[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 12, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49874-49875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-12785]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-11978-01-ORD]


Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods; 
Designation of One New Equivalent Method

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of the designation of a new equivalent method for 
monitoring ambient air quality.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) has designated one new equivalent method for measuring 
concentrations of ozone (O3) in ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Robert Vanderpool, Air Methods and 
Characterization Division (MD-D205-03), Center for Environmental 
Measurement and Modeling, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North 
Carolina 27711. Phone: 919-541-7877. email address:  
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with regulations at 40 CFR 
part 53, the EPA evaluates various methods for monitoring the 
concentrations of those ambient air pollutants for which EPA has 
established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Monitoring 
methods that are determined to meet specific requirements for adequacy 
are designated by the EPA as either reference or equivalent methods (as 
applicable), thereby permitting their use under 40 CFR part 58 by 
States and other agencies for determining compliance with the NAAQS. A 
list of all reference or equivalent methods that have been previously 
designated by EPA may be found at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html.
    The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new equivalent 
method for measuring concentrations of O3 in ambient air. 
This designation is made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as 
amended on October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65292).
    This new equivalent method for O3 is an automated method 
(analyzer) utilizing the measurement principle based on UV photometry. 
This newly designated equivalent method is identified as follows:
    EQOA-0424-263, ``Vasthi Instruments Model Vair-9004 O3 
Analyzer,'' UV photometric analyzer operated in a range of 0-0.5 ppm, 
with 0.5 [micro]m, 47 mm diameter Teflon[supreg] filter installed, 
operated at temperatures between 20 [deg]C and 30 [deg]C, with 
temperature and pressure compensation, at a nominal sampling flow rate 
of 800 cc/min, using a 5 minute averaging time, with either 105VAC-
125VAC or 200VAC-240VAC input power options, 270-watt power 
consumption, equipped with 7 inch LCD touch screen display, and 
operated according to the Vasthi Instruments Model Vair-9004 Ozone 
Analyzer User's Instruction Manual.
    This application for an equivalent method determination for this 
O3 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on April 8, 2024. This analyzer is commercially available 
from the applicant, Vasthi Instruments, Guntur 522 001, Andhra Pradesh, 
India.
    A representative test analyzer was tested in accordance with the 
applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 53, as amended on 
October 26, 2015. After reviewing the results of those tests and other 
information submitted by the applicant, EPA has determined, in 
accordance with 40 CFR part 53, that this method should be designated 
as an equivalent method.
    As a designated equivalent method, this method is acceptable for 
use by states and other air monitoring agencies under the requirements 
of 40 CFR part 58, Ambient Air Quality Surveillance. For such purposes, 
this method must be used in strict accordance with the operation or 
instruction manual associated with the method and subject to any 
specifications and limitations (e.g., configuration or operational 
settings) specified in the designated method description (see the 
identification of the method above).
    Use of the method also should be in general accordance with the 
guidance and recommendations of applicable sections of the ``Quality 
Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume I,'' 
EPA/600/R-94/038a and ``Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution 
Measurement Systems, Volume II, Ambient Air Quality Monitoring 
Program,'' EPA-454/B-13-003, (both available at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qalist.html). Provisions concerning modification of such methods 
by users are specified under section 2.8 (Modifications of Methods by 
Users) of appendix C to 40 CFR part 58.
    Consistent or repeated noncompliance with any of these conditions 
should be reported to: Director, Air Methods and Characterization 
Division (MD-D205-03), Center for Environmental Measurement and 
Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

[[Page 49875]]

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
    Designation of this equivalent method is intended to assist the 
States in establishing and operating their air quality surveillance 
systems under 40 CFR part 58. Questions concerning the commercial 
availability or technical aspects of the method should be directed to 
the applicant.

Alice Gilliland,
Acting Director, Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2024-12785 Filed 6-11-24; 8:45 am]
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