fQ% U.S. EPA HURRICANE RESPONSE 2017 TAGA: EPA's Mobile Sampling and Analysis System www.epa.gov/hurricane-response TAGA Bus EPA can deploy specialized equipment, including the Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) bus, to the impacted areas in the event of a hurricane. Leveraging mobile assets on scene reduces reaction times onsite and increases the speed in which decision-makers get usable data. How it Works E* 1 The TAGA bus is a self-contained mobile laboratory capable of real-time ambient air monitoring, as well as sampling and analysis of outdoor air emissions It includes equipment which provides monitoring for many organic and inorganic compounds at the part-per- billion by volume (ppbv) levels or lower; the mobile lab can also analyze volatile organic compounds at the ppbv level or lower in air samples. The system includes equipment to analyze permanent gases at part-per-million by volume (ppmv) levels; a global positioning system (GPS), which supplies accurate, real-time positional data during mobile monitoring; and a GIS system, which maps and presents the TAGA's position in real time. Additional instrumentation - including, but not limited to, a mercury analyzer and electrochemical sensors for gases - has been incorporated for specific programs This versatile mobile monitoring system offers a wide variety of services to assist with cost-effectively conducting investigatory and enforcement activities. The TAGA mobile laboratory has supported the Agency on numerous and varied responses, projects, developments, preparedness activities, and deployments, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and World Trade Center emergency response. ------- |