research results regarding particulates and silica around sand plants in Wisconsin

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

With this note, I would like to share an update of our research results regarding particulates and silica around sand plants in Wisconsin. 

At citizens’ requests, we sampled at Bridge Creek (SE of Augusta), near the Hi-Crush mine, dry plant, wet plant and sand conveyer on March 19 and April 19-20, 2013. We used two direct-reading instruments (DustTrak and Dylos aerosol monitors) as well as an SKC DPS gravimetric sampler. Results were similar to our previous findings:

 

1.       Our measured values of “fine” particulates (PM 2.5) were generally higher near the sand plant operations compared to the DNR county-wide background levels (http://dnrmaps.wi.gov/imf/imf.jsp?site=wisards); and

2.       In several instances, PM 2.5 levels appeared to be higher than the EPA annual standard (despite high winds [March 19 and April 19] and snow flurries [April 19], which tend to “clean” the air of particulates).

 

 Please let me know if you would like further information.

 

Our research website with findings and more sand mining and processing information is available here: http://www.uwec.edu/CONHS/programs/enph/silica/silicaresearch1.htm

 

Details on the sampling procedures and data collected are available here: http://people.uwec.edu/piercech/InitialPM.pdf

  

Also, many of you may have seen the report from Dr. John Richards on respirable crystalline silica sent to the DNR on March 25. This industry-sponsored study found that levels of silica at the EOG processing plant in Chippewa Falls and three mining sites had levels of silica generally below 1 microgram (ug) per cubic meter (m3); we often consider the California State standard of 3 ug/m3 to be protective of the public from silicosis risk. Although this study did not report total particulates, it did focus on the important silica concentration levels and appears to be well-conducted. I am hopeful that Dr. Richards will choose to have the study peer-reviewed; we are planning to submit our research for peer-review and publication this summer.

 

Sincerely,

 

Crispin H. Pierce, Ph.D.

 

P.S. Please let me know if you would like to be removed from this email distribution list.

 

Associate Professor / Program Director

Department of Public Health Professions

244 Nursing

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004

(715) 836-5589

http://www.uwec.edu/piercech

http://www.uwec.edu/ph/enph/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

P  Reduce your footprint  -- Please don't print this e-mail unless necessary.