Ambient Air Monitoring Chat Cowherd Midwest 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 for Narrow 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 PM10 concentration (road dustiness surrogate) along 30-mile haul road system at an open pit mine