EPA has initiated an air monitoring effort to ensure the safety of local residents and track any developing air quality changes. Current air quality information can be viewed on the Air Now website. The contour map displays the hourly formation and movement of ozone or particulate pollution. EPA has developed a comprehensive response plan that includes air sampling tactics. EPA Region 4 is monitoring using several methods to measure particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are expected to be present as a result of oil burning. Affected Region 4 areas where impact is possible include the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. EPA Region 6 is assessing the impacts of the spill on the air quality of far southeast Louisiana. EPA is utilizing PQ200 air samplers, DataRAM DR-4000 particulate monitors, Tedlar bags for VOC grab samples and AreaRAE air monitors. Additionally, SUMMA passivated canisters (SUMMAs) with flow controllers will be used to sample for VOCs. These methodologies are commonly used for source emission testing required of industrial facilities by EPA. Air samples will be collected once every 24 hours by the PQ200 and analyzed for concentrations of particulates 2.5 microns and smaller. Grab samples for VOCs will be collected using Tedlar bags and low flow pumps, and analyzed using EPA/ERT TAGA bus instruments. The SUMMAŽ canisters will collect samples for VOCs every 8 hours and will be analyzed by method TO-15A. DataRAMs will be used in real-time monitoring of the PM-2.5 particulate levels and AreaRAEs to monitor for VOCs. CONTACT: Louise Barton PHONE: 800-372-2471 ext. 225 EMAIL: louise@aircomp.com
Cleveland News
http://clevelandpress.com/geeklog/public_html/article.php?story=20100603161915314