A perfect storm is brewing that will cast more air quality data into the public realm than ever before. Refineries are preparing to comply with
This Speck model is one of several personal air quality monitoring devices available to the public and used by citizen science groups near sites of interest, such as unconventional natural gas drilling sites.
EPA’s new mandate of fenceline monitoring for fugitive emissions by late 2017, and other industries are eying the mandate as a harbinger of future regulatory initiatives. In the meantime, advocacy groups are equipping concerned citizens with next-generation air monitors and EPA is evaluating how inexpensive sensor technologies could supplement existing government air quality networks.
The best way to deal with the coming changes? Engage, and get to the table as quickly as possible. Here’s why:
If you’re not at the table, your interests and experience won’t be represented. When policies and positions that were created in a vacuum intersect, they are horribly out of alignment. Weighing in as a stakeholder increases the likelihood that future monitoring efforts will be reliable and will target important data gaps, rather than producing volumes of data of questionable quality and great expense.
Data—good data, that is—can be your greatest asset. For instance, when the Chevron Richmond Refinery’s fenceline and community air monitoring system first came on line in 2013, one of the first episodes detected could be traced to a city maintenance worker cleaning paint brushes at a nearby garage.
You have a great story to tell. Most industries, take fossil-fuel power generators and refineries for instance, have dramatically cut emissions over the last few decades. And they are operating in compliance with ever-tightening standards against a backdrop of improving air quality. And if you find you don’t have a good story to tell? That means you have an honest opportunity to explore meaningful improvements.
Opportunities for engagement come in many shapes and sizes, from speakers’ bureaus, to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational outreach, to participation in citizen science endeavors hosted by reputable non-profit organizations. Start the conversation early and keep it going!