SE Minnesota Regional Frac Sand Mining Alerts: initial findings of PM2.5 levels in New Auburn collected August 1-3, 2013

Hi Bonita,

Here is a short summary of our work:

· Particulate matter, including silica are generated and released into the air from frac sand mining, processing and transporting activities;

· Little is known about public exposure to these small particles, which cause cardiovascular disease, lung disease and lung cancer;

· Our limited sampling has found that these particles are higher around frac sand plants compared to background levels from the Wisconsin DNR; and

· We believe that required monitoring of the “fine” particle size, called PM2.5, around all frac sand facilities and comparison to EPA standards is essential to protecting public health.

Best regards,

Crispin Pierce

From: Bonita Underbakke [mailto:nestree11402@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 8:07 AM
To: Pierce, Crispin H.
Subject: Fw: FRAC SAND SENTINEL SPECIAL: Dr. Crispin Pierce Report on Initial PM2.5 Levels in New Auburn [Wisconsin] September 6, 2013

Dear Dr. Pierce,

Might you have a summarizing comment in layperson talk I could include before forwarding this to an e-list of interested locals in SE Minnesota (Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties)?

Thank you for the important good work you continue to do.

Bonita Underbakke

34526 State Hwy 16

Lanesboro MN 55949

507/467-2157

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Patricia J. Popple <sunnyday5@charter.net>
To:
Sent: Friday, September 6, 2013 6:16 PM
Subject: FRAC SAND SENTINEL SPECIAL: Dr. Crispin Pierce Report on Initial PM2.5 Levels in New Auburn [Wisconsin] September 6, 2013

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

With this note, I would like to share our initial findings of PM2.5 levels in New Auburn collected August 1-3, 2013. I appreciate the help that Dr. Dale and Carol Crisler provided in setting up sampling sites and collecting data.

Several observations can be taken from these initial data:

1. Measured PM2.5 levels with the Dylos (p and ¨) and DustTrak (X) were consistent with each other and generally below the EPA annual standard;

2. Measurements with all instruments found PM2.5 levels higher than DNR regional background levels (Ж); and

3. The SKC DPS gravimetric sampler (—) measured an average concentration of 51 ug/m3, much higher than levels from the direct-reading instruments and the EPA annual standard.

As I’ve noted before, the SKC DPS gravimetric sampler likely provides the best estimate of airborne PM2.5 levels, given its simple operation and lack of being influenced by humidity. The high level measured in the six-hour time period raises some concern and we will collect a 24-hour sample to verify this value.

Higher levels in the New Auburn area would be expected, compared to other locations in the state, due to the Superior Silica Sand and Chippewa Sands operations in the town, in addition to two additional sand facilities within about 15 miles. Reported PM10 levels from Superior Silica Sand from 12/5/2011 to 1/28/2013 averaged 16 ug/m3, with a range of 1-38 ug/m3.

Results of air filter composition by the Wisconsin Occupational Health Lab and kindly provided by Brian Henning at the New Auburn School found detectable levels of quartz (crystalline silica) in four of five filters analyzed to date. Filters from 100% outside air had higher levels of quartz than those that filtered a combination of outside and recirculated air.

Here is a collection of short video clips documenting our procedures and citizen comments on the project (these video clips may load slowly):

Introduction:

https://media.uwec.edu/VEMSWeb/VEMSHost.html?VBTemplate=Templates/VideoInfoTemplate.xml&contentID=170&shared=1

Dennis:

https://media.uwec.edu/VEMSWeb/VEMSHost.html?VBTemplate=Templates/VideoInfoTemplate.xml&contentID=172&shared=1

Heather Interview:

https://media.uwec.edu/VEMSWeb/VEMSHost.html?VBTemplate=Templates/VideoInfoTemplate.xml&contentID=171&shared=1

Zach:

https://media.uwec.edu/VEMSWeb/VEMSHost.html?VBTemplate=Templates/VideoInfoTemplate.xml&contentID=173&shared=1

Playground and railroad:

https://media.uwec.edu/VEMSWeb/VEMSHost.html?VBTemplate=Templates/VideoInfoTemplate.xml&contentID=175&shared=1

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.