations of those ambient air pollutants for which EPA has 
established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs) as set 
forth in 40 CFR Part 50. Monitoring methods that are determined to meet 
specific requirements for adequacy are designated by the EPA as either 
reference methods or equivalent methods (as applicable), thereby 
permitting their use under 40 CFR Part 58 by States and other agencies 
for determining compliance with the NAAQSs.
    The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new reference 
method for measuring concentrations of CO, two new reference methods 
for measuring PM10-2.5, two new equivalent methods for 
measuring PM2.5, and two new equivalent methods for 
measuring PM10-2.5 in the ambient air. These designations 
are made under the provisions of 40 CFR Part 53, as amended on October 
17, 2006 (71 FR 61271).
    The new reference method for CO is an automated method that 
utilizes the measurement principle based on non-dispersive infra-red 
adsorption photometry (combined with gas filter correlation) and the 
calibration procedure specified in Appendix C of 40 CFR Part 50. The 
newly designated reference method is identified as follows:

    RFCA-0509-174, ``Ecotech Serinus 30 Carbon Monoxide Analyzer'', 
operated in the range of 0-50 ppm, with a five-micron Teflon[supreg] 
filter element installed, and with the following selected: 
Background-Enabled, Control Loop-Enabled, Diagnostic Mode-Operate, 
Pres/Temp/Flow Compensation-Enabled, Span Compensation-Disabled, 
with concentration automatically corrected for temperature and 
pressure changes.

    An application for a reference method determination for this 
candidate method was received by the EPA on October 17,

[[Page 26396]]

2008. This analyzer is commercially available from the applicant, 
Ecotech Pty. Ltd., 1492 Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield, Victoria, 3180, 
Australia.
    The two new PM10-2.5 reference methods are manual 
methods that each utilize a pair of filter samplers that have been 
previously designated individually as reference methods, one for 
PM2.5 and the other for PM10, and have been shown 
to meet the requirements specified in Appendix O of 40 CFR Part 50. The 
samplers of the first method are currently designated as reference 
methods RFPS-0498-117 and RFPS-1298-126 for PM2.5 and 
PM10, respectively. The samplers of the second method are 
currently designated as reference methods RFPS-0498-118 and RFPS-1298-
127 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. These newly 
designated reference methods for PM10-2.5 are identified as 
follows:

    RFPS-0509-175, ``Thermo Scientific Partisol[supreg] Model 2000 
PM10-2.5 Sampler Pair'' for the determination of coarse particulate 
matter as PM10-2.5, consisting of a pair of Thermo 
Scientific Partisol[supreg] Model 2000 samplers, with one configured 
as a PM2.5 sampler (RFPS-0498-117) and the other 
configured as a PM10c sampler with the PM2.5 
separator replaced with a Thermo Scientific WINS Bypass Downtube 
(RFPS-1298-126), and operated in accordance with the associated 
Partisol[supreg] Model 2000 Instruction manual supplement.
    RFPS-0509-176, ``Thermo Scientific Partisol[supreg]-Plus Model 
2025 Sequential PM10-2.5 air sampler pair'' for the determination of 
coarse particulate matter as PM10-2.5, consisting of a 
pair of Thermo Scientific Partisol[supreg]-Plus Model 2025 
Sequential samplers, with one configured as a PM2.5 
sampler (RFPS-0498-118) and the other configured as a 
PM10c sampler with the PM2.5 separator 
replaced with a Thermo Scientific Partisol[supreg] 2025 Downtube 
(RFPS-1298-127), and operated in accordance with the associated 
Partisol[supreg]-Plus Model 2025 Sequential Instruction manual 
supplement.

    Applications for PM10-2.5 reference method 
determinations for these candidate methods were received by the EPA on 
April 29, 2009. The samplers are commercially available from the 
applicant, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Air Quality Instruments, 
Environmental Instruments Division, 27 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 
02038.
    The four new PM equivalent methods are two dual-channel samplers 
that measure both PM2.5 and PM10-2.5, 
utilizing a manual, filter method (sampler) and a measurement principle 
based on PM separation in a virtual impactor, with separate fine and 
coarse filter sample collection and gravimetric analysis. The first 
sampler is a single-event sampler, and the second is a sequential-
filter device. These newly designated equivalent methods, for 
PM2.5 and PM10-2.5, are identified as 
follows:

    EQPS-0509-177 (PM2.5) and EQPS-0509-178 
(PM10-2.5), ``Thermo Scientific Partisol[supreg] 2000-D 
Dichotomous Air Sampler'', configured for dual-filter, single-event 
sampling of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) 
particles, using a virtual impactor to separate fine and coarse PM 
into two samples for collection on two separate filter membranes, 
operated for a 24-hour sample period, in accordance with the Model 
2000-D Dichotomous Instruction Manual.
    EQPS-0509-179 (PM2.5) and EQPS-0509-180 
(PM10-2.5), ``Thermo Scientific Dichotomous 
Partisol[supreg]-Plus Model 2025-D Sequential Air Sampler'', 
configured for dual-filter sampling of fine (PM2.5) and 
coarse (PM10-2.5) particle components, using a virtual 
impactor to separate the fine and coarse PM into two samples for 
collection on two separate filter membranes, and operated with the 
modified filter shuttle mechanism implemented May 31, 2008 and 
firmware version 1.500, or later, for 24-hour continuous sample 
periods, in accordance with the Model 2025-D Sequential Dichotomous 
Instruction Manual.

    Applications for PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 
equivalent method determinations for these candidate samplers were 
received by the EPA on April 10, October 3, and October 7, 2008. The 
samplers are commercially available from the applicant, Thermo Fisher 
Scientific, Air Quality Instruments, Environmental Instruments 
Division, 27 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038.
    A test analyzer and test samplers representative of these methods 
have been tested in accordance with the applicable test procedures 
specified in 40 CFR Part 53 (as amended on October 17, 2006). After 
reviewing the results of those tests and other information submitted by 
the applicants in the respective applications, EPA has determined, in 
accordance with Part 53, that each of these methods should be 
designated as a reference or equivalent method, as appropriate. The 
information submitted by the applicants in the respective applications 
will be kept on file, either at EPA's National Exposure Research 
Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 or in an 
approved archive storage facility, and will be available for inspection 
(with advance notice) to the extent consistent with 40 CFR Part 2 
(EPA's regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act).
    As designated reference or equivalent methods, these methods are 
acceptable for use by States and other air monitoring agencies under 
the requirements of 40 CFR Part 58, Ambient Air Quality Surveillance. 
For such purposes, each method must be used in strict accordance with 
the operation or instruction manual associated with the method and 
subject to any specifications and limitations (e.g., configuration or 
operational settings) specified in the applicable designated method 
description (see the identifications of the methods above).
    Use of each method should also be in general accordance with the 
guidance and recommendations of applicable sections of the ``Quality 
Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume I,'' 
EPA/600/R-94/038a and ``Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution 
Measurement Systems, Volume II, Ambient Air Quality Monitoring 
Program'' EPA-454/B-08-003, December, 2008 (available at https://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qabook.html). Vendor modifications of a 
designated reference or equivalent method used for purposes of Part 58 
are permitted only with prior approval of the EPA, as provided in Part 
53. Provisions concerning modification of such methods by users are 
specified under Section 2.8 (Modifications of Methods by Users) of 
Appendix C to 40 CFR Part 58.
    In general, a method designation applies to any sampler or analyzer 
which is identical to the sampler or analyzer described in the 
application for designation. In some cases, similar samplers or 
analyzers manufactured prior to the designation may be upgraded or 
converted (e.g., by minor modification or by substitution of the 
approved operation or instruction manual) so as to be identical to the 
designated method and thus achieve designated status. The manufacturer 
should be consulted to determine the feasibility of such upgrading or 
conversion.
    Part 53 requires that sellers of designated reference or equivalent 
method analyzers or samplers comply with certain conditions. These 
conditions are specified in 40 CFR 53.9.
    Aside from occasional breakdowns or malfunctions, consistent or 
repeated noncompliance with any of these conditions should be reported 
to: Director, Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-
E205-01), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
    Designation of these new reference and equivalent methods is 
intended to assist the States in establishing and operating their air 
quality surveillance systems under 40 CFR Part 58. Questions concerning 
the commercial availability or technical aspects of any

[[Page 26397]]

of the methods should be directed to the appropriate applicant.

Linda S. Sheldon,
Acting Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. E9-12789 Filed 6-1-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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