08/02/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. cubic meter. On the 11th, the increase was to 53, with slash - intrusions on the 12th pushing it to 68, and slash intrusions peaked on the 13th at 100. In Springfield, the high-volume ratings started at 42; however, on the day of field-burning intrusion it went to 83, then jumped to 100 on the 12th as a result of the slash burning~ then topped out at 130 on the 13th. However, neither of the high readings exceeded the 24-hour secondary standard of 150, but would contribute to the high annual concentration. Measurement of fine particulates below 2-1/2 microns in the same period went from 7 to 43 in Eugene and 6 to 36 in Springfield. He noted that this was a very high ratio, a six-fold increase in the small, easily inhaled pollution particles contributing to health hazards. Normal ratios are ten to one or six to one, comparing small particulates to large particulates. At the worst of the intrusion, the ratios were about one to two. These data support the earlier report about the possible impact of intrusion on concentration of particulate caused by both field and slash burning. The recent intrusions on July 27 and 28 have not been processed through the computer. However, at the Eugene site, the nephelometer readings showed six hours of violation. These high readings corres- pond to about a two-mile visibility. Those are very high levels and certainly the worst this year. He noted there was a problem with the nephelometer paper-feeding mechanism at the Springfield site, as the equipment is unreliable e resulting from the State's attempt to maintain the lowest expenditure level possible. However, the LRAPA staff has been working diligently to get the equipment to operate consistently, and there were hopes the problem was permanently corrected. Until the data from the Springfield site has been recorded, it will not be known how much additional violation of the 13-hour standard resulted from the recent intrusion; it appears that about half of the 13 hours remain. The standard of 13 hours violation before August 15 would result in seed growers being allowed to burn only 150,UOO acres. Mr. Smith noted the emission-testing program by DEQ is not producing as well as hoped due to inexperience of the crew and some equipment being destroyed in burning tests, which resulted in delays. The pro- gram is being run to determine how much and what types of emissions result from different types of fires, ignition techniques, moisture content, and grass species. Some concern was expressed about the DEQ's data-gathering program. The data to be used to provide chemical elements balance measure- ments is not being collected although, until recently, the DEQ had assured the City this would be done. The information is signi- ficant in determining the impact of field burning. These concerns had been outlined in a memo to the EQC on May 22, but it now appears the DEQ staff cannot include collection of the data in their present workload. - 8/2/78--3 S~~