DRAFT
V-T
AIR QUALITY MONITORING SITh
DESCRIPTION GUIDELINE
Enviixmmental Protection Agency
Region V, Library
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IlliHois 60604
U5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Research Triangk Park, North Carolina
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AIR QUALITY MONITORING SITE
. DESCRIPTION GUIDELINE
OAQPS NO. 1.2-019
1974
1
t '
Monitoring and Data Analysis Division
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
r.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
"Page
CHAPTER
1. INTRODUCTION " j
2. Station Description 2
2.1. General Information Concerning All Pollutants 2
2.1.1. The Objective For Monitoring At This Site 2
• 2.1.2. Type Of Monitoring Station 2
2.1.3. The Location Of The Station 2
• .-2.1.4. Pollutant Sources 4
2.1.5. The Heating And Air Conditioning Requirements 4
2.2. Special Information Concerning The Station For 4
Continuous Monitors ....•••
2.2.1. Sample Manifold Design 4
2.2.2. Sample Manifold Composition -.' -; 4
-2.2.3. Electrical Requirements . . .. \ '5
... 2.3. Special Information Concerning Primary and Secondary . - 5
Pollutant Stations And Air Inlets . .
. 2.3.1. Siting Positions For Estimating Maximum 5
Pollutant Concentrations' . .
3. Instrument Description 5
. 3.1. General Information Concerning All Instruments 5
3.1.1. Identification Of The Manufacturer Trade Name, 5
And Model Of The Instrument
3.1.2. Application Of The Instrument 6
•3.1.3. SAROAD Codes Used By NADB To Store The Data From 6
- Each Monitoring Instrument Used At Each Site
•
-3.1.4. The Type Of Monitor ' 6
3.1.5. Monitoring Technique 6
3.2 Special Information Concerning Continuous Instruments 7
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A. Siting Guidelines For Areas Of Estimated Maximum Pollutant
Concentrations
V
B. Sample Checklist.
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I. Introduction
The purpose of this guideline is to provide the Regional
Offices with a list of important information items.concerning
the air quality monitoring sites. This information will be
used to describe the monitoring station and the monitoring
•
instruments. A discussion is presented under each item
within the guideline to provide clarification or to give an
example of the type of information desired.
The listed items should enable" the Regional Office to
create a site description on each monitoring site under their
jurisdiction for their files and can be created as they make
their usual evaluation of the sites. This information is to be
maintained and updated to enable the Regional Office to respond
.'-..to- .Question's concerning the monitoring site or possible suit-
abilityerf- the air quality data.
. This type of information is extremely useful in validating,
editing^: and interpreting ambient air quality data. Special
emphasis in .acquiring the requisite information should be
placed £>n_J£hose sites used in developing control strategies
..in .either the^State Implementation Plan or for: recently :
developed transportation control plans. The essential items
are indicated by an asterisk. The other items should be
obtained where possible.
• - An example checklist which may be used to collect data .•
"' **
is shown in Appendix B.
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2. STATION DESCRIPTION
2.1. General Information Concerning All Pollutants
*2.1.1. Objective For Monitoring At This Site
There should be an objective for monitoring at a particular
. site.. This objective might be to obtain data for the following:
a. trend analysis
~~ . b. episode studies
c. maximum concentration
d. background
e. health study
f. assess achievement of NAAQS
g. special study (e.g., indirect sources)
h. measure impact of source
•*-2.1.2. Type Of Monitoring Station •
The station type could be a mobile or stationary station.
This type of station might be described as: mobile CO station or
stationary hydrocarbon station, etc. . :
. 2.1.3. The Location Of The Station
*2.1.2.1. • The Siting Categories ... !.
The location of the station could be classified
under.one of the four categories as follows: • :. :•
- ' ' 1. Urban (high density)
a. Commercial
b. Industrial
c. Residential
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. 2. Suburban (medium density)
a. Comirercial
b. Industrial
c. Residential
3.- Rural '(low density)
a. Land Use (forest, grassland, desert, and
fanning)
4. Source Oriented
a. Commercial
b. Industrial
2.1.3.2. Physical Location . •
The physical location,of the station can be described
by the following: •
A .'••''•"'
*a. The EPA Region . :
; .'. • .... '-.:.. *b. state ..".-.- ; : ;
.' '••:'•• ' ''•.•' ''''.'.'.-(
C: .... *c. The AQCR : ".'-'..'
; *d. The SMSA : .'
: *e. The County . ; ,"• ;::. :•''••' •-•.
*f. The City * . :
. ; *g. Site Address - :—-,
. *h. UTM Coordinates :
. 1. Sketch map showing the monitor placement with
respect to other monitors, major highways,
and major stationary emission sources within
the city or five mile radius if a rural site.
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Topography and Atmospheric Ventilation
What is the topography that might restric
or affect.the atmospheric ventilation
over the site. Point out the hills,
valleys, trees, terrain and how the
air flows over the site. A picture
showing a 360° view of the area
around the site helps point out
the air restrictions such as
buildings, hills, and valleys.
*2.1.4. Pollutant Sources
It ts important to know the pollutant sources in close
proximity to the monitor. Ltst the major pollutant sources and the
distance they are from the station. Publications such as the "Nation-
vide Air Pollutant Emission Trends, 1940-1970," AP 115 and the "Com-
pilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors," AP-42 may be of help in
pointing out the major sources of pollutants. If there are many
major pollutant sources each should be described.
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2.1.5. The Heating and Air Conditioning Requirements
Many heating and cooling systems generate one or more of
•• ' ' *
the criteria pollutants. If these systems are used in a monitoring
station, these pollutants might affect the air quality near the air
tnlet. For this reason, the Regional Office should know how the station
is heated, cooled, and ventilated, and how the monitors are protected
from these local sources.
2.2. Special Information Concerning The Station For Continuous
Monitors
2.2.1. Sample Manifold Design
Proper manifold design is essential for continuous monitors.
The design may be such that the air flows so slow that the constituents
have time to react with the manifold. It is desirable that the actual
manifold design be known for each site. (A drawing of the design will
help show the details). This subject is discussed in greater length
In the "Field Operations Guide for Automatic Air Monitoring Equipment,"
APTD-0736.
*2.2.2. Sample Manifold Composition
Reactions between the manifold and the constituents of the
atr sample will cause the composition of the air in the manifold to change.
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Thus, when that.body of air ts.analyzed, an unrepresentative air.quality
may be reported. Guideline APTD-0736 gives a more detailed discussion
on the manifold composition.
. 2.2.3. Electrical Requirements
Adequate power supply is essential for continuous moni-
toring. The addition of auxiliary equipment may cause voltage fluc-
tuations. A constant voltage supply is needed for sophisticated instru-
ments. To know if an adequate power supply is being received by all
instruments, the power requirements of each instrument and auxiliary
equipment as well as the monitoring line fluctuations should be known.
This information might be organized into a table like the one in the
suggested checklist. (Appendix B).
2.3. Special Information Concerning Primary And Secondary Pollutant
Stations And Air Inlets
2.3.1. Siting Positions For Estimating Maximum Pollutant
Concentrations
To complete this description, a table as that in Appendix A
should be constructed. For example, Appendix A gives a guideline for
siting the station location and positioning the air inlet for areas of
estimated maximum pollutant concentrations. In response to the checklist
(item 9) describes where the station is with respect to population density,
traffic, tall buildings, intersections, street curbs, center-cities, and
what is the supporting structure, vertical and horizontal clearance of the
air inlet.
The term "roof top" should be described by telling how many stories
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7
"high, how many feet from the ground, and the location of this roof top
With respect to other roof tops and their heights. More details are
described in "Guidance For Air Quality Monitoring Network Design and
Instrument Setting" OAQPS #1.2-012. The table should contain the actual
description rather than those suggested by a guideline. This is a summary
sheet that describes the station and air inlet for a quick review.
3. INSTRUMENTS DESCRIPTION
3.1. General Information Concerning All Instruments
*3.1.1. Identification Of The Manufacturer, Trade Name, And
• Model Of The Instrument .
Many instrumental techniques are unique for each manufacturer
and model number, even if the same general principles apply to all of the
Instruments. The identification of the manufacturer, trade name, date
manufactured, and model number of each instrument is essential.
. 3.1.2. Application Of The Instrument
All instruments should be used to monitor the pollutant
that it was designed to monitor. However, in some cases, the instru-
ment might be altered at the station to monitor other pollutants, or
to monitor a given pollutant by a different technique than initially
designed. The present instrument application should be known.
*3.1.3. SAROAD Codes Used By NADB To Store The Data From
Each Monitoring Instrument Used At Each Site
The SAROAD pollutant method code is the code which is used
by the National Aerometric Data Bank to indicate the pollutant and the
method of analysis. By obtaining the SAROAD POLUTMTH Code for each
monitoring instrument, identification is established between the code
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8
and the.instrument. UNIT and INTERVAL Codes should coincide with, the
data measurement units and intervals. This-information is essential for
data analysis and interpretation.. The Regional Office should consult
the SAROAD Users Manual, Office of Air Programs Publication No. APTD-0663.
*3.1.4. The Type Of Monitor •
To describe an instrument by type could be lengthy and in
great detail, however, for this guideline the following are sufficient:
a. Measuring principle e.g. colorimetric, nondispersive
tnfrared, etc.
b. Manual or instrumental monitors.
*3.1.5. Monitoring Techniques ;
Many monitoring techniques presently being employed have
been scrutinized and found to be unacceptable methods. Monitoring techniques
often vary from site-to-site. For these reasons a detailed description of
the monitoring technique for each site should be known by the Regional Office.
. The document OAQPS 1.2-017 gives a brief description of most of the criteria
pollutant monitoring techniques presently in use. The description of the
details can be accomplished by 1. citing this document if it describes the
monitoring technique, 2. citing other easily accessible references and 3. or
by writing the detailed description.
3.2. Special Information Concerning Continuous Instruments
3.2.1. Performance Specifications Of The Instrument
The performance specifications are usually given by the
manufacturer. However, operating procedures may have been altered at the
station, and the instrument performance could have changed. The new per-
formance specifications and a description of the methods used in establishing
the specifications would be sufficient for this part of the description.
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APPENDIX A
SITING GUIDELINES FOR AREAS OF ESTIMATED KAXIKUM F3LLUTANX CONCENTRATIONS
rOLLUTAXT CATEGORY
. ?i*irr.ary Stationary
Source Pollutant
Prirsary Mob tic
Source Pollutant'
POLLUTANT
SO,
N02°
Particulates
CO (1-hour
averaging time)
CO (8-hour
averaging time)
POSITION or ATR IKLS
STATION LOCATION
SUPPORTING VERTICAL CLEARANCE HORIZONTAL
STRUCTURE 'A110VE SUPPORTING BMYOl.D SUP
STRUCTURE. l-'KF.T
Determined from atmosphere Ground or
diffusion model,- historical Roof Topd
data, emission density, and
representative of population
exposure.
Same as above
Some as above
Representing area of high
traffic density, slow
moving traffic & obstruc-
tions to air flow (till
buildings) & pedestrian
population such as mijor
downtown traffic inter-
sections. 10-15 fecc
from street curb.
Representing nrca of high
traffic density in rjsi-
dcntial area f;uch no major
thoroughfare in ccnt»r city
or suburban nrca. 10-15
feet from street curb.
Ground or
Roof Top
Roof Top
Ground
Ground
10-15
10-15
10-15
10-15
5-6
5-6
5-6
STI'.UCYUUK. 1'EF.V-
* 5
* 5
>5
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SITING GUIDELINES FOR AREAS OP ESTIMATED MAXIMUM TOLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS (CONTINUED)
POSITION OF AIR IKLF.T
VJ7ANT CATEGORY POLLUTANT
.condary Pollutant Oxldants
NO.
STATION LOCATION
Representing residential
area downwind of dov'-ntovn
arcn (5-15 wiles frcn dcwn-
town and > 300 feet from
major traffic arteries or
parking areas).
Same as above
SUPPORTING VERTICAL CLEARANCE KCXIZCXTAL CL^'u^
STRUCTURE ABOVE SUPPORTIJIC iliiYCJZD S'J?F:::,Ti::G'
Ground or
Roof Top
STRUCTURE, Fl-liT
10-15
10-15
STUb'CTUIv E , FE£Ta
> 5
>5
Ground or-
Roof Top
10-15
10-15
>5
>5
Not applicable vhere air inlet is. located above supporting structure.
V
Dovnwind of prevailing daytime wind direction during oxldant season.
n standard reference method (or equivalent) is suggcs-ted.
How many stories high and how many feet above the ground.
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APPENDIX B
Sample Checklist
This list is designed for the Regional Office to use
to obtain data which may aid in writing the site description.
*1. Objective for Monitoring
*2. The Type of Station (Mobile CO, Mobile "HC, Stationary CO,
etc).
*3. Location of the station (site categories and physical
location):
a. Urban (high density pop.) (low density pop.)
1. Commercial (high density) (low density)
2. Industrial (high density)
3. Residential
b. Suburban(high density pop.)
: 1. Commercial
2. Industrial _____
3. Residential
c. Rural (high density pop.)
d. EPA Region State
AQCR County
City
(low density)
Jlow density pop.)
(low density pop.}_
SMSA
Address (map in Appendix ;- )
UTM Coordinates ••:•••• :
*4. Pollutant Source
above ground
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a. Commercial
Probe
b. Industrial_
Profce .
Type
tons/yr_
Type
tons/yr
5", Topography:
Distance From
Distance From
Type & Size " Proximity Orientation
a. Isolated Hills:
b. Isolated Valleys;
C. Bodies of Water;
Bodies of Trees :
e- Terrain (check one) generally smooth
, or rough
f. Picture of a 360° view from the probe of the monitoring
site
6. Atmospheric Ventilation:
• * •
a. Generally Good Q
b. Generally Restricted Q . . .'• ;
c. Directionally Biased Q *• Direction:
d. Interferences to Normal Air Flow:(Buildings, Hills, Trees, Streets, etc)
Type & Size:
•
«
Proximity:
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* 7. Probe and Manifold
Inlet flowrate
b. Probe inside diameter
1/min
in.
c. Sample manifold composition and length
d. Manifold design (drawn)—____—
e. List of each monitor on the manifold and intake
' sampling airflow rate . -
MONITOR ' • ^__F
Distance of probe from sources as heavy traffic,
curbs, parking lots, shopping center, town centers,
major highways, etc.
*8. Instrument [complete a checklist for each instrument)
a.- -Manufacture and/or Vendor(s)
b. Trade name and/or model No.
C. Application (SO2/ NC>2' HC' TSP» etc. monitor)
d." Measuring technique (cite publication which describes
.'.the.-technique) coloriir.etric> chemiluminescence, etc.
TECHNIQUE ' REFERENCE '
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e. Sclitsjuatic diagram (simple diagram of the basic flov
and electronic circuit.
f. Auxilliary equipment and electrical requirements
j^ Item Quanity Voltage and Ampere Service
Line Voltage Droos
Frequencies Minimum voltage during voltage drop
h. A copy of the instrument performance specifications.
i..-:.. SAROAD Code (POLUTHMTH, UNIT, INTERVAL, etc.)
j. A copy of th£ method used to obtain the instrument
performance specifications.
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9; SITING* FOR THE STATION AND AIR INLET
•LLVTAN7 CATEGORY
POLLUTANT
STATION LOCATION
POSITION 0? AIR IKLF.T
SUPPORTING VERTICAL CLEASAXCS KCRIZGXTAL CLUM^
STRUCTURE AEOVE sui'i'OHTii.'c iTuYcxu s'j?r::;Tir:i;
STKUCTUUE. FK>:T STUUCTU:;:-, rzEic
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