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?
Rising global temperatures have increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide, especially in northern and temperate forests. These extreme fires have sparked significant legal claims affecting agriculture, forestry, tourism, and infrastructure. Accurately understanding wildfire smoke dispersion is vital in legal disputes to identify which fires caused specific impacts and to gauge their effects amid multiple simultaneous wildfires.
In recent decades, wildfire size and intensity worldwide have increased significantly alongside rising global temperatures. Scientific studies using satellite data over the past 20 years show that extreme wildfires have more than doubled in frequency and intensity globally, particularly in northern and temperate forests such as western North America, boreal forests of northern North America and Russia, and parts of Australia. These wildfires have driven significant legal actions as affected parties seek compensation for damages. The economic impact spans sectors including agriculture, forestry, tourism, and infrastructure, compounding financial pressures on communities and insurers and fueling litigation over liability and compensation. This trend is expected to persist or worsen in coming years.
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.