Notice of Broadly Applicable Alternative Test Methods

[Federal Register: January 30, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 19)]
[Notices]
[Page 4257-4262]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30ja07-61]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-8273-6]

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces broadly applicable alternative test
method approval decisions that the Environmental Protection Agency has
made under and in support of the New Source Performance Standards and
the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Although
we have made both site-specific and broadly applicable alternative test
method approvals in the past, most recently we have issued only site-
or facility-specific approvals. This notice announces our plan to issue
broadly applicable alternative test method approvals in the future. We
will post these broadly applicable approvals on our technology transfer
network Web site as well as announce them in the Federal Register. The
publication of these broadly applicable alternative test method
approvals on our Web site will provide information about options and
flexibility for the regulated community. In addition, this information
may reduce the burden on source owners and operators in making site-
specific alternative test method requests and the permitting
authorities and the EPA

[[Page 4258]]

Administrator in processing those requests.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Broadly applicable alternative test
method approvals may be accessed from the EPA's Web site at
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/tmethods.html#CatB. For questions about
this notice, contact Robin R. Segall, Air Quality Assessment Division,
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (E143-02), Environmental
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone number
(919) 541-0893; fax number (919) 541-0893; e-mail address:
segall.robin@epa.gov. For technical questions about individual
alternative test method decisions, refer to the contact person
identified in the individual approval documents.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

This announcement will be of interest to entities regulated under
40 CFR parts 60, 61, and 63 and State, local, Tribal agencies, and EPA
Regional Offices responsible for implementation and enforcement of
regulations under 40 CFR parts 60, 61, and 63.

B. How can I get copies of this information?

You may access copies of the broadly applicable alternative test
method approvals from the EPA's Web site at
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/tmethods.html#CatB.

II. Background

Broadly applicable alternative test method approval decisions that
we have made in the past under the New Source Performance Standards
(NSPS), 40 CFR part 60 and the National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), 40 CFR parts 61 and 63 are
identified in this notice (see Table 1). Most of our prior alternative
test method approvals have been on a facility-specific basis, but we
plan to issue more broad (i.e., source category-wide) alternative test
method approvals in the future, and we will post these broadly
applicable approvals on our technology transfer network Web site. We
will also announce them in the Federal Register. Source owners or
operators may voluntarily choose to use these broadly applicable
alternative test methods. Use of these alternatives does not change the
applicable emission standards.

Table 1.--Approved Alternative Test Methods and Modifications to Test Methods Under Appendices A or B in 40 CFR
Parts 60, 61, and 63
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are announcing alternative As an alternative or
number modification to . . . For . . . You may . . .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alt-001............................ Method 7, Determination Sources required to use Measure NOX emissions
of Nitrogen Oxide Method 7 or 7A and when the SO2
Emissions from which have concentration is
Stationary Sources and concentrations of SO2 greater than 2100 ppm
Method 7A, greater than 2100 ppm. by either increasing
Determination of the absorbing solution
Nitrogen Oxide concentration or by
Emissions from using Method 7E, 40
Stationary Sources--Ion CFR, part 60, appendix
Chromatographic Method. A.
Alt-002............................ Methods 10 and 10B, Sources required to use Determine carbon
Determination of Carbon Methods 10, 10A, or 10B monoxide (CO)
Monoxide Emissions from in certifying emissions using gas
Stationary Sources and continuous emission tanks instead of
Method 10A, monitoring systems at Tedlar bags.
Determination of Carbon petroleum refineries.
Monoxide Emissions.
Alt-005............................ Method 5, Determination Sources required to use Use Teflon bags in lieu
of Particulate Method 5. of glass weighing
Emissions from dishes.
Stationary Sources.
Alt-006............................ Method 12, Determination Sources required to use Use Inductively Coupled
of Inorganic Lead Method 12. Plasma--Atomic
Emissions from Emission Spectrometry
Stationary Sources. (ICP-AES) to analyze
samples.
Alt-006............................ Method 101A, Sources required to use Use Inductively Coupled
Determination of Method 101A. Plasma--Atomic
Particulate and Gaseous Emission Spectrometry
Mercury Emissions from (ICP-AES) to analyze
Sewage Sludge samples.
Incinerators.
Alt-006............................ Method 104, Sources required to use Use Inductively Coupled
Determination of Method 104. Plasma--Atomic
Beryllium Emissions Emission Spectrometry
from Stationary Sources. (ICP-AES) to analyze
samples.
Alt-006............................ Method 108A, 40 CFR part Sources required to use Use Inductively Coupled
61, appendix B, Method 108A. Plasma--Atomic
Determination of Emission Spectrometry
Arsenic Content in Ore (ICP-AES) to analyze
Samples from Nonferrous samples.
Smelters.
Alt-008............................ Method 6, Determination Sources required to use Measure stack gas
of Sulfur Dioxide Method 6. moisture for
Emissions from correction of
Stationary Sources. pollutant
concentration and flow
rate.
Alt-010............................ Method 11, Determination Sources required to use Measure hydrogen
of Hydrogen Sulfide Method 11. sulfide using Method
Content of Fuel Gas 15 or 16 (40 CFR part
Streams in Petroleum 60, appendix A) in
Refineries. lieu of Method 11.
Alt-011............................ Method 2, Determination Sources required to use Check the thermocouple
of Stack Gas Velocity Method 2. calibration at a
and Volumetric Flow single point in lieu
Rate (Type S Pitot of two points.
Tube).
Alt-012............................ Method 5H, Determination Sources required to use Measure particulate
of Particulate Method 5H. emissions from a
Emissions from Wood woodstove stack one
Heaters from a Stack foot or less in
Location. diameter with gas flow
between 5 and 15 feet
per second, or from
stacks or ducts where
there is no
stratification of the
tracer gas.

[[Page 4259]]

Alt-014............................ Methods 306 and 306A, Sources required to use Omit the filtering of
Determination of Methods 306 and 306A. Sample Container No. 1
Chromium Emissions from when there is no
Decorative and Hard observable sediment in
Chromium Electroplating the impinger liquid
and Anodizing when sampling at
Operations. electroplating and
anodizing operations.
Alt-016............................ Method 14, Determination Sources required to use Use scintillation
of Fluoride Emissions Methods 14 and 14A. anemometers in lieu of
from Potroom Roof propeller anemometers
Monitors for Primary to determine effluent
Aluminum Plants; Method velocity from potroom
14A, Determination of roofs.
Total Fluoride
Emissions from Selected
Sources at Primary
Aluminum Production
Facilities.
Alt-017............................ Method 18, Measurement Sources required to use Use direct interface
of Gaseous Organic Method 18 or Method 106 gas chromatography/
Compound Emissions by under the subparts of mass spectrometry (GC/
Gas Chromatography, 40 CFR parts 60, 61, MS) in lieu of GC with
Method 106, and 63 specified in Alt- limitations specified.
Determination of Vinyl 017.
Chloride from
Stationary Sources.
Alt-018............................ Method 9, Visual Sources with multiple Allow a single visible
Determination of the emission points subject emission observer to
Opacity of Emissions to visible emissions conduct up to three
from Stationary Sources. observations under 40 visible emissions
CFR part 60, subpart observations from
LL, Standards of fugitive, stack, or
Performance for vent emission points
Metallic Mineral simultaneously.
Processing Plants and
subpart 000, Standards
of Performance for
Nonmetallic Mineral
Processing Plants.
Alt-019............................ Method 24, Determination Entities using Method 24 Use ASTM D6053-96 in
of Volatile Matter for analysis of lieu of Method 24 to
Content, Water Content, electrical insulating determine the VOC
Density, Volume Solids, varnishes. content in electrical
and Weight Solids of insulating varnishes.
Surface Coatings.
Alt-020............................ Method 204 of 40 CFR Bakery ovens required to Use the alternative
part 51, appendix M, use Method 204. procedure entitled
Criteria for and ``Negative Pressure
Verification of a Enclosure Qualitative
Permanent or Temporary Test Method for Bakery
Total Enclosure. Ovens'' to determine
capture efficiency.
Alt-021............................ Method 25A, Marine tank vessel Determine the total
Determination of Total loading operations. gaseous organic
Gaseous Organic concentration using
Concentration Using a Method 25B in lieu of
Flame Ionization Method 25A.
Analyzer.
Alt-022............................ Method 25C, Sources required to use Drill the sample probe
Determination of Method 25C. in one step without
Nonmethane Organic backfilling.
Compounds (NMOC) in MSW
Landfill Gases.
Alt-023............................ Method 25C, Sources required to use Use teflon lines
Determination of Method 25C. instead of stainless-
Nonmethane Organic steel liners; use leak
Compounds (NMOC) in MSW tight teflon tubing as
Landfill Gases. a sampling line; use
non-perforated probes
if they meet the gas
gap equivalent; use
composite samples from
different sample
probes in a single
vessel; use a hand-
driven pump and bag
setup for the probe
purge.
Alt-024............................ Method 25E, Sources required to use Use 40ml VOA vials as
Determination of Vapor Method 25E. alternative sampling
Phase Organic vessels.
Concentration in Waste
Samples.
Alt-025............................ Test methods, Sources required to use Use the Method 205 gas
performance multiple calibration dilution system in
specifications, and gas test methods. lieu of using multiple
quality assurance calibration gases.
requirements that
require the use of
multiple calibration
gases.
Alt-026............................ Method 18, Measurement Sources subject to 40 Use Method 316 to
of Gaseous Organic CFR, part 60, subpart measure formaldehyde
Compound Emissions by III, Standards of emissions in lieu of
Gas Chromatography. Performance for VOC Method 18.
Emissions From the
Synthetic Organic
Chemical Manufacturing
Industry Air Oxidation
Unit Processes.

[[Page 4260]]

Alt-027............................ Method 18, Measurement Sources subject to 40 Use Method 316 to
of Gaseous Organic CFR, part 63, subpart measure formaldehyde
Compound Emissions by F, National Emission emissions in lieu of
Gas Chromatography. Standards for Organic Method 18.
Hazardous Air
Pollutants from the
Synthetic Organic
Chemical Manufacturing
Industry and 40 CFR
part 63, subpart G,
National Emission
Standards for Organic
Hazardous Air
Pollutants from the
Synthetic Organic
Chemical Manufacturing
Industry for Process
Vents, Storage Vessels,
Transfer Operations,
and Wastewater.
Alt-028............................ Test procedures in 40 Ethylene oxide Use CARB Method 431 in
CFR Sec. 63.365 sterilizers subject to lieu of procedures
(including Method 18, 40 CFR part 63, subpart (including Method 18)
Measurement of Gaseous O, Ethylene Oxide in 40 CFR Sec.
Organic Compound Emissions Standards 63.365.
Emissions by Gas from Sterilization
Chromatography). Facilities.
Alt-029............................ Method 308, Procedure Pulp and paper mills Use NCASI Chilled Water/
for Determination of required to use Method Impinger/Silica Gel
Methanol Emissions from 308 under 40 CFR part Tube Test Method in
Stationary Sources. 63. lieu of Method 308
Alt-030............................ Method 306, Sources subject to 40 Use SCAQMD Method 205.1
Determination of CFR part 63, subpart N, in lieu of Method 306.
Chromium Emissions from National Emission
Decorative and Hard Standards for Chromium
Chromium Electroplating Emissions from Hard and
and Chromium Anodizing Decorative Chromium
Operations--Isokinetic Electroplating and
Method. Chromium Anodizing
Tanks.
Alt-031............................ Method 2, Determination Sources required to use Use Method 2G (three-
of Stack Gas Velocity Method 2 under 40 CFR dimensional probe),
and Volumetric Flow parts 60, 61, or 63. Method 2F (two-
Rate (Type S Pitot dimensional probe), or
Tube). Method 2H (taking into
account velocity decay
near stack wall) in
lieu of Method 2, as
appropriate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative test methods and procedures are necessary for various
reasons. In some cases, there are inherent restrictions in test methods
which warrant a deviation from a specific requirement in the method.
For example, the sampling equipment specified in Method 5 is not
appropriate at stack temperatures greater than 1200 degrees Fahrenheit,
and in such cases, water-cooled probes are necessary. As another
example, it is problematic to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
at concentrations below 50 parts per million (ppm) using Method 25 (40
CFR part 60, appendix A), so other methods (notably Method 25A) have
been approved for this situation. Also, new and improved testing
techniques are developed over time. As pollution controls improve and
emissions decrease, it may be necessary or desirable to utilize newer
methods with advantages such as lower detection limits.
The EPA Administrator has the authority to approve the use of
alternative test methods to comply with requirements under 40 CFR parts
60, 61, and 63. This authority is found in Sec. Sec. 60.8(b)(3),
61.13(h)(1)(ii), and 63.7(e)(2)(ii). In 40 CFR part 63, Sec. 63.2,
test method is defined as ``the validated procedure for sampling,
preparing, and analyzing for an air pollutant specified in a relevant
standard as the performance test procedure. The test method may include
methods described in an appendix of this chapter, test methods
incorporated by reference in this part, or methods validated for an
application through procedures in Method 301 of appendix A of this
part.'' The term ``reference method'' is used in 40 CFR parts 60 and 61
instead of the term ``test method.'' In 40 CFR part 60, reference
method means ``any method of sampling and analyzing for an air
pollutant as specified in the applicable subpart.'' The definition in
40 CFR part 61 is similar. For simplicity, we use the term ``test
method'' in this notice to refer to both ``test methods'' under 40 CFR
part 63 and ``reference methods'' under 40 CFR parts 60 and 61.
Citations and definitions in all three of these parts refer to the use
of alternatives to test (or reference) methods. Under 40 CFR part 60,
alternative method means ``any method of sampling and analyzing for an
air pollutant which is not a reference or equivalent method but which
has been demonstrated to the EPA Administrator's satisfaction to, in
specific cases, produce results adequate for his determination of
compliance.'' Again, 40 CFR part 61 contains a similar definition. 40
CFR part 63 defines alternative test method as ``any method of sampling
and analyzing for an air pollutant that is not a test method in this
chapter and that has been demonstrated to the EPA Administrator's
satisfaction, using Method 301 in appendix A of this part, to produce
results adequate for the EPA Administrator's determination that it may
be used in place of a test method specified in this part.''
Over the years, we have performed thorough technical reviews of
numerous requests for alternatives and modifications to test methods
and procedures. Based on these experiences, we have found that often,
these changes or alternatives would be equally valid and appropriate to
apply to other sources within a particular class, category, or
subcategory. Consequently, we have concluded that where a method
modification or a change or alternative is clearly broadly applicable
to a class, category, or subcategory of sources, it is both more
equitable and efficient to approve its use for all appropriate sources
and situations at the same time.

[[Page 4261]]

This approach would not change the practical outcome of whether any
specific request would or would not be approved. However, approving
broadly applicable alternative test methods would expedite the approval
process, provide additional flexibility for the regulated community,
and reduce the burden on source owners and operators, the permitting
authorities, and the EPA Administrator. Where technically appropriate,
we will continue, as always, to approve the use of an alternative test
method or modification to a test method for a specific source only. It
is important to clarify that alternative methods are not mandatory but
permissible. That is, no source is required to employ such a method but
may choose to do so in appropriate cases. By electing to use an
alternative method, the source owner or operator consents to thereafter
demonstrating compliance with applicable requirements based on the
results of the alternative method until approved to do otherwise.
If you are aware of reasons why a particular alternative test
method approval that we issue should not be broadly applicable, we
request that you make us aware of the reasons within 60 days of the
Federal Register notice announcing the broad approval, and we will
revisit the broad approval. Approvals for broadly applicable
alternative test methods will be announced on our technology transfer
network Web site http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/tmethods.html#CatB soon
after they are issued, as well as through periodic notices of this
kind. Likewise, any objection to a broadly applicable alternative test
method as well as the resolution to that objection will be posted on
the same Web site and announced in the subsequent Federal Register
notice. If we should decide to retract a broadly applicable alternative
test method, we would continue to grant case-by-case approvals, as
appropriate, and would (and States should) consider the need for an
appropriate transition period for users either to request case-by-case
approval or to transition to an approved method.
Section 63.90(a) of 40 CFR part 63 defines three categories of
alternatives or changes to test methods: minor changes, intermediate
changes, and major changes. A major change to a test method includes
modifications using ``unproven technology or procedures'' (those not
generally accepted by the scientific community), entirely new methods,
or changes that apply to a category or subcategory of affected sources.
Such changes will almost always set a national precedent. Under 40 CFR
part 63, Sec. 63.91(g), a State may ask EPA to delegate the authority
to approve minor and intermediate, but not major alternatives to test
methods. The Agency's policy has been to retain the authority to
approve major changes to test methods at the national level to assure
uniformity and technical quality in the test methods used for
enforcement of national standards. Likewise, broad approvals to
alternative test methods would be made only at the national level or as
part of a revision to a State or Tribal implementation plan.

A. Criteria for Approval of Alternative Methods

The definitions of ``alternative method'' in 40 CFR parts 60 and 61
and ``alternative test method'' in 40 CFR part 63, establish the
principal criterion for approval of an alternative test method: The EPA
Administrator or his authorized representative must be satisfied that
the test method alternative will produce results adequate to determine
compliance. In other words, the EPA Administrator or authorized
representative, such as a State having delegated authority, generally
must be assured that a test method change provides a determination of
compliance status at the same or greater stringency as the test method
specified in the applicable regulation.
The General Provisions to 40 CFR part 63 provide a number of
specifications regarding the content and process for alternative test
method requests. In particular, Sec. 63.7(f)(2)(i) stipulates that the
source owner or operator must notify the EPA Administrator of the
intent to use an alternative test method at least 60 days before the
performance test is scheduled. Section 63.7(f)(2) clarifies that a
written application is required for approval of an alternative test
method and specifies that the submittal to the EPA Administrator must
include the results of the Method 301 validation process as well as
justification for not using the test method specified in the applicable
subpart. The 40 CFR parts 60 and 61 General Provisions are less
specific. Nevertheless, based on our experience in responding to
hundreds of alternative test method requests over the last 30 years, we
ask that alternative test method requests include the applicable
Federal regulation and test method, a description of the process and
controls to which the alternative method will be applied, a description
of the alternative testing procedures as well as the justification for
use of the alternative and Method 301 validation data required under 40
CFR part 63.

B. Procedures for Submission and Review of Alternative Methods

Considering that the different levels of alternatives or changes to
test methods (minor, intermediate, and major) may be acted on by
differing levels of government (e.g., State, local, and Tribal
agencies; EPA Regional Offices; or EPA Headquarters), we recommend that
the owner/operator of an affected source consult with the responsible
agency to determine how and to whom a request for a particular request
for an alternative method should be submitted. Review processes may
vary depending on the agency involved. The process described here is
typical of how EPA Headquarters might handle a request for an
alternative test method. Upon our receipt of a written request, the
request is recorded in our tracking system. Within a few days of
receipt of the request, a technical expert determines whether or not
the request is complete (i.e., contains sufficient supporting data and
information). The technical expert then acknowledges receipt of the
request and notifies the requester that we are evaluating the request.
The reviewer evaluates the request and supporting information to
confirm that the proposed alternative is justified, technically sound,
and that it will produce results adequate to determine compliance with
the emission standards. The reviewer analyzes all necessary information
to check the accuracy and repeatability of the alternative method. As
previously noted, Sec. 63.7(f)(2)(iii) of 40 CFR part 63 specifies
that the results of a Method 301 validation and justification for not
using the specified method must accompany a request for approval to use
an alternative test method. Method 301, Validation of Pollutant
Measurement Methods from Various Waste Media includes procedures for
determining and documenting the systematic error (i.e., bias) and
random error (i.e., precision) of a measurement system. The procedures
involve introducing known concentrations of an analyte or comparing the
test method against a validated test method to determine the method's
bias and collecting multiple or co-located simultaneous samples to
determine the method's precision. Method 301 validation testing or data
in a form responsive to Sec. 12 of Method 301 should also accompany
requests for major changes to test methods under parts 60 and 61.
During the review process, all relevant documents (e-mails, letters,
and other supporting materials) are retained and filed. Once the review
process has been completed, we issue an official letter providing

[[Page 4262]]

written notification of approval/disapproval of the alternative test
method request under Sec. 63.7(f)(3), Sec. 60.8(b), or Sec. 61.13(h)(1).

C. Recording and Publication

As noted earlier, approvals for broadly applicable alternative test
methods will be announced on the EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/
ttn/emc/tmethods.html#CatB as soon as they are issued. The notification
on our Technology Transfer Network (TTN) Web site will clearly indicate
each class, category, or subcategory of sources for which the change or
alternative test method is approved. We intend to publish a notice
annually that summarizes approvals for broadly applicable alternative
test methods.
Table 1 in this notice includes a summary of broad approvals that
have been posted to the TTN. Complete copies of these documents may be
obtained at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/tmethods.html#CatB.

Dated: January 19, 2007.
Jenny Noonan Edmonds,
Acting Director, Office of Air Quality Planning, and Standards.
[FR Doc. E7-1338 Filed 1-29-07; 8:45 am]
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