RIDEM is looking to acquire continuous total VOC (tVOC) monitoring technology, which is available at a fraction of the cost of the traditional RIDOH VOC monitoring capabilities. This is a developing and emerging technology of monitoring tVOCs real time with regards to ambient air quality, with the ability to take a Summa Cannister sample for lab analysis. RIDEM currently uses Summa Cannisters analyzed on a GC/MS to analyze samples collected once every six days. While the continuous real time equipment will provide a different type of VOC data set than what the RIDOH Lab currently provides, it will help inform the following. • Estimates of tVOC concentrations present at monitoring sites. • System must provide real time tVOC estimates using a PID with a 10.6eV lamp. • Identifying possible sources of tVOCs using real time concentrations, time stamps, and wind directions. • The seasonal differences in concentrations, and if monitoring is done over several years, the trends in VOCs over time. • Possible exposure of citizens in the Port to tVOCs with monitoring in neighborhoods, along with closer monitors to more industrialized locations. • For portable instruments, concentrations can be determined on a street-by-street scale during times of odor complaints, with equipment deployed in electric vehicles. • All this information will also help focus compliance efforts to target potential sources of emissions. It has been determined that any tVOC equipment purchased must meet the following performance requirements. • Must be weatherproof for outdoor use. • System must provide real time tVOC estimates. • System may have a solar power option, as systems requiring a power outlet severely limit where RIDEM can monitor due to limited power sources in the field. • Datalogging – require data to be communicated with a cellular modem to a cloud and web portal so data can be evaluated real time, downloaded, and analyzed...
