Sand Mountain, AL (SND152)
2013 CASTNET Part 58 Compliance Overview
June 5, 2013
1, Network Overview
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Park Service (NPS), and Wyoming's Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) manage the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), In addition to
EPA, NPS, and BLM, there are numerous other participants including tribes, federal agencies, states,
and universities that provide network support. The EPA, NPS, and BLM have their own contractors that
operate their sites within the network. AMEC, Inc. operates the EPA-sponsored sites and ARS operates
the NPS- and BLM-sponsored CASTNET sites.
As of May 2013, there are 90 CASTNET sites that measure weekly concentrations of sulfur and nitrogen
species and base cations using a 3-stage filter pack. Eighty of the CASTNET sites collect ambient ozone
concentrations and 29 measure hourly meteorological parameters. EPA and NPS operate collocated
sites (ROM206/ROM406), respectively, at Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado to ensure
consistency across the network. Ozone data from ROM206 are not submitted to EPA's Air Quality
System (AQS) database as part of the CASTNET regulatory ozone monitoring network. An overview of
the CASTNET monitoring program can be found here:
. In addition to the regulatory
ozone monitors, EPA operates a non-regulatory ozone analyzer above canopy (23.5 m) at the Howland
AmeriFlux site as part of a direct deposition study. The analyzer at HOW191 does not meet the siting
criteria for a regulatory ozone monitor so these data are not submitted to AQS. Independent audits,
including Performance Evaluations (PE) and Field Technical Systems Audits (TSA) are performed by
Environmental, Engineering & Measurement Services, Inc (EEMS) unless a state or region has agreed to
perform the audit. RTI International performs the facility TSA at both the EPA and NPS/BLM contractor
field laboratories.
EPA upgraded the CASTNET ozone analyzers to Thermo 49is, installed on-site transfer standards, and
updated the QA/QC procedures at all EPA-sponsored sites to comply with the requirements in 40 Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 58 in FY 2011. This upgrade has improved the overall quality of data,
reliability of the analyzers and comparability of the data with other regulatory monitoring networks
(i.e., State and Local Air Monitoring Sites (SLAMS)). CASTN ET data will be used to calculate design
values for the 2011-2013 ozone seasons for all sites where data completeness requirements are met.
EPA regional contacts and states were notified of this change during NACAA monitoring meetings,
monthly phone calls and a notice in the Federal Register. This document summarizes the QA/QC
procedures and schedules that the CASTNET program follows to meet the regulatory requirements.
1
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The procedures in this document were adapted from the requirements placed on the states to meet
the needs of a federally-operated national monitoring network.
2. Ozone Data
a) All CASTNET sites measure ambient ozone concentrations at 10 m. Ambient ozone
concentrations are submitted near real time to AIRNow and posted to the
CASTNET website daily < http://epa.gov/castnet/javaweb/index.html>. AMEC and ARS submit
the hourly ozone concentrations and bi-weekly 1-point QC results to AQS monthly. As required
by the CFR, annual data certification is completed by the sponsoring agency by May 1st of each
year for all of the CASTNET sites. Previously, a letter was submitted to OAQPS stating that the
monitoring agency was certifying that their data was valid and complete. EPA, NPS and BLM will
rely on states to determine if CASTNET ozone data should be flagged as an exceptional event.
States should contact Tim Sharac (sharac.timothy@epa.gov) or Jessica Ward (jward@air-
resource.com) if they need CASTNET ozone data flagged for an exceptional event. State
agencies have the responsibility, according to the Exceptional Events Rule, to demonstrate to
their EPA region that an exceptional event occurred. When a state would like CASTNET data
flagged, the following information needs to be provided to the sponsoring agency: date/time
range of incident, type of exceptional event, and which CASTNET sites are being impacted.
b) Data Quality Indicators (DQI)
CASTNET uses the monitoring quality objectives shown in Table 1 to ensure that the highest
quality data are being submitted to AQS. The AQS QA qualifier table which includes qualifier
codes, descriptions, and valid/invalid status codes is available in Appendix C.
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, and the CASTNET contractors
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
A failure of this one-point QC check
may indicate a problem with the
transfer standard
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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET
Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
Zero/span check
1/2 weeks
Zero drift < ± 2% of
full scale
Span drift<±7%
These checks are typically
performed daily. If the check does
not meet the criteria, data are
invalidated from the last check that
met the criteria to the next
meeting the criteria. If the problem
can be verifiably traced to a system
or subsystem that does not affect
reported data, the associated data
ares valid. Missing checks only
result in data invalidation if the
frequency of checks is less than
required frequency of once every 2
weeks.
Drift in ozonator concentrations is
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
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.
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.
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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET
Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
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.
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
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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET
Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
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.
Gaseous Standards
NIST Traceable
(e.g., EPA Protocol
Gas)
40 CFR Part 58 App A sec
2.6.1
Zero Air Check
1/year
Concentrations
below LDL
Ozone Level 2 Standard
Cert ification/recertifi cation
to Standard Reference
Photometer
1/year
single point
difference < ± 3%
Primary Standards usually
transported to EPA
Regions SRP for
comparison
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.
(if recertified via a transfer
standard)
1/year
Regression slopes =
1.00 ± 0.03 and two
intercepts are 0 and
± 3 ppb
See above. Additionally, the
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.
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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET
Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
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 manufacturers
instructions or OA 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
1/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 not met, data may
not be used for reporting 8-hour
averages.
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.
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
1/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
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Ozone Validation Template - CASTNET
Requirement
Minimum Frequency
Acceptance
Criteria
Information/Action
Comments
• Synoptic meteorological conditions (where available)
• Calibration schedule
• Site Visit Log
• Data from nearby sites (including SLAMS sites, where
applicable)
Limit
Standard
Deviation
SD = Standard
Deviation
CV = Coefficient
of Variation
LDL = Lower
Detectable Level
In addition to the daily zero/precision/span (z/p/s) QC checks described in the table above, the
CASTNET contractors perform semi-annual audits at each CASTNET site. During the audit, the on-site
analyzer is audited and calibrated to the traveling transfer standard (Level 2), and the data logger and
the shelter temperature probe are verified using NIST traceable standards. Nearly all on-site ozone
transfer standards at CASTNET sites are NIST traceable at Level 3, the two exceptions are the BLM
CASTNET sites, Basin, WY (BAS601) and New Castle, WY (NEC602), which are currently at Level 4. Audit
results are used to perform the final validation on the hourly ozone data. Results from the semi-annual
audits are routinely submitted by the contractor to the sponsoring agency.
3. Network audit requirements.
The network audit requirements for 40 CFR Part 58 compliance are summarized in Table 2 below. EPA
will provide Regions with the facility and field Technical Systems Audit (TSA) schedules at least 6
months in advance to ensure Regions have sufficient time to arrange for travel if they choose to attend
the audit.
Table 2 Summary of 40 CFR Part 58 audit requirements.
Required
Audits
Audits Performed
By
Site
Selection
Audit
Frequency
Audit Results
Submitted
Funding
Organization
Ozone
Performance
Audit (PE)
Independent
auditor
EPA/NPS/BLM
Annually (All
CASTNET
sites)
AQS
EPA/NPS/BLM
EPA
independent
auditor
National
Performance
Audit
Program
(NPAP)
OAQPS will
coordinate with the
regional offices
OAQPS
20% of the
sites each
year
AQS
EPA OAQPS
Regional
Office ESAT
Technical
System
Audits (TSA)
Field Audit
Independent
auditor +
EPA/NPS/BLM +
Regions/States
Regions may visit
site along with
auditor
EPA/NPS/BLM
10% of the
network each
year
EPA/NPS/BLM
OAQPS
EPA
independent
auditor
Technical
System
3rd party auditor
EPA/NPS/BLM
Each facility
every 3 years
EPA/NPS/BLM
contractor
EPA (Base
Funding)
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Audits (TSA)
AQS
NPS/BLM (same
Facilities
facility)
Audit
4. Daily Quality Control Checks.
Nightly zero/precision/span (z/p/s) scans are performed, but can also be run manually and/or remotely
through the data logger if necessary. A summary of the daily verification 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 with remote data polling, the CASTNET contractors generally know about failures
before the normally scheduled Tuesday call-in with the site operator.
5. Performance Evaluations (PE)
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 from the ozone PE will be
submitted to AQS quarterly by the auditor.
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 sent by OAQPS in February 2011, the
auditor may choose target concentration values from ten audit levels. A minimum of three audit levels
that represent routine concentrations at the monitoring site are required. See Table 3 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 must be within 15% to meet the acceptance
criteria. The target values must bracket 85% of a site's concentration levels.
Table 3 Audit Levels for Performance Evaluations (PE)
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"
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The proposed PE audit schedule for CASTNET sites is shown in Table 4 below. Auditing equipment used
by the independent auditor will be NIST certified at least twice per year.
Note: PE and field Technical System Audits (TSA) (described below) are not differentiated within this
table. An ozone PE audit is performed at each site annually, while a field TSA which includes flow,
meteorological sensors, etc. is performed every other year. States may perform a PE audit if they are
coordinated with the sponsoring agency, site supervisor, and independent auditor.
Table 4 PE and Field TSA Schedule*
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
BAS601
DEN417
ALH157
ABT147
ARE128
CDR119
BBE401
COW137
DCP114
CHA467
CNT169
GLR468
ANA115
ACA416
BEL116
CTH110
CAD 150
CVL151
OXF122
GRC474
GRB411
MOR409
BVL130
ASH 135
BFT142
KEF112
CHE18B
ESP127
QAK172
JOT403
LAV410
PET427
PIN414
SEK430
YOS404
GTH161
SAN 189
HOX148
GRS420
BWR139
LRL117
GAS 153
MAC426
NEC602
THR422
PRK134
HWF187
CND125
MKG113
IRL141
MCK131
PND165
WNC429
SAL133
PED108
PSU106
PAR107
PAL190
MCK231
ROM406
STK138
VPI120
WSP144
SHN418
SND152
PNF126
YEL408
UVL124
WST109
SUM156
SPD111
VIN140
VOY413
Even years:
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th
Quarter
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
CAD 150
ALC188
CAN407
GRB411
BAS601
ALH157
ABT147
CAT175
CDR119
ARE128
CHE185
BBE401
CHA467
JOT403
CNT169
ANA115
ACA416
HWF187
CTH110
BEL116
EVE419
CDZ171
CKT136
LAV410
GTH161
BVL130
ASH 135
THR422
EGB181
BFT142
GAS 153
CVL151?
DCP114
PIN414
DEN417
HOX148
PED108
VOY413
GRS420
BWR139
IRL141
COW137
GRC474
SEK430
GLR468
PRK134
VPI120
WNC429
KEF112
CND125
SND152
ESP127
MFX/ADR
YOS404
MOR409
SAL133
WST109
LRL117
PS U106
SUM156
MAC426
1VI L V tUJ
NEC602
STK138
MKG113
WSP144
MCK131
OXF122
PND165
UVL124
PAR107
MCK231
PET427
ROM406
VIN140
SHN418
PAL190
QAK172
SAN 189
PNF126
YEL408
SPD111
*See Appendix D for Region and State of each Part 58 compliant CASTNET site
6. Field Technical Systems Audit (TSA)
Field TSAs are performed every other year at each CASTNET site (with or without ozone) by an
independent contractor. The purpose of these audits is to provide an independent assessment of the
site, the equipment performance, and the proficiency of the site operator. The auditor will verify that
flow, ozone, and the meteorological sensors meet the criteria listed in Table 1. The auditor will also
complete a performance evaluation (PE) for ozone (see below). These ozone audits will be performed
through the probe (TTP) to verify there are no line losses within the system. In addition, the auditor
will acknowledge if any objects or pollutant sources are violating the CASTNET siting criteria; see the
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QAPP for siting criteria at . During the field TSA, the
auditor will discuss any issues related to equipment, siting criteria, or operator handling with the
operator and/or site supervisor. Results from the site audit are submitted to the site supervisor, site
operator, site funding agency, and CASTNET contractor following the audit. Audit results are
summarized in a quarterly report and posted to the CASTNET website under "Quality Assurance" at
.
Field TSAs are scheduled with the CASTNET independent auditor, unless a state monitoring agency
requests to perform the audit at a site within their state. TSA announcement letters containing a list of
auditors and purpose of site visit are sent to site operators and National Park Service personnel 2-4
weeks prior to field TSAs to ensure all parties involved are prepared. If, and when, travel funds permit,
an EPA, NPS or BLM 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 TSAs will be encouraged. It is
required that at least ten percent of all CASTNET sites have a field TSA completed each year. A
proposed schedule for 2013 is shown in Table 5. CASTNET has required field TSAs every other year to
ensure network-wide consistency in the data. CASTNET will continue to perform field TSAs at 50% of
the network each year, exceeding the 10% requirement for regulatory monitors.
Table 5 Proposed Field TSA schedule for 2013
Site ID
AQS ID
Site Name
State
Region
Audit
Month
Federal
Agency
Region Contact
WSP144
340219991
Wash. Crossing
NJ
2
October
EPA
Richard Ruvo
BWR139
240199991
Blackwater NWR
MD
3
October
EPA
Andrew Hass
LRL117
421119991
Laurel Hill
PA
3
November
EPA
Andrew Hass
VPI120
510719991
Horton Station
VA
3
September
EPA
Andrew Hass
SHN418
511130003
Shenandoah NP-
Big Meadows
VA
3
November
NPS
Andrew Hass
PED108
511479991
Prince Edward
VA
3
September
EPA
Andrew Hass
CDR119
540219991
Cedar Creek
wv
3
November
EPA
Andrew Hass
PAR107
540939991
Parsons
wv
3
November
EPA
Andrew Hass
MAC426
210610501
Mammoth Cave NP
KY
4
March
NPS
Todd Rinck
CKT136
211759991
Crockett
KY
4
March
EPA
Todd Rinck
CDZ171
212219991
Cadiz
KY
4
March
EPA
Todd Rinck
MCK131
212299991
Mackville
KY
4
March
EPA
Todd Rinck
MCK231
212299991
Mackville Collocated
KY
4
March
EPA
Todd Rinck
CVL151
281619991
Coffeeville
MS
4
February
EPA
Todd Rinck
BFT142
370319991
Beaufort
NC
4
October
EPA
Todd Rinck
CND125
371239991
Candor
NC
4
October
EPA
Todd Rinck
GRS420
470090101
Great Smoky NP -
Look Rock
TN
4
September
NPS
Todd Rinck
BVL130
170191001
Bondville
IL
5
August
EPA
Jesse McGrath
STK138
170859991
Stockton
IL
5
August
EPA
Jesse McGrath
ALH157
171199991
Alhambra
IL
5
August
EPA
Jesse McGrath
VIN140
180839991
Vincennes
IN
5
August
EPA
Jesse McGrath
VOY413
271370034
Voyageurs NP
MN
5
August
NPS
Jesse McGrath
10
-------
OXF122
390179991
Oxford
OH
5
April
EPA
Jesse McGrath
DCP114
390479991
Deer Creek
OH
5
April
EPA
Jesse McGrath
QAK172
391219991
Quaker City
OH
5
April
EPA
Jesse McGrath
PRK134
551199991
Perkinstown
Wl
5
August
EPA
Jesse McGrath
CAD150
050199991
Caddo Valley
AR
6
February
EPA
MarkSather
CHE185
400019009
Cherokee Nation
OK
6
March
EPA
MarkSather
BBE401
480430101
Big Bend NP
TX
6
March
NPS
MarkSather
ALC188
483739991
Alabama-Coushatta
TX
6
February
EPA
MarkSather
PAL190
483819991
Palo Duro
TX
6
March
EPA
MarkSather
SAN189
311079991
Santee Sioux
NE
7
June
EPA
Robert Nichols
GTH161
080519991
Gothic
CO
8
June
EPA
Richard Payton
ROM406
080690007
Rocky Mtn NP
CO
8
June
NPS
Richard Payton
THR422
380070002
Theodore Roosevelt
NP
ND
8
July
NPS
Richard Payton
WNC429
460330132
Wind Cave NP
SD
8
July
NPS
Richard Payton
CNT169
560019991
Centennial
WY
8
June
EPA
Richard Payton
B AS 601
560030002
Basin
WY
8
June
BLM
Richard Payton
PND165
560359991
Pinedale
WY
8
June
EPA
Richard Payton
YEL408
560391011
Yellowstone NP
WY
8
May
NPS
Richard Payton
NEC602
560450003
New Castle
WY
8
June
BLM
Richard Payton
CHA467
040038001
Chiricahua NM
AZ
9
April
NPS
Fletcher Clover
YOS404
060430003
Yosemite NP -
Turtleback Dome
CA
9
May
NPS
Fletcher Clover
PIN414
060690003
Pinnacles NM
CA
9
April
NPS
Fletcher Clover
LAV410
060893003
Lassen Volcanic NP
CA
9
May
NPS
Fletcher Clover
SEK430
061070009
Sequoia NP - Ash
Mountain
CA
9
May
NPS
Fletcher Clover
7. National Performance Audit Program (NPAP)
The EPA coordinates with OAQPS, 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 is responsible
for selecting the sites that will be audited. Special priority is given to those sites documented or
expected to have concentrations near the level of the ozone standard. The audit results are submitted
to AQS by the NPAP auditor. EPA, NPS and BLM 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
are performed through the probe using a NIST certified gas, which is validated at least quarterly. The
auditor selects 3-4 known target concentrations to determine the accuracy of the on-site ozone
analyzer. The acceptable ranges can be found in 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix A, Section 3.2.2.1.
8. Facilities Technical Systems Audit (TSA)
rd
EPA uses a 3 party auditor to conduct the facilities portion of the TSA at the contractor's facilities.
Provided travel funds are available, EPA, NPS, or BLM staff are present at the facility audit. EPA
11
-------
provides the date of the scheduled audit to the Regions at least 6 months prior to the visit. The facility
TSA will be performed once every three years at each facility.
The purpose of the facility TSA is to provide a qualitative appraisal of the total measurement system.
Site planning, organization, documentation and operation are evaluated to ensure that good Quality
Assurance/Quality Control practices are being applied throughout the monitoring program.
RTI performed the facility TSA at AMEC, Inc. in Gainesville, FL in 2012. The facility TSA consisted of an
assessment of the staff, facilities, data and document control, and the quality control programs. AMEC,
Inc.'s project manager, database manager, laboratory manager, and QA manager were present during
the audit. Results, findings, and the responses to the findings can be found on the CASTNET/Ozone
webpage .
9. Annual Monitoring Network Plans and Network Assessment
EPA prepares an annual CASTNET (EPA, NPS and BLM-sponsored sites) monitoring network plan for
public review. The network plan focuses on the ozone component of CASTNET and addresses 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 discontinued. The NPS and BLM are responsible for
determining whether ozone monitoring at their sites are discontinued. The annual monitoring network
plan is posted for 30 days of public inspection on approximately May 15 on the CASTNET website. The
plan and response to any comments received during the inspection period are 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 provides comments within
120 days on any plans proposing changes to the ozone network, and the final plan is posted on the EPA
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/BLM for review
May 15st
Posted for public review - TTNS site, CASTNET site
June 15st
EPA begins response to public comments
July 1st
Submitted to EPA/CAMD division director for
approval
EPA will complete a network assessment every 5 years in accordance with 40 CFR 58.10(d). 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.
States may choose to include CASTNET sites in their network plan if the CASTNET site will fulfill their
requirement for rural monitoring sites. The CASTNET agency sponsor should be notified that the state
12
-------
will be using the CASTNET site in their plan so that the state and region can be included in any
discussions related to changes that may be made to the site.
10. Ozone Network Modification
EPA, NPS and BLM 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. Formal
approval of any network change is required. EPA, NPS, and BLM will consider pertinent comments on
any network modification before making any change. It is necessary that network modifications be
documented in the annual monitoring network plan process as described above.
As of April 2013, the following network modifications have occurred:
Ahead of the 2013 ozone season, CASTNET added two regulatory ozone monitoring sites, Basin, WY
(BAS601 560030002) and New Castle, WY (NEC602 560450003). These two sites are operated by BLM.
Ozone monitoring at the Konza Prairie, KS site (KNZ184 560030002) was discontinued in April 2013
after the land owner (the Nature Conservancy) and operator (Kansas State University) made a request
to EPA that the monitor be removed.
Lastly, the Howland, ME site (HOW132 230199991) was discontinued following the 2012 ozone season.
11. Data Reporting and Certification
CASTNET complies with the annual air monitoring certification requirements in accordance with 40 CFR
58.15. The certification process has been completed on May 1 for the prior calendar year's ambient
and quality assurance data. The certification materials will be signed by designated ozone managers in
EPA, NPS and BLM for their respective CASTNET sites and submitted to OAQPS for review. The Division
Director at the EPA's Clean Air Markets Division will approve with input from states and Regions on July
1. After certification, this information will be public for 30 days. CASTNET 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.
13
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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
-------
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.;
Mustafa, Mustafa
Mgr
212-637-4014;
732-906-6881
ruvo.richard@epa.gov;
mustafa.mustafa@epa.gov
Region 3
Hass, Drew
215-814-2049
hass.andrew@epa.gov
Region 4
Rinck, Todd;
Garver, Daniel
Mgr
404-562-9062;
404-562-9839
rinck.todd@epa.gov;
garver.daniel@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;
Grooms, Leland
Mgr
913-551-5266;
913-551-5010
nichols.robert@epa.gov;
grooms.leland@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
-------
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
Informational Only
R
Cleanup After a Major Disaster
16
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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
Request Exclusion
RC
Chem. Spills & Indust. Accidents
Request Exclusion
RD
Cleanup After a Major Disaster
17
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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
18
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Appendix D. Current list of 40 CFR Part 58 Compliant CASTNET Ozone Monitoring Sites - 2013
SITE ID
AQS ID
AGY
AQS
ST
COUNTY
REG
NOTES
2011
2012
2013
ABT147
090159991
EPA
EPA
CT
Windham
1
Y
Y
Y
ASH135
230039991
EPA
EPA
ME
Aroostook
1
Y
Y
Y
ACA416
230090103
NPS
ME
ME
Hancock
1
Y
Y
Y
HOW132
230199991
EPA
EPA
ME
Penobscot
1
Inactive 10/2012
Y
Y
WST109
330099991
EPA
EPA
NH
Grafton
1
Y
Y
Y
WSP144
340219991
EPA
EPA
NJ
Mercer
2
Y
Y
Y
HWF187
360319991
EPA
EPA
NY
Essex
2
Y
Y
Y
CTH110
361099991
EPA
EPA
NY
Tompkins
2
Y
Y
Y
BWR139
240199991
EPA
EPA
MD
Dorchester
3
Y
Y
Y
BEL116
240339991
EPA
EPA
MD
Prince
George's
3
Y
Y
Y
ARE128
420019991
EPA
EPA
PA
Adams
3
Y
Y
Y
PSU106
420279991
EPA
EPA
PA
Centre
3
Y
Y
Y
KEF112
420479991
EPA
EPA
PA
Elk
3
Y
Y
Y
MKG113
420859991
EPA
EPA
PA
Mercer
3
Y
Y
Y
LRU 17
421119991
EPA
EPA
PA
Somerset
3
Y
Y
Y
VPI120
510719991
EPA
EPA
VA
Giles
3
Y
Y
Y
SHN418
511130003
NPS
NPS
VA
Madison
3
Y
Y
Y
PED108
511479991
EPA
EPA
VA
Prince
Edward
3
Y
Y
Y
CDR119
540219991
EPA
EPA
WV
Gilmer
3
Y
Y
Y
PARI 07
540939991
EPA
EPA
WV
Tucker
3
Y
Y
Y
SND152
010499991
EPA
EPA
AL
DeKalb
4
Y
Y
Y
IRL141
120619991
EPA
EPA
FL
Indian River
4
Y
Y
Y
SUM156
120779991
EPA
EPA
FL
Liberty
4
Y
Y
Y
GAS153
132319991
EPA
EPA
GA
Pike
4
Y
Y
Y
MAC426
210610501
NPS
NPS
KY
Edmonson
4
Y
Y
Y
CKT136
211759991
EPA
EPA
KY
Morgan
4
Y
Y
Y
CDZ171
212219991
EPA
EPA
KY
Trigg
4
Y
Y
Y
MCK131
212299991
EPA
EPA
KY
Washington
4
Y
Y
Y
MCK231
212299991
EPA
EPA
KY
Washington
4
Y
Y
Y
CVL151
281619991
EPA
EPA
MS
Yalobusha
4
Y
Y
Y
PNF126
370119991
EPA
EPA
NC
Avery
4
Y
Y
Y
BFT142
370319991
EPA
EPA
NC
Carteret
4
Y
Y
Y
COW137
371139991
EPA
EPA
NC
Macon
4
Y
Y
Y
CND125
371239991
EPA
EPA
NC
Montgomery
4
Y
Y
Y
GRS420
470090101
NPS
NPS
TN
Blount
4
Y
Y
Y
SPD111
470259991
EPA
EPA
TN
Claiborne
4
Y
Y
Y
ESP127
470419991
EPA
EPA
TN
DeKalb
4
Y
Y
Y
BVL130
170191001
EPA
EPA
IL
Champaign
5
Y
Y
Y
STK138
170859991
EPA
EPA
IL
Jo Daviess
5
Y
Y
Y
ALH157
171199991
EPA
EPA
IL
Madison
5
Y
Y
Y
VIN140
180839991
EPA
EPA
IN
Knox
5
Y
Y
Y
SAL133
181699991
EPA
EPA
IN
Wabash
5
Y
Y
Y
UVL124
261579991
EPA
EPA
Ml
Tuscola
5
Y
Y
Y
ANA115
261619991
EPA
EPA
Ml
Washtenaw
5
Y
Y
Y
HOX148
261659991
EPA
EPA
Ml
Wexford
5
Y
Y
Y
19
-------
VOY413
271370034
NPS
NPS
MN
St. Louis
5
Y
Y
Y
OXF122
390179991
EPA
EPA
OH
Butler
5
Y
Y
Y
DCP114
390479991
EPA
EPA
OH
Fayette
5
Y
Y
Y
QAK172
391219991
EPA
EPA
OH
Noble
5
Y
Y
Y
PRK134
551199991
EPA
EPA
Wl
Taylor
5
Y
Y
Y
CAD150
050199991
EPA
EPA
AR
Clark
6
Y
Y
Y
CHE185
400019009
EPA
CN
OK
Adair
6
Y
Y
Y
BBE401
480430101
NPS
NPS
TX
Brewster
6
Y
Y
Y
Part 58 upgrade
Y
Y
too late into 2011
ALC188
483739991
EPA
EPA
TX
Polk
6
03 season
Part 58 upgrade
Y
Y
too late into 2011
PAL190
483819991
EPA
EPA
TX
Randall
6
03 season
KNZ184
201619991
EPA
EPA
KS
Riley
7
Y
Y
SAN189
311079991
EPA
EPA
NE
Knox
7
Y
Y
Y
GTH161
080519991
EPA
EPA
CO
Gunnison
8
Y
Y
Y
Site used for QA
Y
ROM206
080699991
EPA
EPA
CO
Larimer
8
purposes in 2012
and beyond
ROM406
080690007
NPS
NPS
CO
Larimer
8
Y
Y
Y
MEV405
080830101
NPS
NPS
CO
Montezuma
8
Y
Y
Y
GLR468
300298001
NPS
NPS
MT
Flathead
8
Y
Y
Y
THR422
380070002
NPS
ND
ND
Billings
8
Y
Y
Y
WNC429
460330132
NPS
SD
SD
Custer
8
Y
Y
Y
CAN407
490370101
NPS
NPS
UT
San Juan
8
Y
Y
Y
CNT169
560019991
EPA
EPA
WY
Albany
8
Y
Y
Y
BAS601
560030002
BLM
BLM
WY
Big Horn
8
Y
PND165
560359991
EPA
EPA
WY
Sublette
8
Y
Y
Y
YEL408
560391011
NPS
NPS
WY
Teton
8
Y
Y
Y
NEC602
560450003
BLM
BLM
WY
Weston
8
Y
CHA467
040038001
NPS
NPS
AZ
Cochise
9
Y
Y
Y
GRC474
040058001
NPS
NPS
AZ
Coconino
9
Y
Y
Y
PET427
040170119
NPS
NPS
AZ
Navajo
9
Y
Y
Y
YOS404
060430003
NPS
NPS
CA
Mariposa
9
Y
Y
Y
PIN414
060690003
NPS
NPS
CA
San Benito
9
Y
Y
Y
San
Y
Y
Y
JOT403
060719002
NPS
NPS
CA
Bernardino
9
LAV410
060893003
NPS
NPS
CA
Shasta
9
Y
Y
Y
SEK430
061070009
NPS
NPS
CA
Tulare
9
Y
Y
Y
GRB411
320330101
NPS
NPS
NV
White Pine
9
Y
Y
Y
DEN417
020680003
NPS
NPS
AK
Denali
10
Y
Y
Y
MOR409
530531010
NPS
NPS
WA
Pierce
10
Y
Y
Y
Part 58 Sites
77
78
78
20
-------
2013 SUMMARY
2013 Sites CASTNET ozone sites
2013 Part 58 Compliant sites
80
78
EPA ozone sites
NPS ozone sites
52
22
BLM ozone sites
Cherokee Nation SLAMS sites
2
1
SD SLAMS Sites
ND SLAMS Sites
1
1
ME SLAMS Sites
1
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