Environmental agency suggests monitoring systems to detect air pollution

(The Center Square) — The Community Air Monitoring and Notification Task Force met on Wednesday to discuss the effectiveness and benefits of real-time air quality monitoring systems.

An air monitoring system is the process of using electronic devices to measure the concentration of contaminants in the air. Jason Myers from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality gave a presentation to inform the Force on why it's important and what it would cost.

Myers cited the reason why their department committed to these studies. Senate Bill 35, which was passed only a year ago, requires monitoring systems that provide instantaneous reporting in certain facilities. Certain facilities are designed Title V, meaning a station with major sources of emissions.

There are 476 such buildings in the state, but Myers said some of those are bakeries, car washes and other structures that don't emit toxic air waste. Officials conducted studies individually and assured the task that should not factor into their decision.

Also, the Louisiana Community Air Monitoring Reliability Act signed by Gov. Jeff Landry earlier this year required the department to collect data on pollutants in the state to better understand the issue. The pollutants officials are concerned are sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and other airborne particulate matter.

With these requirements, the department suggested the state require and maintain regulatory monitors.

There are two types of air monitoring systems. There are air sensors, which are like fire alarms for toxic air. These are less costly but have a higher detection threshold and don't give a high confidence reading. On the other hand are regulatory monitors, which are the opposite in that they are expensive but very effective.

Myers said this type of system would cost $5.2 million for initial setup, licensing and maintenance. These systems would cost $800,000 in equipment, and $150,000 in operating and maintenance costs per site annually.

It would be an additional $5 million to hook it up to an amber alert style system that notifies residents in case of a toxic emission leak. The department would also need about $8.2 million to fill an additional 48 positions needed to provide checkups on these systems.