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?
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.