82 FR 44612 - Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods: Designation of Three New Reference Methods

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 184 (September 25, 2017)

Page Range		44612-44613
FR Document		2017-20447

Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated three new reference methods for measuring concentrations of PM<INF>2.5</INF>, PM<INF>10</INF>, and PM<INF>10-2.5</INF> in the ambient air.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 184 (Monday, September 25, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 184 (Monday, September 25, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44612-44613]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20447]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9966-90-ORD]


Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods: 
Designation of Three New Reference Methods

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) has designated three new reference methods for measuring 
concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and 
PM10-2.5 in the ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Vanderpool, Exposure Methods 
and Measurement Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research 
Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. 
Phone: 919-541-7877. Email: [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 (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 three new reference 
methods for measuring concentrations of PM2.5, 
PM10, and PM10-2.5 in the ambient air. These 
designations are made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as 
amended on August 31, 2011 (76 FR 54326- 54341).
    The new reference method for PM2.5 is a manual 
monitoring method based on a specific PM2.5 sampler and is 
identified as follows:
    RFPS-0717-245, ``Met One Instruments, Inc. E-SEQ-FRM,'' sequential 
sampler configured for multi-event filter sampling of ambient

[[Page 44613]]

particulate matter using the U.S. EPA PM10 inlet specified 
in 40 CFR part 50, Appendix L, Figs. L-2 thru L-19, equipped with 
either a Mesa Laboratories VSCC^TM cyclone or WINS 
PM2.5 fractionator, with a flow rate of 16.67 L/min, using 
47 mm PTFE membrane filter media, and operating with firmware version 
R1.1.0 and later, and operated in accordance with the Met One E-SEQ-FRM 
PM2.5 operating manual. This designation applies to 
PM2.5 measurements only.
    The new reference method for PM10 is a manual monitoring 
method based on a specific PM10 sampler and is identified as 
follows:
    RFPS-0717-246, ``Met One Instruments, Inc. E-SEQ-FRM,'' sequential 
sampler configured for multi-event filter sampling of ambient 
particulate matter using the U.S. EPA PM10 inlet specified 
in 40 CFR part 50, Appendix L, Figs. L-2 thru L-19, equipped with 
either a Mesa Laboratories VSCC^TM cyclone or WINS 
PM2.5 fractionator, with a flow rate of 16.67 L/min, using 
47 mm PTFE membrane filter media, and operating with firmware version 
R1.1.0 and later, and operated in accordance with the Met One E-SEQ-FRM 
PM10 operating manual. This designation applies to 
PM10 measurements only.
    The new PM10-2.5 reference method utilizes a pair of 
filter samplers that have been designated individually as reference 
methods, one for PM2.5 and the other one for 
PM10, and have been shown to meet the requirements specified 
in appendix O of 40 CFR part 50. The PM2.5 and 
PM10 samplers are designated as reference methods RFPS-0717-
245 and RFPS-0717-246, respectively. The newly designated 
PM10-2.5 sampler is identified as follows:
    RFPS-0717-247, ``Met One Instruments, Inc. E-SEQ-FRM 
PM10 and E-SEQ-FRM PM2.5 Sampler Pair'' for the 
determination of coarse particulate matter as PM10-2.5, 
consisting of a pair of Met One Instruments, Inc. E-SEQ-FRM samplers, 
with one being the E-SEQ-FRM PM2.5 sampler (RFPS-0717-245) 
and the other being the E-SEQ-FRM PM10 sampler (RFPS-0717-
246). The units are to be collocated to within 1-4 meters of one 
another and sample concurrently. Both units are operated in accordance 
with the associated E-SEQ-FRM instruction manual. This designation 
applies to PM10-2.5 measurements only.
    The application for reference method determination for the 
PM2.5 method was received by the Office of Research and 
Development on May 17, 2017, the PM10 method application was 
received on June 5, 2017, and the PM10-2.5 method was 
received on July 25, 2017. These monitors are commercially available 
from the applicant, Met One Instruments, Inc., 1600 Washington Blvd., 
Grants Pass, OR 97526.
    Test monitors representative of these methods have been tested in 
accordance with the applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 
53, as amended on August 31, 2011. After reviewing the results of those 
tests and other information submitted in the applications, EPA has 
determined, in accordance with part 53, that these methods should be 
designated as reference methods. The information in the 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 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, 
the methods must be used in strict accordance with the operation or 
instruction manuals associated with the methods and subject to any 
specifications and limitations (e.g., configuration or operational 
settings) specified in the applicable designated descriptions (see the 
identification of the methods above).
    Use of the methods 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-08-003, December, 2008. 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 should be reported to: 
Director, Exposure Methods and Measurement Division (MD-E205-01), 
National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
    Designation of these new reference 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 the methods should be directed to 
the applicant.

    Dated: August 16, 2017.
Timothy H. Watkins,
Deputy Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory.
[FR Doc. 2017-20447 Filed 9-22-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

44612 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 184 / Monday, September 25, 2017 / Notices

the Bureau intends to apply to the data. scores relied on in making the credit Dated: September 8, 2017.
The Bureau intends to continue to decision, collected pursuant to 12 CFR Richard Cordray,
monitor developments affecting the 1003.4(a)(15)(i); the principal reason or Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial
application of the balancing test to the reasons the financial institution denied Protection.
HMDA data and may reconsider the application, if applicable, collected [FR Doc. 2017–20409 Filed 9–22–17; 8:45 am]
whether and how to modify the HMDA pursuant to 12 CFR 1003.4(a)(16); and BILLING CODE 4810–AM–P
data, based on the application of the automated underwriting system name,
balancing test, in order to ensure the collected pursuant to 12 CFR
appropriate protection of applicant and 1003.4(a)(35)(i). ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
borrower privacy in light of HMDA’s 3. With respect to the amount of the AGENCY
purposes. This Policy Guidance is non- covered loan or the amount applied for,
binding in part because flexibility to collected pursuant to 12 CFR [FRL–9966–90–ORD]
revise the modifications to be applied to 1003.4(a)(7), the Bureau intends to:
a. Disclose the midpoint for the Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and
the public loan-level HMDA data is
$10,000 interval into which the reported Equivalent Methods: Designation of
necessary to maintain a proper
value falls, e.g., for a reported value of Three New Reference Methods
balancing of the privacy risks and
benefits of disclosure. $117,834, disclose $115,000 as the AGENCY: Environmental Protection
midpoint between values equal to Agency (EPA).
C. Loan-Level HMDA Data To Be $110,000 and less than $120,000; and
Disclosed to the Public ACTION: Notice.
b. Indicate whether the reported value
The Bureau intends to publicly exceeds the applicable dollar amount SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that
disclose loan-level HMDA data reported limitation on the original principal the Environmental Protection Agency
pursuant to the 2015 HMDA Rule as obligation in effect at the time of (EPA) has designated three new
follows: application or origination as provided reference methods for measuring
1. Except as provided in paragraphs 2 under 12 U.S.C. 1717(b)(2) and 12 concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and
through 6 below, the Bureau intends to U.S.C. 1454(a)(2). PM10-2.5 in the ambient air.
disclose all data as reported, without 4. With respect to the age of an FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
modification. applicant or borrower, collected Robert Vanderpool, Exposure Methods
2. The Bureau intends to exclude the pursuant to 12 CFR 1003.4(a)(10)(ii), the and Measurement Division (MD–D205–
following from the public loan-level Bureau intends to: 03), National Exposure Research
HMDA data: a. Bin reported values into the Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle
a. Universal loan identifier, collected following ranges, as applicable: 25 to 34; Park, North Carolina 27711. Phone:
pursuant to 12 CFR 1003.4(a)(1)(i); 35 to 44; 45 to 54; 55 to 64; and 65 to
b. The date the application was 919–541–7877. Email:
74; Vanderpool.Robert@epa.gov.
received or the date shown on the b. Bottom-code reported values under
application form, collected pursuant to 25; SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
12 CFR 1003.4(a)(1)(ii); c. Top-code reported values over 74; accordance with regulations at 40 CFR
c. The date of action taken by the and part 53, the EPA evaluates various
financial institution on a covered loan d. Indicate whether the reported value methods for monitoring the
or application, collected pursuant to 12 is 62 or higher. concentrations of those ambient air
CFR 1003.4(a)(8)(ii); 5. With respect to the ratio of the pollutants for which EPA has
d. The address of the property applicant’s or borrower’s total monthly established National Ambient Air
securing the loan or, in the case of an debt to the total monthly income relied Quality Standards (NAAQSs) as set
application, proposed to secure the on in making the credit decision, forth in 40 CFR part 50. Monitoring
loan, collected pursuant to 12 CFR collected pursuant to 12 CFR methods that are determined to meet
1003.4(a)(9)(i); 1003.4(a)(23), the Bureau intends to: specific requirements for adequacy are
e. The credit score or scores relied on a. Bin reported values into the designated by the EPA as either
in making the credit decision, collected following ranges, as applicable: 20 reference methods or equivalent
pursuant to 12 CFR 1003.4(a)(15)(i); percent to less than 30 percent; 30 methods (as applicable), thereby
f. The unique identifier assigned by percent to less than 40 percent; and 50 permitting their use under 40 CFR part
the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing percent to less than 60 percent; 58 by States and other agencies for
System and Registry for the mortgage b. Bottom-code reported values under determining compliance with the
loan originator, as defined in Regulation 20 percent; NAAQSs.
G, 12 CFR 1007.102, or Regulation H, 12 c. Top-code reported values of 60 The EPA hereby announces the
CFR 1008.23, as applicable, collected percent or higher; and designation of three new reference
pursuant to 12 CFR 1003.4(a)(34); d. Disclose, without modification, methods for measuring concentrations
g. The result generated by the reported values greater than or equal to of PM2.5, PM10, and PM10-2.5 in the
automated underwriting system used by 40 percent and less than 50 percent. ambient air. These designations are
the financial institution to evaluate the 6. With respect to the value of the made under the provisions of 40 CFR
application, collected pursuant to 12 property securing the covered loan or, part 53, as amended on August 31, 2011
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CFR 1003.4(a)(35)(i); and in the case of an application, proposed (76 FR 54326- 54341).
h. Free-form text fields used to report to secure the covered loan, collected The new reference method for PM2.5
the following data: Applicant or pursuant to 12 CFR 1003.4(a)(28), the is a manual monitoring method based
borrower race, collected pursuant to 12 Bureau intends to disclose the midpoint on a specific PM2.5 sampler and is
CFR 1003.4(a)(10)(i); applicant or for the $10,000 interval into which the identified as follows:
borrower ethnicity, collected pursuant reported value falls, e.g., for a reported RFPS–0717–245, ‘‘Met One
to 12 CFR 1003.4(a)(10)(i); name and value of $117,834, disclose $115,000 as Instruments, Inc. E–SEQ–FRM,’’
version of the credit scoring model used the midpoint between values equal to sequential sampler configured for multi-
to generate each credit score or credit $110,000 and less than $120,000. event filter sampling of ambient

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 184 / Monday, September 25, 2017 / Notices 44613

particulate matter using the U.S. EPA was received on July 25, 2017. These commercial availability or technical
PM10 inlet specified in 40 CFR part 50, monitors are commercially available aspects of the methods should be
Appendix L, Figs. L–2 thru L–19, from the applicant, Met One directed to the applicant.
equipped with either a Mesa Instruments, Inc., 1600 Washington Dated: August 16, 2017.
Laboratories VSCCTM cyclone or WINS Blvd., Grants Pass, OR 97526. Timothy H. Watkins,
PM2.5 fractionator, with a flow rate of Test monitors representative of these
methods have been tested in accordance Deputy Director, National Exposure Research
16.67 L/min, using 47 mm PTFE
Laboratory.
membrane filter media, and operating with the applicable test procedures
specified in 40 CFR part 53, as amended [FR Doc. 2017–20447 Filed 9–22–17; 8:45 am]
with firmware version R1.1.0 and later,
and operated in accordance with the on August 31, 2011. After reviewing the BILLING CODE 6560–50–P

Met One E–SEQ–FRM PM2.5 operating results of those tests and other
manual. This designation applies to information submitted in the
applications, EPA has determined, in ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
PM2.5 measurements only.
The new reference method for PM10 is accordance with part 53, that these AGENCY
a manual monitoring method based on methods should be designated as [9967–91–Region 3]
a specific PM10 sampler and is reference methods. The information in
identified as follows: the applications will be kept on file, Notice of Administrative Settlement
RFPS–0717–246, ‘‘Met One either at EPA’s National Exposure Agreement Pursuant to the
Instruments, Inc. E–SEQ–FRM,’’ Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Comprehensive Environmental
sequential sampler configured for multi- Park, North Carolina 27711 or in an Response, Compensation, and Liability
event filter sampling of ambient approved archive storage facility, and Act
particulate matter using the U.S. EPA will be available for inspection (with
PM10 inlet specified in 40 CFR part 50, AGENCY: Environmental Protection
advance notice) to the extent consistent
Appendix L, Figs. L–2 thru L–19, Agency (EPA).
with 40 CFR part 2 (EPA’s regulations
equipped with either a Mesa implementing the Freedom of ACTION: Notice; request for public
Laboratories VSCCTM cyclone or WINS Information Act). comment.
PM2.5 fractionator, with a flow rate of As designated reference methods, SUMMARY: In accordance with the
16.67 L/min, using 47 mm PTFE these methods are acceptable for use by Comprehensive Environmental
membrane filter media, and operating states and other air monitoring agencies Response, Compensation, and Liability
with firmware version R1.1.0 and later, under the requirements of 40 CFR part Act (‘‘CERCLA’’), notice is hereby given
and operated in accordance with the 58, Ambient Air Quality Surveillance. that a proposed administrative
Met One E–SEQ–FRM PM10 operating For such purposes, the methods must be settlement agreement for recovery of
manual. This designation applies to used in strict accordance with the
response costs (‘‘Proposed Agreement’’)
PM10 measurements only. operation or instruction manuals
associated with the New Jersey
The new PM10-2.5 reference method associated with the methods and subject
Fireworks Superfund Site, Elkton, Cecil
utilizes a pair of filter samplers that to any specifications and limitations
have been designated individually as County, Maryland was executed by the
(e.g., configuration or operational
reference methods, one for PM2.5 and Environmental Protection Agency
settings) specified in the applicable
the other one for PM10, and have been (‘‘EPA’’) and is now subject to public
designated descriptions (see the
shown to meet the requirements comment, after which EPA may modify
identification of the methods above).
specified in appendix O of 40 CFR part Use of the methods also should be in or withdraw its consent if comments
50. The PM2.5 and PM10 samplers are general accordance with the guidance received disclose facts or considerations
designated as reference methods RFPS– and recommendations of applicable that indicate that the Proposed
0717–245 and RFPS–0717–246, sections of the ‘‘Quality Assurance Agreement is inappropriate, improper,
respectively. The newly designated Handbook for Air Pollution or inadequate. The Proposed Agreement
PM10-2.5 sampler is identified as follows: Measurement Systems, Volume I,’’ EPA/ would resolve potential EPA claims
RFPS–0717–247, ‘‘Met One 600/R–94/038a and ‘‘Quality Assurance against the Estate of Louis Casale
Instruments, Inc. E–SEQ–FRM PM10 and Handbook for Air Pollution (‘‘Settling Party’’). The Proposed
E–SEQ–FRM PM2.5 Sampler Pair’’ for Measurement Systems, Volume II, Agreement would require Settling Party
the determination of coarse particulate Ambient Air Quality Monitoring to reimburse EPA $50,000 for response
matter as PM10-2.5, consisting of a pair of Program’’ EPA–454/B–08–003, costs incurred by EPA for the Site.
Met One Instruments, Inc. E–SEQ–FRM December, 2008. Provisions concerning For thirty (30) days following the date
samplers, with one being the E–SEQ– modification of such methods by users of publication of this notice, EPA will
FRM PM2.5 sampler (RFPS–0717–245) are specified under Section 2.8 receive written comments relating to the
and the other being the E–SEQ–FRM (Modifications of Methods by Users) of Proposed Agreement. EPA’s response to
PM10 sampler (RFPS–0717–246). The Appendix C to 40 CFR part 58. any comments received will be available
units are to be collocated to within 1– Consistent or repeated noncompliance for public inspection at the U.S.
4 meters of one another and sample should be reported to: Director, Environmental Protection Agency,
concurrently. Both units are operated in Exposure Methods and Measurement Region III, 1650 Arch Street,
accordance with the associated E–SEQ– Division (MD–E205–01), National Philadelphia, PA 19103.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on
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FRM instruction manual. This Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S.
designation applies to PM10-2.5 Environmental Protection Agency, or before October 25, 2017.
measurements only. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina ADDRESSES: The Proposed Agreement
The application for reference method 27711. and additional background information
determination for the PM2.5 method was Designation of these new reference relating to the Proposed Agreement are
received by the Office of Research and methods is intended to assist the States available for public inspection at the
Development on May 17, 2017, the PM10 in establishing and operating their air U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
method application was received on quality surveillance systems under 40 Region III, 1650 Arch Street,
June 5, 2017, and the PM10-2.5 method CFR part 58. Questions concerning the Philadelphia, PA 19103. A copy of the

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Document Created: 2018-10-24 14:41:03
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 14:41:03

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Contact		Robert Vanderpool, Exposure Methods and Measurement Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. Phone: 919-541-7877. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 44612