USEPA OMS Technical Review Sub-Committee
Emission Test Laboratory Upgrade Work Group Goals
DRAFT CHARTER
OMS Emission Test Laboratory Upgrade Workgroup
July 16, 1997
Mobile Sources Technical Advisory Subcommittee Clean Air Act Advisory
Committee
Purpose:
To advise the Office of Mobile Sources (OMS) of the Environmental Protection Agency on
the technical merits of their draft, multi-year plan to upgrade testing capabilities at
the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions laboratory, and provide insight and
recommendations to improve the plan.
Discussion:
Based on new emerging knowledge concerning health effects from mobile source pollutants
and based on new data needs as a result of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, an OMS
testing resources steering committee has identified a number of new testing capabilities
needed to satisfy mobile source program priorities. Furthermore, OMS is looking for
opportunities to upgrade existing lab facilities and systems in a way that would make test
data collection more efficient. OMS is identifying those core test capabilities that must
be maintained at OMS's own facilities as opposed to those capabilities that can be
reliably and acceptably provided by a contracted laboratory.
OMS management has determined that all parties could benefit from an advisory workgroup
made up of technical representatives from industry, academic, state and federal
laboratories.
The Work:
The workgroup will become familiar with EPA's current and planned/needed future
capabilities both through touring our facilities and studying the current draft OMS
laboratory upgrade plan. Based on their review, the workgroup will provide and discuss
comments on the strengths and weaknesses of the plan. At least four monthly meetings will
take place to discuss and gather information and focus toward the final output. The
workgroup will raise issues and advise OMS before it drafts the final laboratory plan.
Output:
Final output will be a document reviewing the OMS laboratory plan, discussing strengths
and weaknesses and making recommendations to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness of
the OMS test laboratory.
Timeline:
The workgroup will carry out its charter over a 4-month period starting August 1997 .
The first meeting will occur on August 20, 1997 at the NVFEL.
Workgroup Chairs:
The workgroup will be co-chaired by Bob Jorgensen, Cummins Engine Company, and Michael
Sabourin, Director of the Testing Services Division/OMS.
Membership:
Membership will consist of Industry, State and Academic lab representatives. Members
are:
