Appendix B to Part 58 - Quality Assurance Requirements for Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Air Monitoring
40:6.0.1.1.6.9.1.1.35 : Appendix B
Appendix B to Part 58 - Quality Assurance Requirements for
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Air Monitoring 1.
General Information 2. Quality System Requirements 3. Measurement
Quality Check Requirements 4. Calculations for Data Quality
Assessments 5. Reporting Requirements 6. References 1. General
Information
1.1 Applicability.
(a) This appendix specifies the minimum quality assurance
requirements for the control and assessment of the quality of the
ambient air monitoring data submitted to a PSD reviewing authority
or the EPA by an organization operating an air monitoring station,
or network of stations, operated in order to comply with Part 51
New Source Review - Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD).
Such organizations are encouraged to develop and maintain quality
assurance programs more extensive than the required minimum.
Additional guidance for the requirements reflected in this appendix
can be found in the “Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution
Measurement Systems,” Volume II (Ambient Air) and “Quality
Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems,” Volume
IV (Meteorological Measurements) and at a national level in
references 1, 2, and 3 of this appendix.
(b) It is not assumed that data generated for PSD under this
appendix will be used in making NAAQS decisions. However, if all
the requirements in this appendix are followed (including the NPEP
programs) and reported to AQS, with review and concurrence from the
EPA region, data may be used for NAAQS decisions. With the
exception of the NPEP programs (NPAP, PM2.5 PEP, Pb-PEP), for which
implementation is at the discretion of the PSD reviewing authority,
all other quality assurance and quality control requirements found
in the appendix must be met.
1.2 PSD Primary Quality Assurance Organization (PQAO). A
PSD PQAO is defined as a monitoring organization or a coordinated
aggregation of such organizations that is responsible for a set of
stations within one PSD reviewing authority that monitors the same
pollutant and for which data quality assessments will be pooled.
Each criteria pollutant sampler/monitor must be associated with
only one PSD PQAO.
1.2.1 Each PSD PQAO shall be defined such that measurement
uncertainty among all stations in the organization can be expected
to be reasonably homogeneous, as a result of common factors. A PSD
PQAO must be associated with only one PSD reviewing authority.
Common factors that should be considered in defining PSD PQAOs
include:
(a) Operation by a common team of field operators according to a
common set of procedures;
(b) Use of a common QAPP and/or standard operating
procedures;
(c) Common calibration facilities and standards;
(d) Oversight by a common quality assurance organization;
and
(e) Support by a common management organization or
laboratory.
1.2.2 PSD monitoring organizations having difficulty describing
its PQAO or in assigning specific monitors to a PSD PQAO should
consult with the PSD reviewing authority. Any consolidation of PSD
PQAOs shall be subject to final approval by the PSD reviewing
authority.
1.2.3 Each PSD PQAO is required to implement a quality system
that provides sufficient information to assess the quality of the
monitoring data. The quality system must, at a minimum, include the
specific requirements described in this appendix. Failure to
conduct or pass a required check or procedure, or a series of
required checks or procedures, does not by itself invalidate data
for regulatory decision making. Rather, PSD PQAOs and the PSD
reviewing authority shall use the checks and procedures required in
this appendix in combination with other data quality information,
reports, and similar documentation that demonstrate overall
compliance with parts 51, 52 and 58 of this chapter. Accordingly,
the PSD reviewing authority shall use a “weight of evidence”
approach when determining the suitability of data for regulatory
decisions. The PSD reviewing authority reserves the authority to
use or not use monitoring data submitted by a PSD monitoring
organization when making regulatory decisions based on the PSD
reviewing authority's assessment of the quality of the data.
Generally, consensus built validation templates or validation
criteria already approved in quality assurance project plans
(QAPPs) should be used as the basis for the weight of evidence
approach.
1.3 Definitions.
(a) Measurement Uncertainty. A term used to describe
deviations from a true concentration or estimate that are related
to the measurement process and not to spatial or temporal
population attributes of the air being measured.
(b) Precision. A measurement of mutual agreement among
individual measurements of the same property usually under
prescribed similar conditions, expressed generally in terms of the
standard deviation.
(c) Bias. The systematic or persistent distortion of a
measurement process which causes errors in one direction.
(d) Accuracy. The degree of agreement between an observed
value and an accepted reference value. Accuracy includes a
combination of random error (imprecision) and systematic error
(bias) components which are due to sampling and analytical
operations.
(e) Completeness. A measure of the amount of valid data
obtained from a measurement system compared to the amount that was
expected to be obtained under correct, normal conditions.
(f) Detectability. The low critical range value of a
characteristic that a method specific procedure can reliably
discern.
1.4 Measurement Quality Check Reporting. The measurement
quality checks described in section 3 of this appendix, are
required to be submitted to the PSD reviewing authority within the
same time frame as routinely-collected ambient concentration data
as described in 40 CFR 58.16. The PSD reviewing authority may as
well require that the measurement quality check data be reported to
AQS.
1.5 Assessments and Reports. Periodic assessments and
documentation of data quality are required to be reported to the
PSD reviewing authority. To provide national uniformity in this
assessment and reporting of data quality for all networks, specific
assessment and reporting procedures are prescribed in detail in
sections 3, 4, and 5 of this appendix.
2. Quality System Requirements
A quality system (reference 1 of this appendix) is the means by
which an organization manages the quality of the monitoring
information it produces in a systematic, organized manner. It
provides a framework for planning, implementing, assessing and
reporting work performed by an organization and for carrying out
required quality assurance and quality control activities.
2.1 Quality Assurance Project Plans. All PSD PQAOs must
develop a quality system that is described and approved in quality
assurance project plans (QAPP) to ensure that the monitoring
results:
(a) Meet a well-defined need, use, or purpose (reference 5 of
this appendix);
(b) Provide data of adequate quality for the intended monitoring
objectives;
(c) Satisfy stakeholder expectations;
(d) Comply with applicable standards specifications;
(e) Comply with statutory (and other legal) requirements;
and
(f) Assure quality assurance and quality control adequacy and
independence.
2.1.1 The QAPP is a formal document that describes these
activities in sufficient detail and is supported by standard
operating procedures. The QAPP must describe how the organization
intends to control measurement uncertainty to an appropriate level
in order to achieve the objectives for which the data are
collected. The QAPP must be documented in accordance with EPA
requirements (reference 3 of this appendix).
2.1.2 The PSD PQAO's quality system must have adequate resources
both in personnel and funding to plan, implement, assess and report
on the achievement of the requirements of this appendix and it's
approved QAPP.
2.1.3 Incorporation of quality management plan (QMP) elements
into the QAPP. The QMP describes the quality system in terms of the
organizational structure, functional responsibilities of management
and staff, lines of authority, and required interfaces for those
planning, implementing, assessing and reporting activities
involving environmental data operations (EDO). The PSD PQAOs may
combine pertinent elements of the QMP into the QAPP rather than
requiring the submission of both QMP and QAPP documents separately,
with prior approval of the PSD reviewing authority. Additional
guidance on QMPs can be found in reference 2 of this appendix.
2.2 Independence of Quality Assurance Management. The PSD PQAO
must provide for a quality assurance management function for its
PSD data collection operation, that aspect of the overall
management system of the organization that determines and
implements the quality policy defined in a PSD PQAO's QAPP. Quality
management includes strategic planning, allocation of resources and
other systematic planning activities (e.g., planning,
implementation, assessing and reporting) pertaining to the quality
system. The quality assurance management function must have
sufficient technical expertise and management authority to conduct
independent oversight and assure the implementation of the
organization's quality system relative to the ambient air quality
monitoring program and should be organizationally independent of
environmental data generation activities.
2.3 Data Quality Performance Requirements.
2.3.1 Data Quality Objectives (DQOs). The DQOs, or the
results of other systematic planning processes, are statements that
define the appropriate type of data to collect and specify the
tolerable levels of potential decision errors that will be used as
a basis for establishing the quality and quantity of data needed to
support air monitoring objectives (reference 5 of the appendix).
The DQOs have been developed by the EPA to support attainment
decisions for comparison to national ambient air quality standards
(NAAQS). The PSD reviewing authority and the PSD monitoring
organization will be jointly responsible for determining whether
adherence to the EPA developed NAAQS DQOs specified in appendix A
of this part are appropriate or if DQOs from a project-specific
systematic planning process are necessary.
2.3.1.1 Measurement Uncertainty for Automated and Manual
PM2.5 Methods. The goal for acceptable measurement
uncertainty for precision is defined as an upper 90 percent
confidence limit for the coefficient of variation (CV) of 10
percent and plus or minus 10 percent for total bias.
2.3.1.2 Measurement Uncertainty for Automated Ozone
Methods. The goal for acceptable measurement uncertainty is
defined for precision as an upper 90 percent confidence limit for
the CV of 7 percent and for bias as an upper 95 percent confidence
limit for the absolute bias of 7 percent.
2.3.1.3 Measurement Uncertainty for Pb Methods. The goal
for acceptable measurement uncertainty is defined for precision as
an upper 90 percent confidence limit for the CV of 20 percent and
for bias as an upper 95 percent confidence limit for the absolute
bias of 15 percent.
2.3.1.4 Measurement Uncertainty for NO2. The goal for
acceptable measurement uncertainty is defined for precision as an
upper 90 percent confidence limit for the CV of 15 percent and for
bias as an upper 95 percent confidence limit for the absolute bias
of 15 percent.
2.3.1.5 Measurement Uncertainty for SO2. The goal for
acceptable measurement uncertainty for precision is defined as an
upper 90 percent confidence limit for the CV of 10 percent and for
bias as an upper 95 percent confidence limit for the absolute bias
of 10 percent.
2.4 National Performance Evaluation Program.
Organizations operating PSD monitoring networks are required to
implement the EPA's national performance evaluation program (NPEP)
if the data will be used for NAAQS decisions and at the discretion
of the PSD reviewing authority if PSD data are not used for NAAQS
decisions. The NPEP includes the National Performance Audit Program
(NPAP), the PM2.5 Performance Evaluation Program (PM2.5-PEP) and
the Pb Performance Evaluation Program (Pb-PEP). The PSD QAPP shall
provide for the implementation of NPEP including the provision of
adequate resources for such NPEP if the data will be used for NAAQS
decisions or if required by the PSD reviewing authority. Contact
the PSD reviewing authority to determine the best procedure for
implementing the audits which may include an audit by the PSD
reviewing authority, a contractor certified for the activity, or
through self-implementation which is described in sections below. A
determination of which entity will be performing this audit program
should be made as early as possible and during the QAPP development
process. The PSD PQAOs, including contractors that plan to
implement these programs on behalf of PSD PQAOs, that plan to
implement these programs (self-implement) rather than use the
federal programs, must meet the adequacy requirements found in the
appropriate sections that follow, as well as meet the definition of
independent assessment that follows.
2.4.1 Independent Assessment. An assessment performed by
a qualified individual, group, or organization that is not part of
the organization directly performing and accountable for the work
being assessed. This auditing organization must not be involved
with the generation of the routinely-collected ambient air
monitoring data. An organization can conduct the performance
evaluation (PE) if it can meet this definition and has a management
structure that, at a minimum, will allow for the separation of its
routine sampling personnel from its auditing personnel by two
levels of management. In addition, the sample analysis of audit
filters must be performed by a laboratory facility and laboratory
equipment separate from the facilities used for routine sample
analysis. Field and laboratory personnel will be required to meet
the performance evaluation field and laboratory training and
certification requirements. The PSD PQAO will be required to
participate in the centralized field and laboratory standards
certification and comparison processes to establish comparability
to federally implemented programs.
2.5 Technical Systems Audit Program. The PSD reviewing
authority or the EPA may conduct system audits of the ambient air
monitoring programs or organizations operating PSD networks. The
PSD monitoring organizations shall consult with the PSD reviewing
authority to verify the schedule of any such technical systems
audit. Systems audit programs are described in reference 10 of this
appendix.
2.6 Gaseous and Flow Rate Audit Standards.
2.6.1 Gaseous pollutant concentration standards (permeation
devices or cylinders of compressed gas) used to obtain test
concentrations for carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) must be traceable
to either a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Traceable Reference Material (NTRM) or a NIST-certified Gas
Manufacturer's Internal Standard (GMIS), certified in accordance
with one of the procedures given in reference 4 of this appendix.
Vendors advertising certification with the procedures provided in
reference 4 of this appendix and distributing gases as “EPA
Protocol Gas” must participate in the EPA Protocol Gas Verification
Program or not use “EPA” in any form of advertising. The PSD PQAOs
must provide information to the PSD reviewing authority on the gas
vendors they use (or will use) for the duration of the PSD
monitoring project. This information can be provided in the QAPP or
monitoring plan, but must be updated if there is a change in the
producer used.
2.6.2 Test concentrations for ozone (O3) must be obtained in
accordance with the ultraviolet photometric calibration procedure
specified in appendix D to Part 50, and by means of a certified
NIST-traceable O3 transfer standard. Consult references 7 and 8 of
this appendix for guidance on transfer standards for O3.
2.6.3 Flow rate measurements must be made by a flow measuring
instrument that is NIST-traceable to an authoritative volume or
other applicable standard. Guidance for certifying some types of
flow-meters is provided in reference 10 of this appendix.
2.7 Primary Requirements and Guidance. Requirements and guidance
documents for developing the quality system are contained in
references 1 through 11 of this appendix, which also contain many
suggested procedures, checks, and control specifications. Reference
10 describes specific guidance for the development of a quality
system for data collected for comparison to the NAAQS. Many
specific quality control checks and specifications for methods are
included in the respective reference methods described in Part 50
or in the respective equivalent method descriptions available from
the EPA (reference 6 of this appendix). Similarly, quality control
procedures related to specifically designated reference and
equivalent method monitors are contained in the respective
operation or instruction manuals associated with those monitors.
For PSD monitoring, the use of reference and equivalent method
monitors are required.
3. Measurement Quality Check Requirements
This section provides the requirements for PSD PQAOs to perform
the measurement quality checks that can be used to assess data
quality. Data from these checks are required to be submitted to the
PSD reviewing authority within the same time frame as
routinely-collected ambient concentration data as described in 40
CFR 58.16. Table B-1 of this appendix provides a summary of the
types and frequency of the measurement quality checks that are
described in this section. Reporting these results to AQS may be
required by the PSD reviewing authority.
3.1 Gaseous monitors of SO2, NO2, O3,
and CO.
3.1.1 One-Point Quality Control (QC) Check for SO2,
NO2, O3, andCO. (a) A one-point QC
check must be performed at least once every 2 weeks on each
automated monitor used to measure SO2, NO2, O3 and CO. With the
advent of automated calibration systems, more frequent checking is
strongly encouraged and may be required by the PSD reviewing
authority. See Reference 10 of this appendix for guidance on the
review procedure. The QC check is made by challenging the monitor
with a QC check gas of known concentration (effective concentration
for open path monitors) between the prescribed range of 0.005 and
0.08 parts per million (ppm) for SO2, NO2, and O3, and between the
prescribed range of 0.5 and 5 ppm for CO monitors. The QC check gas
concentration selected within the prescribed range should be
related to monitoring objectives for the monitor. If monitoring for
trace level monitoring, the QC check concentration should be
selected to represent the mean or median concentrations at the
site. If the mean or median concentrations at trace gas sites are
below the MDL of the instrument the agency can select the lowest
concentration in the prescribed range that can be practically
achieved. If the mean or median concentrations at trace gas sites
are above the prescribed range the agency can select the highest
concentration in the prescribed range. The PSD monitoring
organization will consult with the PSD reviewing authority on the
most appropriate one-point QC concentration based on the objectives
of the monitoring activity. An additional QC check point is
encouraged for those organizations that may have occasional high
values or would like to confirm the monitors' linearity at the
higher end of the operational range or around NAAQS concentrations.
If monitoring for NAAQS decisions the QC concentration can be
selected at a higher concentration within the prescribed range but
should also consider precision points around mean or median
concentrations.
(b) Point analyzers must operate in their normal sampling mode
during the QC check and the test atmosphere must pass through all
filters, scrubbers, conditioners and other components used during
normal ambient sampling and as much of the ambient air inlet system
as is practicable. The QC check must be conducted before any
calibration or adjustment to the monitor.
(c) Open-path monitors are tested by inserting a test cell
containing a QC check gas concentration into the optical
measurement beam of the instrument. If possible, the normally used
transmitter, receiver, and as appropriate, reflecting devices
should be used during the test and the normal monitoring
configuration of the instrument should be altered as little as
possible to accommodate the test cell for the test. However, if
permitted by the associated operation or instruction manual, an
alternate local light source or an alternate optical path that does
not include the normal atmospheric monitoring path may be used. The
actual concentration of the QC check gas in the test cell must be
selected to produce an effective concentration in the range
specified earlier in this section. Generally, the QC test
concentration measurement will be the sum of the atmospheric
pollutant concentration and the QC test concentration. As such, the
result must be corrected to remove the atmospheric concentration
contribution. The corrected concentration is obtained by
subtracting the average of the atmospheric concentrations measured
by the open path instrument under test immediately before and
immediately after the QC test from the QC check gas concentration
measurement. If the difference between these before and after
measurements is greater than 20 percent of the effective
concentration of the test gas, discard the test result and repeat
the test. If possible, open path monitors should be tested during
periods when the atmospheric pollutant concentrations are
relatively low and steady.
(d) Report the audit concentration of the QC gas and the
corresponding measured concentration indicated by the monitor. The
percent differences between these concentrations are used to assess
the precision and bias of the monitoring data as described in
sections 4.1.2 (precision) and 4.1.3 (bias) of this appendix.
3.1.2 Quarterly performance evaluation for SO2,
NO2, O3, or CO. Evaluate each primary monitor
each monitoring quarter (or 90 day frequency) during which monitors
are operated or a least once (if operated for less than one
quarter). The quarterly performance evaluation (quarterly PE) must
be performed by a qualified individual, group, or organization that
is not part of the organization directly performing and accountable
for the work being assessed. The person or entity performing the
quarterly PE must not be involved with the generation of the
routinely-collected ambient air monitoring data. A PSD monitoring
organization can conduct the quarterly PE itself if it can meet
this definition and has a management structure that, at a minimum,
will allow for the separation of its routine sampling personnel
from its auditing personnel by two levels of management. The
quarterly PE also requires a set of equipment and standards
independent from those used for routine calibrations or zero, span
or precision checks.
3.1.2.1 The evaluation is made by challenging the monitor with
audit gas standards of known concentration from at least three
audit levels. One point must be within two to three times the
method detection limit of the instruments within the PQAOs network,
the second point will be less than or equal to the 99th percentile
of the data at the site or the network of sites in the PQAO or the
next highest audit concentration level. The third point can be
around the primary NAAQS or the highest 3-year concentration at the
site or the network of sites in the PQAO. An additional 4th level
is encouraged for those PSD organizations that would like to
confirm the monitor's linearity at the higher end of the
operational range. In rare circumstances, there may be sites
measuring concentrations above audit level 10. These sites should
be identified to the PSD reviewing authority.
Audit level
Concentration
range, ppm
O3
SO2
NO2
CO
1
0.004-0.0059
0.0003-0.0029
0.0003-0.0029
0.020-0.059
2
0.006-0.019
0.0030-0.0049
0.0030-0.0049
0.060-0.199
3
0.020-0.039
0.0050-0.0079
0.0050-0.0079
0.200-0.899
4
0.040-0.069
0.0080-0.0199
0.0080-0.0199
0.900-2.999
5
0.070-0.089
0.0200-0.0499
0.0200-0.0499
3.000-7.999
6
0.090-0.119
0.0500-0.0999
0.0500-0.0999
8.000-15.999
7
0.120-0.139
0.1000-0.1499
0.1000-0.2999
16.000-30.999
8
0.140-0.169
0.1500-0.2599
0.3000-0.4999
31.000-39.999
9
0.170-0.189
0.2600-0.7999
0.5000-0.7999
40.000-49.999
10
0.190-0.259
0.8000-1.000
0.8000-1.000
50.000-60.000
3.1.2.2 The NO2 audit techniques may vary depending on the
ambient monitoring method. For chemiluminescence-type NO2
analyzers, gas phase titration (GPT) techniques should be based on
the EPA guidance documents and monitoring agency experience. The
NO2 gas standards may be more appropriate than GPT for direct NO2
methods that do not employ converters. Care should be taken to
ensure the stability of such gas standards prior to use.
3.1.2.3 The standards from which audit gas test concentrations
are obtained must meet the specifications of section 2.6.1 of this
appendix.
3.1.2.4 For point analyzers, the evaluation shall be carried out
by allowing the monitor to analyze the audit gas test atmosphere in
its normal sampling mode such that the test atmosphere passes
through all filters, scrubbers, conditioners, and other sample
inlet components used during normal ambient sampling and as much of
the ambient air inlet system as is practicable.
3.1.2.5 Open-path monitors are evaluated by inserting a test
cell containing the various audit gas concentrations into the
optical measurement beam of the instrument. If possible, the
normally used transmitter, receiver, and, as appropriate,
reflecting devices should be used during the evaluation, and the
normal monitoring configuration of the instrument should be
modified as little as possible to accommodate the test cell for the
evaluation. However, if permitted by the associated operation or
instruction manual, an alternate local light source or an alternate
optical path that does not include the normal atmospheric
monitoring path may be used. The actual concentrations of the audit
gas in the test cell must be selected to produce effective
concentrations in the evaluation level ranges specified in this
section of this appendix. Generally, each evaluation concentration
measurement result will be the sum of the atmospheric pollutant
concentration and the evaluation test concentration. As such, the
result must be corrected to remove the atmospheric concentration
contribution. The corrected concentration is obtained by
subtracting the average of the atmospheric concentrations measured
by the open-path instrument under test immediately before and
immediately after the evaluation test (or preferably before and
after each evaluation concentration level) from the evaluation
concentration measurement. If the difference between the before and
after measurements is greater than 20 percent of the effective
concentration of the test gas standard, discard the test result for
that concentration level and repeat the test for that level. If
possible, open-path monitors should be evaluated during periods
when the atmospheric pollutant concentrations are relatively low
and steady. Also, if the open-path instrument is not installed in a
permanent manner, the monitoring path length must be reverified to
be within ±3 percent to validate the evaluation, since the
monitoring path length is critical to the determination of the
effective concentration.
3.1.2.6 Report both the evaluation concentrations (effective
concentrations for open-path monitors) of the audit gases and the
corresponding measured concentration (corrected concentrations, if
applicable, for open-path monitors) indicated or produced by the
monitor being tested. The percent differences between these
concentrations are used to assess the quality of the monitoring
data as described in section 4.1.1 of this appendix.
3.1.3 National Performance Audit Program (NPAP). As
stated in sections 1.1 and 2.4, PSD monitoring networks may be
subject to the NPEP, which includes the NPAP. The NPAP is a
performance evaluation which is a type of audit where quantitative
data are collected independently in order to evaluate the
proficiency of an analyst, monitoring instrument and laboratory.
Due to the implementation approach used in this program, NPAP
provides for a national independent assessment of performance with
a consistent level of data quality. The NPAP should not be confused
with the quarterly PE program described in section 3.1.2. The PSD
organizations shall consult with the PSD reviewing authority or the
EPA regarding whether the implementation of NPAP is required and
the implementation options available. Details of the EPA NPAP can
be found in reference 11 of this appendix. The program requirements
include:
3.1.3.1 Performing audits on 100 percent of monitors and sites
each year including monitors and sites that may be operated for
less than 1 year. The PSD reviewing authority has the authority to
require more frequent audits at sites they consider to be high
priority.
3.1.3.2 Developing a delivery system that will allow for the
audit concentration gasses to be introduced at the probe inlet
where logistically feasible.
3.1.3.3 Using audit gases that are verified against the National
Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) standard reference
methods or special review procedures and validated annually for CO,
SO2 and NO2, and at the beginning of each quarter of audits for
O3.
3.1.3.4 The PSD PQAO may elect to self-implement NPAP. In these
cases, the PSD reviewing authority will work with those PSD PQAOs
to establish training and other technical requirements to establish
comparability to federally implemented programs. In addition to
meeting the requirements in sections 3.1.1.3 through 3.1.3.3, the
PSD PQAO must:
(a) Ensure that the PSD audit system is equivalent to the EPA
NPAP audit system and is an entirely separate set of equipment and
standards from the equipment used for quarterly performance
evaluations. If this system does not generate and analyze the audit
concentrations, as the EPA NPAP system does, its equivalence to the
EPA NPAP system must be proven to be as accurate under a full range
of appropriate and varying conditions as described in section
3.1.3.6.
(b) Perform a whole system check by having the PSD audit system
tested at an independent and qualified EPA lab, or equivalent.
(c) Evaluate the system with the EPA NPAP program through
collocated auditing at an acceptable number of sites each year (at
least one for a PSD network of five or less sites; at least two for
a network with more than five sites).
(d) Incorporate the NPAP into the PSD PQAO's QAPP.
(e) Be subject to review by independent, EPA-trained
personnel.
(f) Participate in initial and update training/certification
sessions.
3.2 PM2.5.
3.2.1 Flow Rate Verification for PM2.5. A one-point flow
rate verification check must be performed at least once every month
(each verification minimally separated by 14 days) on each monitor
used to measure PM2.5. The verification is made by checking the
operational flow rate of the monitor. If the verification is made
in conjunction with a flow rate adjustment, it must be made prior
to such flow rate adjustment. For the standard procedure, use a
flow rate transfer standard certified in accordance with section
2.6 of this appendix to check the monitor's normal flow rate. Care
should be used in selecting and using the flow rate measurement
device such that it does not alter the normal operating flow rate
of the monitor. Flow rate verification results are to be reported
to the PSD reviewing authority quarterly as described in section
5.1. Reporting these results to AQS is encouraged. The percent
differences between the audit and measured flow rates are used to
assess the bias of the monitoring data as described in section
4.2.2 of this appendix (using flow rates in lieu of
concentrations).
3.2.2 Semi-Annual Flow Rate Audit for PM2.5. Every 6
months, audit the flow rate of the PM2.5 particulate monitors. For
short-term monitoring operations (those less than 1 year), the flow
rate audits must occur at start up, at the midpoint, and near the
completion of the monitoring project. The audit must be conducted
by a trained technician other than the routine site operator. The
audit is made by measuring the monitor's normal operating flow rate
using a flow rate transfer standard certified in accordance with
section 2.6 of this appendix. The flow rate standard used for
auditing must not be the same flow rate standard used for
verifications or to calibrate the monitor. However, both the
calibration standard and the audit standard may be referenced to
the same primary flow rate or volume standard. Care must be taken
in auditing the flow rate to be certain that the flow measurement
device does not alter the normal operating flow rate of the
monitor. Report the audit flow rate of the transfer standard and
the corresponding flow rate measured by the monitor. The percent
differences between these flow rates are used to evaluate monitor
performance.
3.2.3 Collocated Sampling Procedures for PM2.5. A PSD
PQAO must have at least one collocated monitor for each PSD
monitoring network.
3.2.3.1 For each pair of collocated monitors, designate one
sampler as the primary monitor whose concentrations will be used to
report air quality for the site, and designate the other as the QC
monitor. There can be only one primary monitor at a monitoring site
for a given time period.
(a) If the primary monitor is a FRM, then the quality control
monitor must be a FRM of the same method designation.
(b) If the primary monitor is a FEM, then the quality control
monitor must be a FRM unless the PSD PQAO submits a waiver for this
requirement, provides a specific reason why a FRM cannot be
implemented, and the waiver is approved by the PSD reviewing
authority. If the waiver is approved, then the quality control
monitor must be the same method designation as the primary FEM
monitor.
3.2.3.2 In addition, the collocated monitors should be deployed
according to the following protocol:
(a) The collocated quality control monitor(s) should be deployed
at sites with the highest predicted daily PM2.5 concentrations in
the network. If the highest PM2.5 concentration site is impractical
for collocation purposes, alternative sites approved by the PSD
reviewing authority may be selected. If additional collocated sites
are necessary, the PSD PQAO and the PSD reviewing authority should
determine the appropriate location(s) based on data needs.
(b) The two collocated monitors must be within 4 meters of each
other and at least 2 meters apart for flow rates greater than 200
liters/min or at least 1 meter apart for samplers having flow rates
less than 200 liters/min to preclude airflow interference. A waiver
allowing up to 10 meters horizontal distance and up to 3 meters
vertical distance (inlet to inlet) between a primary and collocated
quality control monitor may be approved by the PSD reviewing
authority for sites at a neighborhood or larger scale of
representation. This waiver may be approved during the QAPP review
and approval process. Sampling and analytical methodologies must be
the consistently implemented for both collocated samplers and for
all other samplers in the network.
(c) Sample the collocated quality control monitor on a 6-day
schedule for sites not requiring daily monitoring and on a 3-day
schedule for any site requiring daily monitoring. Report the
measurements from both primary and collocated quality control
monitors at each collocated sampling site. The calculations for
evaluating precision between the two collocated monitors are
described in section 4.2.1 of this appendix.
3.2.4 PM2.5 Performance Evaluation Program (PEP)
Procedures. As stated in sections 1.1 and 2.4 of this appendix,
PSD monitoring networks may be subject to the NPEP, which includes
the PM2.5 PEP. The PSD monitoring organizations shall consult with
the PSD reviewing authority or the EPA regarding whether the
implementation of PM2.5 PEP is required and the implementation
options available for the PM2.5 PEP. For PSD PQAOs with less than
or equal to five monitoring sites, five valid performance
evaluation audits must be collected and reported each year. For PSD
PQAOs with greater than five monitoring sites, eight valid
performance evaluation audits must be collected and reported each
year. Additionally, within the five or eight required audits, each
type of method designation (FRM/FEM designation) used as a primary
monitor in the PSD network shall be audited. For a PE to be valid,
both the primary monitor and PEP audit measurements must meet
quality control requirements and be above 3 µg/m 3 or a predefined
lower concentration level determined by a systematic planning
process and approved by the PSD reviewing authority. Due to the
relatively short-term nature of most PSD monitoring, the likelihood
of measuring low concentrations in many areas attaining the PM2.5
standard and the time required to weigh filters collected in PEs, a
PSD monitoring organization's QAPP may contain a provision to waive
the 3 µg/m 3 threshold for validity of PEs conducted in the last
quarter of monitoring, subject to approval by the PSD reviewing
authority.
3.3 PM10.
3.3.1 Flow Rate Verification for PM10. A one-point flow
rate verification check must be performed at least once every month
(each verification minimally separated by 14 days) on each monitor
used to measure PM10. The verification is made by checking the
operational flow rate of the monitor. If the verification is made
in conjunction with a flow rate adjustment, it must be made prior
to such flow rate adjustment. For the standard procedure, use a
flow rate transfer standard certified in accordance with section
2.6 of this appendix to check the monitor's normal flow rate. Care
should be taken in selecting and using the flow rate measurement
device such that it does not alter the normal operating flow rate
of the monitor. The percent differences between the audit and
measured flow rates are used to assess the bias of the monitoring
data as described in section 4.2.2 of this appendix (using flow
rates in lieu of concentrations).
3.3.2 Semi-Annual Flow Rate Audit for PM10. Every 6
months, audit the flow rate of the PM10 particulate monitors. For
short-term monitoring operations (those less than 1 year), the flow
rate audits must occur at start up, at the midpoint, and near the
completion of the monitoring project. Where possible, the EPA
strongly encourages more frequent auditing. The audit must be
conducted by a trained technician other than the routine site
operator. The audit is made by measuring the monitor's normal
operating flow rate using a flow rate transfer standard certified
in accordance with section 2.6 of this appendix. The flow rate
standard used for auditing must not be the same flow rate standard
used for verifications or to calibrate the monitor. However, both
the calibration standard and the audit standard may be referenced
to the same primary flow rate or volume standard. Care must be
taken in auditing the flow rate to be certain that the flow
measurement device does not alter the normal operating flow rate of
the monitor. Report the audit flow rate of the transfer standard
and the corresponding flow rate measured by the monitor. The
percent differences between these flow rates are used to evaluate
monitor performance
3.3.3 Collocated Sampling Procedures for Manual PM10. A
PSD PQAO must have at least one collocated monitor for each PSD
monitoring network.
3.3.3.1 For each pair of collocated monitors, designate one
sampler as the primary monitor whose concentrations will be used to
report air quality for the site, and designate the other as the
quality control monitor.
3.3.3.2 In addition, the collocated monitors should be deployed
according to the following protocol:
(a) The collocated quality control monitor(s) should be deployed
at sites with the highest predicted daily PM10 concentrations in
the network. If the highest PM10 concentration site is impractical
for collocation purposes, alternative sites approved by the PSD
reviewing authority may be selected.
(b) The two collocated monitors must be within 4 meters of each
other and at least 2 meters apart for flow rates greater than 200
liters/min or at least 1 meter apart for samplers having flow rates
less than 200 liters/min to preclude airflow interference. A waiver
allowing up to 10 meters horizontal distance and up to 3 meters
vertical distance (inlet to inlet) between a primary and collocated
sampler may be approved by the PSD reviewing authority for sites at
a neighborhood or larger scale of representation. This waiver may
be approved during the QAPP review and approval process. Sampling
and analytical methodologies must be the consistently implemented
for both collocated samplers and for all other samplers in the
network.
(c) Sample the collocated quality control monitor on a 6-day
schedule or 3-day schedule for any site requiring daily monitoring.
Report the measurements from both primary and collocated quality
control monitors at each collocated sampling site. The calculations
for evaluating precision between the two collocated monitors are
described in section 4.2.1 of this appendix.
(d) In determining the number of collocated sites required for
PM10, PSD monitoring networks for Pb-PM10 should be treated
independently from networks for particulate matter (PM), even
though the separate networks may share one or more common samplers.
However, a single quality control monitor that meets the
collocation requirements for Pb-PM10 and PM10 may serve as a
collocated quality control monitor for both networks. Extreme care
must be taken if using the filter from a quality control monitor
for both PM10 and Pb analysis. PM10 filter weighing should occur
prior to any Pb analysis.
3.4 Pb.
3.4.1 Flow Rate Verification for Pb. A one-point flow
rate verification check must be performed at least once every month
(each verification minimally separated by 14 days) on each monitor
used to measure Pb. The verification is made by checking the
operational flow rate of the monitor. If the verification is made
in conjunction with a flow rate adjustment, it must be made prior
to such flow rate adjustment. Use a flow rate transfer standard
certified in accordance with section 2.6 of this appendix to check
the monitor's normal flow rate. Care should be taken in selecting
and using the flow rate measurement device such that it does not
alter the normal operating flow rate of the monitor. The percent
differences between the audit and measured flow rates are used to
assess the bias of the monitoring data as described in section
4.2.2 of this appendix (using flow rates in lieu of
concentrations).
3.4.2 Semi-Annual Flow Rate Audit for Pb. Every 6 months,
audit the flow rate of the Pb particulate monitors. For short-term
monitoring operations (those less than 1 year), the flow rate
audits must occur at start up, at the midpoint, and near the
completion of the monitoring project. Where possible, the EPA
strongly encourages more frequent auditing. The audit must be
conducted by a trained technician other than the routine site
operator. The audit is made by measuring the monitor's normal
operating flow rate using a flow rate transfer standard certified
in accordance with section 2.6 of this appendix. The flow rate
standard used for auditing must not be the same flow rate standard
used to in verifications or to calibrate the monitor. However, both
the calibration standard and the audit standard may be referenced
to the same primary flow rate or volume standard. Great care must
be taken in auditing the flow rate to be certain that the flow
measurement device does not alter the normal operating flow rate of
the monitor. Report the audit flow rate of the transfer standard
and the corresponding flow rate measured by the monitor. The
percent differences between these flow rates are used to evaluate
monitor performance.
3.4.3 Collocated Sampling for Pb. A PSD PQAO must have at
least one collocated monitor for each PSD monitoring network.
3.4.3.1 For each pair of collocated monitors, designate one
sampler as the primary monitor whose concentrations will be used to
report air quality for the site, and designate the other as the
quality control monitor.
3.4.3.2 In addition, the collocated monitors should be deployed
according to the following protocol:
(a) The collocated quality control monitor(s) should be deployed
at sites with the highest predicted daily Pb concentrations in the
network. If the highest Pb concentration site is impractical for
collocation purposes, alternative sites approved by the PSD
reviewing authority may be selected.
(b) The two collocated monitors must be within 4 meters of each
other and at least 2 meters apart for flow rates greater than 200
liters/min or at least 1 meter apart for samplers having flow rates
less than 200 liters/min to preclude airflow interference. A waiver
allowing up to 10 meters horizontal distance and up to 3 meters
vertical distance (inlet to inlet) between a primary and collocated
sampler may be approved by the PSD reviewing authority for sites at
a neighborhood or larger scale of representation. This waiver may
be approved during the QAPP review and approval process. Sampling
and analytical methodologies must be the consistently implemented
for both collocated samplers and all other samplers in the
network.
(c) Sample the collocated quality control monitor on a 6-day
schedule if daily monitoring is not required or 3-day schedule for
any site requiring daily monitoring. Report the measurements from
both primary and collocated quality control monitors at each
collocated sampling site. The calculations for evaluating precision
between the two collocated monitors are described in section 4.2.1
of this appendix.
(d) In determining the number of collocated sites required for
Pb-PM10, PSD monitoring networks for PM10 should be treated
independently from networks for Pb-PM10, even though the separate
networks may share one or more common samplers. However, a single
quality control monitor that meets the collocation requirements for
Pb-PM10 and PM10 may serve as a collocated quality control monitor
for both networks. Extreme care must be taken if using a using the
filter from a quality control monitor for both PM10 and Pb
analysis. The PM10 filter weighing should occur prior to any Pb
analysis.
3.4.4 Pb Analysis Audits. Each calendar quarter, audit
the Pb reference or equivalent method analytical procedure using
filters containing a known quantity of Pb. These audit filters are
prepared by depositing a Pb standard on unexposed filters and
allowing them to dry thoroughly. The audit samples must be prepared
using batches of reagents different from those used to calibrate
the Pb analytical equipment being audited. Prepare audit samples in
the following concentration ranges:
Range
Equivalent ambient
Pb concentration, µg/m 3
1
30-100% of Pb NAAQS.
2
200-300% of Pb NAAQS.
(a) Audit samples must be extracted using the same extraction
procedure used for exposed filters.
(b) Analyze three audit samples in each of the two ranges each
quarter samples are analyzed. The audit sample analyses shall be
distributed as much as possible over the entire calendar
quarter.
(c) Report the audit concentrations (in µg Pb/filter or strip)
and the corresponding measured concentrations (in µg Pb/filter or
strip) using AQS unit code 077 (if reporting to AQS). The percent
differences between the concentrations are used to calculate
analytical accuracy as described in section 4.2.5 of this
appendix.
3.4.5 Pb Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) Procedures.
As stated in sections 1.1 and 2.4, PSD monitoring networks may be
subject to the NPEP, which includes the Pb PEP. The PSD monitoring
organizations shall consult with the PSD reviewing authority or the
EPA regarding whether the implementation of Pb-PEP is required and
the implementation options available for the Pb-PEP. The PEP is an
independent assessment used to estimate total measurement system
bias. Each year, one PE audit must be performed at one Pb site in
each PSD PQAO network that has less than or equal to five sites and
two audits for PSD PQAO networks with greater than five sites. In
addition, each year, four collocated samples from PSD PQAO networks
with less than or equal to five sites and six collocated samples
from PSD PQAO networks with greater than five sites must be sent to
an independent laboratory for analysis. The calculations for
evaluating bias between the primary monitor and the PE monitor for
Pb are described in section 4.2.4 of this appendix.
4. Calculations for Data Quality Assessments
(a) Calculations of measurement uncertainty are carried out by
PSD PQAO according to the following procedures. The PSD PQAOs
should report the data for all appropriate measurement quality
checks as specified in this appendix even though they may elect to
perform some or all of the calculations in this section on their
own.
(b) At low concentrations, agreement between the measurements of
collocated samplers, expressed as relative percent difference or
percent difference, may be relatively poor. For this reason,
collocated measurement pairs will be selected for use in the
precision and bias calculations only when both measurements are
equal to or above the following limits:
(1) Pb: 0.002 µg/m 3 (Methods approved after 3/04/2010, with
exception of manual equivalent method EQLA-0813-803).
(2) Pb: 0.02 µg/m 3 (Methods approved before 3/04/2010, and
manual equivalent method EQLA-0813-803).
(3) PM10 (Hi-Vol): 15 µg/m 3.
(4) PM10 (Lo-Vol): 3 µg/m 3.
(5) PM2.5: 3 µg/m 3.
(c) The PM2.5 3 µg/m 3 limit for the PM2.5−PEP may be superseded
by mutual agreement between the PSD PQAO and the PSD reviewing
authority as specified in section 3.2.4 of the appendix and
detailed in the approved QAPP.
4.1 Statistics for the Assessment of QC Checks for
SO2, NO2, O3 and CO.
4.1.1 Percent Difference. Many of the measurement quality
checks start with a comparison of an audit concentration or value
(flow-rate) to the concentration/value measured by the monitor and
use percent difference as the comparison statistic as described in
equation 1 of this section. For each single point check, calculate
the percent difference, di, as follows:
where
meas is the concentration indicated by the PQAO's instrument
and audit is the audit concentration of the standard used in
the QC check being measured.
4.1.2 Precision Estimate. The precision estimate is used
to assess the one-point QC checks for SO2, NO2, O3, or CO described
in section 3.1.1 of this appendix. The precision estimator is the
coefficient of variation upper bound and is calculated using
equation 2 of this section:
where
n is the number of single point checks being aggregated; X 2
0.1,n-1 is the 10th percentile of a chi-squared distribution with
n-1 degrees of freedom.
4.1.3 Bias Estimate. The bias estimate is calculated
using the one-point QC checks for SO2, NO2, O3, or CO described in
section 3.1.1 of this appendix. The bias estimator is an upper
bound on the mean absolute value of the percent differences as
described in equation 3 of this section:
where
n is the number of single point checks being aggregated;
t0.95,n-1 is the 95th quantile of a t-distribution with n-1 degrees
of freedom; the quantity AB is the mean of the absolute
values of the di′s and is calculated using equation 4 of
this section: and the quantity
AS is the standard deviation of the absolute value of the
di′s and is calculated using equation 5 of this section:
4.1.3.1 Assigning a sign (positive/negative) to the bias
estimate. Since the bias statistic as calculated in equation 3
of this appendix uses absolute values, it does not have a tendency
(negative or positive bias) associated with it. A sign will be
designated by rank ordering the percent differences of the QC check
samples from a given site for a particular assessment interval.
4.1.3.2 Calculate the 25th and 75th percentiles of the percent
differences for each site. The absolute bias upper bound should be
flagged as positive if both percentiles are positive and negative
if both percentiles are negative. The absolute bias upper bound
would not be flagged if the 25th and 75th percentiles are of
different signs.
4.2 Statistics for the Assessment of PM10,
PM2.5, and Pb.
4.2.1 Collocated Quality Control Sampler Precision Estimate
for PM10, PM2.5 and Pb. Precision is estimated
via duplicate measurements from collocated samplers. It is
recommended that the precision be aggregated at the PQAO level
quarterly, annually, and at the 3-year level. The data pair would
only be considered valid if both concentrations are greater than or
equal to the minimum values specified in section 4(c) of this
appendix. For each collocated data pair, calculate the relative
percent difference, di, using equation 6 of this
appendix:
where
Xi is the concentration from the primary sampler and
Yi is the concentration value from the audit sampler. The
coefficient of variation upper bound is calculated using equation 7
of this appendix: where n is
the number of valid data pairs being aggregated, and X 2 0.1,n-1 is
the 10th percentile of a chi-squared distribution with n-1 degrees
of freedom. The factor of 2 in the denominator adjusts for the fact
that each di is calculated from two values with error.
4.2.2 One-Point Flow Rate Verification Bias Estimate for
PM10, PM2.5 and Pb. For each one-point flow rate
verification, calculate the percent difference in volume using
equation 1 of this appendix where meas is the value
indicated by the sampler's volume measurement and audit is
the actual volume indicated by the auditing flow meter. The
absolute volume bias upper bound is then calculated using equation
3, where n is the number of flow rate audits being
aggregated; t0.95,n-1 is the 95th quantile of a t-distribution with
n-1 degrees of freedom, the quantity AB is the mean of the
absolute values of the di′s and is calculated using equation
4 of this appendix, and the quantity AS in equation 3 of
this appendix is the standard deviation of the absolute values if
the di′s and is calculated using equation 5 of this
appendix.
4.2.3 Semi-Annual Flow Rate Audit Bias Estimate for
PM10, PM2.5 and Pb. Use the same procedure
described in section 4.2.2 for the evaluation of flow rate
audits.
4.2.4 Performance Evaluation Programs Bias Estimate for
Pb. The Pb bias estimate is calculated using the paired routine
and the PEP monitor as described in section 3.4.5. Use the same
procedures as described in section 4.1.3 of this appendix.
4.2.5 Performance Evaluation Programs Bias Estimate for
PM2.5. The bias estimate is calculated using the PEP audits
described in section 4.1.3 of this appendix. The bias estimator is
based on the mean percent differences (Equation 1). The mean
percent difference, D, is calculated by Equation 8
below.
where nj
is the number of pairs and d1,d2,...dnj are the biases for each
pair to be averaged.
4.2.6 Pb Analysis Audit Bias Estimate. The bias estimate
is calculated using the analysis audit data described in section
3.4.4. Use the same bias estimate procedure as described in section
4.1.3 of this appendix.
5. Reporting Requirements
5.1. Quarterly Reports. For each quarter, each PSD PQAO
shall report to the PSD reviewing authority (and AQS if required by
the PSD reviewing authority) the results of all valid measurement
quality checks it has carried out during the quarter. The quarterly
reports must be submitted consistent with the data reporting
requirements specified for air quality data as set forth in 40 CFR
58.16 and pertain to PSD monitoring.
6. References
(1) American National Standard - Specifications and Guidelines
for Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and
Environmental Technology Programs. ANSI/ASQC E4-2014. February
2014. Available from American Society for Quality Control, 611 East
Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
(2) EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans. EPA QA/R-2.
EPA/240/B-01/002. March 2001, Reissue May 2006. Office of
Environmental Information, Washington, DC 20460.
http://www.epa.gov/quality/agency-wide-quality-system-documents.
(3) EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans for
Environmental Data Operations. EPA QA/R-5. EPA/240/B-01/003. March
2001, Reissue May 2006. Office of Environmental Information,
Washington, DC 20460.
http://www.epa.gov/quality/agency-wide-quality-system-documents.
(4) EPA Traceability Protocol for Assay and Certification of
Gaseous Calibration Standards. EPA-600/R-12/531. May, 2012.
Available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk
Management Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park NC 27711.
http://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si__public_record__report.cfm?dirEntryId=245292.
(5) Guidance for the Data Quality Objectives Process. EPA
QA/G-4. EPA/240/B-06/001. February, 2006. Office of Environmental
Information, Washington, DC 20460.
http://www.epa.gov/quality/agency-wide-quality-system-documents.
(6) List of Designated Reference and Equivalent Methods.
Available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National
Exposure Research Laboratory, Human Exposure and Atmospheric
Sciences Division, MD-D205-03, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711.
http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html.
(7) Transfer Standards for the Calibration of Ambient Air
Monitoring Analyzers for Ozone. EPA-454/B-13-004 U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, October, 2013.
http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qapollutant.html.
(8) Paur, R.J. and F.F. McElroy. Technical Assistance Document
for the Calibration of Ambient Ozone Monitors. EPA-600/4-79-057.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC
27711, September, 1979.
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/cpreldoc.html.
(9) Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement
Systems, Volume 1 - A Field Guide to Environmental Quality
Assurance. EPA-600/R-94/038a. April 1994. Available from U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, ORD Publications Office, Center
for Environmental Research Information (CERI), 26 W. Martin Luther
King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268.
http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qalist.html.
(10) Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement
Systems, Volume II: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Program Quality
System Development. EPA-454/B-13-003.
http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qalist.html.
(11) National Performance Evaluation Program Standard
Operating Procedures.
http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/npapsop.html.
Table B-1 - Minimum Data Assessment
Requirements for NAAQS Related Criteria Pollutant PSD Monitors
Method
Assessment
method
Coverage
Minimum
frequency
Parameters
reported
AQS
Assessment type
Gaseous Methods (CO, NO2, SO2, O3)
One-Point QC for
SO2, NO2, O3, CO
Response check at
concentration 0.005-0.08 ppm SO2, NO2, O3, & 0.5 and 5 ppm CO
Each analyzer
Once per 2 weeks
Audit concentration
1 and measured concentration 2
One-Point QC.
Quarterly
performance evaluation for SO2, NO2, O3, CO
See section 3.1.2 of this
appendix
Each analyzer
Once per quarter
Audit concentration
1 and measured concentration 2 for each
level
Annual PE.
NPAP for SO2, NO2,
O3, CO 3
Independent Audit
Each primary monitor
Once per year
Audit concentration
1 and measured concentration 2 for each
level
NPAP.
Particulate Methods
Collocated
sampling PM10, PM2.5, Pb
Collocated samplers
1 per PSD Network per
pollutant
Every 6 days or every 3 days
if daily monitoring required
Primary sampler concentration
and duplicate sampler concentration 4
No Transaction reported as raw
data.
Flow rate
verification PM10, PM2.5, Pb
Check of sampler flow
rate
Each sampler
Once every month
Audit flow rate and measured
flow rate indicated by the sampler
Flow Rate Verification.
Semi-annual flow
rate audit PM10, PM2.5, Pb
Check of sampler flow rate
using independent standard
Each sampler
Once every 6 months or
beginning, middle and end of monitoring
Audit flow rate and measured
flow rate indicated by the sampler
Semi Annual Flow Rate
Audit.
Pb analysis audits
Pb-TSP, Pb-PM10
Check of analytical system
with Pb audit strips/filters
Analytical
Each quarter
Measured value and audit value
(ug Pb/filter) using AQS unit code 077 for parameters:
14129 - Pb (TSP) LC FRM/FEM
85129 - Pb (TSP) LC Non-FRM/FEM.
Pb Analysis Audits.
Performance
Evaluation Program PM2.5 3
Collocated samplers
(1) 5 valid audits for PQAOs
with <= 5 sites.
(2) 8 valid audits for PQAOs with > 5 sites.
(3) All samplers in 6 years
Over all 4 quarters
Primary sampler concentration
and performance evaluation sampler concentration
PEP.
Performance
Evaluation Program Pb 3
Collocated samplers
(1) 1 valid audit and 4
collocated samples for PQAOs, with <=5 sites.
(2) 2 valid audits and 6 collocated samples for PQAOs with >5
sites.
Over all 4 quarters
Primary sampler concentration
and performance evaluation sampler concentration. Primary sampler
concentration and duplicate sampler concentration
PEP.
1 Effective concentration for
open path analyzers.
2 Corrected concentration, if
applicable for open path analyzers.
3 NPAP, PM2.5 PEP and Pb-PEP must
be implemented if data is used for NAAQS decisions otherwise
implementation is at PSD reviewing authority discretion.
4 Both primary and collocated
sampler values are reported as raw data.