&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
AFTER HURRICANE
KATRINA
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AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA
(EPA Technical Report)
Contract No. EP-D-05-004
Work Assignment No. 3-12
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Emissions, Monitoring and Analysis Division
Air Quality Data Analysis Group
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
January 2008
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
LIST OF FIGURES v
LIST OF TABLES vii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
ES.l Frequency of Concentrations Above Screening Levels 1
ES.2 Comparison of Mean Concentrations 2
1. INTRODUCTION 1-1
1.1 Background 1-1
1.2 Approach 1-2
2. ACQUISITION AND TREATMENT OF DATA 2-1
2.1 Pollutants and Available Data 2-1
2.2 Treatment of Data Below Detection 2-14
2.3 Data Reduction Approach 2-14
2.4 Comparing Concentrations Pre- and Post-Katrina 2-14
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3-1
3.1 Pollutants with Measurements Above Screening Levels 3-1
3.1.1 Time Series and Case Studies 3-2
3.1.2 Comparing Concentration Ranges Pre- and Post-Katrina 3-7
3.2 Examining Pollutants with No Concentrations Above
Screening Levels 3-8
3.2.1 Comparisons of Concentrations Before and After Katrina 3-8
3.2.2 Comparisons to Other Sites Within the State 3-16
4. CONCLUSIONS 4-1
APPENDIX A: KATRINA SPECIAL STUDIES A-l
in
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
2-1. Map of New Orleans with monitoring site locations and highways identified 2-10
2-2. Map of the Gulfport/Pascagoula area with monitoring site locations and highways
identified 2-11
3-1. Acrolein concentration ranges by EPA region and for the New Orleans and
Gulfport/Pascagoula areas post-Katrina 3-2
3-2. Time series of formaldehyde concentrations in Gulfport and Pascagoula,
Mississippi, post-Katrina 3-3
3-3. Time series of PMio mass concentrations measured at sites in New Orleans 3-5
3-4. Debris collection sites approved in New Orleans 3-5
3-5. Time series of nickel (TSP) concentrations at selected sites 3-6
3-6. Time series of manganese (TSP) concentrations at selected sites 3-6
3-7. Comparison of before and after Katrina concentration ranges of selected criteria
pollutants in the New Orleans area 3-11
3-8. Comparison of before and after Katrina concentration ranges of some criteria
pollutants in the Gulfport/Pascagoula area 3-12
3-9. Comparison of before and after Katrina concentration ranges of selected PM2.5
metals in the Gulfport/Pascagoula area 3-13
3-10. Comparison of before and after Katrina concentration ranges of selected VOCs in
the Gulfport/Pascagoula area 3-14
3-11. Trends in measured concentrations of PMio or PM2.5 at Eagle Street, River Road,
Florida/Orleans Avenue, Eagle Street, West Temple, Patriot Street, and Nunez
Street 3-15
3-12. Comparison of before and after Katrina concentration ranges of selected PM2.5
metals in New Orleans 3-17
3-13. Comparison of before and after Katrina concentration ranges of selected VOCs in
New Orleans 3-18
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
2-1. Available measurements of pollutants monitored in New Orleans, Louisiana, pre-
and post-Katrina 2-2
2-2. Data available for pollutants monitored in Gulfport/Pascagoula, pre- and post-
Katrina 2-6
2-3. Last sample date of data reported post-Katrina by site and pollutant type for the
New Orleans area 2-8
2-4. Last sample date of data reported post-Katrina by site and pollutant type for the
Gulfport/Pascagoula area 2-9
2-5. Site AQS codes, names, states, and descriptions of measurement types made at
each site 2-12
3-1. Number of individual samples that were above screening levels in the affected
areas 3-1
3-2. Comparison of pollutant concentrations pre- and post-Katrina by /-test or KS-test
and distribution for each pollutant with at least one sample with concentrations
above screening levels 3-7
3-3. Comparison of pollutant concentrations pre- and post-Katrina by /-test or KS-test
and distribution for Gulfport/Pascagoula areas 3-9
3-4. Comparison of pollutant concentrations pre- and post-Katrina by /-test or KS-test
and distribution for the New Orleans area 3-10
vn
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Following Hurricane Katrina (Katrina) EPA evaluated air quality to determine whether
the storm damage in Louisiana and Mississippi and subsequent cleanup efforts caused air quality
in the affected areas to (1) exceed screening levels and (2) change in comparison to monitored air
quality prior to the storm. Ambient air quality monitoring sites were established throughout the
impacted area to collect samples beginning in October 2005. Measurements of over 80
pollutants, including metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyl compounds,
particulate matter (PM), ozone, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were made. Sites
were operated in the New Orleans and Gulfport/Pascagoula, Mississippi, areas; not all sites
measured all pollutants. This document reports on air quality data collected from October 2005
through September 2006, the first year after the hurricane. In partnership with other federal,
state and local agencies, EPA monitored air quality in as many locations as possible, given
limited resources. Locations included heavily populated areas, near roadways, near waste sites
and in locations of remediation. EPA's goal was to provide adequate protection to the general
population. The purpose of this report is to describe air quality levels across the region.
ES.l FREQUENCY OF CONCENTRATIONS ABOVE SCREENING LEVELS
Given the large number of pollutants monitored post-Katrina, EPA used screening levels,
originally established for quick review of the data, to prioritize this one-year retrospective air
quality data analysis.l Pollutants with measurements above the screening levels received first
priority for analysis. Seven of the more than 80 pollutants examined had at least one monitored
concentration greater than the screening levels during the post-Katrina time period (October
2005 through September 2006). These measurements of ambient air pollutants in the affected
areas of Louisiana and Mississippi indicate that screening levels were not routinely exceeded by
any pollutants other than acrolein (Table ES-1).
More than 50% of acrolein concentration samples at all four monitoring sites were above
the screening level (0.09 |ug/m3). The concentrations observed during the first quarter
post-Katrina in the affected areas were within the range of concentrations observed
elsewhere in the United States during the same time period using similar measurement
1 Screening levels were established by the EPA prior to any sample collection to provide a health-based
interpretation of the ambient monitoring data collected around the recovery activity areas. The approach for setting
the levels gave preference to the use of relevant air standards and regulations (e.g., the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards [NAAQS]), established public health indicators (e.g., the Air Quality Index [AQI]), and EPA risk
assessment guidance for air toxics. Screening levels for the criteria pollutants (e.g., PM2 5 and PM10) were set at
levels designed to caution members of the public about acute effects that might result from that exposure (see
). Screening levels for the toxic air pollutants were
set to assess the potential for longer-term exposures (e.g., on the order of a year) which may pose health risks to
exposed populations and were not designed to predict the occurrence of effects. Rather, they were designed to
provide longer-term (months to a year) exposure levels that would not be associated with appreciable risk of effects.
Accordingly, individual sample results greater than the screening levels do not imply an immediate health threat.
The levels were reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR), the EPA Offices of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, and the Office of Air
Quality Planning & Standards (OAQPS), EPA Regions 2, 4, and 6, and the Louisiana and Mississippi state
environmental agencies.
ES-1
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methods. Therefore, in the context of the nationally observed concentrations, it is
unlikely that the acrolein concentrations were abnormally high as a result of Katrina
recovery efforts.
Formaldehyde concentrations were above the screening level (40 |ug/m3) in six samples
collected at one site in Pascagoula, Mississippi. All six samples were collected in October
and November 2005; additional samples collected since that time have all been below the
screening level.
The following pollutants were above screening levels less than 1% of the time:
particulate matter in two size fractions (PMio and PlV^.s), nickel (total suspended
particulate [TSP]), manganese [TSP], and acetonitrile.
Table ES-1. Summary of pollutant counts above screening levels in the post-Katrina time
period.
Pollutant
Acetonitrile
Acrolein
Acrolein
Acrolein
Formaldehyde
Manganese
(TSP)
Nickel (TSP)
PM10
PM25
PM25
City
Gulfport-
Biloxi
Gulfport-
Biloxi
New
Orleans
Pascagoula
Pascagoula
New
Orleans
New
Orleans
New
Orleans
Gulfport-
Biloxi
New
Orleans
No
of
Sites
1
2
1
1
1
2
4
1
2
4
Post-Katrina
No. of
Samples
Above
Screening
Level
1
164
70
67
6
2
6
1
8
7
Total
Samples
246
246
99
101
112
1150
1148
1126
1416
1770
Percent of
Samples
Above
Screening
Level
<1
67
71
66
5
<;l
<1
<1
<1
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Average formaldehyde and acetonitrile concentrations in Pascagoula and Gulfport were
also higher than those previously measured at the same sites.
Acrolein concentrations had not been measured in this area previously, so no historical
comparisons could be made.
Significant differences in mean concentrations between pre- and post-Katrina time
periods could be caused by meteorology, emissions changes, or changes in regional background
concentrations.
Among pollutants with concentrations that showed statistically significant differences
were:
Concentrations of PIVb.s, NC>2, and ozone were higher than previously measured values at
the Gulfport/Pascagoula sites. These higher concentrations may be a result of increased
emissions resulting from construction and demolition activities despite decreased
emissions from the reduced commuter traffic. Higher NC>2 concentrations may be partly
responsible for higher ozone concentrations.
NC>2 concentrations in New Orleans post-Katrina were lower than in previous years. This
may be a result of lower vehicle emissions and/or less energy production after the
hurricane.
and PIVb.s concentrations in New Orleans post-Katrina were higher than in previous
years. Higher PMio concentrations may be a result of demolition and cleanup activities.
The highest PMio concentrations were seen at a monitoring site near approved local
demolition, grinding, and landfill sites.
It should be noted that no adjustments were made in this analysis for meteorology, which
can significantly impact concentrations of secondary pollutants such as ozone and
Therefore, concentrations that may have changed significantly could be the result of
changing meteorological conditions and not changes in emissions.
ES-3
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Hurricane Katrina (Katrina) was the eleventh named tropical storm, fifth hurricane, third
major hurricane, and first Category 5 hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the
third most powerful storm of the season and the sixth strongest Atlantic hurricane recorded.
Katrina became the Gulf Coast's strongest hurricane (Hurricane Rita broke this record later in
the season). Katrina made its second landfall as a large Category 3 storm on the morning of
August 29 along the Central Gulf Coast near Buras-Triumph, Louisiana.
The storm surge from Katrina caused catastrophic damage along the coastlines of
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Levees separating Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans
were breached by the surge, ultimately flooding about 80% of New Orleans, most of St. Bernard
Parish, and portions of St. Tammany Parish and Plaquemines Parish.
EPA examined the effects of Katrina to determine whether associated flooding of
Louisiana and Mississippi and subsequent cleanup efforts caused air quality in the affected areas
to change. Air quality measurements examined here were made in the affected areas beginning
in October 2005. Pollutant concentrations were compared to screening levels. Post-Katrina
concentrations were also compared to concentrations in the affected areas pre-Katrina where
measurements were previously available to determine if concentrations were higher or lower
than those reported before Katrina. In areas where previous measurements were not available,
we examined concentrations within the same state.
The damage caused by Katrina, flooding, and subsequent cleanup efforts may have
caused changes in emissions of some air pollutants. The changes in emissions may be evident in
ambient concentrations of pollutants in the affected areas. Changes in emissions could cause
ambient concentrations to be higher or lower than those previously experienced:
Evacuation of the affected areas, which resulted in a significant reduction in the number
of cars and other vehicles operated in some of the areas, is expected to have caused a
reduction of pollutants associated with gasoline-powered motor vehicles (i.e., benzene,
xylenes, and ethylbenzene).
Increased construction and demolition activity in the area may elevate concentrations of
particulate matter (PM) from dust and also increase other pollutants associated with
diesel emissions from on-road and non-road vehicles and equipment used in this effort
(e.g., dump trucks, bulldozers).
In this report, we identify ambient pollutant concentrations that were above screening
levels and identify changes in mean ambient pollutant concentrations pre- and post-Katrina.
When possible, an attempt was made to evaluate the reasons for the changes (e.g., emissions or
meteorological differences).
1-1
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1.2 APPROACH
The objectives of the analyses were to ascertain if concentrations were above screening
levels and to assess how post-Katrina ambient pollutant concentrations compared to pre-Katrina
levels in the affected areas. Given the large number of pollutants monitored post-Katrina,
screening levels were used to prioritize air quality data analysis.2 After examining those
pollutants with concentrations above screening levels, concentrations of other pollutants were
examined.
Time series of pollutant concentrations above screening levels were examined to assess
whether clear trends are evident in ambient concentrations post-Katrina. It was relatively
difficult to identify trends for those pollutants with high natural temporal variability. Underlying
trends in these pollutants will not be detectable without dramatic changes in concentrations or
additional sophisticated analyses of the influence of meteorology and emissions on
concentrations in the affected areas.
Pollutants whose concentrations were above screening levels in the Katrina-affected areas
were compared to previously measured concentrations in the same areas to assess if
concentrations changed as a result of Katrina recovery activities. Ideally, this analysis would be
performed using data from long-term established monitors in the affected regions with consistent
analytical laboratories and sampling and analytical methods. Unfortunately, only a few monitors
in the affected areas measured concentrations of most of the pollutants pre-Katrina.
Measurements of criteria pollutants such as ozone and PM2.s were available in the New Orleans
and Gulfport/Pascagoula areas. However, the New Orleans area only had recent measurements
(i.e., post-2000) of some air toxics such as particulate metals at one site, Breton, which is
considered a rural site and may not be representative of the New Orleans area. Recent
measurements of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate metals were available
from Gulfport, Mississippi; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) measurements were not
available in this area. For pollutants without concentration measurements pre-Katrina, we
examined concentrations from monitors in the same state. For acrolein, even these comparisons
were not possible due to changes in sampling methodology. Therefore, acrolein concentrations
were compared to concentrations measured at national air toxics monitoring sites.
2 Screening levels were established by the EPA prior to any sample collection to provide a health-based
interpretation of the ambient monitoring data collected around the recovery activity areas. The approach for setting
the levels gave preference to the use of relevant air standards and regulations (e.g., the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards [NAAQS]), established public health indicators (e.g., the Air Quality Index [AQI]), and EPA risk
assessment guidance for air toxics. Screening levels for the criteria pollutants (e.g., PM2 5 and PM10) were set at
levels designed to caution members of the public about acute effects that might result from that exposure (see
). Screening levels for the toxic air pollutants were
set to assess the potential for longer-term exposures (e.g., on the order of a year) which may pose health risks to
exposed populations and are not designed to predict the occurrence of effects. Rather, they are designed to provide
longer-term (months to a year) exposure levels that would not be associated with appreciable risk of effects.
Accordingly, individual sample results greater than the screening levels do not imply an immediate health threat.
The levels were reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR), the EPA Offices of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, and the Office of Air
Quality Planning & Standards (OAQPS), EPA Regions 2, 4, and 6, and the Louisiana and Mississippi state
environmental agencies.
1-2
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Time series and concentration comparisons were also created for pollutants with
concentrations that never exceeded the screening level. These comparisons were made to
examine if any obvious temporal trends in pollutant concentrations could be attributed to post-
Katrina recovery efforts or changes in emissions.
1-3
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1-4
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2. ACQUISITION AND TREATMENT OF DATA
2.1 POLLUTANTS AND AVAILABLE DATA
Data were acquired from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Air Quality
System (AQS). These data were then organized into an Oracle 9i relational database. Pollutants
with hourly or other sub-daily samples were processed to create daily metrics, such as 24-hr
averages; 1-hr maximum values and 8-hr average maximum values were generated for ozone for
comparison to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) value. The number of
daily averages available in the database is shown in Tables 2-1 and 2-2 for Louisiana and
Mississippi, respectively. Pollutants for which more than 75% of measurements were below the
minimum detection limit are not shown in the tables.
As shown in Table 2-1, New Orleans only reported concentrations of criteria pollutants
and metals pre-Katrina; as noted, the metals concentrations were only reported for the Breton
site, a rural site that may not be representative of the New Orleans area. Therefore, we compared
toxics and metals concentrations to concentrations from within the same state. As shown in
Table 2-2, most pollutants were measured in Gulfport/Pascagoula pre-Katrina. Sufficient
measurements of most pollutants statewide were also available in both Louisiana and Mississippi
for comparison. Pollutants with no comparable measurements in the area pre-Katrina include the
PAHs (not shown) and acrolein.
Pollutants are listed in the two tables, by pollutant type. The pollutant types are criteria
(PM2.5 and PMio mass, ozone, NO2, and 802), metals, VOCs, and PAHs. EPA working with its
federal and state partners established an asbestos monitoring network that was made up of area
wide (ambient measurements) as well as waste reduction and demolition specific components
(emissions and personal monitoring measurements). Ambient asbestos concentrations were not
above detection limits enough of the time to be shown in these tables. Screening levels were
compared to 24-hr averages with the exception of ozone for which the maximum 8-hr daily
average was used.
Not all pollutants were measured during the entire post-Katrina time frame. See
Tables 2-3 and 2-4 for the last sample collected in New Orleans and Gulfport/Pascagoula,
respectively, by pollutant type.
2-1
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Table 2-1. Available measurements of pollutants monitored in New Orleans,
Louisiana, pre- and post-Katrina. (Note that pollutants without screening levels
are not shown).
Pollutant
PM2.5
PM10
Ozone - 8hr
Sulfur Dioxide - 24 hr
Nitrogen Dioxide - 24 hr
Arsenic (TSP)
Arsenic (PM2.5)
Arsenic (PM10)
Lead (TSP)
Lead (PM2.5)
Lead (PM10)
Beryllium (PM2.5)
Beryllium (PM10)
Cobalt (TSP)
Cobalt (PM2.5)
Cobalt PM10
Cadmium (TSP)
Nickel (TSP)
Cadmium (PM2 5)
Nickel (PM2.5)
Cadmium (PMio)
Nickel (PM10)
Manganese (TSP)
Manganese (PM2.5)
Manganese (PMio)
Chromium (TSP)
Chromium Vi (TSP)
Chromium (PM2 5)
Chromium (PM10)
Antimony (TSP)
Antimony (PM2.5)
Screening
Level
(fig/m3 or
ppb
where
noted)
40
150
85 ppb
140 ppb
100 ppb
0.3
0.3
0.3
1.5
1.5
1.5
0.02
0.02
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.5
0.5
0.5
1
1
1
1
2
2
Type
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Post-Katrina
(10/1/2005-
9/30/2006)
No. of Daily
Samples:
New Orleans
1770
1226
1076
119
357
1150
548
899
1150
548
899
548
899
1150
548
899
1150
1148
548
548
899
899
1150
548
899
1150
123
548
899
1150
548
Pre-Katrina
(1/1/2000-9/30/2005)
No. of Daily
Samples:
New Orleans,
2000-2005
7245
1333
10291
2033
4096
-
408
-
167
408
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
408
-
-
408
-
-
408
-
-
-
No. of Daily
Samples:
Louisiana,
2000-2005
24784
904
45768
10459
20774
-
512
-
-
512
-
-
-
-
512
-
-
-
512
512
-
-
512
-
-
512
-
-
512
Page 1 of 4
TSP=total suspended participate matter
2-2
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Table 2-1. Available measurements of pollutants monitored in New Orleans,
Louisiana, pre- and post-Katrina. (Note that pollutants without screening levels
are not shown).
Pollutant
Antimony (PMio)
Mercury (PM2.5)
Mercury (PMio)
Selenium (TSP)
Selenium (PM2.5)
Selenium (PMio)
7,12-
Dimethylbenz[A]Anthracene
3 -Methylcholanthrene
Dibenzo [A,H] Anthracene
Benzo [A]Pyrene
Benzo [A] Anthracene
Benzo [B]Fluoranthene
Benzo [K]Fluoranthene
Indeno[l,2,3-Cd]Pyrene
Naphthalene
Carbazole
Acrolein
Benzene
M/P-Xylene
O-Xylene
P-Xylene
Toluene
1,3 -Butadiene
Formaldehyde
1 ,2-Dichloropropane
Vinyl Chloride
Acetaldehyde
1 , 1 ,2,2-Terrachloroethane
Chloroform
Carbon Tetrachloride
Trichloroethylene
Dichloromethane
Screening
Level
(fig/m3 or
ppb
where
noted)
2
3
3
20
20
20
0.1
1
5.8
6.4
64
64
64
64
30
1200
0.09
20
3000
3000
3000
5000
20
40
40
80
90
120
200
200
500
1000
Type
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
Post-Katrina
(10/1/2005-
9/30/2006)
No. of Daily
Samples:
New Orleans
899
548
899
1150
548
899
58
58
482
482
482
482
482
482
1537
479
99
1295
238
1295
1057
1295
199
107
1156
99
107
1156
99
1156
1195
99
Pre-Katrina
(1/1/2000-9/30/2005)
No. of Daily
Samples:
New Orleans,
2000-2005
-
-
-
-
408
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
No. of Daily
Samples:
Louisiana,
2000-2005
-
512
-
-
512
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4143
3601
4143
-
4143
2749
798
985
1039
798
985
985
985
985
1039
Page 2 of 4
TSP=total suspended participate matter
2-3
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Table 2-1. Available measurements of pollutants monitored in New Orleans,
Louisiana, pre- and post-Katrina. (Note that pollutants without screening levels
are not shown).
Pollutant
Tetrachloroethylene
Benzidine
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
Aniline
Trans-l,3-Dichloropropylene
Cis-l,3-Dichloropropylene
Hexachlorobenzene
Acrylonitrile
3 ,3 '-Dichlorobenzidene
2,4-Dinitrotoluene
Chloroprene
Ethylene Dichloride
1 , 1 -Dichloroethylene
Chlorobenzilate
Pentachloronitrobenzene
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Bis (2-Chloroethyl)Ether
Bromomethane
Hexachlorobutadiene
Chloromethane
1 , 1 ,2-Trichloroethane
Ethyl Acrylate
Acetonitrile
1 ,4-Dichlorobenzene
Trans- 1 ,2-Dichlororthylene
Pentachlorophenol
3 ,3 '-Dimehtylbenzidine
N-Hexane
1 ,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
Methyl Chloroform
Screening
Level
(fig/m3 or
ppb
where
noted)
1200
0.1
0.5
10
14
14
15
20
21
70
70
80
80
90
95
100
100
120
200
320
400
440
500
600
600
800
1000
1800
2000
2000
2500
4000
Type
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
Post-Katrina
(10/1/2005-
9/30/2006)
No. of Daily
Samples:
New Orleans
1195
10
10
58
99
99
58
99
58
58
99
138
99
58
58
58
58
58
99
157
99
138
99
97
1311
99
58
58
139
1214
99
1194
Pre-Katrina
(1/1/2000-9/30/2005)
No. of Daily
Samples:
New Orleans,
2000-2005
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
No. of Daily
Samples:
Louisiana,
2000-2005
985
-
-
-
741
741
-
-
-
985
985
-
-
-
-
-
985
959
969
985
-
1039
-
-
3174
985
-
1039
Page 3 of 4
TSP=total suspended participate matter
2-4
-------
Table 2-1. Available measurements of pollutants monitored in New Orleans,
Louisiana, pre- and post-Katrina. (Note that pollutants without screening levels
are not shown).
Pollutant
Ethylbenzene
Bromoform
Methyl Methacrylate
Styrene
Chlorobenzene
Isophorone
Propylene
Acetone
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Hexachloroethane
Chloroethane
Screening
Level
(fig/m3 or
ppb
where
noted)
4000
6400
7000
10000
10000
20000
30000
31000
50000
60000
100000
Type
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
Post-Katrina
(10/1/2005-
9/30/2006)
No. of Daily
Samples:
New Orleans
1295
1156
99
1295
1195
58
199
107
99
58
99
Pre-Katrina
(1/1/2000-9/30/2005)
No. of Daily
Samples:
New Orleans,
2000-2005
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
No. of Daily
Samples:
Louisiana,
2000-2005
4264
-
-
4143
985
-
2860
688
-
985
Page 4 of4
TSP=total suspended participate matter
2-5
-------
Table 2-2. Data available for pollutants monitored in Gulfport/Pascagoula, pre-
and post-Katrina.
Pollutant
PM2.5 Mass
PM10Mass-STP
PMio Mass - Local
Conditions
Ozone - 8hr
Nitrogen Dioxide - 24 hr
Sulfur Dioxide - 24 hr
Arsenic (PM2.5)
Arsenic (PMio)
Lead (PM2.5)
Lead (PM10)
Cobalt (PM10)
Cadmium (PM2 5)
Nickel (PM2.5)
Cadmium (PMio)
Nickel (PM10)
Manganese (PM2.5)
Manganese (PMio)
Chromium Vi (TSP)
Chromium (PM2 5)
Chromium (PMio)
Antimony (PM2.5)
Antimony (PMio)
Mercury (PM10)
Selenium (PM2.5)
Selenium (PMio)
Benzo [A]Pyrene
Chrysene
Naphthalene
Acrolein
Benzene
Screening
Level
(fig/m3 or
ppb where
noted)
40
150
150
85 ppb
100 ppb
140 ppb
0.3
0.3
1.5
1.5
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.5
0.5
1
1
1
2
2
3
20
20
6.4
640
30
0.09
20
Type
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
PAH
PAH
PAH
VOC
VOC
Post-Katrina
(10/1/2005-
9/30/2006)
No. of Daily
Samples,
Gulfport/
Pascagoula
2002
29
998
608
313
419
877
1004
877
1004
1004
877
877
1004
1004
877
1004
189
877
1004
877
1004
1004
877
1004
258
258
258
347
595
Pre-K
(1/1/2000-
No. of Daily
Samples,
Gulfport/
Pascagoula
4443
292
9
7206
2354
3708
429
-
429
-
429
428
-
-
429
-
429
-
429
-
-
429
-
-
-
-
3
230
atrina
9/30/2005)
No. of Daily
Samples,
Rest of
Mississippi
11892
1000
11892
11537
1572
2820
804
-
804
-
804
804
-
-
804
-
804
-
804
-
-
804
-
-
-
-
8
284
Page I of 2
2-6
-------
Table 2-2. Data available for pollutants monitored in Gulfport/Pascagoula, pre-
and post-Katrina.
Pollutant
M/P-Xylene
O-Xylene
Toluene
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Chloroform
Carbon Tetrachloride
Dichloromethane
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate
Bromomethane
Chloromethane
Acetonitrile
1 ,4-Dichlorobenzene
N-Hexane
Methyl Chloroform
Ethylbenzene
Styrene
Propylene
Acetone
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Screening
Level
(fig/m3 or
ppb where
noted)
3000
3000
5000
40
90
200
200
1000
100
200
400
600
600
2000
4000
4000
10000
30000
31000
50000
Type
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
Post-Katrina
(10/1/2005-
9/30/2006)
No. of Daily
Samples,
Gulfport/
Pascagoula
595
595
595
368
369
347
347
347
190
347
347
347
717
248
347
595
595
595
369
347
Pre-Katrina
(1/1/2000-9/30/2005)
No. of Daily
Samples,
Gulfport/
Pascagoula
230
230
230
205
205
210
210
210
-
210
210
210
210
20
210
230
230
230
205
210
No. of Daily
Samples,
Rest of
Mississippi
284
284
284
279
279
284
284
284
-
284
284
284
284
-
284
284
284
284
279
284
Page 2 of2
2-7
-------
Last sample date of data reported post-Katrina by site and pollutant type for the New Orleans area.
Metal
(PM2.5)
1/23/06
1/23/06
12/21/05
1//06
1/17/06
1/23/06
1/23/06
-
-
1/23/06
1/20/06
-
-
-
12/20/05
1/20/06
-
12/29/04
-
1/23/06
1/23/06
-
-
12/21/05
-
-
-
1/23/06
12/15/05
Metal (TSP)
7/20/06
7/17/06
12/22/05
7/20/06
7/17/06
-
7/20/06
-
7/20/06
7/20/06
-
7/17/06
12/22/05
12/22/05
12/22/05
-
-
-
7/20/06
7/20/06
-
-
12/22/05
-
-
12/10/02
-
7/20/06
-
Metal
(PM10)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12/20/05
12/20/05
5/5/06
12/21/05
-
-
5/8/06
5/8/06
-
-
12/21/05
-
-
-
5/8/06
12/15/05
NO2
9/30/06
-
-
-
-
-
8/28/05
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
03
9/30/06
-
-
-
-
-
8/28/05
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8/29/05
-
-
9/30/06
-
-
9/30/06
-
-
-
-
PAH
7/31/06
7/11/06
12/22/05
12/22/05
12/22/05
-
12/16/05
-
12/16/05
12/16/05
12/22/05
12/16/05
12/22/05
12/22/05
12/22/05
-
-
-
12/4/05
12/15/05
-
-
12/22/05
-
-
-
12/16/05
12/21/05
-
PM10
7/19/06
7/16/06
12/21/05
11/28/06
7/16/06
7/19/06
7/19/06
-
-
12/1/06
12/4/06
-
-
12/20/05
12/20/05
7/16/06
12/21/05
12/29/04
-
7/19/06
12/4/06
-
-
12/21/05
-
-
-
12/1/06
12/15/05
PM2.5
7/19/06
7/16/06
12/21/05
12/4/06
7/16/06
7/19/06
7/19/06
-
-
12/1/06
12/4/06
-
-
12/20/05
12/20/05
7/16/06
12/21/05
-
-
7/19/06
12/4/06
-
-
12/21/05
-
-
-
12/1/06
12/15/05
S02
1/27/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8/29/05
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
voc
7/31/06
2/28/06
12/22/05
7/20/06
7/11/06
-
7/20/06
-
7/14/06
3/5/06
7/17/06
7/17/06
12/22/05
12/22/05
12/22/05
-
-
-
7/20/06
3/5/06
-
-
12/22/05
-
-
-
12/16/05
7/20/06
-
-------
ist sample date of data reported post-Katrina by site and pollutant type for the Gulfport/Pascagoula area.
Metal (PM2.5)
-
-
12/30/05
2/28/06
-
1/23/06
1/23/06
-
1/23/06
9/14/06
-
1/23/06
1/23/06
1/23/06
-
-
-
5/29/06
1/23/06
-
12/30/05
-
-
-
-
-
-
Metal
(PM10)
-
-
-
-
-
10/29/05
11/1/05
4/5/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
4/5/06
4/5/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
NO2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11/30/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
03
10/31/06
10/31/06
10/31/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10/31/06
10/31/05
-
-
-
-
-
10/31/06
-
10/31/06
10/31/05
-
10/31/06
10/31/06
-
-
-
-
PAH
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6/4/06
9/26/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
PM10
-
-
-
-
11/9/05
3/30/06
6/11/06
-
6/4/06
6/3/06
-
6/3/06
3/30/06
6/3/06
-
-
-
-
6/4/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
PM2.5
10/30/06
11/30/06
10/29/06
10/26/06
1/5/06
11/9/05
3/30/06
6/4/06
6/4/06
6/4/06
11/30/06
-
6/4/06
3/30/06
6/4/06
5/11/06
6/4/06
11/30/06
5/31/06
11/30/06
-
10/29/06
11/30/06
11/30/06
10/29/06
12/30/05
12/24/05
12/30/05
S02
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12/31/05
11/30/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
voc
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6/4/06
9/26/06
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6/4/06
-
-
-
9/26/06
-
-
-
-
2-9
-------
Post-Katrina measurements were made at multiple sites along the affected areas of the
Gulf Coast. These monitoring locations are shown in Figures 2-1 and 2-2.
Monitoring Sites in the New Orleans Area post-Katrma
2207181
220518105_ v --
Monitoring Sites
Post-Katrina measurements only
Pre- and Post-Katrina measure munis
Figure 2-1. Map of New Orleans with monitoring site locations and highways
identified. Monitoring site locations are shown as green triangles (post-Katrina
measurements only) or purple circles (pre- and post-Katrina measurements) with
AQS site codes next to their locations. The Breton IMPROVE site (about 100
miles south of New Orleans) is not shown.
2-10
-------
n the Gulfport Area Post-Katrma
Figure 2-2. Map of the Gulfport/Pascagoula area with monitoring site locations
and highways identified. Monitoring site locations are shown as green triangles
(post-Katrina measurements only) or purple circles (pre- and post-Katrina
measurements) with AQS site codes next to their locations.
Table 2-5 lists major sites and names and indicates which pollutant types were measured
at those sites in the five years preceding Katrina. No sites in New Orleans measured toxic VOCs
or PAHs pre-Katrina. In Mississippi, two sites were used to monitor VOCs and metals both pre-
and post-Katrina. PAH measurements were added to one Mississippi site post-Katrina. Most
monitoring sites in these areas were established post-Katrina.
2-11
-------
Table 2-5. Site AQS codes, names, states, and descriptions of measurement types
made at each site. Sites with measurements are marked with an X; those without
measurements are indicated by a blank space. (Post Katrina includes October 1,
2005-September 30, 2006; Pre-Katrina includes January 1, 2000-September 30,
2005).
Page 1 of 2
Site
220511001
220512001
220518105
220518106
220518107
220710010
220710012
220710017
220718104
220718105
220718106
220718107
220718108
220718109
220718110
220718401
220758400
220759000
220870002
220870004
220878103
220890003
220890004
220890005
220950002
220950003
State
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
LA
Description
West Temple
Patriot Street
Bucktown
Lafreniere Park
Kawk Park
8801 Eagle
Street
Florida/Orleans
Avenue
Tulane Avenue
Palmer Park
Fire Training
Academy
University of
New Orleans
Jackson Square
U.S. Coast
Guard
Fort Pike State
Monument
Venetian Isles
Decatur and
Elysian Fields
Main Street
and Teal Road
Breton
Mehle Avenue
Nunez Street
Arabi
River Park
Drive
Amelia Street
River Road
Azalea and S.
Apricot
LaPlace
Criteria
Post-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pre-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Metal
Post-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pre-
Katrina
X
X
PAH
Post-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pre-
Katrina
VOC
Post-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pre-
Katrina
2-12
-------
Table 2-5. Site AQS codes, names, states, and descriptions of measurement types
made at each site. Sites with measurements are marked with an X; those without
measurements are indicated by a blank space. (October 1, 2005-September 30,
2006; Pre-Katrina includes January 1, 2000-September 30, 2005).
Page 2 of 2
Site
221038101
221038400
221038401
280450001
280450002
280450003
280458104
280458105
280458108
280458201
280470007
280470008
280470009
280478101
280478102
280478103
280478107
280590006
280590007
State
LA
LA
LA
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
MS
Description
Fritchie Park
Engineer Road
and S. Range
Road
Rerrace
Avenue
Port Bienville
Industrial Park
Stennis Airport
400 Baltic St
Lakeshore Dr
and Lower Bay
Rd
16148 Fire
Dept Road
Central
Avenue and
Coleman
Avenue
Stennis Space
Center
Helen Richards
Drive
47 Maple
Street
20121 W.
Wortham Road
Klondyke
Road
Dedeaux Road
Woolmarket
Road
West North
Street and
Pirate Cove
County Health
Department
Highway 57
Vancleave
Criteria
Post-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pre-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Metal
Post-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pre-
Katrina
X
PAH
Post-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
Pre-
Katrina
VOC
Post-
Katrina
X
X
X
X
X
Pre-
Katrina
X
X
2-13
-------
2.2 TREATMENT OF DATA BELOW DETECTION
The method detection limit (MDL) is provided with the data used in this assessment. The
MDL is used to determine the lowest concentration at which a substance is detected or is
"present" in a sample. It is EPA policy to report concentrations at or below the MDL and above
the instrument's detection limit (the lowest measurement distinguishable from instrument noise)
with an appropriate quality control (QC) flag.
Data below MDL may still be useful for assessing trends in data over time and for
determining that concentrations were below screening levels. Concentrations reported below the
MDL were used for all analyses in this report, with the notable exception of the comparisons of
ranges of concentrations shown in figures in Section 3.2. Because of the wide range of
concentrations, some graphics in this report are based on a logarithmic scale; therefore, reported
concentrations of zero were replaced with the lowest reported MDL value.
2.3 DATA REDUCTION APPROACH
Data that collected at sub-daily resolution (e.g., 1-hr or 3-hr samples) were used to derive
daily metrics suitable for comparison to screening levels such as daily averages and
8-hr maximum values. These pollutants include NC>2, SC>2, ozone, and PM2.5 (continuous
monitors). To create daily averages from sub-daily values, we required 75% diurnal
completeness. This requirement ensured adequate diurnal coverage and sample period coverage.
For example, to calculate the daily average concentration value for a given day, a minimum of
18 samples for the day were required. To calculate the 8-hr maximum concentration for a given
day, a minimum of 18 samples for the day and at least six of eight consecutive hours were
required.
2.4 COMPARING CONCENTRATIONS PRE- AND POST-KATRINA
Concentration ranges (5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentile) for all pollutants measured
in the New Orleans and Gulfport/Pascagoula areas as defined by core-based statistical area
(CBSA or metropolitan area) post-Katrina (October 2005 through September 2006) were
compared to concentration ranges from the same metropolitan area for January 2000-
September 2005. For pollutants with insufficient measurements in the same area in previous
years, concentration ranges were compared to data collected in the same state. The mean
concentrations of post-Katrina data were also compared to mean concentrations of pre-Katrina
data, with significant differences determined using the two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS)-
test. The KS-test is a non-parametric alternative to a traditional /-test applied when data are not
normally distributed and when sample size is small (n<100). For pollutants with larger sample
sizes (e.g., ozone, PM), a traditional /-test was used. The results of both the KS-test and the /-test
indicate the probability that the difference in sample means is meaningful.
2-14
-------
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section discusses some of the major analyses performed, and the key results found,
for pollutants measured in the Katrina-affected areas. First, we present analyses of those
pollutants whose concentrations exceeded screening levels described earlier. These analyses
include examining the frequency with which concentrations exceeded screening levels pre- and
post-Katrina, examining site-specific time series analyses of pollutant concentrations, and
comparing concentration ranges of these species pre- and post-Katrina. Then, we compared
concentrations pre- and post-Katrina for pollutants that did not go above screening levels.
3.1 POLLUTANTS WITH MEASUREMENTS ABOVE SCREENING LEVELS
All pollutants measured were compared to screening levels developed by EPA.
Pollutants for which there was at least one measurement above the screening level are listed in
Table 3-1. Only 7 of the more than 80 pollutants examined had concentrations greater than
screening levels. Of note, the samples of PIVb.s mass and nickel (TSP) were above the screening
level in New Orleans at two sites on the same day, which may be indicative of an event with a
relatively large spatial extent, but low temporal frequency.
Table 3-1. Number of individual samples that were above screening levels in the
affected areas (multiple monitors and days).
Pollutant
Acetonitrile
Acrolein
Acrolein
Acrolein
Formaldehyde
Manganese
(TSP)
Nickel (TSP)
PM10
PM2.5
PM2.5
City
Gulfport-
Biloxi
Gulfport-
Biloxi
New Orleans
Pascagoula
Pascagoula
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans
Gulfport-
Biloxi
New Orleans
No.
of
Sites
1
2
1
1
1
2
4
1
2
4
Post-Katrina
No. of
Samples
Above
Screening
Level
1
164
70
67
6
2
6
1
8
7
Total
Samples
246
246
99
101
112
1150
1148
1126
1416
1770
Percent of
Samples
Above
Screening
Level
<1
67
71
66
5
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
Pre-Katrina
No. of
Samples
Above
Screening
Level
0
Total
Samples
97
Percent of
Samples
Above
Screening
Level
0
Not Measured
1
110
0.91
Not Measured
0
13
18
1333
3737
7245
0
0.35
0.25
3-1
-------
3.1.1 Time Series and Case Studies
Acrolein is the only pollutant that regularly exceeded screening levels (0.09 ug/m3) in
both Mississippi and Louisiana. Further evaluation showed that concentrations measured post-
Katrina are similar to concentrations observed elsewhere in the United States and were not
necessarily caused by Katrina or recovery-related emissions. Figure 3-1 shows the
concentration ranges of acrolein during the first year post-Katrina by EPA region and for the
New Orleans and Gulfport/Pascagoula areas. Although the New Orleans and
Gulfport/Pascagoula areas showed higher median concentrations than some regions, their
concentrations are very similar to those in EPA Regions 4 and 6, regions that encompass these
areas. The detection limit for acrolein varied by sample and was not always below the screening
level. When the detection limit is greater than the screening level, and the sample concentration
is reported below the detection level, it is not possible to determine with confidence whether the
sample concentration is above or below the screening level. The detection limit was above the
screening level for about 50% of samples collected in each region. An additional analysis of
acrolein concentrations from the first quarter post-Katrina is discussed in Appendix A.
Acrolein concentration ranges during the first year after Katrina
(10/1/05 - 9/30/06, canister samples only)
Region 2
Region 4*
Region 5
Region 6*
Region 7
Region 8
New Orleans, LA
Gulf Coast, MS
5% - 95%
25% - 75%
Median
Screening Level
Median Detection Limit
'Excluding New Orleans
and Gulf Coast areas 0
Concentration
Figure 3-1. Acrolein concentration ranges by EPA region and for the New
Orleans and Gulfport/Pascagoula areas post-Katrina. Note comparable data from
Regions 1,3, and 9 were not available.
3-2
-------
EPA national-scale modeling work has separately identified acrolein as a pollutant
needing attention nationally (see ).
Formaldehyde concentrations were above the screening level on six days sampled post-
Katrina at one monitoring site in the Pascagoula, Mississippi, area. This rate is noticeably higher
than the previous rate of values above the screening level in this area (i.e., one sample above the
screening level out of 110 samples). Daily concentrations of formaldehyde measured in
Mississippi post-Katrina are shown in Figure 3-2. Concentrations of formaldehyde at the
Pascagoula, Mississippi, site (Health Department on Hospital Road across from a Katrina
recovery staging area) exceeded the screening level early in the post-Katrina monitoring period
in October and November 2005. These high concentrations appear to be important only on a
local scale, since the concentrations in Gulfport and New Orleans were not high during these
months. Concentrations at the Pascagoula, Mississippi, site then dropped to levels below the
screening level, although they were still typically higher than those in Gulfport or New Orleans.
Formaldehyde is typically emitted from incomplete combustion processes or from photo-
oxidation of other hydrocarbons. However, concentrations of other VOCs that form
formaldehyde were not high enough to account for the high formaldehyde values. It is more
likely that the formaldehyde concentrations were a result of direct emissions from some nearby
source. Formaldehyde is also emitted from medical laboratories and mortuaries and found in
products such as particle board, glue, paper product coatings, and plywood.
300
250 -
E 200
ฃ 150 -
0)
^
TO
E 100
o
50 -
A County Health Department
Maple Street
Stennis Space Center
Screening Level
Figure 3-2. Time series of formaldehyde concentrations (ug/m3) in Gulfport (red
squares, Maple Street; blue diamonds, Stennis Space Center) and Pascagoula,
Mississippi (green triangles, County Health Department), post-Katrina.
3-3
-------
A single sample of acetonitrile collected at the Gulfport site was higher than the
screening level of 600 |ug/m3. In comparison, no samples were above the screening level in
Mississippi for 2000-2005 (491 samples). The single sample was significantly higher than
typical concentrations in the same area (e.g., 2,031 ug/m3 compared to a median concentration
for the area of 3 ug/m3). However, six acetonitrile samples were greater than 200 ug/m3 in the
Gulfport-Biloxi area in fourth quarter 2005, and all sites in Mississippi (including Tupelo)
reported acetonitrile concentrations higher than 100 ug/m3 both pre- and post-Katrina. These
high acetonitrile concentrations may be due to sampling error introduced by the collection
method. Acetonitrile is used to clean dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) cartridges which are often
attached to the same sampling manifold as canisters used to sample ambient air. If
concentrations were real and not a sampling artifact, possible acetonitrile emissions sources
include mobile sources, chemical solvents, petrochemical industry, and thermal decomposition
of foam products.
PM2.5 exceeded the screening level seven days post-Katrina in the New Orleans area and
eight days in the Gulfport/Pascagoula area. PMio exceeded the screening level on one day in
New Orleans post-Katrina. The frequency of PM2.s mass exceedances was lower than the
frequency of exceedances observed in Louisiana and Mississippi pre-Katrina on a percentage
basis. On the other hand, PMio mass had not exceeded the screening level in other areas of
Louisiana in the previous five years. Concentrations of PMio that exceeded the screening level at
the Florida/Orleans Avenue site were higher than those at other sites in the New Orleans area
(Figure 3-3). It is possible that concentrations were higher at this site due to the collection or
grinding of debris at early collection sites in the vicinity (Figure 3-4). The high PMio
concentration was isolated spatially and is likely due to local emissions, which appeared to have
little influence on other areas of New Orleans.
Concentrations of nickel (TSP) were above the screening level at the West Temple,
LaFreniere, Fire Training Academy (two different POCs) and Nunez Street sites on five days.
Figure 3-5 shows concentrations of nickel (TSP) at these sites in New Orleans. All sites
measured concentrations of nickel (TSP) that were typically below the MDL (and reported as
zeroes), with the exception of a few events. On these days, concentrations were above both the
MDL and the screening level. However, at the same sites, nickel PM2.5 concentrations were
more than two orders of magnitude lower in concentration on the same day, and were far below
the screening level. All nickel PM2.5 concentrations were below 0.01 ug/m3, except one sample
at Fire Training Academy (0.0684 on December 9, 2005). It is unclear what caused nickel (TSP)
concentrations to be significantly higher at these sites without impacting nickel PM2.5
concentrations at the same time.
3-4
-------
160
140
120
60 -
40 -
20 -
0
oฃ> r&
West Temple
A Florida/Orleans Ave
+ Bucktown
Lareniere Park
x Nunez Street
Arabi
Screening Level
?
*i :| J_ ฃ
d5"
Figure 3-3. Time series of PMio mass concentrations measured at sites in New Orleans.
The highest concentrations were at the Florida/Orleans Avenue site in central New
Orleans. Only sites with more than 75 samples are shown.
New Orleans - Debris sites (old = small red with
numbers, new = yellow). Blue circle indicates
location of monitoring site with high PM10
Figure 3-4. Debris collection sites approved in New Orleans (February 2006). These
sites were all approved for grinding/burning/landfill activities, but not all of them were
actually in use (map from Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality,
).
3-5
-------
*r
ฃ
0.
CO
"3
_o
u.a
0.8 -
0.7 -
0.6
0.5 -
0.4 -
0.3 -
0.1 -
d5"*
'
West Temple
4 Lafreniere Park
A Fire Training Academy
x Nunez Street
Screening Level
A
^ A
A
c/ /* ^ /* ^ ^ /^ /^ ^
Figure 3-5. Time series of nickel (TSP) concentrations (|ug/m ) at selected sites.
Most nickel (TSP) measurements were below MDL and were reported as zeroes.
Manganese (TSP) exceeded the screening level at two sites on separate dates
(Figure 3-6). At Kawk Park, manganese (TSP) was not detected on any other days. No
manganese (PM2.s) measurements were available from either site.
o
E
O)
0_
u-
0)
U)
0)
c
re
O)
re
i
0.9 -
0.8 -
0.7 -
0.6 -
OC
0.4 -
0.3 -
0.2 -
0.1 -
n ^
I
m
Kawk Park
Mehle Avenue
Screening Level
|
l
m m |
|
Figure 3-6. Time series of manganese (TSP) concentrations (|u,g/m ) at selected sites.
3-6
-------
3.1.2 Comparing Concentration Ranges Pre- and Post-Katrina
Table 3-2 lists comparisons of concentrations for data collected in the Gulf Coast area
before and after Katrina. These tables indicate whether post-Katrina concentrations were higher,
lower, or the same (i.e., indistinguishable) compared to pre-Katrina concentrations in the same
area (or from the whole state if data from the same area were not available). Comparisons show
whether mean concentrations (statistically significant at 95% level) and distributions of
concentrations (qualitative) pre- and post-Katrina increased, decreased, or were equal or similar
in the same area. Note that at least one sample of manganese (TSP), nickel (TSP) and acrolein
was above the screening level in New Orleans, and at least 1 sample of acrolein was above the
screening level in Gulfport/Pascagoula; however, a sufficient number of pre-Katrina samples of
these species were not available for this comparison. When compared to data from the same area
pre-Katrina, some differences were observed in the ranges of concentrations of criteria pollutants
for both the Gulfport/Pascagoula and New Orleans areas. For example, PMio and PM2.5
concentrations in New Orleans were significantly higher post-Katrina.
Average concentrations of formaldehyde and acetonitrile were significantly higher than
those previously monitored in Mississippi. As mentioned previously, acrolein was compared to
concentrations at National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS) during the same time period.
Table 3-2. Comparison of pollutant concentrations pre- and post-Katrina by /-test
or KS-test and distribution for each pollutant with at least one sample with
concentrations above screening levels. Orange = higher after the storm than
before; no shading = similar; blank cell = no data or no comparison made.
Pollutant
Formaldehyde
Acetonitrile
PMio
PM2.5
PM2.5
Area
Gulfport/Pascagoula
Gulfport/Pascagoula
New Orleans
New Orleans
Gulfport/Pascagoula
Type
voc
voc
Criteria
Criteria
PM2.5
Same Area
KS/f-test
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Distribution
Higher
Similar
Higher
Higher
Higher
3-7
-------
3.2 EXAMINING POLLUTANTS WITH NO CONCENTRATIONS ABOVE
SCREENING LEVELS
Temporal and spatial trends in concentrations may provide insight into changes in
emissions in the New Orleans and Gulfport/Pascagoula areas post-Katrina. This section shows
interesting time series of concentrations in the affected areas, shows comparisons of
concentrations pre- and post-Katrina, and investigates pollutants with significant portions of data
reported below MDLs.
3.2.1 Comparisons of Concentrations Before and After Katrina
Tables 3-3 and 3-4 provide a list of the comparisons in concentrations for data collected
in the Gulf Coast area before and after Katrina. These tables indicate whether post-Katrina
concentrations were higher, lower, or the same (i.e., indistinguishable) as pre-Katrina
concentrations in the same area (or from the whole state if data from the same area were not
available). Post-Katrina monitoring data include all available data from October 2005 through
September 2006. Pre-Katrina monitoring data include all available data from January 2000 to
September 2005. The data were not adjusted for meteorology, which can significantly impact
some species (particularly secondary species). Therefore, changes in concentrations may be due
to changes in meteorological conditions rather than changes in emissions. Species were selected
based on the availability of comparable pollutants pre-Katrina in the affected areas or same state.
In addition, more than 25% of measurements post-Katrina had to be above the MDL for purposes
of the comparison. Some differences were observed in the ranges of concentrations of criteria
pollutants for both the Gulfport/Pascagoula area and the New Orleans area, pre- and post-
Katrina.
3-8
-------
Table 3-3. Comparison of pollutant concentrations pre- and post-Katrina by /-test
or KS-test and distribution for Gulfport/Pascagoula areas. Comparisons show
whether mean concentrations (statistically significant at 95% level) and
distributions of concentrations (qualitative) pre- and post-Katrina were higher,
lower, or equal or similar in either Gulfport/Pascagoula or all of Mississippi.
Green = lower after the storm than before; orange = higher after the storm than
before; no shading = similar; blank = no data or no comparison.
Pollutant
Ozone 1-hrmax
Ozone 8-hr max
PM2.5
Nitrogen Dioxide
Sulfur Dioxide
Arsenic (PM2.5)a
Lead (PM2.5)
Antimony (PM2.5) a
Cadmium (PM2.5) a
Chromium (PM2.5) a
Manganese (PM2.5) a
Nickel (PM2.5)a
Selenium (PM2.5) a
Acrolein
Benzene
m-&p-Xylene
o-Xylene
Toluene
Acetaldehyde
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chloroform
Dichloromethane
Formaldehyde
1 ,4-Dichlorobenzene
2,2,4-Trimethylpentane
Acetone
Acetonitrile
Chloromethane
Ethylbenzene
Methyl Chloroform
N-Hexane
Propionaldehyde
Propylene
Styrene
Type
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
KS/f-test
Higher
Equal
Higher
Higher
Lower
Lower
Higher
Lower
Lower
Lower
Lower
Lower
Lower
Equal
Lower
Lower
Lower
Lower
Higher
Higher
Higher
Lower
Higher
Higher
Lower
Higher
Higher
Higher
Lower
Higher
Equal
Higher
Lower
Higher
Distribution
Similar
Similar
Higher
Higher
Lower
Lower
Higher
Lower
Similar
Similar
Lower
Lower
Lower
Similar
Lower
Lower
Lower
Lower
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Similar
Lower
Higher
Similar
Higher
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
Possibly lower due to changes in detection limit
3-9
-------
Table 3-4. Comparison of pollutant concentrations pre- and post-Katrina by /-test
or KS-test and distribution for the New Orleans area. Comparisons show whether
mean concentrations (statistically significant at 95% level) and distributions of
concentrations (qualitative) pre- and post-Katrina were higher, lower, or equal or
similar in New Orleans, all of Louisiana, or similar counties. Green = lower after
the storm than before; orange = higher after the storm than before; no shading =
equal; blank = no data or no comparison.
Pollutant
Ozone - 1-hr
Ozone - 8-hr
PMio
PM2.5
CO
Nitrogen Dioxide
Sulfur Dioxide
Arsenic (PM2.s)
Lead (PM2.5)
Antimony (PM2.s)
Cadmium (PM2.5)
Chromium (PM2.5)
Manganese (PM2.s)
Mercury (PM2.5)
Nickel (PM2.5)
Selenium (PM2.5)
Benzene
M/P-Xylene
Toluene
Acetaldehyde
Dichloromethane
Formaldehyde
2,2,4-
Trimethylpentane
Acetone
Chloroethane
Chloromethane
N-Hexane
Propylene
Type
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
KS//-test;
New Orleans
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Equal
Lower
Higher
Highera
Highera
Highera
Highera
Lowera
Distribution;
New Orleans
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Similar
Lower
Lower
Highera
Highera
Highera
Highera
Lowera
KS//-test;
Louisiana
Higher
Higher
Lower
Lower
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Lower
Lower
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Equal
Equal
Lower
Equal
Equal
Higher
Lower
Distribution;
Louisiana
Higher
Higher
Similar
Similar
Higher
Higher
Higher
Lower
Lower
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Similar
Lower
Similar
Higher
Higher
Lower
Compared to Breton site only
3-10
-------
Figures 3-7 through 3-10 show comparisons of the pre- and post-Katrina concentration
distributions of pollutant types (e.g., VOCs, metals). These plots were used to qualitatively
determine if the concentration distribution for a given pollutant and area had substantially
changed after Katrina. Not all pollutants are shown in these figures.
Criteria Pollutants, New Orleans Area
Before (1/00 - 9/05) and after (9/05-9/06) Katrina
CO (Before Ka) '
CO (After Ka)
S02 (Before Ka)
S02 (After Ka)
NO2 (Before Ka)
NO2 (After Ka)
O3 (Before Ka)
03 (After Ka)
PM10* (Before Ka)
PM10* (After Ka)
PM2.5' (Before Ka)
PM2.5* (After Ka)
J
n~Ti
i : i 1
i i
r i
i
_li.
1 ' T f : i ' IT
| | | 5-95% Pre-Ka
I | 5-95% Post-Ka
[_ J 25-75% Pre-Ka
| | 25-75% Post-Ka
* 1 Median Pre-Ka
^ Median Post-Ka
1
1
1
I *
JJ-
*
TT" i ! T H ilMMJ
0.1
1 10
Concentration (ppb or
100
1000
Figure 3-7. Comparison of before (wide bars) and after (narrow bars) Katrina
concentration ranges of selected criteria pollutants in the New Orleans area.
Levels of the NAAQS are shown as red asterisks. Note that this plot shows
concentrations on a log scale.
3-11
-------
Criteria Pollutants, Gulf Coast, MS Area
Before (1/00 - 9/05) and after (9/05-9/06) Katrina
SO2 {Before Ka)
SO2 (After Ka)
NO2 (Before Ka)
NO2 (After Ka)
O3 (Before Ka)
O3 (After Ka)
PM2.5* (Before Ka)
PM2.5* (After Ka)
0.1
1 10
Concentration (ppb or *(
100
I [ 5-95% Pre-Ka
| | 5-95% Post-Ka
[311] 25-75% Pre-Ka
["''') 25-75% Post-Ka
I Median Pre-Ka
Median Post-Ka
$ 24-hr NAAQS
1000
Figure 3-8. Comparison of before (wide bars) and after (narrow bars) Katrina
concentration ranges of some criteria pollutants in the Gulfport/Pascagoula area.
Levels of the NAAQS are shown as red asterisks. Note that this plot shows
concentrations on a log scale.
3-12
-------
PM2 5 Metals, Gulf Coast, MS Area
Before {1/00 - 9/05) and after (9/05-9/06) Katrina
Ar (Before Ka)
Ar (After Ka)
Pb (Before Ka)
Pb (Ater Ka)
Sb (Before Ka) -
Sb (After Ka)
Be (Before Ka)
Be (After Ka)
Cd (Before Ka)
Cd (After Ka)
Cr (Before Ka)
Cr (After Ka)
Co (Before Ka)
Co (After Ka)
Mn (Before Ka)
Mn (After Ka)
Hg (Before Ka)
Hg (After Ka)
Ni (Before Ka)
Ni (After Ka)
Se (Before Ka)
Se (After Ka)
HD
i 11 *
CD
i i i i ป
ZZTCD1^ I
l^ .
11 * , i c ,
1 1 ป 1 1 5-<
r r~i ป i j 25
| ' * :l 125
EED ป i i M<
I 1 i ME
_jp * i * sc
EE
cm *
1
iii ซ
zt
1 II ป
zff I
[III [III 1 1 1 illll I 1 1 1 IIKj [ ! Ml 1 1 1 1 MM 1 1 1 HIM INI IIII 1 1 1 Hill
5-95% Pre-Ka
5-95% Post-Ka
25-75% Pre-Ka
25-75% Post-Ka
Median Pre-Ka
Median Post-Ka
Screening Level
1E-006 1E-005 0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1
Concentration (pg/m3)
10
100
Figure 3-9. Comparison of before (wide bars) and after (narrow bars) Katrina
concentration ranges of selected PIVb.s metals in the Gulfport/Pascagoula area.
Screening levels are shown as red asterisks. Note that this plot shows
concentrations on a log scale. Also note that concentration values reported below
the detection limit (as zeroes) were replaced with MDL values, which is often the
lower bound for both the 5th, 25th, and median concentrations.
3-13
-------
VOCs (Tier 1 and 2), Gulf Coast, MS Area
Before (1/00 - 9/05) and after (9/05-9/06) Katrrna
Benzene (Before Ka) ;
Benzene (After Ka) |
M/P-Xylene (Before Ka)
IWP-Xyiene (After Ka) j
O-Xylene (Before Ka) I
0-Xylene (After Ka} \
Toluene (Before Ka)
Toluene (After Ka)
1 ,3-Butadiene (Before Ka)
1 ,3-Butadiene (After Ka)
nr
i i
n_
Acetaldehyde (Before Ka)
Acetaldehyde (After Ka)
Carbon Tetrachloride (Before Ka)
Carbon Tetrachloride (After Ka)
Diehloromethane (Before Ka)
Dichloromethane (After Ka)
Formaldehyde (Before Ka)
Formaldehyde (After Ka)
E_L
i_U I
rrn
31
0.01
0.1
1 10 100
Concentration (pg/m3)
1000
| J 5-95% Pre-Ka
| | 5-95% Post-Ka
; J 25-75% Pre-Ka
I I 25-75% Post-Ka
# Screening Level
Median Post-Ka
| Median Pre-Ka
10000
Figure 3-10. Comparison of before (wide bars) and after (narrow bars) Katrina
concentration ranges of selected VOCs in the Gulfport/Pascagoula area.
Screening levels are shown as red asterisks. Note that this plot shows
concentrations on a log scale. Also note that concentration values reported below
the detection limit (as zeroes) were replaced with MDL values, which is often the
lower bound for both the 5th, 25th, and median concentrations.
In New Orleans, the following observations of concentrations before and after Katrina
were made:
The mean concentrations of PMi0 and PM2 5 mass increased relative to those in previous
years. Increased concentrations of PMio and PM2 5 mass could be a result of enhanced
fugitive dust emissions caused by construction and demolition equipment. Additional
analysis of the composition of PMio and PM2 5 at some sites could be performed to
determine how the individual components of PM have changed over time and to better
understand possible sources. Figure 3-11 shows trends in PMio and PM2 5 in New
Orleans.
Average concentrations of several VOCs, including acetaldehyde, m-&p-xylene, toluene,
dichloromethane, and n-hexane were statistically significantly higher post-Katrina.
Average concentrations of most PM2 5 metals, including arsenic PM2 5, lead PM2 5,
chromium PM2 5, mercury PM2 5 and nickel PM2 5 were statistically significantly higher
post-Katrina.
NO2 showed statistically significant decreases in average concentration post-Katrina.
Decreased concentrations of NO2 could be a result of reduced vehicle traffic.
3-14
-------
(a)
(b)
(c)
160
120
O)
3 80
40
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
End Year
(d)
60 r
,E
"ra
40-
fl 20-
2001 20022003200420052006
End Year
160
120
co~
O)
3: 80
40
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
End Year
(e)
50
40
co~
-i 30
01
H.
LO
g 20
o.
10
0
(g)
60
40
20
2001 20022003200420052006
End Year
2001 20022003200420052006
End Year
200
150
co~
O)
3: 100
50
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
End Year
(f)
50
40
co~
-i 30
D)
H.
LO
g 20
o.
10
2001 20022003200420052006
End Year
Figure 3-11. Trends in measured concentrations of PMio or PIVb.s at (a) Eagle
Street, (b) River Road, (c) Florida/Orleans Avenue, (d) Eagle Street, (e) West
Temple, (f) Patriot Street, and (g) Nunez Street. Blue lines show the daily
average NAAQS for PMio (150 (ag/m3) and PM2.5 (35 (ag/m3). Each box
represents 12 months of data ending September 30 of the year shown; for
example, the first notched box in each plot represents data from October 1, 2000-
September 30, 2001. Note that the NAAQS are not based on a single exceedance.
3-15
-------
The following observations were made about concentrations reported at sites in the
Gulfport/Pascagoula area:
The concentrations of NC>2, PIVb.s mass, and ozone 1-hr maximum were higher post-
Katrina than in previous years. The increases in NC>2 may be explained by an increase in
diesel vehicle emissions related to cleanup and construction activities.
Concentrations of lead were higher after Katrina. Lead is usually emitted from metal
industries (e.g., lead smeltering). More information about industrial activity in the New
Orleans area should be investigated to explore the higher lead concentrations.
Several carbonyl compound concentrations were higher post-Katrina, including
acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.
Concentrations of carbon tetrachloride were higher, but the increase may actually be due
to issues of reporting previous measurements. Carbon tetrachloride concentrations were
largely dominated by background concentrations (McCarthy et al., 2006). 3 Remote
background concentrations of carbon tetrachloride did not dip below 0.5 |ug/m3 from
2000 through 2005, but concentrations were often reported as zero |ug/m3, (i.e., no
concentration was detected). These concentrations appear to be a result of an MDL too
high to accurately measure carbon tetrachloride.
Concentrations of PM2.5 metals decreased on average. However, this apparent decrease is
likely due to the lower detection limits post-Katrina.
3.2.2 Comparisons to Other Sites Within the State
Concentrations of non-criteria pollutants were not measured in the New Orleans area
from 2000 through 2005; therefore, post-Katrina data were compared to concentrations measured
elsewhere in Louisiana (mostly Baton Rouge, see Figures 3-12 and 3-13). While concentrations
may have increased or decreased relative to those in other areas, these comparisons should only
be considered a qualitative assessment of relative concentrations due to possible spatial
differences of emissions and ambient concentrations. Concentration ranges were relatively
similar for New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana; most concentrations were within about a
factor of two.
Detection limits for metals were lower in fourth quarter 2005 than previously reported at
Mississippi sites. For pollutants that were generally at or below detection, direct comparison was
not available.
McCarthy M.C., Hafner H.R., and Montzka S. A. (2006) Background concentrations of 18 air toxics for North
America. J. Air & Waste Manage. Assoc. 56, 3-11 (STI-903550-2589).
3-16
-------
PM;, Metals, New Orleans Area
Statewide data before Katrina (1/00 9/05) compared to New Orleans data after Katrina (9/05-9/06)
Ar (Before Ka)
Ar (After Ka) -
Pb (Before Ka)
Pb (After Ka) -
Sb (Before Ka)
Sb (After Ka)
Cd (Before Ka) -
Cd (After Ka) -
Cr (Before Ka) -
Cr (After Ka)
Co (Before Ka)
Co (After Ka)
Mn (Before Ka) -
Mn (After Ka)
Hg (Before Ka)
Hg (After Ka) -
Ni (Before Ka) -
Ni (After Ka)
Se (Before Ka)
Se (After Ka)
1E-
I 1 1
5 I I 5-95% Pre-Ka
! ' | | 5-95% Post-Ka
|| I { * [ J 25-75% Pre-Ka
| | Median Pre-Ka
| | * Median Post-Ka
1 1 9 # Screening Level
I ..-{-. 1 1 *
c
1 HI 1
CH ซ
\ \ *
\ 1:11 ป
1 L
1 ! ^1 1
__!_
L. ...-..:... 1 1 ป
i i 1 1 mil i i i > i nil i M 1 1 mi i i 1 1 1 mi i MI mil i ii i mil i i 1 1 1 mi
DOS 0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Concentration (
Figure 3-12. Comparison of before (wide bars) and after (narrow bars) Katrina
concentration ranges of selected PM2.s metals in New Orleans. Screening levels
are shown as red asterisks. Note that this plot shows concentrations on a log
scale. Also note that concentration values reported below the detection limit (as
zeroes) were replaced with MDL values, which is often the lower bound for both
-th
-th
the 5 , 25 , and median concentrations.
3-17
-------
VOCs (Tier 1 and 2), New Orleans Area
Statewide data before Katrina (1/00 9/05) compared to New Orleans data after Katrina (9/05-9/06)
Benzene (Before Ka)
Benzene (After Ka)
M/P-Xylene (Before Ka)
M/P-Xylene (After Ka)
0-Xylene (Before Ka)
O-Xytene (After Ka)
Toluene (Before Ka)
Toluene (After Ka)
1,3-Biitadiene (Before Ka)
1,3-Butadiene (After Ka)
Formaldehyde (Before Ka)
Formaldehyde (After Ka)
Vinyl Chloride (Before Ka)
Vinyl Chloride (After Ka) -
Acetaldehyde (Before Ka)
Acetaldehyde (After Ka)
Carbon Tetrachloride (Before Ka)
Carbon Tetrachloride (After Ka)
Chloroform (Before Ka)
Chloroform (After Ka)
Dichloromelhane (Before Ka)
Dichloromethane (After Ka)
0.01
*
*
J L
II
1111
*
*
*
*
10
Concentration
T I I I I MM
100
1000
5-95% Pre-Ka
5-85% Post-Ka
25-75% Pre-Ka
25-75% Post-Ka
Median Pre-Ka
Median Post-Ka
Screening Level
10000
Figure 3-13. Comparison of before (wide bars) and after (narrow bars) Katrina
concentration ranges of selected VOCs in New Orleans. Screening levels are
shown as red asterisks. Note that this plot shows concentrations on a log scale.
Also note that concentration values reported below the detection limit (as zeroes)
were replaced with MDL values, which is often the lower bound for both the 5th,
25th, and median concentrations.
3-18
-------
4. CONCLUSIONS
Air quality in the New Orleans and Gulfport/Pascagoula areas was examined for the first
year after Hurricane Katrina to determine if the flooding and cleanup efforts in these areas had an
impact on air quality. Multiple sites sampled for criteria pollutants, metals, VOCs, and PAHs,
including several sites established immediately after Hurricane Katrina. Concentrations of these
pollutants were first compared to screening levels (established by EPA). Screening levels were
designed to provide longer-term (months to a year) exposure levels that would not be associated
with appreciable risk of effects. Accordingly, individual sample results greater than the
screening levels do not imply an immediate health threat. Only 7 pollutants, out of over 80
pollutants measured, had at least one sample with concentrations above the screening level in
one or both of the areas of interest. Acrolein was the only pollutant to regularly exceed the
screening level; however, concentrations of acrolein in the Katrina-affected areas were similar to
concentrations seen throughout the region and do not appear to be driven by Katrina-related
activities. Formaldehyde concentrations exceeded the screening level 6 times (5 percent of all
samples) at one site in what appears an isolated event. The other pollutants that exceeded the
screening levelacetonitrile, PMio mass, PIVb.s mass, manganese (TSP), and nickel (TSP)did
so in less than 1 percent of samples.
Only a few sites in each area measured these pollutants before Katrina. When available,
these measurements were compared to samples collected after Katrina. In the
Gulfport/Pascagoula area, PM2.5 mass, NO2, and ozone concentrations were all higher after
Katrina (compared to data collected in the same area from January 2000-September 2005),
which could reflect an increase in construction and demolition activities in the area. In New
Orleans, NO2 concentrations were lower after Katrina than previously measured, possibly due to
decreased mobile source emissions in the area. As in the Gulfport/Pascagoula area, the higher
PM2.5 and PMio mass concentrations in New Orleans after Katrina could also reflect demolition
activity in the area.
4-1
-------
-------
APPENDIX A
KATRINA SPECIAL STUDIES
A.1 PERCENT OF DATA BELOW DETECTION LIMITS
Tables A-l and A-2 detail the counts of pollutants and the percent of data reported
below detection limits by quarter. Many pollutants were below detection limits a large percent
of the time and are highlighted with increasingly warmer colors (yellow, orange, red).
Many of the data reported post-Katrina were composed of concentrations below the MDL
for a given chemical species. Analyzing the percent of data reported below detection (usually as
zeroes) for some pollutants provides nearly as much information about changes in concentration
as analyzing the concentrations above detection. We compared the percent of data reported
below detection for each post-Katrina period to assess whether concentrations had changed
significantly for some species with large percents of data below detection.
Table A-1. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for New
Orleans area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25% and <50%.
Page 1 of 5
Pollutant
Ozone
PM10
PM2.5
Carbon Monoxide
Nitrogen Dioxide
Sulfur Dioxide
Arsenic (PM2.5)
Arsenic (TSP)
Arsenic PM10
Lead (PM2.5)
Lead (TSP)
LeadPMlO
Antimony (PM2.5)
Antimony (TSP)
Antimony PMio
Beryllium (PM2.5)
Beryllium PM10
Type
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Percent Below
Detection in
New Orleans
Post-Katrina
5
0
0
25
2
52
44
98
42
2
100
3
54
100
42
100
100
Percent
Below
Detection in
New Orleans
2000-2005
7
0
0
28
6
34
41
5
18
Percent
Below
Detection in
Louisiana
2000-2005
6
0
0
29
9
38
35
13
18
86
A-l
-------
Table A-1. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for New
Orleans area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25% and <50%.
Page 2 of 5
Pollutant
Cadmium (PM2.5)
Cadmium (TSP)
Cadmium PMio
Chromium (PM2.5)
Chromium (TSP)
Chromium PMio
Chromium Vi (TSP)
Cobalt (PM2.S)
Cobalt (TSP)
Cobalt PM10
Manganese (PM2.5)
Manganese (TSP)
Manganese PMio
Mercury (PM2.5)
Mercury PMio
Nickel (PM2.5)
Nickel (TSP)
Nickel PM10
Selenium (PM2.5)
Selenium (TSP)
Selenium PMio
3 -Methylcholanthrene
7, 1 2-Dimethylbenz[A] Anthracene
Acenaphthene
Acenaphthylene
Anthracene
B enzo [A] Anthracene
Benzo[A]Pyrene
B enzo [B ] Fluoranthene
Benzo[G,H,I]Perylene
Benzo[K]Fluoranthene
Chrysene
Dibenzo [A,H] Anthracene
Fluoranthene
Type
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
Percent Below
Detection in
New Orleans
Post-Katrina
20
100
13
3
95
6
36
81
100
62
8
98
2
95
95
16
99
13
43
95
38
100
100
98
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
99
Percent
Below
Detection in
New Orleans
2000-2005
62
22
9
0
Percent
Below
Detection in
Louisiana
2000-2005
91
61
93
26
81
28
32
A-2
-------
Table A-1. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for New
Orleans area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25% and <50%.
Page 3 of 5
Pollutant
Fluorene
Indeno[l,2,3-Cd]Pyrene
Phenanthrene
Pyrene
Carbazole
Dibenzofuran
Naphthalene
Acrolein
Benzene
M/P-Xylene
O-Xylene
P-Xylene
Toluene
1 , 1 ,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
1 ,2-Dichloropropane
1,3 -Butadiene
Acetaldehyde
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chloroform
Dichloromethane
Formaldehyde
Tetrachloroethylene
Trichloroethylene
Vinyl Chloride
1 , 1 ,2-Trichloroethane
1 , 1 -Dichloroethylene
1 ,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
1 ,4-Dichlorobenzene
2,2,4-Trimethylpentane
2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
2,4-Dinitrophenol
2,4-Dinitrotoluene
Type
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
Percent Below
Detection in
New Orleans
Post-Katrina
98
100
96
99
100
99
97
29
71
15
84
81
43
100
100
76
0
91
79
3
0
97
99
91
100
100
100
95
29
100
100
100
100
Percent
Below
Detection in
New Orleans
2000-2005
Percent
Below
Detection in
Louisiana
2000-2005
1
18
21
1
95
99
40
10
52
81
21
2
89
58
86
97
100
78
72
20
A-3
-------
Table A-1. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for New
Orleans area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25% and <50%.
Page 4 of 5
Pollutant
2-Acetylaminofluorene
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidene
3 ,3 '-Dimehtylbenzidine
4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
4-Nitrophenol
Acetone
Acetonitrile
Acetophenone
Acrylonitrile
Aniline
Benzidine
Benzyl Chloride
Bis (2-Chloroethyl)Ether
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate
Bromoform
Bromomethane
Chlorobenzene
Chlorobenzilate
Chloroethane
Chloromethane
Chloroprene
Cis-l,3-Dichloropropylene
Dimethyl Phthalate
Ethyl Acrylate
Ethylbenzene
Ethylene Dibromide
Ethylene Bichloride
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachlorobutadiene
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Hexachloroethane
Isophorone
Isopropylbenzene
Methyl Chloroform
Type
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
Percent Below
Detection in
New Orleans
Post-Katrina
100
100
100
100
100
0
14
93
94
100
100
100
100
97
100
83
100
100
74
0
95
100
100
100
83
100
94
100
100
100
98
100
100
94
Percent
Below
Detection in
New Orleans
2000-2005
Percent
Below
Detection in
Louisiana
2000-2005
0
91
70
77
92
4
100
21
99
73
82
77
54
A-4
-------
Table A-1. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for New
Orleans area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25% and <50%.
Page 5 of 5
Pollutant
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
Methyl Methacrylate
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
N-Hexane
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
O-Toluidine
Pentachloronitrobenzene
Pentachlorophenol
Propionaldehyde
Propylene
Styrene
Trans- 1 ,2-Dichlororthylene
Trans-l,3-Dichloropropylene
Type
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
Percent Below
Detection in
New Orleans
Post-Katrina
36
97
99
92
6
100
100
100
100
0
0
93
100
100
Percent
Below
Detection in
New Orleans
2000-2005
Percent
Below
Detection in
Louisiana
2000-2005
4
2
36
98
A-5
-------
Table A-2. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for
Gulfport/Pascagoula area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25%
and <50%.
Pollutant
Ozone
PM10
PM2.5
Nitrogen Dioxide
Sulfur Dioxide
Arsenic (PM2.5)
Arsenic PM10
Lead (PM2.5)
Lead PM 10
Antimony (PM2.5)
Antimony PM 1 0
Beryllium (PM2.5)
Cadmium (PM2 5)
Cadmium PM 10
Chromium (PM2 5)
Chromium PM 10
Chromium Vi(TSP)
Cobalt (PM2.5)
Cobalt PM 10
Manganese (PM2.5)
Manganese PM10
Mercury (PM2.5)
Mercury PM 10
Nickel (PM2.5)
Nickel PM 10
Potassium PM10
Selenium (PM2.5)
Selenium PM 10
Sodium PM 10
3 -Methylcholanthrene
7,12-
Dimethylbenz[A]Anthracene
Acenaphthene
Type
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Criteria
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
Metal
PAH
PAH
PAH
Percent
Below
Detection
Post-
Katrina
2
0
0
30
55
50
68
9
10
55
55
100
23
24
8
3
71
82
66
16
7
94
96
39
38
2
57
70
2
100
100
38
Percent Below
Detection in
Gulfport/Pascagoula
2000-2005
4
0
0
50
54
78
80
92
100
93
65
98
62
92
61
91
Percent Below
Detection in
Mississippi
2000-2005
4
0
0
44
56
78
78
92
100
94
68
98
58
92
74
93
Page 1 of4
A-6
-------
Table A-2. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for
Gulfport/Pascagoula area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25%
and <50%.
Pollutant
Acenaphthylene
Anthracene
Benzo [A] Anthracene
Benzo [A]Pyrene
Benzo [B]Fluoranthene
Benzo[G,H,I]Perylene
Benzo [K]Fluoranthene
Chrysene
Dibenzo [A,H] Anthracene
Fluoranthene
Fluorene
Indeno [ 1 ,2,3 -Cd]Pyrene
Phenanthrene
Pyrene
Carbazole
Dibenzofuran
Naphthalene
Acrolein
Benzene
M/P-Xylene
O-Xylene
Toluene
1 , 1 ,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
1 ,2-Dichloropropane
1,3 -Butadiene
Acetaldehyde
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chloroform
Dichloromethane
Formaldehyde
Tetrachloroethylene
Trichloroethylene
Vinyl Chloride
1 , 1 ,2-Trichloroethane
Type
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
PAH
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
VOC
Percent
Below
Detection
Post-
Katrina
64
72
66
93
76
85
80
64
99
36
33
90
31
43
100
43
19
34
0
1
6
0
100
100
79
0
0
71
33
0
84
100
99
100
Percent Below
Detection in
Gulfport/Pascagoula
2000-2005
67
1
2
12
0
100
100
80
0
60
98
79
0
97
99
100
100
Percent Below
Detection in
Mississippi
2000-2005
64
1
3
12
0
100
100
79
0
57
97
72
0
94
99
99
100
Page 2 of4
A-7
-------
Table A-2. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for
Gulfport/Pascagoula area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25%
and <50%.
Pollutant
1 , 1 -Dichloroethylene
1 ,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
1 ,4-Dichlorobenzene
2,2,4-Trimethylpentane
2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
2,4-Dinitrophenol
2,4-Dinitrotoluene
2-Acetylaminofluorene
3 ,3 '-Dichlorobenzidene
3 ,3 '-Dimehtylbenzidine
4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
4-Nitrophenol
Acetone
Acetonitrile
Acetophenone
Acrylonitrile
Aniline
Benzidine
Benzyl Chloride
Bis (2-Chloroethyl)Ether
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate
Bromoform
Bromomethane
Chlorobenzene
Chlorobenzilate
Chloroethane
Chloromethane
Chloroprene
Cis- 1 ,3 -Dichloropropylene
Dimethyl Phthalate
Ethyl Acrylate
Ethylbenzene
Ethylene Dibromide
Type
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
Percent
Below
Detection
Post-
Katrina
100
100
62
62
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
99
100
0
24
46
99
97
100
100
100
44
100
92
99
100
86
0
100
100
99
100
8
100
Percent Below
Detection in
Gulfport/Pascagoula
2000-2005
100
100
89
20
0
53
97
100
100
100
100
100
1
100
100
100
15
100
Percent Below
Detection in
Mississippi
2000-2005
100
100
87
20
0
36
94
100
100
100
100
99
0
100
100
100
17
100
Page 3 of4
A-8
-------
Table A-2. Percent of data below detection post-Katrina (by quarter) for
Gulfport/Pascagoula area. Red > 75% ; orange > 50% and <75%; yellow >25%
and <50%.
Pollutant
Ethylene Bichloride
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachlorobutadiene
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Hexachloroethane
Isophorone
Isopropylbenzene
Methyl Chloroform
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
Methyl Methacrylate
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
N-Hexane
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
O-Toluidine
Pentachloronitrobenzene
Pentachlorophenol
Propionaldehyde
Propylene
Styrene
Trans- 1 ,2-Dichlororthylene
Trans- 1 ,3-Dichloropropylene
Type
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
voc
Percent
Below
Detection
Post-
Katrina
99
100
100
100
99
100
99
24
63
83
99
99
3
100
100
100
99
0
0
36
100
100
Percent Below
Detection in
Gulfport/Pascagoula
2000-2005
96
100
100
98
36
99
100
80
0
11
2
68
100
100
Percent Below
Detection in
Mississippi
2000-2005
98
100
100
98
37
99
100
69
0
14
1
69
100
99
Page 4 of4
A.2 ANALYSIS OF SELECTED EVENTS
Time series plots of concentrations were examined to assess possible trends in ambient
concentrations and to identify "high concentrations" or other abrupt changes in ambient
concentrations for pollutants with concentrations below screening levels. Of particular interest
in this analysis, we examined pollutants for which there was at least one sampled concentration
above the screening level. Overall, most sites exhibited similar concentrations across the New
Orleans, Gulfport, and Pascagoula sites on most days. Concentrations from only a few sites
showed large deviation from typical regional concentrations. This may indicate that changes in
meteorology throughout the area were influencing region-wide concentrations of most pollutants
examined. Changes in meteorology may explain the day-to-day changes in most of these
concentrations. Only those sites displaying significant deviation from other sites are likely to be
heavily influenced by local emissions. Observations and a few example figures are provided in
A-9
-------
the following subsections. These examples comprise individual examinations of the data for the
fourth quarter of 2005 and first half of 2006; some may not show the entire set of available data.
A.2.1 New Orleans Area
A spike in lead concentrations was observed at most sites around December 11, 2005, as
shown in Figure A-l. Individual sites reported concentrations as high as 0.0665 ug/m3.
However, the concentrations are still well below the screening level for lead.
CO
Q>
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
**ป
V
Oct-05
Nov-05
Dec-05
Jan-06
Figure A-l. Time series of daily lead
Orleans, averaged across all sites.
concentrations (|ug/m3) in New
A PAH event during which most PAH concentrations were elevated was observed in
mid-February (for example, Figure A-2). Pollutants that exhibited this pattern included
acenaphthene, pyrene, fiuorene, dibenzofuran, phenol, and chrysene. Although none of the
compounds was measured above the screening level, the concentrations were unusually high and
the cause of such an event may warrant additional investigation. PAHs were measured from
October 1 , 2005-January 1 , 2006 at multiple sites and from January 1 , 2006- August 1 , 2006 at
the West Temple site but the PAHs observed in this event were not detected at any site during
the entire time period. Fingerprint plots of PAH concentrations examined for days during and
before/after this event. Although most of the same pollutants were observed in all plots, some
pollutants are only present during the episode and the ratios of the various pollutants changed
substantially during the event (Figure A-3).
A-10
-------
acenaphthene (pg/m )
o
7
/
C
D
A
ป
q
o
9
ฃ.
"I
1
*
*
Dec-05 Feb-06 Mar-06 May-06 Jul-06 Aug
Figure A-2. Acenaphthene concentrations, in New Orleans, post-Katrina (site:
West Temple). Zeroes indicate data below detection.
1
E
c
.2 0.01 -
I
c
0
n nnnni -
-
I
r
-i
-
1
[
-
I
-
-
-,
-
r
-
r
i
-
i
-
-
_r
1
[
1
III
West Temple, LA
I non-episode
I episode
* 1 o- "-
i
.
i 5 j ป
m, o' *, I
Figure A-3. Fingerprint plot of average PAH concentrations (|ug/m ) on episode
days and non-episode days; first quarter 2006, New Orleans area. Concentrations
of some PAHs were more than three orders of magnitude higher (note log-scale)
during episodes.
A-ll
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Concentrations of multiple aldehyde species increased from December 15, 2005, through
January 26, 2006, at the West Temple site (see example, Figure A-4). Pollutants that exhibited
this pattern included formaldehyde, propionaldehyde, valeraldehyde, hexanaldehyde,
benzaldehyde, and tolualdehyde. Acrolein and acetone did not exhibit the same pattern. Scatter
plots between species included in this event showed a clear difference between "episode days"
and "non-episode days". For example, the slope between acetaldehyde and formaldehyde is less
than 1 on non-event days and almost 4 on event days (see Figure A-5). Some species, such as
hexanaldehyde, showed no correlation with other carbonyls on non-event days but had an R
value at or above 0.9 on event days. It is possible that a distinct common source of aldehydes
near this site impacted concentrations during the six week "episode". However, it is unclear
what source would emit only aldehydes and not emit other hydrocarbons or carbonyls at an
increased rate. All these species concentrations remained below screening levels during the
episode.
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Oct-05 Dec-05 Feb-06 Mar-06 May-06 Jul-06 Aug-06
Figure A-4. Daily average formaldehyde concentrations at the West Temple site
in New Orleans.
A-12
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(a)
(b)
(c)
y-0.742x +0.5S7
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Figure A-5. Acetaldehyde vs. formaldehyde scatter plots: (a) all days sampled in first
quarter 2006; (b) days not during carbonyl episode; (c) days during carbonyl episode
(December 15, 2005-January 26, 2006). Concentrations are in |ug/m3.
Elevated benzene concentrations occurred on several days at various sites in the New
Orleans area. The first event occurred at the Florida/Orleans Avenue site in October 2005, with
concentrations about three to five times the average concentrations for five samples (blue dots,
Figure A-6). There were also elevated concentrations of a few samples at the Nunez and Kawk
Park sites at the end of November/beginning of December 2005 (Nunez = open purple circle,
Kawk Park = grey asterisk, Figure A-6). These concentrations were higher during the first event.
At the end of June 2006, the Kenner/West Temple monitoring site had benzene concentrations
again elevated three to five times the average concentration (red diamonds, Figure A-6). It
should be noted that these concentrations were much lower than their respective screening levels
(in many cases several orders of magnitude lower). Each event was localized, with elevated
concentrations seen only at one site.
A-13
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Figure A-6. Daily benzene concentrations (|ug/m3) in New Orleans. All
concentrations were well below the screening level of 20 |ug/m3.
Several carbonyl compounds displayed an increasing trend beginning around April 2006
in New Orleans (see Figure A-7). This trend is consistent with the expected seasonal variations
in carbonyl compound concentrations. Higher concentrations could also be indicative of a
regional change in background concentrations, as many of these species showed similar trends at
sites in Gulfport/Pascagoula. Unfortunately, past year carbonyl species concentration data are
not available for New Orleans so a comparison to previous seasonal trends cannot be performed.
Again, these concentrations were still well below screening levels.
A-14
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Figure A-7. Daily methyl ethyl ketone concentrations (|ug/m ) at the West
Temple site in New Orleans. The screening level for methyl ethyl ketone is
50,000 ug/m3.
A.2.2 Gulfport/Pascagoula Area
Overall, concentrations at the Gulfport and Pascagoula sites were generally consistent,
despite being 30 miles apart. In addition, most pollutants at these sites exhibited similar
concentration time series with the peak concentration declining over time (e.g., see Figures A-8
and A-9). We suspect this pattern is a function of meteorology or background concentration
changes, rather than daily changes in emissions. The following are significant observations
about individual species:
Formaldehyde concentrations were consistently higher at the Pascagoula County Health
Department site than at the Gulfport site. We believe this spatial pattern is due to
differences in local emissions.
Only one site, Maple Street, reported PM2.s metals in Gulfport/Pascagoula after January
2006. The concentrations reported after January 2006 were much higher than
concentrations reported previously and any site for most PM2.s metals, including
cadmium, chromium, manganese, mercury, and selenium (see Figure A-10 for example).
These concentrations were still well below the screening levels of the species. Other sites
had large increases in the detection limit after January 2006 (and therefore did not have
any detects) or did not continue monitoring PIVb.s metals.
Several spikes in PIVb.s cobalt concentrations in October and late December at both
Mississippi sites were observed. Sources of cobalt include steel and alloy manufacturing.
Major sources are typically automotive repair shops or steel manufacturing.
Elevated PAH concentrations were observed in February at the Mississippi sites, similar
to those seen in New Orleans. PAH concentrations are usually associated with
A-15
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combustion and mobile sources, although the concentrations observed are orders of
magnitude higher than those observed elsewhere in the United States.
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3
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Maple Street
A County Health Department
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Figure A-8. Time series of m-&p-xylene concentrations (ug/m3) at Gulfport (red
squares, Maple Street; blue diamonds, Stennis Space Center) and Pascagoula,
Mississippi (green triangles, County Health Department) post-Katrina. These
concentrations are well below the screening level.
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4
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2.5 -
2
1.5
1 -
0.5 -
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ป Stennis Space Center
Maple Street
A County Health Department
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ?
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Figure A-9. Daily ethylbenzene concentrations (u.g/m3) at sites in Gulfport (red
squares, Maple Street; blue diamonds, Stennis Space Center) and Pascagoula,
A-16
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Mississippi (green triangles, County Health Department) post-Katrina. The
3
screening level for ethylbenzene is 4,000 (J-g/m .
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Figure A-10. Daily mercury PM2.5 concentrations (jag/m3) in Gulfport/
Pascagoula. Note that only the Maple Street site reported concentrations after
January 2006. The screening level for mercury is 3 jag/m3.
A.3 METEOROLOGICAL ANALYSIS
A preliminary analysis was conducted on several meteorological variables, including
temperature, pressure, precipitation, and wind speed to compare pre-Katrina and post-Katrina
meteorology. A significant difference in meteorological variables could increase and/or decrease
pollutant concentrations in the area, masking any concentration changes due to emissions or
other factors. Meteorological values from fourth quarter 2005 were compared to average values
from fourth quarters 2000 through 2004 for the New Orleans and Gulfport/Pascagoula areas
using a Student's /-test. Of the meteorological variables examined, only barometric pressure
showed a statistically significant difference from the typical climatology of the previous five
years in either area.
In Gulfport/Pascagoula, the average temperature and the distribution of temperatures for
fourth quarter 2005 and fourth quarters 2000-2005 were nearly identical (see Table A-3). Wind
speed values for these time periods were also very similar. There was no statistically significant
difference in either temperature or wind speed. The barometric pressure was slightly lower in
fourth quarter 2005, possibly as a result of a large-scale system covering the Southeast. The
difference in pressure did not affect the other meteorological variables and would most likely not
have affected pollutant concentrations.
In the New Orleans area, the average temperature and the distribution of temperatures
were nearly identical in fourth quarter 2005 and fourth quarters 2000-2005 (see Table A-4). The
average wind speed was slightly higher during fourth quarter 2005 (p=0.003), but the median
A-17
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wind speed was the same in fourth quarter 2005 and fourth quarters 2000-2005. As in Gulfport/
Pascagoula, the barometric pressure was slightly lower, but this likely did not affect other
parameters.
Table A-3. Comparison of meteorological variables, Gulfport/Pascagoula area.
Minimum
Maximum
Median
Mean
StDev
Temperature
(ฐC)
2000-2004
-6
32
16
15.6
7.3
2005
-1
32
16
15.7
7.4
Barometric Pressure
(mb)
2000-2004
1001.8
1035.9
1019.6
1019.5
5.4
2005
1004.6
1031.2
1018.3
1018.2
5.5
Precipitation
(inches)
2000-2004
0
1.39
0
0.0
0.1
2005
0
0.96
0.01
0.1
0.2
Wind Speed
(m/s)
2000-2004
0
26
5
5.5
4.4
2005
0
22
5
5.6
4.4
Table A-4. Comparison of meteorological variables, New Orleans area.
Minimum
Maximum
Median
Mean
StDev
Temperature
(ฐC)
2000-2004
-3
32
18
17.2
6.7
2005
2
32
17
17.2
6.8
Barometric Pressure
(mb)
2000-2004
1002.4
1036.6
1019.8
1019.7
5.5
2005
1004.6
1032.5
1018.75
1018.8
5.5
Precipitation
(inches)
2000-2004
0
1.77
0
0.0
0.1
2005
0
0.6
0.01
0.0
0.1
Wind Speed
(m/s)
2000-2004
0
33
7
7.1
4.6
2005
0
27
7
7.4
4.6
A.4 ACROLEIN CONCENTRATIONS, FIRST QUARTER AFTER KATRINA
Concentrations of acrolein measured with the same sampling method elsewhere in the
United States are, on average, somewhat lower than those measured in the Katrina-affected
areas, with the exception of sites in Austin, Texas (all Texas sites are located in Austin, see
Figure A-ll). The data from the Gulfport/Pascagoula area and New Orleans are usually close to
or within the first standard deviation (shown as a dashed line) of the average concentration
measured elsewhere and are very similar to concentrations at Tupelo (TUMS), Mississippi
(which was not affected by Katrina). These data imply that the observed concentrations are not
abnormally high for sites in the southeastern United States. Acrolein is emitted in industrial
processes as a chemical intermediate, in incomplete combustion processes such as vehicle
exhaust and forest fires, and as a photo-oxidation product of 1,3-butadiene.
A-18
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Figure A-l 1. Monthly average concentrations of acrolein measured at all sites in
the United States, September through December 2005. Sites are differentiated
with a two-letter site code concatenated with the two-letter state abbreviation;
Mississippi and Louisiana sites are on the far right. (Figure created by Kina
McCanns at EPA Region 4.)
A-19
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