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Characterization of Emission Factors from Demilitarization Operations (OB/OD/SF) by In-Plume Aerial Sampling
Citation:
Aurell, J., B. Gullett, AND Bill Mitchell. Characterization of Emission Factors from Demilitarization Operations (OB/OD/SF) by In-Plume Aerial Sampling. SERDP-ESTCP Symposium, DC, Washington, November 27 - 29, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
Emission factors for ordnance demilitarization operations including open burning, open detonation, and static firing of rocket motors were determined by novel, aerial methods in eight campaigns since 2010. This abstract/poster discusses the methods of sampling, the results, and a comparison of these results with historical data.
Description:
SERDP and the U.S. Army, Program Executive Office for Ammunition, have undertaken eight campaigns for aerial emission sampling of plumes from open burning (OB), open detonation (OD), and rocket static firing (SF) since 2010. The plumes were sampled using instrumentation systems developed by the US EPA’s Office of Research and Development and deployed on a tethered, helium-filled aerostat and on other agencies’ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These two instrument systems measured particulate matter (PM), carbon properties, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrocellulose, other nitroaromatics, hydrogen chloride (HCl), perchlorate, polychlorinated dioxins/furans (PCDD/PCDF), and elements such as chrome (VI). The systems determined emission factors (EFs), defined as the mass amount of the emitted pollutant per unit mass of destroyed ordnance. These EFs are the primary data inputs for dispersion, deposition, and exposure models and are necessary for facility air permits. The EFs determined by these systems since 2010 are compared with historical data determined, typically, by small scale testing and by instrumented aircraft overflights. These new methods of aerial sampling significantly enhance the data quality by quantifying the actual, production level demilitarization plume event with a comprehensive array of measured pollutants.