Monitoring possible emissions that enter the community, and measuring reductions is critical to the success of the ten by 10 project. To assist in this process, highly sensitive dust monitors have been installed in the community, providing a constant stream of data which can then be analysed and used to improve dust and emission control. These monitors will form part of a wider monitoring network with equipment owned by the Department of Health.
Obtaining accurate Lead in Air Data
There are currently 11 High Volume Air Samplers positioned in the Port Pirie Community (see map for locations), 2 more Sampler stations are soon to be installed throughout Pirie, so we’ll have a much better understanding of Lead in Air in all areas of the community. This network of 11 High Volume Samplers provides daily information to assist to improve dust and emission control. The samplers draw air through an A4 sheet of filter paper which runs 24 hours a day to monitor the average amount of lead dust in air. There are also two TEOM’s or Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance units which run continuously measuring PM10 dust concentration (ie. minus 10 micron dust). Knowing more about the factors that contribute to lead dust emissions allows the site to progressively implement different actions to reduce the problem. To date, initiatives have included planting wind breaks in critical areas, stopping operations when wind speeds increase and because wind generally increases during the day, doing more operations in the morning. A new computer system has been installed that allows the Smelter to continuously monitor dust levels to enable a quicker response if emissions happen, therefore reducing any potential impact on the community.
Cameras have been installed on site at the Smelter to monitor emissions. Four cameras have been installed at the PETS plant which monitor emissions at the Kilns, Slag Fumer, Blast Furnace and the Secondary Materials Storage Area (Pit). The cameras are connected to a digital video recorder to allow the smelter to review any emissions. Two more cameras have been installed to monitor the Sinter Plant.
Tenby10 is all about reducing emissions and reducing exposure to ultimately reduce blood lead levels in children in the Port Pirie Community
Wind Roses
A tenby10 Data analyst uses Wind Roses to understand Port Pirie’s daily, weekly, monthly and annual wind patterns, direction of wind, speed of wind and how this all affects how much and where Lead dust is blown off site into the community.
The diagrama shows a typical ‘Wind Rose’ pattern for July. When the ‘Wind Rose’ data is compared with the data obtained from the air/dust monitors positioned around the Port Pirie Community, some interesting facts can be seen.
- High Lead in Air results in Port Pirie are strongly influenced by North West to North East winds
- The strong North West to North winds blow through the site, picking up emissions and lead dust and deposit it predominantly into the South and South East areas of the Port Pirie Community.
- The strongest North/North West winds are most prevalent in Winter, not Summer.
- There are much higher and more frequent Lead In Air results in Winter
- The highest proportion of children with elevated blood lead levels reside South or South East of the Smelter.
- Depending on the speed and direction of the wind, Lead dust is carried off site to different areas of Port Pirie.
- There is a big difference in both wind direction and wind speed between day and night.