Students at the 小蝌蚪APP received a first-hand look at the state小蝌蚪APP檚 newest way to monitor air this week when DEQ小蝌蚪APP檚 new Mobile Air Monitoring Lab (MAML) made a stop at Hamilton Hall.
The $400,000 Winnebago is equipped with air-monitors that provide instant data wherever it is located. It was paid with state and federal funds.
小蝌蚪APP This is a perfect marriage of government and science working together,小蝌蚪APP said Bradd Clark, UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 Dean of Sciences. 小蝌蚪APP淭his equipment was developed by scientists across the country working on environmental issues and that小蝌蚪APP檚 what we train our students to do.小蝌蚪APP
Equipment on board including a gas chromatograph is capable of sampling hundreds of organic compounds. The mobile lab can also monitor for air pollutants, ozone, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides among other compounds and hazards. It also has a special mercury analyzer capable of detecting mercury in air at very low levels.
小蝌蚪APP The department will be able to respond to emergency situations and have instantaneous air-sampling results at the scene of an accident,小蝌蚪APP said DEQ Administrator Mike Algero. 小蝌蚪APP淲e will also be able to use the MAML for special projects.小蝌蚪APP
He noted that Acadiana小蝌蚪APP檚 air quality meets state and federal standards. 小蝌蚪APP淚n fact, Lafayette was recognized by the American Lung Association as one of the cleanest cities for short-term particulate levels,小蝌蚪APP Algero said. 小蝌蚪APP淗owever, if there was a situation that warranted an investigation of any pollutant, we could drive the mobile lab to the location and take air samples and address public concern.小蝌蚪APP
Throughout October, DEQ will tour the MAML across the state. It is expected to be in full operation shortly thereafter.