Protects surrounding community by continuously monitoring the air for dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during investigations, remedial activity, and future construction.

Air Monitoring Includes:

• Real time VOC and dust monitoring using direct reading instruments;
• Upwind and downwind monitoring locations; and,
• CAMP action levels
  • If action levels are exceeded work practices will be re-evaluated to reduce potential migration of site impacts
  • CAMP data will be available for public review

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health (DEC and DOH respectively) will approve a Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) that requires continuous upwind and downwind air monitoring during all excavation, soil handling and backfilling activities. This will be implemented to ensure no additional dust, particulates or VOCs are released beyond the work zone to the environment or surrounding community during the cleanup activities. The air monitoring stations check for dust particulates and VOCs using real-time monitoring equipment. Results are compared to the airborne action level standards and will be provided to NYSDOH and NYSDEC for review. The equipment employs an audible alarm to indicate exceedance of the action level so corrective measures (such as wetting down the area) can be taken immediately. The CAMP requires no visual dust moving outside the work area, and wetting down dry materials as necessary. The air monitoring equipment is sensitive and will detect very low levels of VOCs or dust particles in the air, typically before you can see them with your eyes. If dust is observed, either by the personnel at the site, or if it is detected above action levels with the air monitoring equipment, the work will be stopped, and corrective actions will be taken. Additional controls require trucks to be covered to properly secure all excavated material during transport across the site or for disposal off-site at a permitted facility.

Potential release of contaminated dust or volatile organic compounds (VOC) vapors to the outdoor air during remedial activity is controlled by:

• Community Air Monitoring Plan – protects the surrounding community by continuously monitoring the air for dust or VOC vapors during investigative or remedial activities; and
• Engineering controls will be in place to minimize dust generation and prevent access to the work area. These controls include watering of excavations/soil, covering of stockpiles and other best practices to reduce migration of contaminated materials.