Ambient Air Monitoring

Chat CowherdMidwest Research Institute

March 17, 2010

Importance of Air Monitoring

Offers direct measure of plume impact if approximate position of monitor in plume is known

Provides basis for determining compliance with NAAQSs if monitor meets FRM standards

Continuous monitors provide for tracking plume dynamics

Perimeter vs. U/D Monitors

Perimeter monitors along historic shoreline are basis for determining whether Owens Lake dust control objectives are met

U/D arrays are needed to identify new control areas using the K-Factor approach in high impact zones

U/D method calls for monitor deployment at two downwind distances and three crosswind distances if plume is narrow

U/D Sampler Deployment forNarrow Plume

Perimeter vs. U/D Monitors

Even non-FRM configurations are useful in determining contributions of more widely disperse source areas for future control

Mobility is a consideration for rapid deployment to address specific dust storms more effectively in light of limited number of deployable units

Mobile Monitors

Mobile monitors would provide critical real-time information on crosswind plume structure along perimeter roads during actual dust storms

This information can be used to assess model performance determine whether fixed TEOM locations are

appropriate for K-Factor determination within a specific high wind event

Mobile Monitors (continued)

Even non-FRM configurations are useful in providing approximate plume structural characteristics

Mobile monitors are inexpensive to construct, requiring only a light-duty vehicle with a continuous PM10 monitor and a GPS unit

It is also advantageous to use a preseparator that removes particles larger than 10 microns from the air sample stream

MRI Mobile Monitor for Road Dust [Hi-Vol cyclone preseparator, DustTrak and GPS unit]

Example Mobile Monitor Output: Map of PM10concentration (road dustiness surrogate) along 30-mile haul road system at an open pit mine