CASTNET Plan for Part 58 Compliance
Version 1.013
1. Overview
CASTNET is coordinated by two federal agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
National Park Service (NPS); additionally there are numerous other participants including the Cherokee
Nation, the Bureau of Land Management, and others. Both EPA and NPS each have their own
contractor; EPA's contractor is AMEC, Inc. and the NPS' contractor is ARS, Inc. The EPA manages 58
sites and NPS manages 25 sites for a total of 83 CASTNET sites. Environmental, Engineering &
Measurement Services, Inc (EEMS) performs independent audits at every CASTNET site. RTI
International performs technical system audits (TSAs) at both the EPA contractor's and NPS
contractor's facilities. For the remainder of this document contracted groups will be referred to in the
following manner: AMEC as EPA contractor, ARS as NPS contractor, EEMS as independent auditor, and
RTI International as 3rd party auditor.
CASTNET completed upgrading and updating ozone monitoring equipment at all EPA sites to comply
with the requirements in 40 CFR Part 58 in FY 2011. This document summarizes the site and equipment
audit schedules and quality assurance methods that the CASTNET program will follow to meet the
regulatory requirements. The procedures laid out in this document were adapted from the
requirements placed on the States to meet the needs of an EPA national monitoring network. This
document is a detailed interpretation of information as described in the CASTNET QAPP Version 8.0
Appendix 1 Field SOP Section 3.3; there currently is no mention of this document within the CASTNET
QAPP Version 8.0 Appendix 8 Quality Management Plan.
Both the EPA and NPS contractor submit hourly ozone data to AQS on a monthly basis. Annual data
certification will be completed by the CAMD QA officer (currently Larry Kertcher of CAMD) by May 1st
of each year for all of the CASTNET sites provided that all data certification information from the EPA
and NPS contractors are supplied on time; otherwise NPS sites will be responsible for this data
certification at the NPS CASTNET sites.
States will work with regional EPA offices on assigning exceptional event informational qualifier codes
to CASTNET ozone data housed within AQS. State agencies have the responsibility, according to the
Exceptional Events Rule, to demonstrate to their EPA region that an exceptional event occurred and
should be flagged. CASTNET will work with the states to provide supporting information.
CASTNET will use the monitoring quality objectives shown in Table 1 to ensure that the highest quality
data are being submitted to AQS. This table has been reviewed by OAQPS, NPS, CAMD, the EPA
contractor, and the NPS contractor. The AQS QA qualifier table which includes qualifier codes,
descriptions, and valid/invalid status codes is available in Appendix C.
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Table 1 originated from the Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems QA
Handbook Volume II, Appendix D Revision 1, December 2008. EPA, NPS, the EPA contractor, and the
NPS contractor added comments to this table to further explain actions to be taken regarding data
validation.
Table 1 Monitoring Quality Objectives

Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET

Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
CRITICAL CRITERIA

One Point QC Check
Single analyzer
1/ 2 weeks
< ±7% (percent
difference)
0.01 - 0.10 ppm Relative to
routine concentrations
40 CFR Part 58 App A Sec
3.2
(10-100ppb)
Relative to routine concentrations
This problem doesn't say the 03
analyzer data is bad, just that the
transfer standard has a problem.
Zero/span check
1/2 weeks
Zero drift < ± 2% of
full scale
Span drift < ± 7 %

CASTNET protocol requires daily
checks. Invalidate all data
associated with a failure - from the
last check that met the criterion to
the next meeting the criterion. If
the problem can be verifiably
traced to a system or subsystem
that does not affect reported data,
the associated data may be treated
as valid. Missing checks will not
automatically require invalidation
until they drop below the
minimum EPA-required frequency
of once every 2 weeks.
Drift in ozonator concentrations
should be treated as an
operational criterion. If reference
concentrations (those generated
by the transfer standard) are not
within 2% of full scale, investigate
the problem. When evaluating zero
drift, apply the criterion to direct
readings and to comparisons with
the onsite transfer standard. Take
action if either fails to meet the
criterion.
OPERATIONAL CRITERIA

Shelter Temperature

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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET

Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
Temperature Range
Daily
(hourly values)
20 to 30° C. (Hourly
average)
or per
manufacturer's
specifications if
designated to a
wider temperature
range
Generally the 20-30° C
range will apply, but the
most restrictive operable
range of the instruments
in the shelter may also be
used as guidance.
Investigate data associated with
temperatures outside of 18 to 32°
C window:
Review data for reasonableness+.
If temperature is outside of this
window for 3 or more consecutive
hours or outside of a 15 to 35° C
window for any recorded hour,
verify that the analyzer internal
temperature is between 25 and 40°
C during the excursion. Invalidate
data deemed unreasonable+ for
ambient conditions or per site
history and any data collected
while analyzer internal
temperatures were not between
25 and 40° C. This is an example of
the AMEC specifics in the table that
might cause confusion. This is the
advisory range from Thermo. Any
of these ranges could change with
use a different equivalent method.
Temperature Control
Daily (hourly values)
< ± 2° C SD over 24
hours

If a 24 hr period is outside of the
criterion, review associated data
for reasonableness'. Treat hourly
temperature readings that are out
of range as described above.
Temperature Device Check
2/year
± 2° C of standard

CASTNET requirement for device
field calibration is ± 0.5° C of
standard. Data associated with a
failure of ± 2° C or greater must be
reviewed as described above. If
the failure is linear 2° C may be
added or subtracted as appropriate
to determine which periods
require further investigation. If the
failure is non-linear orthe
temperature device is otherwise
non-functional, the temperature
probe is replaced and the entire
period must be reviewed for
reasonableness+ and to verify
internal analyzertemperatures.
[Applies to routine calibration
visits]
Precision (using 1-point QC
checks)
Calculated annually and as
appropriate for design
value estimates
90% CL CV < 7%
(monitor level)
90% of Confidence Limit of
coefficient of variation.
40 CFR Part 58 App A sec
4.1.2
This metric is reviewed as part of
the annual review screening
procedure. Exceeding the criterion
will trigger additional review
including data from nearby sites
(including SLAMS), site narrative
logs, and the analyzer's internal
systems monitoring (a.k.a
"housekeeping") data.
[Calculation performed by Data
Manager and results reviewed by
Data and OA Managers]
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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET

Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
Bias (using 1-point QC
checks)
Calculated annually and as
appropriate for design
value estimates
95% CL CV < ± 7%
(monitor level)
95% of Confidence Limit
of coefficient of variation.
40 CFR Part 58 App A sec
4.1.3
[Calculation performed by Data
Manager and results reviewed by
Data and QA Managers]
Annual Performance Evaluation

Single Analyzer
Every site 1/year or 25 %
of sites quarterly
Percent difference
of audit levels 3-
10 <_+15%
[Audit levels 1&2 +
1.5 ppb difference
or +15%]
3 consecutive audit
concentration not
including zero.
40 CFR Part 58 App A sec
3.2.2
Reviewed as part of the annual
review screening procedure.
Exceeding the criterion will trigger
additional review as noted above.
[EPA Responsibility]
Primary QA Organization
(PQAO)
Annually
95% of audit
percent differences
fall within the one
point QC check 95%
probability intervals
at PQAO level of
aggregation
Same as above.
40 CFR Part 58 App A sec
4.1.4

Federal Audits (NPAP)
1/year at selected sites
20% of sites audited
Mean absolute
difference < 10%
40 CFR Part 58 App A sec
2.4

State audits
1/year
State requirements


Verification/Calibration
Upon
receipt/adjustment/repa
ir/ installation/moving
-1/6 months if manual
zero/span performed
biweekly
-1/year if continuous
zero/span performed
daily
All points within ±
2% of full scale
of best fit
straight line
Linearity error < 5%
Multi-point calibration (0-
4 upscale points)
40 CFR Part 58 App D sec
5.2.3
If verification results are outside of
the listed criteria, review the
calibration forms, problem tickets
and repair logs to confirm proper
operation of the analyzer and
onsite transfer standard. If a
starting point for the problem can
be determined and documented,
use this period as that to be
invalidated. If the problem can be
verifiably traced to a system or
subsystem that does not affect
reported data, the associated data
may be treated as valid. Otherwise,
invalidate all associated data.
Ensure confirmation of the onsite
transfer standard and the
"calibration standard."
[Applies to routine calibration
visits]
Zero Air

Concentration
below LDL

If the criterion is exceeded (± 0.003
ppm), correlate with any zero/span
results that exceed critical criteria.
If the zero air system is implicated,
report this finding immediately to
the project manager, field
operations manager, and QA
manager.
[Applies to routine calibration
visits] Replacing traps would seem
to make for sense than reporting it
to somebody far far away.
Applies to 6-month duration; 6-
month calibration will not
invalidate all 6-months of data.
Action item: review calibration
results.
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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET

Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
Gaseous Standards

NISTTraceable
(e.g., EPA Protocol
Gas)
40 CFR Part 58 App A sec
2.6.1

Zero Air Check
l/year
Concentrations
below LDL


Ozone Level 2 Standard

Cert ification/recertifi cation
1/year
single point
Primary Standards usually
If the standard exceeds the
to Standard Reference

difference < ± 3%
transported to EPA
criterion and its authority has been
Photometer


Regions SRP for
comparison
used at any sites for re-verification
or calibration the associated site
analyzers must be re-verified with
a properly certified standard.
(if recertified via a transfer
l/year
Regression slopes =

See above. Additionally, the
standard)

1.00 ± 0.03 and two
intercepts are 0 and
± 3 ppb

travelling transfers are audited
with a stationary standard
2x/calendar quarter to verify
proper calibration w/o applying the
certification calculation.
The audit results must meet the
criteria listed below:
•	New slope=± 0.05 of previous
and RSD of six slopes < 3.7%
•	Std. Dev. of 6 intercepts < 1.5
Failure to meet these criteria will
require servicing and/or
recertification as appropriate.
Ozone Transfer Standard

Qualification
Upon receipt of transfer
±4% or ±4 ppb
Transfer Standard Doc EPA
All analyzers are on the list of

standard
(whichever greater)
600/4-79-056 Section 6.4
USEPA Designated Equivalent
Methods and are therefore
qualified by their manufacturer. To
maintain designation, they must
not be modified or operated
contrary to manufacturer's
instructions or QA requirements.
Certification
After qualification and
RSD of six slopes <
Transfer Standard Doc EPA
If the analyzer has been used at

upon
3.7%
600/4-79-056 Section 6.6
any sites for re-verification or

receipt/adjustment/repair
Std. Dev. Of 6
intercepts < 1.5

calibration, the associated site
analyzers must be re-verified with
a properly certified analyzer.
Recertification to local
Beginning and end of 03
New slope = ± 0.05
1 recertification test that
Recertification to Level 2 standard.
primary standard
season or 1/6 months
of previous and RSD
then gets added to most
See above. This applies to onsite

whichever less
of six slopes < 3.7%
recent 5 tests. If this does
stationary Level 3 transfer


Std. Dev. Of 6
not meet acceptability
standards.


intercepts < 1.5
certification fails

Lower Detectable Level
l/year
0.003 ppm
If the standard exceeds
(3 ppb)
(LDL)


the criterion and its
authority has been used at
any sites for re-verification
or calibration the
associated site analyzers
must be re-verified with a
properly certified
standard.
Ref. 40 CFR Part 136 App B. If the
standard exceeds the criterion and
its authority has been used at any
sites for re-verification or
calibration, the associated site
analyzers must be re-verified with
a properly certified standard.
SYSTEMATIC CRITERIA

Standard Reporting Units
All data
ppm (final units in
AQS)

Data must be converted to correct
units.
Completeness (seasonal)
Daily
75% of hourly
averages for the 8-
hour period
8-hour average
If the criterion is exceeded, data
may not be used for reporting 8-
hour averages.
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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET

Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
Sample Residence Times

< 20 seconds

Report any sites found to exceed
this criterion to the project
manager, field operations
manager, and OA manager.
Indicates a problem that should be
checked at site. Tubing? Pump?
Leaks?
Sample Probe, Inlet,

Borosilicate glass
40 CFR Part 58 App E
See above.
Sampling train

(e.g., Pyrex ) or
Teflon


Siting

Un-obstructed
probe inlet
40 CFR Part 58 App E
See above.
EPA Standard Ozone
l/year
Regression slope =
This is usually at an EPA
Standard Reference Level 2. There


1.00 ±0.01
Regional Office and is
is a traveling standard (Level 2)
Reference Photometer

and intercept < 3
compared against the
which is deployed to the field and 2
(SRP) Recertification

ppb
traveling SRP
standard reference level 2 devices



that stay in the lab to verify the
traveling standards to eliminate
the need for sending traveling
standards back to NIST after field
deployment. Both lab and field
SRPs are level 2.
If the standard exceeds the
criterion and its authority has been
used at any sites for re-verification
or calibration the associated site
analyzers must be re-verified with
a properly certified standard.
tReview for reasonableness may include:	CL = Confidence	RSD = Relative
•	Synoptic meteorological conditions (where available)	Limit	Standard
•	Calibration schedule	Deviation
•	Site Visit Log	CV = Coefficient	SD = Standard
•	Data from nearby sites (including SLAMS sites, where	of Variation	Deviation
applicable) LDL = Lower
Detectable Level
All transfer standards at the EPA-sponsored CASTNET sites are NIST traceable at Level 3. The EPA
contractor performs routine calibrations at each CASTNET site twice a year. During the calibration,
ozone equipment is audited with a traveling transfer standard (Level 2), the data logger is tested and
the shelter temperature device is placed in a temperature bath for accuracy. Calibration results are
submitted monthly to and stored within an Oracle database of their respective federal agency. The
transfer standards at NPS-sponsored CASTNET sites are NIST traceable at Level 4. NPS will update their
calibration method to ensure all NPS-sponsored CASTNET sites have Level 3 transfer standards by
January 1, 2013. Calibration results from NPS-sponsored sites are submitted monthly by ARS to NPS.
The network audit requirements for 40 CFR Part 58 compliance are summarized in Table 2. CAMD
intends to reach out to States and Regions prior to the Technical Systems Audits (TSA) and provide the
schedules at least 6 months in advance to ensure they have enough time to arrange for travel if they
chose to participate in the audits.
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Table 2 Summary c	dit requirements.
Calibration information is not included in this table
Required
Audits Performed
Site
Audit
Audit Results
Funding
Audits
By
Selection
Frequency
Submitted
Organization
Independent
Independent auditor
CAMD/NPS
Every other
Submitted to CAMD
CAMD
Audit


year (all
/NPS
independent
(includes PE


CASTNET sites)
(a) spot report
auditor
audit,



(monthly)

metrological



(b)database

sensors and



(quarterly)

flow for filter





pack)





Performance
Independent auditor
CAMD/NPS
Annually (All
AQS
CAMD/NPS
Audit (PE)


CASTNET sites)
CAMD/NPS
independent
auditor
National
OAQPS (Mark
OAQPS
20% of the
AQS
CAMD/NPS
Performance
Shanis) will

sites (both EPA

OAQPS
Audit
coordinate with the

and NPS

Regional Office
Program
regional offices

sponsored

ESAT
(NPAP)


CASTNET sites)
each year


Technical
Independent auditor
CAMD/NPS
10% of the
CAMD/NPS
CAMD/NPS
System
+ CAMD/NPS +

network each
OAQPS
independent
Audits (TSA)
Regions/States

year

auditor
Field Audit
Regions may visit
site along with
auditor




Technical
3rd party
CAMD/NPS
Every 3 years
EPA contractor/NPS
CAMD (Base
System
auditor/CAMD/


contractor
Funding)
Audits (TSA)
Independent


AQS
NPS
Facilities
Auditor/NPS




Audit





2. Daily Quality Assurance Checks
Each CASTNET ozone analyzer is connected to a data logger which records daily zero/span/precision
(z/s/p) checks. The z/s/p scans are performed nightly, but can also be run manually if needed. A
summary of the daily verifications calibrations is included in Table 1. If the automated span and
precision differ by more than 7 % of the target value it is considered a failure. If the zero reading is
outside of ±10 ppb, this is considered a failure. The site operator is instructed to call the Field
Operations Manager to troubleshoot the problem if a failure occurs, although federal contractors
generally know about failures first.
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3.	Independent Audits (at sites)
Independent audits are performed every other year by a contractor (currently EEMS). The purpose of
the audits is to provide an independent assessment of the site, the equipment performance, and the
proficiency of the site operator. The auditor will test flow, ozone, and meteorological equipment at the
site for any errors in precision or accuracy. The auditor will also complete a performance evaluation
(PE) for ozone (see below). In addition the auditor will acknowledge if the CASTNET siting criteria is
being violated. During the independent audit, EEMS will discuss any issues related to equipment, siting
criteria, or operator handling with the operator and/or site supervisor.
4.	Performance Evaluations (PE) (at contractor's facility)
Annual ozone PE will be conducted in accordance with EPA's Quality Assurance Handbook for Air
Pollution Measurement Systems: Volume II - Ambient Air Specific Methods, 40 CFR Parts 53 and Parts
58 Revisions to Ambient Air Monitoring Regulations: Final Rule. Results of the ozone PE will be
submitted to AQS quarterly by EEMS.
The proposed PE audit schedule is shown in Table 3 below. Site IDs in blue are NPS-sponsored CASTNET
sites. Auditing equipment will be NIST certified twice a year, or more often if necessary.
Table 3 Field Site Audit and Ozone PE Schedule
PE and TSA visits are not differentiated within this table. One independent audit performed at each site
annually. States may perform site audits when possible as coordinated with the independent auditor.
Odd years:
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th
Quarter
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec

ALC188
CDZ171
CKT136
CAN407
CNT169
DEN417
ALH157
ABT147
ARE128
CDR119


BBE401
COW137
DCP114
CHA467
GRB411
GLR468
ANA115
ACA416
BEL116
CTH110


CAD 150
CVL151
OXF122
GRC474
GTH161
KNZ184
BVL130
ASH 135
BFT142
KEF112


CHE18B
ESP127
QAK172
JOT403
LAV410
PET427
PIN414
SEK430
YOS404
PND165
MOR409
HOX148
GRS420
BWR139
LRL117


GAS 153
MAC426

ROM406
SAN 189
PRK134
HOW132
CND125
MKG113


IRL141
MCK131

YEL408
THR422
SAL133
HWF187
PSU106
PAR107


PAL190
MCK231


WNC429
STK138
PED108
WSP144
SHN418


SND152
PNF126



UVL124
VPI120




SUM156
SPD111



VIN140
VOY413
WST109



Even years:
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th
Quarter
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
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CAD 150
ALC188
CAN407
GRB411
CNT169
ALH157
ABT147
CAT175
CDR119
ARE128


CHE18B
BBE401
CHA467
JOT403
CTH161
ANA115
ACA416
HWF187
CTH110
BEL116


EVE419
CDZ171
CKT136
LAV410
DEN417
BVL130
ASH 135
THR422
EGB181
BFT142


GAS 153
COW137
DCP114
PIN414
GLR468
HOX148
HOW132
VOY413
GRS420
BWR139


IRL141
ESP127
GRC474
SEK430
KNZ184
PRK134
PED108
WNC429
KEF112
CND125


PAL190
MAC426
MEV405
OXF122
PET427
YOS404
MOR409
SAL133
VPI120
WST109
LRL117
PS U106


SND152
MCK131
PND165
STK138


MKG113
WSP144


SUM156
MCK231

ROM406
UVL124


PAR107




PAL190

SAN 189
VIN140


SHN418




PNF126
QAK172

YEL408








SPD111









Color scheme: blue font = NPS sites operated by IMPS, red font = NPS sites operated by states, underlined font = sites where
PE audits have been performed by States in the past and may do so again in the future.
The verification of the ozone analyzer during the PE audit requires that the zero/span be within 2% of
the full scale of the best fit linear line. Per the memorandum from OAQPS in February 2011, ten audit
levels are included, but a minimum of three audit levels are necessary for CASTNET compliance to
represent the routine concentration of the site. See Table 4 for acceptable audit ranges. The lowest
two audit levels must be within ±1.5 ppb or a 15% difference, whichever is greater to meet the
acceptance criteria. Levels 3-10 levels must be within 15% to meet the acceptance criteria. The audit
levels must bracket 85% of a site's data.
Table 4 Audit Levels for Independent, Annual Audit
Audit Level
Concentration Range, ppm
Acceptance Criteria
1
0.004-0.0059
±1.5 ppb or ±15%, whichever is greater
2
0.006-0.019
±1.5 ppb or ±15%, whichever is greater
3
0.020-0.039
±15%
4
0.040-0.069
±15%
5
0.070-0.089
±15%
6
0.090-0.119
±15%
7
0.120-0.139
±15%
8
0.140-0.169
±15%
9
0.170-0.189
±15%
10
0.190-0.259
±15%
Table from US EPA OAQPS dated Feb 17, 2011; "Guidance on Statistics for Use at Audit Levels 1 and 2 of the
Expanded List of Audit Levels for Annual Performance Evaluation for S02, N02, 03, and CO as Described in
40 CFR Part 58 Appendix A Section 3.2.2"
5. National Performance Audit Program
The CASTNET Team will work with Mark Shanis, in OAQPS, to coordinate with regional offices and the
Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT) to fulfill the requirements under the National
Performance Audit Program (NPAP). The goal for the CASTNET program is to complete NPAP audits at
20% of the sites each year. OAQPS will be responsible for selecting the sites that will be audited.
Special priority will be given to those sites documented or expected to have concentrations near 0.075
9

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ppm. The audit results will be submitted to AQS by the NPAP auditor. CAMD and NPS will incur all
costs/fees associated with the audits.
The purpose of the NPAP is to assess the proficiency of the monitoring organization. The ozone audits
will be performed through the probe using a NIST certified gas, which has been validated at least
quarterly. The on-site analyzer will be tested at 3-4 known concentrations for accuracy by the auditor.
The acceptable ranges can be found in 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix A, Section 3.2.2.1.
6. Technical Systems Audit (TSA)
a.	Facilities
rd
CAMD will use a 3 party auditor to conduct the facilities portion of the TSA at EPA contractor's facility
and at the NPS contractor's facility. Provided travel funds are available, CAMD staff will be present at
the facility audit. EPA will also provide the date of the scheduled audit to the States, Regions at least 6
months prior to the visit. This audit will be performed once every three years.
A site systems audit will be conducted at the EPA contractor's and NPS contractor's facility to provide a
qualitative appraisal of the total measurement system. Site planning, organization, and operation will
be evaluated to ensure that good Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) practices are being
applied.
The audit will consist of an assessment of the staff, facilities, data and document control, and the
quality control programs. The CASTNET contractor's project manager, database manager, laboratory
manager, and QA manager will be present during the audit. CAMD or the independent auditor will
officially accept and summarize the findings and present them to the facility management. A report of
the network TSA results will be prepared for each the facilities and submitted to OAQPS with copies to
the Regions. Results from the facility TSA may be shared with the states through a NACAA call or email.
b.	Field
For the TSA field audit, CAMD and NPS will use their independent auditor to conduct the field TSAs.
The contractor, EEMS, also performs the independent field audits and performance evaluations for
ozone at all CASTNET sites. Prior to field TSAs, announcement letters to site operators and parks, list of
visitors, and purpose of visit should be sent 2-4 weeks prior to ensure all parties involved are prepared
and eliminate park entrance fees when possible. If and when travel funds permit, a CAMD or National
Park Service (NPS) representative will be present at the field TSA. States and Regions will have 6
months notice prior to the field TSA and their participation in the field TSA's will be encouraged. Ten
percent of all CASTNET sites will have a field TSA completed each year. A sample schedule is shown in
Table 5.
Results from the field TSA's will be written up with the facilities TSA results by CAMD or NPS staff. An
outline of the TSA report layout is shown in Appendix A.
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Table 5 Proposed TSA schedule for 2012
TSA audit schedule 2012





S
ponsoring Agency


Site ID
Site Name
State
Region
Audit
Month
EPA
NPS
Sponsor
attending?
Region
Contact
State
Contact
BEL116
Beltsville
MD
3
Nov
X

y


BWR139
Blackwater
NWR
MD
3
Oct
X




GRS420
Great Smokey
Mtns NP
TN
4
Sept

X



JOT403
Joshua Tree
CA
9
May

X



PIN414
Pinnacles NM
CA
9
May

X



ROM406
Rocky Mtn NP
CO
8
Jun

X



SEK430
Sequoia NP -
Ash Mountain
CA
9
May

X



WSP144
Washington
Crossing
NJ
2
Oct
X




YOS404
Yosemite NP -
Turtleback
Dome
CA
9
May

X



7. Annual Monitoring Network Plans and Network Assessment
CAMD will prepare an annual CASTNET (EPA and NPS-sponsored sites) monitoring network plan for
public review. The network plan will focus on the ozone component of CASTNET and will address the
ozone monitoring requirements of 40 CFR 58.10(b), including any anticipated new CASTNET ozone sites
or ozone sites that are in jeopardy of being shut down. The NPS will need to have final say whether
ozone monitoring at an NPS site is discontinued. A given NPS site may no longer meet the needs of
CASTNET, but still be considered of value to NPS. The annual monitoring network plan will be posted
for 30 days of public inspection on approximately May 15. The plan and response to any comments
received during the inspection period will be distributed to OAQPS and all EPA Regional Office
contacts, and submitted to the CAMD Division Director for approval no later than July 1. The schedule
for these activities is outlined in Table 6. OAQPS will provide comments within 120 days on any plans
proposing changes to the ozone network, and the final plan will be posted on the CAMD and TTNS web
sites.
Table 6 Network Plan Schedule
Date
Network Plan Steps
March 30th
Final data submitted to AQS
April 30th
Submit network plan to NPS for review
May 15st
Posted for public review - TTNS site, CASTNET site
June 15st
CAMD begins response to public comments
July 1st
Submitted to EPA/CAMD division director for
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approval
CAMD will complete a network assessment every 5 years in accordance with 40 CFR 58.10(d) and send
to NPS for review/coordination prior to submittal. The network assessment shall be submitted to the
CAMD Division Director, OAQPS, and all EPA Regional Office contacts. The next assessment is due July
1, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter.
8.	Ozone Network Modification
CAMD and NPS will consult with OAQPS and applicable EPA Regional Offices before discontinuing any
ozone monitor in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR 58.14. The implications arising from a
monitor discontinuation will be reviewed, involving affected state monitoring agencies if appropriate.
Although no formal approval will be required, CAMD and NPS will consider pertinent comments on the
network modification before making the change. It is preferable that such network modifications be
documented in the annual monitoring network plan process described above. If resource constraints
dictate that an ozone-monitoring CASTNET site should be removed from the network; then this site
may not be removed as network modifications are not allowed without OAQPS approval.
9.	Data Reporting and Certification
CAMD and NPS will comply with the annual air monitoring certification requirements in accordance
with 40 CFR 58.15. The certification process will be completed by May 1 of each year for the prior
calendar year's ambient and quality assurance data. The certification materials will be signed by
designated senior managers in CAMD and NPS for their respective CASTNET sites and submitted to
OAQPS for review. CAMD can certify for all CASTNET sites provided that NPS submits pertinent
information in a timely manner. CAMD's Division Director will approve with input from States and
Regions. After certification, this information will be public for 30 days.
CAMD and NPS will comply with the data submittal requirements in accordance with 40 CFR 58.16.
Applicable ambient and quality assurance data will be submitted to AQS within 90 days after the end of
each quarterly reporting period.
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Appendix A
Outline for TSA Report
1.	Executive Summary
2.	Introduction
3.	General Program and Quality Management (Audit of EPA contractor's office and NPS
contractor's office)
a.	Complete General/Quality Management Forms
b.	Findings, Discussions, Recommendations
4.	Network Management
a.	Complete Network Management, Field Support, Instrument Certification/Testing,
Standards and Calibrations, and Instrument Repair Forms
b.	Table listing the site locations, number of monitors at each location, type of monitor
(SLAMS, SPM, etc...), what is measured
c.	Findings, Discussions, Recommendations
5.	Field Operations
a.	Complete Field Overview Forms
b.	Table that list site name, AQS ID, and pollutants monitored
c.	Findings, Discussions, Recommendations
6.	Laboratory Operations
a.	Complete Laboratory Operations Forms
b.	Findings, Discussions, Recommendations
7.	Data and Data Management
a.	Complete Data and Data Management Forms
b.	Findings, Discussions, Recommendations
8.	Quality Control and Quality Assurance

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Appendix B
Regional Contacts Information for TSA Report
Region
Name
Position
Phone
Email
Region 1
Judge, Bob

617-918-8387
judge.robert@epa.gov
Region 2
Ruvo, Richard A.
Mgr
212-637-4014
ruvo.richard@epa.gov
Region 3
Hass, Drew

215-814-2049
hass.andrew@epa.gov
Region 4
Rinck, Todd
Mgr
404-562-9062
rinck.todd@epa.gov
Region 5
McGrath, Jesse

312-886-1532
mcgrath.jesse@epa.gov
Region 6
Sather, Mark

214-665-8353
sather.mark@epa.gov
Region 7
Nichols, Robert
Mgr
913-551-5266
nichols.robert@epa.gov
Region 8
Payton, Richard

303-312-6439
payton.richard@epa.gov
Region 9
Clover, Fletcher

415-972-3991
clover.fletcher@epa.gov
Region 10
Hall, Christopher

206-553-0521
hall.christopher@epa.gov

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Appendix C
AQS Qualifier Codes and Descriptions
Codes with Status = I are not valid for reporting new data
18-AUG-10
Qt Qualifier
Type
Qualifier Type Desc
Qualifier
Code
Qualifier Desc
INFORM
Informational Only
A
High Winds

Informational Only
B
Stratospheric Ozone Intrusion

Informational Only
C
Volcanic Eruption

Informational Only
D
Sandblasting

Informational Only
F
Structural Fire

Informational Only
G
High Pollen Count

Informational Only
H
Chem. Spills & Indust. Accidents

Informational Only
1
Unusual Traffic Congestion

Informational Only
IA
African Dust

Informational Only
IB
Asian Dust

Informational Only
IC
Chem. Spills & Indust Accidents

Informational Only
ID
Cleanup After a Major Disaster

Informational Only
IE
Demolition

Informational Only
IF
Fire - Canadian

Informational Only
IG
Fire - Mexico/Central America

Informational Only
IH
Fireworks

Informational Only
II
High Pollen Count

Informational Only
IJ
High Winds

Informational Only
IK
Infrequent Large Gatherings

Informational Only
IL
Other

Informational Only
IM
Prescribed Fire

Informational Only
IN
Seismic Activity

Informational Only
10
Stratospheric Ozone Intrusion

Informational Only
IP
Structural Fire

Informational Only
IQ
Terrorist Act

Informational Only
IR
UniqueTraffic Disruption

Informational Only
IS
Volcanic Eruptions

Informational Only
IT
Wildfire-U. S.

Informational Only
IU
Wildland Fire Use Fire-U. S.

Informational Only
J
Construction/Demolition

Informational Only
K
Agricultural Tilling

Informational Only
L
Highway Construction

Informational Only
M
Rerouting of Traffic

Informational Only
N
Sanding/Salting of Streets

Informational Only
0
Infrequent Large Gatherings

Informational Only
P
Roofing Operations

Informational Only
Q
Prescribed Burning
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Informational Only
R
Cleanup After a Major Disaster

Informational Only
S
Seismic Activity

Informational Only
U
Sahara Dust

Informational Only
Z
Other event
QA
Quality Assurance Qualifier
1
Deviation from a CFR/Critical Criteria
Requirement

Quality Assurance Qualifier
2
Operational Deviation

Quality Assurance Qualifier
3
Field Issue

Quality Assurance Qualifier
4
Lab Issue

Quality Assurance Qualifier
5
Outlier

Quality Assurance Qualifier
6
QAPP Issue

Quality Assurance Qualifier
7
Below Lowest Calibration Level

Quality Assurance Qualifier
8
QA/QC Unknown

Quality Assurance Qualifier
9
Negative value detected - zero reported

Quality Assurance Qualifier
CB
Values have been Blank Corrected

Quality Assurance Qualifier
CC
Clean Canister Residue

Quality Assurance Qualifier
CL
Surrogate Recoveries Outside Control Limits
due to analytical interferences

Quality Assurance Qualifier
EH
Estimated; Exceeds Upper Range

Quality Assurance Qualifier
FB
Field Blank Value Above Acceptable Limit

Quality Assurance Qualifier
HT
Sample pick-up hold time exceeded; data
questionable

Quality Assurance Qualifier
LB
Lab blank value above acceptable limit

Quality Assurance Qualifier
U
Identification Of Analyte Is Acceptable;
Reported Value Is An Estimate

Quality Assurance Qualifier
LK
Analyte Identified; Reported Value May Be
Biased High

Quality Assurance Qualifier
LL
Analyte Identified; Reported Value May Be
Biased Low

Quality Assurance Qualifier
MD
Value less than MDL

Quality Assurance Qualifier
MX
Matrix Effect

Quality Assurance Qualifier
ND
No Value Detected

Quality Assurance Qualifier
NS
Influenced by nearby source

Quality Assurance Qualifier
PQ
Values Between PQL And MDL

Quality Assurance Qualifier
SQ
Values Between SQL and MDL

Quality Assurance Qualifier
SS
Value substituted from secondary monitor

Quality Assurance Qualifier
SX
Does Not Meet Siting Criteria

Quality Assurance Qualifier
T
Multiple PM2.5 Validity Flags

Quality Assurance Qualifier
TB
Trip Blank Value Above Acceptable Limit

Quality Assurance Qualifier
V
Validated Value

Quality Assurance Qualifier
VB
Value below normal; no reason to invalidate

Quality Assurance Qualifier
W
Flow Rate Average out of Spec.

Quality Assurance Qualifier
X
FilterTemperature Difference out of Spec.

Quality Assurance Qualifier
Y
Elapsed Sample Time out of Spec.
REQEXC
Request Exclusion
E
Forest Fire

Request Exclusion
RA
African Dust

Request Exclusion
RB
Asian Dust
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Request Exclusion
RC
Chem. Spills & Indust. Accidents

Request Exclusion
RD
Cleanup After a Major Disaster

Request Exclusion
RE
Demolition

Request Exclusion
RF
Fire - Canadian

Request Exclusion
RG
Fire - Mexico/Central America

Request Exclusion
RH
Fireworks

Request Exclusion
Rl
High Pollen Count

Request Exclusion
RJ
High Winds

Request Exclusion
RK
Infrequent Large Gatherings

Request Exclusion
RL
Other

Request Exclusion
RM
Prescribed Fire

Request Exclusion
RN
Seismic Activity

Request Exclusion
RO
Stratospheric Ozone Intrusion

Request Exclusion
RP
Structural Fire

Request Exclusion
RQ
Terrorist Act

Request Exclusion
RR
UniqueTraffic Disruption

Request Exclusion
RS
Volcanic Eruptions

Request Exclusion
RT
Wildfire-U. S.

Request Exclusion
RU
Wildland Fire Use Fire-U. S.
URLfor AQS Table: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/airs/airsags/manuals/Qualifiers Code.xls
AQS Exceptional Event Tutorial: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/airs/airsaqs/manuals/ExceptionalEventTutorial.pdf
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