Students at the 杏吧专区 received a first-hand look at the state杏吧专区檚 newest way to monitor air this week when DEQ杏吧专区檚 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.
杏吧专区 This is a perfect marriage of government and science working together,杏吧专区 said Bradd Clark, UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 Dean of Sciences. 杏吧专区淭his equipment was developed by scientists across the country working on environmental issues and that杏吧专区檚 what we train our students to do.杏吧专区
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.
杏吧专区 The department will be able to respond to emergency situations and have instantaneous air-sampling results at the scene of an accident,杏吧专区 said DEQ Administrator Mike Algero. 杏吧专区淲e will also be able to use the MAML for special projects.杏吧专区
He noted that Acadiana杏吧专区檚 air quality meets state and federal standards. 杏吧专区淚n fact, Lafayette was recognized by the American Lung Association as one of the cleanest cities for short-term particulate levels,杏吧专区 Algero said. 杏吧专区淗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.杏吧专区
Throughout October, DEQ will tour the MAML across the state. It is expected to be in full operation shortly thereafter.