EVALUATION AND VALIDATION OF
TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE
NAAQS EXCEEDANCES
FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS
1975 - 1976
Allen Oi
Norm Beloin
David Stonefield
Jean Kelleher
AIR SECTION
SURVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS DIVISION
REGION I
60 Westview Street
Lexington, MA. 02173
August 31, 1977
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UUroawy MP A II
Survei12 cS.T<0£) (Si A ¦'; *? V
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
II. DATA VALIDATION
III. SITE SURVEY
IV. OPTICAL MICROSCOPY
V. METEOROLOGY
VI. CORRELATION STUDIES
VII. LOCAL CONDITIONS
VIII. X-RAY FLUORESCENCE AND CHEMICAL ANALYSES
IX. DISCUSSION
X. CONCLUSIONS
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SECTION I
Introduction
The Air Branch asked the Surveillance and Analysis Division (S & A
Division) to make a technical evaluation of exceedances of the National
Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for total suspended particulates
(TSP) found in Massachusetts' Southeastern Air Pollution Control District
(AQCR 120) and prepare a report to defend these exceedances should they
be challanged. The Air Branch also requested an evaluation of the impact
of New England Power Company's Brayton Point Power Plant and Montaup
Electric Company's Somerset Power Plant on these exceedances.
In response to this request, S & A Division has validated the
17 exceedances of the primary or secondary TSP standards measured at
the "Brayton Point Network"! in 1975 and 1976 (see Table 1-1) evaluated
the "Brayton Point Network" sites and two Massachusetts' monitoring
sites. In addition, the S & A Division analyzed existing microscopic
data, meteorology, a sulfur dioxide/TSP correlation study, local conditions,
x-ray fluorescence spectrographs data and chemical analysis data on
representative days of high TSP levels.
The S & A Division characterized the types of particulate collected
on representative high TSP filters. This was difficult since the high
volume sampling method was designed to determine only the total suspended
particulate in the ambient air. The glass fiber filter itself complicated
J-The "Brayton Point Monitoring Network" is an ambient air quality monitoring
network established by New England Power Company in 1974 as a condition
of a temporary coal burning authority. The company continued to monitor
after their Brayton Point Plant switched back to oil in 1975.
1-1
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TABLE 1-1
HIGH PARTICULATE CONCENTRATIONS MEASURED
FROM JANUARY, 1975 - DECEMBER, 1976
Date Site Concentration (ug/m3)
12/05/76 Plymouth Avenue 422
06/11/76 North Main Street 175
04/09/76 North Main Street 213
04/15/76 Plymouth Avenue 153
02/09/76 Plymouth Avenue 468
02/12/76 Plymouth Avenue 173
02/21/76 North Main Street 150
05/15/75 North Main Street 185
05/21/75 North Main Street 156
04/03/75 North Main Street 160
04/12/75 Plymouth Avenue 191
04/18/75 North Main Street 177
03/07/75 Milliken Boulevard 188
03/16/75 Milliken Boulevard 159
03/19/75 Milliken Boulevard 189
02/20/75 Milliken Boulevard 455
01/24/75 Milliken Boulevard 166
1-2
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many analyses since each filter has a varying background of metals,
sulfates, silicate and other constituents. Hence, inorganic analyses
were performed over a background from the filter which is by no means
constant?.
No single analyses performed on the subject filters can conclusively
pinpoint all the constituents which cause the exceedances, but taken as
a whole the evidence provides an insight into the make-up of the maj or
particulates causing the exceedances.
^Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter, U. S. Department H. E. W.,
January, 1969-(p. 22).
1-3
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SECTION II
Validation of TSP Data In AQCR 120
Members of the Air Section and the Analytical Quality Control
Co-ordinator have reviewed sampling site locations, standard operating
procedures, pertinent calibrations, sample data sheets and other
documents necessary to validate and recalculate the 17 high particulate
concentrations measured from January, 1975, through. December, 1976,
at the "Brayton Point Sampling Network" maintained by Environmental
Research and Technology, Inc., for the Mew England Power Company, In
addition, a calibration audit was performed on the high volume sampler
at the two sites (North Main Street and Plymouth Avenue) which had
recorded exceedances and were still operational on August 9> 1977.
In general, the laboratory and field monitoring facilities are
operated in an efficient manner with appropriate documentation. There
were no major discrepancies noted which would invalidate data. In the
Surveillance and Analysis Division's opinion, the high TSP data gathered
at the "Brayton Point Sampling Network" between January, 1975, and
December, 1976, are valid and appropriate for planning purposes.
On March 10, 1977, Harm Beloin and Allen Oi of the Air Section made
site visits to the Read Street, Sharp's Lot, Milliken Boulevard, Plymouth
Avenue, and North Main Street sampling sites. An evaluation of the Read
Street and Sharp's Lot sites revealed nothing in the site location that
would bias or invalidate the data collected. The Milliken Boulevard site
may be somewhat influenced by re-entrainmerit particulates due to its close
proximity to Interstate Route 1-195 and the fact that the site -was located
in a large parking lot* The North Main Street site appeared to be a
2-1
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representative site; however, proximity to major construction of
Massachusetts Route 79 during 1975 and 1976 and subsequent rerouting
of traffic around the area is believed to have a significant effect
on the measured ambient particulate levels. It should be noted that
this is a residential area, and the levels recorded at this site
would be indicative of the population exposure in this area. At the
Plymouth Avenue site, there was a restriction to normal air flow caused
by a two-story fire station located 15 feet northeast of the site. In
addition, with winds from the northeast direction, although infrequent,
there is a possibility of downwash from the fire station chimney which
is 45 feet tall and 25 feet northeast from the monitor. This site may
also be influenced by re-entrainment particulates due to its close
proximity (25 feet) to Plymouth Avenue. As with the North Main Street
site, the Plymouth Avenue site is located close to residential housing,
and the levels recorded at this site reflect population exposure.
On March 11, 1977, Warren Oldaker, Analytical Quality Control
Co-ordinator, and Allen Oi, Air Section, visited the ERT facilities in
Concord, Massachusetts, to review procedures for handling TSP filters
from the field through their laboratory and to visually inspect the
subject filters. Written standard operating procedures for both field
and laboratory activities, along with copies of log sheets, field notes,
sampler motor calibrations, air flow meter calibrations, and daily
check lists. Subsequently, the 17 TSP standard exceedances were re-
calculated using the ERT supplied records with no significant difference
found between the reported values and the recalculated values.
The following are comments regarding the operational procedures used
by the ERT for the TSP monitoring program. These comments are minor in
2-2
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nature and would not invalidate the data:
1. Written operational procedures in active practice by the ERT staff
are not available prior to March 3, 1975.
2. There is no documentation available to show that the magnehelic gage
used to measure flow on each sampler was the actual gage used to
calibrate the specific sampler prior to January 28, 1976.
3. ERT-SOP 2000-805 Rev. D, dated 1/22/77, states that the relative
humidity of the conditioning room snould be less than 60 percent
and a temperature of 70°F + 10°F (27 + 5.6°C), where as in the Federal
Reference Method as published in F. R. Vol. 36, No. 84, Part II,
Friday, April 30, 1971, states that filter conditioning environment
should be maintained at 15 to 35°C and less than 50 percent relative
humidity.
4. On several TSP sampler calibrations (North Main Street, 04/20/75,
12/31/75, 04/16/76) notations were not made of the serial number of
the orifice calibration unit used.
5. ERT-SOP 2000-072 Rev B, dated 12/09/76, page 1, does not allow for
a five minute warm-up period before a flow is taken on the TSP
sampler motor.
As an additional check, a flow calibration audit was performed on
the TSP samplers of North Main Street and Plymouth Avenue sites by Allen
Oi of the Air Section on August 9, 1977. Although this audit was performed
at least eight months after the last exceedance, it gives an overall
check on the operational procedures used during the sampling period in
question. The results of the audit showed an average difference of -.9
percent at the North Main Street site and -.8 percent at the Plymouth
Avenue site. These differences were the result of comparing air volume
2-3
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flows from an EPA reference device and the calculated flows from ERT's
calibration graph. Since there is close agreement, ERT's procedures and
calibration routine are judged to "be adequate to assure valid T3P data.
2-h
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SECTION III
Site Survey
This section will describe the ambient particulate monitoring site
locations for the New England Power Company's "Brayton Point Monitoring
Network" (required by EPA's January, 1975, Temporary Suspension Order)
and the two Commonwealth of Massachusetts SIP sites located in Fall
River. The enclosed map shows the location of these sites in relation
to the New England Power Company's Brayton Point Power Plant and the
Montaup Somerset facility. These sites are concentrated to the north
and southeast of the plant. The following is a brief discussion of
each site:
1. Swansea Marina Site - The site was approximately one mile
west northwest of the Brayton Point Power Plant in a generally
residential area with a small bay to the west. The sampler
was located on the roof of a small shed in a field with only
a few isolated trees around. The site appeared to be too close
to the plant to measure particulates from the plant and was
predominantly in the upwind direction. The site' operated only
several months in early 1975 with no TSP standard exceedances
recorded.
2. Sharp's Lot Site - The site is approximately three miles north
northeast of the Brayton Point Power Plant in a rural area.
The sampler is located on the roof of a sampling shelter (12
feet above ground level) in a field with good atmospheric
ventilation. The ground elevation at the site is 120 feet
above mean sea level. The Somerset Station is located 1.9
3-1
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miles east southeast of the site. There are no other significant
sources of pollution within a one mile area of the site. The
site has been operated from 1974 to present. Ho TSP standards
exceedances have been reported from this site.
3. Read Street Site - The site is approximately two miles north
northeast of the Brayton Point Power Plant in a very low density
residential area. The sampler was located on the roof of a
sampling shelter (12 feet above ground level) with good atmospheric
ventilation. The ground elevation is 50 feet above mean sea
level. The site is in a cleared area under the transmission
lines from the power plant. The Somerset Station is located
1.9 miles east of the site. There are no major sources within
a mile of the site. The site has been operated from 1974 until
the present. No TSP standards exceedances have been reported
from this site.
4. North Main Street Site This site is 2.8 miles east northeast
of the Brayton Point Power Plant in a high density residential/
industrial area. The ground elevation is 30 feet above mean
sea level. The sampler is located on the roof of a sampling
shelter (12 feet above ground level) in the corner of a sub-
station. The site is surrounded by several two and three story f
buildings and a rising elevation to the east. The Somerset
Station is 0.9 miles north northwest of the site. Although
the aggregate contributions of the local sources are significant,
no attempt has been made to identify individual sources. North
Main Street, a heavily traveled two lane surface street, is 100
feet to the east. The railroad tracks are located 50 feet west.
3-2
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During 1973 to 1976, Route 79, a multilane surface street, was
constructed approximately 1,500-1,000 feet to the north and west.
Secondary TSP standard violations have been reported at this site.
5. Milliken Boulevard Site - The site was 1.8 miles east southeast
of the Brayton Point Power Plant in a large parking lot. The
nearest buildings lay in a north - south direction, approximately
200 feet east of the monitor. These were commercial buildings
approximately three stories high. Industrial plants were located
at the water's edge about 2,500 feet away. Somerset Station
was located 2.7 miles north of the site. There were several
major traffic routes in the vicinity. Milliken Boulevard was
50 feet west of the site. 1-195 was 500 feet to the north. The
sampler was located on the roof of a sampling shelter (12 feet
above ground level). Ground elevation was J00 feet above mean
sea level. The site was on a hillside sloping upward toward
the east. The site was operated only for a few months in
late 1974 and early 1975. A primary exceedance and secondary
TSP violations were recorded at this site. The EPA Regional
Office had this site relocated to the fire station at Plymouth
Avenue. The reasons for this move were: (1) that computer
modeling did not predict any impact of the Brayton Point Power
Plant at this location, (2) that there was no population
exposure at the site, (3) that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
site at the Central Fire Station was determined to be a better
center city site, and (4) that re-entraiment of particulates
would cause elevated TSP levels.
3-3
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6. Plymouth Avenue Site - This site is 2.4 miles southwest of
the Brayton Point Power Plant in a residential/commercial area.
This site is on the crest of a hill with a ground elevation of
250 feet. The sampler is located on the roof of a sampling
shelter (12 feet above ground level) between the Plymouth
Avenue Fire Station and a parking lot for a supermarket.
There are single and multiple family housing units proximate
to the sampling site in addition to some industrial activity
in the immediate area. A major four-lane surface street,
Plymouth Avenue, is only 25 feet west of the sampler. The
Fall River Incinerator is 3/4 of a mile to the north northeast.
Also, the chimney of the fire station (25 feet northeast and
45 feet tall) may, under extremely infrequent conditions,
present a downwash problem. There is a tree 40 feet tall
five feet southwest of the site. The atmospheric ventilation
is good in the direction towards the Brayton Point Power Plant;
however, the tree to the southwest and a two-story fire station,
15 feet to the northeast, create some interferences to normal
air flow; however, the tree should not influence winter air flow.
It should be noted that this site was chosen for SO2 monitoring,
using modeling data and the measurement of particulates was a
secondary consideration. Due to the proximity of the sampler
to Plymouth Avenue^ re-entrainnent of particulate matter could
occur at this site. This site was operated from early 1975
to early 1977. Both primary and secondary TSP standards
violations were reported at this site.
3_U
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7. Central Fire Station Site - This site is 2.4 miles southeast
of the Brayton Point Power Plant in the central business
district of Fall River. The ground elevation is 135 feet
above mean sea level. The sampler is located on the roof
of the Central Fire Station on Bedford Street. The building
is two stories tall and has a low' parapet around the perimeter
of the roof. The roof has a ,15 foot tall chimney located 25 feet;
south southeast of the sampler. The atmospheric ventilation
is generally good although some local wind may be channeled
along the streets. There also will be some interference to
air flow from a three and one half story building 150 feet to
the north and a five story building located 1,200 feet to the
southwest. Neither obstruction should be significant, although
during south southeast winds, downwash from the chimney
could occur.
The general location of the site is commercial and industrial
in nature with pockets of multiple family residences. Structures
in the area range from two to five stories in height. Somerset
Station is two miles to the northwest, and the Fall River Incinerator
is 3/4 of a mile to the southeast.
In general, the site conforms to the EPA guidelines, and
the site has been in operation since 1973. There have been no
TSP standards violations reported at this site.
8. Globe Street Site - The site is located 2.3 miles south south-
east of the Brayton Point Power Plant in a residential/commercial/
industrial area. The site is 100 feet above mean sea level.
The sampler is located on the roof of the sampling trailer 15
3-5
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feet above ground level. The site Is surrounded by open
recreational land and has good atmospheric ventilation. A.
two-story fire station is located 50 feet southwest of the
trailer. The majority of building surrounding the site are
two to four story multi-family residences. There are several
industrial sources located approximately 1,000 feet to the
northwest. Re-entrainment of particulate matter should be
minor as the only street near the trailer is Globe Street, a
medium duty, two-lane surface street, 50 feet away. The site
has been in operation since 1975 and has recorded no TSP
standards violations.
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OCLC Connexion Page 1 of 1
OCLC 1141742214 Held by EHA - no other holdings
Rec stat n Entered 20200224 Replaced 20200224
Type a ELvl K Srce d Audn Ctrl Lang eng
BLvl m Form Conf 0 Biog MRec Ctry mau
Cont GPub f LitF 0 Indx 0
Desc i Ills a Fest 0 DtSt s Dates 1977 ,
040 EHA *b eng *e rda *c EHA
088 EPA 901-R-77-018
099 EPA 901-R-77-018
049 EHAD
100 1 Oi, Allen, *e author.
245 1 0 Evaluation and validation of total suspended particulate NAAQS exceedances : tb Fall River,
Massachusetts 1975 -19761 *c Allen Oi, Norm Beloin, David Stonefiled, Jean Kelleher; Air Section,
Surveillance and Analysis Division, Region I.
264 1 Lexington, MA : *b [US EPA] Region I, Surveillance and Analysis Division, Air Section, *c 1977.
300 1 volume (multiple pagings): *b figures, tables ; #c 28 cm
336 text *b txt *2 rdacontent
337 unmediated +b n +2 rdamedia
338 volume *b nc +2 rdacarrier
500 Cover title.
500 "August 21, 1977."
650 0 Ajr *x Pollution *z Massachusetts *x Measurement.
650 0 Dust #z Massachusetts *x Measurement.
700 1 Beloin, Norm, *e author.
700 1 Stonefield, David, *e author.
700 1 Kelleher, Jean, *e author.
710 1 United States. #b Environmental Protection Agency. *b Region I. *b Surveillance and Analysis
Division. *b Air Section, *e issuing body.
Delete Holdings- Export- Label- Produce- Submit- Replace- Report Error- Update Holdings- \/a|jdate C
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Process
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SECTION IV
Microscopic Analysis
New England Power Company, through its prime consultant, ERT,
engaged Eastern Analytical Laboratories (E.A.L.) to do microscopic
analyses of seven filters collected from the "Brayton Point Monitoring
Network". The microscopic analysis report is included in Appendix A
and Warren Oldaker's evaluation of the laboratory and the limitations
of the analysis method in Appendix B.
It should be noted that EPA has found a wide variation in the
ability of individuals to identify the substances using microscopic
techniques. However, a good analyst should be able to provide an
indication of the percent variation between major categories.
The results from E.A.L.'s study are summarized on Table IV-1.
k-1
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TABLE IV-1
SUMMARY OF EASTERN ANALYTICAL LABORATORY
MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS
Percent
Site
Date
Mineral
Flyash
Soot
Biological
Plymouth Avenue
02/09/76
87.8
5.05
•4.55
2.59
02/12/76
67.2
6.3
26.5
0
04/15/76
75.9
4.5
19.0
0.5
06/11/76
74.4
4.7
19.9
1.1
12/05/76
84.5
10.1
5.4
Trace
North Main Street
04/09/76
87.0
3.8
7.3
1.9
06/11/76
72.1
12.1
11.3
4.4
Definitions;
Mineral - transparent to translucent, colorless, red, yellow, occasionally
green, angular, cleaved, rounded, often b'irefringent.
Flyash - vitreous transparent colorless, red, yellow, greenish, orange,
and brown, spherical to equant irregular.
Soot - opaque, dull to vitreous luster, black to very slightly colored
(reflected light) tubular, elongate, spherical, irregular, angular,
lacy, frothy.
Biological - transparent to translucent, colorless, green, red, brown,
yellow, spherical, equant, symmetrical, elongate, occ.
textured.
Densities^- - used in the weight percent calculations are as follows:
Mineral - 2.65 to 2.9, with 2.8 being used most often
Flyash - 2.1, all cases
Soot - 1.1, all cases
Biological - 0.9, all cases
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Section V
Meteorological Aspects of Elevated TSP Concentrations in Fall River, MA
Prepared by Val Descamps, Regional Meteorologist
1, Introduction: The Regional Meteorologist analyzed the meteorlogy
accompanying the days on which elevated TSP concentrations occurred
in Fall River. This analysis forms part of the technical analysis
of elevated TSP levels found by the "Brayton Point Monitoring
Network", in the Southeast Massachusetts Air Pollution Control
District.
2» Purpose of Analysis: To determine the contribution of meteoro-
logical factors to the high TSP concentrations and estimate the
impact of Brayton Point and Somerset power plants on the high
concentrations.
3. Background: The S3tA Division identified 17 days in 1975 and 197 6
having concentrations greater than the secondary NAAQS for TSP.
These are listed in Table V-l.
4. References: The daily weather maps and the Local Climatolagical
Data for Green Airport, Warwick, RI are the main references
consulted. Tha wind vector azimuths and speed are also lifted in
Table V-l. For nine of the days, all the LCD's for New England
were used to obtain a regional picture of the meteorology.
V-l
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5. Patterns: Before looking at individual days, the days were sorted
to identify patterns. With this small sample, however, it is
difficult to attach significance to the patterns observed.
a. Days of the week; Sorting the days by day of the week shows:
S M T W TH F S
Number of Violations: 2 10 2 4 5 3
This indicates that the period Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
has higher particulate concentrations than the other days of
the week. It is possible that this reflects increased VMT at
the end of the week.
b. Month: Sorting by month shows:
Month
Cases
January
1
February
4
March
3
April
5
May
2
June
1
December
1
The peaking of the violations in February and April has
several causes which will be discussed in paragraph 7.
V-2
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6. Procedure; Time did not permit all the checking and comparison
that might be desirable. It would, for example, have been
desirable to investigate why a cause advanced for a high concen-
tration at one location did not affect receptors at other loca-
tions*
7. Resultsr The results of the meteorological evaluation are noted
below. The days are categorized under several headings. These
headings indicate factors that might be contributing to the high
values or mark the day as unusual or seem to indicate clearly
the cause of the high concentrations.
a. Rain; Rain usually reduces TSP levels. When standard
exceedances occur with rain, these days deserve special
attention. Days with rain and TSP standard exceedances
are listed in Table V-2.
An explanation for these concentrations is not readily apparent.
3
Sea salt could contribute on the order of 20-25 ug/m but,
even so, the weight of the remaining TSP is still considerable.
The incident of 3 April is especially difficult to explain
because 1.6 inches of rain over a 14-hour period should have
reduced TSP significantly.
b. Street Sanding; Street sanding can contribute significantly
to TSP. Days on which this occurred have been identified in
Sections VII. These include the two days with concentrations
3
in the 400 ug/m range. Days on which sanding occurred are
listed in Table V-3.
V-3
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As can be seen from the table, precipitation did not occur
on the sanding days which means sanding occurred on
probably partly dry streets. This is highly favorable
for pulverizing the sand and for broadcast by wind
action. Vector wind directions were generally 30° to 70°
off from a line connecting Brayton Point to the monitors.
This makes estimating the impact of Brayton Point on
the monitors more difficult. It also makes it more
likely that street sanding was the important contributor
to these high values.
c. Transport: Transport can contribute significantly to TSP
amounts. A Connecticut statistical study indicates up to
3
60 ug/m as coming into Connecticut from the NYC-NJ area.
Days on which transport is believed to have occurred are
listed in Table V-4.
Only January 24 and April 18, 1975 have been documented to
produce a reasonable argument for transport. On the other
hand, February 21, 1976 and May 15, 1975 only suggest
transport because of the synoptic situation. The impact
of transport was not fully felt on these days because a
synoptic situation favorable for transport did not exist
the entire 24 hours. Notice that February 21 is also a
day on which street sanding occurred.
V-4
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Sulfates: Sulfates under favorable conditions can compose
40-60 ug/m^ of a 24-hour TSP sample. Two days are identified
as potential sulfate days. One day, June 11, 1976, is a
significant high sulfate day. It is estimated from sulfate
measurements in Metropolitan Boston and Rhode Island that
background sulfate concentrations in the Brayton Point area
could have reached 50 ug/m^. (Table V-5).
The problem is identifying the origin of the sulfates. On
June 11, 1976, sulfate transportation from outside New
England probably took place; it is also equally true that
local conditions were highly favorable for sulfate produc-
tion. Some sulfate information on May 21, 1975 is avail-
able (See Section VIII). It also was a day with ozone
violations in the area and high temperatures; both are
conditions favorable for SO2 conversion to SO^'s.
Plume Effect: Comparing the vector wind direction with the
orientation of the monitors with Brayton Point and Somerset
plant provides a means of estimating the effect of those
plumes. Days on which these azimuths agreed within 30° are
shown in Table V-6.
The wind vectors are in a horizontal plane; thus, do not show
the effect of plume rise and site elevation. Therefore, the
site may not be impacted by the plume even though the wind
vector was showing that possibility.
V-5
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f« Fugitive Dust: The elevated TSP concentrations on two days
appear to have been caused by either fugitive dust or area
sources of TSP. (Table V-7 )•
Both monitors are sufficiently removed from the path of the
Brayton Point plume to make the contribution from that point
minimal. On April 9, the winds have an average velocity of
15 mph. At that velocity blowing dust and soil is likely.
On April 15, the average speed is 9 mph but gusts to 20 mph
occurred in the afternoon.
V-6
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TABLE V-l
High Particulate Concentrations Measured
Date
Day
Site
12/5/76
Sunday
Plymouth Avenue
6/11/76
Friday
North Main Street
4/9/76
Friday
North Main Street
4/15/76
Thursday
Plymouth Avenue
2/9/76
Monday
Plymouth Avenue
2/12/76
Thursday
Plymouth Avenue
2/21/76
Saturday
North Main Street
5/15/75
Saturday
North Main Street
5/21/75
Wednesday
North Main Street
4/3/7 5
Thursday
North Main Street
4/12/75
Saturday
Plymouth Avenue
4/18/75
Friday
North Main Street
3/7/75
Friday
Milliken Boulevard
3/16/75
Sunday
Milliken Boulevard
3/19/75
Wednesday
Milliken Boulevard
2/20/75
Thursday
Milliken Boulevard
1/24/75
Friday
Milliken Boulevard
"From T. F. Green Airport, Warwick, RI
Wind
Vector*
°/mph
Concentre
(ug/m"
290°/5
422
240°/12
175
30°/1'3
213
230°/8
153
340°/5
468
280°/10
173
210°/7
150
180°/8
185
150°/3
156
160°/5
160
300°/7
191
170°/8
177
170°/6
188
230°/5
159
140°/12
189
280°/8
455
220°/8
166
-------
TABLE V-2
TSP Standard Exceedances on Rain Days
Rainfall
Vector
Monitor
Amount
Duration
Wind
Difference
TSP„
Date
Location
(in)
(hrs )
(o/mph)
Brayton Point
Somerset
ug/m
March 7,
1975
Milliken
•
o
00
5
170/6
125
168
188
March 19,
1975
Milliken
.45
7
140/12
155
123
189
April 3,
1975
Milliken
1.67
14
160/5
135
143
160
"Difference between mean wind azimuth and azimuth to the power plants.
TABLE V-3
Meteorological Data on Days with TSP Standard Exceedances
and Street Sanding Operations
Rainfall/Snowfall TSP
yes/no amt. yes/no amt. Concen- Vector Difference*
Date
Monitor
Location
(in)
Monitoring Day
Day
(in)
Before
(.ration
(ug/m )
Wind
(°/mph)
Brayton
Point
Somers
Dec. 5, 1976
Plymouth Ave.
yes
Trace
yes
.02
422
290/5
22°
82°
Feb. 9, 1976
Plymouth Ave.
no
0
yes
.01
468
340/5
28°
32°
Feb. 12, 1976
Plymouth Ave.
no
0
no
0
173
280/10
32°
92°
Feb. 21, 1976
North Main
no
0
yes
Trace
150
210/7
40°
135°
March 16, 1975
Milliken
no
0
yes
.08
159
230/5
65°
147°
"Difference between mean wind azimuth and azimuth to the power plants.
-------
TASLE V-4
Meteorological Data on Transport: Days with TSP Standard Exceedances
Day
Jan. 24, 1975
Feb. 21, 1976
April 18, 1975
May 15, 1975
••''See Table V-2
Monitoring
Location
Milliken
North Main
North Main
North Main
Co no entr ation
TSP (ug/m3)
166
150
177
185
Vector Wind
(Q/inph)
220°/8
210°/7
170/8
180/8
Eifference*
Brayton Point Somerset
75
40
80
70
157°
135°
185°
165°
TABLE V-5
Meteorological Data on Sulfate Days with TSP Standard Exceedanees
Date
May 21, 1975
June 11, 197 6
Monitor
Location
North Main
North Main
Vector
. Wind
(°/niph)
150/3
240/12
Difference
Brayton Point Somerset
100
10
165
1051
TSP 3
Concentration (ug/ia )
156
175
-------
TABLE V-6
Days with Possible Impact of Plumes
Date
Brayton Point
02/20/75
12/05/76
06/11/76
02/12/76
04/12/75
Somerset
Monitor
Location.
Azimuths to
Vector
Wind
Brayton Pt./Somerset
Milliken
Plymouth
North Main St.
Plymouth
Plymouth
295 /17
312°/12
2 50°/34 5
312°/12
312°/12
280°/8
290°/5
240°/12
280°/10
300°/7
Difference
in degrees
15°
22°
10°
32
12
TSP
Conco
455
422
175
173
191
NONE
TABLE V-7
Meteorological Data on Fugitive Dust Days with TSP Exceedances
Date
4/9/76
4/15/76
Monitor
Location
North Main St.
Plymouth Avenue
Azimuths to
Brayton Pt.
o
250
312°
Difference
Vector Bray-
Wind ton Pte' Somerset Conc<
030/13 140C
230/8
82°'
45°
l42o
213
153
Rain
Day
Before
Yes/No
No
No
-------
SECTION VI
Correlation Study
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering
has run a simple statistical correlation between TSP 24 hour values and
SO2 24 hour values as collected at the Plymouth Avenue site (Appendix C).
In this study, they found a weak positive linear relationship between
the two pollutants with a r = .31. This correlation suggests that
combustion of sulfur containing fossil fuels was not strongly associated
with particulate concentration levels at this site during the period of
this analysis.
It follows that the burning of fossil fuel at the Brayton Point
and Somerset facilities (by far the largest fossil fuel users in the area)
were not strongly associated with the particulate concentration levels
at the Plymouth Avenue site during the period of analysis and other
unidentified activites or factors were a major influence or cause of
particulate concentration levels.
-------
SECTION VII
Local Conditions
The following sources were checked to validate data on the days
in question and to provide additional insight into any unusual occurrences
which may have impacted the sampler on those days.
Fall River Water Department - Henry Depin
Fall River Public, Library - Fall River Herald News
Community Development Agency - Steve Caruso
Fall River Fire Department - Chief Ferze
Fall River Public Works Department-Street Division - J. A1 Guillemette
Building Inspector - Building Permits
S. E. Massachusetts A. P. C. D. - Robert Donaldson, Director
- Richard Slein, Air Pollution Control Eng.
01/24/75 - Friday - Milliken Boulevard - 166 ug/m^
- No sweeping, sanding or fires occurred on this day.
- There were no complaints or violations reported by the S. E. Massachusetts
A. P. C. D.
02/20/75 - Thursday - Milliken Boulevard - 455 ug/m^
- No sweeping, sanding or fires occurred on this day.
- There were two citizen complaints of soot from Brayton Point (1/2 mile
northwest of site, 1/4 mile northeast of site). The complaints
proved negative.
03/07/75 — Friday - Milliken Boulevard — 188 uo/m^
- No sweeping, sanding or fires occurred on this day.
- A citizen from Swansea complained of soot, which proved to be negative.
-------
03/16/75 - Sunday - Milliken Boulevard - 159 ug/m^
- There was a snowstorm on March 15,and sanding might have taken place.
- No complaints, violations or fires were reported.
03/19/75 - Wednesday - Milliken Boulevard - 189 ug/m^
- No sweeping, sanding or fires were reported.
- There was a soot complaint from a citizen about Brayton Point which
proved negative.
04/03/75 - Thursday - North Main Street - 160 ug/m^
- No fires were reported on this day.
- Street sweeping operations took place on this day south of the site
(Winter, Highrock, June, French, Lincoln and Pierce Streets 1/2 to 1
mile away from the site).
- No violations were reported; however, there was a complaint on April 2
rfrom a Somerset citizen (1/4 mile northeast of site) of sea salt
deposits from Brayton Point. This was the result of the cooling lagoon
causing immediate fallout. It is unlikely that this would effect the
site.
04/12/75 - Saturday - Plymouth Avenue - 191 ug/m^
- No fires, complaints or violations were reported.
- A night sweeper operated from Podman Street and Brayton Avenue to
Plymouth Avenue.
04/18/75 - Friday - North Main Street - 177 ug/m^
- No fires, complaints or violations were reported.
- Street sweeping occurred on Elsbree, Chestnut, Hemlock and Florence
Streets (less than 1/2 mile south of the site).
05/15/75 - Saturday - North Main Street - 185 ug/m-3
- No fires or street sweeping occurred.
-------
- A violation (6.1) was reported at Massachusetts Realty Company, 18
Pocasset Street,(2 miles south of site).
05/21/75 - Wednesday - North Main Street - 156 ug/m^
- No fires, violations or complaints were reported.
- Sweeping occurred on Langley Street (less than 1/2 mile south of site).
02/21/76 ~ Saturday - North Main Street - 150 ug/m^
- No fires, complaints or violations were reported.
- Possible sanding and salting took place.
02/09/76 - Monday - Plymouth Avenue - 468 ug/m^
- On February 8, 1976, a fire was reported at 68 Webster Street (1 1/2
miles east of site).
- Possibly emergency hill sanding was done.
- No violations were reported by the S. E. Massachusetts A. P. C. D.;
nowever, there was a complaint of opacity (6.1.2) from an unknown
tanker at Brayton Point (2 miles northwest of site).
02/12/76 - Thursday - Plymouth Avenue - 173 ug/m^
- No fires, violations or complaints were reported.
-There was general sanding in site area.
04/09/76 - Friday - North Main Street - 213 ug/m^
- No fires, street sweeping, violations or complaints were reported.
- Piles of sand from road sanding operations were removed from Pierce
and Rock Streets in uncovered trucks (1 mile south of site) to land-
fill area (4 miles northwest of site). Most likely the route used
was North Main Street.
- Reconstruction of roadway was being done during this period.
04/15/76 - Thursday - Plymouth Avenue - 153 ug/m^
- No sweeping, sanding, violations or complaints were reported.
-------
- There were two fires on April 12. The first was a grass fire on
Ludlow Street (3/4 mile southeast of site). The second was a boiler
backfire at 18 Morgan Street (1 1/2 miles north of site).
06/11/76 - Friday - North Main Street - 175 ug/m^
- No fires were reported on June 11. There was a brush fire at the
Firestone plant parking lot (2 miles south southwest of the site)
on June 10.
- There was no street cleaning.
- On June 10, the No. 4 stack at New England Power was emitting smoke
(6.1). It was put down immediately.
- Reconstruction of roadway was being done at this time.
12/05/76 - Sunday - Plymouth Avenue - 422 ug/m^
- A news article from the Herald News (Monday, December 6) reports
"sanders hit the road around 3 Saturday afternoon . . .". There
was light snow accumulation, and general sanding was carried out
through all the City.
- A permit was issued for construction of a self-service Shell station
(Permit No. 329 issued 11/01/76). Demolition of the old building and
construction of the new station was probably ongoing at the time of
the violation (3/4 mile southeast of site).
- Two fires occurred in the site vicinity. The first on December 3 in
an apartment at Maple Gardens (3/4 mile southeast of site). "Heavy
black smoke" was noted on the fire report. The second fire on
December 5 was at 289 Belmont Street (1 1/2 miles north of Plymouth
Avenue, below Presidents Avenue).
-------
Section VIII
X-Ray Fluorescence and Chemical Analysis
In an attempt to identify the cause of the exceedances of the
NAAQS, six filters were selected for analysis using the x-ray fluores-
cence spectrograph (XRF). The two exceedances of the primary NAAQS
recorded on 2/9/76 and 12/5/76 along with four samples which showed only
exceedances of the secondary NAAQS. For continuity of analysis, the
six samples were the same samples which were subjected to microscopic
analysis described in Section IV. The filter from the primary exceed-
ance on 2/20/75 was not included due to problems with the Milliken
Boulevard site described in Section III, Site Evaluations.
To help identify the elements which caused the exceedances, five
additional filters not showing exceedances of the NAAQS were also
analyzed. These filters were from days just prior to or after the
recorded exceedances. For comparison,; the filters were paired as
shown in Table VIII-1.
It was evident from previous work that roadway entrainment could
be a problem; therefore, samples of the road dust, near the monitors
collected on 7/22/77, were analyzed for comparison with the filter
analysis. Since some of the exceedances, particularly the primary
exceedances, occurred during sanding operations, a sample of the Fall
River Department of Public Works road sand pile was collected and
analyzed. To separate the particulates too large to be re-entrained,
the road dust and sand samples were sieved.
VIII-1
-------
TABLE VIII - 1
PAIRING OF FILTERS FOR XRF ANALYSES
Type
Date
Filter
Number
TSP
Concentration
Spectrum
Number
Plymouth Avenue Site
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
02/09/76
02/06/76
02/12/76
02/06/76
04/15/76
04/12/76
12/05/76
12/02/76
105689
105690
105688
105690
117929
117928
136228
148955
468 ug/m.
54 ug/m
173 ug/m^
54 ug/m
153 ug/m^
67 ug/m
422 ug/m^
48 ug/m
2, 14
3, 14
4
3,
5, 15
6, 15
7, 13
8, 13
North Main Street Site
High
Low
High
Low
04/09/76
04/06/76
06/11/76
06/14/76
117916
117915
123940
123941
213 ug/nu
74 ug/m
175 ug/nu
88 ug/m
9, 17
10, 17
11, 18
12, 18
VIII-2
-------
York Research Corporation conducted a Method 5 emission test on
Unit No. 2 at the Brayton Point facility in July, 1977. One of the
filters from that test was subjected to XRF analysis (Spectrum 1).
Additional XRF analysis was performed on filters collected on
3
May 21, 1975 from the South Swansea site (TSP level 94 ug/m ),
Plymouth Avenue site (TSP level 131 ug/m^) and North Main Street (TSP level
156 ug/m3). This day was determined in Section V to be a high sulfate day
l.pased upon sulfate data from the "Brayton Point Network". Sulfate values
of 20.9, 22.9, and 28 ug/m^ were recorded at the South Swansea Plymouth
Avenue and the North Main Street sites, respectively, for that day. The
XRF analysis (spectrums 24-29) shox^ed moderately high levels of sulfur
which were not seen on any of the other previous spectrums.
The evidence points to an area-wide air mass containing sulfur
compounds (primarily sulfates) causing elevated TSP levels on
May 21, 1975.
The following laboratory notes were prepared by Dr« Thomas Spittler
on his XRF analyses of the samples.
1„ No evidence from stack test filter that measurable stack emissions
significantly impact hi vol samplers. Reason: High vanadium found in
stack filter (Spectrum 1), low or nonmeasurable vanadium in filters
(both on high and low days), Spectrums 2 through 12.
2. Little or no evidence of significant sulfur impact on hi vols
from stack emissions. Reason: No elevated S in hi-low pairsj Spectrums
13 and 14. In one pair of samples, Spectrum 15, a higher sulfur peak occurs.
VIII-3
-------
3. There is signific nt evidence of the possible impact of road
sanding on at least two days, Spectrum 13 and 14. In both pairs, the
highest TSP days both coincide with occurrence of road sanding, and
also show greatly elevated concentrations of Cl, K, Ti, and Fe. It
is likely that Cl and K are constituents of the salt part of a road
sanding mixture. The high Ti and Fe are definitely typical of the
sand used (Brayton Point sand-dry-Spectrum 16). This sand sample,
when analyzed under vacuum to emphasize the Cl region of the XRF
spectrum did not show high Cl. There was some indication that the
sand measured here had not been mixed with salt as it undoubtedly
was when applied in 1976.
In the case of the 4/6-9/76 (Spectrum 17) pair and the 6/11-14/76
pair (Spectrum 18), again the pattern of higher Cl, K, Ti, and Fe is
present but not nearly so pronounced as in the winter samples. This
may reflect some re-entrainment of road sand which still has some
salt present in it.
4. No case can be made from the XRF evidence for significant
re-entrainment of roadside dirt. This dirt has a typically high
Fe and Ti content (Main Street and Plymouth dirt Spectrums 19-22).
However, all these samples show high Pb but no Br. If this sample was
impacting the filters significantly and if Pb is finely divided so it
will re-entrain (for which we have no evidence pro or con), then one
would expect to see Pb/Br ratios higher than the typical Pb/Br of 3/2
as seen in all the hi vol samples run. It is difficult to assess this
impact quantitatively. Hence, little can be concluded about loose
soil re-entrainment.
VIII-4
-------
5. An assessment was made of the possible error resulting from
using only one small area of a hi vol filter for XRF analysis. To test
the validity of this procedure, one hi vol filter (No. 123940) was cut
in five separate locations and each filter sample run in a different
ink color on one XRF spectral plot (Spectrum 23) on 8/29/77. The
+
result is less than - ten percent difference in most peaks. Some of
this difference can be attributed to the short run time (50 seconds)
and the consequent statistical fluctuation which results from a relatively
low count density. For all practical purposes, there is no significant
difference in the five samples run.
To confirm the low level of nickel and vanadium found on the filters,
one filter was extracted ana analyzed on the atomic absorption spectro-
photometer. The sample of filter 105690, collected at the Plymouth Avenue
3
site on 2/6/77, showed concentrations of nickel of less than ug/m and
3
vanadium of less than 0.05 ug/m .
Sulfate analysis performed on Filters 105689 (Plymouth Avenue 2/9/76)
and 105690 (Plymouth Avenue 2/6/76) showed concentrations of about 11 and
3
8 ug/m ,¦ respectively.
VIII-5
-------
A-iuu J'Xf CSCBXCB SP2CT.TO
,.» »\ ' j \ f
< , . *1 r. V J, V ¦ . .;
Analysis Sato:
;cr
D. ^jXca ¦ flfcult-Tpil #< -' fi-^Vmn^o .
tor *
?«c?r. Vcc */
Shield ~iV\
}o.tei
Q Mo \>U"P Gain
*- _J}£>Sec.
rt. Span _
r;:cr t V K
1
Std, ciurve
Ko»w
Co™ „ 2k' ''Gt,
By chart ir
or / /'
EXcm»
***«
I—
! ?o3
\r:-?o
\j
yAAa/vC^vT
)?"
Brayton Point Stack Test Filter
collected on 7/25/77
Spectrum 1
-------
X-RAY
FLc.;>SGQ£JiCE
SPECTRUM
Cc
'¦ t *' ^ /»,il «
' ~ ^ •>» V- . « \J
Analysis Data:
;2 = nXc I.D-,
'." i r C; toi"
?n Vic
Date?
v
'iltcr Shield "V\
:v "^-Q ^ V«rt xn
i~c £trTi! Gcc, ( Cti)
J /• « *L
' \".v.. V.»
I, ,/> ,.!.
r U s- , , IV W .*
\ "K
SUA. ciurve
No, .
•
c°no „ Pk. Hgt.
By chert r
of / /
Elcm, m p?2
V-
Cr
:¦- 1
V«i
1 Mt
To
Co.
Ao-Pb
Plymouth Ave. Filter
2/6/76 5^ ug/m3
Spectrum 2
-------
A-ivu; ia, SPECTRUM
p/f-j
I <> I .
M ^
•' -X
Analysis Bata:
SW. Curve
Cono
cc.
Cr
Co
Cd
Plymouth Ave* Filter
^ SL /„s i./o Lj
-------
A-iuu: iaUJasSCEXCE s pre HUM
"oiz-lc I ,D', |0?
-------
a-iuu lauuitiSQCEKC-E SPECTRUM JL - f
Ccrr.Ut J.or!"
- „ Analysis Data:
Std, curve
r* r*,*"-"
Cone
Cr
Co
t. 5
„ J Cd v
iZ^KW^i
Plymouth Ave, Filter
V15/76 153 ug/m3
Spectrum 5
-------
A-iiju: lauoauscEiVCE spscrawi
J-/J- /O
pi !¦ / J,
U V I i .• m V /. V < « <^
Analysis Data1,
^iwniiwwi" w ifp ¦¦ i>wnwmt'iw»Kw»r.vntf>i
w/tAw w n»MW<»ir
Sc-plc I.D\ \\l°lck$
Operator . Do.tc: ,
Vac. Nor. Vac -V
Filter Shield ~\v\
3° ¦ ° i - QQ Gain ^
^
-------
a-juw; fJbVUfliiliCEKCE SP2CT.TO
r < <• •(i.
kL
Analysis D:tc:
Sa^lc I.D\
Ccirr.icr
l.'ip "
t Ww «
Non Vic
Qjj^y Sh.lC.lCi "YA.
feci
v
;'v "^o - o v.?, v-C^j G a i ¦ \
vir:'j '. 3cc.
Start _
^.;cr ;:cr
Cone
5td» curve
No,'
_ Pk, HgU
. Span
CW) 1
\ K
f.fc»tiwVV<
Plymouth Ave, Filter
12/5/76 !+22 ug/m
ny chart ir
of / / "
Blew. rts
V
Cr
V"<
» »•»
re
Co
liL
Cu
an
As
I Fb
! ?b3
Spectrum 7
r» Pi-n
As-Pb
¦
-------
a-IUU . riSCEKCE SPECTRUM
rfc^faMnw »«¦»»»
I 4. / „
Analysis Beta;
"^UWr»Hw>*»ei«l%imww»»'FrH*m«»*\
:*'v v° Utfb Gain %
Xir:'j >01) ! See,
7
w \« w» ..
\ U. ^ • • u L .s
Span
'«-*w ' >M*n«M"yK»ilnWw»
CO,")
K
Cono
Stdl. curve
No,
Pk, Met.
MM ^
By chart i~
of / /"
C
lcm.
r» n*^
l- .ww
v
Cr_
V -i
t It t
Fc_
Co
J HL
; Cv.
" £>l
As
Fb-
! PbB
J
^5.p b
Plymouth Ave. Filter
12/2/76 1+8 ug/m3
Spectrum 8
-------
A-ivw. A'XO'JilEiiCiSIfCE- SP3CTRUM
ftfrf
p \ 4- •< 1 « I
V V. W • > <
¦Analysis ;)a to:
~sr-ri0 x.s.. UlQ it . .
. ga Bote; JLfcH-'
i.'on Vcc J
niter
Sh5,o let •yv\
¦:v p ^ Vl^ Gjiii"T
i; c c,
Stavt
Span
xusy-jcr
\ K
.«r*
»-*W ,'*iw»>nin
T
cw)
\J
¦1
Std, curve
By char
t ia
No,'
of /
/
1
E lctn»
;; * -
Cono ^ Pk, Met*-
V-
Cr
v •-.
1 i>«
Fe
Co
Mi
Cu
Zn
As
Fb
! PbB
"I As-Pb
J 'O
H:-.D
Od
LT^
North Main St. Filter
213 ug/m3 U/9/76
Spectrum 9
-------
A-iVU mJORSCCSXCE SPECTRUM
Ji
'• Mr?
Analyses 3 ate;
c..—^ , T rv t\0 fil t K
""'""ifatei
v c , i,c;.'i Vcc \J
Filter Shield ^\A
•*"v ^-0^ Gaii\
Ti"fj jHQL- Sec.,
.Spr.r, _
era;)
%usr;;c:;'
\ X
r:
Stfi, curve
No.
By cbr.rt £
cf / /
Cono w_Pk.
Elcsn rr: pes
V
Cr
.¦
Mr.
Fe
Co
!¦«' x
' Cu
En
As
Pb
i FoB
J *s-Pb
}-* 7
;'0
JiitB
-------
a-iwu SjPSCT&UM
L< v»« . v. »-• uJ. w
Analysis ;
KXJXWWWWI'mWMn*! W >I>W I «V »«*•* 4 K'»» IHWtuWnWW l«(<|Mn>
--•"T'lc I.?'
Cseretor
\3^4o
.Itc:
Non Vc.c
JOa-: Shield' Ya
:'v /)D-b Mo. VlfE Gain Jj(
T ** ***
o >«««• v
w \* Wfc ••
% \ * >» •» A-.s
\-1 •¦• >' V A
TflTD: 5cc.
cw)
\ K
¦g
jj\l y\
Std, curve
No,
Cono
(WUW«A»I
Pic. Met.
•V/V^*
By chert j~
of / / '
Slew.
im
r* np
v
Cr
rci
Co
Ni
Cu
Zn
As
Fb
J pbB
"i .A.?--Pb
H3
Kn<3
Cd
•\j-/\/\f
North Main St- Filter
175 ug/nP 6/11/76
Spectrum 11
-------
p ,s »? ( 4- V «i».» ( i
o ,.»; ^ v J. >*> ..»
A-IU\X Fi/JORESCEiiCE SPHCTRUM
Analysis Data:
HW»VIVI»»W,l FWWiwX|w»«Tii •>• '•
Spa vi
pt;)
M i <¦»¦»• • %*
*v U ^ ., I* V .S
\ X
Std, csurve
No;
»
Cone Pk, list*'
yv^u«nM ' w
By chart g
of / /
Elcsu rcn pp-
V
Cr
v->
* *»»
Pc
Co
Ni
Cu
Zn
As
Pb
Pba
As-?'o
I H3
H:-n
I Cd
J
A
f^y^jC^ccL
North Main St. filter
6/14/77 88 ug/mb
Spectrum 12
-------
A-I V\X I'L'JOR^GCSNCS SPECTRUM
^ »*
O V-
w?; a / ,
* mi ^ Vj.'Will
jk^ad-l
¦r'f!^
per:.':or X
iltcv
¦X*
Lf
6 • 3cci
V'Vk.t '«.•
U /I •»»
»»'•/> "ft
• i« U .*»
^Wi>.«»ril *t«i
V
nuclei ju
o nc Vi
li2k.zX
Analyses Dd!;g:
-------
X-HAX laUuwliCEKCE SP2CTRUM
Pr..
O V- .
i;u'vu;
C-*'->
Std, curve
l'esn
old
Gono
cc
Cr
\ /
o •»» •
c
Co
ca
Plymouth Avenue Filters
2/9/76 - 468 ug/m-> Blac
2/6/76 - 54 ug/m Red
Spectrum lU
-------
A-1VU I'MJUitSWEKCE SPECTRUM
s/n -s
Ccr.iitio'.ts
Analysis Data:
Clo \s
' '
Fb
i;r..vC!
As-Pb
Plymouth Avenue Filters
4/15/76 - 153 ug/m3 - Red
4/12/76 - 67 ug/m3 - Black
Spectrum 15
-------
X-UAY FLUO;-u^GCEKCE SPECTRUM Ml2£zL
f, •* / * 1- « jm, * t r«
W J • v J. W...V
<4/
•Analysis Data:
-pic 1,D\, (W^Ui (Wt 0^"' ^
orator <^T~ JPo.tc 1
f
*> \f * f*i
Ov>i ^ L w
tcr ~^XKy 5h.ic.lcl /ta.
%^-Q .Mo ~V^ GaiTi ^
-__Vt^-Scc. _ "7 " ct;)'
Spr.vi
-^FZIZ; "
>S"td, csurve
Ko. .
•
ConQ\™, ?*• ^Gt.
By chart r
of / /'
Elctn, m ppn
V
Cr
v-<
tin
Fo
Co
i As-Pb
Fall River Public Works' Sand Pile
Sample Collected in August/1977
Dry-Sample
Spectrum l6
-------
a-ivu SP2CTRUM
¦L8M - y
o v w .. ..•
5 tel. curve
iCono
\ i
Cd
North Main Street Filters
4/9/76 - 213 ug/m3 ~ Red Spectrum 17
4/6/76 74ug/m - Black
-------
X-nAY FLUORESCENCE SPSCTGUM
Analysis Data;
£** •
Std, curve
Date
pono
eld
KVHM« ; 1
I i
Co
Zw
f\ 5
Cd
North Main Street Filters
6/11/76 175ug/m^ - Black Spectrum 18
6/14/76 88ug/m - Red
-------
A-ivu SP2CTRUM
r i ¦>• < -.><
j?//f- /
Analysis Data;
n
hiktv^mvMMiNn
-a/'
S"td« curve
Scr^lc I.D-. %M-u^p'o ~£tf
_ f__ f-/SV7?;
By chart r
or / /
Eicm. jiK=; ppr:
Non Vcc
5h;Lcicl >7
'3^-cj vo /.cni Gain 5?
Pk, M
JLX
;v,'H ;' r>-»
fc »•' K1 '1 lv h»
. Ac-P'o
SHARPS LOT _ ROADSIDE DIRT Spectrum 19
-------
A-KAX m; :;V£5eENC3 SJP2CTRUM
7), >vi iu-^i St
Dn.tc!
m
Lest
Cono
>£ > O
Cr
Zn
r \ a
Cd
Spectrum 20
NORTH MAIN STREET _ ROADSIDE DIRT
-------
X-HAY FLUU^3£EKCE SP2CT&UM
MIL.
u_
Std, durv
lcm
Cono
Pk
Cr
c /.
Cd
READ STREET ROADSIDE DIRT
Spectrum 21
-------
X-IVOT FLUORESCENCE SJ?SCTRU?-I
r .,m
-------
1 ^ r f\
SW, curve
;onc
Co
Ki
Cd
Filter Representativeness Test
Spectrum 23
-------
i 4. j
"w v <. -i « v X w •«>1
S
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTRUM
£>.
Analysis Data:
c-nplc I.D". (p <3- ^
pc-mtcr j. Po-1
lion Vac ^
fi.u
,^/t /?7.
Std. curve
No.
By chr.rt £
or / /"
mold
Pk, Hgt.
'*' V 0 .'o
2. G>0 ! Sec.
r;:cr ;. ' «, r™K
ir^va.Wviai I« »
i As~Po
Plymouth Avenue
5/21/75 TSP 131 ug/nP
Sulfates 22.Q ug/nP
Spectrum 2U
-------
:c-i
x-riAY fluc?.::gc^3 spectrum
JIJ
L_^L
Analysis Data:
5-?lc l.D-
"c.-rc.tc:-
:c; is"
L.ml3 n/,
Xzhsjl. Boto! 2dZZ7
t\ ^ ^ V r» r>
k< V > I I U M>
Shield A\
n*WN*»i«fV»»ir'r»in^»v*%WMr*ii«i'lrvw»p.v>M^ ymwaiM*
/vT" /. 0 Gam / £.
»p^.,..»,...^ Wtm}mhi«< - " ^
•-r-j Jfi :3cc. ( ct;)
vC.vt. Spo.n ;
''r^cr j
_/ vj
\<
f] -
w
[ I ! i
Std, curve
No.
Cono
imK*A»4
PH. Mst»
Plymouth Avenue 5/21/75 ,
TSP 131 ug/nP Sulfates 22.9 ug/wi
By chart £
or / / —
Elcm. T^i p?'
s5-Pb
, A
Spectrum 25
-------
C* »% ** t ^
o v ~«»;« J. w . • *j
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTRUM u^S?
9L4&.
AnaXy.-j.ls Date:
WgPI^Utl* A>»«4»l HW>«1W»1WWI" U IP"
Cone
Gain
Cr
t /
Co
Cd
North Main Street 5/21/75
TSP 156 ug/m Sulfates 28 -ug/m
Spectrum 26
-------
w v«* * > > JL -J -»
jk %*. i' - -i
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPSCTRUM /fr
-------
t <¦ j, ^
w ^ v J, ^
fj, a-i
X-RAY FLUCPil-GC^CE SPECTRUM
#£
Analysis Data;
::^lc' I,D", . 4 3
.rrcrrctcr ^f^V- j Date; ty/l/7 7
w< w • V » 1 ^ U M
*' ^ "u r» "»¦•
o'nxcld
Gain
* s«4. •
vu,. w»
. ^CC »
(
c-t/
> tt r» v'
•P^>i
K
StcL c:\irvc
No,
By chart £
or / /
Cono
iGt;
Eletn. rs ppr:
V
Cr
Mr.
Fe
Co
Ki
Cu
Zn
As
! ?bil
"i As-Pb
}->
Kr.B
Cd
South Swansea Site 5/21/75 3
TSP 71+ug/m^ Sulfates 20.9 ug/®
Spectrum 28
-------
X-RAY FLUORSGSPECTRUM
!c c " ;Ii. ti. o:!s ^ \I (L ~
,;;u
Analysis Data:
Std, curve
lcm
Cono
Cr
Co,
Cd
South Swansea site 5/21/75.
TSP 7k ug/nr Sulfates 20.9 ug/i
Spectrum 29
-------
SECTION IX
Discussion
Due to the lack of time and resources, not all the exceedances
could be evaluated. However, the two primary NAAQS exceedances at
Plymouth Avenue site and four other secondary NAAQS exceedances were
evaluated as typical of the rest of the exceedances.
February 9, 1976, Plymouth Avenue, a primary TSP (468 ug/m^) NAAQS
exceedance.
The x-ray fluorescence analysis of the filters showed high values
of iron, titatium, chlorine, and potassium indicating that the filter
was heavily impacted by a road sanding operation. The optical analysis
of the filter showed 38 percent of the catch is in the mineral group
(chiefly quartz). The Fall River Department of Public Works reported
that emergency sanding of hills was conducted on this date, but they
were not positive of which roads were sanded. It should be noted that
the site is located at the crest of a hill.
The XRF analysis also showed that the nickel and vanadium were
low and the sulfate analysis shows relatively low sulfate levels (13 ug/m^),
in addition, the optical analysis flyash and soot to be less than ten
percent of the filter catch. This indicates that sources burning high
vanadium fuel were not impacting the monitor.
The winds were generally from the north northeast for most of the
day indicating possible impact from the Somerset Station.
Based upon the information available, several conclusions can be
drawn:
-------
1. The Brayton Point facility did not significantly contribute to
the exceedance.
2. Though the wind direction indicated possible contribution from the
Somerset Station, filter analysis does not indicate any significant
contribution from that source.
3. The major portion of the filter catch appears to be from the road
sanding operation which occurred on that date, or re-entrainment
of the new sand.
February 12, 1976, a secondary (174 ug/m^) NAAQS exceedance at Plymouth
Avenue site.
The optical microscopic analysis of the filter show that 67 percent
of the filter catch was in the mineral group. The XRF analysis showed
moderately high levels of iron and titatium. This indicates impaction
of the sanding operation which occurred to this date.
The optical analysis showed a high portion, 26 percent of the
catch was soot from low temperature combustion, while only 6 percent of
the filter catch fell into the flyash category (from high temperature
combustion). In addition, the XRF analysis showed low nickel and
vanadium levels on the filter.
The wind direction did not indicate any impaction from Brayton Point
or the Somerset facilities.
Based upon the information available, several conclusions can be
drawn:
1. The Brayton Point facility and the Somerset facility did not
significantly contribute to the exceedance.
2. The sanding operation appeared to impact the monitor.
-------
3. A low temperature combustion source also impacted the monitor.
April 9, 1976, '&
-------
April 15, 1976, Plymouth Avenue, an exceedance of secondary NAAQS.
The optical microscopy results showed 76 percent of the filter catch
to be mineral and 19 percent to be.soot. The XRF results showed moderate
Iron and Potassium, low Chlorine, Titatium, n Nickel and Vanadium and
high sulfur. The ratio of lead to bromine was 1.5 to 1. No street sanding
or sweeping was performed on that day. No fires were reported. The
meteorological conditions were gusty southwest winds.
Based upon the information available, several conclusions can be
drawn:
1. The wind direction was such that neither the Brayton Point nor-the
Somerset Station could impact upon the site.
2. The gusty winds blowing across the road to the site contributed
to the high mineral content on the filter. (It should be noted
that this exceedance was only two percent above the NAAQS.) This
is supported by the lead to bromine ratio of 1,5 to 1 suggesting
the presence of "old" street sand. The low chlorine indicates
that the salt has been "washed out".
3. As there are no major sources to the southwest, no conclusions can
be drawn for the relatively high soot content 19 percent. (Emissions
from vehicle exhaust will contribute to the soot content.) Also
unexplained is the relatively high sulfur content on the filter.
Although no analysis was made for sulfates, this would only represent
a small percentage of the total filter weight.
June 11, 1976, a secondary (175 ug/m^) NAAQS exceedance at North Main
Street site.
The wind on this date was from the south southwest and averaged ten
miles per hour similar to the condition on June 10, 1976. On the 10th,
-------
there was a brush fire two miles to the south southwest of the monitor.
The wind direction indicates that there would be no impaction from
either the Brayton Point nor the Somerset facilities.
The optical microscopic analysis of the filter showed 72 percent
of the catch was in the mineral group. The XRF analysis showed a
moderate level iron and the lead to bromine ratio was relatively high
indicating;;that some re-entrainment occurred on that date.
High levels of sulfates were reported throughout Massachusetts
and Rhode Island on this date; however, XRF analysis of the filter
indicated no increase in the sulfur level.
Based upon the available information, the following conclusions
can be drawn:
1. The Brayton Point and the Somerset facilities did not significantly
contribute to the exceedance.
2. The brush fire on June 10, 1976, could have impacted the monitor.
3. Road dust re-entrainment appear to have impacted the monitor.
December 5, 1976, a primary. :TSP (422 ug/m^) NAAQS exceedance at Plymouth Avenue.
The- optical microscopy showed 85 percent of the filter catch to be
mineral, 10 percent to flyash, and 5 percent soot. The XRF results
showed high Iron, Titatium, Chlorine, and Potassium; low Nickel, Sulfur,
and Vanadium. The lead to bromine was between 1.5 to 1 and 1 to 1.
There was street sanding on that day. A fire on Belmont Street, 1 1/2
miles north of the site, was also reported on that date. The meteorological
conditions were a trace of snow (.3 inches of snow fell the day before)
with winds at 5 mph from the northwest.
Based on this limited data, the following conclusions can be
drawn:
-------
1. The fact that the wind was from the northwest and the low Nickel,
Vanadium, and Sulfur levels indicate that neither Brayton Point
nor the Somerset Station contributed significantly to the violation.
The ten percent flyash would represent products of high temperature
combustion as emissions from incinerators, industrial boilers, power
plants, or fires. The fire to the north may have affected the soot
and flyash contributions.
2. The most probable cause for the high reading was the street sanding.
Both the optical results 85 percent minerals and the XRF results of
high Iron, Titatium, and Chlorine indicate the presence of sand
and salt. The slightly higher than 1 to 1 of the lead to bromine
ratio also indicates street sand which has been applied within a
day or two. There was street sanding\both the day before and on the
day in question.
Table IX-1 summarizes the data available on 12 of the 17 TSP
standard exceedances. The!other five exceedances occurred at the
Milliken Boulevard site and were not evaluated for reasons stated in
Section III.
Other Data
The State of Massachusetts correlation study of the TSP and SO2 at
Plymouth Avenue site indicates a very weak positive linear relationship
between TSP and SO2 levels. This suggests that combustion of sulfur
containing fossil fuels was not strongly associated with particulate
concentrations.
As stated in Section V, May 21, 1975, was identified as a potential
high sulfate day. This theory was substantiated by sulfate analysis
performed by ERT and XRF analysis by the S & A Division discussion in
-------
Section VIII. Other XRF spectrums did not show elevated sulfur levels
as appeared on May 21, 1975.
The two State monitoring sites on Globe Street and Bedford Street
did not show any exceedances during the two year period (see 1975 and
1976 Annual Report- on air quality in New England). These sites conform
to EPA guidelines on monitoring and yet did not record standard
violations. This strongly indicates that most exceedances were
localized problems around the monitors rather than an area problem
which would be caused by major point sources as the Brayton Point and
Somerset Power Plants.
-------
TABLE 1X-1
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ON TSP STANDARD EXCEEDANCES
Date: 12/05/76 Site: Plymouth Avenue TSP:! 422 ug/m3
Wind Vector: 290°/5mph - shows possible influence from Brayton Point
Plant, but no influence from Somerset Plant.
Optical Microscopic Analysis: High mineral and low flyash and soot.
XRF Analysis: Typical of fresh road sand impact and little impact
from combustion sources.
(
Local Conditions: 1. General-sanding of roads occurred.
2. Fire 11/2 miles to the north.
Conclusion: 1. No influence from Somerset Plant.
2. No significant contribution from Brayton Point Plant.
3. High TSP most likely caused by road sanding operations.
Date: 06/11/76 Site: North Main Street TSP: 175 ug/m3
Wind Vector: 240°/l2mph - shows possible influence from Brayton Point
Plant, but no influence from Somerset Plant.
Optical Microscopic Analysis: High mineral (74 percent) and high soot. (20 percent).
XRF Analysis: Typical of old road sand impact and little impact from
high vanadium combustion source.
Local Conditions: Possible influence of brush fire on June 10, 1976,
and Route 79 was being constructed near the site.
Other: This was a reported high sulfate day.
Conclusion: 1. No influence from Somerset Plant.
2. No significant contribution from Brayton Point Plant.
3. High TSP most likely caused by high sulfate, re-entrainment
of road dust, a local brush fire, and the construction of
Route 79.
-------
Date: 04/09/76 Site: North Main Street TSP: 213 ug/m^
Wind Vector: 030^/12mph
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
Date: 04/15/76 Site: Plymouth Avenue TSP: 153 ug/m^
Wind Vector: 230°/8mphj
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
Date: 02/09/76 Site: Plymouth Avenue TSP: 468 ug/m^
Wind Vector: 340°/5
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
Date: 02/12/77 Site: Plymouth Avenue TSP: 173 ug/m^
Wind Vector: 280°/10mph
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
Date: 02/21/77 Site: North Main Street TSP: 150 ug/m^
Wind Vector: 210°/7mph
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
Date: 05/15/75 Site: North Main Street TSP: 185 ug/m^
Wind Vector: 180°/8mph
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
Date: 05/21/75 Site: North Main Street TSP: 156 ug/m3
Wind Vector: 150°/3mph
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
Date: 04/03/75 Site: North Main Street TSP: 160 ug/m^
Wind Vector: 160°/5mph
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
Date: 04/12/75 Site: Plymouth Avenue TSP: 191 ug/m"'
Wind Vector: 300°/7mph - shows possible influence from Brayton Point
Plant, but no influence from Somerset Plant.
-------
Analysis: No special-, analysis conducted on the filter.
Local Conditions: Road sweeping conducted in the area.
Conclusion: 1. No influence from the Somerset Plant.
2. Most likely no significant contribution from Brayton
Point Plant.
3. One of the causes of the exceedance could have been the
street sweeping operation.
Date: 04/18/75 Site: North Main Street TSP: 177 ug/m^
Wind Vector: 170°/8mph
Conclusion: No influence from Brayton Point or Somerset Plants.
NOTE: No evaluations were made of the Milliken Boulevard site because
the site was influenced by several local sources; thus, no
correlation to the power plant's emissions could be made (see
Section III).
-------
Section X
Conclusions
The following conclusions can be drawn:
(1) The particulate data collected and reported by ERT is valid.
Sample collection and quality assurance procedures were acceptable to
EPA, Region I. The data can be used for planning purposes.
(2) The site locations for the Swansea Marina, Sharp's Lot,
Read Street, Central Fire Station and Globe Street sites conform to
EPA Guidelines.
(3) While the North Main Street site conforms to EPA Guidelines,
the data from 1973 to 1976 may be influenced by the construction of
Route 79 in the vacinity of this site.
(4) Both the Plymouth Avenue and Milliken Boulevard sites are
subject to re-entrainment of particulates due to the placement of
the sampler in close proximity to major roadways. In addition, the
Plymouth Avenue site is influenced by other local sources.
(5) Major fuel burning sources at the Brayton Point and Somerset
Facility did not contribute significantly to the NAAQS exceedan^efs ¦ which
were studiedo
(6) The most probable cause for the primary NAAQS violations at
the Plymouth Avenue site was street sanding operations on the days of
the violations.
(7) The most probable cause for the secondary TSP violations at
the Plymouth site are street sanding and cleaning operations.
-------
(8) The most probable causes for the second lry TSP violations at
the North Main Street site are the construction activities related to
Route 79 in the vicinity of the site, road dust re-entrainment, a
brush fire on June 10, 1976, and elevated regional sulfate levels.
(9) Based upon seven exceedances studied and other data, Brayton
Point and Somerset power plants did not significantly contribute to
the recorded exceedances.
-------
Appendix A
MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS
METHOD
Sample Preparation
After an initial visual inspection to determine tfie general filter
characteristics, a representative area is chosen for microscopic .analysis.
This portion of the filter is examined under reflected light (M50X) and
the general load characteristics noted for later reference to insure the
integrity of the transfer process.
A representative fraction of the particulate matter is then removed
•"from the filter and transferred to a glass microscopic slide using a dry
transfer technique.
The particulate matter is then immersed in oil of a known index of
refraction and slide prepared for subsequent microscopic analysis.
Sample Analysis
The microscopic slide is then methodically scanned in a fixed pattern
under transmitted polarized light (MiOOX). A representative number (100-200)
of particles are identified, sized and categorized in order of encounter.
Because of the limitations of optical microscopy particles with diameters
less than 2pm cannot be identified with any certainty, therefore are riot
included in subsequent calculations. The particle diameters are measured
to the nearest pm. Martin's diameter is used for larger particles and
Feret's diameter is used for the smaller particles.
Calculations
The weight percentage for each categoiy is calculated front the number of
particles observed (ni), the mean particle size (Vi) , and the density {J*i) .
The calculations are based on an assumed spherical geometry for most
categories. (A cylindrical geometry is assumed for some biological material.)
A-l
-------
PHOTOMICROGRAPHS
Two black and white photomicrographs are taken of each microscopic
slide using Type 55 Polaroid film.
Photomicrographs A shows the typical loading, size and category distribution
under a magnification of approximately 600X with slightly crossed polars
(^X75) for the subject filter.
Photomicrographs B shows some noteworthy feature of the subject filter in a
photographic format selected to best illustrate the particular case.
Definitions:
Mineral - transparent to translucent, colorless, red, yellow,
occasionally green, angular, cleaved, rounded, often birefringent
- vitreous transparent colorless, red, yellow, greenish,
and brown, spherical to equant irregular.
Soot - opaque, dull to vitreous luster, black to very slightly
colored (reflected light) tubular, elongate, spherical, irregular
angular, lacy, frothy.
Biological - transparent to translucent, colorless, green, red,
brown, yellow, spherical, equant, symmetrical, elongate, occ.
textured.
Densities^ - used in the weight % calculations arc as follows:
2.65 to 2.9, with 2.8 being used most often
2.1, all cases
1.1, all cases
0.9, all cases
from standard tables
Fly ash
orange,
Mineral -
l;ly ash -
Soot -
Biological -
-------
microscopic: analysis data siii:i;t
Filter Identification
Filter Dnta
Mctwork/Stntion
Fall River/Plymouth Avenue
Fi1tcr Media
Glass fiber
^Filter No.
105689
Loading (pg/cm2)
2163.1
Date
2/9/76
TSP (yg/m3)
468
CONSENTS
Filter analyzed at client's request. Violation of primary standard.
PHOTOMICROGRAPHS
S yv;'*>j . .»-JfJt'i
r^-SS
:.^5-Pf?
V^U^T^v-S^rS-i
WmMlM
^3idea&,WS&St^SSsfe
ifMi§
• i w^lft -p» < i »A ¦NtiyWr
- -" ^.i •£ 5^-r^ff i .v *
Analysis
Microscopist's Comments
CATETORY
W%
Sfpin)
Mineral
87.8
12.0
- Particulate matter, chieflv quartz, verv aiipul;
Fly Ash
5.05
8.13
- Poorly sinked flow temp.)
Soot
4.55
7.63
- Fine grained, flaky
Bi^J^gical
2.59
18.5
- Few stray fibers fvcsretaM e")
- Occasional very large tn.in prains
by J/'r$( /Cfri (id
c? / 'f O? )
A-3
-------
MICROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF HI-VOL FILTER
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY,
FALL RIVER NETWORK
New England Power Company (NEPCO) has requested that the Hi-Vol
filter monitored at the Plymouth Avenue station on December 5, 197#
be examined by optical microscopy. The filter, number 136228, recorded
total suspended particulate (TSP) concentrations of 422 yg/m3.
The analysis was performed by transmitted light optical microscopy
at approximately 200x. The samples were prepared by extracting particu-
lates from the filter surface and mounting on glass slides. The analysis
resulted in the following conclusions:
MINERAL FLY ASH SOOT
Percent (%)
by weight 84.5 10.1 5.4
Mean Size 12.1 8.4 7.1
(micron)
The results of the analysis show that the mineral fraction is
predominantly responsible for the high weight of the filter. The
biological matter is almost totally absent, though occasional bits of
vegetable fiber (dead leaves, paper, etc.) a:re present. The photomicro-
graphs enclosed show a typical overall view of the filter load, and of
a piece of fiber. Both were taken at 600X in plane polarized light.
Definations:
1) Percent by weight - percentage of total particulate weight which
is accounted for by particualtes of one type (mineral, biological,
etc.); this iveight percentage is proportional to the volume
percentage of each particle class multiplied by the density of the
particle class. This percent by weight is the same as the mass
percent.
2) Mean size (in-microns) - The average size of particles for each
particle class in microns.
BIOLOGICAL
Trace
Coarse
A-k
-------
3) Mineral particulates - road dust, clay, feldspar, emissions from
metal processing plants. These particulates are not identified
separately in the analysis.
4) Biological materials - spores, yollens, grass cutting, insect
parts, etc. These particulates are not identified separately in
the analysis.
5) Flayash - usually a product of a higher temperature combustion
process. It includes incineration emissions from homes,
industry and power plants, etc. These particulates are not
identified separately in the analysis.
6) Soot - Usually the product of a low temperature conbustion process.
It includes emissions from automobile exhaust, dump incinerations,
coal dust from coal piles, etc.
A-5
-------
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-------
MICROSCOPIC-ANALYSIS
METHOD
Sample Preparation
After an initial visual inspection to determine the general filter
characteristics, a representative area is chosen for microscopic analysis.
This portion of the filter is examined under reflected light ('v-lSOX) and
the general load characteristics noted for later reference to insure the
integrity of the transfer process.
A representative fraction of the particulate matter is then removed
from the filter and transferred to a glass microscopic slide using a dry
transfer technique.
The particulate matter is then immersed in oil of a known index of
refraction and slide prepared for subsequent microscopic analysis.
Sample Analysis
The microscopic slide is then methodically scanned in a fixed pattern
under transmitted polarized light (^600X). A representative number (100-200)
of particles are identified, sized and categorized in order of encounter.
Because of the limitations of optical microscopy particles with diameters
less than 2ym cannot be identified with any certainty, therefore are not
included in subsequent calculations. The particle diameters are measured
to the nearest ym. Martin's diameter is used for larger particles and
Feret's diameter is used for the smaller particles.
Calculations
The weight percentage for each category is calculated from the number of
particles observed (ni) , the mean particle size (Vi), and the density (J*i) .
The calculations are based on an assumed spherical geometry for most-
categories. (A cylindrical geometry is assumed for some biological material.)
A-7
-------
PHOTOMICROGRAPHS
Two black and white photomicrographs are taken of each microscopic
slide using Type 55 Polaroid film.
Photomicrographs A shows the typical loading, size and categorv distribution
under a magnification of approximately 600X with slightly crossed polars
C^X75) for the subject filter.
Photomicrographs B shows some noteworthy feature of the subject filter in a
photographic format selected to best illustrate the particular case.
Definitions:
Mineral - transparent to translucent, colorless, red, yellow,
occasionally green, angular, cleaved, rounded, often birefringent
Fly ash - vitreous transparent colorless, red, yellow, greenish,
orange, and brown, spherical to equant irregular.
Soot - opaque, dull to vitreous luster, black to very slightly
colored (reflected light) tubular, elongate, spherical, irregular
angular, lacy, frothy.
Biological - transparent to translucent, colorless, green, red,
brown, yellow, spherical, equant, symmetrical, elongate, occ.
textured.
Densities1 - used in the weight % calculations are as follows:
Mineral - 2.65 to 2.9, with 2.S being used most often
Fly ash - 2.1, all cases
Soot - 1.1, all cases
Biological - 0.9, all cases
from standard tables
-------
MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS DATA SHEET
Filter Identification
Filter Data
^twork/Stationi. Fall River/Plymouth Avenue
Filter Media
Glass Fiber
™ i
Filter No. S 124016
Loading (yg/cm2)
733
Date f 6-11-76
TSP (ug/m3) J 146
COMMENTS
Analysis performed at request of client. No violations of primary or secondary
standard.
PHOTOMICROGRAPHS
!t®f
O 10 ZO to
•lim
Analysis
Microscopist' s Comments
CAT f: TORY
W0.;
Sfuial
Particulate matter well sorted and free from
Mineral
74.4
13.0
nrlli pri n a . Miriprnl rnfeanrv piostlv
Fly Ash
4.7
9.2
natural in origin. Biological loading tvoical
So^
19.9
12.5
for late sprinp.
Biological
1.1
S. 7
PJiotomicrotjrnnh B: Unusuallv larce mineral
.
. r /
and soot particles fSGOX. Polars X 7S°).
BY
$
Ui
I
( ^ / / / 773
A-9
-------
MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS DATA SHEET
Network/Station Fall River/N. Main
Filtei" Media
Fihpr
Filter No. 1 117916
Loading (iig/crr)
1061
Date ! 4 _ 9 _ 76
TSP. (us/m3)- \ 71',
COMMENTS
Violation of Secondary Standard
PI !OTOM T C ROH R A P f! S
! ¦$&- X
Vn—* • r -''-*••• rV "•'•'•-fn- ^*-S*'"--^'i"r^ ^
lf /~r^. •'•:'•*••¦-¦• ¦ ' ft \ /v» <. IT > •. r • •* -.v...- -r
f C * * \ 'V.35 "Jj " ' - .
i ,/-4 'i C 7 .
*-A
- /> ,• •••' .1 ;•, V ,r ,;'Vr : ;
• ••• v.•'••••• ••'• ••-•.•- ffvV5 '*»**• ^ "" ' rjXT* ' i'
! ,V L, •. \ .• ... ' V. '• •. • • »' -
«: :;^v,v ;, t\-.J /: . •; ;>'T-V.'A>-v s..
T /•> ..^vT.L*. -¦r-?.^-. ..<1^ .-. - ¦» -r
O IC to 20
\im
HO 50
Analysis
Microscopist's Comments
:ati:tory
W'o
S f urn")
Particulate matter well sorted and free from
87.0
17.0
adhering substances. Mineral catceory mostly
3. B
8.1
natural in oricin. Bioloeical loadine typical
ioot;
7.3
11.6
for early snrine.
rliolopi c;il
1.9
13.2
Photomicrograph B: Unusuallv laree mineral
particles f560X. Polars X 750,(
r~).
ir~(L
A yf
/) /)
-------
MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS DATA SHEET
Filter Identification
Filter Data
ftworK/Srntion Fall Ri\'er/Plymouth Avenue
Filter Media
Glass Fiber
Filter No.
117929
Loading (us/cri2) 652
Date
IS - 76
TSP (lia/ti.3)- | 155
IOMMENTS
Violation of Secondary Standard,
PHOTOMICROGRAPHS
-r
i
. v
t
»*¦-'
W- .
•> V' . t
. ; V. « ' % . v*< ~ , « ^ *
. 4* 4 ) • i '
* ;• -v :-'v '
^ i J **J
tAv
' -¦ ' *
* ,V.* 1
v .
'• V
- % •'
/¦ * ' *
'•'* OV - -•
• V
i) "•
~\ • V
«.
A/
. "*•» ' . v <
,'V
I -»Tw_
> '% ¦-
•/, ' '* " . * " •* M
^'v «¦ *• r
,v ">J*''' "iv &. v' 1 'I *-¦ . . '•
-. v £ v.* •• /?-. ; 1 ift - &
- >v* -V
•. •; • .¦?»¦''vv>\" *••..' .* v. : .
• — O **•*" J \ ¦ Jft. tT,
i
r. v- ~£*. "¦ 1
! sr> ^
a <$ , - •?.
; ' f - -.7;. ,;i V.; " i ^
O 10 ZS 20 fc> SO
lllll
Analvsi s
Microscopi st.'s Comments
'("A'i'OTOI'V
h":; .
Sfi.r.0
Particulate matter well sorted and free from !
^Mineral
75.9
9.6
adhei'inc substances. Mineral caterorv mostlv
.fllftsh
4.5
6.1
natural in oriein. Biological loadin« tvnical
Soot
19.0
9.4
for early sprinp.
:$iolo,ni cal
0.5
7.7
Photoinicrory-in'i F>: Unusuall'v larw soot
particles T560X. Polnrsx 7S0")
WY
D.^J.d & jJ'JO.
-------
MICROSCOPIC AN'.U.VSIS DATA S£!f[HT
Filter Identification
Filter D.fta
ij^Kork/Stntion Fall River/ Plymouth Avenue
Filter Media Glass Fiber
Filter
No. i 105688
Loading Cvs/cR2) j 850
Date i 2 - 12 - 76
TSP (wR/m3). I 173
COMMENTS
-
Violation of Secondary Standard.
Pi IOTOMICR0CRAP1 IS
1 A
B
: my^uf:' ¦. v" ¦•* *¦
:; * V ^*VX '*' * X,V*- ,c.
• -4 ii -rX-.' * — ' . ¦ ¦r ,i w - .. —¦¦ -j
' li - ' J ¦ " • •«"••• * "• >»?-
hN '«> * * . V ' -i ¦ -"-••» >*A-y > 'J*5''
.Vv? •/- > /.r^ vf?. - -ah i
->,*%/ • A ' , »" V. ' * ¦ V * S«»» «* "
" * * ' _ -7 • * -: « ' • *«*
?.., *>" • *>• y < ••• ;...t >': t* i -
«¦ i .. A. . • •* .-.¦ . ^ .¦ a- •*••;•
• * • /-* •»* • : A
'. sro- tt ts •-'< -*=&••• 4
• * ' ;*•??• •¦' -."> : -Ci
• 3^-* \- *< ' , *¦'¦? ' *• J'- ' ¦/? IV V' ¦
v ^.r^¦'¦¦<$¦*&¦ *' ^ •>*
• « *> . • s
/ .• \
- .,>• \ X-'' - C.>. ^ " •
y+fir** y^.ri-- - -
-^fe^Va . • v* ^
1 :S. .-. . a*® - . rf»- ' .. <».
" - r* " W . * *¦* *"* r\ - "* ^ -%L
• .i - v "/£, »;>/*' vi.~», ^
^ •-* ; '. a rf.* . t?7' ft • # ..-•"»
•< ni"'.;^.. -,v ? A .
II II ¦ M -n' „ , ¦¦ f -~ -T- "¦•¦*¦ • "¦ ' • "* < 1 '
d
|'.^H i - v ''>~ •'¦!'>~•f ^"^'.:-v-r ?>: \>' .;. ^^
ilP^liSlliiliSil®
: •* . ..• -->;.. j ^ ?; ¦ ." - *' - .. V- v 1
i :
r ••-.--•.r-*r .-i : . :C >.* . ]
i -.-•- -r*- ..' •'1>-*-- /•/'•*.-'. " .^.! % • ' .•{•'*'•' •-'*' - . - •' -v ..- -'
• -v :•'© • '
: " '••.).•:® ^ ;'1 • /•..¦!— .; _•; •• ^ ;. " . _'••;¦ 'V;
V ? '¦
\ :
r . r-, "^C/. ' '."'i* - - C~'-
r~ J'; ¦' ., >»-.; ' 4
.J" " V
KAktAbitlWl^
Iff 2-3
• i.rm
HO 50
An.-ilvsis
Microscopist's Conmonts
1
frA'nrmuY
If,
S fum")
Particles well sorted and free from adhcrinc
•Mineral
67.2
10.4 •
substances. Mineral catecoiv mostly natural
!i-l^,sh
6.3
9.0
in origin. No biological nai^ticles observed
!
soot
26.5
10.5
(tvpical of winter season!.
Hiolo;.1,! cn ]
0
X
Photowi,cro(rrar)h R: Unusual lv 1 nrpe mineral
particle (S60X. Polars X 75°")
Ui }
A-12
-------
MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS DATA S;!LHT
Filter Identification
Filter Dnta
fl^twork/Stntion. Fall River/No. Main
Filter Media
Glass Fiber
Filter No. i 123940
l.oatling (pq/crc2")
820
Drue i 6-11-76
TSP fu.u/m3!-
175
COMMENTS
-
Violation of Secondary Standard
photomicrographs
mmm
v; ^s
mmmasm
-'S5i 2 ftl
%
AiS^«3&!«rS^
; •:¦ w//n..
m
20 20
inn
"7 c
Analysis
fATIITOKY
W1>
Sfv.uO
Particulate matter well sorted, and free from"
Mineral
72.1
10.0 •
adhering substances. Mineral category mostly
r-l^^sb
12.1
S.4
natural in oripin. Bioloeical loading typical
loot
11.3
8.4
for lafp spring.
IsioKmical
4.4
10.5
1
Photomicrograph R; l.nw soot and nlneral »
1
particles (ilfiCLY,. Pol ars X7S°1. i
-r^n.-
f O // /
A-13
-------
DATE:
UBJECT:
FROM:
TO:
Appendix B
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
August 30, 1977
Evaluation of Eastern Analytical Laboratories, Inc.
Warren H. Oldaker
Chief, Analytical Quality Control, S&A Division, Region I
Alan Oi
Environmental Engineer, Air Section, S&A Division
At your request, a review was conducted on August 10, 1977 of the
analytical procedures arid supportive equipment used by this commercial
laboratory to develop the data in the report entitled, "Microscopic
Evaluation of Hi-Vol Filter, New England Power Company, Fall River
Network". Mr. Don Muldoon of the Environmental Research Associates
(prime contractor) and Mr. John Menzie of the New England Power Com-
pany accompanied us during this on-site evaluation.
The optical sizing, using Feret's diameter and Martin's diameter,
follow those generally accepted techniques described in the McCrone
Particle Atlas. The "dry-transfer" technique developed by Eastern
consists of pressing the exposed side of the filter on a glass slide,
mounting in oil with a known index of refraction (n= 1.628) and examin-
ing under transmitted polarized light. Selection of representative
fields and particles is highly subjective and depends heavily upon the
expertise of the analyst.
It is important to note that the analyst did riot attempt to categorize
or enumerate particles (single or aggregate) less than 2 pm which is a
limitation of optical microscopy.
Particulate densities used in the calculation of percent weight for
each class were tabular values for the specific category (mineral, fly
ash, soot, biological).
The laboratory is well equipped with plane and polarized light optical
microscopes; scanning electron microscope (SEM); X-ray microprobe;
electronic particle sizing (Coulter); and supportive photomicrographic
equipment. The optical microscopy is performed by an analyst who is
a minerologist-geologist by training and experience. The SEM is oper-
ated by Mr. Robert MacDonald, President of the Eastern Analytical
Laboratories, Inc. This laboratory has had extensive experience with
the analysis (both SEM and optical) of Hi-volume ambient air filters
and appears highly qualified for this kind of analysis.
EPA For,,, 1320-6 (Rev. 3-76>
B-l
-------
The general consensus of qualified opinion is that optical microscopy
has the advantage of particulate color identification and "points the
finger" towards the general nature of the particle class. Additional
weight of evidence is needed to further the concepts of quantitation
and representativeness. Such evidence may include X-ray microprobe
or fluorescence analysis of selected particles; SEM particle sizing;
and microdensitometer mapping for particulate distribution on the
filter surface. If additional work is contemplated, additional con-
siderations should also include particulate collections on membranes
other than glass fiber filter types.
cc:
Tom Devine, Chief
Air Branch, A&HM Div., Reg. I
B-2
-------
DAVID STANDLEY
Commissioner
-£\
Appendix C
600 Washington St., Boston 02111
7 (Ontjfineenru
August 8, 1977
Mr. A1 Oi
Surveillance and Analysis Division
Environmental Protection Agency
60 Westview Street
Lexington, Massachusetts 02173
Dear Sir:
Per your letter of August 4, 1977, I have requested that Mr. Vallon of this
staff perform certain statistical analysis of Sulfur Dioxide and Total Suspended
Particulates levels. Description of the work performed along with pertinent
conclusions is presented below:
The 24 hour TSP (Total Suspended Particulates) data was correlated with
the daily averages of continuous S0_ (Sulfur Dioxide) data at the Plymouth Ave.,
Fall River, Mass. site from April 1975 to September 1976 (number of cases=169).
Using the S.P.S.S. computer package (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences),
the simple statistical correlation between the two pollutants, TSP and S0_, was
found to be r = .31. This simple correlation indicates a weak positive linear
relationship between these pollutants with a confidence coefficient of .999
(This confidence coefficient indicates that the correlation computed could only
be theoretically due to chance less than one in a thousand).
This correlation suggests that combustion of sulfur containing fossil fuels
was not strongly associated with particulate concentration levels at this site
during the period of this analysis.
If you intend to use this analysis as part of a technical support document,
the Division requests prior notification of such use as well as an opportunity
to review implications arising from their use.
Sincerely,
William A. Simmons
Chief
Air Quality Surveillance Branch
S/ct
cc: Mr. Donovan
Mr. Donaldson
C-l
-------
August 4, 1977
Mr. ffl.Ui.ara Sisncas, Chief
Air Quality Surveillance Branch
Division of Air and Hazaxcoua Materials
600 y/ashingten Street, Ffcscn 320
Boston? MA 02113.
Dear Mr. Sirrinoos:
On .July 15, 1977, I raet with Ran Vallm of your staff. At this tirae, I
requested copies of correlation studies be was presently working on.
Chase studies dealt with the TSP, SCq , and wind direction data collected
at the Drayton Point xocsiitoring network during the years 1975 to 1976.
At the sane tine, I requested his interpretation of the results of these
studies- It is nt/ intention to include this information in the ^chnical
Support Docanenfc for Chapter 494 in Southeastern llassachusetts specifically
for the Brayton Joint Pcwar Plant.
I-wish to thank you and your staff for aiding kss in this project.
Sincerely yours.
Mien W. Oi
EnviiXEEaental Engineer
i£iOi: cb: 8/8/77
------- |