2014 Ambient air surveillance report

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION
Air Protection Branch Ambient Monitoring Program
2014 Ambient Air Surveillance Report

This document is published annually by the Ambient Monitoring Program, in the Air Protection Branch of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division.
Date of Initial Publication November 13, 2015
DISCLAIMER: Any reference to specific brand names is not an endorsement of that brand by Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................i LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................................v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................vi GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................................ ix INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 1 CHEMICAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................. 2
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)......................................................................................... 8 OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NO, NO2, NOx and NOy) .................................................... 13 SULFUR DIOXIDE (SO2) ........................................................................................... 20 OZONE (O3)............................................................................................................... 24 LEAD (Pb).................................................................................................................. 35 PARTICULATE MATTER ........................................................................................... 40 PM10 ........................................................................................................................... 41 PMCoarse ...................................................................................................................... 46 PM2.5 .......................................................................................................................... 48 PM2.5 SPECIATION .................................................................................................... 57 PREDOMINANT SPECIES FOUND IN PM2.5 .................................................................................... 59 PHOTOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT MONITORING STATIONS (PAMS) .......................................... 63 CARBONYL COMPOUNDS ....................................................................................... 68 AIR TOXICS MONITORING .............................................................................................................. 75 METALS..................................................................................................................... 77 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (TO-14/15)...................................................... 83 SEMI-VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS .............................................................. 87 METEOROLOGICAL REPORT ......................................................................................................... 91 STATE CLIMATOLOGY AND METEOROLOGICAL SUMMARY OF 2014................. 91 SUMMARY OF METEOROLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS FOR 2014......................... 95 OZONE AND PM2.5 FORECASTING .......................................................................... 97 STASTICAL ANALYSIS OF FORECASTING ............................................................101 QUALITY ASSURANCE...................................................................................................................107 QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT ...............................................108 GASEOUS POLLUTANTS ........................................................................................109 PARTICULATE MATTER ..........................................................................................112 NATTS ......................................................................................................................117 PHOTOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT MONITORING ..................................................121 METEOROLOGY ......................................................................................................125 QUALITY CONTROL REPORTS ..............................................................................126 STANDARDS LABORATORY ...................................................................................126 LABORATORY AND FIELD STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE.....................126 SITING EVALUATIONS ............................................................................................126 RISK ASSESSMENT .......................................................................................................................128 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................128 RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION .........................................................................128 SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION ................................................................................138 OUTREACH AND EDUCATION.......................................................................................................143 MEDIA OUTREACH..................................................................................................150 OTHER OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES ...................................................................151 Appendix A: Additional Criteria Pollutant Data ..................................................................................153 Carbon Monoxide (CO) .............................................................................................153 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)..............................................................................................153 Nitric Oxide (NO).......................................................................................................153 Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) ..........................................................................................154 Reactive Oxides of Nitrogen (NOY)............................................................................154 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) ..................................................................................................155 Ozone (O3) ................................................................................................................156
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Lead (Pb) ..................................................................................................................158 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) ..................................................................................159 Appendix B: Additional PM2.5 Particle Speciation Data .....................................................................163 Appendix C: Additional PAMS Data..................................................................................................168 PAMS 2014 24-hour Canister Hydrocarbons.............................................................171 Appendix D: Additional Toxics Data..................................................................................................175 2014 Volatile Organic Compounds ............................................................................180 2014 Carbonyl Compounds, 3-hour (June-August)....................................................186 2014 Carbonyl Compounds, 24-hour.........................................................................187 Appendix E: Monitoring Network Survey ..........................................................................................188 Appendix F: Siting Criteria ................................................................................................................193 Appendix G: Instrument and Sensor Control Limits ..........................................................................195 References .......................................................................................................................................196
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Georgias air monitoring sites................................................................................................. 7 Figure 2. Common sources of carbon monoxide (CO) in Georgia ......................................................... 8 Figure 3. Spatial view of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in Georgia ................................................. 8 Figure 4. Georgia carbon monoxide monitoring sites .......................................................................... 10 Figure 5. Carbon monoxide annual 1-hour average compared to the 1-hour standard........................ 12 Figure 6. Carbon monoxide annual 8-hour average compared to the 8-hour standard........................ 12 Figure 7. Typical diurnal pattern of nitrogen dioxide ............................................................................ 14 Figure 8. Common sources of nitrogen oxides in Georgia................................................................... 14 Figure 9. Spatial view of nitrogen oxides emissions in Georgia ........................................................... 15 Figure 10. Georgia oxides of nitrogen monitoring sites ....................................................................... 17 Figure 11. Nitrogen dioxide annual averages compared to the annual standard ................................. 18 Figure 12. Nitrogen dioxide 1-hour design values compared to the 1-hour standard ........................... 18 Figure 13. Satellite data show that Atlanta has seen a 42 percent decrease in nitrogen dioxide
between the 2005-2007 (left) and 2009-2011 (right) periods. ............................................ 19 Figure 14. Common sources of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Georgia .......................................................... 20 Figure 15. Spatial view of sulfur dioxide emissions in Georgia ............................................................ 20 Figure 16. SO2 three-year averages of the 99th percentile of annual daily max 1-hour averages......... 21 Figure 17. Statewide SO2 1-hour design value maximums, averages, and minimums ........................ 21 Figure 18. Georgias sulfur dioxide monitoring sites ............................................................................ 23 Figure 19. Typical urban 1-hour ozone diurnal pattern ........................................................................ 24 Figure 20. Ozone formation process ................................................................................................... 24 Figure 21. Common sources of VOCs in Georgia in 2011................................................................... 25 Figure 22. Spatial view of VOCs emissions in Georgia ....................................................................... 25 Figure 23. Georgias ozone monitoring sites ....................................................................................... 28 Figure 24. Georgias 8-hour ozone nonattainment area map for the 2008 standard ............................ 30 Figure 25. Number of ozone violation days per year in relation to the current (red line) and former (blue
line) standards in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA............................................... 31 Figure 26. Ozone design values for GA EPDs ozone sites and EPAs CASTNET site. ..................... 32 Figure 27. The number of days each monitor had 8-hour averages above the 0.075 ppm ozone
standard in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA ........................................................ 33 Figure 28. Ozone concentrations for the U.S. in 2010 ......................................................................... 34 Figure 29. Common sources of lead in Georgia .................................................................................. 35 Figure 30. Spatial view of lead emissions in Georgia .......................................................................... 35 Figure 31. Georgias lead monitoring sites .......................................................................................... 37 Figure 32. Georgias lead design values, 2010-2014 .......................................................................... 39 Figure 33: 2010 lead concentrations for the U.S. (maximum 3-month averages) ................................ 39 Figure 34. Comparison of particulate matter size to human hair ......................................................... 40 Figure 35. Common sources of PM10 in Georgia ................................................................................. 41 Figure 36. Spatial veiw of PM10 emissions in Georgia ......................................................................... 42 Figure 37. Georgias PM10 monitoring site map................................................................................... 44 Figure 38. Georgias second highest 24-hour PM10 concentrations..................................................... 45 Figure 39. 2010 PM10 second maximum 24-hour concentrations ........................................................ 46 Figure 40. PMcoarse daily averages at the South DeKalb site, 2011-2014............................................. 47 Figure 41. Common sources of PM2.5 in Georgia................................................................................. 48 Figure 42. Spatial view of PM2.5 emissions in Georgia......................................................................... 49 Figure 43. Georgias PM2.5 FRM monitoring sites ................................................................................ 51 Figure 44. Georgias PM2.5 continuous and speciation monitoring sites .............................................. 52 Figure 45. Comparison of the three-year averages of the 98th percentile of PM2.5 24-hour data to the
24-hour standard ............................................................................................................... 53 Figure 46. Comparison of the PM2.5 three-year annual averages to the annual standard .................... 54 Figure 47. Map of Georgias nonattainment areas for PM2.5 ................................................................ 55 Figure 48. (a) PM2.5 average annual concentrations and (b) average 24-hour concentrations across the
United States..................................................................................................................... 56 Figure 49. PM2.5 speciation, by species............................................................................................... 58
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Figure 50. PM2.5 speciation, by site ..................................................................................................... 60 Figure 51. 2014 annual averages of PM2.5 composition data in Georgia ............................................. 62 Figure 52. Georgia PAMS monitoring sites ......................................................................................... 64 Figure 53. Average yearly profile of isoprene, 2003-2014 ................................................................... 65 Figure 54. Toluene average annual occurrence, 2003-2014 ............................................................... 66 Figure 55. Typical urban daily profile of toluene & isoprene ................................................................ 67 Figure 56. Georgias carbonyls monitoring sites.................................................................................. 69 Figure 57. This stacked column chart shows the average concentration for each of the seven carbonyls
at South DeKalb from June-August, 2005-2014................................................................. 70 Figure 58. Average 24-hour carbonyl concentrations and number of detects, by site, 2005-2014....... 71 Figure 59. Average 24-hour carbonyl concentrations and number of detects, by species, 2005-2014 72 Figure 60. Acrolein concentrations and percent detections, 2007- 2014 ............................................. 73 Figure 61. Metals monitoring site map ................................................................................................ 79 Figure 62. Percent of metals detections by site, 2005-2014 ................................................................ 80 Figure 63. Average concentration and percent detections of metals, by species, 2005-2014.............. 81 Figure 64. Average concentration comparison of zinc by site, 2005-2014........................................... 82 Figure 65. Percent detected total volatile organic compounds per site, 2005-2014 ............................. 83 Figure 66. Average concentration and percent detection of common volatile organic compounds (TO-
15), 20052014 ................................................................................................................. 84 Figure 67. Total volatile organic compound loading for each site, 2005-2014 ..................................... 85 Figure 68. VOC and SVOC monitoring site map ................................................................................. 86 Figure 69. Percent detections of semi-volatile organic compounds per site, 2009-2014...................... 87 Figure 70. Total average concentration and percentage detections of semi-volatile organic compounds
by compound, 2009-2014 .................................................................................................. 88 Figure 71. Meteorological Site Map..................................................................................................... 96 Figure 72: August 5th, 2014 Infrared Satellite Imagery and 19z Surface Dew Points ........................ 99 Figure 73: Meteorological analyses for August 6th ozone violation (including surface, vorticity,
radiosonde, 850mb, and relative humidity analysis)........................................................... 99 Figure 74: Meteorological analyses for August 7th ozone violation (including surface, vorticity,
radiosonde, 850mb, and relative humidity analysis)..........................................................100 Figure 75: 12z FFC radiosonde data for August 15th..........................................................................101 Figure 76. Formulas for calculating theoretical cancer risk and hazard quotient.................................133 Figure 77. Aggregate cancer risk and hazard index by site for 2007-2014, excluding carbonyls ........136 Figure 78. Estimated tract-level cancer risk from the 2005 national air toxics assessment.................141 Figure 79. Estimated tract-level total respiratory hazard index from the 2005 national air toxics
assessment ......................................................................................................................142 Figure 80. The AQI. ...........................................................................................................................145 Figure 81. The number of days each MSA had an AQI value above 100 ...........................................147 Figure 82. 2014 AQI Values for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA .........................................148 Figure 83. The number of days each MSA had an AQI value exceeding 100 in 2014 and which
pollutant was the critical pollutant for those days ..............................................................150 Figure 84. Sample AirNow ozone concentration map.........................................................................152
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. National ambient air quality standards.................................................................................... 3 Table 2. 2014 Georgia air monitoring network...................................................................................... 5 Table 3. Common oxides of nitrogen species and terms ..................................................................... 13 Table 4: November Average Temperature (F) and Rankings............................................................. 94 Table 5. List of equipment at each meteorological site........................................................................ 97 Table 6. Audits performed for each air monitoring program in 2014 ...................................................108 Table 7. NO data quality assessment ................................................................................................110 Table 8. NO2 data quality assessment................................................................................................110 Table 9. NOX data quality assessment ...............................................................................................110 Table 10. CO data quality assessment ..............................................................................................111 Table 11. SO2 data quality assessment .............................................................................................111 Table 12. O3 data quality assessment................................................................................................112 Table 13. PM2.5 data quality assessment for FRM samplers...............................................................114 Table 14. PM2.5 data quality assessment for semi-continuous samplers.............................................115 Table 15. PM10 data quality assessment of 24-hour integrated and semi-continuous samplers .........115 Table 16. Summary of unexposed filter mass replicates ....................................................................116 Table 17. Summary of exposed filter mass replicates ........................................................................116 Table 18. Current list of NATTS sites with AQS site codes ................................................................119 Table 19. Measurement quality objectives for the NATTS program....................................................120 Table 20. MQO data sources for the Georgia NAATS program..........................................................120 Table 21. 23 Selected HAPs and their AQS parameter codes ...........................................................121 Table 22. Percent completeness of Georgia's 2014 AQS data, selected compounds ........................121 Table 23. PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment for South DeKalb .........................122 Table 24. PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment for Conyers ..................................123 Table 25. PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment for Yorkville..................................124 Table 26. PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment for Ambient Monitoring Program
Summary ..........................................................................................................................125 Table 27. Meteorological measurements accuracy results .................................................................126 Table 28. Compounds monitored and screening values used in initial assessment ...........................130 Table 29. Summary of chemicals analyzed in 2014 ...........................................................................131 Table 30. Site-specific detection frequency and mean concentration for chemicals that exceeded their
screening values in 2014 ..................................................................................................132 Table 31. Cancer risk and hazard quotient by location for chemicals that exceeded their screening
value in 2014 ....................................................................................................................134 Table 32. Aggregate cancer risk and hazard indices with and without acrolein data for all Air Toxics
sites in 2014. Carbonyls data were excluded. ...................................................................135 Table 33. Detection frequency, 1st and 2nd maximums, mean, cancer risks, and hazard quotients for
VOCs from the PAMs network which exceeded their screening levels in 2014. ................137 Table 34. Detection frequency, average concentration, cancer risk, and hazard quotient, 2014 ........138 Table 35. 2014 AQI summary data, most days had an AQI value in the ,,Good (0-50) category for all
the sites............................................................................................................................145 Table 36. The health concerns of sensitive populations when AQI values exceed 100 (Code Orange)
and the general population when the AQI values exceed 150 (Code Red) and which pollutants affect each population ......................................................................................149
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Ambient Monitoring Program of the Air Protection Branch of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has monitored air quality in the State of Georgia for more than forty years. During that time, the list of monitored compounds has grown to more than 200 pollutants and EPD has expanded the types of samplers used at monitoring sites across the state. This monitoring is performed to protect public health and environmental quality. The resulting data is used for a broad range of regulatory and research purposes, as well as to inform the public. This report is the summary of the monitoring data from 2014, and is an assessment of the data in conjunction with previous years findings.
The Chemical Monitoring Activities, Photochemical Assessment Monitoring (PAMS), and Air Toxics Monitoring sections provide an in-depth discussion of the chemicals that are monitored and maps identify individual monitoring sites. These sections also contain discussions on general health effects, measurement techniques, and attainment designations for the criteria pollutants that are monitored. Additionally, these sections discuss trends and common sources for the monitored pollutants.
Six pollutants fall within the criteria pollutant list. These pollutants are carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (now regulated in two size categories). The ambient concentrations of these pollutants must meet a regulatory standard, which is health-based. Concentrations above the standard are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Another set of compounds called air toxics are monitored throughout the state in the Air Toxics Network. The sources of these emitted compounds include vehicle emissions, stationary source emissions, and natural sources. These air toxic compounds do not have ambient air regulatory standards. However, a review of the monitoring results is screened for theoretical lifetime cancer risk and potential non-cancer health effects on a yearly basis. This analysis is presented in the Risk Assessment section of this report. Estimates of theoretical cancer risk posed by these compounds are primarily driven by a small number of chemicals in the metals, volatile organic compounds, and carbonyls groups of the air toxics. The estimates of theoretical lifetime cancer risk related to air toxic pollutants in the areas monitored across the state ranged from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 1,000,000. The potential risk of non-cancer health effects from air toxic pollutants is estimated differently, and most chemicals fell well below the hazard quotient of 1.
The Ambient Monitoring Program also operates an extensive network of meteorological stations. The Meteorological Report section discusses Georgias climatology, based on the meteorological data captured at PAMS sites and statewide sites. The meteorological sites provide, at a minimum, wind speed and wind direction data. Some stations are very sophisticated and provide information on barometric pressure, relative humidity, solar radiation, temperature, and precipitation. A discussion of the Georgia ozone and PM2.5 forecasting effort is also included in this section.
The Quality Assurance section shows the Ambient Monitoring Programs undertaking to produce quality data. The data has to be collected and measured in a certain manner to meet requirements that are set forth by the EPA. The requirements for each monitored pollutant are provided, including field and laboratory techniques, as well as the results of quality assurance audits.
The Outreach and Education section provides information concerning the efforts of the Clean Air Campaign to change the commuting habits of residents of Atlanta. This voluntary program partners with the public and private sector to reduce vehicle congestion and aid in reducing vehicle emissions. This section includes a description of educational and news media outreach activities, and explains how the Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to offer the public an easy to use indicator of air quality.
The appendices of this document contain summary tables for the pollutants measured during 2014. Included in the summary tables is information about the location of air pollutant detections, the number of samples collected, as well as average and maximum concentrations.
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The following graphs depict the overall improvement of Georgias air quality since the inception of Georgia EPDs Ambient Air Monitoring Program. As shown in these graphs, some pollutants seem to have more of a cyclic trend, but all have shown an overall decrease in air pollution concentrations since GA EPD began monitoring ambient air decades ago. Details are included in the following ambient air surveillance report.

Concentration (g/m3)

24

Annual 24-Hour Average PM2.5

22

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

Macon Allied Chemical Kennesaw Atlanta Fire Station #8 Columbus Cusseta Rd. Sandersville Valdosta
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.02

Macon Forestry South Dekalb Brunswick Yorkville Gordon Columbus Airport

Year

Savannah Mercer Albany Gainesville Augusta Bungalow Rd. Gwinnett Tech Athens

Annual 1-Hour Average Ozone

Forest Park Rome, Coosa Elem Columbus Health Dept. Rossville Warner Robins

Concentration (ppm)

Macon Evans Confederate Ave. Yorkville

Savannah Newnan Brunswick Augusta

Year
Summerville Dawsonville Gwinnett Tech Conyers

Athens South DeKalb McDonough Leslie

Kennesaw Douglasville Fort Mountain CASTNET

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Concentration (ppm)

Annual 1-Hour Average Carbon Monoxide
1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0

Concentration (ppm)

0.050 0.045 0.040 0.035 0.030 0.025 0.020 0.015 0.010 0.005 0.000

South DeKalb

Year Roswell Road

Yorkville

Annual 1-Hour Average Sulfur Dioxide

Near-road GA Tech

Concentration (ppm)

0.025 0.020 0.015 0.010 0.005 0.000

Rome Macon South DeKalb

Year Confederate Ave. Savannah L&A
Annual 1-Hour Average Nitrogen Dioxide

Savannah E. President St. Augusta

South Dekalb

Conyers

Year Yorkville

Near-road GA Tech

Copies of this and previous annual reports are available in Adobe Acrobat format via the Ambient Monitoring Program website at http://epd.georgia.gov/air. A limited number of print copies are available and may be requested at 404-363-7006. Real time air monitoring information for the criteria pollutants may be found at the above website by selecting the pollutant of concern. In addition, the website also provides links to the Clean Air Campaign and the air quality forecast.
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Aerosols AM APB AQCR Anthropogenic ARITH MEAN AQS By-product BAM CAA CFR CO CV DNR EPA EPD FRM
GEO MEAN HAP HI HQ IUR LOD g/m3 m/s MDL Mean MSA N2 NAAQS NAMS NATTS NEI NMHC NO2 NOx NOy NUM OBS NWS ODC O3 PAH PAMS Pb PM2.5 PM10 ppb ppbC ppm Precursor PUF QTR Rawinsonde

GLOSSARY
A gaseous suspension of fine solid or liquid particles Annual Mean Air Protection Branch Air Quality Control Region Resulting from human activity Arithmetic Mean Air Quality System Something produced in making something else; secondary result Beta Attenuation Monitor Clean Air Act Code of Federal Regulations Carbon Monoxide Coefficient of Variation Department of Natural Resources (state agency) Environmental Protection Agency (federal agency) Environmental Protection Division (state agency) Federal Reference Method- the official measurement technique for a given pollutant Geometric Mean Hazardous Air Pollutant Hazard Index Hazard Quotient Inhalation Unit Risk Limit of Detection Micrograms per cubic meter Meters per second Method Detection Limit Average Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau Nitrogen Gas National Ambient Air Quality Standard National Ambient Monitoring Site National Air Toxics Trends Station National Emission Inventory Non-Methane Hydrocarbons Nitrogen Dioxide Oxides of Nitrogen Reactive Oxides of Nitrogen Number of Observations National Weather Service Ozone depleting Chemicals Ozone Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station Lead Particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less Particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less Parts per billion Parts per billion Carbon Parts per million A substance from which another substance is formed Polyurethane Foam Calendar Quarter A source of meteorological data for the upper atmosphere
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RfC Screening Value SLAMS SO2 SPMS TEOM TNMOC TRS TSP UV VOC w/m2

Reference Concentration Initial level of air toxic compounds used in risk assessment State and Local Air Monitoring Site Sulfur Dioxide Special Purpose Monitoring Site Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance Total Non-Methane Organic Compounds Total Reduced Sulfur Total Suspended Particulates Ultraviolet Volatile Organic Compound Watts per square meter

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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Introduction

INTRODUCTION

This report summarizes the air quality data collected by the State of Georgia during calendar year 2014. The Air Protection Branch is a subdivision of the states Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Environmental Protection Division (EPD).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates air quality standards nationwide through authority granted by Congress in the Clean Air Act. The air quality monitoring that is required by the Clean Air Act is performed almost entirely by state and local governments. In Georgia, the Ambient Monitoring Program of the Air Protection Branch conducts this ambient air monitoring, both to satisfy Clean Air Act monitoring requirements and to exceed them in cases where additional monitoring proves beneficial to the citizens and industries of the state. Ambient monitoring is performed to facilitate the protection of public health, as well as to protect the natural environment. The data is collected and quality assured using equipment and techniques specified by EPA. Once the data is ready, it is submitted to EPAs national air quality database (AQS), where it is available to a broad community of data users.

Despite the technical nature of the information collected, every effort has been made to make the data relevant and useful to those who do not routinely study air quality data. To provide additional information for those who have interest in more detailed technical information, extensive appendices are included. Further information about air quality in Georgia and nationwide is available from EPA.

1 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

CHEMICAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES

This section contains a summary of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the monitoring techniques used to measure ambient air quality for comparison with these standards.

The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires the EPA Administrator to identify pollutants that may endanger public health or welfare. The Administrator is required to issue air quality criteria that reflect current scientific knowledge, useful in indicating the type and extent of identifiable effects on public health or welfare that may be expected from the presence of such pollutants in ambient air. Under the CAA, the EPA Administrator establishes National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for each pollutant for which air quality criteria have been issued. The EPA is to set standards where "the attainment and maintenance are requisite to protect public health" with "an adequate margin of safety." In 1971, the EPA established standards for five "criteria" pollutants as required by the Clean Air Act. The standards and pollutants have changed over time to keep up with improvements in scientific knowledge and now consist of six pollutants. These pollutants are carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (now regulated in two size categories). For the most current list of standards, please refer to EPAs website (http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/criteria.html). The following table displays 2014 criteria pollutants and standards.

2 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Table 1. National ambient air quality standards

Pollutant [final rule cite]

Primary/ Averaging Secondary Time

Level

Form

Carbon Monoxide [76 FR 54294, Aug 31, 2011]

primary

8-hour 1-hour

9 ppm 35 ppm

Not to be exceeded more than once per year

Lead [73 FR 66964, Nov 12, 2008]

primary and secondary

Rolling 3 month 0.15

average

g/m3 (1)

Not to be exceeded

Nitrogen Dioxide [75 FR 6474, Feb 9, 2010] [61 FR 52852, Oct 8, 1996]

primary

1-hour

primary and secondary

Annual

100 ppb 53 ppb (2)

98th percentile, averaged over 3 years
Annual Mean

Ozone [73 FR 16436, Mar 27, 2008]

primary and secondary

8-hour

Annual fourth-highest daily 0.075 ppm (3) maximum 8-hr concentration,
averaged over 3 years

primary

Annual

12 g/m3

annual mean, averaged over 3 years

PM2.5
Particle Pollution Dec 14, 2012

secondary Annual

primary and secondary

24-hour

15 g/m3 35 g/m3

annual mean, averaged over 3 years
98th percentile, averaged over 3 years

PM10

primary and secondary

24-hour

150 g/m3

Not to be exceeded more than once per year on average over 3 years

Sulfur Dioxide [75 FR 35520, Jun 22, 2010] [38 FR 25678, Sept 14, 1973]

primary secondary

1-hour 3-hour

75 ppb (4) 0.5 ppm

99th percentile of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations, averaged over 3 years
Not to be exceeded more than once per year

(1) Final rule signed October 15, 2008. The 1978 lead standard (1.5 g/m3 as a quarterly average) remains in effect until one year after an area is designated for the 2008 standard, except that in areas designated nonattainment for the 1978, the 1978 standard remains in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2008 standard are approved. (2) The official level of the annual NO2 standard is 0.053 ppm, equal to 53 ppb, which is shown here for the purpose of clear er comparison to the 1hour standard. (3) Final rule signed March 12, 2008. The 1997 ozone standard (0.08 ppm, annual fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour concentration, averaged over 3 years) and related implementation rules remain in place. In 1997, EPA revoked the 1-hour ozone standard (0.12 ppm, not to be exceeded more than once per year) in all areas, although some areas have continued obligations under that standard ("anti-backsliding"). The 1-hour ozone standard is attained when the expected number of days per calendar year with maximum hourly average concentrations above 0.12 ppm is less than or equal to 1. (4) Final rule signed June 2, 2010. The 1971 annual and 24-hour SO2 standards were revoked in that same rulemaking. However, these standards remain in effect until one year after an area is designated for the 2010 standard, except in areas designated nonattainment for the 1971 standards, where the 1971 standards remain in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2010 standard are approved.
(Source: http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/criteria.html)

As shown in Table 1, there are two categories for ambient air quality standards, primary and secondary. Primary standards are intended to protect the most sensitive individuals in a population. These "sensitive" individuals include children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. The secondary standards are designed to protect public welfare or the quality of life. This includes visibility protection, limiting economic damage, damage to wildlife, the climate, or man-made material. The varied averaging times are to address the health impacts of each pollutant. Short-term averages are to protect against acute effects, while long-term averages are to protect against chronic effects.

3 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

The Georgia ambient air monitoring network provides information on the measured concentrations of criteria and non-criteria pollutants at pre-selected locations. The 2014 Georgia Air Sampling Network consisted of 42 sites in 31 counties across the state. Table 2, below, is a list of sites in the monitoring network along with details of pollutants monitored and their locations. Monitoring occurs year-round, although some pollutants have various required monitoring periods. Ozone, with the exception of the South DeKalb and CASTNET sites, is sampled from March through October, and the continuous (hourly) Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) volatile organic compounds are sampled from June through August. Figure 1 is a spatial display of the air monitoring locations in the state. Please note that not all pollutants are monitored at all sites. Maps of the monitoring locations for individual pollutants are provided in each pollutants respective section in this report. For more details regarding the ambient air monitoring network, refer to Georgia EPDs Ambient Air Monitoring Plan found on EPDs website at http://epd.georgia.gov/air.

The number of monitoring sites and their respective locations can vary from year to year depending on the availability of long-term space allocation, regulatory needs, and other factors such as the sufficiency of resources. Once a site is established, the most common goal for its use is to monitor for long-term trends. All official monitoring performed in support of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) must use U.S. EPA-defined reference methods described in 40 CFR Part 53, Appendix A, or equivalent methods designated in accordance with Part 53 of that chapter. All data collected in the network undergoes an extensive quality assurance review and is then submitted to the Air Quality System (AQS) database that is maintained by the EPA.

In general, the basic ambient air monitoring objectives that govern the selection of sites are: 1) to measure the highest observable concentration; 2) to determine representative concentrations in areas of high population density; 3) to determine the impact of significant sources or source categories on ambient pollution levels; 4) to determine the general background concentration levels; and 5) to determine the concentration of a number of compounds which contribute to the formation of ground level ozone. Data collected from continuous monitors in Georgias ambient air monitoring network are presented on EPDs website at http://epd.georgia.gov/air. The data is updated hourly at 15 minutes past the hour. Specific annual summary data for 2014 are available in Appendix A.

4 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Table 2. 2014 Georgia air monitoring network

SITE ID

Site Name

Rome MSA 131150003 Brunswick MSA 131270006

Rome Brunswick

Valdosta MSA 131850003

Valdosta

Warner Robins MSA

131530001

Warner Robins

Dalton MSA 132130003

Fort Mountain

Albany MSA

130950007 Gainesville MSA

Albany

131390003

Gainesville

Athens-Clark County MSA

130590002 Macon MSA 130210007 130210012

Athens
Macon-Allied Macon-Forestry

Columbus Georgia- Alabama MSA

132150001 Columbus-Health Dept.

132150008

Columbus-Airport

132150009

Columbus-UPS

132150010

Columbus-Ft. Benning

132150011

Columbus-Cusseta

132151003

Columbus-Crime Lab

Savannah MSA

130510021 Savannah-E. President St.

130510091

Savannah-Mercer

130511002

Savannah-L&A

Augusta Georgia-South Carolina MSA

130730001

Evans

132450091

Augusta

COUNTY O3

Floyd

Glynn

S

Lowndes

Houston

Murray

S

Dougherty

Hall

Clarke

S

Bibb

Bibb

S

Muscogee Muscogee S Muscogee Muscogee Muscogee Muscogee

Chatham S Chatham Chatham

Columbia S Richmond S

PM2.5 PM2.5 PM2.5 PM

PM10 PAMS

Carb-

CO FRM Cont. Spec. Coarse NOx NO2 NOy SO2 Pb PM10 Cont. VOC VOC SVOC onyls Met Aeth. Metals

S S

X

S

S

NR

S S

S S

NR

S S

S S

S S

X

S

X

S S

S

NR NR

NR

NR

S S S

S

X

S S S
NR

S S

S

NR NR NR NR

NR

S

NR

S S

X

NR

S

S

NR

5 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

SITE ID

Site Name

COUNTY O3

PM2.5 PM2.5 PM2.5 PM NO/

PM10

PAMS

Carb-

CO FRM Cont. Spec. Coarse NOx NO2 NOy SO2 Pb Cont. PM10 VOC VOC SVOC onyls Met Aeth. Metals

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA

130630091

Forest Park

Clayton

S

130670003

Kennesaw

Cobb

S

S

130770002

Newnan

Coweta

S

S

NR

130850001

Dawsonville

Dawson S

NR NR NR NR

NR

130890002

South DeKalb

DeKalb S/P/C S/P/C S/C S/C T/C C S/P S/P S/P/C C

C P N N P/N P N

N

130890003

DMRC

DeKalb

S

130970004

Douglasville

Douglas S

NR

131210039

Fire Station #8

Fulton

S

S

131210055

Confederate Ave.

Fulton

S

S

S

NR

131210056

GA Tech-Near Road

Fulton

R

R R

R R*

131350002

Gwinnett Tech

Gwinnett S

S S

131510002

McDonough

Henry

S

S

132230003

Yorkville

Paulding S/P S/P S S

S/P S/P

P NR NR

P

NR

132319991

EPA CASTNET

Pike

A

132470001

Conyers

Rockdale S/P

S/P S/P

P

P

Chattanooga Tennessee-Georgia MSA

132950002

Rossville

W alker

S S

X

Not In An MSA

130550001

Summerville

Chattooga S

130690002

General Coffee

Coffee

X

NR NR

NR

132611001

Leslie

Sumter

S

133030001

Sandersville

W ashington

S

133190001

Gordon

Wilkinson

S

Monitoring Types: S=SLAMS; P=PAMS; C=NCore; X=Supplemental Speciation; T=STN; N=NATTS; R=Near-Road; NR=Non-Regulatory; A=CASTNET

6 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Figure 1. Georgias air monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors
7 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

GENERAL INFORMATION Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas that is a by-product of incomplete burning. In most large metropolitan areas, the primary source of CO pollution is engendered from automobile exhaust. The CO emissions from automobiles are responsible for approximately 51% of CO emissions nationwide. Other contributors of CO are fires, industrial processes, cigarettes, and other sources of incomplete burning in the indoor environment. Figure 2 Figure 3 give a visual representation of the CO emissions in Georgia. These figures are taken from EPAs latest available records on air emission sources, based on 2011 data.

(2011 National Emission Inventory version 1 General Public Release)

Figure 2. Common sources of carbon monoxide (CO) in Georgia, National Emission Inventory version 1 general public release

Figure 3. Spatial view of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in Georgia
8 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

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Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

In colder months, a few factors come together that can cause concentrations of ambient CO to be found at higher levels than the rest of the year. Cooler temperatures prevent complete combustion of fuels, causing an increase in CO emissions. This can especially affect fuel combustion in gaspowered automobiles, as friction is increased during cold engine operation. At the same time, winter is subjected to more frequent atmospheric inversion layers. In standard conditions, the troposphere contains temperatures that decrease with increasing altitude. An inversion layer can occur when a layer of warmer air traps cooler air near the surface, disrupting the descending temperature gradient of the troposphere and preventing the usual mixing that would occur in normal conditions. During this time, the increased CO emissions can be trapped by the cap that is formed by the inversion layer, locking in CO emissions near the earths surface.

On August 12, 2011, EPA finalized changes to the monitoring requirements for the carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring network. According to these changes, EPA is requiring that a CO monitor be collocated with an NO2 near-road monitor in urban areas with populations of one million or more. EPA specified that in areas with 2.5 million or more, the CO monitors should be operational by January 1, 2015 (Federal Register: Vol. 76, No. 169, Page 54293, 08/31/11). For the State of Georgia, this monitoring requirement would be one CO monitor located in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA, collocated with the NO2 near-road monitor.

GA EPD has had three CO monitors collecting samples at the South DeKalb, Yorkville, and Roswell Road sites. However, the Roswell Road site CO monitor was shut down on March 5, 2014 due to extenuating circumstances. GA EPD re-established this CO monitor at the new near-road site at the Georgia Institute of Technology site in schedule with the NO2 monitor on June 15, 2014.

Georgias current CO monitoring network is shown below in Figure 4.

9 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Figure 4. Georgia carbon monoxide monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors. GA Tech NR began sampling June 2014, Roswell Rd shut down March 2014.
10 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

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Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

HEALTH IMPACTS Once CO is inhaled, it enters the blood stream, where it binds chemically to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the component of blood that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells. When CO binds to hemoglobin, it reduces the ability of hemoglobin to do its job, and in turn reduces the amount of oxygen delivered throughout the body. The percentage of hemoglobin affected by CO depends on the amount of air inhaled, the concentration of CO in air, and the length of exposure.

Negative health effects of CO include weakening the contractions of the heart that reduces blood flow to various parts of the body. In a healthy person, this effect significantly reduces the ability to perform physical activities. In persons with chronic heart disease, this effect can threaten the overall quality of life, because their systems may be unable to compensate for the decrease in oxygen. CO pollution is also likely to cause such individuals to experience chest pain during activity. Adverse effects have also been observed in individuals with heart conditions who are exposed to CO pollution in heavy freeway traffic for one or more hours.

In addition, fetuses, young infants, pregnant women, elderly people, and individuals with anemia or emphysema are likely to be more susceptible to the effects of CO. For these individuals, the effects are more pronounced when exposure takes place at high altitude locations, where oxygen concentration is lower. CO can also affect mental functions, visual acuity, and the alertness of healthy individuals, even at relatively low concentrations.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES CO is monitored using an EPA-approved reference or equivalent method. The analyzers are selfcontained and capable of measuring ambient CO on a continuous, real-time basis using the nondispersive infrared analysis and gas filter correlation methods. CO is monitored using specialized analyzers based on the principle that CO absorbs infrared radiation. The sample is drawn through the sample bulkhead and the optical bench. Radiation from an infrared source is chopped and then passed through a gas filter alternating between CO and N2. The radiation then passes through a narrow bandpass interference filter and enters the optical bench where absorption by the sample gas occurs. The infrared radiation then exits the optical bench and falls on an infrared detector. The N2 side of the filter wheel produces a measure beam which can be absorbed by CO in the cell. The chopped detector signal is modulated by the alternation between the two gas filters with amplitude related to the concentration of CO in the sample cell. Thus, the gas filter correlation system responds specifically to CO. The CO concentration is then displayed on the front panel display and sent to the analog or digital output. The sampler is equipped with a microprocessor that enables digital measurement of CO, automatic compensation for changes in temperature and pressure, and internal diagnostics.

ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION Data collected from the continuous monitors are used to determine compliance with the Clean Air Act (CAA) 8-hour and 1-hour standard for CO. The 8-hour standard requires that, for 8-hour averages, no concentration greater than 9 ppm may be observed more than once per year. For 1-hour averages, no concentration greater than 35 ppm may be observed more than once a year [76 FR 54294, August 31, 2011].

Figure 5 and Figure 6 show how Georgias CO compares to the two standards. Figure 5 shows a comparison to the 1-hour standard of 35 parts per million (ppm) and Figure 6 shows a comparison to the 8-hour standard of 9 ppm. Georgias CO values have dropped considerably since 1995 and are well below the standards. If the data shows that these criteria are met, then the area is considered to be in attainment of the standard. All of Georgia is in attainment of both the 8-hour and 1-hour standards for carbon monoxide.

For additional summary data on carbon monoxide see Appendix A.

11 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

CO Annual 1-hour Averages (ppm)

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report
35 30 25 20 15 10
5 0

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities 35 ppm standard

CO Annual 8-hour Averages (ppm)

Roswell Rd*

Yorkville

South DeKalb

GA Tech NR+ +started June 2014

*shut down March 2014

Figure 5. Carbon monoxide annual 1-hour average compared to the 1-hour standard

9

8

7

9 ppm standard

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Roswell Rd*

Yorkville

South DeKalb

GA Tech NR+ +started June 2014

*shut down March 2014

Figure 6. Carbon monoxide annual 8-hour average compared to the 8-hour standard

12 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report
OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NO, NO2, NOx and NOy)

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

GENERAL INFORMATION Oxides of nitrogen exist in various forms in the atmosphere (Table 3). The most common is nitric oxide (NO), but other forms such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric acid (HNO3) and dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) are also present. The bulk of these compounds in the atmosphere are produced from high temperature combustion and lightning. Nitrogen is a very stable molecule and is essentially inert unless subjected to extreme conditions. The oxides of nitrogen are less stable, however, and are key participants in atmospheric chemistry, converting back and forth between numerous states under different conditions. Many of these reactions involve the conversion of oxygen atoms between their atomic (O2) and ozone (O3) forms. As such, oxides of nitrogen are studied as precursors of (and alternately by-products of) ozone formation. With the many forms of oxides of nitrogen in the atmosphere, they are sometimes referred to using the generic terms NOx or NOy. Nitric acid (HNO3) is the most oxidized form of nitrogen in the atmosphere. This species is water-soluble and is removed from the atmosphere in the form of acidic raindrops.
Table 3. Common oxides of nitrogen species and terms

ABBREVIATION NO
NO2
HNO3 PAN NOx NOy

FULL NAME

CREATION PROCESSES

ELIMINATION PROCESSES

Nitrous Oxide
Nitrogen Dioxide Nitric Acid

Result of ozone photochemistry High-temperature
combustion High-temperature
combustion Reaction of NO and ozone
NO2 + H2O

Reacts with ozone to form NO2 and oxygen
Reacts with oxygen in strong sun to form ozone plus NO "washes out" in rain "washes out" in rain

Peroxyacetyl Nitrate

Oxidation of hydrocarbons in sunlight

Slow devolution to NO2

Name for NO + NO2

Name for all atmospheric oxides of nitrogen- mostly NO, NO2, HNO3, N2O5, and PAN

NO is changed to NO2 in very rapid atmospheric reactions. During daylight hours, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun breaks apart NO2 into NO and free oxygen (O). The free oxygen atom (O) will attach itself to molecular oxygen (O2) creating an ozone (O3) molecule. This is the origin of the majority of ground level ozone. With the UV radiation breaking apart the NO2 and N2O5, daytime levels are low. Then the concentrations rise rapidly overnight with the lack of UV radiation. When the sun
rises again in the morning, the compounds are converted back to NO and ozone. Figure 7 is a
representation of the typical diurnal pattern of NO2. Refer to the ozone section and Figure 19 for a comparison of the ozone diurnal pattern.

13 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

NO2 Concentration (ppm)

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report
0.025 0.02
0.015 0.01
0.005 0

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Hour
Figure 7. Typical diurnal pattern of nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the important oxides of nitrogen. It is a light brown gas, and can be an important component of urban haze, depending upon local sources. Nitrogen oxides usually enter the air as the result of high-temperature combustion processes, such as those occurring in automobiles and industries (Figure 8). Home heaters, gas stoves, and non-road equipment also produce substantial amounts of NO2. NO2 is formed from the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO), which has a pungent odor at high concentrations and a bleach smell at lower concentrations. NO2 is a precursor to ozone formation and can be oxidized to form nitric acid (HNO3), one of the compounds that contribute to acid rain. Nitrate particles and NO2 can block the transmission of light, reducing visibility. Figure 9 shows a spatial view of the varying concentrations of nitrogen oxides by county in Georgia during 2011. Figures 8 and 9 are taken from the latest emissions report from EPA, based on 2011 data.

Figure 8. Common sources of nitrogen oxides in Georgia
14 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Figure 9. Spatial view of nitrogen oxides emissions in Georgia
Efforts are being taken to reduce the emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides. School bus retrofitting, truck stop electrification, and locomotive conversions are three alternative methods that are being used to reduce emissions. School bus retrofitting focuses on older school buses that are being fitted with an emission control device to reduce emitted NOx. A specific type of retrofit known as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reduces output by converting nitrogen oxides to molecular nitrogen and oxygen-rich exhaust streams. SCR systems are enhanced by using a low sulfur fuel. The amount of sulfur in diesel was recently reduced by 97 percent, creating low sulfur fuel. As sulfur tends to hamper exhaust-control devices, the introduction of low sulfur fuel has allowed retrofitting to be an effective means of reducing emissions.
Truck stop electrification (TRE) reduces idling by diesel powered commercial trucks. Truck drivers are typically required to rest 8 hours for every 10 hours of travel time. During this resting period, diesel engines are idled as a means to power their air conditioning and heating systems. TRE eliminates this diesel dependence by providing an electrical system that charges battery-powered appliances including air conditioning, heating, and other electronic devices. In addition, cool or warm air is pumped into the trucks via a hose hookup at the truck stops as another method of cutting down on idling and emissions. All of this reduces oxides of nitrogen that would be produced by unnecessary idling.
Locomotive conversions reduce emissions by replacing old single diesel engines used by switch locomotives with smaller, more efficient modular diesel engines. Switch locomotives, or switchers, assemble and disassemble trains at rail yards. When they are not in action, they idle on the rails until another train comes along. The new engines, known as "genset" and eventually Tier 4 engines, utilize two or more smaller engines that can combine to equal the strength of the older engines to pull the maximum load. They can function individually, or with less horsepower, to handle less demanding loads, while cutting down on the fuel needed to perform the task. These lower-emitting off-road diesel engines also feature an automatic engine start/stop technology to reduce idling when not in use.
15 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

HEALTH IMPACTS Exposure to high levels of NO2 for short durations (less than three hours) can lead to respiratory problems. Asthma sufferers, in particular, are sensitive to NO2. This sensitivity was expressed in a study that examined changes in airway responsiveness of exercising asthmatics during exposure to relatively low levels of NO2. Other studies also indicate a relationship between indoor NO2 exposures and increased respiratory illness rates in young children, but definitive results are still lacking. In addition, many animal analyses suggest that NO2 impairs respiratory defense mechanisms and increases susceptibility to infection. Several other observations also show that chronic exposure to relatively low NO2 pollution levels may cause structural changes in the lungs of animals. These studies suggest that chronic exposure to NO2 could lead to adverse health effects in humans, but specific levels and durations likely to cause such effects have not yet been determined.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
Oxides of nitrogen, particularly NO2, are monitored using specialized analyzers that continuously measure the concentration of oxides of nitrogen in ambient air using the ozone-phase chemiluminescent method. Nitric oxide (NO) and ozone (O3) react to produce a characteristic luminescence with an intensity, linearly proportional to the NO concentration. Infrared light emission results when electronically excited NO2 molecules decay to lower energy states. NO2 must first be converted to NO before it can be measured using the chemiluminescent reaction. NO2 is converted to NO by a molybdenum NO2-to-NO converter, heated to about 325C. The ambient air sample is drawn into the sample bulkhead. The sample flows through a particulate filter, a capillary, then to the mode solenoid valve. The solenoid valve routes the sample either straight to the reaction chamber (NO mode) or through the NO2-to-NO converter and then to the reaction chamber (NOx mode). Dry air enters the dry air bulkhead through a flow sensor, and then through a silent discharge ozonator. The ozonator generates the necessary ozone concentration needed for the chemiluminescent reaction. The ozone reacts with the NO in the ambient air to produce electronically excited NO2 molecules. A photomultiplier tube housed in a thermoelectric cooler detects the NO2 luminescence. The NO and NO2 concentrations calculated in the NO and NOx modes are stored in memory, and the difference between the concentrations are used to calculate the NO2 concentration. The sampler outputs NO, NO2, and NOx concentrations on the front panel display and the analog or digital outputs. There are two major instrument designs. While they are closely related, they do not monitor the same species. NOx analyzers measure NO, NO2, and NOx. NOy analyzers measure NO and NOy, but cannot measure NO2. The NOy analyzers are also specialized for measuring trace-level concentrations; as such, they cannot measure higher concentrations. Because of these instrument design tradeoffs, it is necessary to operate a network of both instrument types to get a complete picture of local conditions.

ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION Of the oxides of nitrogen, only NO2 is regulated under the NAAQS. Therefore, only the NOx type analyzers produce data directly relevant to the standard. NO2 monitoring is required in urban areas with populations greater than 1,000,000. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA is the only urban area in Georgia that meets that population requirement. In 2014, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA had three NO2 sites collecting data. They are located at the South DeKalb, Conyers, and Yorkville sites. The South DeKalb site is designated as the area-wide NO2 monitoring site for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA. Figure 10 shows the complete oxides of nitrogen monitoring network, including NOx and NOy monitoring locations.

16 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Figure 10. Georgia oxides of nitrogen monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors
17 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Data collected from these continuous monitors is used to determine compliance with the NAAQS primary and secondary annual standards for NO2. These standards require that a sites annual average concentration not exceed 0.053 ppm (53 ppb). Figure 11 shows Georgias annual average NO2 concentrations from 2000 to 2014. Annual average concentrations are well below the standard of 53 ppb. In order to protect public health against adverse effects associated with short-term NO2 exposure, on January 22, 2010, EPA strengthened the NO2 standard to include a 1-hour form [Federal Register, Vol. 75, No. 26, page 6474, dated February 9, 2010]. This form of the standard is a three-year average of the 98th percentile of the annual daily maximum 1-hour averages. The level for this standard is 100 parts per billion. For this standard, EPA is interested in monitoring near-road concentrations and the effects of traffic emissions. In June 2014, GA EPD established one of a limited number of sites that were launched nationwide. To show how past and current NO2 data would compare to this new standard, Figure 12 displays the three-year averages of the 98th percentile of annual daily maximum 1-hour averages (1-hour design values), as available from 2000 to 2014. The 1-hour design values are well below the 100 ppb standard, and have consistently dropped since the 2000-2002 averages. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA is in attainment of both the annual and the 1-hour NO2 standard. For additional summary data on this topic see Appendix A.

NO2 Annual Average (ppb)

55

50

45

53 ppb standard

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

South DeKalb

Yorkville

Conyers

GA Tech NR*
*started June 2014

Figure 11. Nitrogen dioxide annual averages compared to the annual standard

100

90

80

100 ppb standard

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

NO2 Three-Year Average of 98th Percentile of Daily Maximum 1-hour
Averages (ppb)

South DeKalb

Yorkville

Conyers

Figure 12. Nitrogen dioxide 1-hour design values compared to the 1-hour standard
18 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Figure 13 is a visualization of decreasing NO2 levels (higher levels shown with darker red) in the Atlanta area and the northern part of the state. This image was produced using data gathered by NASA's Aura satellite equipped with an Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) (source: http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/new-nasa-images-highlight-us-air-qualityimprovement/#.U7095vldXpX).

Figure 13. Satellite data show that Atlanta has seen a 42 percent decrease in nitrogen dioxide between the 2005-2007 (left) and 2009-2011 (right) periods.
19 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

SULFUR DIOXIDE (SO2)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless reactive gas that is formed by burning sulfur-containing material, such as coal, or by processing sulfur-containing ores. Most SO2 emissions in Georgia come from electric generation (Figure 14). SO2 is odorless at low concentrations, but pungent at very high concentrations. It can be oxidized in the atmosphere into sulfuric acid. When locomotives, large ships, and non-road equipment burn sulfur-bearing fuel, or when ores that contain sulfur are processed, the sulfur is oxidized to form SO2. SO2 then can react with other pollutants to form aerosols. In liquid form, SO2 may be found in clouds, fog, rain, aerosol particles, and in surface liquid films on these particles. Both SO2 and NO2 are precursors to the formation of acid rain that lead to acidic deposition. SO2 is also a precursor for sulfate particles, which make up some of particulate matter. Major sources of SO2 are fossil fuel-burning power plants and industrial boilers. Figure 14 shows common SO2 sources and Figure 15 shows SO2 emissions by county in Georgia. These figures are based on 2011 data and are taken from the latest emissions report from EPA.

Figure 14. Common sources of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Georgia

Figure 15. Spatial view of sulfur dioxide emissions in Georgia
20 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

SO2 Three-Year Average of 99th Percentile of Daily Maximum 1-Hour
Averages (ppb)

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

On June 2, 2010, the SO2 primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) was strengthened in order to protect public health from high short-term concentrations. Three-year averages of the 99th percentile of annual daily maximum 1-hour averages are now compared to the standard of 75 ppb. Figure 16 shows how Georgias SO2 data compares to this 1-hour standard from 2000 to 2014. The highest SO2 design value for 2012-2014 occurred at the Savannah L&A site (78 ppb).

120 75 ppb standard
100 80 60 40 20 0

Rome Macon-Forestry

Savannah-E.Pres South DeKalb*

Confederate Ave Augusta**

Savannah-L&A
*Sampler started in 2010 **Sampler started in 2013

Figure 16. SO2 three-year averages of the 99th percentile of annual daily max 1-hour averages

The statewide SO2 design value averages have decreased 43% between 2000 and 2014 (Figure 17). The average of the SO2 three-year averages peaked at 82 ppb for the 2005-2007 average and has decreased to 39 ppb in the current 2012-2014 average. This graph is showing the data from the varying number of SO2 monitors that were collecting data each year.
120
100 75 ppb standard
80
60
40
20
0

SO2 Maximum, Average, and MInimum Three-Year Average of 99th Percentile of
Daily Max 1-Hour Averages (ppb)

Max

Average

Min

Figure 17. Statewide SO2 1-hour design value maximums, averages, and minimums
HEALTH IMPACTS Exposure to SO2 can cause impairment of respiratory function, aggravation of existing respiratory disease (especially bronchitis), and a decrease in the ability of the lungs to clear foreign particles. It can also increase mortality, especially if elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) are present.

21 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Individuals with hyperactive airways, cardiovascular disease, and asthma are most sensitive to the effects of SO2. In addition, elderly people and children are also likely to be sensitive to this air pollutant.

The effects of short-term peak exposures to SO2 have been evaluated in controlled human exposure studies. These studies show that SO2 generally increases airway resistance in the lungs, and can cause significant constriction of air passages in sensitive asthmatics. These impacts have been observed in subjects engaged in moderate to heavy exercise while exposed to relatively high peak concentrations. These changes in lung function are accompanied by perceptible symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing in these sensitive groups.

The presence of particle pollution appears to aggravate the impact of SO2 pollution. Several studies of chronic effects have found that people living in areas with high particulate matter and SO2 levels have a higher incidence of respiratory illnesses and symptoms than people living in areas without such a combination of pollutants.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES Sulfur dioxide is measured in the ambient air using EPA-approved equivalent method instruments as defined in 40 CFR Part 53, Appendix A. Georgias sulfur dioxide network consists of continuous instruments using a pulsed ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence technique. This monitoring technique is based on measuring the emitted fluorescence of SO2 produced by its absorption of UV radiation. Pulsating UV light is focused through a narrow bandpass filter allowing only light wavelengths of 1,900 to 2,300 angstrom units () to pass into the fluorescence chamber. SO2 absorbs light in this region without any quenching by air or most other molecules found in polluted air. The SO2 molecules are excited by UV light and emit a characteristic decay radiation. A second filter allows only this decay radiation to reach a photomultiplier tube. Electronic signal processing transforms the light energy impinging on the photomultiplier tube into a voltage which is directly proportional to the concentration of SO2 in the sample stream being analyzed. The sampler outputs the SO2 concentration to the front panel display and to an analog or digital output. Data gained from the continuous monitors are used to determine compliance with the NAAQS for SO2. Figure 18 shows the locations of the Georgia SO2 monitoring stations for 2014.

ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION
To determine if an SO2 monitor is in attainment, the 1-hour daily maximum values and 3-hour averages are evaluated. The data collected has to be at least 75 percent complete in each calendar quarter. A 24-hour block average is considered valid if at least 75 percent of the hourly averages for that 24-hour period are available [61 FR 25579, May 22, 1996]. To be considered in attainment of the secondary standard, an SO2 site must have no more than one 3-hour average exceeding 0.5 ppm (500 ppb) [38 FR 25678, September 14, 1973]. In addition, for the newer 1-hour primary standard, the three-year averages of the 99th percentile of annual daily maximum 1-hour averages should be less
than 75 ppb [Federal Register, Vol. 75, No. 119, page 35520, dated June 22, 2010]. As of the publication of this document, EPA has not addressed Georgias SO2 attainment status of the 2010 standard. For more information on Georgias SO2 attainment status, see EPAs website, http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/designations/regs.html. For additional SO2 summary data see Appendix A.

22 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Figure 18. Georgias sulfur dioxide monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors
23 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

OZONE (O3)

GENERAL INFORMATION Ground level ozone formation occurs through a complex series of photochemical reactions that take place in the presence of strong sunlight. Since the reactions must take place in the presence of sunlight, ozone concentrations have a strong diurnal pattern (occurring daily and in daylight hours). Figure 19 shows this typical diurnal pattern of ozone concentration throughout the day.

0.1

Ozone Concentration (ppm)

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0

Hour Figure 19. Typical urban 1-hour ozone diurnal pattern
For these photochemical reactions to take place, certain components, or precursors, must be available. The precursors1 to ozone are oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and photochemically reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (Figure 20). Common sources of NOx include combustion processes from vehicles and industrial processes. Examples of the reactive VOCs that contribute to ozone formation are: hydrocarbons found in automobile exhaust (benzene, propane, toluene); vapors from cleaning solvents (toluene); and biogenic emissions from plants (isoprene).

(Courtesy of Jamie Smith)
Figure 20. Ozone formation process
1 For a more complete discussion on ozone precursors see the NO2 section and the PAMS section of this report.
24 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Sources of VOCs in Georgia are shown in Figure 21 followed by a spatial view of VOC emissions across the state in Figure 22. In Georgia, biogenic emissions are the most common source of volatile organic compounds. These figures are taken from the latest emissions report from EPA, based on 2011 data.

Figure 21. Common sources of VOCs in Georgia in 2011

Figure 22. Spatial view of VOCs emissions in Georgia
Ozone is a colorless gas; however, when mixed with particles and other pollutants, such as NO2, the atmospheric reaction forms a brownish, pungent mixture. This type of pollution first gained attention in the 1940's in Los Angeles as photochemical "smog" and has since been observed frequently in many other cities.
25 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

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Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

As stated previously, ozone is formed when its precursors come together in the presence of strong sunlight. The reaction only occurs when both precursors are present, and the reaction itself consumes the precursors as it produces ozone. The amount of ozone produced, assuming sufficient sunlight, is controlled by what is known as the "limiting reactant." This limiting reactant can be thought of in terms of household baking. One can only bake cookies until any one of the ingredients is gone. If the flour is gone, it does not matter how much milk and sugar there is; no more cookies can be made without more flour. In the same way, ozone production can only occur until the process has consumed all of any one of the required ingredients. As it turns out, natural background hydrocarbon levels are quite low in Los Angeles. Therefore, in that area, hydrocarbons are typically the reactant that limits how much ozone can be produced. The control measures that proved effective in reducing smog in the Los Angeles area involved reducing hydrocarbon emissions. These control measures and the science behind them have become relatively advanced because the Los Angeles ozone problem was so severe and developed so long ago. However, many of the fundamental lessons learned about smog formation in Los Angeles over many years of research have proven to not apply in the same way in Georgia.

At the start of air quality control implementation in Georgia, the assumption was that Georgia was also hydrocarbon limited. However, the initial control measures seemed ineffective in actually reducing ozone levels. In time, researchers discovered that vegetation naturally emits large quantities of hydrocarbons. The solution to ozone control in Georgia, then, would have to focus on a different limiting reactant. Since there will always be strong sunshine in the summer, and there will always be oxygen, the only effective way left to control ozone production is to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen.

Various strategies have been put into place to control hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen. With respect to reducing emissions from automobile engines, for example, the addition of relatively simple and inexpensive catalytic converters to existing engine design was a great leap forward in reducing hydrocarbon emissions, and has been used with great success since the early 1970s. In Atlanta, while catalytic converters and many other VOC controls have been put into place, control measures have also been implemented for the reduction of oxides of nitrogen, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR) on power plant generators.

A final difference between ozone and the other pollutants is that ozone is sometimes good. While ground level ozone is considered a hazardous pollutant, the ozone in the upper atmosphere, approximately 10-22 miles above the earths surface, protects life on earth from the suns harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This ozone is gradually being depleted due to man-made products called ozone depleting chemicals, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which when released naturally, migrate to the upper atmosphere. In the upper atmosphere, CFCs break down due to the intensity of the suns UV rays, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms. These atoms react with the ozone and destroy it. Scientists say that one chlorine atom can destroy as many as 100,000 "good" ozone molecules. The destruction of this ozone may lead to more harmful ultraviolet rays reaching the earths surface, causing increased skin cancer rates. This reduction in the protection provided by ozone in the upper atmosphere is usually referred to as the "ozone hole" and is most pronounced in polar regions.

With the exception of the South DeKalb site, ozone in Georgia, unlike other pollutants previously discussed, is only monitored during the "summer" months (March through October), according to EPAs 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 58 monitoring requirements. The South DeKalb site began year-round monitoring as of November 2009. Many urban areas experience high levels of ground level ozone during the summer months. High ozone levels can also be seen in rural and mountainous areas. This is often caused by ozone and/or its precursors being transported by wind for many hundreds of miles.

As part of the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), EPA established a monitoring site in Georgia in 1988. The CASTNET site is part of a national air quality monitoring network put in place to

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assess long-term trends in atmospheric deposition and ecological effects of air pollutants. The CASTNET site is one of 85 regional sites across rural areas of the United States and Canada measuring nitrogen, sulfur, and ozone concentrations, and deposition of sulfur and nitrogen. Like the South DeKalb ozone monitor, the CASTNET ozone monitor also collects data year-round. As of 2011, the CASTNET ozone monitor met the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR), and met quality assurance and completeness criteria. Therefore, as of 2011, data collected by this monitor can be used for comparison to the NAAQS.

In 2014, the GA EPD monitored ground level ozone at 20 sites throughout the state and the EPA collected data at the CASTNET site (Figure 23).

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Figure 23. Georgias ozone monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors
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HEALTH IMPACTS Ozone and other photochemical oxidants such as peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and aldehydes are associated with adverse health effects in humans. Peroxyacetyl nitrate and aldehydes cause irritation that is characteristic of photochemical pollution. Ozone has a greater impact on the respiratory system, where it irritates the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and airways. Ninety percent of the ozone inhaled into the lungs is never exhaled. Symptoms associated with exposure include cough, chest pain, and throat irritation. Ozone can also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. In addition, ozone impairs normal functioning of the lungs and reduces the ability to perform physical exercise. Recent studies also suggest that even at lower ozone concentrations some healthy individuals engaged in moderate exercise for six to eight hours may experience symptoms. All of these effects are more severe in individuals with sensitive respiratory systems, and studies show that moderate levels may impair the ability of individuals with asthma or respiratory disease to engage in normal daily activities.

The potential chronic effects of repeated exposure to ozone are of even greater concern. Laboratory studies show that people exposed over a six to eight hour period to relatively low ozone levels develop lung inflammation. Animal studies suggest that if exposures are repeated over a long period (e.g. months, years, lifetime), inflammation of this type may lead to permanent scarring of lung tissue, loss of lung function, and reduced lung elasticity.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES Georgias ozone analyzers continuously measure the concentration of ozone in ambient air using the ultraviolet (UV) photometric method and are EPA-approved for regulatory air monitoring programs. The degree to which the UV light is absorbed is directly related to the ozone concentration. The ambient air is drawn into the sample bulkhead and is split into two gas streams. One gas stream flows through an ozone scrubber to become the reference gas. The reference gas then flows to the reference solenoid valve. The sample gas flows directly to the sample solenoid valve. The solenoid valves alternate the reference and sample gas streams between the two cells every 10 seconds. When cell A contains reference gas, cell B contains sample gas and vice versa. The UV light intensities of each cell are measured by detectors A and B. When the solenoid valves switch the reference and sample gas streams to opposite cells, the light intensities are ignored for several seconds to allow the cells to be flushed. The sampler calculates the ozone concentration for each cell and outputs the average concentration to both the front panel display and the analog or digital output. Data gained from the continuous monitors are used to determine compliance with the NAAQS for ozone.

ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION Ozone monitoring has been in place in the Atlanta area since 1980. The 1980 network consisted of two monitors located in DeKalb and Rockdale Counties. Currently the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA ozone network includes ten monitors located in ten counties.

In July 1997 the U.S. EPA issued an 8-hour ozone standard intended to eventually replace the older 1-hour standard. This 8-hour standard is attained when the average of the fourth highest concentration measured is equal to or below 0.08 ppm (up to 0.085 ppm with third digit truncated, or cut off) averaged over three years (see Table 1; 62 FR 38894, July 18, 1997). Areas that EPA designated attainment with the 1-hour standard were immediately exempt from that standard, and thereafter are subject to the 8-hour standard. In the summer of 2005, the metro Atlanta area was designated attainment with the 1-hour standard. As of the printing of this report, only the 8-hour ozone standard is applicable in Georgia. The data showed that the Atlanta area met the 1997 8-hour ozone standard, and GA EPD submitted a revised maintenance state implementation plan (SIP) to EPA for this standard. EPA approved GA EPDs SIP, and the Atlanta area was redesignated as in attainment of the 1997 8-hour standard of 0.085 ppm in December 2013.

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On March 27, 2008 the ozone primary standard level was lowered to 0.075 ppm for the 8-hour averaging time, fourth maximum value, averaged over three years (Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 60, page 16436). With the implementation of the 2008 ground-level ozone standard, the boundary of the Atlanta nonattainment area is defined as a 15-county area (Figure 24). Because the Atlanta area was defined with a ,,marginal designation compared to the 2008 ground-level ozone standard, a SIP is not required.

Figure 24. Georgias 8-hour ozone nonattainment area map for the 2008 standard
A number of activities to aid in controlling the precursors to ozone formation have been implemented. A state implementation plan (SIP) has been developed to assist in ozone reduction. As new areas are declared in nonattainment, these control measures may be expanded to include them. One activity could include a vehicle inspection program. However, as the vehicle fleet gets younger, this is not as beneficial. Other activities include installing controls on stationary emission sources, and the establishment of a voluntary mobile emissions reduction program. An example of such a program in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA is called The Clean Air Campaign (CAC). Activities of The Clean Air Campaign include distributing daily ozone forecasts (as well as PM2.5 forecasts produced by
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EPD and Georgia Tech) during the ozone season to enable citizens in the sensitive group category, as well as industries, to alter activities on days that are forecasted to be conducive to ozone formation. This is also done for the Macon and Columbus metropolitan areas. In addition to the daily forecasts, citizens have access to forecast and monitoring data on an as needed basis by accessing the Georgia DNR/EPD Ambient Air Monitoring website at http://epd.georgia.gov/air. For a more detailed discussion concerning the CAC, see the section in this report titled "Outreach and Education".

Figure 25 shows the number of exceedance days per year in relation to the current 0.075 ppm 8-hour ozone standard (red line) and the old 0.085 ppm 8-hour ozone standard (blue line). This chart was produced by comparing measurement data against both ambient standards. This demonstrates the relative strictness of each standard and shows how the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSAs air quality has changed over time. Despite a great deal of fluctuation, over the course of the past twentyeight years, there has been a gradual reduction in the number of days exceeding either ozone standard. Trendlines for both standards show that the number of days that exceed the ozone standard has fallen by approximately one day each year over this time period. Even with the new, lower 8-hour ozone standard, the data shows a decrease in the number of days with ozone exceedances for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA. In 2014, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA area had a total of 8 days that violated the current (0.075 ppm) 8-hour standard.

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Number of Ozone Exceedance Days Per Yea r

1997 Standard (0.085 ppm)

2008 Standard (0.075 ppm)

Figure 25. Number of ozone violation days per year in relation to the current (red line) and former (blue line) standards in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA.

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For 2012-2014, only three sites (all within the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA) have ozone design values at or above the standard (Figure 26). These include the Confederate Avenue, McDonough, and Conyers sites.

Ozone Annual 4th Highest Daily Maximum 8-Hour Concentration, Averaged Over 3 Years (ppm)

0.1

Macon-Forestry

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

Summerville

Athens

0.09

Kennesaw

75 ppm

Evans

standard

Newnan

Dawsonville

0.08

South DeKalb

Douglasville

Confederate Ave

Brunswick

0.07

Fort Mountain

Columbus-Airport

Yorkville

0.06

CASTNET*

Augusta

Conyers

Gwinnett Tech

0.05

McDonough

Leslie

*Incomplete; 2011-2014
Figure 26. Ozone design values for GA EPDs ozone sites and EPAs CASTNET site.
The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA ozone monitors which exceeded the 8-hour ozone standard (0.075 ppm) in 2014 are mapped along with a table of the monthly breakdown of the exceedances (Figure 27). Since the 8-hour increment is calculated as a running 8-hour timeframe, there are a number of averages each day. Of the eleven ozone sites collecting data in the Atlanta-Sandy SpringsMarietta MSA, six sites experienced exceedances during the 2014 ozone season.
For additional ozone summary data see Appendix A.

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Site
Kennesaw South DeKalb Douglasville Confederate Ave. McDonough Conyers

County
Cobb DeKalb Douglas Fulton Henry Rockdale

June
0 1 0 0 0 2

July
0 0 1 0 1 0

August
1 1 0 1 2 3

Total
1 2 1 1 3 5

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

Figure 27. The number of days each monitor had 8-hour averages above the 0.075 ppm ozone standard in the AtlantaSandy Springs-Marietta MSA, including a table of the monthly breakdown of exceedances.
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Figure 28 was taken from the EPA document "Our Nations Air- Status and Trends through 2010". It shows the fourth maximum reading for the 8-hour ozone readings across the United States. Georgias fourth maximum ozone readings in 2010 were in the 0.060-0.075 ppm (light blue) and 0.076-0.095 ppm (yellow) ranges.

Figure 28. Ozone concentrations for the U.S. in 2010
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LEAD (Pb)

Section: Chemical Monitoring Activities

GENERAL INFORMATION In the past, the Clean Air Act required extensive lead monitoring in order to detect the high levels of airborne lead that resulted from the use of leaded gasoline. With the phase-out of leaded gasoline, lead concentrations had decreased to nearly detection level by the late 1980s. Since then, the concentrations have hovered just above detection level. Based on data from EPAs Air Emission Sources for 2011, Georgias primary source of lead emissions comes from mobile sources (Figure 29). Other sources of lead emissions include industrial processes (metals processing, iron and steel production), combustion of solid waste, and lead-acid battery manufacturing. Figure 30 shows a spatial view of Georgias lead emissions, also from EPAs Air Emission Sources, based on 2011 data.

Figure 29. Common sources of lead in Georgia

Figure 30. Spatial view of lead emissions in Georgia
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At the beginning of 2009 there were two dedicated lead monitors remaining in Georgia for comparison to the NAAQS lead standard. One was in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA for monitoring long-term trends in ambient lead levels, and the other was located in the Columbus GA-AL MSA for industrial source monitoring (given the historical issues with lead pollution in the area). At the end of 2008, EPA strengthened the standard and monitoring requirements. In addition to lowering the standard, further monitors were to be placed in areas with demonstrated lead emissions of 1.0 or more tons per year and in urban areas with a population in excess of 500,000 (Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 219, dated November 12, 2008). In response to this rule change, in December of 2009, GA EPD added a lead monitoring site in the Cartersville area in order to observe an additional pollutant source. Since this time (December 14, 2010), EPA has lowered the source-oriented lead emission levels to 0.5 tons per year (tpy), and changed the population based requirement to include the ,,NCore network (40CFR58, Docket #EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0735). To monitor industrial facilities that emit greater than 0.5 tpy, GA EPD reopened two more lead monitors in the Columbus GA-AL MSA in 2012 to determine proper siting in this area.

The current criteria lead monitoring network is shown in Figure 31. For summary data on criteria lead monitoring, see Appendix A. In addition to the criteria network sites, lead is also being monitored at sites throughout the state as a trace metal in the Georgia Air Toxics Monitoring Network, the National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS), and with PM2.5 speciation samplers. In the Air Toxics Network, samples are taken from total suspended particles (TSP) in the ambient air. The NATTS sampler is a PM10 sampler and collects particles up to 10 microns in size. With the PM2.5 speciation samplers, particles are collected up to 2.5 microns in size. For additional summary data concerning lead collected as an Air Toxics trace metal, see Appendix D.

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Figure 31. Georgias lead monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors. The Cartersville site shut down in February 2014.
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HEALTH IMPACTS Exposure to lead occurs mainly through inhalation and ingestion of lead in food, water, soil, or dust. Lead particles can re-enter the environment through re-entrainment of dust from vehicle traffic, construction activities, and agricultural activities. It accumulates in the blood, bones, and soft tissues. Lead can adversely affect the kidneys, liver, nervous system, and other organs. Excessive exposure to lead may cause neurological impairments, such as seizures, mental retardation, and behavioral disorders. Even at low doses, lead exposure is associated with damage to the nervous systems of fetuses and young children, resulting in learning deficits and lowered IQ. Recent studies also show that lead may be a factor in high blood pressure and subsequent heart disease. Lead can also be deposited on the leaves of plants, presenting a hazard to grazing animals. Lead deposition in soil puts children at particular risk exposure since they commonly put hands, toys, and other items in their mouths, which may come in contact with lead-containing dust and dirt.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES Since lead is a particulate, the measurement for ambient air lead concentrations is performed using a manual method, unlike measurements for the gaseous pollutants discussed earlier (ozone, SO2, NO2 and CO). Samples are collected on 8" x 10" pre-weighed fiberglass filters with a high-volume total suspended particulate (TSP) sampler for 24 hours, collecting particles with diameters of 100 microns or less. High volumes of ambient air in the flow range of 40-60 cubic feet per minute are sampled at a constant rate during the sampling period. This produces a uniform distribution of particles deposited on the sample filter downstream of the sampler inlet. Samples collected with the TSP high volume sampler can be used to determine the average ambient TSP concentration over a sampling period followed by subsequent analysis to determine the identity and quantity of inorganic metals present in the TSP. The filter sample is shipped to a laboratory for analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (commonly known as ICP-MS). Data gained from the criteria lead samplers are used to determine compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for lead.

In addition to the criteria lead network sites, lead is monitored as a trace metal in the Georgia Air Toxics Monitoring Network, the National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS), and with the PM2.5 speciation samplers. Air Toxics Network samples are obtained with a High-Volume sampler collecting total suspended particles (TSP) in the ambient air. NATTS lead is sampled using a PM10 sampler, and particles are sampled up to 10 microns in size. PM2.5 speciation samplers collect particles up to 2.5 microns in size. All three of these sampling techniques also collect 24-hour samples on pre-weighed filters, ship samples to a laboratory for analysis, and are analyzed with ICP-MS.

ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION Compliance with the national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards for lead and its compounds is determined based on the assumption that all lead is elemental lead. In order to comply with the primary and secondary standards, the concentration of lead in the air must have an arithmetic mean no higher than 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter averaged on a rolling 3-month basis (Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 219, dated November 12, 2008). On October 15, 2008, this standard was changed from the original standard of 1.5 g/m3 averaged per calendar quarter that had been in place since October 5, 1978 (43 FR 46258). This new lead standard became effective on January 12, 2009 and was implemented by January 1, 2010. Then on December 14, 2010, EPA revised the requirements for measuring lead in the ambient air. The emission threshold for placing lead monitors near industrial facilities was lowered from 1.0 ton per year (tpy) to 0.5 tpy. In addition, EPA required that lead monitors be placed at the NCore sites. The new lead monitors were required to be operational by December 27, 2011 [40CFR58, Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0735, 12/14/10]. GA EPD meets the requirement of monitoring lead at the South DeKalb NCore site, with the sampler located at the nearby DMRC site. In 2012, to accommodate the changes to monitor industries with lead emissions greater than 0.5 tpy, GA EPD reopened two lead monitors for a total of three in the Columbus GA-AL MSA. In addition, GA EPD had previously established a source-oriented lead monitor in the Cartersville area. It was determined that the lead monitor in Cartersville was not required, and it was shut down in February of 2014.

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Figure 32 shows how Georgias lead data compares to the rolling three-month average standard for 2010 through 2014. The last of the three months used for each average is indicated on the graph. The two monitors that were reopened in the Columbus GA-AL MSA have shown higher readings compared to the other monitors in the Columbus GA-AL MSA or the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA. As more lead data is collected, it will be observed to see if this trend continues. For additional summary data on this topic see Appendix A.
0.25

0.15 g/m3 standard 0.20

Lead 3-Month Rolling Average (g/m3)

0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00

Columbus- Ft Benning

Columbus-UPS

Columbus-Cusseta

Figure 32. Georgias lead design values, 2010-2014

DMRC

Cartersville*

*Shut down February 2014

Figure 33 was taken from EPAs document "Our Nations Air Quality-Status and Trends through 2010" showing the maximum three-month lead averages across the United States. Georgias three-month maximum lead averages in 2010 were in the lowest range, 0.00-0.07 ppm (dark blue).

Figure 33: 2010 lead concentrations for the U.S. (maximum 3-month averages)
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PARTICULATE MATTER

GENERAL INFORMATION Particulate matter is a broad range of material that consists of solid particles, fine liquid droplets, or condensed liquids absorbed onto solid particles. Airborne particulates are not a single pollutant as discussed for the other criteria pollutants, but rather a mixture of many different air pollutants. Primary sources that emit particles include combustion, incineration, construction, mining, metals smelting, metal processing, and grinding. Other sources include motor vehicle exhaust, road dust, wind blown soil, forest fires, open burning of vegetation for land clearing or waste removal, ocean spray, and volcanic activity.

There are two ways (primary and secondary) that particulate matter is formed. Primary particulate is emitted directly from a source, like a vehicles tailpipe or a factorys smokestack. However, a great deal of particulate matter is not directly emitted from such sources. In fact, the vast majority of primary air pollution is in the form of gases. Those gaseous air pollutants readily react in the atmosphere with oxygen and with each other. While many of those reactions produce other gases, they frequently produce particles. Particles formed through this process are known as secondary particulate matter. Examples of secondary particulates include:
Atmospheric sulfate particles, formed from the oxidation of gaseous SO2. Atmospheric nitrate particles, such as ammonium nitrate, formed from a complex series of
reactions that transform gaseous NOx. Atmospheric calcium nitrate or sodium nitrate particulates formed from a series of atmospheric
reactions involving gaseous nitric acid (HNO3) reacting with sodium chloride/calcium carbonate.

Since diesel combustion and vehicle exhaust are sources of particulate matter, efforts are being made to reduce these emissions by retrofitting diesel engines and making alternative diesel fuels available.
Retrofitting is defined as the addition of an emission control device designed to remove emissions from an exhaust engine. Currently, school buses and diesel powered commercial trucks are being retrofitted for emission reduction. One method is a particulate trap, which essentially filters exhaust from the engine. In some cases, as the particulate accumulates in the filter, the particulate is oxidized or burned off in order to regenerate the filter and reuse it. Regeneration is achieved by various techniques that reduce the temperature necessary to oxidize accumulated particulate matter. Disposable filters are also used when the particulate matter cannot be cleaned by oxidation. For information about Georgia EPDs program, go to http://www.gaderprogram.org/html/Retrofit.html.

In addition to retrofitting, alternative diesel fuels are available that emit less particulate matter, as well as other pollutants. Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is one fuel that emits less sulfur and particulate matter. Biodiesel fuel emits less particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and air toxics. Also, emulsified diesel emits less nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Particulate pollution may be categorized by size since there are different health impacts associated with the different sizes. The Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program currently monitors for three sizes of particles: PM10 (up to 10 microns in diameter), PM2.5 (up to 2.5 microns in diameter) and PMcoarse (PM10 minus PM2.5). All of these particles are very small in size. For example, Figure 34 shows how approximately ten PM10
Figure 34. Comparison of particulate matter size to human hair
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particles can fit on a cross section of a human hair, and approximately thirty PM2.5 particles would fit on a cross section of a hair.

PM10

Particulate matter (PM) less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter is defined as PM10. These particles can be solid matter or liquid droplets from smoke, dust, fly ash, or condensing vapors that can be suspended in the air for long periods of time. PM10 represents part of a broad class of chemically diverse particles that range in size from molecular clusters of 0.005 microns in diameter to coarse particles of 10 microns in diameter (for comparison, an average human hair is 70-100 microns in diameter, as shown in the previous figure). PM results from all types of combustion. The carbonbased particles that result from incomplete burning of diesel fuel in buses, trucks, and cars are examples of major sources of PM10. Another important combustion source is the burning of wood in stoves and fireplaces in residential settings. Also of concern are the sulfate and nitrate particles that are formed as a by-product of SO2 and NO2 emissions, primarily from fossil fuel-burning power plants and vehicular exhausts. Figure 35 shows Georgias most important source of PM10 is dust, with over 470,000 short tons attributed to this source. Figure 36 shows a spatial view of the varying concentrations of PM10 by county in Georgia during 2011. Figure 35 and Figure 36 are taken from the latest emissions report from EPA based on 2011 data.

Figure 35. Common sources of PM10 in Georgia
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Figure 36. Spatial veiw of PM10 emissions in Georgia
HEALTH IMPACTS The U.S. national ambient air quality standard was originally based on particles up to 25-45 microns in size, termed "total suspended particles" (TSP). In 1987, EPA replaced TSP with an indicator that includes only those particles smaller than 10 microns, termed PM10. These smaller particles cause adverse health effects because of their ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs. The observed human health effects of PM include breathing and respiratory problems, aggravation of existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease, alterations in the body's defense system against inhaled materials and organisms, and damage to lung tissue. Groups that appear to be most sensitive to the effects of PM include individuals with chronic lung or cardiovascular disease, individuals with influenza, asthmatics, elderly people, and children.
MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES The Georgia PM10 monitoring network consists of two types of EPA-approved reference or equivalent monitors. Both types of monitors are used to determine attainment with the PM10 standard. The first type of monitor is an integrated low-volume sampler that collects samples for a 24-hour period. Ambient air is sampled through an impaction inlet device that only allows particles with 10 microns or less in diameter to reach the filter media. The flow rate is controlled by an electronic mass-flow controller, which uses a flow sensor installed below the filter holder to monitor the mass flow rate and control the speed of the motor accordingly. Filters are weighed in a laboratory before and after the sampling period. The change in the filter weight corresponds to the mass of PM10 particles collected. That mass, divided by the total volume of air sampled, corresponds to the mass concentration of the particles in the air.
The second type of PM10 monitor that Georgia EPD operates is a continuous monitor. The continuous monitor measures and records hourly particulate mass concentrations in ambient air. The monitor consists of three basic components; the central unit, the sampling pump and the sampling inlet hardware. In order to sample particles that are 10 microns or less, the inlet is designed to cut out particles larger than 10 microns in size. The monitor uses beta ray attenuation to calculate collected particle mass concentrations in units of micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3). A 14C element (60 Ci +/- 15 C) emits a constant source of low-energy electrons, also known as beta particles. The beta rays are attenuated as they collide with particles collected on a filter tape. The decrease in signal
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detected by the scintillation counter is inversely proportional to the mass loading on the filter tape. The pump turns on at the beginning of the hour and runs for 50 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of the hour, the pump turns off while the tape transport operates, final mass reading is collected, and selftests are performed. PM10 concentrations are displayed on the front panel and sent to the analog or digital output.

For a map of the PM10 network, refer to Figure 37.

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Figure 37. Georgias PM10 monitoring site map, MSAs shown as solid colors
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ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION The primary and secondary standards for PM10 are the same. In order for an area to be considered in compliance with the PM10 standard, the 24-hour concentration of 150 micrograms per cubic meter should not be exceeded more than once per year on average over three years [52 FR 24663, July 1, 1987, as amended at 62 FR 38711, July 18, 1997; 65 FR 80779, Dec. 22, 2000].

Figure 38 shows how Georgia compares to the 24-hour standard for PM10, which remains set at 150 g/m3. The standard allows one exceedance per year, averaged over a 3-year period; therefore, this chart shows the second highest 24-hour average for each site. GA EPD collected PM10 samples at three sites in 2014. Therefore, this graph reflects data from those three monitors. All three samplers collected data well below the standard.

For additional PM10 summary data, see Appendix A.

150
150 g/m3 limit 120

Second Highest 24-Hr PM10 Concentration (g/m3)

90

60

30

0 2003

2004

2005 2006 Augusta

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

South DeKalb

Fire Station #8

2012

2013

2014

Figure 38. Georgias second highest 24-hour PM10 concentrations

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Figure 39 shows a map that was taken from the EPA document "Our Nations Air-Status and Trends through 2010". It shows PM10 second maximum 24-hour concentrations across the United States for 2010. This gives a comparison of Georgias PM10 data, related to the rest of the country. For Georgia, the second maximum 24-hour concentrations were in the lowest range of 2-54 g/m3 (dark blue).

Figure 39. 2010 PM10 second maximum 24-hour concentrations
PMCoarse
PMcoarse, or PM10-2.5, is described as particulate matter (PM) less than 10 microns in diameter and greater than 2.5 microns in diameter. The composition of PMcoarse is predominantly crustal matter (from construction, demolition, mining, agricultural activities, sea spray, dust) and organic materials (from resuspension of biological material from soil surfaces and roads). However, composition and sources can vary greatly by region. Regional relative humidity can affect the level of water present within the particles and affect how much dissolved gases or reactive species enter the lungs. The amount of water within the PMcoarse material can also affect size and particle deposition characteristics.
As part of the NCore requirements, the South DeKalb site began PMcoarse sampling January 1, 2011. Figure 40 displays daily PMcoarse averages at the South DeKalb site from 2011 through 2014. During the four year span, PMcoarse daily average concentrations have been found primarily in the 5-15 g/m range and have fallen by about 3 g/m (shown by the black trend line). The peak PMcoarse daily average concentrations occurred in the spring and summer months. At this point, the highest concentration collected is 50 g/m in July 2014. However, in the following figure, the scale is smaller to show a more detailed view. As data continues to be collected, it will be observed for possible trends or seasonal variations.
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Figure 40. PMcoarse daily averages at the South DeKalb site, 2011-2014
HEALTH IMPACTS At this point, there is a limited amount of available data on health effects of PMcoarse material. Studies have shown that short-term exposure to high levels of ambient PMcoarse is associated with decreased lung function, increased hospital admissions for respiratory systems and heart disease, and possible premature death. Efforts are being made to collect more information on sources, characteristics and toxicity levels of PMcoarse that will help with understanding potential health effects.
MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES Georgia EPD measures PMcoarse with two beta attenuation particle monitors networked together. Both units are identical except for the inlet size. The PM10 unit has an inlet that only allows particles of 10 microns or smaller in size, while the PM2.5 unit has a Very Sharp Cut Cyclone (VSCC) inlet allowing only particles of 2.5 microns in size or smaller. At the beginning of each hourly measurement cycle, beta rays containing 14C are emitted across clean filter tape, and then measured with a photomultiplier tube with a scintillator. Next, air is sampled through the clean spot on the filter tape. The particulate matter is collected on the tape, and the beta rays are measured across the dirty spot. The difference between the clean and dirty spots determines the concentration. A PMcoarse board and synchronization cable connects the two samplers. Each hour, the PM10 sampler measures the PM10 concentration, collects the PM2.5 concentration from the PM2.5 sampler, and calculates the PM10-2.5 concentration.
ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION Currently, there is no attainment standard for PMcoarse. PMcoarse measurements are performed to support the regulatory, analytical, and public health purposes of the program. While it is understood that these PMcoarse particles are harmful, the severity and type of health outcomes, rural versus urban area sources, and composition are not well understood. By collecting data about current concentrations, researchers can later compare Georgia EPDs data with health data to better understand the health effects.
For a map that includes the location of Georgia EPDs PMcoarse monitor, refer to Figure 37 in the previous section.

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PM2.5

The U.S. EPA defines 2.5 particulate matter as solid particles and liquid droplets present in the air that are less than or equal to 2.5 microns in diameter. These particles and droplets are invisible to the naked eye. However, collectively, they may appear as a fog-like haze or clouds and are often referred to as "fine" particles.

Fine particles are produced by various sources, including fires, industrial combustion, residential combustion, and vehicle exhaust (Figure 41 and Figure 42). However, fine particles are also formed when combustion gases are chemically transformed. Fine particles can soil and accelerate the deterioration of man-made materials. In addition, fine particles impair visibility and are an important contributor to haze, particularly in humid conditions. The visibility effect is roughly doubled at 85% relative humidity as compared to humidity under 60% (U.S. EPA, 2004a). Based on data from EPAs Air Emission Sources for 2011, Georgias primary source of PM2.5 emissions is fires, with over 136,000 tons attributed to this emission source. This information is displayed in Figure 41. Figure 42 shows a spatial view of Georgias PM2.5 emissions, also from EPAs Air Emission Sources, based on 2011 data.

Considerable effort is being undertaken to analyze the chemical composition of fine particles (PM2.5) so that pollution control efforts can be focused in areas which create the greatest hazard reductions. Therefore, Georgia currently monitors 53 particle species including gold, sulfate, lead, arsenic, and silicon. This speciation data is discussed further in the PM2.5 Speciation section.

Figure 41. Common sources of PM2.5 in Georgia
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Figure 42. Spatial view of PM2.5 emissions in Georgia
HEALTH IMPACTS Fine particles can penetrate into the sensitive regions of the respiratory tract, which make them a health concern. Recently published community health studies indicate that significant respiratory and cardiovascular-related problems are associated with exposure to fine particle levels below the existing particulate matter standards. In addition, fine particles are likely to cause the most serious health effects, which include premature death, hospital admissions from respiratory causes, and increased respiratory problems. Long-term exposure to particulate matter may increase the rate of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses and reduce the life span of an individual. Some data also suggests that fine particles can pass through lung tissues and enter the bloodstream. Therefore, children, the elderly, and individuals with cardiovascular disease or lung diseases such as emphysema and asthma are especially vulnerable.
MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES PM2.5 mass concentrations are measured with two types of methods. These two techniques consist of an integrated method and a continuous method. At sites where mass PM2.5 samples are taken on an integrated basis, the samples are measured using very similar techniques utilized for measuring PM10. The official reference method requires that samples are collected on Teflon filters with a PM2.5 sampler for 24 hours. A specialized particle size sorting device is used to filter the air, collecting only particles 2.5 microns in size and smaller. The filters are weighed in a laboratory before and after the sampling period. The change in the filter weight corresponds to the mass weight of PM2.5 particles collected. That mass weight, divided by the total volume of air sampled, corresponds to the mass concentration of the particles in the air for that 24-hour period. The reference method filters are used for attainment determinations. However, due to the delay in collecting each filter, shipping it to the laboratory, and weighing, weeks may pass before the results are known. Although this method is very accurate, it is not useful for real-time determinations of PM2.5 concentrations in ambient air.
At sites where the continuous method is utilized, Georgia EPD uses two types of instruments. One type GA EPD uses is the beta attenuation method. The continuous monitor measures and records hourly particulate mass concentrations in ambient air. The monitor consists of three basic components; the central unit, the sampling pump and the sampling inlet hardware. In order to sample
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particles that are 2.5 microns or less, the inlet is designed to cut out particles larger than 2.5 microns in size. The monitor uses beta ray attenuation to calculate collected particle mass concentrations in units of micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3). A 14C element (60 Ci +/- 15 C) emits a constant source of low-energy electrons, also known as beta particles. The beta rays are attenuated as they collide with particles collected on a filter tape. The decrease in signal detected by the scintillation counter is inversely proportional to the mass loading on the filter tape. The pump turns on at the beginning of the hour and runs for 50 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of the hour, the pump turns off while the tape transport operates, final mass readings are collected, and self-tests are performed. PM2.5 concentrations are displayed on the front panel and sent to the analog or digital output. The sampling method for the BAM type of continuous PM2.5 monitor was approved as Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) in Notices of the Federal Register/Vol.73, No.49 dated March 12, 2008 when used with a "Very Sharp Cut Cyclone". When GA EPD operates the continuous BAM as an FEM with a "Very Sharp Cut Cyclone", these samplers can be used for making attainment decisions relative to the NAAQS. Currently, Georgia EPD has two BAM samplers running as FEM samplers: one at the South DeKalb site (associated with the PMcoarse unit described above) as of January 1, 2011, and one at the Albany site as of January 1, 2013. These two samplers are the only continuous PM2.5 samplers that can be used for attainment designations in Georgia.

At the other locations where Georgia EPD samples PM2.5 on a continuous basis, the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) method is used. These monitors use an inline PM2.5 cyclone for particle size selection and an inline Sample Equilibration System (SES), which uses a diffusion drying technique to minimize water vapor interference with the particle mass measurement. The instrument oscillates the sample filter on a microbalance continuously while particles are collected from ambient air. By measuring the change in the oscillation frequency, the change in filter mass can be determined. PM2.5 concentrations are displayed on the front panel and sent to the analog or digital output. As configured in the Georgia ambient air monitoring network, these analyzers (TEOM) are not approved as reference or equivalent method, and the data collected from these samplers cannot be used for making attainment decisions relative to the NAAQS.

Both types of PM2.5 continuous samplers are used to support the development of air quality models and forecasts, including the Air Quality Index (AQI), and provide the public with information about pollutant concentrations in real time. Continuous PM2.5 data is reported every hour, at fifteen minutes after the end of each hour, on Georgias Ambient Air Monitoring web page located at http://epd.georgia.gov/air/. The immediate availability of this data allows the public to make informed decisions regarding their outdoor activities. Figure 43 shows the location of Georgias PM2.5 FRM monitors and Figure 44 shows the location of PM2.5 continuous and speciation monitors.

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Figure 43. Georgias PM2.5 FRM monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors
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Figure 44. Georgias PM2.5 continuous and speciation monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors
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ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION
Since 1997, the national primary and secondary annual ambient air PM2.5 standard had been 15.0 micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3) [Federal Register Vol. 62, No. 138, Page 38711, July 18, 1997]. As of December 14, 2012, EPA lowered this primary annual standard to 12.0 g/m3 [Federal Register
Vol. 78, No. 10, Page 3086, January 15, 2013]. For an area to be in attainment of this standard, the three-year average of the annual average concentrations has to be less than or equal to 12.0 g/m3. The secondary annual standard remains at 15.0 g/m3. In addition, the 24-hour primary and secondary standard requires that the three-year average of the 98th percentile of the 24-hour
concentrations be less than or equal to 35 micrograms per cubic meter [71 FR 61144, October 17,
2006]. All sample analyses used for determining compliance with the standards must use a reference
method based on information present in 40 CFR 53 Appendix L, or an equivalent method as
designated in accordance with Part 53.

Figure 45 shows the three-year averages of 98th percentile of PM2.5 24-hour data compared to the 24hour standard of 35 g/m3. The 2007 data was affected by the Sweat Farm/Big Turnaround/Bugaboo Fire in the Okefenokee Swamp. To show the complete data set that was collected, the 2007 data includes the exceptional event data that was taken out for regulatory purposes. Therefore, in Figure 45, the three-year average calculations including the 2007 data are not a regulatory comparison to the 24-hour standard. In addition, another wildfire took place in the Okefenokee Swamp (Honey Prairie Fire) in the summer of 2011. A few of the sites were affected by this, and the upswing with 2011 data, especially at the Savannah-Mercer site (shown in green) is due to this. GA EPD has submitted exceptional event documentation to EPA to also have this data excluded for regulatory purposes. Overall, the 98th percentile of 24-hour average concentrations show a general downward trend and all of the 2012-2014 averages are well below the 24-hour standard.

40.0 35 g/m3 standard
35.0

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

PM 2.5 Three Year Average of 98th Percentile of 24-Hour Data (g/m3)

Macon-Allied Athens** South DeKalb Fire Station #8* Gainesville Columbus-Health Dept. Yorkville Sandersville

Macon-Forestry Forest Park Albany Brunswick Warner Robins Columbus-Airport** Augusta Gordon

Savannah-Mercer Kennesaw Rome*** Gwinnett Tech Valdosta Columbus-Cussetta Rossville

* Site was shut down from 9/06 to 12/08; averages including those years are incomplete ** Sites established in 2005; 04-06 and 05-07 averages incomplete *** Sites consolidated in 2009, data combined for Rome-Coosa Elem and Rome-Coosa High
Figure 45. Comparison of the three-year averages of the 98th percentile of PM2.5 24-hour data to the 24-hour standard, includes all data from 2007 that was excluded for exceptional events

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For the PM2.5 24-hour standard, the entire State of Georgia is classified as in attainment. The 24-hour standard is also based on three years of monitoring data, and this attainment status is based on the 2005-2007 data.

Figure 46 shows a comparison of three-year averages of annual PM2.5 data to the annual standard of 12.0 g/m3. This graph also includes the PM2.5 exceptional event data for 2007 to show the complete data set that was collected. Therefore, in Figure 46 the annual averages are not a regulatory
comparison to the standard. There is an overall continual decreasing trend in the annual PM2.5 data since the 2002-2004 design value year. For the 2012-2014 design values, the lowest was 8.1 g/m3 at the Brunswick site (shown in tan) and the highest was 11.0 g/m3 at the Fire Station #8 site (shown in
gray). For additional PM2.5 summary data, see Appendix A.

18.0

Three Year Annual Averages (g/m3)

16.0
12 g/m3 standard 14.0

12.0

10.0

8.0

Macon-Allied Athens** South DeKalb Fire Station #8* Gainesville Columbus-Health Dept. Yorkville Sandersville

Macon-Forestry Forest Park Albany Brunswick Warner Robins Columbus-Airport** Augusta Gordon

Savannah-Mercer Kennesaw Rome*** Gwinnett Tech Valdosta Columbus-Cussetta Rossville

* Site was shut down 9/06 to 12/08; averages including those years are incomplete ** Site established 2005; 04-06 and 05-07 averages incomplete *** Sites consolidated in 2009, data combined for Rome-Coosa Elem and Rome-Coosa High
Figure 46. Comparison of the PM2.5 three-year annual averages to the annual standard, includes all data for 2007 that was excluded for exceptional events

The PM2.5 annual standard attainment and nonattainment designations require three years of monitoring data. Georgias initial attainment status of the 1997 annual standard was determined late 2004. Based on the three years of data (2001-2003), EPA officially declared several areas of Georgia in nonattainment of the 1997 annual standard. Nonattainment areas included Walker and Catoosa counties, which are a part of the metro Chattanooga nonattainment area. All of Bibb County and portions of Monroe County were included in the Macon nonattainment area. Floyd County itself was declared a nonattainment area. Finally, the metro Atlanta nonattainment area was also declared. The boundaries of Georgias four PM2.5 annual standard nonattainment areas are shown in Figure 47. Currently, based on 2007-2009 data, all of Georgia is meeting the PM2.5 annual standard. For attainment designations to be official, the maintenance state implementation plan (SIP) needs to be submitted and approved by EPA. GA EPD has submitted the maintenance SIPs to EPA for all areas. The Macon area was redesignated for the 1997 annual standard on May 13, 2014. Floyd County was

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redesignated on May 14, 2014, and the Georgia portion of the Chattanooga area (Walker and Catoosa Counties) was redesignated on December 19, 2014. GA EPD is awaiting approval of the maintenance SIP for the 1997 PM2.5 annual standard for the Atlanta area.

1997 Fine PM Standard: Nonattainment Areas

Figure 47. Map of Georgias nonattainment areas for PM2.5
All areas of the state were designated unclassifiable/attainment for the 2006 annual standard.
All areas of the state have been designated as unclassifiable/ attainment for the 2012 annual standard except for 12 counties in the Atlanta Area (Bartow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Paulding); 1 county in the Albany, GA area (Dougherty); and 1 county in the Brunswick, GA area (Glynn) that have been deferred for 1 year as of January 15, 2015 [80 FR 2206].
Figure 48, taken from the EPA document "Our Nations Air Status and Trends through 2010", shows (a) PM2.5 annual and (b) 24-hour concentrations across the United States. It appears that for Georgia, the annual average concentrations ranged from 3.1-12.0 g/m3 (dark blue) and 12.1-15.0 g/m3 (light blue). The 24-hour average concentrations ranged from 16-35 g/m3 (light blue) across the state.
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b.

Figure 48. (a) PM2.5 average annual concentrations and (b) average 24-hour concentrations across the United States
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PM2.5 SPECIATION

As required by the national PM2.5 speciation program (40 CFR 58), EPD monitors the mass concentration of fine particulate matter (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) along with the chemical composition of those particles. Attempts to control the concentration of fine particulate matter are considered a national priority, and are reliant upon listings in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Therefore, regulations intended to reduce levels of fine particulate matter are now being implemented on a widespread basis. The desired reduction of fine particulate matter concentrations is expected to produce benefits in human health and assist in the improvement of visibility by reducing the presence of haze.

It is known that particulate matter has varying health effects depending on their size and chemical composition. The particles that compose fine particulate matter are not uniform. While they are all smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, size does vary. Some fine particles are emitted into the air directly from engine exhaust, fossil fuel combustion, unpaved roads, and the tilling of fields; others are formed in the atmosphere through reactions between gaseous pollutants. Each individual particle, regardless of its source, has a distinct chemical composition. The overall composition of all particles that make up the fine particulate matter in a given volume of air may also vary, depending on local sources and a variety of other factors. Within the make-up of the particulate matter, some chemicals are more toxic than others. There has been some disagreement on whether the quantity or toxicity of fine particulate matter is most responsible for health concerns. This reinforces the need to monitor and analyze both the species of particulate matter and weight of the species.

Georgia currently monitors fifty-three species, which include gold, sulfate, lead, arsenic, and silicon. However, there are only approximately six chemicals that are detected frequently. Of these, sulfate and organic carbon are detected in the highest concentrations, with magnitudes of up to five to nine times greater than the other major species. Figure 49 illustrates the average concentrations of these six chemicals from 2003 to 2014. The chemical elements typical of the Earths crust are grouped together as "crustal". All of the sites are shown for one bar, showing how each site makes up the total of each of the major constituents of the speciation data. Note that the Rossville site began collecting data in 2005; therefore, the blue bars are not included in the 2003 and 2004 data. With the exception of the 2007 data, which was affected by the Okefenokee Swamp wildfire, there is a general downward trend in the data. Below the figures is a listing of the most significant chemical constituents of fine particulate matter.

Refer to Figure 44 for a map of Georgias PM2.5 Speciation monitors.

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PM2.5 Species Concentrations (g/m3)

0

10

20

30

40

50

Other

Crustal

Nitrate

Sulfate

Organic Carbon Elemental Carbon Ammonium Ion

222000000345 2222000000006789 2222000011110123 222000100443 2222000000005678 2222000001119012 2222000011003434 222000000567 2222000001109018 2222000011102343 222000000456 2222000000017890 2222000011111234 222000000345 2222000000006789 2222000011110123 2222000010004453 2222000000006789 222000111012 2222000011003434 2222000000006758 222000011901 222000111234 Athens South DeKalb

General Coffee

Rome*

Augusta

Columbus-Cusseta Rossville** Macon
*Rome consolidated 2009 **Rossville started 2005

Figure 49. PM2.5 speciation, by species

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PREDOMINANT SPECIES FOUND IN PM2.5

Ammonium Ion: commonly released by fertilizer production, livestock production, coke production, and some large refrigeration systems. Ironically, it can be emitted by NOx control systems installed on large fossil fuel combustion systems, which use ammonia or urea as a reactant.
Sulfate products: formed during the oxidation of SO2 in the atmosphere. SO2 is primarily produced by coal burning boilers.
Nitrate products: formed through a complex series of reactions that convert NOx to nitrates. Vehicle emissions and fossil fuel burning produce NOx.
Crustal products: components that are the result from the weathering of Earths crust. They may include ocean salt and volcanic discharges. Crustal products include aluminum, calcium, iron, titanium, and silicon. These components are released by metals production, and can be resuspended in the atmosphere by mechanisms that stir up fine dust, such as mining, agricultural processes, and vehicle traffic.
Elemental carbon: carbon in the form of soot. Sources of elemental carbon include diesel engine emissions, wood-burning fireplaces, and forest fires.
Organic carbon: consist of hundreds of organic compounds that contain more than 20 carbon atoms. These particles may be released directly, but are also formed through a series of chemical reactions in the air, mostly as a result of the burning of fossil fuels and wood.

Data on the composition of fine particulate matter is a useful input to scientific models of air quality. Ultimately, it helps scientists and regulators track the progress and effectiveness of newly implemented pollution controls. The data also improves scientific understanding of the relationship between particle composition, visibility impairment, and adverse human health effects.

Figure 50 presents a different view of the above PM2.5 speciation data to facilitate visualization of trends. Each site is shown with all species making up the composition of each bar. Each year is shown separately.

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Macon

Athens

South DeKalb General Coffee

Rome*

0

2

4

222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000111110000001111100000011111000000011111000000011110000000111100000011111000000011111000110345678012343457890123445678901234345678901234345678901243456789123434568901234345678901234963307

Crustal Elemental Carbon

PM2.5 Species Concentrations (g/m3)

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Nitrate Ammonium Ion Other Sulfate Organic Carbon
*Rome consolidated 2009 **Rossville started 2005

Figure 50. PM2.5 speciation, by site

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Figure 50 shows a general trend downward of the PM2.5 speciated parameters, except in 2007 when
the data was affected by the Sweat Farm/Big Turnaround/Bugaboo Fire in the Okefenokee Swamp,
as discussed in the PM10 and PM2.5 sections. The rural background site, General Coffee, continues to
show the smallest total average concentration. In 2014, the General Coffee site showed an overall concentration of approximately 5.7 g/m3. The remaining sites had overall concentrations of 6.3 to 7.7 g/m3.

Ammonium ion concentrations (shown in purple) are relatively even statewide, with concentrations lowest at the General Coffee site. The concentrations ranged from 0.301 g/m3 at the General Coffee site to 0.587 g/m3 at the Athens site in 2014. Ammonium ion is the third largest single contributor to the total speciation make up.
The South DeKalb site has the highest elemental carbon concentration, 0.599 g/m3, shown in orange. Cities with less heavy vehicle traffic generally have lower concentrations. The General Coffee site has the lowest elemental carbon concentration, with 0.189 g/m3 in 2014.

Organic carbon concentrations (shown in dark blue) are relatively consistent throughout the state, usually consisting of about 3 g/m3 of the total speciation concentration. The General Coffee site collected a slightly lower concentration of 2.413 g/m3. Organic carbon concentrations are much
higher than typical ammonium ion or elemental carbon concentrations, having one of the largest
contributions (about 40%-50%) to the total PM2.5 mass concentrations.

Sulfate (shown in red) is also found in higher concentrations, with concentrations around 1.5-2.0 g/m3 in 2014. Concentrations are relatively consistent statewide, though somewhat lower in rural areas, and their relatively large observed mass means that they are also a major contributor to overall PM2.5 mass concentrations.
Nitrate concentrations (shown in green) are relatively small (0.238-0.656 g/m3 in 2014), usually contributing the fourth or fifth largest single component of the total five major constituents. Atmospheric forms of nitrate can be formed from the conversion of NOx. Other forms of nitrate can be found in fertilizers, animal and human organic waste, medications, and used in welding.

Crustal matter concentrations (shown in yellow) are generally one of the lowest speciation concentrations (0.177-0.707 g/m3 in 2014) and consistent in most areas. Rome and Macon have in
some years recorded unexpectedly high crustal matter concentrations. This may be attributed to local industry, or possibly a sign of poor dust control at agricultural, construction, or mining operations in
those areas.

The section labeled ,,Other (shown in light blue) is a make-up of all the rest of the compounds not
included in the five major contributors or crustal make-up. This is a total of the remaining 43 compounds in the speciation sample. Concentrations ranged from 0.761 to 1.027 g/m3 in 2014.

For PM2.5 speciation summary data see Appendix B.

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Figure 51. 2014 annual averages of PM2.5 composition data in Georgia
Figure 51 shows the distribution of Georgias 2014 PM2.5 annual speciation averages collected across the state. The regional similarities and differences of the PM2.5 species composition become apparent from this analysis. All across the state, organic carbon (green) and sulfate (teal) show the greatest contribution of the all the PM2.5 species collected. The Rome and Atlanta sites have more contribution of elemental carbon, while the Macon site collects more of the crustal species. Ammonium ion (dark blue) and nitrate (red) also show relatively more contribution at the Athens site, compared to the other sites.
MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES Particle speciation measurements require the use of a wide variety of sampling and analytical techniques, but all generally use filter media to collect the particles to be analyzed. Laboratory techniques currently in use are gravimetric (microweighing); X-ray fluorescence and particle-induced X-ray emission for trace elements; ion chromatography for anions and selected cations; controlled combustion for carbon; and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) for semi-volatile organic particles.
ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION Particle speciation measurements are performed to support the regulatory, analytical, and public health purposes of the program. Currently, there are no ambient air quality standards regarding the speciation of particles.
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Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

PHOTOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT MONITORING STATIONS (PAMS)

GENERAL INFORMATION Ozone is the most prevalent photochemical oxidant and an important contributor to photochemical pollutants. The understanding of the chemical processes in ozone formation and the specific understanding of the atmospheric mixture in nonattainment areas nationwide are essential. To better understand the chemical processes and develop a strategy for solving those problems, EPA revised the ambient air quality surveillance regulations. In February 1993, Title 40, Part 58 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Part 58) was developed to include provisions for enhanced monitoring of ozone, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), select carbonyl compounds, and the monitoring of meteorological parameters. These parameters would be monitored at Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS). Stated in Title 40, Part 58 of the Code of Federal Regulation (40 CFR Part 58), the increased monitoring of ozone and its precursor concentrations allows for the characterization of precursor emissions within the area, transport of ozone and its precursors, and the photochemical processes leading to nonattainment. By expanding on the study of ozone formation, PAMS monitoring sites better serve as a means to study trends and spatial and diurnal variability.

As described in the Technical Assistance Document (TAD), PAMS monitoring was to be implemented in cities that were classified as serious, severe, or extreme for ozone nonattainment. The classifications were based on the number of exceedances of the ozone standard, and the severity of those exceedances. Nineteen areas nationwide were required to implement a PAMS network. In the Atlanta metropolitan area, a network of four sites was established beginning in 1993. The monitoring sites were selected depending on the pollutants monitored in relation to the prevailing winds in the area. The Yorkville site serves as a Type 1 site. It is a rural background site, upwind of the city, which aids in determining the role of transport of pollutants into the Atlanta area. The South DeKalb and Tucker sites were the primary and secondary wind directions for an urban core-type site, serving as Type 2 sites. These sites are expected to measure the highest precursor concentrations of NOx and VOCs in the Atlanta area. The Conyers site is the downwind site where titration of the precursors has occurred and the ozone concentrations should be at their highest. The Conyers site serves as a Type 3 site. Until the end of 2006, this was the setup of the PAMS network. At the end of 2006, the Tucker site was shut down. From that point, South DeKalb has served as the urban core-type site. The PAMS network as it was set up for the 2014 monitoring year is shown in Figure 52.

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Figure 52. Georgia PAMS monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors
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Of the fifty-six PAMS compounds monitored, the same volatile organic compounds (VOCs) consistently show the highest average concentrations at all three sites. These compounds include isoprene, m/p xylene, toluene, propane, ethane, isopentane, n-butane and n-pentane. Propane, ethane, isopentane, n-butane, and n-pentane have a limited reactivity for ozone formation, and therefore are the most prevalent of the volatile organic compounds measured. However, when the characterization of the top compounds is based upon contributions to ozone formation potential, the list is slightly different.

Isoprene, the tracer for VOCs emissions from vegetation, is by far the largest contributor to ozone formation at every site. Isoprene is a 5 carbon organic compound naturally released in large quantities by conifer trees. These trees are very abundant in the Southeastern United States, contributing a significant portion to the overall carbon loading of the atmosphere in this region. Isoprenes chemical structure makes it a highly reactive substance with a short atmospheric lifetime and large ozone forming potential. The amount of isoprene emissions from conifers varies seasonally, with emissions increasing as length of daylight and temperature increase.

Figure 53 shows the seasonal occurrence of isoprene in Georgia from 2003 to 2014. This figure represents a combination of the 6-day, 24-hour data shown as monthly averages over the twelve years from the three PAMS sites. Ambient concentrations are shown to increase during the summer months (May-September) and are essentially non-existent from October to April.

12.0

Average Monthly Isoprene Concentration (ppbC)

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0 J

F

M

A

M

J

J

South DeKalb

Yorkville

A

S

Conyers

O

N

D

Figure 53. Average yearly profile of isoprene, 2003-2014

65 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

The anthropogenic compounds detected at all sites with the highest ozone formation potential were toluene, m/p xylene, propylene, ethylene, and isopentane. The sources for these five compounds are varied. All five compounds are emitted by mobile sources, with ethylene being an important tracer for vehicle emissions. Toluene (generally the most abundant species in urban air), m/p xylene, and isopentane are also emitted by solvent use and refinery activities. Toluene reaches the air from a variety of sources such as combustion of fossil fuels and evaporative emissions. This hydrocarbon is in motor vehicle fuel and is also used as a common solvent in many products such as paint. It has a substituted benzene ring possessing modest atmospheric reactivity. Figure 54 compares the seasonal occurrence of toluene with monthly averaged data from 2003 through 2014. This figure is a combination of the 6-day, 24-hour data from the three PAMS sites, and concentrations are given in parts per billion Carbon (ppbC).

7.0

Average Monthly Toluene Concentration (ppbC)

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0 J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

South DeKalb

Yorkville

Conyers

Figure 54. Toluene average annual occurrence, 2003-2014

As shown in Figure 54, the atmospheric levels of toluene are relatively constant throughout the year, suggesting a steady level of emissions year-round. Over the past twelve years, an occasional spike in concentration has occurred without evidence of a pattern. Overall, the PAMS site that is situated in the urban area (South DeKalb) has slightly higher levels of toluene, while the sites located on the outskirts of the Atlanta metropolitan area (Yorkville and Conyers) show lower levels of toluene.

66 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

Figure 55 plots the daily profiles of toluene and isoprene. This graph uses data gathered in the summer, and shows a constant background of toluene emissions with higher levels resulting from morning and evening rush hour traffic. The graph shows the typical diurnal, or daily, profile for a typical urban area. During morning hours, when the nocturnal inversion has not yet broken, emissions become trapped within the boundary layer, resulting in a temporary increase in atmospheric concentration. Nighttime toluene levels are constant from midnight to 5:00 am. From 6:00 am to 7:00 am, increased vehicular activity releasing emissions into an atmosphere with limited dispersing ability produces an increase in the ambient concentration. This behavior is typical of area source anthropogenic emissions with modest to long atmospheric lifetimes. Isoprene, on the other hand, exhibits very different behavior. At night, emission levels are at zero as photosynthesis ceases. At sunrise (about 6:00 am) concentrations begin to rise and continue to do so throughout the daylight hours. The vertical flux, or mass input per unit area, in the atmosphere of this substance is massive, being only slightly influenced by the enhanced mid-morning mixing. This effect can be seen at 9:00 am when a slight drop in concentration occurs followed by a quick resumption in rise.

Concentration (ppbC)

12.0 10.0
8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

Time of Day

Toluene

Isoprene

Figure 55. Typical urban daily profile of toluene & isoprene

67 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

CARBONYL COMPOUNDS

Carbonyl compounds define a large group of substances, which include acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde. These compounds can act as precursors to ozone formation. Some of the sources of carbonyl compounds include vehicle exhaust and the combustion of wood. Depending on the amount inhaled, exposure to these compounds can cause irritation to the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, dizziness, and damage to the lungs. Each of the seven carbonyl compounds that Georgia EPD monitors is discussed further in the following paragraphs. The South DeKalb site is part of both the PAMS network and the National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS) network, and collects samples every six days throughout the year, and every three hours throughout the summer. For a map of locations monitoring carbonyl compounds, see Figure 56.

Acrolein is primarily used as an intermediate in the manufacture of acrylic acid. It can be formed from the breakdown of certain organic pollutants in outdoor air, from forest fires and wildfires, as well as from vehicle exhaust. It is also found in cigarette smoke.

Acetaldehyde is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals. Acetaldehyde is formed as a product of incomplete wood combustion (in fireplaces and woodstoves, forest fires, and wildfires), pulp and paper production, stationary internal combustion engines and turbines, vehicle exhaust, and wastewater processing.

Formaldehyde is used mainly to produce resins used in particleboard products and as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals. The major sources of emissions to the air are forest fires and wildfires, marshes, stationary internal combustion engines and turbines, pulp and paper plants, petroleum refineries, power plants, manufacturing facilities, incinerators, cigarette smoke, and vehicle exhaust.

Acetone is used industrially as a reactant with phenol to produce bisphenol A, which is an important component of polymers. It is used in nail polish removers, superglue removers, and as a drying agent. It is also used to dissolve plastic. Acetone is highly volatile and evaporates quickly. Inhalation of acetone can lead to liver damage.

Benzaldehyde is the simplest form of the aromatic aldehydes. It has an almond scent and is used in the food industry. It is also used as an industrial solvent, and is used in making pharmaceuticals, plastic additives, and aniline dyes. Liquid phase oxidation or chlorination of toluene can form benzaldehyde. In addition, benzaldehyde can be formed from a reaction between benzene and carbon monoxide. The combustion of gasoline, diesel fuel, wood burning, and incinerators emit benzaldehyde into the atmosphere.

Butyraldehyde is used in the manufacture of synthetic resins, solvents, and plasticizers. It is emitted into the air by combustion of gasoline, diesel fuel, and wood.

Propionaldehyde is a highly volatile compound that is produced or used in making propionic acid, plastics, rubber chemicals, alkyd resins, and is also used as a disinfectant and preservative. It is released into the atmosphere by combustion of gasoline, diesel fuel, wood, and polyethylene.

68 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

Figure 56. Georgias carbonyls monitoring sites, MSAs shown as solid colors
69 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

Average 3-Hr Carbonyl Concentration (g/m3) 6:00 9:00
12:00 15:00
6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

As part of the PAMS network, the South DeKalb site collects 3-hour samples of carbonyls during the summer months (June - August). Samples are collected at hours 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, and 15:00, every three days. The average concentrations of all the 3-hour samples of carbonyls collected during those months for 2005 through 2014 have been combined for a given hour and are shown in Figure 57. The early morning ambient concentrations are generally lower for all constituents. Overall, most of the concentrations appear to peak at 12:00. There appears to be a cyclic trend, particularly for the compounds with higher concentrations, formaldehyde and acetone. Acetaldehyde, acetone, and formaldehyde continue to be the biggest contributors, and this is the first year since 2008 that all six pollutants were detected.

35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0
5.0 0.0

2005

2006

Butyraldehyde

2007

2008

Propionaldehyde

2009

2010

2011

Benzaldehyde Acetaldehyde

2012

2013

2014

Acetone Formaldehyde

Figure 57. This stacked column chart shows the average concentration for each of the seven carbonyls at South DeKalb from June-August, 2005-2014.

70 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

The next two graphs address 24-hour samples of carbonyls data. Due to the differences in sampling method, analysis method, and the sites collecting acrolein data, acrolein is discussed separately in later paragraphs. Figure 58 shows the average concentration of the other six carbonyls and the detection percentage at each of the sampling sites. Detections are shown as a percentage of the overall samples taken since the South DeKalb site collects data every six days with the PAMS and NATTS networks, while the Savannah and Dawsonville sites collect data every twelve days with the Air Toxics Network (discussed in next section). A detection of any given pollutant is counted as any number that is above half the limit of detection. There are some notable changes in concentrations between 2005 and 2014. The Savannah site had a dramatic increase in 2010, but levels have dropped back down the next few years. The Dawsonville site had a visible increase in concentration in 2007 and 2010, but levels have come back down the following years. The South DeKalb site has consistently had overall higher average concentrations. In 2014, percent detections ranged from 35% at the Dawsonville site, to 48% at the South DeKalb site.

Total Average Carbonyls Concentration (g/m3) Percent Carbonyl Detections

35 30 25 20 15 10
5 0
Savannah-E. Pres. St.

Dawsonville

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 South DeKalb

Concentration: Percent Detections:

2005 2005

2006 2006

2007 2007

Site 2008 2009
2008 2009

2010 2010

2011 2011

2012 2012

2013 2013

2014 2014

Figure 58. Average 24-hour carbonyl concentrations and number of detects, by site, 2005-2014

71 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

Average Carbonyl Concentration (g/m3) Percent Carbonyl Detections

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

Figure 59 shows the statewide annual abundance of six species of carbonyls, based on percentage of detections and average concentration. A graph of the seventh carbonyl, acrolein, is shown separately as it is collected with the canister method and involves all the Air Toxics sites (Figure 60). A gradient is evident from this graph, with formaldehyde and acetone being the most abundant carbonyls. In general, it appears that there is a positive correlation with the number of detections and the average concentration. However, acetaldehyde does not follow this pattern, having a higher percentage of detections and lower concentrations. All the compounds showed an increase in total average concentrations in 2010, mainly attributed to the Savannah site (Figure 58). Overall, the average concentrations declined in 2012 and 2013, which attributed to the general decrease in percent detections. There was a slight increase in overall average concentrations in 2014. The relative proportion of each compound to the others has remained the same throughout all ten years, with formaldehyde, acetone, and acetaldehyde remaining the principal contributors.

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0 Formaldehyde Acetaldehyde Propionaldehyde Butyraldehyde Carbonyl Species

Concentration: Percent Detections:

2005 2005

2006 2006

2007 2007

2008 2008

2009 2009

2010 2010

Acetone

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Benzaldehyde

2011 2011

2012 2012

2013 2013

2014 2014

Figure 59. Average 24-hour carbonyl concentrations and number of detects, by species, 2005-2014

72 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

Acrolein may enter the environment as a result of combustion of trees and other plants, tobacco, gasoline, and oil. Additionally, it can be used as a pesticide for algae, weeds, bacteria, and mollusks (ATSDR, 2011). The potential for acrolein to cause health effects is not well understood. At very low concentrations, it is an eye and upper respiratory irritant. At very high concentrations it may produce more serious damage to the lining of the upper respiratory tract and lungs (ATSDR, 2011; U.S. EPA, 2003).

A new acrolein sampling and analysis method was developed by EPA and implemented in Georgia in July of 2007. The sampling method uses the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) canister collection method, and the analysis method uses gas chromatograph and mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). This change occurred due to EPAs findings during the School Air Toxics Monitoring Initiative. For more information on this study, please see EPAs website, http://www.epa.gov/ttnamti1/airtoxschool.html. Georgia EPD began using this new method for the National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) at the South DeKalb site and other Air Toxics sites (discussed in the next section). In previous years, acrolein was sampled along with the six other carbonyls with a dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) cartridge method and analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at select sites across the state. The DNPH sampling and HPLC analysis method were used on the data that is displayed in the three previous carbonyls graphs. Before the new methods were used there were a total of four detections in 2005, zero in 2006, and one in 2007 in Georgia. With the canister collection, GC/MS analysis method, and the addition of Air Toxics sites, the number of acrolein detections drastically increased during the second half of 2007. After the implementation of the new sampling and analysis methods in 2007, 80% to 100% of the acrolein samples were greater than the detection limit (Figure 60).

Figure 60 shows relatively stable concentrations for all years with the exception of 2010 which had an
abrupt increase. Every site had at least twice the 2009 concentration. The Savannah site had the highest increase from 0.34 g/m3 in 2009 to 4.25 g/m3 in 2010. Concentrations have subsequently
returned to a relatively normal range.

4.5

100

4

90

3.5

80

3

70

60 2.5
50 2
40

1.5

30

1

20

0.5

10

0

0

General Coffee Dawsonville Macon-Forestry Savannah- E. South DeKalb Yorkville

Pres. St.

Concentration: Percent Detections:

2007 2007

2008 2008

2009 2009

2010 2010

2011 2011

2012 2012

2013 2013

2014 2014

Figure 60. Acrolein concentrations and percent detections, 2007- 2014

Average Acrolein Concentration (g/m3) Acrolein Percent Detections

73 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES A number of methods are used to conduct the PAMS hydrocarbon portion of the analyses. Throughout the year, 24-hour integrated volatile organic compounds samples are taken every sixth day at the PAMS sites (Conyers, South DeKalb, and Yorkville) and analyzed in the GA EPD laboratory for 56 hydrocarbon compounds. A SUMMA polished canister is evacuated to a nearperfect vacuum and attached to a sampler with a pump controlled by a timer. The canister is filled to greater than 10 psig. Then, the canister is analyzed using a gas chromatograph with mass spectroscopy detection (GC/MS).

Additionally, from June through August, hydrocarbon samples are analyzed hourly at the PAMS sites (South DeKalb and Yorkville) using a gas chromatography unit with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID). The gas chromatograph produces analyses of the ambient air for the same 56 hydrocarbons.

The carbonyls are sampled with two types of methods. One method includes an absorbent cartridge filled with dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) coated silica that is attached to a pump to allow approximately 180 L of air to be sampled. The cartridge is analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Twenty-four hour integrated samples are collected throughout the year, every 12 days at the Air Toxics sites (Dawsonville and Savannah) and every 6 days at the NATTS site (South DeKalb). Also, during June, July, and August, four integrated three-hour carbonyl samples are taken every third day at the NATTS site (South DeKalb). All analyses are conducted at the GA EPD laboratory. Another collection method is the canister sampler that is used for sampling volatile organic compounds (described above); acrolein is analyzed using this method. Specific annual summaries for the 2014 PAMS data may be found in Appendix C.

ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION There are no specific ambient air standards for the hydrocarbon and aldehyde species measured. PAMS measurements are performed to support the regulatory, analytical, and public health purposes of the ambient air monitoring program. By performing these measurements, GA EPD can better understand the characterization of precursor emissions within the area, transport of ozone and its precursors, and the photochemical processes leading to nonattainment. In addition, by studying local atmospheric chemistry, it improves the ability to control the formation of secondary pollutants like ozone and particulate matter. By making such data available, scientists can study air quality and how it relates to human health. This data can serve to guide policymakers toward making decisions that protect public health.

74 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

AIR TOXICS MONITORING

GENERAL INFORMATION Air toxic pollutants, or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), are a group of air pollutants that have a wide variety of sources. Air toxic compounds are released from mobile sources (such as vehicles), stationary industrial sources, small area sources, indoor sources (such as cleaning materials), and other environmental sources (such as volcanoes and wildfires). The lifetime, transportation, and make-up of these pollutants are affected by both weather (rain and wind) and landscape (mountains and valleys). They can be transported far away from the original source, or be caught in rain and brought down to waterways or land. In addition, some HAPs that are no longer used, but were commonly used in the past, can still be found in the environment today.

All of these air toxic pollutants can potentially have negative health and environmental effects. Negative effects on human health range from headaches, nausea, and dizziness to cancer, birth defects, problems breathing, and other serious illnesses. These effects can vary depending on frequency of exposure, length of exposure time, health of the person that is exposed, along with the toxicity of the compound. People can be exposed to HAPs by breathing contaminated air, consuming food or water contaminated by air pollutants, or touching contaminated water or soil. These air pollutants also affect the environment. Wildlife experience symptoms similar to those in humans. Pollutants accumulate in the food chain. Many air pollutants can also be absorbed into waterways and have toxic effects on aquatic wildlife. Some of the substances tend to have only one critical effect, while others may have several. Some of the effects may occur after a short exposure and others appear after long-term exposure, or many years after being exposed. Exposure is not only through direct inhalation of the pollutant, but also through the consumption of organisms (such as fish) that have absorbed the pollutant.

In order for GA EPD to expand the understanding of the quality of Georgias air regarding ambient concentrations of hazardous air pollutants, GA EPD began state-sponsored monitoring activities. HAPs monitoring efforts were undertaken to provide a more complete picture of the states air quality. In 1994, GA EPD conducted an intensive air quality study in Savannah (GADNR, 1996a). Following the study, in 1996, GA EPD conducted an additional study in Glynn County as part of a multimedia event with EPA (GADNR, 1996b). These studies provided detailed pictures of the air quality in local communities, but were not long-term studies and could not provide information on seasonal variation or trends. A reassessment of the air toxic monitoring program occurred, and in 1996 GA EPD embarked on establishing a statewide hazardous air pollutant-monitoring network. The network was not designed to monitor any one particular industry, but to provide information concerning trends, seasonal variations, and rural versus urban ambient concentrations of air toxics. In order to evaluate the rural air quality, two background sites were proposed: one in North Georgia and one in South Georgia. The majority of the other sites were located in areas with documented emissions to the atmosphere of HAPs exceeding one million (1,000,000) pounds per year as indicated by the 1991 Toxic Release Inventory (GADNR, 1993).

After six years, the 2002 Air Toxics Network (ATN) consisted of fourteen sites statewide, including a collocated (where two sets of monitors sample side by side) site at Utoy Creek, which monitored for a common set of toxic compounds. From the list of 187 HAPs compounds identified by EPA, toxic compounds included metals, volatile organic compounds, and semi-volatile organic compounds. In addition, three of the ATN sites (Brunswick, Dawsonville, and Savannah) monitored carbonyl compounds (discussed in the previous section).

In 2003, a National Air Toxics Trends site was added to the network at the South DeKalb site, bringing the total to fifteen air toxics sites. The National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) network was established in 2003 and is intended for long-term operation for the purpose of discerning national trends. The NATTS Network consists of 27 sites nationwide, 20 urban and 7 rural. The South DeKalb

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Environmental Protection Division

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Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

site monitors the same compounds as other air toxics sites, as well as hexavalent chromium, black carbon, and carbonyls (already being monitored with PAMS network).

With the inception of the NATTS network, there was an effort to standardize detection limits for all air toxic monitoring and evaluate air toxics data at a level that would reflect potential cancer risk. Therefore, in 2004, the laboratory methodology was changed for the Air Toxics Network compounds, which lowered detection and reporting limits. This enabled analysis of a broader range of data. Instead of only seeing the higher numbers that were detected and using those numbers for average concentrations, now both sides of the spectrum show a truer average for each chemical. Also, including the lower concentrations for each chemical allows for a better understanding of what levels can cause chronic health problems and potential cancer risk. Seeing only the higher levels of concentration (spikes) only yields data useful for identifying acute health effects. However, with the lower concentration levels included in the data, there can be further assessment of potential chronic health effects and potential cancer risk. In addition, all possible effects of the analyzed chemicals can be viewed, with lower limits included in the data.

In 2008, nine of the 15 Air Toxics samplers (including the collocated Utoy Creek site mentioned above) were discontinued due to budgetary constraints and lack of available personnel. The NATTS site and the remaining five sites in the Air Toxics Network are reflected in the following subsections and included in the following maps of the current network. The following section discusses air toxic compounds, possible sources, monitoring techniques, 2014 findings, and a comparison of 2014 data to previous years.

76 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

METALS

The metals subcategory includes antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium, and zinc.

Antimony is used as a hardener in lead for storage batteries, in matches, as an alloy in internal combustion engines, and in linotype printing machines. Antimony compounds are used in making materials flame-retardant, and in making glass, ceramic enamels, and paints. Forms of the antimony metal are also used in medicines, and can be found in gasoline and diesel exhaust.

Arsenic occurs naturally at trace levels in soil and water. Most people are not exposed to arsenic through air pollution, but it can be found in food. The arsenic found in air comes mainly from the burning of coal or fuel oil, from metal smelters or iron foundries, and from the burning of waste.

Beryllium is a lightweight and rigid metal and used in watch springs, computer equipment, and is used in the production of beryllium-copper as an alloying agent. This strong alloy is used to conduct heat and electricity in spot welding, electrical contacts, and high-speed aircrafts. Until 1949, beryllium was used in fluorescent lighting until it was determined to have caused berylliosis, a disease that primarily affects the respiratory system and skin. Beryllium in ambient air is mainly a result of the burning of coal or fuel oil.

Cadmium emissions, like beryllium and arsenic, occur mainly from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil. The incineration of municipal waste and the operation of zinc, lead, or copper smelters also release cadmium in the air. For nonsmokers, food is generally the largest source of cadmium exposure.

Chromium sources include the combustion of coal and oil, electroplating, vehicle exhaust, iron and steel plants, and metal smelters. The emissions from these sources are a combination of elemental chromium and compounds including chromium ions. The most toxic form is hexavalent chromium.

Cobalt is used as a pigment (blue and green coloring agent), as a drying agent for paints, inks and varnishes, and as a catalyst for the petroleum and chemical industries. It is used as an alloy for parts in turbine aircraft engines, corrosion-resistant alloys, magnets, battery electrodes, and steel-belted tires. Cobalt also has a medicinal use as a radioactive metal in radiotherapy. It is also found in gasoline and diesel exhaust. Cobalt is actually necessary to many forms of life, when ingested through the digestive tract, in small amounts, as a micronutrient. It is a central component of vitamin B-12. As with most micronutrients, however, human activity can cause it to accumulate in unnatural locations or in unnatural concentrations. In those cases, it may be harmful and is considered a pollutant.

Lead is used in the manufacturing of batteries. The largest source of lead in the atmosphere used to be from the combustion of leaded gasoline. With the elimination of lead from gasoline, lead levels in the air have decreased considerably. Other sources of lead emissions include combustion of solid waste, coal, oils, emissions from iron and steel production, and lead smelters. Exposure to lead can also occur from food and soil. Children are at particular risk to lead exposure, because they commonly put hands, toys, and other items in their mouths that may come in contact with lead-containing dust and dirt. Lead-based paints were commonly used for many years. Flaking paint, paint chips, and weathered paint powder may be a major source of lead exposure, particularly for children.

Manganese is a naturally occurring substance found in many types of rock and soil. It is ubiquitous in the environment and found in low levels in water, air, soil, and food. Manganese can also be released into the air by combustion of coal, oil, wood, and the operation of iron and steel production plants.

77 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

Nickel is found in the air as a result of oil and coal combustion, residential heating, nickel metal refining, lead smelting, sewage sludge incineration, manufacturing facilities, mobile sources, and other sources.

Selenium is a by-product of mining and smelting sulfide ores, such as silver, copper, and pyrite. It is found in soils, and can also be released by burning coal. Selenium has photovoltaic and
photoconductive properties and is therefore used in photocells and solar panels. It is used as a pigment (red coloring agent) in enamels and glass, and also as a toner in photographs and in photocopying. Selenium is found in gasoline and diesel exhaust. It is also a micronutrient, needed at very low levels for the health of all living creatures. However, it is normally absorbed through the digestive tract, and not desirable in the air.

Zinc is found in gasoline and diesel exhaust. It is used to prevent corrosion of galvanized steel. It is also used in diecasting, and as part of battery containers. Zinc has been used as the primary metal for producing the U.S. penny since 1982. Zinc compounds are used to make white pigment, sunscreen, deodorant, calamine lotions, and pigments for glow-in-the-dark items. It is also used in the rubber industry. Like selenium, zinc is also a micronutrient that is needed for the health of living beings when consumed through the digestive system. When found in the air, though, it may be considered a pollutant.

For a map of the current metals monitoring locations, see Figure 61.

78 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

Figure 61. Metals monitoring site map, MSAs shown as solid colors
79 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

Figure 62 shows the percentage of the 11 metal species detected out of the total number of samples collected at each site from 2005 through 2014. Following EPAs guidance, a detection of any given pollutant is counted as any number that is above half the limit of detection. It is important to note that the South DeKalb metals sampler is designed to take the sample from the smaller PM10 fraction of the air as part of the NATTS network, while the other samplers in the Air Toxics Network collect samples from all the total suspended particles (TSP). Lower limits of detection (LOD) were introduced in September of 2004; therefore to be consistent, the data represented in these figures starts with 2005 data. In Figure 62, the distribution of metals at various locations across the state can be clearly examined, as well as any changes to pollutant levels in the past ten years. The distribution across these six sites is relatively similar. For all sites, the percent detections remain around 60% to 90% of the total samples collected. Variability across sampling locations is modest, considering the vast geographic distribution of the sites, and climatological and anthropogenic influences from local urban development.

Percent Metal Detections

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 General Coffee

Dawsonville

Macon-Forestry Savannah-E. Pres. South DeKalb* St.

Yorkville

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 62. Percent of metals detections by site, 2005-2014

*From PM10 Fraction

80 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

Figure 63 tracks the annual percent detection of each monitored metal species along with its annual average concentration for all the Air Toxics sites. This figure shows that most metals had several detections, with many up to 100% detection rate in some years, however, the overall concentrations remained low. This indicates that each detection contributed little to the overall concentration, with the exception of zinc. Its detection rate was similar to other metals (e.g. lead, manganese, and nickel) but it had the highest average concentration for all years shown. This would indicate that each zinc detection was associated with a higher concentration relative to the other metals. Some metals including zinc, nickel, antimony, lead, chromium, and cadmium have been associated with emissions from tires and brake linings. The use of vehicles on Georgias roads could be a reason for higher levels associated with some of these metals.

Statewide Average Concentrations (g/m3) Percent Metal Detections

0.16

100

0.14

90

80 0.12
70

0.1

60

0.08

50

0.06

40

30 0.04
20

0.02

10

0

0

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Figure 63. Average concentration and percent detections of metals, by species, 2005-2014

81 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

Because concentrations of zinc were much higher than other metals, Figure 64 examines the total average concentrations of zinc per site. It is important to note that zinc does not have a health based screening value (see Risk Assessment section for more details) that is considered harmful to humans. In addition, zinc is not one of the 187 hazardous air pollutants; however, it is reported here for completeness.

With a few exceptions, most sites have had a consistent level of zinc throughout the nine years of data. As noted earlier, the South DeKalb metals sampler is designed to take the sample from the smaller PM10 fraction of particles in the air, while the other samplers collect samples from all the total suspended particles (TSP). The lower levels generally seen at the South DeKalb site, in comparison, could be due to the larger particles (larger than PM10 size) being restricted by the sampler, indicating that some of the zinc sample could be lost in the larger, restricted fraction of particles. An obvious change over the ten years of data is the Macon sites 2009 average zinc concentration, which more than doubled from the 2008 average concentration. This data was investigated further; however, results were inconclusive as to the cause of the Macon sites higher values in 2009. The changes in zinc levels at the Macon site could be due to changes in local industry. Zinc can be released into the environment from mining, metal processing, steel production, burning coal, and burning certain wastes. In 2010, the average zinc concentration for the Macon site decreased by about half again, resulting in a level near that of 2008. There had been a general downward trend in zinc concentrations at all the sites until 2014. The South DeKalb site showed the biggest increase in 2014 zinc concentrations.

0.060

Zinc Average Concentration (g/m3)

0.050

0.040

0.030

0.020

0.010

0.000

General Coffee Dawsonville Macon-Forestry South DeKalb* Savannah-E. Pres. St.
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Figure 64. Average concentration comparison of zinc by site, 2005-2014

Yorkville
2014
*From PM Fraction 10

82 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (TO-14/15)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) make up a group of chemicals from various industrial, stationary, and mobile sources. VOCs reach the atmosphere by way of evaporative emissions as well as incomplete combustion processes. Chlorinated compounds are very stable in the atmosphere, with lifetimes of several years. Dichlorodifluoromethane, a chlorinated compound, was the refrigerant of choice for automotive cooling. This material has not been manufactured since the mid-1990s (cars now use R-134a), yet dichlorodifluoromethane remains prevalent in the environment. Chloromethane is a volatile industrial solvent. Toluene is a major component of paints, solvents and is also present in gasoline. Benzene is found in vehicle emissions, evaporation from gasoline service stations, emissions from the burning of coal and oil, and in industrial solvents. Carbon tetrachloride and the Freons are generally used as refrigerants, industrial solvents, and as fire suppressants (though generally known as Halon in that application). The atmospheric reactivity of aromatic compounds is relatively high, with lifetimes in the weeks to months range.

Figure 65 shows the statewide detection distribution of air toxic (TO-15) type volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from 2005 to 2014 across the states Air Toxics Network. The detection of any given pollutant is counted as any number that is above half the limit of detection. The South DeKalb site has samples collected every six days; therefore, all of the sites detections are shown as a percentage of samples taken. The distribution is relatively even across the state, although the sites are located in different geographic regions, and have different local influences. The percentage of detections has remained relatively low throughout the ten years shown here. Out of all the VOCs samples taken, the percent detections have consistently been about 8% to 15%.

VOCs Percent Detections

16 14 12 10
8 6 4 2 0
General Coffee

Dawsonville

Macon-Forestry Savannah-E. Pres. St.

South DeKalb

Yorkville

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Figure 65. Percent detected total volatile organic compounds per site, 2005-2014

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Statewide Average Concentration (g/m3) Percent Detections

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

Figure 66 shows the top ten VOCs detected from 2005-2014 and examines the relationship between the concentrations observed and percent detections above detection limit. Although there are 42 species in this analyte group, only a relatively small subset is detected with any regularity. The percentage of detections was derived using any detection that was above half of the method detection limit. To obtain the average concentration for compounds with a minimum of one detection, the half method detection limit for that compound was substituted for any number lower than that compounds half method detection limit. Chloromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, and dichlorodifluoromethane consistently have the highest detection rates, and dichlorodifluoromethane consistently has the highest concentrations. Although there have been some noticeable fluctuations with benzene and cyclohexane, the proportions of these VOCs have remained relatively consistent throughout the years.

16.0

100

14.0

90

80 12.0
70

10.0

60

8.0

50

6.0

40

30 4.0
20

2.0

10

0.0

0

2005 2005

2006 2006

2007 2007

2008 2008

2009 2009

2010 2010

2011 2011

2012 2012

2013 2013

2014 2014

Figure 66. Average concentration and percent detection of common volatile organic compounds (TO-15), 20052014

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Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

Figure 67 shows the total volatile organic compound concentration, or loading, at each site for 2005 through 2014. This "total loading" measurement is produced by adding all the detected concentrations of all VOCs, even those below half of the detection limit as discussed earlier. It is intended as a surrogate measure showing general trends in overall VOC concentrations. When considering Figure 67, it is important to note that the South DeKalb site would appear elevated since this site has a larger number of scheduled samplings than the rest of the sites in the network. Samples are collected on a 6-day schedule at the South DeKalb site, as part of the NATTS network, as opposed to every twelve days at the other Air Toxics sites. It is important to note that the Macon site was shut down for most of 2008 (shown in dark purple) due to damage to the site, causing that value to appear much lower than the other Air Toxics sites. In 2010, the Macon site had a significant increase in total concentration. These higher concentrations seem to be attributed primarily to cyclohexane, dichloromethane, and benzene samples. Then in 2011, the Macon site had a dramatic decrease, to levels below those of 2009, while the other sites total concentrations remained relatively stable. Since then, there has been little fluctuation at each site.

Total VOCs Concentrations (ppb)

250

200

150

100

50

0 General Coffee

Dawsonville

Macon-Forestry Savannah-E. Pres. South DeKalb St.

Yorkville

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 67. Total volatile organic compound loading for each site, 2005-2014

For a map of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) monitoring locations see Figure 68.

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Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

Figure 68. VOC and SVOC monitoring site map, MSAs shown as solid colors
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Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

SEMI-VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), also called semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are chemical compounds that consist of fused, six-carbon aromatic rings. They are formed by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as wood, coal, diesel fuel, fat or tobacco. Over 100 different chemicals are comprised within this designation. Many of them are known or suspected carcinogens. Some environmental facts about this class of compounds are listed below.

PAHs enter the air mostly as releases from volcanoes, forest fires, burning coal, and automobile exhaust.
PAHs can occur in air attached to dust particles. Some PAH particles can readily evaporate into the air from soil or surface waters. PAHs can break down by reacting with sunlight and other chemicals in the air over a period of
days to weeks. PAHs can enter water through discharges from industrial and wastewater treatment plants. Most PAHs do not dissolve easily in water. They stick to solid particles and settle to the
bottoms of lakes or rivers. Microorganisms can break down PAHs in the soil or water after a period of weeks to months. In soils, PAHs are most likely to stick tightly to particles. Certain PAHs can seep through soil to
contaminate groundwater. PAH content of plants and animals may be much higher than the PAH content of the soil or
water in which they live.

For a map of SVOC monitoring locations see Figure 68.

SVOC Percent Detections

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
General Coffee Dawsonville Macon-Forestry Savannah-E. Pres. St.

South DeKalb

Yorkville

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 69. Percent detections of semi-volatile organic compounds per site, 2009-2014

Figure 69 displays the percentage of detections (according to site) from the fourth quarter of 2009 through 2014 for all semi-volatile organic compounds combined in the Air Toxics Network, as well as the South DeKalb (NATTS) site. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2009, the semi-VOCs data collected within the Air Toxics Network was analyzed by the GA EPD laboratory with a gas chromatograph with Electron Capture Detector, while the semi-VOCs data collected within the NATTS network were analyzed with a gas chromatograph by an EPA contract laboratory. Then, in the fourth quarter of 2009, the GA EPD laboratory began analyzing the Air Toxics Network data with a gas chromatograph, the same method used to analyze data from the South DeKalb site. This caused an increase in detection rate for the five sites in the Air Toxics Network. Traditionally, there were only a few compounds that would have any detections, and most compounds would have no detections. Since the change in laboratory analysis method, the detection rates have ranged from about 6% to 35%, for
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Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

the five sites in the Air Toxics Network. Even though the same laboratory analysis method is used for this analysis, the South DeKalb data has shown some significantly higher percentages, up to 88% detection rate. As of July 2012, the GA EPD laboratory began analyzing the semi-VOCs collected at the South DeKalb site as well. Detections were counted as any number that was above half of the method detection limit. As data is collected in the future, the relationship between these sites will continue to be tracked. In addition, the data will be observed for possible continuing increase in detections with the gas chromatograph laboratory analysis method.

Figure 70 shows the percentage of detections compared to the total average concentration for the seventeen semi-volatile organic compounds that all six sites have in common from fourth quarter 2009 through 2014. The percentage detections were derived using any detection that was above half of the method detection limit. To obtain the average concentration for compounds with at least one detection, the half method detection limit for that compound was substituted for any number lower than that compounds half method detection limit. As discussed above, until 2009, the percentage of detections and average concentrations were very low. Before the laboratory analysis method change for the Air Toxics Network data, the percent detections were below 10% and the average concentrations were below 0.01 g/m3. With the laboratory analysis change in the last quarter of 2009, there were significant increases in detections and concentrations for some compounds. Since the analysis method is the same, the following graph combines the Air Toxics Network data and the NATTS data. The largest semi-VOC contributor in both total average concentration and percent detections is naphthalene. The concentrations of naphthalene range from about 0.09 g/m3 to 0.21 g/m3, and percent detections are around 92 to 100%. These concentrations are approximately four to nine-fold higher than the next highest concentrations of around 0.015 to 0.033 g/m3 for phenanthrene. Phenanthrenes total detections have been in the 80% to 100% range, indicating that there were several small concentrations detected, as compared to having higher concentrations for each detection of naphthalene. Over half of the compounds continue to have low average concentrations and percent detections below 50%. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as these are found in the air from the burning of coal, oil, gas, and garbage, and are found in dyes, cigarette smoke, coal tar, plastics, and pesticides. They have been found to bother the skin and mucous membranes and have even been linked to cancer.

0.25

100

90

0.2

80

70

0.15

60

50

0.1

40

30

0.05

20

10

0

0

Statewide Average Concentration (g/m3) Percent Detections

2009 2009

2010 2010

2011 2011

2012 2012

2013 2013

2014 2014

Figure 70. Total average concentration and percentage detections of semi-volatile organic compounds by compound, 20092014

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Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

MONITORING TECHNIQUES In 2014 air toxics samples were collected from a total of six sites, including a NATTS site, and two background (rural) sites.

The compounds sampled at the ATN sites are shown in Appendix D. The list was derived from the 187 compounds EPA has designated as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPS). Many of the HAPS do not have standardized ambient air sampling and analytical methods. In order to collect the compounds of interest for the Georgia network, three types of samplers are used at all locations: the HIVOL, PUF, and canister. In addition, carbonyls were monitored at two of the ATN sites, as well as one NATTS/PAMS site, in 2014.

This equipment samples for metals, semi-volatile organic compounds, and volatile organic compounds once every twelve days following a pre-established schedule that corresponds to a nationwide sampling schedule. The South DeKalb site collects samples every six days, as part of the National Air Toxics Trends (NATTS) network. On the run day, the sampler runs midnight to midnight and takes a 24-hour integrated sample.

The HIVOL sampler used for sampling metals is a timed sampler. The sampler is calibrated to collect 1300 to 2000 liters of air per minute. Particulate material is trapped on an 8.5" x 11" quartz fiber filter. The particulates include dust, pollen, diesel fuel by-products, particulate metal, etc. The filters are preweighed at the GA EPD laboratory prior to use and weighed again after sampling. The filters are subjected to a chemical digestion process and are analyzed on an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer.

The PUF (polyurethane foam) sampler used for sampling semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is a timed sampler. The sampler is calibrated to collect 198 to 242 liters (L) of air per minute. A multilayer cartridge is prepared which collects both the particulate fraction and the volatile fraction of this group of compounds. The plug, filter and absorbent are extracted at the GA EPD laboratory and analyzed using a gas chromatograph.

The canister sampler used for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a timed sampler. A SUMMA polished canister is evacuated to a near-perfect vacuum and attached to a sampler with a
pump controlled by a timer. The canister is filled to greater than 10 psig. The canister is analyzed
using a gas chromatograph with mass spectroscopy detection (GC/MS).

The carbonyls are sampled with two types of methods. One type is an absorbent cartridge filled with dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) coated silica that is attached to a pump to allow approximately 180 L of air to be sampled. The cartridge is analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). A 24-hour integrated carbonyl sample is taken every six days throughout the year. The other method used for collecting carbonyls is the cansiter sampler that is used for sampling volatile organic compounds. Acrolein is a carbonyl compound that is collected using the canister method, described above, and analyzed with the GC/MS method.

As part of the National Air Toxics Trends network, metals are monitored on a PM10 sampler at the South DeKalb site. The PM10 sampler used for sampling toxic metal particles less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter is a timed sampler. Collecting 1020 to 1240 liters of air per minute, the sampler uses a 8.5" x 11" quartz glass fiber filter to trap particulate matter. The sample is analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In ICP-MS, an argon gas is used to atomize and ionize the elements in a sample. The resulting ions are used to identify the isotopes of the elements and a mass spectrum is used to identify the element proportional to a specific peak formed from an isotope.

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Section: Air Toxics Monitoring

ATTAINMENT DESIGNATION Currently, there are no attainment standards for the air toxics compounds, with the exception of lead, which has its designation as a criteria pollutant. Air toxics measurements are performed to support the regulatory, analytical, and public health purposes of the program. While it is understood that these compounds are toxic, it is not well understood what airborne concentrations of each compound may be harmful. By collecting data about their current concentrations, researchers can later compare GA EPDs data with health data to determine what levels of each compound may be safe.

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Section: Meteorological Report

METEOROLOGICAL REPORT

STATE CLIMATOLOGY AND METEOROLOGICAL SUMMARY OF 2014

The climate across North and Central Georgia varies based on a variety of factors, the most prominent of which is terrain. The typical climatology of North Georgia, excluding the Northeast Georgia Mountains, includes warm and humid summer months, and mild winters with interspersed cold spells. Central Georgia has a similar climatology, with summer high temperatures in the lower 90s and winter lows averaging in the middle 30s. Average rainfall ranges from 45-75 inches in the state, with March generally being the wettest month and September and October averaging as the driest months. The average temperature across the entire state for 2014 was 63F, only -0.4F cooler than average, but the coolest year since 2010. Rainfall amounts were 1.27 inches above normal for the state.

The year began on a cold note when an arctic blast broke decades of previous temperature records.
Statewide, the monthly mean temperature was 40.1F, which was 6.8F below the average of 46.9F. It ranked as the 6th coldest January for the state since records began in 1895. January was
characterized by colder and drier than normal conditions, frequent cold-air outbreaks, and a few wintry
precipitation events. Monthly average temperatures were well below normal statewide, with the greatest departures found across the north and west. Temperatures dropped to record lows on the 6th and 7th of the month, in association with an upper level longwave trough that pushed a strong arctic
front into the Southeastern U.S. This front was also accompanied by gusty winds, some up to 30
miles per hour (mph), which caused wind chill indices to reach close to zero over parts of north and central Georgia. Daily minimums on the 7th ranged from near -5F in the northern mountains to near
20F along the immediate coast. Several daily minimum temperature records were established on the 7th. Many climate locations also established new daily low maximum records on the 7th as well. After a brief mid-month warm-up, cold temperatures returned on the 21st and continued for the remainder of the month. Macon established a new record low of 13F on the 25th (breaking the old record of 16F
set in 1963).

Precipitation was typically below average across the state in January, with the exception of the
southeast coast where departures were two to three inches above normal. Accumulating snowfall occurred in the far northern portions of the state on the 5th and 6th and again on the 21st and 22nd.
Trace amounts were reported as far south as Atlanta in both cases.

Location Athens Atlanta Augusta Macon Savannah

January Precipitation (in.) 4.68 3.35 2.48 3.23 2.41

Departure from Norm +0.63 -1.01 -1.43 -1.01 -1.28

A significant winter storm affected much of the state on the 28th and 29th with accumulating snow and freezing rain. An advancing arctic front moved into the area on the 27th, with freezing temperatures being recorded across much of the state by the evening of the 28th. A shortwave then began
spreading moisture into the area, resulting in a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and sleet. Snow totals
of up to 3-4 inches throughout the state and ice accumulations of up to 0.4-0.5 inches were reported south of Atlanta by the 29th. The combination of very cold temperatures, accumulating snowfall, and
workday-hours onset resulted in abysmal travel conditions in and around Atlanta.

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Section: Meteorological Report

The month of February proved to be relatively mild with regard to precipitation and temperature across the state. The average statewide temperature of 49.8F was 1.2F above the 20th century average of 48.6F, making it the warmest February since 2012. Most major climate sites across the state saw near-normal average temperatures. Athens recorded 47F (-0.2), Macons average temperature was 49.4F (-0.6), Columbus recorded 50.8F (-0.3), and Savannahs average temperature was 55.2F (+2.2). Several record high temperatures were set throughout the month, including a record high of 74F in Atlanta on February 2nd (breaking the old record of 73 set in 1986). A record high of 82F was also set on the 2nd at Augusta, which tied the old record of 82F set in 1991. Rainfall amounts were, on average, below normal across much of the state. The statewide average precipitation was 4.04 inches, -0.47 below the 20th century average of 4.51 inches. Areas in the Northeast and Southeast experienced the most dryness, with Brunswick and Alma in Southeast Georgia falling almost 2 inches below normal rainfall.
Two significant weather events occurred at the beginning and end of the month. A powerful storm brought heavy snow and record levels of ice to north and central Georgia on February 11-13th. Then, a cold front moved through the state on the 21st, spawning severe weather with that system. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City (FFC) confirmed an EF-2 tornado with maximum winds of 125 mph struck Laurens and Johnson counties.
March crept in with cooler and drier-than-average conditions. The average statewide temperature for the month was 52.9F, which was -2.5F below the average of 55.4F. Precipitation totals were only -0.64 inches below the average of 5.06 inches statewide. April began on a much more active note with a strong storm system moving through north and central Georgia on the 6th and 7th. Over a 48-hr period, widespread 2-4 inches of rain fell across North Georgia and parts of West Central Georgia. The higher rainfall amounts caused many rivers to reach flood stage, according to the NWS at FFC. In addition to the flooding, an EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Spalding County on the 7th. Another severe weather event later in the month spawned an EF-2 tornado in Troup and Heard counties on the 28th. The NWS also confirmed an EF-1 tornado in Whitfield County with that system on the 28th, with a peak wind of 97 mph.
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The month of May saw near normal, to slightly above normal, precipitation across the majority of the state. Areas of North Georgia and western parts of the state fell slightly below average in rainfall. Temperatures averaged one to three degrees above average in areas of North and Central Georgia, with below average temperatures in the southwest. Another round of severe weather caused an EF0 tornado to touch down in Dodge County on the 14th of the month, and an EF-1 in Banks County on the 15th. No injuries or deaths occurred as a result of either tornado.
The summer months proved to be slightly cooler than normal and two to four inches drier than normal across the majority of locations, according to the NWS at FFC. June was warmer than normal, with July and August averaging cooler than normal temperatures. August also averaged drier than normal, with Macon and Columbus experiencing the 2nd and 6th driest months on record, respectively. Climatologically, the Fall season is one of the driest periods for the region. September experienced mostly above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation across North and Central Georgia. Interestingly, a NWS survey team determined that downburst winds estimated between 70 and 80mph
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caused damage at Henry County Airport on the 7th. Several planes were destroyed and others damaged as a result of those winds.

October was characterized by warmer than normal temperatures and below normal rainfall across
eastern parts of the state, with above normal rainfall in the north and west. The month began with
severe weather and subsequently cooler temperatures. A strong shortwave and associated cold front
moved across the state, causing Atlanta, Athens, and Macon to set record low daily maximum temperature records of 65, 66 and 69F on the 4th, respectively. Record low temperatures continued as Athens set a record low of 38F and Macon 37F on the 5th. Alma tied a record low of 45F on the 6th. A persistent longwave trough remained across the eastern U.S. with disturbances in the flow setting off a round of severe weather on the 6th. The NWS at FFC recorded an EF-1 tornado just north of Ringgold at approximately 7:40 P.M. EDT on the 6th. A warm spell occurred from the 9th through the 13th with temperatures in central and southern areas reaching into the 80s and lower 90s. Numerous
record high temperatures were set across the state. A persistent ridge of high pressure at the end of
the month propelled temperatures to record warmth once again.

November proved to be relatively cool on average across the state. The average statewide temperature of 49.8F was -4.4 below the 20th century average of 54.2F, making it the 4th coolest
November on record and the coolest November since 1976. Macon experienced its coldest average
November minimum temperature on record of 34.5F, which was -8.5 below the average. Athens and Columbus both experienced their 4th coolest November on record. The month began on a cool
note as wraparound moisture and freezing temperatures behind a strong upper level low allowed areas of North Georgia to receive their first snow of the season on November 1st. Macon and Brunswick then set record low temperatures on the 2nd with 29F and 38F, respectively. The record
low temperatures continued through the month as Athens, Columbus, and Macon were among sites that set record low temperatures on the 19th with 20, 21,and 17F, respectively. Augusta also dipped to 15F on the 19th, which broke the existing record of 22F set in 2008.

Table 4: November Average Temperature (F) and Rankings Courtesy of NWS at FFC

Average precipitation statewide was 4.37 inches, a departure of +1.50 above the average. Periods of severe weather spawned several tornadoes across the state. A NWS survey determined an EF-1 tornado touched down in Twiggs County on November 17th. Another round of several weather associated with a strong storm system on the 23rd produced four tornadoes and a straight line wind
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event over Troup County, according to the NWS in Peachtree City. The year ended with a warmer and wetter than average December across many climate sites.

SUMMARY OF METEOROLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS FOR 2014

A complete suite of meteorological instrumentation is used to characterize meteorological conditions around metropolitan Atlanta. The basic surface meteorological parameters were measured at the Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Sites (PAMS). The PAMS sites are Conyers, South DeKalb, and Yorkville. The South DeKalb site is also a National Core Multi-pollutant site (NCore) and a National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) site as well. All PAMS sensors measure hourly-averaged scalar wind speed and vector-averaged wind direction at the 10-meter level, and hourly-averaged surface temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure at the 2-meter level. Several sites include instruments to record precipitation, global solar radiation and total ultraviolet radiation. The standard deviation of the wind direction is also computed at the South DeKalb (NCore, NATTS) site. A ceilometer was installed at South DeKalb to monitor the evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer and the growth of the mixing height. A map of the GA EPD meteorological network, as well as specific instruments at each site, is detailed in the figure and chart below.

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Figure 71. Meteorological Site Map
96 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report Table 5. List of equipment at each meteorological site
LOCATION PARAMETER COMPANY INSTRUMENT MODEL

Section: Meteorological Report

Augusta Brunswick Col Cr Lab Conf Ave. Conyers Dawsonville S. DeKalb Sav. Pres Yorkvill e Macon SE Douglasville Newna n Ft. Mtn Evans NR-G T Sav L&A

WSP/WDR

R.M. Young
R.M. Young

Ultrasonic Anemometer
Ultrasonic Anemometer

81000

X X X

X X X X X

X X

X X

85000

X

X

X X

ATP10/ELEV

R.M. Young

Ultrasonic Anemometer

81000

X X X

X X

X X

X

X

R.M. Young

TEMP/RH Probe 41375VC X

X

X

ATP2/RH

R.M. Young

TEMP/RH SENSOR, DEG C

41382VC

X

X X

R.M. Young

Barometric Pressure Sensor

61201

X

X

X

BP

R.M. Young

Barometric Pressure Sensor

61302V

X

X X

X X

PRECIP

Novalynx

Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge

2602501

X

X

X

X

X

Standard

S/R

Eppley Lab Precision

SPP

Pyronometer

X

X

TUVR

Eppley Lab

Total Ultraviolet Radiometer

TUVR

X

X

Data Logger

ESC ESC

Data System Controller
Data System Controller

8832 8816

X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X

Towers

Aluma Tower Inc.

Crank-Up Tower T-135

X X X X X

X X X X X X

X X

Aluma Tower Inc.

Fold-Over Tower FOT-10

X

X X

OZONE AND PM2.5 FORECASTING
Each day a team of meteorologists from Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and Georgia Tech scientists convene to issue an air quality forecast for the Atlanta, Macon, and Columbus metropolitan areas. The air quality forecast is then relayed to the Clean Air Campaign and EPA, which disseminate the forecast to important national outlets, such as National Weather Service (NWS), USA Today, and The Weather Channel. The forecasts are determined based upon several meteorological factors, such as the synoptic regime, surface and upper air meteorology, satellite imagery, as well as the ambient concentration of pollutant. Multiple 2D and 3D forecasting models generated by Georgia Tech are utilized in addition to NWS synoptic

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forecasting models. These synoptic models consist of the North American Model (NAM/WRF), the Global Forecasting System (GFS), the European, and the Canadian models to name a few.

In 2014, there were eight ozone violations in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. During much of the summer of 2014, Georgia experienced periods of weak troughness, which kept moist and unstable conditions across North Georgia for much of the summer. Overall, the longwave pattern was fairly progressive, so long-lived, persistent, strong Omega block high pressure systems were fairly infrequent over Georgia. The Bermuda/Azores high pressure system was positioned over the Atlantic Ocean as such that most of the state was positioned on the western flank of the ridge. This setup kept good return flow from the Gulf of Mexico in place with moist and unstable conditions, typical of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral conditions, or slight El Nino conditions. There were very few days during the summer where the mid-level and surface ridge axes were directly positioned over North Georgia. There were also several days during the summer where Georgia remained under the eastern periphery of a strong anticyclone which allowed upper level shortwaves to skirt across the area ("ridgeriders"). Thus, moist and unstable conditions persisted with somewhat elevated dew points from Gulf of Mexico moisture advection on several days.

The first ozone violations occurred at Conyers and South DeKalb monitoring stations on June 16th. The ozone violation at Conyers climbed to 0.081 parts per million by volume (ppmv), while the ozone at South DeKalb climbed to 0.076 ppmv. The violation was primarily due to the presence of a weak ridge of high pressure centered over the Southeast. Upper level radiosonde data (atmospheric conditions monitored in upper-air and transmitted to ground station) from the Peachtree City 12Z rawinsonde showed the presence of a shallow moist layer near 700 millibars (mb), although a dry pocket was evident near 850 mb and aloft at 500mb. Light and variable winds persisted for most of day with some north-northwest (NNW) flow at the Conyers site. The violation was primarily due to local production with some dry, downslope flow from the northwest (NW). There was also afternoon convection that fired up along a weak lee trough down the southern spine of the Appalachian Mountains, which is a common feature during the summertime.

On July 17th, a much more complicated meteorological setup allowed the Douglasville site to reach an ozone violation of 0.078 ppmv. This was due to passage of a weak shear axis during the day and a surface trough that gave a few hours of southeast (SE) flow, followed by NW flow. Forward and backward trajectory analysis showed that there could have been transport from the Metropolitan area as well. Peachtree City rawinsonde upper air data also showed southeast (SE) flow just above the surface. Interestingly, the Newnan monitoring site experienced elevated ozone levels on the 17th, with an associated wind shift from SE to NW as well, which put this site downwind of the Douglasville plume. The overall synoptic meteorological setup showed a weak ridge of high pressure over North Georgia with a stationary front to the south draped along the Georgia coast. This synoptic setup allowed more transport from the Metropolitan area towards Douglasville as winds swung through SE. It is fairly typical to get elevated ozone at Douglasville under east-southeast (ESE) flow, as long as winds are weak enough. This meso-synoptic flow pattern can allow southern sites, such as Newnan, to get hit with elevated ozone if the surface flow shifts to a more NNW flow (downwind of Douglasville).

An 8-hr ozone violation of 0.077 ppmv was recorded on August 6th at the Conyers monitoring station. This was followed by ozone violations on Aug. 7th of 0.085 ppmv and 0.083 ppmv at the Conyers and
McDonough monitoring sites, respectively. An ozone violation of 0.078 ppmv was also observed at the Confederate Avenue site on August 7th. The violation was likely due to local production, followed by transport of the plume downwind towards the Conyers/McDonough sites. On August 5th, satellite
imagery and surface dew point analysis (Figure 72) showed development of a dry stable pocket of air
over the Metropolitan area.

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Section: Meteorological Report

Figure 72: August 5th, 2014 Infrared Satellite Imagery and 19z Surface Dew Points
Surface analysis shows high pressure dominant across the Southeast during the period, giving light downslope flow conditions, with a back-door cold front dipping into North Georgia by the 7th. The cold front allowed for scattered convective activity to develop across North and Central Georgia by late afternoon of the 7th. Peachtree City 12z radiosonde data showed relatively dry, stable conditions and light NNW flow within the boundary layer. The sounding data also showed dry air aloft near 500 mb, which is indicative of subsidence over an area. Interestingly, there was elevated residual ozone observed at the high elevation Fort Mountain site late on August 4th and 5th, which could have contributed to the event as well during evolution of the morning mixing height on the 6th and 7th (Figure 73 and Figure 74). These dry, stable, meteorological conditions, during light NNW flow, are typical for producing elevated ozone concentrations during the summertime, assuming other precursors are in place.

Figure 73: Meteorological analyses for August 6th ozone violation (including surface, vorticity, radiosonde, 850mb, and relative humidity analysis)
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Section: Meteorological Report

Figure 74: Meteorological analyses for August 7th ozone violation (including surface, vorticity, radiosonde, 850mb, and relative humidity analysis)
A more classical ozone violation occurred on August 15th, when the McDonough site recorded an ozone violation of 0.089 ppmv. The synoptic situation showed good surface ridging across North Georgia during the event with very dry and highly stable conditions in place. There were light and variable winds below 850 mb, as verified by FFC 12Z radiosonde data (Figure 75). Good subsidence along with light and variable wind conditions indicated the surface ridge axis was positioned not far from Atlanta, along with the enhanced dry air aloft above 800mb. There were light and variable surface wind conditions along with weak NW flow reported at many of the sites for much of the morning hours. Very light, downslope flow is typical for pushing a plume southeast of the city towards the Conyers/McDonough area. It is also possible that local recirculation could have contributed to the build-up of ozone, as boundary layer flow swung from NNW through SE and then back to NNW. There was also an upper level trough passage at 500 mb during the day on the 15th, which helped usher in drier, stable air, while a surface ridge aided in good subsidence around the area. North Georgia was sandwiched between two frontal systems, one to the north and another to the south.
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Section: Meteorological Report

Figure 75: 12z FFC radiosonde data for August 15th
Statistical characteristics of daily team forecasting during the 2014 air quality forecasting season are given below for the cities of Atlanta, Columbus and Macon. The statistics are based on team daily predicted and final daily observed continuous ozone and PM2.5 data (daily peak 8-hr average and daily 24-hr average, respectively).

STASTICAL ANALYSIS OF FORECASTING

Statistical characteristics of daily team forecasting for ozone and particulate matter (PM) during the 2014 air quality forecasting season are given below for the cities of Atlanta, Columbus and Macon. The statistics are based on team daily predicted and final daily observed continuous ozone (daily peak 8-hour average, AQS parameter code 44201) and preliminary and final PM (daily 24-hour average, AQS parameter codes 88101 and 88502) data. Observed data were retrieved from the US EPA AirNow Tech database (www.airnowtech.org) on 9/30/2015.

Observed Air Quality:

Metro Area and Pollutant
Atlanta Ozone Macon Ozone Atlanta PM2.5

Total # of days in record
214
200 359

Observed # of days in AQI category

Good 164 190 178

Moderate 42 10 180

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
8
0 1

Unhealthy 0 0 0

Columbus PM2.5

293

219

74

0

0

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Predicted Air Quality:

False

Gross Correlation

Hits Misses Alarms Bias Error (-1 to +1)

Atlanta Ozone

5

3

7

4.2 7.8 ppbv ppbv

0.67

Macon Ozone

0

0

0

7.3 9.3 ppbv ppbv

0.64

Atlanta PM2.5

0

1

0

0.1 3.0 g/m3 g/m3

0.57

Columbus PM2.5

0

0

0

0.8 3.1 g/m3 g/m3

0.55

% Accurate % Accurate

2

5

categories categories

95

75

100

88

99.7

73

100

79

Notes:

Hits are the number of days on which an observed exceedance of the daily NAAQS was correctly predicted.
Misses are the number of days on which an observed exceedance of the daily NAAQS was not predicted.
False Alarms are the number of days on which an exceedance of the daily NAAQS was predicted, but was not later observed.
Bias is the average tendency to over-predict (positive bias) or under-predict (negative bias) the observed pollutant concentration.
Gross Error is the average absolute error of the predictions relative to the observations. Correlation is a measure of the ability to predict the relative change in observed
concentrations. Higher positive correlation implies that the predictions are accurately anticipating changes in the observed concentrations. % Accurate 2 categories is the percentage of days when the forecast prediction correctly matched the observation for the "no smog alert"/ "smog alert" condition (i.e. 2 categories) % Accurate 5 categories is the percentage of days when the forecast prediction correctly matched the observation for five categories of the Air Quality Index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, and Very Unhealthy).

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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report Observed and Predicted Air Quality:

Section: Meteorological Report

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(Data compiled by Dr. Michael Chang of Georgia Tech)
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Section: Quality Assurance

QUALITY ASSURANCE

The purpose of this report is to provide ambient air quality users and the general public, with a summary of the quality of the 2014 ambient air monitoring data in quantifiable terms. It presents an overview of various quality assurance and quality control activities. The tables included in this report provide summary data for ambient air monitoring stations in the statewide network.

The Georgia Air Protection Branch mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective and efficient reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects on the economy of the state. The Ambient Air Monitoring Program provides a key element of that mission through collecting and reporting quality information on a large number of pollutants and for a vast air monitoring network. Data from these monitoring sources provide the means to determine the nature of the pollution problem and assess the effectiveness of the control measures and programs.

It is the goal of the Ambient Monitoring Program to provide accurate, relevant, and timely measurements of air pollutants and their precursors associated with the corresponding meteorological data to support Georgias Air Protection Branch for the protection of environment and public health. The Quality Assurance Unit conducts various quality assurance activities to ensure that data collected comply with procedures and regulations set forth by the U.S. EPA and can be considered good quality data and data for record.

What is quality assurance? Quality assurance is an integrated system of management activities that involves planning, implementing, assessing, and assuring data quality through a process, item, or service that meets users needs for quality, completeness, representativeness and usefulness. Known data quality enables users to make judgment about compliance with quality standards, air quality trends and health effects based on sound data with a known level of confidence. The objective of quality assurance is to provide accurate and precise data, minimize data loss due to malfunctions, and to assess the validity of the air monitoring data to provide representative and comparable data of known precision and accuracy.

Quality assurance (QA) is composed of two activities: quality control and quality assessment. Quality control (QC) is composed of a set of internal tasks performed routinely at the instrument level that ensures accurate and precise measured ambient air quality data. Quality control tasks address sample collection, handling, analysis, and reporting. Examples include calibrations, routine service checks, chain-of-custody documentation, duplicate analysis, development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, and routine preparation of quality control reports.

Quality assessment is a set of external, quantitative tasks that provide certainty that the quality control system is satisfactory and that the stated quantitative programmatic objectives for air quality data are indeed met. Staff independent of those generating data perform these external tasks. Tasks include conducting regular performance audits, on-site system audits, inter-laboratory comparisons, and periodic evaluations of internal quality control data. Performance audits ascertain whether the samplers are operating within the specified limits as stated in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Table 6 illustrates the types of performance audits currently performed by the QA Unit in 2014. Field and laboratory performance audits are the most common. System audits are performed on an as-needed basis or by request. Whole air sample comparisons are conducted for the toxic air contaminants and non-methane hydrocarbons.

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Table 6. Audits performed for each air monitoring program in 2014

Field

Laboratory

Air Monitoring Program

Performance Performance

Audit

Audit

Gaseous Pollutants

X

X

Particulate Matter

X

X

Air Toxic Contaminants

X

X

Non-Methane Hydrocarbons

X

X

Meteorology

X

Section: Quality Assurance

System Audit
X X
X X

Whole Air Audit
X X

QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT
The Quality Assurance Unit supports all ambient air monitoring programs undertaken by Georgia EPD, which in 2014 includes gaseous pollutants, particulate pollutants, air toxics contaminants, nonmethane hydrocarbons and meteorological sensors run by the Ambient Monitoring Program. In 2014, 42 air monitoring sites operated in Georgia (see Table 2 on pages 5-6 for details). Appendix E of this document provides information about the air monitoring network (i.e., sampling schedules, number of instruments, collection/analysis method, etc.). The air quality monitors collect data in both real-time and on a time integrated basis. The data is used to define the nature, extent, and trends of air quality in the state; to support programs required by state and federal laws; and to track progress in attaining air quality standards. The precision and accuracy necessary depends on how the data will be used. Data that must meet specific requirements (i.e., criteria pollutants) are referred to as controlled data sets. Criteria for the accuracy, precision, completeness, and sensitivity of the measurement in controlled data sets must be met and documented. The process by which one determines the quality of data needed to meet the monitoring objective is sometimes referred to as the Data Quality Objectives Process. Data quality indicators associated with measurement uncertainty include:
Precision: A measurement of mutual agreement among individual measurements of the same property usually under prescribed similar conditions, expressed generally in terms of the standard deviation.
Bias: The systematic or persistent distortion of a measurement process, which causes errors in one direction.
Accuracy: The degree of agreement between an observed value and an accepted reference value. Accuracy includes a combination of random error (imprecision) and systematic error (bias) components that are due to sampling and analytical operations.
Completeness: A measure of the amount of valid data obtained from a measurement system compared to the amount that is expected to be obtained under correct, normal conditions.
Detectability: The low critical range value of a characteristic that a method specific procedure can reliably discern.
Data without formal data quality objectives (i.e., GA EPDs air toxics network) are called descriptive data sets. The data quality measurements are made as accurately as possible in consideration of how the data are being used. Quantified quality assessment results describe the measurement variability in standard terminology, but no effort is made to confine the data set to values within a predetermined quality limit.
The Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Programs (AAMP) Quality Assurance Program is outlined in a five-volume Quality Assurance Manual. The volumes,
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Section: Quality Assurance

listed below, guide the operation of the quality assurance programs used by the AAMP.

Volume I: Quality Assurance Plan Volume II: Standard Operating Procedures for Air Quality Monitoring Volume III: Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures Volume IV: Monitoring Methods for the State Ambient Air Quality standards Volume V: Audit Procedures for Air Quality Monitoring

Volume I lists the data quality objectives and describes quality control and quality assessment activities used to ensure that the data quality objectives are met.

GASEOUS POLLUTANTS

Sampling Cone

Ambient concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are continuously monitored by an automated network of stations run by the Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program. Exposure to these pollutants may cause adverse health effects such as: respiratory impairment, fatigue, permanent lung damage, and increased susceptibility to infection in the general population. Gaseous criteria and non-criteria pollutant data are a controlled data set and are subject to meeting mandatory regulations.

Accuracy: Annually, EPA conducts field through-the-probe (TTP) performance audits for gaseous pollutants to verify the system accuracy of the automated methods and to ensure the integrity of the sampling system. Accuracy is represented as an average percent difference. The average percent difference is the combined differences from the certified value of all the individual audit points. The upper and lower probability limits represent the expected accuracy of 95 percent of all the single analyzers individual percent differences for all audit test levels at a single site. Bias is the systematic or persistent distortion of a measurement process, which causes errors in one direction. Overall, the responses of the individual analyzers indicate that as a whole, the network is providing accurate data. In addition, almost all the gaseous pollutant instruments had more than 95 percent data completeness in 2014. The tables below summarize the 2014 performance audit results for each gaseous pollutant.

Precision: On a weekly basis, site operators confirm the linear response of the instrument by performing zero, precision and span checks. The zero precision check confirms the instruments ability to maintain a stable reading. The span precision check confirms the instruments ability to respond to a known concentration of gas. The degree of variability in each of these weekly measurements is computed as the precision of that instruments measurements.

Annually, the Quality Assurance Unit conducts a precision data analysis as an overall indicator of data quality. The analysis addresses three parameters: precision data submission, precision data validity, and a combination of the two referred to as data usability rates. The precision performance goal for all three parameters is 85%. The submission rate is the number of precision points submitted for a pollutant divided by the expected number of bi-weekly submissions. Data validity is the percent difference of the actual and indicated values of each precision check. These differences should not exceed 15% for gaseous analyzers. Usable data rates are determined by multiplying the data submission and data validity rates that indicate the completeness of verifiable air quality data on the official database. The tables below show the Georgia annual Data Quality Assessment summary for the gaseous pollutants (NO, NO2, NOX, CO, SO2, O3).

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Section: Quality Assurance

Table 7. NO data quality assessment

NO Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary

Site Code

Site Name

No. of Obs.

Precision CV (%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Annual Performance Evaluation Bias

Avg 95% LPL 95% UPL No. of Avg

(%) (%)

(%) Obs. (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

13-089-0002 Decatur - S. DeKalb 13-223-0003 Yorkville - King's Farm 13-247-0001 Conyers - Monastery 13-121-0056 Atlanta - Georgia Tech Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program 95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

61

3.91

4.30 -2.63 -10.02

69

5.56

7.28 -6.36 -15.58

55

2.62

3.02 -1.98 -6.47

32

3.45

8.75 -7.70 -14.46

217

3.53

4.29 -3.26 -10.74

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

3.47 3.77 2.52 -0.95 4.22

8 -4.23 8 -4.56 8 -8.00 4 -7.76 28 -4.79

-15.47 -5.99
-12.40 -10.62 -11.82

7.01 -3.12 -3.59 -4.90 2.23

95% 94% 97% 97% 95%

Table 8. NO2 data quality assessment

NO2 Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary

Site Code

Site Name

No. of Obs.

Precision CV (%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Annual Performance Evaluation Bias

Avg 95% LPL 95% UPL No. of Avg

(%) (%)

(%) Obs. (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

13-089-0002 Decatur - S. DeKalb 13-223-0003 Yorkville - King's Farm 13-247-0001 Conyers - Monastery 13-121-0056 Atlanta - Georgia Tech Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program 95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

60

4.54

4.04 -2.15 -9.84

52

6.55

5.39 1.18 -9.99

55

3.22

2.80 0.80 -4.71

32

2.93

2.56 0.91 -3.86

199

3.97

3.40 -0.12 -8.53

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

5.79 12.35
6.32 5.68 8.30

8 -1.70 8 -10.65 8 -4.11 4 -3.48 28 -4.70

-4.02 0.62 -21.42 0.11 -14.13 8.07 -10.76 3.80 -13.30 3.89

95% 94% 97% 97% 95%

Table 9. NOX data quality assessment

NOx Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary

Site Code

Site Name

No. of Obs.

Precision CV (%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Annual Performance Evaluation Bias

Avg 95% LPL 95% UPL No. of Avg

(%) (%)

(%) Obs. (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

13-089-0002 Decatur - S. DeKalb

61

3.68

3.36 -1.63 -8.08 4.60

8 3.55

13-223-0003 Yorkville - King's Farm

69

5.48

5.88 -3.98 -13.72 5.33

8 5.29

13-247-0001 Conyers - Monastery

57

2.77

2.40 -0.78 -5.54 3.97

8 -4.72

13-121-0056 Atlanta - Georgia Tech

32

Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program 219

2.93 3.47

2.56 0.91 3.41 -1.91

-3.86 -9.23

5.68

4 3.55

5.40 28 1.18

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

-4.24 3.80 -9.50 -12.42 -4.17

11.34 6.79 0.07 -6.35 6.53

95% 94% 97% 97% 95%

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Section: Quality Assurance

Table 10. CO data quality assessment

CO Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary

Site Code

Site Name

No. of Obs.

Precision CV (%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Annual Performance Evaluation Bias

Avg 95% LPL 95% UPL No. of Avg

(%) (%)

(%) Obs. (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

13-089-0002

Decatur - S. DeKalb

29

2.59

2.40 -1.05 0.00 3.13

3 1.48

-1.84 4.81

98

13-223-0003 Yorkville - King's Farm

60

3.13

5.17 -5.09 -9.61 1.17

3 -0.06

-3.52 3.52

94

13-247-0001

Conyers - Monastery

55

2.04

1.88 -1.14 -4.65 2.34

6 -0.29

-6.15 5.56

97

Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program 144

4.21

5.43 -4.47 -8.76 -0.19 12 0.35

-3.07 3.78

97.7

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

Table 11. SO2 data quality assessment

SO2 Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary

Site Code

Site Name

No. of Obs.

Precision CV (%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Annual Performance Evaluation Bias

Avg 95% LPL 95% UPL No. of Avg

(%) (%)

(%) Obs. (%)

Completeness

95% LPL 95% UPL

(%)

(%)

(%)

13-021-0012

Macon - Forestry

57

1.46

2.43 -2.14 -4.65 0.38

8 -5.56

-16.66 5.19

98

13-051-0021 Savannah - East President St. 49

1.70

2.97 -2.54 -5.43 0.34

4 -5.99

-17.30 5.32

84

13-051-1002

Savannah - L & A

61

2.42

1.97 0.27 -3.97 4.37

4 -15.62

-32.64 1.39

99

13-215-0008

Augusta-Bungalow

58

1.81

2.73 2.40 -0.75 5.49

4 -2.68

-7.19 1.84

97

13-115-0003 Rome - Coosa Elementary

57

2.01

2.33 -1.82 -5.27 1.63

4 2.13

-0.37 4.63

98

13-121-0055 Atlanta - Confederate Ave.

57

2.64

2.16 0.80 -3.72 5.33

4 -0.01

-2.05 2.03

98

13-089-0002

Atlanta-South DeKalb

58

2.31

1.99 -0.35 -4.34 3.61

8 -6.02

-13.06 1.02

98

Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program 397

2.05

2.37 -0.48 -4.02 3.02 5.14 -4.82

-12.75 3.06

96

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

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Section: Quality Assurance

Table 12. O3 data quality assessment

O3 Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary

Site Code

Site Name

Annual Performance

No. of Obs.

Precision Estimate CV (%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Evaluation Bias

No. of Avg Obs. (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

13-021-0012

Macon - Forestry

37

2.21

3.44 -2.92 -6.57 0.73

13-051-0021

Savannah - East President St.

36

3.43

3.01 -0.90 -6.65 4.67

13-055-0001 Summerville - DNR Fish Hatchery

34

1.16

0.99 -0.71 -2.61 1.20

13-059-0002

Athens - Fire Station 7

35

1.84

2.16 -1.72 -4.75 1.31

13-067-0003 Kennesaw - Georgia National Guard

15

1.94

1.83 -1.18 -4.01 1.66

13-073-0001

Evans - Riverside Park

36

1.15

0.69 0.00 -1.89 1.90

13-077-0002 Newnan - University of West Georgia

41

3.34

4.59 3.40 -2.03 9.14

13-085-0001

Dawsonville - Georgia Forestry

37

1.81

1.84 1.22 -1.80 4.18

13-089-0002

Decatur - South DeKalb

59

3.02

2.49 -1.04 -6.17 4.23

13-097-0004 Douglasville - West Strickland Street

33

2.42

1.73 -0.18 -4.15 3.78

13-121-0055

Atlanta - Confederate Ave.

36

2.31

2.24 1.36 -2.45 5.17

13-127-0006

Brunswick - Risley School

37

2.43

2.30 -1.40 -5.42 2.61

13-135-0002

Lawrenceville - Gwinnett Tech

36

1.20

1.29 -1.00 -2.99 0.99

13-151-0002 McDonough - County Extension Office

37

1.61

1.21 0.23 -2.38 2.93

13-213-0003

Chatsworth - Fort Mountain

33

1.24

0.81 0.18 -1.85 2.21

13-215-0008

Columbus - Airport

38

1.19

2.48 -2.21 -4.19 -0.22

13-223-0003

Yorkville - King's Farm

38

1.47

1.02 0.00 -2.44 2.44

13-245-0091

Augusta - Bungalow Rd.

35

1.67

1.81 -1.45 -4.16 1.33

13-247-0001

Conyers - Monastery

37

3.22

3.15 -2.12 -6.94 3.72

13-261-1001

Leslie - Union High School

38

1.42

1.01 -0.31 -2.67 2.04

Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program

728

2.05

2.05 -0.51 -4.15 3.12

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

4 4.75 -3.20 4 2.63 -0.54 4 -4.76 -8.16 4 3.02 2.74 4 -6.76 -10.32 4 6.54 5.72 4 0.00 -4.69 4 -4.44 -5.91 4 -6.67 -10.36 4 -1.03 -5.08 4 -8.00 -12.24 4 9.51 7.25 4 -5.47 -16.60 4 -2.28 -6.15 4 -9.52 -15.98 4 -12.67 -21.70 4 -9.27 -12.01 4 1.31 -0.59 4 -10.81 -20.66 4 1.34 0.52 80 -2.63 -7.86

12.70 5.80 -1.36 3.30 -3.19 7.35 4.69 -2.98 -2.97 3.02 -3.76
11.77 5.66 1.59 -3.07 -3.63 -6.53 3.20 -0.97 2.16 2.60

95 97 99 98 98 97 99 99 98 96 98 99 99 98 95 99 97 97 99 99 97.8

PARTICULATE MATTER
Particulate matter is a mixture of substances that include elements such as carbon, metals, nitrates, organic compounds and sulfates; complex mixtures such as diesel exhaust and soil. Particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or smaller pose an increased health risk because they can deposit deep in the lung and contain substances that are particularly harmful to human health. Respirable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increase the chance of respiratory disease, lung damage, cancer, and premature death.
Particulate matter monitoring is conducted using both manual and continuous type samplers. Manual samplers are operated on a six-day sampling schedule for PM10, and a similar, or more frequent schedule, for PM2.5. The Georgia Ambient Monitoring particulate program also includes total suspended particulates (TSP), sulfate, mass and lead monitoring. Particulate matter is a controlled data set, and as such is subject to formal data quality objectives and federal and state regulations.
Accuracy (field): The accuracy of particulate samplers is determined by comparing the instrument's flow rate to a certified variable orifice (PM10 and TSP), or a calibrated mass flow meter (TEOM, BAM, and PM2.5 samplers) that is certified against a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
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Section: Quality Assurance

traceable flow device or calibrator. Since an accurate measurement of particulate matter is dependent upon flow rate, the Ambient Monitoring Program conducts semi-annual flow rate audits at each site. The average percent difference between the sampler flow rates and the audit flow rates represents the combined differences from the certified value of all the individual audit points for each sampler. The upper and lower probability limits represent the expected flow rate accuracy for 95 percent of all the single analyzers individual percent differences for all audit test levels at a single site.

Overall, the 2014 flow audit results indicate that the flow rates of samplers in the network are almost
all within bounds. The 2014 PM2.5 yearly data quality assessment summary of integrated and analyzation using federal reference method, the PM2.5 yearly data quality assessment summary semicontinuous measurements, and the PM10 yearly data quality assessment summary of 24-hour integrated measurements and semi-continuous measurements are shown in the tables below.

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Section: Quality Assurance

Table 13. PM2.5 data quality assessment for FRM samplers
PM2.5 Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary of Integrated Sampling and Analyzation Using Federal Reference Method

Site Code

Site Name

Collocated (g/m3)

One-Point Flow Rate Check (L/min)

No. of Obs.

Precision Estimate CV (%)

No. of Obs.

Avg (%)

Absolute Signed Bias (%) Bias (%)

Semi-Annual Flow Check

(L/min) (Bias %)

Completeness

(%)

No. of Obs.

Avg (%)

95% 95% LPL UPL (%) (%)

13-021-0007

Macon - Allied Chemical

23

13-021-0012

Macon - Macon SE

NA

13-051-0091 Savannah - Mercer Jr. High School NA

13-059-0002

Athens - Fire Station 7

NA

13-063-0091

Forest Park - D.O.T.

NA

13-067-0003

Kennesaw - National Guard

NA

13-089-0002

Decatur - South DeKalb

14

13-095-0007 Albany - Turner Elem. School

15

13-115-0003

Rome - Coosa High School

NA

13-127-0006 Brunswick - Risley Middle Sch.

NA

13-135-0002 Lawrenceville - Gwinnett Tech

NA

13-139-0003 Gainesville - Fair St. Elem. Sch.

NA

13-153-0001 Warner Robins - Warner Robins

NA

13-185-0003 Valdosta - S. L. Mason School

NA

13-215-0001 Columbus - Health Department

NA

13-215-0008

Columbus - Airport

NA

13-215-0011 Columbus - Cussetta Rd. Sch.

NA

13-223-0003

Yorkville - King's Farm

NA

13-245-0091 Augusta - Bungalow Rd. Sch.

NA

13-295-0002 Rossville - Health Department

NA

13-303-0001 Sandersville - Health Department

NA

13-319-0001

Gordon - Police Dept

NA

Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program

52

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

0.44 NA NA NA NA NA
0.98 1.33
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 2.75

21 -0.14 21 1.43 23 0.12 18 -0.22 18 -0.67 25 0.25 12 -1.11 12 -0.02 21 0.46 19 0.09 20 -0.17 18 0.55 20 -0.46 18 0.05 21 0.62 20 0.73 20 0.15 19 0.52 18 -0.28 25 0.14 19 -0.15 19 0.06 439 0.11

1.56 +/-1.56

4 -1.72 -4.68 1.24

1.39 +1.39

2 1.14 -3.01 5.29

1.10 +/-1.1

2 0.78 -0.05 1.61

0.80 +/-0.8

2 -1.71 -2.13 -1.29

1.17 +/-1.17

2 0.00 -1.33 1.33

1.12 +/-1.12

2 -1.56 -6.55 3.43

1.40

-1.4

4 -0.66 -1.15 -0.16

1.74 +/-1.74

4 -1.38 -2.60 -0.16

0.76 +/-0.76

2 -0.57 -1.98 0.84

0.36 +/-0.36

2 -0.18 -0.68 0.32

0.47 +/-0.47

2 -0.96 -1.12 -0.79

0.69 +0.69

2 1.09 -0.61 2.79

0.70

-0.7

2 -0.66 -1.66 0.34

0.44 +/-0.44

2 0.27 -1.31 1.85

2.57 +/-2.57

2 -1.08 -6.06 3.91

0.90

+0.9

2 -1.62 -4.44 1.20

0.49 +/-0.49

2 0.24 -3.42 3.89

1.34 +/-1.34

2 -2.93 -5.24 -0.62

0.64 -0.64

2 -1.32 -3.47 0.84

0.88 +/-0.88

2 -0.96 -1.12 -0.79

0.63 -0.63

3 -1.04 -2.81 0.73

0.86 +/-0.86

2 -1.41 -7.81 4.99

0.99

53 -0.78 -3.08 2.76

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

94% 93% 89% 83% 100% 82% 100% 98% 82% 93% 95% 87% 94% 93% 97% 98% 98% 92% 94% 98% 93% 89% 93%

114 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report Table 14. PM2.5 data quality assessment for semi-continuous samplers
PM2.5 Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary of Semi-Continuous Measurements

Section: Quality Assurance

Site Code

Site Name

One-Point Flow Rate Check (L/min)
No. of Avg Absolute Signed Obs. (%) Bias (%) Bias (%)

Semi-Annual Flow Check (L/min)

(Bias %)

Completeness

No. of Avg 95% LPL 95% UPL

(%)

Obs. (%) (%)

(%)

13-021-0012

Macon - Macon SE

12 0.50

13-051-1002 Savannah - W. Lathrop & Augusta Ave.

11 2.31

13-059-0002

Athens - Fire Station 7

12 -0.77

13-077-0002 Newnan - University of West Georgia

14 0.13

13-089-0002 13-095-0007

Decatur - South DeKalb Albany

14 1.11 12 -2.72

13-115-0003 13-121-0055

Rome-Coosa Atlanta - Confederate Ave.

12 -2.43 11 1.24

13-135-0002

Lawrenceville - Gwinnett Tech

12 -0.77

13-139-0003 Gainesville - Boys and Girls Club

10 0.61

13-151-0002 McDonough - County Extension Office

12 4.54

13-153-0001

Warner Robins

12 -2.72

13-185-0003

Valdosta - SL Mason

12 -0.01

13-215-0008

Columbus - Airport

13 -1.62

13-223-0003

Yorkville - King's Farm

12 -0.71

13-245-0091

Augusta - Bungalow Rd. Sch.

12 -2.80

13-295-0002

Rossville

12 -1.69

Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program

171 -0.25

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

1.02 +1.02

3 -1.70

-3.98

0.59

3.10 +3.1

2 -1.68

-6.33

2.97

0.87 -0.87

3 -0.38

-3.19

2.44

0.86 +/-0.86

2 0.51

-3.06

4.08

1.40 +1.4 3.37 -3.37

3 -0.38

-3.19

2.44

2 0.61

-1.42

2.64

4.12 -4.12 1.56 +1.56

2 0.30 2 -0.15

-1.53 -0.23

2.13 -0.07

0.87 -0.87

2 0.69

-0.72

2.10

1.20 +/-1.2

2 1.21

0.85

1.57

4.86 +4.86

2 -0.87

-6.61

4.87

3.37 -3.37

2 -0.75

-2.82

1.33

0.31 -0.31

2 -0.84

-1.83

0.16

1.80 -1.8

2 1.17

0.75

1.58

1.24 -1.24

2 0.51

-2.40

3.42

3.65 -3.65

4 -1.03

-3.81

1.75

1.88 -1.88

2 1.32

-1.34

3.97

2.26

33 -0.24 -4.04

4.39

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

98% 89% 97% 97% 81% 88% 87% 96% 99% 99% 97%
94% 92% 99% 98% 97% 96% 96%

Table 15. PM10 data quality assessment of 24-hour integrated and semi-continuous samplers
PM10 Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary of 24-Hour Integrated and Semi-Continuous Measurements

Site Code

Site Name

13-245-0091

Augusta - Bungalow Rd. Elem. School

13-121-0039

Atlanta Fire Station #8

13-089-0002

Atlanta South DeKalb

Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Program

NA: Not Applicable

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

Collocated (g/m3)

One-Point Flow Rate Check Semi-Annual Flow Check

(L/min)

(L/min)

Completeness

No. Precision No. of Estimate of Obs. CV (%) Obs.

Avg (%)

Absolute Bias (%)

Signed Bias (%)

No. of Obs.

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

(%)

22 NA NA 22

0.66 12 0.87 NA 18 -0.43 NA 12 -0.23
0.66 42 0.00

1.25 +1.25 1.53 +/-1.53 1.47 +/-1.47 1.43

4 1.42 -0.36 3.19 2 1.33 -5.84 8.50 2 0.36 -0.30 1.02 8 1.13 -1.38 2.90

89% 93% 92% 92%

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

Precision (field): Precision data for non-continuous particulate samplers is obtained through collocated sampling whereby two identical samplers are operated side-by-side and the same laboratory conducts filter analyses. Collocated samplers are located at selected sites and are intended to represent overall network precision. Validity of the data is based on the percent difference of the mass concentrations of the two samplers. In 2014 collocated PM2.5 samplers were operated at Decatur-South DeKalb, Albany-Turner Elementary School, and Macon-Allied. Collocated PM10 samplers were operated at Augusta-Bungalow Road Elementary School site, and collocated TSPLead samplers were operated at Atlanta-DMRC site.

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Section: Quality Assurance

Particulate samplers (collocated PM10 and TSP) must have mass concentrations greater than or equal to 20 g/m3 to be used in data validity calculations. The difference between the mass concentrations must be no greater than 5 g/m3. If the mass concentrations are greater than 80 g/m3, the difference
must be within 7% of each other. TSP (lead) samplers must have both mass concentrations greater than or equal to 0.15 g/m3 to be used in data validity calculations. For collocated PM2.5 samplers,
data probability limits validity is based on the samplers coefficient of variation, which cannot exceed 10%. Both sample masses must also be greater than 6 g/m3.

Precision for continuous PM2.5 monitors is based on the comparison of the samplers/analyzers indicated and actual flow rates. The differences between the flow rates must be within 15%.

Accuracy (lab): Annual performance audits for PM10 and PM2.5 mass analysis programs include an on-site check and assessment of the filter weighing balance, relative humidity and temperature sensors, and their documentation. The performance audits conducted in 2014 found that the Ambient Monitoring Program was operating in accordance with U.S. EPA guidelines and that the data were of good quality and should be considered data-for-record.

Precision (lab): Laboratories perform various quality control tasks to ensure that quality data are produced. Tasks include duplicate weighing on exposed and unexposed filters, replicate analysis on every tenth filter, and a calibration of the balance before each weighing session. Upon receipt of particulate matter filters from the field, laboratory staff has up to 30 days to analyze the PM10 and PM2.5 samples. Filters are visually inspected for damage, loose material, poor workmanship, discoloration, non-uniformity, and irregularities, and are equilibrated in a controlled environment for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the filters being weighed. If room conditions are not within the established U.S. EPA control limits, weighing is done only after the proper environment is reestablished and maintained for 24 hours.

In 2014, there were no occurrences in which the Georgias Ambient Monitoring laboratory balance room was outside of control limits. The analytical precision results indicate that the Ambient Monitoring Program is providing precise particulate matter data. The tables below show the unexposed and exposed filter replicate results for the Air Protection Branchs (APB) laboratory in 2014.

Table 16. Summary of unexposed filter mass replicates

QC Checks for Pre-weighed Filters

PM10

Total # of sample analyzed

150

Total # of replicates

9

Total % replicated

6%

Total # out-of-range

0

Source: Laboratory Section, Quality Control Report

PM2.5
5765 640 11.10%
0

Table 17. Summary of exposed filter mass replicates

QC Checks for Post-weighed Filters

PM10

Total # of samples analyzed

133

Total # of replicates

18

Total % replicated

13.53%

Total # out-of-range

0

Source: Laboratory Section, Quality Control Report

PM2.5
4494 467 10.39
0

116 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Quality Assurance

AIR TOXICS

In 1996, the Air Protection Branch established an Air Toxics Network in major urban areas of the state to determine the average annual concentrations of air toxics. The program was established to assess the effectiveness of control measures in reducing air toxics exposures. Compounds identified as air toxics vaporize at ambient temperatures, play a critical role in the formation of ozone, and have adverse chronic and acute health effects. Sources of air toxics include motor vehicle exhaust, waste burning, gasoline marketing, industrial and consumer products, pesticides, industrial processes, degreasing operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and dry cleaning operations. Under the current air toxic sampling schedule, ambient air is collected in a stainless steel canister, on a quartz filter, and on a multi-layer cartridge every 12 days over a 24-hour sampling period at each of the network stations. Toxic particulate samples are collected and analyzed for air toxic contaminants to support the Georgia Air Toxic Network. By using a low-flow multi-channel sampler capable of sampling onto filters or cartridges, ambient air is collected and analyzed for carbonyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) compounds (also called semi-volatile organic compounds or semi-VOCs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic metals. The quality of the air toxic data set is governed by a series of quality assurance activities, including audits. The laboratory and monitoring staff are made aware of any exceedance found during an audit, and every effort is made to ensure that the data collected is as accurate as possible.

Flow audits of the toxic metal, VOCs, semi-VOCs and carbonyl samplers are conducted annually at each site to ensure the accuracy of measuring these compounds. Flow rates are a determining factor in calculating concentration and are included as part of the Quality Assurance Program. Although toxics data are a descriptive data set, completeness is issued based on the operating parameters of the sampler. Corrections are made to the samplers if an audit finds the sampler to be outside the Air Toxic Program control limits.

Precision (field and lab): As part of the Air Toxic Program laboratory analyses, internal QC techniques such as blanks, control samples, and duplicate samples are applied to ensure the precision of the analytical methods and that the toxics data are within statistical control.

Stainless steel canisters used to collect ambient air samples are also checked for contamination. Canisters are analyzed for aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons. One canister per batch of eight is assayed to ensure individual compound measurements fall below the limit of detection. In the event a compound exceeds canister cleanliness criteria, the canister and all other canisters represented in the batch are re-cleaned until compounds meet the cleanliness criteria. In addition, Xontech 910A air samplers are checked for cleanliness. Failed air collection media are re-cleaned and re-tested until they pass Xontech 910A cleanliness criteria.

Accuracy (field): The accuracy of air toxic samples is determined by comparing the instrument's flow rate to a certified variable orifice, or a calibrated mass flow meter, that is certified against a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable flow device or calibrator. Since an accurate measurement of air toxics data is dependent upon flow rate, the Ambient Monitoring Program conducts annual flow rate audits at each site. The percent difference between the sampler flow rates and the audit flow rates is computed for each air toxics sampler.

NATTS

There are currently 189 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), or air toxics, with emissions regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA). These compounds have been associated with a wide variety of adverse human health and ecological effects, including cancer, neurological effects, reproductive effects, and developmental effects. According to the Government Performance Results Act (GPRA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is committed to reducing air toxics emissions by 75 percent from 1993 levels in order to significantly reduce Americans risk of cancer and of other serious

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Section: Quality Assurance

health effects caused by airborne toxic chemicals. Early efforts toward this end have focused on emissions reductions through the assessment of technical feasibility. However, as new assessment tools are developed, more attention is being placed on the goal of risk reduction associated with exposure to air toxics.

To meet the GPRA goals, the National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) network has been established, consisting of 27 stations nationwide, with one in Georgia. Having data of sufficient quality is paramount for a network such as the NATTS. As such, Georgia has closely followed the Quality System (QS) for the NATTS, established by U.S. EPA, two aspects of which are Technical Systems Audits (TSAs) and Instrument Performance Audits (IPAs) of each network station and its affiliated sample analysis laboratory. Another integral part of the QS is the quarterly analysis of performance evaluation (PE) samples. Furthermore, the sampling and analytical techniques selected to collect and quantify the air toxics of concern must demonstrate acceptable analytical and overall sampling precision, as well as suitable overall method detection limits that are compatible with expected ambient air toxics concentrations.

Georgia joined the network with one site established in Decatur at the South DeKalb Monitoring Station. The location of all sites, whether the site is located in an urban or rural area, the unique AQS identification code (site code), and current status for all the sites are given in Table 18. The list was taken from the U.S. EPA website, http://www.epa.gov/ttnamti1/natts.html.

118 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report Table 18. Current list of NATTS sites with AQS site codes

Section: Quality Assurance

(Source: http://www.epa.gov/ttnamti1/natts.html)
119 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Quality Assurance

Several Measurement Quality Objectives (MQOs) have been established for the NATTS network in order to ensure that only data of the highest quality are collected by the NATTS network, and to meet the NATTS Data Quality Objective (DQO): "to be able to detect a 15 percent difference (trend) between two consecutive 3-year annual mean concentrations within acceptable levels of decision error" (U.S. EPA, 1994b). Initially, the four compounds of primary importance to the NATTS program were benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, and PM10 arsenic. The Data Quality Objective MQOs for these four compounds are summarized in Table 19 below.

Table 19. Measurement quality objectives for the NATTS program

Compound

Completeness

Precision (Coefficient of Variation)

Benzene

> 85 %

< 15 %

1,3-Butadiene

> 85 %

< 15 %

Formaldehyde

> 85 %

< 15 %

Arsenic

> 85 %

< 15 %

Laboratory Bias
< 25 % < 25 %
< 25 % < 25 %

Method Detection Limit (MDL)
0.044 g/m3 0.020 g/m3
0.014 g/m3 0.046 ng/m3

Other compounds have been added to the list of compounds, including acrolein and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). GA EPD collects data to monitor for these compounds as part of the NATTS program, as well as organic carbon, additional carbonyls, and additional volatile organic compounds.

The MQOs require that: (1) sampling occurs every sixth day and is successful 85 percent of the time; (2) precision as measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) be controlled to less than 15 percent; and (3) that laboratory (measurement) bias be less than 25 percent. Data acquired to assess compliance with the above stated MQOs are derived from a variety of sources. These sources are given in Table 20.

Table 20. MQO data sources for the Georgia NAATS program

Criteria

Data Source

Completeness

Air Quality System (AQS)

Precision

AQS and Proficiency Testing

Bias - Laboratory

Proficiency Testing

Bias - Field

Audits of Sampler Flowrates

MDL

Laboratories

MQO Limit < 15 % < 15 % < 25 % < 10 %
0.046 ng/m3 to 0.044 g/m3

The Air Quality System (AQS) database contains raw data that is used to assess data completeness, and to estimate precision from results of replicate analyses and collocated sampling. In addition, results from the analysis of proficiency testing samples allow one to calculate laboratory precision and bias.

Completeness (of NATTS Data): The AQS database was accessed and the raw data records analyzed for 23 compounds having the AQS codes given in Table 21 on the next page. The completeness of the 2014 AQS dataset was assessed for four compounds: benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, and arsenic. The results are shown in Table 22, on the next page. The percent completeness ranged from 66% to 89%, with sampling occurring every sixth day. Primary and collocated data are differentiated in AQS by use of parameter occurrence codes (POCs).

120 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report
Table 21. 23 Selected HAPs and their AQS parameter codes Compound Name Benzene 1,3-Butadiene
Carbon Tetrachloride Chloroform
1,2-Dibromoethane 1,2-Dichloropropane 1,2-Dichloroethane
Dichloromethane 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene Trichloroethylene Vinyl Chloride
Cis-1,3-Dichloropropene Trans-1,3-Dichloropropene
Formaldehyde Acetaldehyde
Arsenic Beryllium Cadmium
Lead Manganese
Mercury Nickel

Section: Quality Assurance
AQS Code 45201 43218 43804 43803 43843 43829 43815 43802 43818 43817 43824 43860 43831 43830 43502 43503 82103 82105 82110 82128 82132 82142 82136

Table 22. Percent completeness of Georgia's 2014 AQS data, selected compounds Completeness of Compound by AQS Number and by Name

45201

43218

43502

Site

benzene

1,3-butadiene

formaldehyde

Decatur, GA

89%

89%

66%

82103 arsenic
68%

PHOTOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT MONITORING
In 1996, the Air Protection Branch began a routine seasonal sampling program to gather information about non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) species that were precursors to ozone formation in high ozone areas. In 1994, federal regulations required states to establish photochemical assessment monitoring stations (PAMS) as part of their State Implementation Plan (SIP) for monitoring networks in areas designated as serious or higher for ozone. Monitoring is to continue until the ozone standard is reached. The PAMS program is intended to supplement ozone monitoring and add detailed sampling for its precursors. PAMS sites collect data on real-time total NMHC, PAMS speciated VOCs, carbonyls, and various meteorological parameters at ground level and aloft. As this is a descriptive data set, there are currently no mandatory data quality objectives or regulations for the data. However, efforts are made to ensure that accurate data are collected and that the analyzers are operating within PAMS audit standards.
Accuracy (field and lab): Laboratory performance audits are conducted annually to assess the laboratorys ability to measure ambient levels of hydrocarbons. Through-the-probe sampler performance audits are conducted semi-annually at each monitoring site to assess the integrity of the
121 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

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Section: Quality Assurance

sampling, analysis, and transport system. The 2014 PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment summary for the three PAMS sites on the tables below show that most results were within the PAMS control limits of 20%.
Table 23. PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment for South DeKalb
PAMS Speciated VOCs Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary for Decatur - South DeKalb Site

Parameter Code

Parameter Name

2-Comp. Std. Weekly Check

No. of Obs.

Precision Estimate CV
(%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Annual Perform, Evaluation Bias

No. of Obs.

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

43202

Ethane+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

6.01 -7.19 19.20

97%

43204

Propane*

26

22.39

15.35 17.67 -26.51 44.74 6

2.70 -13.01 18.40

97%

43214

Isobutane+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-8.66 -15.31 -2.00

97%

43216

Trans-2-Butene+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-34.00 -86.01 18.00

97%

43220

N-Pentane+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-17.01 -33.66 -0.37

97%

43285

2-Methylpentane+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-32.29 -83.16 18.59

97%

43243

Isoprene+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-58.44 -108.51 -8.37

97%

43231

N-Hexane+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-0.64 -63.83 62.56

97%

45201

Benzene*

26

35.17

23.54 21.88 -47.83 64.09 6

-0.44 -29.67 28.78

97%

43232

N-Heptane+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-23.13 -109.94 63.67

97%

45202

Toluene+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-36.45 -107.25 34.34

97%

45203

Ethylbenzene+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-38.72 -103.82 26.38

97%

43238

N-Decane+

NA

NA

NA

NA NA NA

6

-38.61 -49.34 -27.88

97%

45225

1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene+ NA

NA

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

* NIST traceable

+ Only NIST traceable by weight

NA

NA NA NA

6

-46.52 -67.81 -25.23

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

97%

122 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Quality Assurance

Table 24. PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment for Conyers
PAMS Speciated VOCs Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary for Conyers - Monastery Site

Parameter Code

Parameter Name

2-Comp. Std. Weekly Check

No. of Obs.

Precision Estimate CV
(%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Annual Perform, Evaluation Bias

No. of Obs.

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

43202

Ethane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -7.94 -13.41

-2.46

89%

43204

Propane*

38

7.64

9.54 -7.37 -17.47 7.88

6 -6.08 -15.14

2.97

89%

43214

Isobutane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -10.13 -17.08

-3.18

89%

43216

Trans-2-Butene+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -13.19 -20.24

-6.15

89%

43220

N-Pentane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -6.45 -13.36

0.47

89%

43285

2-Methylpentane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -12.04 -19.82

-4.26

89%

43243

Isoprene+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -42.81 -56.27 -29.35

89%

43231

N-Hexane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6

4.50 -3.77

12.78

89%

45201

Benzene*

38

9.34

10.69 -1.35 -22.57 8.42

6 -9.85 -17.29

-2.41

89%

43232

N-Heptane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -2.02 -10.95

6.91

89%

45202

Toluene+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -13.46 -24.92

-2.01

89%

45203

Ethylbenzene+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -18.19 -37.20

0.81

89%

43238

N-Decane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -20.63 -38.09

-3.18

89%

45225

1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene+ NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

6 -39.51 -58.8 -20.21

89%

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit * NIST traceable

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

+ Only NIST traceable by weight

123 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

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Section: Quality Assurance

Table 25. PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment for Yorkville
PAMS Speciated VOCs Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary for Yorkville King's Farm Site

Parameter Code

Parameter Name

2-Comp. Std. Weekly Check Validation of Bias

No. of Obs.

Precision Estimate CV
(%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Annual Perform, Evaluation Bias

No. of Obs.

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

43202

Ethane+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -3.44 -6.94

0.06

92%

43204

Propane*

38

12.73

9.46 9.81 -18.71 23.51

6 -1.06 -4.95

2.84

92%

43214

Isobutane+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -6.25 -12.33

-0.18

92%

43216

Trans-2-Butene+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -52.66 -74.68 -30.64

92%

43220

N-Pentane+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -34.16 -72.44

4.13

92%

43285

2-Methylpentane+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -12.15 -26.50

2.19

92%

43243

Isoprene+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -35.46 -47.99 -22.92

92%

43231

N-Hexane+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6

3.50 -5.73

12.73

92%

45201

Benzene*

38

16.18 15.43 -8.68 -34.88 18.78

6 -14.88 -30.66

0.9

92%

43232

N-Heptane+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -2.40 -10.64

5.83

92%

45202

Toluene+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -10.03 -20.8

0.73

92%

45203

Ethylbenzene+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -18.06 -37.7

1.59

92%

43238

N-Decane+

NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -15.48 -22.36

-8.59

92%

45225

1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene+ NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

6 -22.53 -52.06

6.99

92%

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit * NIST traceable

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

+ Only NIST traceable by weight

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Table 26. PAMS speciated VOCs yearly data quality assessment for Ambient Monitoring Program Summary
PAMS Speciated VOCs Yearly Data Quality Assessment for GA EPD Ambient Air Monitoring Program Summary

Parameter Code

Parameter Name

2-Comp. Std. Weekly Check

No. of Obs.

Precision Estimate CV
(%)

Absolute Bias
Estimate (%)

Validation of Bias

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Annual Perform, Evaluation Bias

No. of Obs.

Avg (%)

95% LPL (%)

95% UPL (%)

Completeness (%)

43202

Ethane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -5.69 -10.28

-1.09

88%

43204

Propane*

76

10.19

9.50 1.22 -18.44 20.89

12 -3.57 -10.54

3.40

88%

43214

Isobutane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -8.19 -14.72

-1.66

88%

43216

Trans-2-Butene+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -32.93 -49.28 -16.58

88%

43220

N-Pentane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -20.30 -47.81

7.21

88%

43285

2-Methylpentane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -12.09 -23.63

-0.55

88%

43243

Isoprene+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -39.13 -52.14 -26.13

88%

43231

N-Hexane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12

4.00 -4.77

12.77

88%

45201

Benzene*

76

12.76

13.06 -5.02 -26.92 16.89

12 -12.36 -24.70

-0.03

88%

43232

N-Heptane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -2.21 -10.80

6.38

88%

45202

Toluene+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -11.75 -22.87

-0.63

88%

45203

Ethylbenzene+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -18.13 -37.45

1.20

88%

43238

N-Decane+

NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -18.06 -31.32

-4.79

88%

45225

1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene+ NA

NA

NA NA NA NA

12 -31.02 -55.96

-6.08

88%

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit * NIST traceable

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

+ Only NIST traceable by weight

METEOROLOGY
The Ambient Monitoring Program monitors meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, ambient temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, total ultra violet radiation, precipitation and total solar radiation. Real-time meteorological data are generated to characterize meteorological processes such as transport and diffusion, and to make air quality forecasts and burn day decisions. The data are also used for control strategy modeling, case study analysis, and urban airshed modeling. A state/local meteorology subcommittee of the Air Monitoring Technical Advisory Commission (AMTAC) agreed to define the level of acceptability for meteorological data as those used by the U.S. EPA for both the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) programs. The Quality Assurance Unit audits to those levels.
The data variability collected by this element of the monitoring program is generally described as meeting or not meeting the PSD requirements. Station operators are notified if an exceedance is found during an audit, and every effort is made to ensure that the data meets the audit standards. The wind speed, wind direction, ambient temperature and relative humidity data sets are controlled data sets, and subject to meeting PAMS objectives. Since the inception of the meteorological audit program, the data quality has improved significantly.

Accuracy (field): The accuracy of meteorological sensors is checked by annual performance audits. Table 27 summarizes the 2014 data quality assessment results. The average difference (average
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degree difference with respect to ambient temperature) represents the combined differences from the certified value of all the individual audit points for each sensor. The upper and lower probability limits represent the expected accuracy of 95 percent of all the single sensors individual percent differences for all audit test levels at a single site.

Table 27. Meteorological measurements accuracy results
Meteorological Measurements Yearly Data Quality Assessment Summary for GA EPD Ambient Air Monitoring Program (as a PQAO)

Parameter Code

Parameter Name

Annual Audit (Bias %) No. of Obs. No. of Site Avg (%) 95% LPL (%)

Completeness (%) 95% UPL (%)

61101

Wind Speed

30

61102

Wind Direction

30

62101 Ambient Temperature

14

64101 Barometric Pressure

10

62201

Relative Humidity

9

95% LPL: 95% Lower Probability Limit

PQAO: Primary Quality Assurance Organization

16

4.30

-13.63

16

0.02

-0.13

7

0.38

-0.66

6

0.01

-0.05

8

-0.66

-6.85

95% UPL: 95% Upper Probability Limit

22.23 0.17 1.42 0.07 5.53

99% 99% 99% 100% 95%

QUALITY CONTROL REPORTS
Quality Control (QC) reports are summaries of the quality control activities conducted by the laboratory to support accurate and precise measurements. These activities include: blanks, duplicates, controls, spiked samples, limits of detection, calibrations, and audit results.
STANDARDS LABORATORY
The U.S. EPA Region IV Standards Laboratory yearly performs technical support and certification services for Georgias ozone primary standard. Flow rate transfer standards and certification of compressed gas cylinders are sent to the manufacturers for re-certification to ensure that all are traceable to standards of the NIST. A calibration establishes a correction factor to adjust or correct the output of an instrument; a certification establishes traceability of a transfer standard to a NISTtraceable standard; and verification establishes comparability of a standard to a NIST-traceable standard of equal rank.
LABORATORY AND FIELD STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are guidance documents for the operation of quality assurance programs used by the Georgia Ambient Monitoring Program. The SOPs are intended for field operators and supervisors; laboratory, data processing and engineering personnel; and program managers responsible for implementing, designing, and coordinating air quality monitoring projects. Each SOP has a specific method that must be followed to produce data-for-record. The SOPs are developed and published to ensure that, regardless of the person performing the operation, the results will be consistent.
SITING EVALUATIONS
To generate accurate and representative data, ambient monitoring stations should meet specific siting requirements and conditions. It is assumed that the stations meet the siting criteria in place at the time initial operation began. The siting requirements of the Quality Assurance Manual Volume II; 40 CFR 58, Appendix E; and U.S. EPAs PAMS guidelines present siting criteria to ensure the collection of
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accurate and representative data. The siting criterion for each pollutant varies depending on the pollutants properties, monitoring objective and intended spatial scale. The U.S. EPAs siting criteria are stated as either "must meet" or "should meet". According to 40 CFR 58, Appendix E, the "must meet" requirements are necessary for high quality data. Any exception from the "must meet" requirements must be formally approved through the Appendix E waiver provision. The "should meet" criteria establish a goal for data consistency. Siting criteria are requirements for locating and establishing stations and samplers to meet selected monitoring objectives, and to help ensure that the data from each site are collected uniformly. There are four main monitoring objectives: to determine highest concentrations expected to occur in the area covered by the network; to determine representative concentrations in areas of high population density; to determine the impact on ambient pollution levels of significant sources or source categories; and to determine general background concentration levels. Typical siting designations are: micro, middle, neighborhood, urban, and regional. These designations represent the size of the area surrounding the monitoring site which experiences relatively uniform pollutant concentrations. Typical considerations for each of these site designations are, for example, the terrain, climate, population, existing emission sources, and distances from trees and roadways. The Quality Assurance Unit conducts siting evaluations annually. Physical measurements and observations include probe/sensor height above ground level, distance from trees, type of ground cover, residence time, obstructions to air flow, and distance to local sources. These measurements and observations are taken to determine compliance with 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix E requirements.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

INTRODUCTION

In 2014, Georgia EPD collected air toxic samples from five Air Toxics Network (ATN) sites (including two rural background sites) and one National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) site. The following risk assessment reflects data collected at these six locations. Compounds sampled at these sites are shown in Table 28. The list was derived from the 189 compounds EPA has designated as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPS). Many of the HAPS do not have standardized ambient air sampling and analytical methods. In order to collect the compounds of interest for the Georgia network, at least three types of samplers are used at all locations: HIVOL, PUF, and canister. In addition, a carbonyls sampler is located at the Dawsonville, Savannah, and South DeKalb sites. This equipment samples for metals, semi-volatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds, and carbonyls once every twelve days following a pre-established schedule that corresponds to a nationwide sampling schedule. On the twelfth day the sampler runs midnight to midnight and takes a 24-hour composite sample. An exception to this sampling schedule is the South DeKalb site, which samples every six days as part of the National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) and Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) networks. In addition, during June, July, and August, the South DeKalb site collects four integrated three-hour carbonyls samples every third day as part of the PAMS and NATTS networks.

Some of the chemicals monitored in the ATN are also monitored at sites in the PAMS network. The monitoring schedule and some analysis methods are different at the PAMS sites and ATN sites. To account for this, several of the compounds from the PAMS sites were evaluated and compared to concentrations measured at nearby ATN sites for this report.

To put into perspective the risks from environmental hazards as risk analysts will describe them, the continuum below presents risk statistics for some familiar events. Risk analysts describe cancer risks numerically in scientific notation, for example 1 x 10[-5], 1 x 10-5 or 1.00E-05, which means that there is one chance in 100,000 of an event occurring. It is important to note that these risk statistics are population averages, while risk analysts usually estimate risk to the maximum exposed individual. Additionally, it should be noted that these risk values are considered additional risk. That is, risk above and beyond the normal background risk from exposure in everyday life.

Putting Risks in Perspective

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION
The air toxics data [volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds, and metals] collected during 2014 from the Air Toxics Network was evaluated to assess the potential for health concerns. Carbonyls data were assessed separately from the other air toxics, with the exception of acrolein, because those chemicals were only monitored at two of the ATN sites and one of the PAMS locations.
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The initial evaluation consisted of a comparison of the monitored results to "health based" screening values. These values were calculated using procedures recommended in EPAs latest guidance on risk assessment for air toxics, ,,A Preliminary Risk-Based Screening Approach for Air Toxics Monitoring Data Sets (U.S. EPA, 2010). Briefly, EPAs prioritized chronic dose-response values for both noncancerous (reference concentrations, RfC) and cancer (inhalation unit risks, IUR) were used to generate screening air concentrations. To screen for noncancerous effects, the reference concentration was used as a starting point. However, to account for possible exposure to multiple contaminants, the screening air concentration was obtained by dividing the RfC by 10. Screening values for the cancer endpoint were determined by calculating air concentrations equivalent to a risk level of one in one million. Most screening values utilized in this assessment are listed in Appendix A of the previously mentioned guidance document (U.S. EPA, 2010) and updated "Table 1. Prioritized Chronic Dose-Response Values for Screening Risk Assessments (5/09/2014)" (U.S. EPA, 2014). These screening values and the chemicals monitored are displayed in Table 28. For a limited number of chemicals, other resources such as toxicity values from the Regional Screening Table (http://www2.epa.gov/risk/risk-based-screening-table-generic-tables) were used to calculate conservative screening values. These compounds are indicated with an asterisk. When available, both the names derived from the International Union of Chemistry (IUC) and the common names are given. It is important to emphasize that the screening values were calculated in a very conservative manner. Assumptions were made that accounted for the potential for continuous exposure to air toxics for 24 hours per day for 70 years. The conservative screening process was utilized so that the chance of underestimating the potential for health impacts would be minimized, as chemicals were excluded from further quantitative analysis.

Because results for many of the chemicals assessed were routinely below detection limits of the analytical methods available, the initial review of the data was based on an assessment of the number of chemicals detected and the frequency with which they were detected. The process included determining how often (if at all) a chemical was detected (present), if it was present above detection limits, and if those concentrations were above screening values of concern.

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Table 28. Compounds monitored and screening values used in initial assessment

Chemical

Screen Value Chemical (g/m3)

Screen Value (g/m3)

Metals

Antimony

0.02 Cobalt

0.01

Arsenic

0.00023 Lead

0.15

Beryllium

0.00042 Manganese

0.3

Cadmium

0.00056 Nickel

0.0021

Chromium

0.000083 Selenium

2

Chromium VI

0.000083 Zinc

N/A

Semi-Volatiles

Acenaphthene

0.3 Cyclopenta(cd)pyrene

N/A

Acenaphthylene

0.3 Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene

0.00083

Anthracene

0.3 Fluoranthene

0.3

Benzo(a)anthracene

0.0091 Fluorene

0.3

Benzo(b)fluoranthene

0.0091 Indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene

0.0091

Benzo(k)fluoranthene

0.0091 Naphthalene

0.029

Benzo(g,h,i)perylene

0.3 Phenanthrene

0.3

Benzo(a)pyrene

0.00091 Perylene

N/A

Benzo(e)pyrene

0.3 Pyrene

0.3

Chrysene

0.091

Volatile Organic Compounds

Benzene

0.13 1,3 and 1,4-Dimethylbenzene (m/p-Xylene)

10

Benzenecarbonal (Benzaldehyde) Benzyl chloride Bromomethane (Methyl bromide) 1,3-Butadiene
Butanal (Butyraldehyde) Chlorobenzene (Phenyl chloride) Chloroethane (Ethyl chloride) Chloroethene (Vinyl chloride) Chloromethane (Methyl chloride) Cyclohexane 1,2-Dibromoethane (Ethylene dibromide) 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 1,4-Dichlorobenzene Dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon 12) 1,1-Dichloroethane (Ethylidene chloride) cis-1,2-Dichloroethene
1,1-Dichloroethene (1,1-Dichloroethylene) Dichloromethane (Methylene chloride) 1,2-Dichloropropane (Propylene dichloride) cis-1,3-Dichloropropene trans-1,3-Dichloropropene

N/A 0.02 0.5 0.03 N/A 100 1000 0.11 9.0 6300* 0.002 20* N/A 0.091 100* 0.63 N/A 210* 100 0.1* N/A N/A

Ethanal (Acetaldehyde) Ethylbenzene Ethenylbenzene (Styrene) Benzene,1-ethenyl-4-methyl (p-Ethyltoluene) Freon 113 Hexachloro-1,3-Butadiene(Hexachlorobutadiene)
n-Hexane Methanal (Formaldehyde) Methylbenzene/Phenylmethane (Toluene)
Propanal (Propionaldehyde) 2-Propanone (Acetone) Propenal (Acrolein) 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane Tetrachloroethene (Perchloroethylene) Tetrachlormethane (Carbon tetrachloride) 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (Methyl chloroform) 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Trichloroethene (Trichloroethylene)

0.45 0.4 100 N/A N/A 0.045 70 0.0769 40 0.8 32000* 0.002 0.017 3.846 0.17 20 5.2* 7.3* N/A 5000 0.063 0.244

1,1-Dichloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane(Freon114) N/A Trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11)

1,2-Dimethylbenzene (o-Xylene)

10 Trichloromethane (Chloroform)

730* 9.8

*From Regional Screening Table (http://www2.epa.gov/risk/risk-based-screening-table-generic-tables)

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Table 29 summarizes the total number of chemicals monitored at each site (excluding all carbonyls except acrolein), the number of chemicals detected, and the number of chemicals detected above the health based screening values for 2014. Seventy chemicals were monitored at all the Air Toxics sites, except the South DeKalb site, where 71 air toxic chemicals were monitored. In 2014, 40 of the 71 sampled compounds were not detected at the sites, and an additional 10 compounds had 2 or fewer sites with detections. The number of chemicals that were detected at concentrations above the screening levels was even less, with a mean value of 5. Of the three categories of chemicals measured at all sites (VOC, semi-VOC, metals), most of the chemicals that were detected above screening values belonged to the metals and VOCs groups.

Table 29. Summary of chemicals analyzed in 2014

Location

County

Number of Compounds
Monitored

Number of Compounds
Detected

Number of Compounds Greater than Screening Value

Macon-Forestry

Bibb

70

22

4

Savannah-E. Pres. St. Chatham

70

23

5

General Coffee

Douglas

70

27

5

Dawsonville

Dawson

70

21

4

South DeKalb

DeKalb

71

23

5

Yorkville

Paulding

70

22

4

* 6 additional carbonyls were monitored at these locations but not included in this analysis, compounds that

exceeded their screening value are summarized in Table 34

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Table 30 shows the average concentration and detection frequency of the chemicals that were detected above screening values at each Air Toxics site in 2014. The number of detects were counted as any number that was above half the method detection limit. The average was computed using the sample concentration when it was above half the method detection limit and substituting half the method detection limit if the sample concentration was below this limit.

Table 30. Site-specific detection frequency and mean concentration for chemicals that exceeded their screening values in 2014

Site Macon-Forestry Savannah-E. Pres. St.
General Coffee
Dawsonville South DeKalb
Yorkville

Chemical Arsenic Chromium Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Naphthalene Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Naphthalene Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Naphthalene Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Acrolein Benzene

Annual Average (g/m3) 6.50E-04 1.61E-03 6.29E-01 5.57E-01 1.25E-03 1.27E-03 3.26E-02 5.24E-01 7.38E-01 6.20E-04 1.44E-03 3.09E-02 4.22E-01 7.99E-01 1.07E-03 1.03E-03 5.08E-01 6.14E-01 5.40E-04 1.27E-03 4.65E-02 3.79E-01 6.27E-01 5.40E-04 1.06E-03 2.96E-01 4.20E-01

Detection Frequency
19/29 26/29 26/29 13/29 13/20 19/20 18/18 19/26 20/26 18/22 21/22 22/22 12/20 10/20 20/25 17/25 24/27 23/27 33/49 40/49 51/51 26/54 41/54 13/27 18/27 7/28 11/28

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Formula For Calculating Risk Using IUR For Carcinogens
Risk IUR*Conc
Formula For Calculating Hazard Quotient Using RfC For Noncarcinogens
HQ Conc RfC
Equation Parameters Risk: Theoretical lifetime cancer risk (unitless probability) HQ: Hazard quotient (unitless ratio) Conc: Measured ambient air concentration in g/m3 IUR: Inhalation unit risk (1/(g/m3)) RfC: Reference concentration(g/m3)
Figure 76. Formulas for calculating theoretical cancer risk and hazard quotient
Figure 76 shows the formulas used to calculate cancer risk and non-cancer hazard for chemicals that were carried beyond the screening process into the quantitative assessment.
Table 31 shows the theoretical cancer risk and non-cancer hazard that would result from an individual breathing air containing the detected chemicals at the estimated concentrations daily for seventy years, or a full lifetime. These cancer risk and hazard quotient estimates are likely conservative because they were calculated assuming continuous exposure to outdoor air at breathing rates typical of moderate exertion. Real risk cannot be calculated, but may be substantially lower. Lifetime cancer risks for the limited number of chemicals exceeding screening values (and excluding that from carbonyls) exceeded 1 x 10-6 or one in one million, a value generally deemed as insignificant. However, lifetime cancer risks for these chemicals did not exceed 2 x 10-5 or two in one-hundred thousand. This value is generally taken as a crude upper limit for "allowable" risk in many regulatory contexts.
Individual hazard quotients (HQs) are ratios that relate daily exposure concentrations, or dose, to a concentration or an amount thought to be without appreciable risks of causing deleterious non-cancer effects in sensitive individuals as well as the general population. HQ values less than 1.0 indicate the air "dose" is less than the amount required to cause toxic effects other than cancer.
In July of 2007, Georgia EPD changed the analysis method for acrolein. The sampling method changed from a dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) cartridge with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to the VOCs canister collection with gas chromatograph with mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis. This change occurred due to EPAs findings during the School Air Toxics Monitoring Initiative. For more information on this study, please see EPAs website, http://www.epa.gov/ttnamti1/airtoxschool.html. With this GC/MS analysis method, there were several more detections of acrolein than have been seen in previous years, with the HPLC cartridge method. These results are shown along with the other hazard quotients for the Air Toxics sites. The HQ numbers for acrolein are significantly higher than for the other air toxic compounds. This may be due to methodological changes. Potential reasons for differences are still being investigated.

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Table 31. Cancer risk and hazard quotient by location for chemicals that exceeded their screening value in 2014

Site Macon-Forestry Savannah-E. Pres. St.
General Coffee Dawsonville
South DeKalb
Yorkville

Chemical Arsenic Chromium Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Naphthalene Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Naphthalene Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Naphthalene Acrolein Benzene Arsenic Chromium Acrolein Benzene

Cancer Risk 3.E-06 2.E-05
4.E-06 5.E-06 2.E-05 1.E-06
6.E-06 3.E-06 2.E-05 1.E-06
6.E-06 5.E-06 1.E-05
5.E-06 4.E-06 2.E-05 2.E-06
5.E-06 2.E-06 1.E-05
3.E-06

Hazard Quotient 0.04 0.02 31 0.02 0.08 0.01 0.01 26 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.01 21 0.02 0.07 0.01 25 0.02 0.2 0.06 0.01 19 0.02 0.04 0.01 15 0.01

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For screening purposes, it is generally considered appropriate to treat the potential for effects in an
additive manner and to sum cancer risk and hazard quotients, respectively. For example, if cancer risk for two separate chemicals were 1 x 10-4 and 2 x 10-4, then the sum or aggregate cancer risk would equal 3 x 10-4. Likewise, if cancer risk for two separate chemicals were 1 x 10-4 and 1 x 10-5, then total cancer risk for the two would equal 1.1 x 10-4, or rounded to 1 x 10-4. Similarly, if hazard
quotients were 0.6 and 0.5 for two different chemicals, it would indicate that each chemical alone is
not likely to result in detrimental effects. However, summing the two would yield a hazard index (HI) of
1.1 or rounded to 1. Comparing this value to the threshold value of 1.0, this HI suggests at least the
potential for detrimental effects from the combination of the two chemicals. Table 32 shows total or
aggregate theoretical cancer risk and hazard indices (added hazard quotients) for the chemicals
(VOCs, semi-VOCS, and metals) carried through the quantitative assessment.

In 2014, the aggregate theoretical cancer risk (excluding carbonyls) for all Air Toxics sites was 2 x 10-4, with risks ranging from 2 x 10-5 to 3 x 10-5. The HIs ranged from 0.06 to 0.1 without acrolein data
and from 15 to 32 with acrolein data.

Table 32. Aggregate cancer risk and hazard indices with and without acrolein data for all Air Toxics sites in 2014. Carbonyls data were excluded.

Site Macon-Forestry Savannah-E. Pres. St. General Coffee Dawsonville South DeKalb Yorkville

Aggregate Cancer Risk 3.E-05 3.E-05 3.E-05 2.E-05 3.E-05 2.E-05

HI with Acrolein 32 26 21 25 19 15

HI without Acrolein 0.08 0.1 0.08 0.1 0.1 0.06

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Figure 77 summarizes the information in Table 32 and also shows the previous seven years of hazard indices and cancer risk for comparison. With the GC/MS analysis used for the acrolein compound, the hazard indices significantly increased starting with the 2007 data. Before this method change, the highest hazard index generally seen with the Air Toxics data was 0.5. In 2007, the lowest hazard index was 20, at the Savannah site, and the highest was 39, at the Dawsonville site. In 2008 and 2009, the hazard indices were lower overall, with values ranging from 12 at the Macon site to 34 at the South DeKalb site. Then in 2010, there was a dramatic increase at all the sites, with the highest hazard index reading of 213 at the Savannah site. Subsequently, in 2011, the hazard indices decreased drastically, with the lowest value of 18 at the Yorkville site, and the highest value of 66 at the General Coffee site. From 2012 to 2014, hazard index values remained generally low. The lowest hazard index value recorded in 2014 was at the Yorkville site (15) and the highest at the Macon site (32). The aggregate theoretical cancer risks have remained relatively consistent through the eight years, with values ranging from 2 x 10-5 to 3 x 10-5.

250

200

150

100

50

0 Dawsonville General Coffee

Macon

Savannah South DeKalb

Hazard Index Cancer Risk

2007 2007

2008 2008

2009 2009

Site 2010 2010

2011 2011

2012 2012

Yorkville

8.00E-05 7.00E-05 6.00E-05 5.00E-05 4.00E-05 3.00E-05 2.00E-05 1.00E-05 0.00E+00

2013 2013

2014 2014

Figure 77. Aggregate cancer risk and hazard index by site for 2007-2014, excluding carbonyls

Hazard Index Cancer Risk

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A few of the compounds collected from the PAMS network were evaluated in conjunction with the Air Toxics data. The PAMS network is a federally mandated network required to monitor for ozone precursors in those areas classified as serious, severe, or extreme for ozone nonattainment. Fifty-six chemicals are monitored on six-day intervals at these sites. In Georgia, the PAMS sites are located in Conyers, South DeKalb, and Yorkville. Of the 56 chemicals monitored at these sites, many are ozone precursors and have not had a screening value developed for determining the toxicity of those compounds. Therefore, for this study, only eleven chemicals were assessed for their potential to have detrimental effects on human health if present in ambient air. Those eleven chemicals were benzene, cyclohexane, ethylbenzene, n-hexane, 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5trimethylbenzene, styrene, toluene, m/p-xylenes, and o-xylene.

Of these eleven, only benzene, 1,2,4-trimehtylbenzene, and ethylbenzene were found in
concentrations above their screening values. Table 33 shows the detection frequency, first and
second maximum sample concentrations, averages, hazard quotients (HQ) and cancer risk (CR) for these chemicals. Benzene produced theoretical cancer risks ranging from 2 x 10-5 to 3 x 10-5 and
hazard quotients ranging from 0.07 to 0.01. 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene had a hazard quotient range of 2 to 12. Ethylbenzene had a theoretical cancer risk of 2 x 10-6 and a hazard quotient of 0.0008.

Table 33. Detection frequency, 1st and 2nd maximums, mean, cancer risks, and hazard quotients for VOCs from the PAMs network which exceeded their screening levels in 2014.

Site South DeKalb
Conyers Yorkville

Chemical Benzene Ethylbenzene 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene Benzene 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene Benzene 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

Detection Frequency
53/54 34/54 54/54 53/53 53/53 54/56 54/56

1st Max (g/m3)
9.90 4.34 152.40 4.79 32.94 5.43 211.39

2nd Max (g/m3)
7.03 3.47 122.90 4.79 31.96 4.79 176.98

Annual Avg
(g/m3)
3.26 0.83 41.79 2.59 15.83 2.14 85.15

CR 3.E-05 2.E-06
NA 2.E-05
NA 2.E-05
NA

HQ 0.1 0.0008 6 0.09 2 0.07 12

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With the exclusion of acrolein, the carbonyls (acetaldehyde, acetone, benzaldehyde, butyraldehyde,
formaldehyde, and propionaldehyde) are measured at only two of the ATN sites (Savannah and
Dawsonville) and one PAMS/NATTS site (South DeKalb) in 2014. For that reason, their results are
displayed separately from the rest of the data. Detection frequency, average (mean) concentration in micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3), cancer risk, and non-cancer HQs for the carbonyls are shown in
Table 34. Of the six carbonyls sampled, only acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were detected above
the screening value in 2014. All the sites monitoring for acetaldehyde and formaldehyde detected these compounds with a relatively high detection frequency. Formaldehyde was detected 86% to
100% of the time (Dawsonville and Savannah, respectively). Acetaldehyde was detected 42% to 87%
of the time (Dawsonville and South DeKalb, respectively). Formaldehydes theoretical cancer risks ranged from 3 x 10-5 to 1 x 10-4 with hazard quotients ranging from 0.2 to 0.8. Acetaldehyde had relatively low theoretical cancer risks, ranging from 2 x 10-6 to 5 x 10-6, and relatively low hazard
quotients, ranging from 0.1 to 0.3.

Table 34. Detection frequency, average concentration, cancer risk, and hazard quotient, 2014

Site Dawsonville
Savannah-E. Pres. St.
South DeKalb

Chemical Formaldehyde Acetaldehyde Formaldehyde Acetaldehyde Formaldehyde Acetaldehyde

Detection Frequency
19/22 11/26 17/17 13/19 51/52 48/55

Annual Average (g/m3)
2.03 0.91 6.71 1.52 7.80 2.49

Cancer Risk 3.E-05 2.E-06 9.E-05 3.E-06 1.E-04 5.E-06

Hazard Quotient
0.2 0.1 0.7 0.2 0.8 0.3

SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION
In 2014, there were 70 air toxics compounds monitored at 6 sites across the state, with the exception of the South DeKalb site that monitored 71 air toxic compounds. Of these compounds monitored, 40 were not detected and 10 compounds were detected at two sites or less. 44% of the compounds detected above the screening value were in the metals category, 44% were in the volatile organic compounds category, and 11% were in the semi-volatile organic compounds category. There was an average of 5 compounds per site that were above the screening value.
Of the volatile organic compounds, benzene exceeded the screening value and so was evaluated in the quantitative assessment (Table 30 and Table 31) (acrolein is discussed along with the carbonyls, as it was previously detected with the carbonyls). Benzene was found above the screening value at all six Air Toxics sites. Average benzene concentrations at the Air Toxics sites ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 g/m3. These concentrations correspond to the predicted theoretical lifetime cancer risk ranging from 3 x 10-6 to 6 x 10-6. All three PAMS sites detected benzene above the screening value as well. Average concentrations of benzene measured in the PAMS network ranged from 2.1 to 3.3 g/m3. These concentrations correspond to predicted theoretical lifetime cancer risks in the range of 2 x 10-5 to 3 x 10-5 for the PAMS sites. Major sources of benzene to the environment include automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial emissions (ATSDR, 1997a). Most data relating effects of long-term exposure to benzene are from studies of workers employed in industries that make or use benzene, where people were exposed to amounts hundreds or thousands of times greater than those reported herein. Under these circumstances of high exposure, benzene can cause problems in the blood, including anemia, excessive bleeding, and harm to the immune system. Exposure to large amounts of benzene for long periods of time may also cause cancer of the bloodforming organs, or leukemia (ATSDR, 1997a). The potential for these types of health effects from
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exposure to low levels of benzene, as reported in this study, are not well understood. Benzene has been determined to be a known carcinogen (U.S. EPA, 2000) and was evaluated as such in this study.

Naphthalene was the only compound in the semi-volatile organic group found above the screening
value (Table 30). It was detected at three out of the six sites, with a theoretical cancer risk ranging from 1 x 10-6 to 2 x 10-6, with a non-cancer hazard quotient of 0.01 at all three sites (Table 31). Naphthalene is found in moth repellents, petroleum, coal, and is used in making polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) plastics. Exposure to large amounts can cause hemolytic anemia (ATSDR, 2005e).

Two metals (arsenic and chromium) were evaluated in the quantitative assessment (Table 30 and Table 31). Arsenic was found above the screening value at all six Air Toxics sites (Table 30). Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and rocks, and was used extensively in the past as a pesticide on cotton fields and in orchards (ATSDR, 2005b). However, the majority of arsenic found in the atmosphere comes from the burning of coal and oil, incineration, and smelting operations. Arsenic has been recognized as a human poison since ancient times. Inhalation of large quantities of some forms of arsenic may cause irritation of the throat and upper respiratory tract. Long-term exposure either by inhalation or ingestion may result in a unique pattern of skin changes, and circulatory and peripheral nervous disorders (ATSDR, 2005b). Inhalation of some forms of arsenic may also cause cancer, therefore arsenic was evaluated as a carcinogen in this assessment. The detection frequency ranged from 48% to 82% at the Yorkville and General Coffee sites, respectively. Theoretical lifetime cancer risks ranged from 2 x 10-6 to 5 x 10-6, and HQs ranged from 0.04 to 0.08.

Total chromium was detected at all six Air Toxics sites and displayed a relatively high detection frequency, ranging from 67% to 100%. The theoretical cancer risk ranged from 1 x 10-5 to 2 x 10-5
(Table 31). Chromium is a naturally occurring element and is common in low amounts in foodstuffs
(ATSDR, 2000b). Natural processes such as wind generating dust and even volcanoes may release chromium into the atmosphere. However, many human activities such as coal and oil combustion,
electroplating, smelting, and iron and steel production also release it into the atmosphere.

The chemistry of chromium is complex. It may occur in different forms or oxidation states in the environment, having very different degrees of toxicity. Chromium+3 is the form that often predominates in the natural environment, and is also an essential element required for good nutrition. Hexavalent chromium (chromium+6) is the most toxic form of chromium and is often related to releases from industrial activities (ATSDR, 2000b). Inhaling large amounts of chromium+6 may cause upper respiratory track irritation, and chromium+6 has also been shown to be a carcinogen, causing increases in the risk of lung cancer (ATSDR, 2000b). Studies have shown that in ambient air, even near industrial sites, chromium+6 is usually only a small portion of total chromium, with measured concentrations for chromium+6 accounting for a range of values from 1 to 25% of total chromium (ATSDR, 2000b).

Carbonyls were monitored at three sites in Georgia in 2014 (Table 34). Two sites, Dawsonville and Savannah are ATN sites, while the other site, South DeKalb, is in the PAMS/NATTS network. Three carbonyls, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, were detected above their screening levels and included in the quantitative assessment.

Formaldehyde, the simplest of the aldehydes, is produced by natural processes, and from the fertilizer, paper, and manufactured wood products industries (ATSDR, 1999). It is also found in vehicle emissions. Formaldehyde is a health concern because of its respiratory irritancy and as a possible carcinogen. It may cause irritation of the eye, nose, throat, and skin, and has the potential under certain exposure scenarios to cause cancers of the nose and throat (ATSDR, 1999). Acetaldehyde, like formaldehyde, is also a concern as an upper respiratory irritant, and because of its potential to cause nasal tumors in animal studies. However, research has shown it to be significantly less potent than formaldehyde. Acetaldehyde, as an intermediate product of plant respiration and a product of

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incomplete combustion, is ubiquitous in the environment. (U.S. EPA, 1987; U.S. EPA 1991b). Recent
studies of acetaldehyde background levels have found average background concentrations at 0.16 g/m3 in remote areas of North America (McCarthy, Hafner, & Montzka, 2006).

Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were detected at all three locations where carbonyls were assessed
(Table 34). The highest average concentrations of both formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were found at the South DeKalb site, 7.80 g/m3 and 2.49 g/m3, respectively. As discussed above, 0.16 g/m3 of
the acetaldehyde average concentration could be attributed to the background concentration. The theoretical cancer risk for formaldehyde ranged from 3 x 10-5 to 1 x 10-4 and the hazard quotients ranged from 0.2 to 0.8. Acetaldehyde theoretical cancer risk ranged from 1 x 10-6 to 4 x 10-6 and the
hazard quotients ranged from 0.1 to 0.2.

Due to EPA research to improve acrolein sampling and analysis, GA EPD began collecting acrolein with the other VOCs in a canister and analyzing it using a GC/MS method. This method was started in July of 2007, drastically changing the number of detections that were found across the state. In previous years, acrolein was analyzed along with the carbonyls, at select sites. With the GC/MS and canister method, this allowed acrolein to be sampled at all of the air toxics sites. In 2014, it was detected at all the sites, with a detection frequency ranging from 25% to 90% (Table 30). Acrolein was evaluated as a potential non-carcinogen, and the hazard quotients ranged from 15 to 31 (Table 31). The average concentrations ranged from 0.3 g/m3 to 0.6 g/m3 with the highest average occurring at the Macon site. Acrolein may enter the environment as a result of combustion of trees and other plants, tobacco, gasoline, and oil. Additionally, it can be used as a pesticide for algae, weeds, bacteria, and mollusks (ATSDR, 2011). The potential for acrolein to cause health effects is not well understood. At very low concentrations, it is an upper respiratory irritant. At very high concentrations it may produce more serious damage to the lining of the upper respiratory tract and lungs (ATSDR, 2011; U.S. EPA, 2003).

Of the PAMS compounds assessed, benzene and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene were the only compounds detected above the screening value at all sites, while ethylbenzene was only detected above the screening value at the South DeKalb site (Table 33). When evaluated as a theoretical cancer risk, the levels of benzene ranged from 2 x 10-5 at the Yorkville and Conyers sites to 3 x 10-5 at the South DeKalb site, with hazard quotients ranging from 0.07 to 0.1, at the Yorkville and South DeKalb sites respectively. As stated earlier, major sources of benzene to the environment include automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial emissions (ATSDR, 1997a). 1,2,4Trimethylbenzene occurs naturally in coal tar and petroleum crude oil. It is a component of gasoline, and has other uses in industry as an intermediate in the production of dyes, drugs, and coatings. Exposure to very large amounts of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene may cause skin and respiratory irritancy and nervous system depression, fatigue, headache, and drowsiness. However, risks resulting from exposure to low ambient concentrations of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene have not been studied extensively (U.S. EPA, 1994a). 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene was evaluated as a non-carcinogen with potential to cause central nervous system and irritant effects (U.S. EPA, 2004b). 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene hazard quotients ranged from 2 at the Conyers site to 12 at Yorkville site. The theoretical cancer risk of ethylbenzene was 2 x 10-6 and the hazard quotient was 0.0008 at the South DeKalb site. Ethylbenzene is a colorless liquid found in many products including inks, pesticides, and paints and naturally occurs in coal tar and petroleum. Breathing high levels may cause dizziness and throat and eye irritation. Breathing relatively low levels for several days to weeks has been found to cause hearing damage in animals while breathing relatively low levels for several months to years caused kidney damage (ATSDR, 2010).

Figure 78 and Figure 79 show the most recent estimated chronic cancer risk and noncancer hazard index based on the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) of 2005 air toxics emissions inventory data. The estimated total cancer risk levels and estimated total respiratory hazard index are given per tract across the United States. The maps indicate that the estimated tract level total cancer risk and

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estimated tract level total respiratory hazard index, respectively, are higher in more populated areas and along transportation corridors.

(http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nata2005/05pdf/sum_results.pdf) Figure 78. Estimated tract-level cancer risk from the 2005 national air toxics assessment
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(http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nata2005/05pdf/sum_results.pdf) Figure 79. Estimated tract-level total respiratory hazard index from the 2005 national air toxics assessment
As stated previously, the estimates of risk presented herein are likely overestimates due to conservative assumptions used in this exercise. Conservative assumptions were used to estimate the potential for possible exposures (high inhalation rates and long term exposure) and toxicity values. In the absence of good exposure information, this practice is warranted to decrease the potential for underestimating risk. The results presented herein suggest that the majority of calculated risk is due to a small number of chemicals. The risk values presented in this report should not be interpreted as indicators of true or "real" risk, but for relative comparisons of a chemicals contribution to aggregate risk, or for comparisons of risk between locations within the monitoring network or in other areas of the country.
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OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

Maintaining effective public outreach and education is important to the Ambient Monitoring Programs mission. The Ambient Monitoring Program (AMP) seeks to address the air quality issues that are most vital to the citizens of Georgia by identifying the pollutants that represent the greatest risks, continually monitoring the pollutants, and then communicating the monitoring results directly to the public. The goal is to provide an understanding of the presence of air pollution throughout the state, and to educate the public on the steps they can take to improve air quality and protect health. AMP accomplishes this goal by issuing smog alerts and providing information about the Air Quality Index (AQI), maintaining a partnership with the Clean Air Campaign and Georgia Commute Options, and conducting other outreach strategies aimed at keeping the public up to date on air quality issues.

What is the Clean Air Campaign?
The Clean Air Campaign (CAC) is a not-for-profit organization that works to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the metro Atlanta nonattainment area through a variety of voluntary programs and services, including free employer assistance, incentive programs, public information and childrens education.

The Clean Air Campaign and its partners offer assistance to more than 1,600 employers to design and implement commute options programs that make business sense; protect public health; offer targeted incentives to commuters and employers; and work with elementary, middle and high schools to protect children from harmful pollution and empower children to take a positive role in reducing traffic and cleaning the air.

In addition to addressing commuters driving habits, CAC utilizes the AQI to relay air quality information to metro Atlanta residents by providing Smog Alert notifications.

Georgia Commute Options: Improving the Health and Wellness of the Metro Atlanta Region With over 2.3 million commuters on the road in metro Atlanta, and the majority of air pollution coming from tailpipes of our vehicles, the current state of traffic congestion and its impact on the air we all breathe is a source of discussion in our region.

Georgia Commute Options, a program brought to you by the Georgia DOT, offers free programs and services that reward commuters for trying an alternative for driving alone to and from work in areas where air quality is a concern. By reducing the number of cars on the road, we can make an immediate improvement to traffic congestion and air quality in our region.

The programs have been making great strides over the past 18 years each workday in metro Atlanta, the employers and commuters participating in Georgia Commute Options collectively eliminate 1.1 million vehicle miles of travel, save a combined $500,000 on commute costs, and keep 550 tons of pollution out of the air.

More information on the programs and services offered by Georgia Commute Options can be found at GaCommuteOptions.com.

The Air Quality Index The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a national air standard rating system developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The AQI is used statewide to provide the public, on a daily basis, with an analysis of air pollution levels and possible related health risks. Generally, an index scale of 0 to 500 is used to assess the quality of air, and these numbers are synchronized with a corresponding

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descriptor word such as: Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, and Very Unhealthy. To protect public health the EPA has set an AQI value of 100 to correspond to the NAAQS
for the following criteria pollutants: Ozone (O3), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particulate Matter 10 (PM10), Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). The AQI for a reporting region equates to the highest rating recorded for any pollutant within that region. Therefore, the larger the AQI value, the greater level of air pollution present, and the greater expectation of potential health concerns. However, this system only addresses air pollution in terms of acute health effects over time periods of 24 hours or less and does not provide an indication of chronic pollution exposure over months or years.

shows how the recorded concentrations correspond to the AQI values, descriptors and health advisories. Each day the AQI values for Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, North Georgia Mountains, and Savannah are available to the public through GA EPDs website http://epd.georgia.gov/air/. Table 35, on the following page, shows a summary of the 2014 AQI values for these sites as well as all sites that collect criteria data in Georgia.

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Maximum Pollutant Concentration

PM2.5 PM10

SO2

O3

O3

CO NO2

(24hr) g/m3 0.0 12.0
12.1 35.4
35.5 55.4
55.5 150.4
150.5 250.4
250.5 350.4 350.5 500

(24hr) g/m3 0 54
55 154
155 254
255 354
355 424
425 504 505 604

(1hr)* (8hr)^ ppm ppm

(1hr) (8hr) (1hr) ppm ppm ppm

0 0.000 0.035 0.059

None

0.0 0 4.4 0.053

0.036 0.060 0.075 0.075

None

4.5 0.0549.4 0.100

0.076 0.076 0.125 9.5 0.1010.185 0.095 0.164 12.4 0.360
0.186 0.096 0.165 12.5 0.3610.304* 0.115 0.204 15.4 0.64

0.305 0.116 0.205 15.5 0.65 0.604* 0.374 0.404 30.4 1.24

0.605 0.804*
0.805 1.004*

None^ None^

0.405 30.5 0.504 40.4
0.505 40.5 0.604 50.4

1.25 1.64
1.65 2.04

AQI Value 0 to
50
51 to 100
101 to 150
151 to 200
201 to 300
301 to 400
401 to 500

Descriptor Good (green)
Moderate (yellow)
Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups
Unhealthy (red)
Very Unhealthy
(purple)
Hazardous (maroon)

EPA Health Advisory
Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to the condition of the air may experience respiratory symptoms.
Members of sensitive groups (people with lung or heart disease) are at greater risk from exposure to particle pollution. Those with lung disease are at risk from exposure to ozone. The general public is not likely to be affected in this range.
Everyone may begin to experience health effects in this range. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
AQI values in this range trigger a health alert. Everyone may experience more serious health effects. When the AQI is in this range because of ozone, most people should restrict their outdoor exertion to morning or late evening hours to avoid high ozone exposures.
AQI values over 300 trigger health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

Figure 80. The AQI, *AQI values of 200 or greater are calculated with 24-hr SO2 concentrations, ^AQI values of 301 or greater are calculated with 1-hr O3 concentrations.

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Table 35. 2014 AQI summary data, most days had an AQI value in the ,,Good (0-50) category for all the sites. **AQI numbers above 100 may not be equivalent to a violation of the standard

Air Quality Index Summary by CBSA

Number of Days

Pollutants Monitored in 2014

Good (0-50)

Moderate

Unhealthy for Sensitive

Unhealthy

Very Unhealthy Hazardous

(51-100)

Groups (101-150)**

(151-200)** (201-300)**

(>300)**

Albany

PM2.5 Americus

216

142

1

-

-

-

O3

244

2

-

-

-

-

Athens-Clark County

O3, PM2.5

251

107

-

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta

-

-

-

O3, NO2, PM2.5, CO,

SO2, PM10

140

216

9

Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC

-

-

-

O3, PM2.5, PM10

216

149

-

Brunswick

-

-

-

O3, PM2.5

297

36

-

Chattanooga, TN-GA

-

-

-

O3, PM2.5

240

125

-

Columbus, GA-AL

-

-

-

O3, PM2.5 Dalton

249

115

1

-

-

-

O3

259

18

-

General Coffee

-

-

-

PM2.5 Gainesville

55

6

-

-

-

-

PM2.5 Macon

177

141

-

-

-

-

O3, SO2, PM2.5

215

149

1

Rome

-

-

-

SO2, PM2.5 Savannah

136

228

1

-

-

-

O3, SO2, PM2.5

255

108

2

Summerville

-

-

-

O3 Valdosta

237

9

-

-

-

-

PM2.5

245

94

-

Warner Robins

-

-

-

PM2.5

202

143

3

-

-

-

(Source: http://www3.epa.gov/airdata/ad_rep_aqi.htmll)

Figure 81 shows the number of days that the AQI value was above 100 for each metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in Georgia where an AQI value is produced. The data was generated starting in 1972 and is shown through 2014. To be consistent, the most current standards were applied throughout the historical dataset. As one would expect, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA (shown in orange below) has historically had the highest number of days with the AQI above 100. The

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pattern materializing across the forty-three year timeframe seems to be cyclic. However, the number of days above 100 for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA decreased dramatically from 1999 to 2004 and from 2006 to 2009. The number dropped from 95 days in 1999 to 33 days in 2004 and from 63 days in 2006 to 15 days in 2009. More recently, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSAs number of days with AQI above 100 decreased from 44 days in 2011 to 19 days in 2012, and then 3 in 2013. There was a slight increase in 2014, with the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA having nine days with AQI above 100. The remaining MSA sites had three or fewer days with the AQI above 100 in 2014. The majority of sites did not have any days with AQI above 100 in 2014.

Number of Days with an AQI value >100

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Albany Athens-Clarke County Augusta-Richmond County GA-SC Chattanooga TN-GA Dalton Gainesville Rome Summerville Warner Robins

Year

Americus Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta Brunswick Columbus GA-AL Douglas Macon Savannah Valdosta

Figure 81. The number of days each MSA had an AQI value above 100

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Figure 82 displays in more detail the 2014 AQI values for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA. There were nine days with an AQI value between 100 and 150, all except one day occurred between June and August. Ozone is a major driver of an elevated AQI and can be higher in the summer months due to increased sunlight. Higher ozone and PM2.5 concentrations are the primary sources of AQI values in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA.

Air Quality Index Score

Very Unhealthy 200
Unhealthy 150
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
100 Moderate
50
Good 0

Figure 82. 2014 AQI Values for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA

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When pollution levels are higher causing the AQI values to be above 100, members of sensitive groups, such as children, older adults or people with lung disease, may experience health effects. The general public is more likely to be affected when AQI values are greater than 150. Table 36 can be used as a guide to outline the health concerns of each group of sensitive populations that can be affected when the AQI is Code Orange or Code Red. This table also shows which pollutant(s) affects each sensitive population. It is used as an illustration, with the understanding that some individuals can be more sensitive than others.

Table 36. The health concerns of sensitive populations when AQI values exceed 100 (Code Orange) and the general population when the AQI values exceed 150 (Code Red) and which pollutants affect each population

Source: http://www.epa.gov/aircompare/index.htm
Figure 83 shows the number of days each MSA had an AQI value exceeding 100 and which pollutant was the primary driver (critical pollutant) of that AQI value. Combining the data shown in Figure 83 with Table 36, we can infer which sensitive groups would be most affected on days with an AQI value >100 based on the critical pollutant for that day. For example, Savannah had two days with an AQI score >100 and the critical pollutant was SO2, so we can infer using Table 36 that those with asthma or other lung disease and active individuals would have been most likely to experience health effects during those two days.
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Number of Days for Each Critical Pollutant

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Section: Outreach and Education

Metropolitan Statistical Area

PM2.5

Ozone

SO2

Figure 83. The number of days each MSA had an AQI value exceeding 100 in 2014 and which pollutant was the critical pollutant for those days
How does Georgia's Ambient Monitoring Program (AMP) Cooperate with The Clean Air Campaign (CAC)? The Ambient Monitoring Program is responsible for measuring air pollutant levels in metro Atlanta and throughout the state. Equipment at fourteen continuous monitoring stations across metro Atlanta is used for these measurements of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). This data is reported hourly on a website which is maintained and updated by the Ambient Monitoring Program. Based on these levels, AMP calculates the Air Quality Index (AQI), which represents overall air quality in a way that is quick and easy for the general public to understand. The Ambient Monitoring Programs website is linked to a website
maintained by CAC. The AQI is then displayed on The Clean Air Campaigns website. The CAC also distributes AQI information to people who have signed up to receive daily air quality forecasts via email. When a smog alert is forecasted, an automated fax blast informs all local media as well. Through these connections, thousands of metro Atlanta citizens and businesses keep abreast of current air quality conditions. The Ambient Monitoring Program also encourages the public to access the CACs website and learn about voluntary measures that are available locally to improve air quality.

MEDIA OUTREACH
The Ambient Monitoring Program is accessible to public citizens, as well as the news media, through phone calls, website updates and media interviews. At many times throughout the year, the demand for a story puts AMP in the spotlight. The Program Manager and staff of the Ambient Monitoring
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Program make themselves available to television and newspaper reporters, thus educating the public about the AQI, statewide air monitors, and the Clean Air Campaign.

OTHER OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

Meteorologists
Forecasters from the Ambient Monitoring Program issue air quality forecasts on a daily basis. In addition, forecasters answer questions for the news media and calls from the public. For more information regarding the work done by the Ambient Monitoring Programs meteorologists, refer to the Meteorological Section of this report.

Elementary and Middle Schools Educating school children and incorporating air quality information into the classroom-learning environment is also an outreach strategy for the Ambient Monitoring Program. AMP staff visit Georgia classrooms to discuss air quality, forecasting, and monitoring. Each program presented by the AMP is designed to supplement grade-specific curricula. Learning opportunities include meteorological lessons and forecasting techniques, among other relevant topics.

In many situations, these lessons involve hands-on activities and mini-field trips to the monitoring sites. High School students simulate forecasting conditions and use scientific methods to create their own forecasts. AMP staff also participate in Career Days at both elementary and high schools to promote environmental and meteorological careers.

Colleges and Universities The Ambient Monitoring Program works with colleges and universities in several capacities. Utilizing a more technical, advanced approach, AMP has participated in several college-level seminars, providing scientific expertise on the subject of meteorology and forecasting. Through this close contact with university staff, AMP staff have co-authored scientific papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. AMP staff provide technical data to professors as well as students, thus incorporating realtime data into college courses and projects. Additionally, AMP works with Georgia Institute of Technology in a joint forecasting effort.

AMP also hosts an annual Air Quality Seminar and Air Monitoring Station fieldtrip for college interns in the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Environmental Health Summer Intern Program, thereby reaching top college students from all over the country.

Monitoring Data Requests AMP also regularly receives requests for specific, detailed monitoring data from members of the research community and the broader public. Completely fulfilling the needs of these data users often requires not just data, but also providing guidance on how the data can be interpreted and what the limitations of the data set may be. AMP welcomes these opportunities to serve the public and the research community, and to ensure that the data collected is put to its fullest and most advantageous use in protecting the health and welfare of Georgias citizens and the states natural environment.

EPA AirNow Website Georgia supplies ozone and particulate matter data to the U.S. EPA every hour for pollution mapping activities. AirNow is a cooperative effort between EPA, states, and local air pollution control agencies to provide near real-time information on ground level ozone and PM2.5 concentrations. EPA uses the data to produce maps that display ozone and PM2.5 contours covering the Midwest, New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southeastern, South central and Pacific coastal regions of the country. Color-coded, animated concentration gradient AQI maps are created that show daily ozone and PM2.5 formation and transport at various spatial scales. The information is available on the EPAs AirNow website at: http://www.airnow.gov/. See Figure 84 for a sample map.

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Section: Outreach and Education

Figure 84. Sample AirNow ozone concentration map
The AirNow Data Management Center (DMC) regularly evaluates the performance of monitoring agencies that participate in the AirNow project based on three criteria:
1. Percent of hourly data files received 2. Average arrival time (earlier in the hour is better) 3. Percent completeness of the data within the submission files There is a three-tier system (top, middle, and lower) set up to evaluate each agency based on these performance criteria. An agency is placed in a tier based on how it performs these three criteria, with respect to all participating agencies.
GA EPD Website The Ambient Monitoring Program also provides a public-access website with Georgia-specific current and historical air quality data, often more promptly and with more detail than what is available at the AirNow website. AMPs website provides hourly information about current pollutant concentrations from Georgias continuous and semi-continuous monitoring equipment, and is updated with each hours data two or three hours after the hour ends, depending on daylight savings time. The site also offers downloads of bulk data, and electronic copies of archived Annual Reports such as this one, on a self-serve basis to facilitate research projects and satisfy public interest on these topics. The Ambient Monitoring Program website can be accessed at http://epd.georgia.gov/air/.
152 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Section: Appendix A

Appendix A: Additional Criteria Pollutant Data

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Units: parts per million

Site ID

City County

130890002 Atlanta DeKalb 131210056 Atlanta Fulton 131210099 Atlanta Fulton 132230003 Yorkville Paulding

Site Name
South DeKalb GA Tech Near Road Roswell Road
Yorkville

Hours Measured
8500 4714 1498 8261

Max

1 - Hour

1st

2nd

1.475 1.458

Obs. > 35
0

2.2

2.1

0

1.3

1.2

0

1.300 1.000 0

Max 8 -

Hour

1st

2nd

1.4 1.3

Obs. > 9
0

1.8 1.7 0

1.1 1.1 0

0.6 0.6 0

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Units: parts per billion

Site ID

City County Site Name

Hours

98th

Measured

%

130890002 Decatur DeKalb South DeKalb

8287

52.8

131210056 Atlanta

Fulton

GA Tech Near Road

4658

50.3

132230003 Yorkville Paulding

Yorkville

8259

17.1

132470001 Conyers Rockdale Monastery

8534

20.8

Max 1-Hour

1st

2nd

Annual Arithmetic
Mean

57.5 56.8

10.53

57.9 53.0

19.85

22.8 21.1

2.63

28.9 26.3

4.43

Nitric Oxide (NO)
Units: parts per billion

Site ID

City

County

Site Name

130890002 131210056 132230003 132470001

Decatur Atlanta Yorkville Conyers

DeKalb Fulton Paulding Rockdale

South DeKalb GA Tech Near
Road Yorkville
Monastery

Hours Measured
8290 4658 8262 8534

Max 1-Hour

1st

2nd

296.3 288.2

233.0 215.6

21.3

14.3

33.1

31.4

Annual Arithmetic
Mean
15.44
32.86
1.20 1.65

153 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX)
Units: parts per billion

Site ID

City

County

Site Name

130890002 131210056 132230003 132470001

Decatur Atlanta Yorkville Conyers

DeKalb Fulton Paulding Rockdale

South DeKalb GA Tech Near
Road Yorkville
Monastery

Hours Measured
8290 4658 8261 8534

Section: Appendix A

Max 1-Hour

1st

2nd

343.0 339.6

262.5 237.6

110.5

23.9

48.0

43.2

Annual Arithmetic
Mean
25.60
52.64
2.78 5.24

Reactive Oxides of Nitrogen (NOY)

Units: parts per billion

Site ID

City

County

Site Name

Hours Measured

Max 1-Hour

1st

2nd

Annual Arithmetic
Mean

130890002 Decatur DeKalb South DeKalb

8485

201.0 200.0

25.04

** The NOy instrument is specialized for measurement of trace concentrations, so its range is only 0-200 ppb. Actual 1st Max appears to have exceeded the instruments measurement range. Since all ambient concentrations exceeding the instruments range are recorded as 200 instead of the actual (higher) value, the reported annual arithmetic mean may be biased slightly downward from the true concentration.

154 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Section: Appendix A

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
24-Hour, 3-Hour, 1-Hour Maximum Observations, 99th Percentile 1-hour, and Maximum 5-minute

Units: parts per billion

Site ID

City

County

130210012 Macon

Bibb

130510021 Savannah Chatham

130511002 Savannah Chatham

130890002 Decatur DeKalb

Site Name
MaconForestry Savannah-E. Pres. St Savannah-
L&A South DeKalb

Hours Measured
8565 7371 8675 8607

Max 24 -

Hour

1st

2nd

9.0 3.5

11.3 10.3

22.5 22.2

5.2 2.7

Max 3 -

Hour

1st

2nd

29.7 23.8

33.9 30.1

66.1 59.8

12 9.8

Max 1-Hour

1st

2nd

37.6 14.1

54.3 50.6

104.7 84.0

13.7 12.9

99th Maximum Pctl 5-Minute 1- Hr Average

12.7

41.5

45.6 112.3

66.7 179.8

6.1

30.7

Annual Arithmetic
Mean 1.09
2.02
2.55
0.37

131150003 Rome

Floyd

Rome

8593

8.3 5.9 51.1 26 58.6 39.5 33.9 168.5

1.38

131210055 Atlanta

Fulton

Confederate Ave.

8565

4.8 2.9 10.6 8.6 13.8 12.6 6.3

22.0

1.06

132450091 Augusta Richmond Augusta

8514

9.2 8.0 40.2 40 63.8 58.7 57.6 192.1

1.76

155 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report
Ozone (O3)

Units: parts per million

Site ID

City

130210012 130510021 130550001 130590002 130670003 130730001 130770002 130850001 130890002 130970004 131210055 131270006 131350002 131510002 132130003 132150008 132230003 132319991 132450091 132470001 132611001

Macon Savannah Summerville
Athens Kennesaw
Evans Newnan Dawsonville Decatur Douglasville Atlanta Brunswick Lawrenceville McDonough Chatsworth Columbus Yorkville Williamson Augusta Conyers
Leslie

County
Bibb Chatham Chattooga
Clarke Cobb Columbia Coweta Dawson DeKalb Douglas Fulton Glynn Gwinnett Henry Murray Muscogee Paulding Pike Richmond Rockdale Sumter

1-Hour Averages

Site Name

Days Measured

Macon-Forestry

232

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

240

Summerville

245

Athens

243

Kennesaw

82

Evans

240

Newnan

242

Dawsonville

245

South DeKalb

243

Douglasville

237

Confederate Ave.

243

Brunswick

244

Gwinnett Tech

245

McDonough

244

Fort Mountain

229

Columbus- Airport

245

Yorkville

237

CASTNET

244

Augusta

245

Conyers

245

Leslie

245

1st Max
0.080 0.073 0.068 0.079 0.232 0.078 0.085 0.084 0.089 0.090 0.091 0.079 0.081 0.105 0.084 0.077 0.073 0.091 0.071 0.099 0.075

Section: Appendix A
2nd Max
0.078 0.070 0.068 0.074 0.089 0.076 0.081 0.083 0.085 0.083 0.090 0.068 0.080 0.096 0.079 0.071 0.069 0.077 0.070 0.099 0.069

156 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Ozone (O3)

8-Hour Averages

Units: parts per million

Site ID

City

County

Site Name

Days

1st

Measured Max

2nd Max

3rd Max

4th Max

130210012 130510021 130550001 130590002 130670003 130730001 130770002 130850001 130890002 130970004 131210055 131270006 131350002 131510002 132130003 132150008 132230003 132319991 132450091 132470001 132611001

Macon Savannah Summerville
Athens Kennesaw
Evans Newnan Dawsonville Decatur Douglasville Atlanta Brunswick Lawrenceville McDonough Chatsworth Columbus Yorkville Williamson Augusta Conyers
Leslie

Bibb Chatham Chattooga
Clarke Cobb Columbia Coweta Dawson DeKalb Douglas Fulton Glynn Gwinnett Henry Murray Muscogee Paulding Pike Richmond Rockdale Sumter

Macon-Forestry Savannah-E. Pres. St.
Summerville Athens
Kennesaw Evans Newnan
Dawsonville South DeKalb Douglasville Confederate Ave.
Brunswick Gwinnett Tech
McDonough Fort Mountain Columbus- Airport
Yorkville CASTNET Augusta Conyers
Leslie

231

0.074 0.070 0.066 0.065

239

0.060 0.058 0.057 0.057

245

0.063 0.062 0.060 0.060

239

0.067 0.066 0.065 0.063

82

0.076 0.073 0.069 0.066

240

0.064 0.064 0.064 0.062

241

0.073 0.071 0.068 0.067

245

0.071 0.070 0.068 0.066

243

0.077 0.076 0.072 0.070

234

0.078 0.073 0.066 0.065

236

0.082 0.075 0.073 0.073

244

0.064 0.059 0.059 0.057

245

0.072 0.071 0.071 0.068

244

0.089 0.083 0.077 0.075

226

0.073 0.070 0.070 0.067

245

0.064 0.063 0.062 0.061

235

0.064 0.062 0.060 0.059

244

0.073 0.070 0.066 0.066

236

0.063 0.063 0.063 0.061

243

0.085 0.081 0.080 0.079

244

0.063 0.060 0.059 0.059

4th max used in 3-year average, therefore if number above 0.075 is more than 4 per site, it is shown in bold.

Section: Appendix A
Number of Days > 0.075 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 0

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Section: Appendix A

Lead (Pb)

3-Month Rolling Averages Using Federal Equivalent Method

Units: micrograms per cubic meter

Site ID

130890003

City

Atlanta

County

DeKalb

Site Name Number of Obs. Nov 2013-Jan 2014 Dec 2013-Feb 2014 Jan 2014-Mar 2014 Feb 2014-Apr 2014 Mar 2014-May 2014 Apr 2014-Jun 2014 May 2014-Jul 2014 Jun 2014-Aug 2014 Jul 2014-Sep 2014 Aug 2014-Oct 2014 Sep 2014-Nov 2014 Oct 2014-Dec 2014 # of Values > 0.15

DMRC 60
0.0017 0.0019 0.0029 0.0032 0.0031 0.0022 0.0019 0.0017 0.0015 0.0016 0.0015 0.0020
0

132150009 Columbus Muscogee Columbus-
UPS 59
0.0791 0.0629 0.0647 0.0451 0.0519 0.0509 0.0546 0.0329 0.0235 0.0287 0.0424 0.0453
0

132150010 Columbus Muscogee Columbus-Ft.
Benning 58
0.0166 0.0454 0.0480 0.0513 0.0227 0.0204 0.0161 0.0138 0.0137 0.0307 0.0307 0.0308
0

132150011 Columbus Muscogee ColumbusCusseta 53 0.0183 0.0128 0.0099 0.0083 0.0024 0.0030 0.0032 0.0042 0.0039 0.0043 0.0082 0.0112 0

158 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix A

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
98th% and Annual Arithmetic Mean Integrated Sampling (midnight to midnight) Using Federal Reference Method

Units: micrograms per cubic meter

Site ID

City

County

130210007 130210012 130510091 130590002

Macon Macon Savannah Athens

Bibb Bibb Chatham Clarke

Site Name
Macon-Allied MaconForestry
SavannahMercer Athens

Days 98th Meas- Percen ured -tile
340 21.9
114 17.8
109 21.7
101 23.8

Values Exceeding Applicable
Daily Standard
1
0
0
0

Annual Arithmetic Mean
11.24
8.88
9.68
10.33

130630091 Forest Park Clayton Forest Park 122 22.2

0

10.59

130670003 Kennesaw

Cobb

Kennesaw

301 20.5

0

10.35

130890002 Decatur

DeKalb South DeKalb 338 19.7

0

9.89

130950007

Albany

Dougherty

Albany

327 24.8

1

10.58

131150003

Rome

Floyd

Rome

301 22.2

0

10.99

131210039

Atlanta

Fulton Fire Station #8 118 21.6

0

11.18

131270006 Brunswick

Glynn

Brunswick

113 21.3

0

8.59

159 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix A

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) (continued)
98th% and Annual Arithmetic Mean Integrated Sampling (midnight to midnight) Using Federal Reference Method

Units: micrograms per cubic meter

Site ID

City

County

131350002 131390003 131530001 131850003

Lawrenceville
Gainesville
Warner Robins
Valdosta

132150001 Columbus

132150008 Columbus

132150011 Columbus

132230003 Yorkville

Gwinnett Hall
Houston Lowndes Muscogee Muscogee Muscogee Paulding

Site Name
Gwinnett Tech
Gainesville
Warner Robins
Valdosta ColumbusHealth Dept. Columbus
Airport Columbus-
Cusseta Yorkville

Days 98th

Meas- Percen-

ured

tile

116 17.2

106

18.1

115

19.7

114

16.7

118

18.2

119

19.2

119

19.8

112

18.5

Values Exceeding Applicable
Daily Standard
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Annual Arithmetic Mean
9.34
8.86
9.40
8.97
10.10
9.89
10.05
8.66

132450091 Augusta Richmond

Augusta

115

19.2

0

10.31

132950002 Rossville

Walker

Rossville

120

23.0

133030001 Sandersville

Washington

Sandersville

113

18.3

133190001 Gordon

Wilkinson

Gordon

109

23.2

0

10.36

0

9.88

1

10.90

160 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Hourly Averages of Semi-Continuous Measurements

Section: Appendix A

Units: micrograms per cubic meter

Site ID

City

County

Site Name

130210012

Macon

Bibb

Macon-Forestry

Hours Measured
8588

1st Max
55.2

2nd Max
53.3

Annual Arithmetic Mean
8.31

130511002 Savannah Chatham Savannah-L&A

7810

74.9 73.7 9.25

130590002

Athens

Clarke

Athens

8505

62.3 58.1 9.34

130770002

Newnan

Coweta

Newnan

8498 112.1 95.0 8.56

130890002

Decatur

DeKalb

South DeKalb

8195

70.0 58.0 12.12

130950007

Albany

Dougherty

Albany

7702 117.0 95.0 10.48

131150003

Rome

Floyd

131210055

Atlanta

Fulton

131350002 Lawrenceville Gwinnett

Rome
Confederate Avenue
Gwinnett Tech

8645 8445 8701

103.0 94.0 98.5 75.5 59.2 56.2

14.19 9.09 8.69

131390003 Gainesville

Hall

Gainesville

7655

78.0 76.0 11.40

131510002 131530001 131850003

McDonough
Warner Robins Valdosta

Henry Houston Lowndes

McDonough Warner Robins
Valdosta

8471 8245 8089

83.9 83.7 8.92

985.0 218.0 128.0 94.0

11.67 10.08

132150008 132230003 132450091

Columbus Yorkville Augusta

Muscogee Columbus-Airport

Paulding

Yorkville

Richmond

Augusta

8683 8541 8503

100.5 96.5 52.8 52.4 90.5 72.5

9.23 11.08 9.96

132950002 Rossville

Walker

Rossville

8446 164.0 117.0 10.05

Except for the South DeKalb and Albany monitors, these semi-continuous methods for measuring PM2.5 are not approved for use in making attainment determinations.

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Section: Appendix A

Particulate Matter (PM10)

24-Hour Integrated Measurements

Units: micrograms per cubic meter

Site ID

City

County

131210039 Atlanta

Fulton

Site Name
Fire Station #8

Days Measured

1st Max

Number Values >150

Annual Arithmetic Mean

59

32

0

16.2

132450091 Augusta Richmond

Augusta

48

50

0

14.3

Particulate Matter (PM10)

Hourly Averages of Semi-Continuous Measurements

Units: micrograms per cubic meter

Site ID

City County Site Name

130890002 Decatur DeKalb

South DeKalb

Hours Measured
8379

1st Max 136

Annual Arithmetic
Mean
18.3

Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10-2.5)

Hourly Averages of Semi-Continuous Measurements

Units: micrograms per cubic meter

Site ID

City County Site Name

130890002 Decatur DeKalb

South DeKalb

Hours Measured
8369

1st Max 82.0

Annual Arithmetic
Mean
7.09

162 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Section: Appendix B

Appendix B: Additional PM2.5 Particle Speciation Data

Crustal 4%

Statewide Average PM2.5 Speciation

Other 14%

Ammonium Ion 6%
Nitrate 8%

Sulfate 24%

Organic Carbon, 39%

Elemental Carbon 5%

163 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Section: Appendix B

Macon-Allied PM2.5 Speciation

Crustal 5%

Other 14%

Ammonium Ion 6%

Nitrate 7%

Sulfate 23%

Organic Carbon 40%

Elemental Carbon 5%

Crustal 7%

Athens PM2.5 Speciation

Other 13%

Ammonium Ion 8%
Nitrate 10%

Sulfate 22%

Organic Carbon 37%

Elemental Carbon 3%
164 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Section: Appendix B

South DeKalb PM2.5 Speciation

Crustal 4%

Other 13%

Ammonium Ion 6%
Nitrate 8%

Sulfate 23%

Organic Carbon 38%

Elemental Carbon 8%

Crustal 4%

General Coffee PM2.5 Speciation

Other 15%

Ammonium 5%

Ion

Nitrate 4%

Sulfate 26%

Organic Carbon 43%

Elemental Carbon 3%
165 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report
Rome PM2.5 Speciation

Crustal 3%

Other 14%

Ammonium Ion 7%
Nitrate 8%

Sulfate 26%

Organic Carbon 35%

Section: Appendix B

Elemental Carbon 7%

Crustal 3%

Columbus-Cusseta PM2.5 Speciation

Other 15%

Ammonium Ion 6%

Nitrate 6%

Sulfate 25%

Organic Carbon 41%

Elemental Carbon 4%

166 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report
Augusta PM2.5 Speciation

Crustal 2%

Other 14%

Ammonium Ion 6%
Nitrate 8%

Sulfate 24%

Organic Carbon 42%

Section: Appendix B

Elemental Carbon 4%

Crustal 3%

Rossville PM2.5 Speciation

Other 14%

Ammonium Ion 8%
Nitrate 9%

Sulfate 26%

Organic Carbon 37%

Elemental Carbon 3%

167 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Section: Appendix C

Appendix C: Additional PAMS Data

PAMS Continuous Hydrocarbon Data (June-August 2014)

(concentrations in parts per billion Carbon (ppbC))

Name

Site #Samples

Avg.

1st Max

2nd Max

PAMSHC

S. DeKalb Yorkville

1832 1792

44.35 20.22

223.3 149.0

208.0 85.0

TNMOC

S. DeKalb Yorkville

1832 1792

53.85 24.66

240.1 166.9

239.9 128.6

Ethane

S. DeKalb Yorkville

1829 1791

4.189 3.125

150.85 6.75

53.88 6.70

Ethylene

S. DeKalb Yorkville

1829 1791

1.528 0.384

16.35 15.69

10.63 4.44

Propane

S. DeKalb Yorkville

1829 1791

16.90 2.637

21.87 14.76

18.79 12.18

Propylene

S. DeKalb

1829

0.828

7.55

4.59

Yorkville

1791

0.022

6.18

2.27

Acetylene

S. DeKalb

1829

0.70

12.8

7.1

Yorkville

1791

0.23

10.3

3.7

n-Butane

S. DeKalb Yorkville

1829 1791

1.815 0.781

11.09 3.46

10.66 3.36

Isobutane

S. DeKalb

1829

0.932

5.05

4.96

Yorkville

1791

0.316

1.35

1.12

trans-2-Butene

S. DeKalb

1829

0.33

0.61

0.58

Yorkville

1791

0.005

0.24

0.01

cis-2-Butene

S. DeKalb

1829

0.22

0.46

0.46

Yorkville

1791

0.005

0.33

0.21

n-Pentane

S. DeKalb Yorkville

1829 1791

2.833 0.210

45.56 4.21

43.56 2.69

Isopentane

S. DeKalb Yorkville

1829 1791

3.320 0.227

22.28 6.53

21.14 5.00

1-Pentene

S. DeKalb

1829

0.033

1.10

1.00

Yorkville

1791

0.005

0.35

0.26

trans-2-Pentene

S. DeKalb

1829

0.050

0.92

0.77

Yorkville

1791

0.006

0.58

0.51

cis-2-Pentene 3-Methylpentane

S. DeKalb

1829

0.36

0.45

0.39

Yorkville

1791

0.006

0.38

0.37

S. DeKalb

1829

0.487

4.19

3.89

Yorkville

1791

0.050

2.08

1.60

n-Hexane n-Heptane n-Octane n-Nonane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.789

6.12

5.10

Yorkville

1790

0.138

5.84

2.92

S. DeKalb

1831

0.340

3.74

3.03

Yorkville

1790

0.020

1.44

1.03

S. DeKalb

1831

0.105

1.67

1.60

Yorkville

1790

0.37

0.63

0.38

S. DeKalb

1831

0.079

5.69

2.80

Yorkville

1790

0.007

0.32

0.31

168 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Section: Appendix C

PAMS Continuous Hydrocarbon Data (June-August 2014)(continued)

Name

(concentrations in ppbC)

Site #Samples

Avg.

1st Max

2nd Max

n-Decane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.215

14.26

4.80

Yorkville

1790

0.009

1.16

1.08

Cyclopentane

S. DeKalb

1829

0.103

0.77

0.74

Yorkville

1791

0.006

0.46

0.39

Isoprene

S. DeKalb

1829

5.767

43.66

32.76

Yorkville

1791

7.831

61.78

59.44

2,2-Dimethylbutane

S. DeKalb

1829

0.47

0.57

0.54

Yorkville

1791

0.006

0.50

0.35

2,4-Dimethylpentane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.173

1.55

1.54

Yorkville

1790

0.006

0.76

0.68

Cyclohexane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.122

1.36

1.33

Yorkville

1790

0.007

0.62

0.32

3-Methylhexane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.466

4.37

3.67

Yorkville

1790

0.027

1.49

1.11

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane S. DeKalb

1831

0.950

7.12

6.81

Yorkville

1790

0.127

3.17

2.71

2,3,4-Trimethylpentane S. DeKalb

1831

0.239

2.11

2.10

Yorkville

1790

0.011

0.92

0.83

3-Methylheptane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.100

1.82

1.48

Yorkville

1790

0.007

0.79

0.43

Methylcyclohexane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.216

2.07

2.07

Yorkville

1790

0.010

0.94

0.60

Methylcyclopentane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.346

2.84

2.51

Yorkville

1790

0.019

0.94

0.55

2-Methylhexane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.334

3.35

2.79

Yorkville

1790

0.012

0.96

0.82

1-Butene

S. DeKalb

1829

0.212

1.72

1.49

Yorkville

1791

0.005

0.44

0.39

2,3-Dimethylbutane

S. DeKalb

1829

0.112

0.28

1.20

Yorkville

1791

0.010

0.91

0.78

2-Methylpentane

S. DeKalb

1829

0.594

4.66

4.36

Yorkville

1791

0.137

3.22

2.37

2,3-Dimethylpentane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.248

2.38

1.93

Yorkville

1790

0.014

0.92

0.91

n-Undecane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.278

14.35

11.02

Yorkville

1790

0.030

3.79

307

2-Methylheptane

S. DeKalb

1831

0.060

2.83

1.58

Yorkville

1790

0.34

0.83

0.78

m & p Xylenes

S. DeKalb

1831

1.314

10.74

10.73

Yorkville

1790

0.119

6.98

2.28

Benzene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.737

8.04

4.89

Yorkville

1790

0.071

5.46

1.65

Toluene

S. DeKalb

1831

2.652

20.97

17.15

Yorkville

1790

0.468

12.16

4.03

169 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix C

PAMS Continuous Hydrocarbon Data (June-August 2014)(continued)

Name

(concentrations in ppbC)

Site #Samples

Avg.

1st Max

2nd Max

Ethylbenzene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.343

3.47

2.76

Yorkville

1790

0.009

1.79

0.55

o-Xylene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.56

4.49

4.41

Yorkville

1790

0.036

2.69

2.34

1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene S. DeKalb

1831

0.170

3.09

2.89

Yorkville

1790

0.008

0.72

0.43

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene S. DeKalb

1831

0.562

5.79

4.90

Yorkville

1790

0.031

2.95

0.97

n-Propylbenzene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.373

15.58

13.94

Yorkville

1790

0.007

0.68

0.39

Isopropylbenzene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.001

0.40

0.35

Yorkville

1790

0.001

0.48

0.33

o-Ethyltoluene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.143

3.37

2.70

Yorkville

1790

0.009

0.69

0.56

m-Ethyltoluene

S. DeKalb

N/A

Yorkville

N/A

m-Diethylbenzene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.065

0.74

0.73

Yorkville

1790

0.40

1.70

0.71

p-Diethylbenzene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.093

4.38

1.52

Yorkville

1790

0.44

1.20

0.56

Styrene

S. DeKalb

1831

0.137

1.45

1.35

Yorkville

1790

0.053

4.55

2.25

Beta Pinene and 1,2,3- S. DeKalb

1831

2.975

14.27

14.24

Trimethylbenzene

Yorkville

1790

2.009

21.48

17.85

Pinene and p-Ethyltoluene S. DeKalb

N/A

Yorkville

N/A

m and p-Ethyltoluene

S. DeKalb

1831

2.207

10.57

10.56

Yorkville

1790

6.79

9.24

8.14

m/p-Ethyltoluene

S. DeKalb

N/A

Yorkville

N/A

N/A indicates not applicable

170 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix C

PAMS 2014 24-hour Canister Hydrocarbons

(concentrations in parts per billion Carbon (ppbC))

Name

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.* 1st Max 2nd Max

PAMSHC TNMOC Ethane

S. DeKalb

51

Conyers

50

Yorkville

51

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

53

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

54

Yorkville

56

51

51.00 120.0 99.0

49

35.84 69.0 59.0

50

39.67 71.0 65.0

54

94.20 200.0 170.0

53

99.09 230.0 220.0

56

72.64 120.0 110.0

48

6.65 17.0 16.0

45

5.45 15.0 15.0

50

5.24 17.0 16.0

Ethylene Propane Propylene

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

54

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

54

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

54

Yorkville

56

3

0.15 1.2 1.1

6

0.23 2.1 1.4

5

0.18 2.2 1.0

53

5.69 16.0 14.0

53

4.87 15.0 12.0

55

4.85 17.0 13.0

47

0.75 2.4 2.2

44

0.35 0.7 0.7

14

0.15 0.5 0.4

Acetylene n-Butane Isobutane trans-2-Butene cis-2-Butene n-Pentane Isopentane 1-Pentene trans-2-Pentene

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

54

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

53

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

54

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

53

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

53

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

53

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

53

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

53

Yorkville

56

S. DeKalb

54

Conyers

53

Yorkville

56

47

1.37 5.0 3.5

46

0.92 2.2 2.1

48

0.69 2.1 1.8

50

3.68 13.0 11.0

47

2.35 7.8 7.3

44

1.83 8.2 6.3

43

1.36 6.2 4.0

39

0.75 2.7 2.2

35

0.65 3.0 2.9

1

0.1

0.3

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

54

2.01 5.9 5.7

49

1.29 4.5 4.4

53

0.84 2.6 2.5

54

3.16 9.8 9.3

52

1.72 4.0 3.7

55

1.11 3.0 3.0

12

0.20 1.6 0.7

4

0.12 0.6 0.4

ND

4

0.13 1.2 0.5

3

0.1

6.7

4.9

2

0.14 1.5 0.9

171 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix C

PAMS 2014 24-hour Canister Hydrocarbons (continued)

Name

(concentrations in ppbC) Site #Samples #Detects^ Avg.* 1st Max 2nd Max

cis-2-Pentene

S. DeKalb

54

ND

Conyers

53

2

0.22 3.5

3.2

Yorkville

56

ND

3-Methylpentane

S. DeKalb

54

42

0.53 1.7

1.6

Conyers

53

31

0.38 1.3

1.1

Yorkville

56

12

0.17 0.8

0.8

n-Hexane

S. DeKalb

54

51

1.78 7.0

4.5

Conyers

53

44

1.14 3.2

3.1

Yorkville

56

48

1.73 4.7

3.8

n-Heptane

S. DeKalb

54

32

0.30 1.0

1.0

Conyers

53

8

0.12 0.3

0.3

Yorkville

56

4

0.11 0.3

0.3

n-Octane

S. DeKalb

54

6

0.12 0.3

0.3

Conyers

53

ND

Yorkville

56

ND

n-Nonane

S. DeKalb

54

7

0.16 2.6

0.4

Conyers

53

1

0.14 2.3

Yorkville

56

ND

n-Decane

S. DeKalb

54

7

0.21 4.5

0.5

Conyers

53

2

0.24 7.1

0.3

Yorkville

56

ND

Cyclopentane

S. DeKalb

54

4

0.11 0.4

0.3

Conyers

53

ND

Yorkville

56

3

0.11 0.3

0.2

Isoprene

S. DeKalb

54

30

3.15 13.0 11.0

Conyers

53

22

3.12 24.0 14.0

Yorkville

56

29

2.66 14.0 13.0

2,2-Dimethylbutane

S. DeKalb

54

8

0.14 0.4

0.4

Conyers

53

48

0.68 2.3

2.1

Yorkville

56

ND

2,4-Dimethylpentane

S. DeKalb

54

17

0.20 0.8

0.5

Conyers

53

3

0.11 0.3

0.3

Yorkville

56

6

0.12 0.3

0.3

Cyclohexane

S. DeKalb

54

17

0.16 0.5

0.4

Conyers

53

5

0.19 3.9

0.4

Yorkville

56

ND

3-Methylhexane

S. DeKalb

54

36

0.36 1.3

1.1

Conyers

53

10

0.14 0.4

0.4

Yorkville

56

3

0.11 0.3

0.2

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane S. DeKalb

54

38

0.66 2.7

2.7

Conyers

53

25

0.16 0.6

0.6

Yorkville

56

13

0.07 0.4

0.3

2,3,4-Trimethylpentane S. DeKalb

54

13

0.16 0.7

0.6

Conyers

53

1

0.10 0.2

Yorkville

56

ND

172 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix C

PAMS 2014 24-hour Canister Hydrocarbons (continued)

Name

(concentrations in ppbC)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.* 1st Max 2ndMax

3-Methylheptane

S. DeKalb

54

5

0.12 0.4

0.3

Conyers

53

ND

Yorkville

56

ND

Methylcyclohexane

S. DeKalb

54

12

0.14 0.5

0.4

Conyers

53

ND

Yorkville

56

ND

Methylcyclopentane

S. DeKalb

54

27

0.28 1.1

1.0

Conyers

53

5

0.11 0.3

0.2

Yorkville

56

1

0.10 0.2

2-Methylhexane

S. DeKalb

54

27

0.28 1.1

1.0

Conyers

53

8

0.57 7.0

5.2

Yorkville

56

1

0.10 0.2

1-Butene

S. DeKalb

54

17

0.19 0.8

0.6

Conyers

53

35

0.26 1.0

0.5

Yorkville

56

1

0.11 0.4

2,3-Dimenthylbutane

S. DeKalb

54

18

0.24 1.6

1.1

Conyers

53

3

0.11 0.3

0.2

Yorkville

56

1

0.11 0.8

2-Methylpentane

S. DeKalb

54

51

0.81 2.6

2.5

Conyers

53

45

0.37 0.8

0.8

Yorkville

56

38

0.33 0.9 0.9

2,3-Dimethylpentane

S. DeKalb

54

16

0.20 0.7 0.6

Conyers

53

33

2.86 8.6 7.1

Yorkville

56

21

0.19 0.4 0.4

n-Undecane

S. DeKalb

54

11

0.22 3.2 1.9

Conyers

53

6

0.19 3.8 0.3

Yorkville

56

ND

2-Methylheptane

S. DeKalb

54

1

0.10 0.2

Conyers

53

ND

Yorkville

56

ND

m & p Xylenes

S. DeKalb

54

50

0.89 3.6 3.1

Conyers

53

37

0.31 1.0 1.0

Yorkville

56

13

0.07 0.6 0.4

Benzene

S. DeKalb

54

53

1.02 3.1 2.2

Conyers

53

53

0.81 1.5 1.5

Yorkville

56

54

0.67 1.7 1.5

Toluene

S. DeKalb

54

54

2.22 6.8 6.8

Conyers

53

53

1.13 2.2 2.1

Yorkville

56

51

0.61 2.4 1.7

Ethylbenzene

S. DeKalb

54

34

0.19 1.0 0.8

Conyers

53

3

0.02 0.3 0.3

Yorkville

56

ND

o-Xylene

S. DeKalb

54

25

0.24 1.2 1.1

Conyers

53

3

0.02 0.3 0.3

Yorkville

56

2

0.02 0.6 0.5

173 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix C

PAMS 2014 24-hour Canister Hydrocarbons (continued)

Name

(concentrations in ppbC)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.* 1st Max 2ndMax

1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene S. DeKalb

54

3

0.13 1.3 0.4

Conyers

53

1

0.13 1.8

Yorkville

56

ND

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene S. DeKalb

54

54

8.50 31.0 25.0

Conyers

53

53

3.22 6.7 6.5

Yorkville

56

54

17.32 43.0 36.0

n-Propylbenzene

S. DeKalb

54

ND

Conyers

53

ND

Yorkville

56

ND

Isopropylbenzene

S. DeKalb

54

1

0.01 0.4

Conyers

53

1

0.01 0.5

Yorkville

56

ND

o-Ethyltoluene

S. DeKalb

54

25

0.27 0.8 0.7

Conyers

53

10

0.16 0.6 0.6

Yorkville

56

13

0.19 0.8 0.7

m-Ethyltoluene

S. DeKalb

54

21

0.25 1.0 0.9

Conyers

53

5

0.14 1.1 0.6

Yorkville

56

ND

p-Ethyltoluene

S. DeKalb

54

25

0.27 0.8 0.7

Conyers

53

27

0.30 0.9 0.8

Yorkville

56

11

0.14 0.5 0.4

m-Diethylbenzene

S. DeKalb

54

1

0.11 0.4

Conyers

53

ND

Yorkville

56

1

0.10 0.3

p-Diethylbenzene

S. DeKalb

54

2

0.11 0.3 0.2

Conyers

53

1

0.10 0.2

Yorkville

56

2

0.11 0.3 0.2

Styrene

S. DeKalb

54

17

0.10 0.6 0.5

Conyers

53

18

0.14 0.7 0.6

Yorkville

56

2

0.02 0.6 0.5

1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene S. DeKalb

54

19

0.27 1.6 1.2

Conyers

53

8

0.13 0.5 0.4

Yorkville

56

12

0.22 1.3 1.1

ND indicates no detection ^Detect is counted as any value above half method detection limit. *When a detected concentration is below one half of the method detection limit, then one half of the method detection level is used to calculate the average.

174 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name Antimony Arsenic Beryllium Cadmium Chromium Cobalt

Appendix D: Additional Toxics Data

2014 Metals

(concentrations in micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3))

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.*

Macon-Forestry

29

29

0.00113

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

19

0.00093

General Coffee

22

14

0.00028

Dawsonville

25

22

0.00070

South DeKalb**

49

47

0.00200

Yorkville

27

23

0.00055

Macon-Forestry

29

19

0.00065

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

13

0.00125

General Coffee

22

18

0.00062

Dawsonville

25

20

0.00107

South DeKalb**

49

33

0.00086

Yorkville

27

13

0.00054

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

ND

General Coffee

22

ND

Dawsonville

25

ND

South DeKalb**

49

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Macon-Forestry

29

6

0.00001

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

14

0.00052

General Coffee

22

5

0.00001

Dawsonville

25

10

0.00009

South DeKalb**

49

11

0.000001

Yorkville

27

3

0.000003

Macon-Forestry

29

26

0.00161

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

19

0.00127

General Coffee

22

21

0.00144

Dawsonville

25

17

0.00103

South DeKalb**

49

40

0.00127

Yorkville

27

18

0.00106

Macon-Forestry

29

21

0.00001

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

19

0.00012

General Coffee

22

12

0.00001

Dawsonville

25

17

0.00007

South DeKalb**

49

30

0.00001

Yorkville

27

8

0.00001

1st Max 0.00416 0.00376 0.00196 0.00189 0.01054 0.00145 0.00208 0.00598 0.00167 0.00587 0.00291 0.00193
0.00078 0.00352 0.00029 0.00039 0.00019 0.00021 0.00884 0.00328 0.00331 0.00212 0.00419 0.00255 0.00036 0.00026 0.00012 0.00013 0.00019 0.00011

2nd Max 0.00258 0.00257 0.00067 0.00185 0.00586 0.00136 0.00193 0.00451 0.00132 0.00171 0.00211 0.00149
0.00043 0.00246 0.00029 0.00024 0.00001 0.00018 0.00331 0.00264 0.00312 0.00191 0.00361 0.00195 0.00019 0.00023 0.00008 0.00011 0.00018 0.00010

175 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name

2014 Metals (continued)

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.*

1st Max 2nd Max

Lead

Macon-Forestry

29

29

0.00250 0.02573 0.00572

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

20

0.00326 0.02163 0.00744

General Coffee

22

22

0.00103 0.00262 0.00148

Dawsonville

25

25

0.00186 0.00384 0.00382

South DeKalb**

49

49

0.00195 0.00476 0.00357

Yorkville

27

27

0.00130 0.00280 0.00255

Manganese

Macon-Forestry

29

29

0.00739 0.03276 0.02221

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

20

0.00624 0.01473 0.01311

General Coffee

22

22

0.00325 0.00824 0.00712

Dawsonville

25

25

0.00521 0.02198 0.01188

South DeKalb**

49

49

0.00425 0.00952 0.00793

Yorkville

27

27

0.00306 0.00675 0.00577

Nickel

Macon-Forestry

29

29

0.00124 0.00676 0.00188

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

20

0.00204 0.00390 0.00345

General Coffee

22

22

0.00148 0.00252 0.00219

Dawsonville

25

25

0.00115 0.00400 0.00191

South DeKalb**

49

49

0.00124 0.00241 0.00234

Yorkville

27

27

0.00132 0.00900 0.00178

Selenium

Macon-Forestry

29

21

0.00033 0.00130 0.00073

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

18

0.00047 0.00151 0.00122

General Coffee

22

14

0.00023 0.00046 0.00041

Dawsonville

25

20

0.00036 0.00108 0.00077

South DeKalb**

49

29

0.00030 0.00120 0.00068

Yorkville

27

11

0.00019 0.00063 0.00055

Zinc

Macon-Forestry

29

29

0.03145 0.11549 0.08321

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

20

20

0.02701 0.07932 0.06057

General Coffee

22

22

0.01842 0.06107 0.02623

Dawsonville

25

25

0.01458 0.03381 0.02813

South DeKalb**

49

49

0.02139 0.06314 0.05776

Yorkville

27

27

0.01465 0.04694 0.02783

*When a detected concentration is below one half of the method detection limit, then one half of the method detection level is used to calculate the average. ** Selected PM10 Hi-Vol, sample collected every 6 days ND indicates no detection ^Detect is counted as any value above half method detection limit.

176 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name

2014 Semi-Volatile Compounds

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.**

Acenaphthene

Macon-Forestry

27

24

0.00315

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

15

0.00264

General Coffee

23

ND

Dawsonville

26

14

0.00053

South DeKalb*

51

10

0.00031

Yorkville

27

14

0.00052

Acenaphthylene

Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

ND

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

39

0.00150

Yorkville

27

ND

Anthracene

Macon-Forestry

27

2

0.00015

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

ND

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Benzo(a)anthracene Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

1

0.00015

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

1

0.00016

Benzo(b)fluoranthene Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

ND

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Benzo(k)fluoranthene Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

ND

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Benzo(a)pyrene

Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

ND

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

1st Max 0.00973 0.00654 0.00206 0.00127 0.00164
0.00393 0.00024
0.00022 0.00037

2nd Max 0.00783 0.00500 0.00114 0.00118 0.00135
0.00390 0.00019

177 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name

2014 Semi-Volatile Compounds (continued)

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.** 1st Max

Benzo(e)pyrene

Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

ND

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Benzo(g,h,i)perylene Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

1 0.00016 0.00031

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Chrysene

Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

1 0.00016 0.00039

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 22

ND

General Coffee

29

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Fluoranthene

Macon-Forestry

27

23 0.00123 0.00371

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

15 0.00078 0.00181

General Coffee

23

7 0.00034 0.00160

Dawsonville

26

15 0.00029 0.00067

South DeKalb*

51

44 0.00072 0.00159

Yorkville

27

19 0.00035 0.00088

Fluorene

Macon-Forestry

27

27 0.00267 0.00776

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

18 0.00250 0.00592

General Coffee

23

15 0.00085 0.00242

Dawsonville

26

25 0.00079 0.00164

South DeKalb*

51

47 0.00186 0.00440

Yorkville

27

25 0.00091 0.00179

Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene Macon-Forestry

27

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

ND

General Coffee

23

1 0.00016 0.00036

Dawsonville

26

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

27

ND

Naphthalene

Macon-Forestry

26

26 0.02730 0.07089

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 18

18 0.03255 0.11586

General Coffee

22

22 0.03092 0.06078

Dawsonville

25

25 0.01039 0.03048

2nd Max
0.00335 0.00125 0.00115 0.00054 0.00154 0.00069 0.00537 0.00437 0.00214 0.00125 0.00423 0.00158
0.04764 0.07162 0.05133 0.02231

178 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name Naphthalene (continued) Phenanthrene
Pyrene
Perylene

2014 Semi-Volatile Compounds (continued)

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.** 1st Max

2nd Max

South DeKalb*

51

Yorkville

27

Macon-Forestry

27

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

General Coffee

23

Dawsonville

26

South DeKalb*

51

Yorkville

27

Macon-Forestry

27

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

General Coffee

23

Dawsonville

26

South DeKalb*

51

Yorkville

27

South DeKalb*

51

51 0.04652 0.13584 0.11392 27 0.01111 0.03395 0.01988 27 0.00602 0.01722 0.01442 19 0.00450 0.00934 0.00810
23 0.00246 0.00675 0.00575 26 0.00145 0.00254 0.00242 51 0.00354 0.00797 0.00771 27 0.00169 0.00377 0.00274 16 0.00039 0.00108 0.00104 12 0.00038 0.00085 0.00075 5 0.00033 0.00214 0.00124 4 0.00017 0.00043 0.00029 25 0.00030 0.00101 0.00070 2 0.00018 0.00071 0.00038 ND

ND indicates no detection ^Detect is counted as any value above half method detection limit. *Sample collected every 6 days and analyzed at ERG laboratory with gas chromatography. **When a detected concentration is below one half of the method detection limit, then one half of the method detection level is used to calculate the average.

179 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

2014 Volatile Organic Compounds
(concentrations in g/m3)

Name

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.**

Freon 113

Macon-Forestry

25

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

23

ND

General Coffee

17

ND

Dawsonville

24

ND

South DeKalb*

51

ND

Yorkville

24

1 0.95967

Freon 114

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,3-Butadiene

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Cyclohexane

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Chloromethane

Macon-Forestry

29

29 1.18371

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

26

25 1.29130

General Coffee

20

18 1.16697

Dawsonville

27

27 1.43127

South DeKalb*

54

54 1.10119

Yorkville

28

28 1.10501

Dichloromethane Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Chloroform

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Carbon tetrachloride Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

26

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

1st Max
0.99640
1.50777 1.85890 1.59039 2.35460 1.65235 1.48712

2nd Max
1.42515 1.30123 1.44581 2.31329 1.54908 1.23926

180 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name

2014 Volatile Organic Compounds (continued)

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.** 1st Max

Carbon tetrachloride South DeKalb*

54

ND

(continued)

Yorkville

28

ND

Trichlorofluoromethane Macon-Forestry

29

29 1.20338 1.74209

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

26

25 1.14446 1.57350

General Coffee

20

19 1.17872 1.46110

Dawsonville

27

27 1.23840 1.74209

South DeKalb*

54

53 1.21082 1.57350

Yorkville

28

27 1.20996 1.57350

Chloroethane

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,1-Dichloroethane Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Methyl chloroform Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Ethylene dichloride Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Tetrachloroethylene Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,1,2,2-

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Tetrachloroethane Savannah-E. Pres. St.

27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

2nd Max
1.46110 1.46110 1.40491 1.46110 1.51730 1.40491

181 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name

2014 Volatile Organic Compounds (continued)

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.** 1st Max

Bromomethane

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,1,2-Trichloroethane Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee Dawsonville South DeKalb*

20

ND

27

ND

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Dichlorodifluorometha Macon-Forestry

29

ne

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

29 2.10068 3.80748 24 1.95129 3.01632

General Coffee

20

20 2.80122 4.30196

Dawsonville

27

27 2.08414 2.62074

South DeKalb*

54

54 2.09787 2.86798

Yorkville

28

28 2.07858 2.57129

Trichloroethylene Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,1-Dichloroethylene Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville South DeKalb*

27

ND

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,2-Dichloropropane Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville South DeKalb*

27

ND

54

ND

trans-1,3-

Yorkville Macon-Forestry

28

ND

29

ND

Dichloropropylene Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville South DeKalb*

27

ND

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

cis-1,3-

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Dichloropropylene Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

2nd Max
2.42294 2.62074 2.57129 2.32405 2.52184 2.52184

182 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name

2014 Volatile Organic Compounds (continued)

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.** 1st Max

cis-1,3Dichloropropylene (continued)

South DeKalb* Yorkville

54

ND

28

ND

cis-1,2-

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Dichloroethene

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Ethylene dibromide Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Hexachlorobutadiene Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Vinyl chloride

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

m/p Xylene

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

3 0.56383 0.73840

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

7 0.57391 1.04245

Yorkville

28

ND

Benzene

Macon-Forestry

29

13 0.55735 1.78879

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

20 0.73837 4.79141

General Coffee

20

10 0.79857 2.52348

Dawsonville

27

23 0.61401 1.46937

South DeKalb*

54

41 0.62732 1.59714

Yorkville

28

11 0.42039 0.60691

Toluene

Macon-Forestry

29

6 0.49944 0.75337

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

15 0.72223 2.18479

General Coffee

20

2 0.61212 3.27718

Dawsonville

27

3 0.47295 0.48969

South DeKalb*

54

29 0.80674 3.12650

Yorkville

28

ND

Ethylbenzene

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

ND

2nd Max
0.69497 0.73840 1.08605 1.05411 1.98045 0.86245 1.53325 0.44720 0.52736 2.14712 0.48969 0.48969 1.69509

183 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name

2014 Volatile Organic Compounds (continued)

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.** 1st Max

Ethylbenzene

General Coffee

20

ND

(continued)

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

o- Xylene

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,3,5-

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Trimethylbenzene Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,2,4-

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Trimethylbenzene Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Styrene

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

1 0.56304 1.32115

General Coffee

20

1 0.54657 0.80973

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Benzene,1-ethenyl-4- Macon-Forestry

29

ND

methyl

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Chlorobenzene

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

1 0.60675 1.19738

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,2-Dichlorobenzene Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

2nd Max

184 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

Name

2014 Volatile Organic Compounds (continued)

(concentrations in g/m3)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.** 1st Max

1,3-Dichlorobenzene Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,4-Dichlorobenzene Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

Benzyl chloride

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

1,2,4-

Macon-Forestry

29

ND

Trichlorobenzene Savannah-E. Pres. St. 27

ND

General Coffee

20

ND

Dawsonville

27

ND

South DeKalb*

54

ND

Yorkville

28

ND

2nd Max

ND indicates no detection ^Detect is counted as any value above half method detection limit. *Sample collected every 6 days **When a detected concentration is below one half of the method detection limit, then one half of the method detection level is used to calculate the average.

185 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

2014 Carbonyl Compounds, 3-hour (June-August)

Name

(concentrations in micrograms per cubic meter)

Site

Time #Samples #Detects^ Avg.*

1st Max 2nd Max

Formaldehyde

S. DeKalb 0600

25

0900

26

23

2.4578 5.2556 3.5167

26

5.1611 9.1111 8.2778

1200

26

26

6.0797 9.5556 9.5000

1500

26

26

5.4573 8.7778 7.7222

Acetaldehyde

S. DeKalb 0600

26

0900

26

16

1.1760 2.3889 2.2556

25

2.8470 5.1167 4.3889

1200

26

1500

26

26

3.8293 5.3889 5.1444

25

2.9530 4.6111 3.9944

Propionaldehyde

S. DeKalb 0600

26

0900

26

1

0.5970 1.4722

2

0.6929 3.8722 0.6556

1200

26

3

0.5803 0.7667 0.7278

1500

26

1

0.5816 1.0722

Butyraldehyde

S. DeKalb 0600

26

0900

26

2

0.5929 1.0222 0.9056

4

0.6463 1.2056 1.1000

1200

26

1500

26

5

0.6364 1.0056 0.9889

2

0.5925 0.9944 0.9222

Acetone

S. DeKalb 0600

26

0900

26

19

2.6966 5.7778 5.4833

19

3.9609 10.5556 9.0000

1200

26

1500

26

23

6.3309 12.8889 12.8333

25

5.8767 12.3333 11.3333

Benzaldehyde

S. DeKalb 0600

26

0900

26

1200

26

1500

26

2

0.5891 0.8722 0.5620

4

0.6170 1.0333 0.9000

6

0.6671 1.0611 1.0556

6

0.6406 1.1056 0.8944

ND indicates no detection ^Detect is counted as any value above half method detection limit. * When a detected concentration is below one half of the method detection limit, then one half of the method detection level is used to calculate the average.

186 Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division

2014 Georgia Ambient Air Surveillance Report

Section: Appendix D

2014 Carbonyl Compounds, 24-hour

Name

(concentrations in micrograms per cubic meter)

Site

#Samples #Detects^ Avg.**

Formaldehyde

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 17

Dawsonville

22

S. DeKalb*

52

17

6.7082

19

2.0312

51

7.7953

Acetaldehyde

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

13

1.5219

Dawsonville S. DeKalb*

26

11

0.9118

55

48

2.4911

Propionaldehyde

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

1

0.5704

Dawsonville S. DeKalb*

26

0

0.5620

55

3

0.6497

Butyraldehyde

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

0

0.5620

Dawsonville

26

1

0.5784

S. DeKalb*

55

4

0.6456

Acetone

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

Dawsonville

26

18

3.7952

22

2.9173

S. DeKalb*

55

46

4.1869

Benzaldehyde

Savannah-E. Pres. St. 19

Dawsonville

26

0

0.5620

0

0.5620

S. DeKalb*

55

5

0.6529

Acrolein

Macon-Forestry

29

(with canister method) Savannah-E. Pres. St. 26

General Coffee

20

26

0.6294

19

0.5238

12

0.4222

Dawsonville South DeKalb* Yorkville

27

24

0.5078

54

26

0.3794

28

7

0.2962

1st Max
15.1111 3.7833 36.4706 4.1444 2.2667 22.6471 0.7222 0.5620 2.7177 0.5620 0.9889 3.1529 11.0556 7.9444 22.0000 0.5620 0.5620 3.1412 1.3767 1.0784 1.3079 0.8719 0.8490 0.3901

2nd Max
8.7222 3.7056 22.5294 3.0667 1.6333 13.7647 0.5620 0.5620 2.2353 0.5620 0.5620 1.6353 8.3333 5.3056 8.2941 0.5620 0.5620 1.7471 1.1931 0.9637 0.6883 0.7801 0.7801 0.3442

ND indicates no detection ^Detect is counted as any value above half method detection limit. * Sample collected every 6 days ** When a detected concentration is below one half of the method detection limit, then one half of the method detection level is used to calculate the average.

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Section: Appendix E

Appendix E: Monitoring Network Survey

Georgia Gaseous Criteria Pollutant Monitoring as of January 2014

Parameter Measured
Sampling Schedule

Ozone

Nitrogen Dioxide

Carbon Monoxide

Continuous hourly average

Sulfur Dioxide

Number of AAMP Sites
Method Used
EPA Reference Method
Data Availability

20

4

3

7

Ultraviolet photometry
Ultraviolet photometry

Ultraviolet photometry
Ultraviolet photometry

Non-dispersive Infrared
photometry
Non-dispersive Infrared
photometry

Ultraviolet fluorescence detector
Spectrophotometry (pararosaniline method)

U.S. EPA Air Quality System (AQS) (http://www2.epa.gov/aqs) and GA DNR/EPD Ambient Air Monitoring Program (http://epd.georgia.gov/air/)

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Section: Appendix E

Georgia Ambient Air Particulate Matter Monitoring as of January 2014

Parameter Measured

PM10

Mass (integrated)

Mass (semicontinuous)

PM2.5

Mass (integrated)

Mass (semicontinuous)

Speciated

Sampling Schedule

Every 6 days

Continuous hourly averages

Varies; daily, every third day, or every sixth day

Continuous hourly
averages

1 in 6 days; 1 in 3 days for South DeKalb

Collection Method
Sampling Media

Mass sequential, single channel

BAM

Teflon filter 46.2mm,

Proprietary filter; filter tape

FRM sampler
Teflon filter 46.2mm

TEOM; BAM
Proprietary filter; filter
tape

Speciation air sampling system (SASS) and URG
Teflon, nylon & quartz filter
46.2mm

Number of

Sites

2

Analyzed

2

23

18

8

Number of

Collocated

1

Sites

0

3

Analysis Method

Method 016 Electronic analytical balance

Method 079; TEOM
gravimetric at 50 degrees C; Method 122
Beta Attenuation Monitor

Method 055 Electronic analytical balance

0

0

Method 703 R&P TEOM with SCC at 30 degrees
C; Beta Attenuation
Monitor

Method 055 Electronic analytical balance Method 014 x-ray fluorescence Method 062 filter preparation Method 064 Ion chromatography Method 065 Thermal/optical
carbon

Data Availability

U.S. EPA Air Quality System (AQS) (http://www2.epa.gov/aqs) and GA DNR/EPD Ambient Air Monitoring Program (http://epd.georgia.gov/air/)

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Section: Appendix E

Georgia Organic Air Toxic Contaminant Monitoring as of January 2014

Parameter Measured

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Carbonyls

Semi - VOCs

Metals

Method

TO-15

TO-11A

TO 13A

10-2.I

Sampling Schedule
Collection Equipment
Sampling Media
Number of Sites
Analyzed Number of Collocated
Sites
Data Availability

Every 12 days, 24-hour;
1 in 6 day schedule for South DeKalb
AVOCS or ATEC2200
Polished stainless steel canister
6

Every 12 days, 24hour; 1 in 6 day
schedule for South DeKalb
ATEC100 and or ATEC8000
DNPH-coated silica cartridges

Every 12 days, 24hour; 1 in 6 day
schedule for South DeKalb
PUF sampler
Polyurethane Foam filter
Plus resin

3

6

Every 12 days, 24hour;
1 in 6 day schedule for South DeKalb*
High volume TSP
Quartz micro-fiber filter 8 x 10 inch
6

1

1

1

1

U.S. EPA Air Quality System (AQS) (http://www2.epa.gov/aqs) and GA DNR/EPD Ambient Air Monitoring Program (http://epd.georgia.gov/air/)

* Sampler at this site is a PM10 Hi-Vol ** 5 GA ATN sites, 1 NATTS (South DeKalb)

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Section: Appendix E

Parameter

56 PAMS-Speciated VOCs & Total NMHC

Continuous 56PAMS Speciated
VOCs & Total NMHC

Sampling Schedule
Collection Equipment
Sampling Media

24-hour 1 in 6 day schedule (all year)
ATEC 2200
Polished stainless steel canister

Continuous hourly average
(June-August)
Perkin-Elmer GC
Direct injection

Number of Sites

3

2

Carbonyl Compounds
4-3-hour sample (June-August); 24-hour, 1 in 6 day
(all year) ATEC 8000; PUF Sampler DNPH coated silica gel
Cartridge
3

Analysis Method

PAMS GC/FID

GC/FID

High performance liquid chromatograph/ultraviolet
detector

Data Availability

U.S. EPA Air Quality System (AQS) (http://www2.epa.gov/aqs) and GA DNR/EPD Ambient Air Monitoring Program (http://epd.georgia.gov/air/)

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Section: Appendix E

Georgia Meteorological Monitoring as of January 2014

Parameter Measured
Sampling Schedule

Wind Speed (m/s)

Wind Direction (degrees)

Ambient Temperature
(C)

Relative Humidity
(%)

Atmosphere Pressure (mb)

Continuous hourly average

Solar Radiation
(w/m2)

Precip (in)

Sig. Theta (degrees)

Total Ultraviolet Radiation

Number of Sites

17

17

8

8

6

3

6

1

3

Method Used

Propeller or ultrasonic anemometer

Wind vane potentiometer

Aspirated Thermocouple or thermistor

Thin film capacitor

Pressure transducer

pyranometer

Tipping Wind bucket direction

UV radiometer

Data Availability U.S. EPA Air Quality System (AQS) (http://www2.epa.gov/aqs) and GA DNR/EPD Ambient Air Monitoring Program (http://epd.georgia.gov/air/)

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Section: Appendix F

Appendix F: Siting Criteria

Instrument

Height Above Ground

Micro

Other

PM10, AISI Nephelo-meter

2-7m

2-15m

Dicot, TEOM, PM2.5

2-7m

2-15m

Lead, TSP

207m

2-15m

O3

3-15m 3-15m

CO

2.5 3.5m

3-5m

NO2

3-15m 3-15m

Space Between Samplers
2m 1m
2m
1m

Height Above Obstructions
1m 2 times height
of obstacle above inlet
1m

Distance From
Obstacles
2 times height or obstacle above inlet
2 times height or obstacles above inlet
2 times height of obstacles above inlet
2 times height of obstacles above inlet
Micro: must be no trees between
sampler and road
Others: must be 10m if trees, 5m
above sampler
2 times height of obstacle above inlet

Distance From Tree Drip line
Should be 20m, must be 10m if considered an
obstruction Should be 20m, must be 10m if considered an
obstruction Micro and middle: no trees between sampler and
source Neighborhood: should be 20m, must be 10m if considered an
obstruction
Should be 20m, must be 10m if considered an
obstruction
Micro: must be no trees between
sampler and road
Others: must be 10m if trees, 5m above sampler
Should be 20m, if individual tree
5m above probe, must be 10m from drip
line

Distance from Walls, Parapets,
etc. 2m 2m
2m
1m
1m
1m

Airflow Arc
270
270
270
270, or on side
of building
180
270, or on side
of building
180
270, or on side
of building
180

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Section: Appendix F

Instrument

Height Above Ground

Micro

Other

SO2

3-15m

3-15m

H2S

3-15m

3-15m

CH4, THC, NMHC, PAMS

3-15m

3-15m

Toxics: Gaseous 910, 910A, 929, 920
Temperature and Relative
Humidity

3-15m 1.25-2m

3-15m 2.25-2m

Wind Speed and Direction

10m

10m

Solar Radiation 1.5m

1.5m

Space Between Samplers

Height Above Obstructions

Distance From
Obstacles

Distance From Tree Drip line

Should be

2 times height 20m, must be

1m

of obstacle

10m if

above inlet

considered an

obstruction

Should be

2 times height 20m, must be

1m

of obstacle

10m if

above inlet

considered an

obstruction

Should be

2 times height 20m, must be

1m

of obstacle

10m in

above inlet

direction of

urban core

2 times height

2m

of obstacle

above inlet

4 times height of obstacle
above sensor
1.5 times height of obstacle above sensor

1 tower width from tower side
2 tower widths from tower side, 1 tower width from tower top

Distance from Walls, Parapets,
etc. 1m
1m
1m
4.5m

Airflow Arc
270, or on side
of building
180 270, or on side
of building
180 270, or on side
of building
180

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Section: Appendix G

Appendix G: Instrument and Sensor Control Limits

ARB'S CONTROL AND WARNING LIMITS

LIMITS

Control 15% 15% 10%

Warning 10% 10% 7%

4% (Flow)

None

5% (Design) None

20%

None

INSTRUMENT
All gaseous criteria and non-criteria analyzers Total suspended particulate (TSP) samplers PM10 Dichotomous (Dicot), Lead (Pb), Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM), Toxic Air Contaminant (XonTech920) Samplers, Beta Attenuation Monitors (BAM), and Carbonyl
(XonTech9250) Samplers
PM2.5
Laboratory audits (Toxics, PAMS, Motor Vehicle Exhaust and Total Metals)

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR METEOROLOGICAL (MET) SENSORS

LIMITS
1.0 Celsius (0.5C PAMS only) 1mb~ _ 0.75mm Mercury (Hg)
5% RH for <10% or >90% RH 5% Watts/m2
Less than or equal to 5 combined accuracy and orientation error
between 0.5 and 5m/s and less 0.2m/s 5% difference above 5 m/s Less than or equal to 0.5m/s
0.25 m/s between 0.5 and 5 m/s and less than 5% difference above 5 m/s Less than or equal to 0.5 m/s

SENSOR
Ambient Temperature Barometric Pressure
Relative Humidity Solar Radiation and total uv radiation
Wind Direction
Horizontal Wind Speed Horizontal Wind Speed Starting Threshold
Vertical Wind Speed Vertical wind Speed Starting Threshold

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References

Section: References

http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=static.aqi. "Air Quality Index (AQI) - A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health."

http://www.airnowtech.org/2011pollingsummary.htm AirNow Data Management Center. 2011 Data Polling Summary. Sonoma Technology, Petaluma, California.

http://www.epa.gov/region4/waste/ots/ U.S. EPA Region 4: Superfund. Technical Services-Risk Assessment and Hydrology.

http://www.epa.gov/air/emissions/ U.S. EPA. Air Emission Sources.

http://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/retrofit.htm U.S. EPA. Clean School Bus U.S.A.

http://www.gaderprogram.org/html/Retrofit.html Georgia Retrofit Program. Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/ Georgia Forestry Commission.

ATSDR, 1992. Toxicological Profile for 1,3-Butadiene. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 1996. ToxFAQS for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 1997a. Toxicological Profile for Benzene. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 1997b. ToxFAQs for Tetrachloroethylene (PERC). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 1999. Toxicological Profile for Formaldehyde. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2000a. Toxicological Profile for Manganese. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2000b. Toxicological Profile for Chromium. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2001a. Toxicological Profile for 1,2-Dichloroethane. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2001b. ToxFAQS for Methylene Chloride. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2003. ToxFAQS for Trichloroetheylene (TCE). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2005a. Toxicological Profile for Carbon Tetrachloride. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

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Section: References

ATSDR, 2005b. Toxicological Profile for Arsenic, Draft For Public Comment. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2005d. ToxFAQS for Nickel. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2005e. Toxicological Profile for Naphthalene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, and 2-Methylnaphthalene. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2006a. ToxFAQS for 1,1,1-Trichloroethane. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2006b. Toxicological Profile for Dichlorobenzenes. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2006c. ToxFAQS for Vinyl Chloride. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2007a. Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) Nitrite/Nitrate Toxicity. What Are Nitrate and Nitrite? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2007b. ToxFAQs for Xylene. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2009. ToxFAQS for 1,3-Butadiene. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2010. ToxFAQS for Ethylbenzene. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registery, Atlanta, Georgia.

ATSDR, 2011. ToxFAQs for Acrolein. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia.

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Protection of the Environment, Parts 50, 51, 53, and 58.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Georgia Ambient Monitoring Network Plan.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Georgia Ambient Air Monitoring Quality Assurance Manual, Quality Assurance Plan.

GADNR, 1993. Toxic Release Inventory Report, 1991. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. Atlanta, Georgia.

GADNR, 1996a. The 1994 Chatham County Air Toxics Study, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. Atlanta, Georgia.

GADNR, 1996b. 1996 Glynn county Initiative: Air Toxics Dataset Ground Level Measurements, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. Atlanta, Georgia.

GADNR, 2006. 2005 Ambient Air Surveillance Report. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. Atlanta, Georgia.

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Section: References

McCarthy, M. C., Hafner, H. R., & Montzka, S. A. (2006). Background Concentrations of 18 Air Toxics for North America. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 56, 3-11.

U.S. EPA, 1987. Health Assessment Document for Acetaldehyde. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 1991a. Integrated Risk Information System, Carbon Tetrachloride. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 1991b. Integrated Risk Information System, Acetaldehyde. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 1994a. OPPT Chemical Fact Sheet, Chemicals in the environment: 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (CAS No. 95-63-6). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 1994b. Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement System. Volume 1: Principles. EPA-600/R-94/038A, January 1994.

U.S. EPA, 1998. Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement System. Volume 1: Principles. EPA-600/R-94/038B, April 1998.

U.S. EPA, 2000. Integrated Risk Information System, Benzene. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 2002. Integrated Risk Information System, 1,3-Butadiene. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 2003. Integrated Risk Information System, Acrolein. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 2004a. Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 2004b. Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Value Database. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV, Atlanta, Georgia.

U.S. EPA, 2007. Latest Findings on National Air Quality: Status and Trends through 2006, No. EPA454/R-07-007. Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards EPA Publication Air Quality Assessment Division Research Triangle Park, NC.

U.S. EPA, 2008. National Air Quality-Status and Trends through 2007, No. EPA-454/R-08-006. Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards EPA Publication Air Quality Assessment Division Research Triangle Park, NC.

U.S. EPA, 2008b. Toxicologial Review of Propionaldehyde (CAS No. 123-38-6), In Support of Summary Information on the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

U.S. EPA, 2009. Air Toxics Data Analysis Workbook, STI:908304.03-3224. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Research Triangle Park, NC.

U.S. EPA, 2010. A Preliminary Risk-Based Screening Approach for Air Toxics Monitoring Data Sets. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

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Section: References

U.S. EPA, 2010b. Our Nations Air Quality-Status and Trends through 2008, No. EPA-454/R-09-002. Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards EPA Publication Air Quality Assessment Division Research Triangle Park, NC.

U.S. EPA, 2014. "Table 1. Prioritized Chronic Dose-Response Values for Screening Risk Assessments (5/09/2014)". http://www2.epa.gov/fera/dose-response-assessment-assessing-health-risks-associatedexposure-hazardous-air-pollutants Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards EPA Publication Air Quality Assessment Division Research Triangle Park, NC. ddd:n

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