Consultant uses Aeroqual AQM65 Units Unravel Complicated Emission Sources Surrounding Landfill

Nearby residents of a large landfill facility had voiced concerns about air quality, specifically dust, odor and noise complaints. 1.6 kms to the west of the landfill is a Sensitive Receptor Area (SRA) consisting of residential, schools, and recreational parks. 

In addition to the landfill 34 possible industrial emission sources were identified which compounded the issue of the sources of the pollution.  The City of Colleyville Texas proposed a comprehensive study to:

(1) Determine if there are air quality issues near 

(2) Identify areas where improvements at the landfill could lessen air quality impacts to the neighboring community.

The consultant for the city purchased three AQM 65 Compact Air Quality Stations from Aeroqual’s distributor to sample for PM10, PM2.5, total volatile organic compounds (tVOC), ozone, hydrogen sulfide, methane and noise. Discrete sampling included over 50 target VOCs evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study specified multiple monitoring sites plus wind speed and direction data for accurately determining source apportionment. Measurements were also collected at seven discrete monitoring points to supplement the continuous data. Each AQM 65 collected 45,000 continuous readings for PM10, PM2.5, tVOC, H2 S, ozone and methane as well as wind data during the 5-week monitoring program over the summer.

Based on the data collected in the study the landfill did not appear to impact the SRA. However, several items were noted at the landfill that could not only enhance their compliance program but lessen the potential for future impacts to the SRA or surrounding communities.  More monitoring will be done post the recommended works. 

The full case study can be read here. Read Case Study here