Dear CASTNET Site Operator:
This message is your CASTNET: Eye on Air Quality newsbrief for Spring 2012
(best viewed in HTML format in your e-mail reader)
SITE OPERATOR TIPS
Up channels before leaving your site
During each weekly site visit on Tuesdays, standard procedure requires the site operators to down the flow and
ozone channels while changing out the filter pack and performing checks on the ozone analyzer. See the
screenshot of a Campbell Scientific data logger where the flow channel has been downed. The status of the desired
channel can be changed by clicking on the true/false column across from the respective parameter listed under the
"Down All Channels" column. A "true" status indicates that the channel is down, and conversely a "false" status
indicates that the channel is up (see related screenshots).
Operators using an ESC data logger can determine if a channel is up or down by starting at the Home Menu, press
for the Real-Time Display Menu, then press to display the data channels with flags. If the 03, 03CAL, and
FLW channels are marked with a "D" flag to the right, the channels are offline (down). To up the channels, or bring
them back online, begin at the Home Menu and select Configuration Menu, Configure (Data) Channels,
then Enable (Mark) Channel Online. Use the up and down keys to navigate and the spacebar to select
channels. Press to put the selected channels back online.
Campbell Data Logger - Channel Down Screenshot
ŠJP SAL 133 Numeric Display t: Real Time Monitoring (Connected)
Add..
Delete
Delete All
Options..
Stop
RecNum
TimeStamp
Iwind direction
windspeed
shelter temperatd
temperature
Ilteinperahire2
temperature delti
relative humidify
wetness
precipitation
solar radiation
Transfer SR
Iozone
Transfer Ozone
flow rate
1 1.282.827 Batt Volt
09:26:52 Panel Temp
341.08 wind direction f
4 36 windspeed f
18.40 shelter temperate
5.34 temperature f
6.44 temperature2 f
-1.10
53.49
0.01
wetness f
0.00
637 91
0.00
27.65
temperature delta
relative humidify
12 95 Te m p 1 BI owe i B fa I s e
21 22
Temp2 Blower false
wind direction v
windspeed v
shelter temperatd
temperature v
T
temoerature2 v
lemperature deltd
relative humidify
wetness v
precipitation f
solar radiation f
transfer sr f
ozone f
transfer ozone f
NAN
1 .sollflow rate f
so2
56.35 S02 f
precipitation v
solar radiation v
Transfer SR V
ozone v
N/A Transfer Ozone
Mow rate v
so2 v
T
T
Down All ChannJ false
4.737.18 kind direction dtj false
0.00 windspeed downj false
0 00 shelter temperatd false
4.26 femperature dowl false
5 14 temperature2 do\] false
O.OOiemperature deltj false
534.92 relative humidify : false
7,75jiwetness down I false
0.00 precipitation dowl false
456.95 solar radiation dl false
302.71 transfer sr downl false
0 OQmw^
NAI\
2.817.39m»
I transfer ozone dl N/A
1.560 21 flow rate down I true
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ESC Data Logger - Channel Down Screenshot
ESC 88XX v5.31
ID: RM
Choose(Space Toggle/Enter Select)
04/26/02 11:30:27
> 03 = 39
(D
)
03 CAL = 0
(D
)
FLW =3.0
(D
)
[example data logger screen showing
channels down]
Unless specifically instructed by an AMEC or ARS technician to leave a channel down, all channels that were
downed during the site visit must be upped before leaving the site.
Occasionally, a channel, sometimes two, is erroneously left down by a site operator during the weekly visits. This
requires that extra time and effort be spent during subsequent data review to determine when channels were down,
update data status flags, and document these and other corrective actions taken as a result.
Before leaving your site, please review the status of all channels and make sure that all channels that were downed
during the site visit are restored to their original status.
Campbell Data Logger - Channel Up Screenshot
I1 SAL133 Numeric Display 1: Real Time Monitoring (Connected)
Add..
Delete
Delete All
Options...
Stop
RecNum |11.282.880
Batt Volt 1 12.95
Tempi Blower Bl
false
II 1
TimeStamp
09:31:05:
Panel Temp 1 21.20
Temp2 Blower B)
false
Down All Channl
false
wind direction
333.11
wind direction fT
wind direction v
4.626 57
wind direction dd
false
windspeed
6.52
windspeed f
windspeed v
0.00
windspeed down
false
shelter temperatd
18.24
shelter temperatd
shelter temperatd
-0.16
shelter ternperatL
false
temperature
5.34
temperature f
temperature v
4.26
temperature dowl
false
temperature?
7.10
temperature2 f
temperature2 v 1
5.66
ternperature2 doJ
false
temperature delti
-1.76
temperature deltd
temperature delt;
0.00
temperature delt;
false
relative humidity
50.82
relative humiditvT
'relative humidity!
508.16
relative humidity 1
false
wetness
0.01
wetness f
Wetness v
7.42
wetness down
false
precipitation I
0 00 precipitation f
precipitation v
0.00
precipitation dowl
false
solar radiation I
645 36 solar radiation f I
solar radiation vl
462.29
solar radiation d
false
[Transfer 3R 1
0 00
transfer si f
Transfer SR V
310.89
transfer sr down]
false
ozone
29.24
ozone f
ozone v
O.OQj
iTransfer Ozone T
NAN
transfer ozone fT N/A Transfer Ozone A
NAN
Itransfer ozone dJ
N/J
flow rate
so2
1 SO flow rate f
56 33 so2 f
flow rate v
so2 v
1.560.71
2.816.5?
flow rate down MB
fals|
^^aroci
ESC Data Logger - Channel Up Screenshot
ESC 88XX v5.31 ID:RM Choose(Space Toggle/Enter Select) 04/26/02
11:30:27
>03 = 39 ( )
> 03CAL 0 ( )
> FLW = 3 .0 ( )
[example data logger screen showing channels up
(online)]
Filter pack field blanks
CASTNET measurements and supporting activities are routinely assessed in order to ensure that CASTNET data
can be used with confidence and that CASTNET continues to produce information of the highest quality. As
described in the CASTNET Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), various checks are in place to verify that
sample integrity is maintained. This process begins with filter acceptance testing and continues throughout all
stages of filter handling to ensure that materials in contact with sample media do not affect the anaiytes of interest in
a way that could bias results. These materials must be traceable to a point to enable documentation of their contact
with the sample. In addition to other quality control checks, sample integrity is maintained by incorporating testing of
laboratory blanks and field (trip) blanks for the dry deposition samples.
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As described in Section 3.1.3 of the current CASTNET QAPP, field blanks are prepared once each quarter for each
sampling site. The filter packs used for the field blanks contain a nonstandard quick connect that cannot be installed
on the tower. The field blanks that are sent to each site are clearly identified with labels informing the site operator
not to remove the filter pack from the resealable plastic bag. When the field blank is received back from the site, it is
unpacked and extracted following the standard procedures. A field blank's trip to and from the site provides a way to
quantitatively check that contamination is not introduced to the sampling media during the packing, shipping, and
unpacking process.
When you receive a field blank at your site, it will be sent in the same shipping tube as the regular, weekly filter
pack. Leave the field blank in the shipping tube, and return it with the same sample with which it arrived after the
required collection week period ends. Identification (ID) numbers for the field blanks will be similar to the Lab ID for
the regular filter pack with the exception that the field blank number ends in "4" instead of "1." For example, the filter
pack field blank for week 17 that will be going to site ABT147, CT is Lab ID 1217004-01, and the filter pack sample
for week 17 is Lab ID 1217001-01, both indicating the same on-date. However, only the filter pack sample
(1217001 -01) should be removed from the shipping tube.
Data logger time prevails
One sign of spring for most people in the United States is the change to Daylight Saving Time. Clocks are set
forward an hour in March and remain at that time until fall when it is time to revert back to Standard Time. While this
is true for most states, it should be noted that CASTNET sites do not follow Daylight Saving Time. The data logger
for each site is set to local Standard Time. To ensure continuity from week to week, please only use data logger
time when completing the Site Status Report Form and any other site documentation.
Requesting supplies
As a site operator for CASTNET, you can count on us to provide what you need for your weekly visits to your site.
AMEC provides supplies for all EPA-sponsored sites; ARS provides supplies for all NPS-sponsored sites. If you
are running low on supplies, let us know on your Tuesday call. You can also call us at another time or send us an
email. Additionally, you can request supplies directly on the Site Status Report Form (SSRF) that is included with
the filter pack.
The types of supplies usually requested include gloves, Teflon filters, log books, and shipping labels. Silica gel is
also commonly requested for EPA-sponsored sites. In general, we will provide or reimburse your expenses for
nearly any item required at a site. To obtain supplies for EPA CASTNET sites: contact AMEC Telephone: 1-888-
224-5663 ext. 2602 or ext. 6620 (Eastern Time). To obtain supplies for NPS CASTNET sites: contact Air Resource
Specialists Telephone: 1-800-344-5423 (Mountain Time).
NETWORK NEWS
Highlights from the CASTNET summit meeting
In March, EPA, NPS, and their contractors (AMEC and ARS, respectively) met for a joint summit meeting in
Jacksonville, FL to discuss ways to further integrate the EPA and NPS sites, future upgrades to the network, data
issues, and special study results. Some highlights from the meeting are described below.
Howland, ME Direct Deposition Study at AmeriFlux
The AmeriFlux network was designed to measure carbon dioxide (C02) and water (H20) vapor fluxes at sites
throughout North, Central, and South America. The Howland, ME AmeriFlux site is located approximately 2 miles
from the Howland CASTNET site (HOW132). The AmeriFlux site is located in a small clearing in an old growth
forest with a canopy height of approximately 20 meters (m). There is a 30 m tower, which is used to perform flux
studies at the site. EPA's Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD), AMEC, and EPA's Office of Research and
Development have deployed CASTNET filter packs at two heights (2 m and 23.5 m) on the AmeriFlux tower. In
addition, an ozone analyzer was installed with a solenoid-trigger system to switch between eight sampling inlets
at different heights on the tower to measure hourly samples of the ozone profile extending above and below
the canopy.
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Greg Beachley (CAMD) presented the preliminary results from the study that showed a diurnal fluctuation and
episodes of decreasing ozone concentrations with decreasing inlet height. EPA is assessing whether the current
meteorological equipment at the site is capturing all of the data that will be necessary for modeling the flux at the
site. The data collected from this study will be used to evaluate the Multi-Layer Model (the model used by
CASTNET calculate deposition velocities) and re-parameterize it if necessary. If this study provides improved flux
estimates for CASTNET, EPA will consider installing similar systems at additional AmeriFlux sites in the future.
CASTNET Regulatory Ozone Monitoring
All EPA- and NPS-sponsored CASTNET ozone monitoring data are being submitted to EPA's Air Quality System
(AQS) and will be used to calculate "design values" (i.e., the air quality status of a region relative to the National
Ambient Air Quality Standards, or NAAQS). This has required equipment upgrades and more conservative quality
assurance (QA) procedures to be implemented. In 2010, it was noted that there was a slight bias in the collocated
ozone data at the Rocky Mountain National Park collocated sites ROM406/ROM206. Since then, several changes
have been made to both the EPA- and NPS-sponsored sites to remove any differences in the equipment setup and
data QA. The NPS and its contractor, ARS, are updating the NPS site ozone transfer standards to become Level 3
transfer standards, where the level indicates how far removed from the primary standard (i.e., Level 1) the transfer
is. As of May 2011, all EPA-sponsored sites have Level 3 site transfer standards. Another difference in sample
systems is that EPA sites still use knockout bottles to collect any condensation that forms within the sample line,
whereas the NPS sites do not. EPA will remove the knockout bottle at ROM206 to see if the 2 parts per billion (ppb)
bias we currently see is reduced. In addition, AMEC will perform a calibration at an NPS-sponsored site, and ARS
will perform a calibration at an EPA-sponsored site using their respective equipment in April to determine if there is
a difference in their transfer standards. Note, even with the small bias in the data at ROM406/ROM206, the data are
still within the 40 CFR Part 58 monitoring requirements.
To ensure the required audits are being performed and the proper paperwork is submitted to EPA's Office of Air
Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS), Tim Sharac (CAMD) presented a document outlining these procedures.
The document was circulated prior to the meeting, and key questions that still remained were answered during this
discussion. When this document is finalized, it will be posted on the CASTNET Web site (www.epa.gov/castnet).
Calculating Deposition Velocities
In addition to measuring air pollutant concentrations, CASTNET has historically collected hourly meteorological
measurements that are used as input to the Multi-Layer Model, a numerical model used for estimating dry
deposition to ecosystems in the atmospheric boundary layer. The Multi-Layer Model utilizes meteorological data to
model the deposition velocity of a component, (i.e., its rate of deposition). As of January 2011, meteorological
parameters are measured at only four of the EPA-sponsored CASTNET sites: PAL190, TX; CHE185, OK; BVL130,
IL; and BEL116, MD. Temperature measured at 9 meters has been retained at all sites in order to calculate flow
rates. In order to replace missing deposition velocity values caused by missing and discontinued meteorological
parameters and improve data completeness, a new method has been developed for replacing "missing" deposition
velocities. Gary Lear (CAMD) outlined the data replacement scheme, which includes taking a 5-year average
deposition velocity for every hour and using that average to replace any missing values. While all the results were
not final at the summit, final results will be presented at the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) Total
Deposition Science Committee meeting on April 23rd in Portland, OR. The Multi-Layer Model will still be run for the
NPS and EPA sites that still operate meteorological equipment. EPA will only provide seasonal and annual flux
values on the CASTNET Web site.
While the data replacement method will be used in the near-term, EPA and NPS will explore other methods for
estimating dry deposition. The Community Multi-Scale Air Quality Model (CMAQ) has been proposed as one source
of dry deposition velocities. However, several obstacles remain before CMAQ is routinely used in CASTNET.
Foremost among them are the long lag times between measurements and model runs (typically more than two
years) and the frequent revisions to the model itself.
Finally, to wrap up the meeting, we discussed what the future of CASTNET might look like from an EPA and NPS
perspective. There was overall agreement that we need to continue to explore ways to provide dry deposition
values that are more useful than modeling alone, to position ourselves to be relevant under any new EPA
regulations (e.g., a nitrogen oxides (NOx)/sulfur oxides (SOx) secondary standard or a revised ozone NAAQS), and
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continue to build and maintain partnerships (i.e., climate monitoring, Bureau of Land Management, etc.). Overall,
the joint summit was successful, and everyone agreed that meeting was worthwhile and helped us improve our
vision for the future of the network.
OUTSTANDING SITES
National Park Service (NPS) sites that achieved 95%-100% validated ozone data for December 2011 through
February 2012 and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sites that achieved 95%-100% validated ozone
data for April 2011 through July 2011:
ACA416, ME
GRB411, NV
PET427, AZ
ASH135, ME
GRC474, AZ
PIN414, CA
BBE401, TX
GRS420, TN
PNF126, NC
BWR139, MD
HOW132, ME
PSU106, PA
CAN407, UT
JOT403, CA
ROM406, CO
CDR119, WV
KEF112, PA
SEK430, CA
CHE185, OK
KNZ184, KS
SHN418, VA
COW137, NC
LAV410, CA
UVL124, Ml
DCP114, OH
LRU 17, PA
VOY413, MN
DEN417, AK
MAC426, KY
WST109, NH
ESP127, TN
MEV405, CO
YEL408, WY
GLR468, MT
MOR409, WA
YOS404, CA
Please contact us with topics and tips of what you want us to explore next time in your CASTNET: Eye on Air
Quality newsbrief.
For monitoring site assistance, please contact:
NPS CASTNET sites: contact Air Resource Specialists Telephone: 1-800-344-5423 (Mountain Time)
EPA CASTNET sites: contact AMEC Telephone: 1-888-224-5663 ext. 2602 or ext. 6620 (Eastern Time)
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