Air Quality System (AQS)
Robert Coats and Chris Chapman – EPA/OAQPS 
8:00am – 12:00pm

This full day training provied a basic overview of EPA’s Air Quality Data System.

The morning session focussed on understanding AQS and learning how to submit data.

(no slides)

Quality Assurance Training
EPA/OAQPS Ambient Air Monitoring QA Team
8:00am – 12:00pm

 This session covered ambient air monitoring quality assurance requirements in 40 CFR Part 58 Appendix A for monitoring related to the NAAQS.  Training was provided on the quality control samples for each criteria pollutant including frequency of collection and reporting, the statistics for assessing data quality, and the assessment tools available including the Data Assessment Statistical Calculator, the AMP 256 Report and the AMP600 data Certification Evaluation and Concurrence Report. 

Quality System For the
Ambient Air Monitoring
Program (PDF) (37pp, 3.6 MB)

Gaseous Pollutants - NAAQS O3,CO, NO2 and SO2 (PDF) (29pp, 2.9 MB)

QA 101: PM QA Requirements (PDF) (50pp, 5.2 MB)

Pb Quality Assurance - Routine Monitoring and Pb-PEP (PDF) (23pp, 1.9 MB)

Best Practices for PM2.5 Continuous Monitoring
Tim Hanley – EPA/OAQPS
8:00am – 10:00am

 This session covered program objectives, requirements, and flexibility, designed for newer staff and those working to optimize their PM2.5 continuous monitoring program. Training also provided detailed assessments of PM2.5 continuous monitors.

PM2.5 Continuous Monitoring Program Objectives, History, Requirements, and Flexibility (PDF) (25pp, 1.9 MB)

PM2.5 Continuous Monitoring Network Overview (PDF) (9pp, 1.1 MB)

PM2.5 Continuous Monitoring Assessing the Data (PDF) (33pp, 2.2 MB)

PM2.5 Continuous Monitoring Qualitative Issues on PM2.5 Continuous Methods (PDF) (18pp, 1.1 MB)

Best Practices for PM Gravimetric Laboratory
Greg Noah – EPA/OAQPS
10:30am – 12:00pm

This session provided an overview of PM weighing laboratories.  Content included what a “healthy” lab looks like, how to assess and audit a lab, and tools used to assess a lab.

PM2.5 Weighing Laboratory Training Requirements (PDF) (54pp, 8.1 MB)

Air Toxics Training
David Shelow – EPA/OAQPS
8:00am – 12:00pm

This session included training on VOC analysis using the Entech pre-concentrator and a GC/MS, as well as canister cleaning and standards dilution practices

TO-11A and TO-15 Sample Collection Systems and Select Elements Related to Field Installation and Operation (PDF) (37pp, 1.8 MB)

Markes International Thermal
Desorption Training (PDF) (45pp, 2.6 MB)

TO-15 Quality Assurance Requirements and Best Practices (PDF) (15pp, 151k)

Air Quality System (AQS) (continued)
Robert Coats and Chris Chapman – EPA/OAQPS
1:30pm – 5:00pm

The afternoon session focussed on running reports, retrieving data, and providing an overview of other mechanisms that can be used to obtain AQS data.

(no slides)

Quality Assurance Training (continued)
EPA/OAQPS Ambient Air Monitoring QA Team
1:30pm – 5:00pm

QA Transactions and Reports - Monitoring Quality Assurance (PDF) (17pp, 1.1 MB)

Appendix A: Calculations for Data Quality Assessment (PDF) (35pp, 1.1 MB)

Technical Systems Audits - QA 101 Session (PDF) (57pp, 5.7 MB)

Annual Air Monitoring Data Certification and Concurrence Process (PDF) (18pp, 1.6 MB)

Data Analysis Tools
Kevin Cavender and Lewis Weinstock – EPA/OAQPS
1:30pm – 5:00pm 

This session covered the recently updated VOCDAT tool for analyzing PAMS Data and the latest version of Real-Time AirNow Tech 2.1

NEW Dat Tool for PAMS Data Validation and Analysis (PDF) (46pp, 2.9 MB)

AirNow and AirNow-Tech (PDF)(12pp, 2.2 MB)

Preparing a Useful 5-year Network Assessment
Eric Stevenson (BAAQMD), Gail Good (WI DNR) and Anna Kelley (SW Ohio Air Quality Agency)
1:30pm – 5:00pm

This session covered perspectives on network plans and assessments from HQ, Regions and State/local personnel, as well as available tools.  Majority of time was spent on open discussion and Q&A’s on assessments.

Monitoring Network Assessments: Best Practices and Lessons Learned (PDF) (16pp, 1.7 MB)

Maryland’s Approach to the 2010 Network Assessment and Plans for 2015 (PDF) (17pp, 986k)

LADCO States 5-Year Network Assessment (PDF) (22pp, 1.4 MB)

Regional Office Perspectiveof Network Assessments (PDF) (14pp, 1.5 MB)

A Multi-objective Assessment of an Air Quality Monitoring Network using Evvironmental, Economic, and Social Indicators and GIS-based Models (PDF) (22pp, 2.2 MB)

Preparing A Useful 5-Year Network Assessment (PDF) (11pp, 1.3 MB)

CSN and IMPROVE Update (PDF) (11pp, 1.0 MB) - Beth Landis, EPA OAQPS and Nicole Hyslip, UC Davis

Investigating Missing Sources of Sulfur (PDF) (20pp, 1.4 MB) - Richard Peltier, Univ of Massachusetts

Assessment of Measurement Error in CSN Data using Collocated Samplers (PDF) (39pp, 602k) - Kelsey Haddad, Washington University

Intra-urban Variability of PM2.5 Components across Metropolitan St. Louis (PDF) (25pp, 1.7 MB) - Li Du, Washington University

Everything NATTS (PDF) (13pp, 871k) - Dave Shelow, EPA OAQPS

NATTS QA (PDF) (19pp, 1.7 MB) - Greg Noah, EPA

Data Validation Templates for NATTS Pollutants (PDF) (24pp, 2.0 MB) - Stephanie McCarthy, EPA Region 4

NATTS Assessment and Data Archive (PDF) (30pp, 1.7 MB) - Regi Oommen, Eastern Research Group

NATTS Data Analysis (PDF) (21pp, 1.5 MB) - Madeleine Strum, EPA OAQPS

PAMS AutoGC Evaluation (PDF) (17pp, 1.0 MB) - Kevin Cavender, EPA OAQPS

Lessons Learned from the PAMS Program (PDF) (21pp, 2.2 MB) - Hilary Hafner, Sonoma Technology, Inc.

PAMS Re-Engineering and the Local Agency (PDF) (10pp, 1.0 MB) - Jason Low, South Coast AQMD

Revisions to PAMS Target List (PDF) (10pp, 507k) - Kevin Cavender, EPA OAQPS

Site and Monitor Configuration (PDF) (15pp, 571k)

Agency Roles and Access Control (PDF) (15pp, 543k)

Data Certification (PDF) (11pp, 517k)

Characterization of Coarse Aerosol in St. Louis and Phoenix: Results from EPA’s 2010-2011 Pilot Study (PDF) (26pp, 7.8 MB) - Jay Turner, Washington University

Operating Experience with the Sunset Carbon Evaluation Project at the St. Louis, MO Site (PDF) (34pp, 3.0 MB) - Will Wetherell, MO DNR

Improved Optical and Chemical Characterization Methods for PM2.5 Source Apportionment (PDF) (36pp, 5.1 MB) - Richard Tropp, Desert Research Institute

Updates on EPA Method TO-11A (PDF) (12pp, 638k) - Ian MacGregor, Battelle Memorial Institute

Evaluating the Collection Efficiency of Carbonyls Compounds utilizing TO-11A (PDF) (30pp, 931k) - Victoria Genther, Eastern Research Group

Assessing the Feasibility of Measuring Carbonyls in Ambient Air with a Submillimeter Wave Spectroscopic Sensor (PDF) (19pp, 900k) - Chris Ball, Battelle Memorial Institute

Characterizing the Short-term Temporal Stability of  VOCs in Stainless Steel Canisters (PDF) (19pp, 928k) - Bob Lordo, Battelle Memorial Institute

Successful Implementation of an Alternative Co-located Transfer Standard Audit Approach: Continuous Deployment of CTS Wind Sensors on a Tall Tower (PDF) (31pp, 1.2 MB) - Kirk Stopenhagen, Vorticity Consulting

Upper Air Meteorological Measurements:  Why Do We Care and What Technology is Best for You? (PDF) (24pp, 1.5 MB) - Clinton MacDonald, Sonoma Technology, Inc.

Updates on EPA Method TO-11A (PDF) (12pp, 627k) - Ian MacGregor, Battelle Memorial Institute

Exceptional Events (PDF) (16pp, 887k)

QA Transactions and Reports (PDF) (29pp, 2.0MB)

Obtaining AQS Data - Discoverer Replacement (PDF) (13pp, 474k)

Sensor Overview (PDF) (39pp, 5.8 MB) - Gayle Hagler, EPA ORD

Practical and Demonstrated Uses of Low-Cost Sensors from Regulation to Education: The Rest of the Story (PDF) (29pp, 2.7 MB) - Tim Dye, Sonoma Technology, Inc.

Community Air Sensor Network Project (PDF) (30pp, 4.5 MB) - Daniel Garver, EPA Region 4

Evaluation of small sensor technology for criteria air pollutants at ground-based sites and a citizen science network (PDF) (41pp, 10.1 MB) - Rachelle Duvall, EPA ORD

Calibrating Concern about PAHs in Urban Air Using Monitoring and Modeling (PDF) (18pp, 2.7 MB) - Cassie McMahon, MN PCA

Baldwin Hills Air Quality Study (PDF) (22pp, 2.3 MB) - Steve Brown, Sonoma Technology, Inc.

Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Studies (MATES IV) (PDF) (23pp, 2.5 MB) - Jason Low, South Coast AQMD

Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Studies (MATES IV) (PDF) (20pp, 2.9 MB) - Andrea Polidori, South Coast AQMD

Spatial Patterns and Temporal Trends in Boston Black Carbon (PDF) (16pp, 1.8 MB) - George Allen, NESCAUM

Innovative Solutions to Keep the Aging PM2.5 FRM QA Process Current (PDF) (40pp, 2.2 MB) - Corey Mocka, NC DENR

PEP PM2.5 Audits (PDF) (24pp, 2.1 MB) - Dennis Crumpler, OAQPS

Continuous PM2.5 FRM/FEM Performance Evaluation (PDF) (23pp, 1.2 MB) - Cassie McMahon, MN PCA

Evaluation of PM2.5 Bias (Follow up from Denver) (PDF) (33pp, 1.7 MB) - Shelly Eberly, Geometrics

AQS Support and Help (PDF) (14pp, 1.1 MB)

AQS Data Handling (PDF) (13pp, 502k)

AQS Data Access (PDF) (17pp, 851k)

Performance Evaluation of a Low-Cost, Real Time Community Air Monitoring Station (PDF) (41pp, 4.9 MB) - Wan Jiao, EPA ORD

Low cost sensors: Field Evaluations and Multi-sensor Approaches for Emissions Factors (PDF) (35pp, 2.8 MB) - Mike Bergin, Georgia Institute of Technology

Use of Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or Air Quality and Meteorological Measurements (PDF) (19pp, 1.8 MB) - Robert Baxter, T&B Systems

Investigating Personal Exposures of Traffic Police in Kathmandu, Nepal:  High Concentrations in the Himalayas (PDF) (24pp, 1.7 MB) - Richard Peltier, Univ of Massachusetts

An Evaluation of Robotic Optical Carbon Analysis on Teflon Filter Media (PDF) (33pp, 869k) - Paige Presler-Jur, Research Triangle Institute

Speciated Reactive Nitrogen Measurements Using Chemiluminescense (PDF) (29pp, 3.0 MB) - Kevin Mishoe, AMEC

Ambient Intercomparison of Direct and Indirect Methods of Ambient Nitrogen Dioxide (PDF) (28pp, 1.9 MB) - Melinda Beaver, EPA ORD

Next Generation Aethalometer (TAPI 633): Update on Performance and Operation (PDF) (20pp, 1.2 MB) - George Allen, NESCAUM

Performance Evaluation of a Condensation Particle Counter near the I-710 Freeway in SoCal (PDF) (17pp, 2.1 MB) - Andrea Polidori, SCAQMD

High Volume TSP Sampler Bias Shootout in South Coast AQMD (PDF) (10pp, 1.0 MB) - Jason Low, SCAQMD

Upcoming Improvements to O3 Monitoring Methods, Networks and Protocols (PDF) (23pp, 2.8 MB) - Will Ollison, American Petroleum Institute

Through the Probe Auditing of Ambient Air Monitoring Instruments at Trace Levels: Current Capabilities (Part I) and Evaluation and Comparison of an Alternative Method (Part II) (PDF) (72pp, 6.9 MB) - Avraham Teitz, EPA Region 2

AQS Tactical Plans (PDF) (10pp, 369k)

3:30pm – 5:30pm
Tribal Air Monitoring
Michael Papp, Chris Lee and Farshid Farsi

This session included: Effective communication between EPA, States and Tribes; and The Tribal Air Monitoring Service Center  (TAMS) activities;  as well as the presentations below:    

Building Tribal Partnerships with Low-cost Small Footprint Ambient Monitoring Sites (PDF) (15pp, 2.4 MB) - Melissa Puchalski, EPA OAP
Sensor Update (PDF) (29pp, 6.3 MB) - Rachelle Duvall, EPA ORD
TAMS Update (PDF) (15pp, 1.1 MB) - Farshid Farsi
GIS Tribal Project (PDF) (10pp, 1.7 MB) - Glen Gehring

Poster Session

• Mobile and Fixed-site Woodsmoke Monitoring in Upstate NY (PDF) (16pp, 1.0 MB)
• Continuous Mixing Layer Structure Monitoring Using the Vaisala CL51 (PDF) (1pg, 690k)
• Associations between Ultrafine Particles and Co-Pollutant Concentrations in the Tampa Bay Area (PDF) (1pg, 427k)
• EPA Alternate Method 082, 301 Study For Large Diameter Stationary Sources (PDF) (1pg, 1.0 MB)
• Empowering the Public: Spot the Smoke (PDF) (1pg, 1.3 MB)
• Movable Monitoring Platform Development to Augment Citizen Science (PDF) (1pg, 5.2 MB)
• Near Road Cincinnati (PDF) (1pg, 2.0 MB)
• The FROG-4000™ : A Next Generation Portable GC for Monitoring VOCs in Air (PDF) (1pg, 8.0 MB)
• Blank Filter Results in the U.S. EPA’s PM2.5 Chemical Speciation Network (CSN) for Calendar Year 2013 (PDF) (1pg, 1.2 MB)
• Laboratory Evaluation Process for Field-Deployable Automated Gas Chromatography Units (PDF) (1pg, 1.5 MB)
• Building Tribal Partnerships with Low-Cost Small-Footprint Ambient Monitoring Sites (PDF) (1pg, 919k)
• CASTNET’s NOy Monitoring Network (PDF) (1pg, 149k)
• CASTNET Ozone Monitoring Program (PDF) (1pg, 1.5 MB)
• The Evolution of the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET): 1986 to Present (PDF) (1pg, 487k)
• Next-generation laboratory solutions for VOC air monitoring (PDF) (1pg, 202k)
• Comparability of FRM and CSN PM2.5 Mass (PDF) (1pg, 655k)