In the late 2000s, questions emerged about whether hydrogen cyanide (HCN) emissions from gold mining cyanide leach operations could pose a risk to nearby communities. Rather than relying solely on conservative assumptions or modeling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invoked its authority under Clean Air Act Section 114 to request real-world data. In response, Air Sciences, working closely with the Nevada Mining Association (NvMA) and its member companies, spearheaded a comprehensive ambient monitoring program designed to answer a simple but critical question: What are the actual ambient concentrations of HCN at the fence line of operating gold mines?
Owens Lake, located in eastern California’s Owens Valley, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a once dust-prone landscape to one of the largest and most successful air quality restoration projects in the world. Once an area that generated severe dust (PM10) pollution and health risks for surrounding communities, Owens Lake is now a model for environmental recovery and sustainable management.
Understanding the Role of Sensors in Air Quality Monitoring
In conducting air quality monitoring work, Air Sciences has recognized the benefits of using non-regulatory supplemental and informational monitoring (NSIM) sensors in various applications. From assessing pollutant concentrations in neighborhoods to evaluating air quality near road construction projects, Air Sciences has used NSIM sensors to provide a cost-effective and flexible solution where traditional regulatory monitors may not be practical or necessary.
Air Sciences had a significant presence at the 2024 PNWIS Annual Conference, held November 12–15 in Eugene, Oregon. The conference is the signature event of the Pacific Northwest International Section of the Air & Waste Management Association. This year, Air Sciences was proud to be a platinum conference sponsor.
At Air Sciences, we believe in giving back. That’s why, in early October, more than a dozen of our employees took a break from their regular work routines to make a tangible impact in their communities.