Town of Erie Announces Deployment of Air Monitoring Network

The Town of Erie is pleased to announce the deployment of 10 air quality monitoring stations operated by Ajax Analytics and Colorado State University (CSU). The stations were deployed in phases between Aug. 4 and Aug. 17 near oil and gas well pads and in adjacent neighborhoods as part of the Town’s Air Quality Monitoring Program. The deployment represents the first half of the Air Quality Monitoring Program approved by the Erie Board of Trustees in May, with the second half, to be deployed in early September. The second installation consists of an anchor site operated by Boulder A.I.R that will provide continuous monitoring and live updates.   
 
The Ajax/CSU stations contain sensors with real-time trigger canisters that collect air samples for laboratory analysis when triggered by elevated total volatile organic (TVOC) emissions, which will allow for identification and analysis of 48 individual compound concentrations by scientists at the Atmospheric Sciences Lab at Colorado State University. Meteorological data, sensor measurements, and all canister results will be made public as received. The Town anticipates public access to the live data portal in early September, following equipment operational and data quality control testing.
 
“The Town is very excited to partner with Ajax Analytics and the CSU Department of Atmospheric Science,” said Energy and Environmental Program Specialist, David Frank. “Through the deployment of these 10 canister-based air sampling stations and round-the-clock air monitoring, our goal is to provide the residents of Erie a comprehensive picture of local and regional air quality and to quickly find and resolve emission sources and atmospheric pollutant concerns.”
 
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributor, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, ethylbenzene and toluene, are released as a part of the drilling, extraction, and transportation aspects of oil and gas production. Monitoring of these emissions will allow the Town to identify and confirm emissions events within hours or days and to allow analysis of trends in the data over time and space to help protect the health of the residents, environment, and wildlife.
 
For more information, contact David Frank, Energy & Environmental Program Specialist, at erieoilandgas@erieco.gov or 303-926-2716.