EPA saturation monitor repository

Conference · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:361964

Jones, K; Sleva, S; Murchie, S ^[1]; Berg, N ^[2]

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1. TRC Environmental Corp., Chapel Hill, NC (United States)
2. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (United States). Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards

This paper presents a summary of the US Environmental Protection Agency`s (EPA`s) saturation monitor repository (SMR) and describes completed, ongoing, and planned studies, including the types of special filter analysis available. Saturation monitors are non-reference or non-equivalent sampling methods for measuring particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NO{sub x}). The samplers are small, portable, and relatively easy to set up and operate. Because of their relatively low cost and ease of operation, it is customary to saturate a geographical area with the samplers to assess the air quality in areas where high concentrations of pollutants are possible. The data collected are helpful to control agencies in evaluating their ambient air monitoring networks for consistency with the 40 CFR Part 58 air quality surveillance regulations. The SMR, which was established by EPA in 1993, includes a supply of saturation samplers and support equipment which agencies may borrow to conduct special field studies. The SMR also provides limited services to quality assure the samplers and assist in field studies upon request. Occasionally, State, local, and tribal agencies measure concentrations of particulate matter that exceed or are close to exceeding the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for PM10 and/or PM2.5. In order to understand the nature of the particulate matter contributing to the high concentrations, EPA provides filter analysis service as part of the SMR to agencies requesting such assistance.

• OSTI ID: 361964
• Report Number(s): CONF-980632--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
AIR SAMPLERS
CARBON MONOXIDE
NITROGEN OXIDES
PARTICULATES
QUALITY ASSURANCE