Title: Texarkana Intensive Campaign
Institution(s) Represented: Univ. of Houston (Flynn), Baylor University (Usenko and Sheesley), Aerodyne Research, Inc. (Fortner and Lerner)
Lead PI: James Flynn
AQRP Project Manager: Vincent Torres
TCEQ Project Liaison: Chola Regmi
Abstract
The Texarkana Texas (TX)-Arkansas (AR) metropolitan area has recently become an area of concern due to elevated fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) aerosol loadings. The area is forested and contains a few large paper mills which are one potential source of the PM. These paper mills are located in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. There are other possible industrial sources of PM2.5 and it is possible that the PM2.5 is being advected into the area from sources well outside of the area. The upcoming changes to regulatorily acceptable PM2.5 levels necessitate a better understanding of the cause of these enhanced PM2.5 levels in the Texarkana area. A comprehensive study of the particle and gas phase chemical species associated with these PM2.5 exceedance episodes will assist in interpreting the source of these air masses.
A three-week field deployment in Texarkana, TX during the February-March 2025 time period to examine the sources of high PM2.5 loadings in the Texarkana area will be conducted. This study will obtain information regarding the chemical species present in these high loading events in both particle and gas phase. This information will better inform policymakers with respect to the health hazards associated with these higher aerosol loading events.
- Objectives for this study include
Characterize selected PM2.5 and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) point sources in the Texarkana area. - Evaluate background PM2.5 conditions in the vicinity, including upwind of the Texarkana TX-AR metropolitan area. Given the location of the metropolitan area this will likely involve measuring areas outside of the state of Texas but would not emphasize detailed emission factors for out-of-state sources.
- Any highly local effects which might be present and impacting the measurement of PM2.5 at the Texarkana New Boston Station (C1031) will be examined.The University of
Houston, Baylor University, and Aerodyne are nationally recognized for their experience in development and deployment of mobile air quality labs. These customizable, comprehensive, and dynamic platforms provide on-the-go monitoring and analysis of aerosol, VOCs, trace gas, boundary layer height and meteorological parameters. Texarkana’s air quality is impacted by local sources, photochemical processing and transport from multiple regions. This complexity can be overcome with the deployment of mobile air quality laboratories which have several advantages in study areas such as Texarkana. These advantages include real-time monitoring, flexibility in sampling location and time, response to plumes or events (e.g., potential aerosol or precursor plumes), source characterization (e.g., upwind vs downwind), repeat measurements, and accessibility in complex environments.
Workplan: PENDING UPDATE
Technical Reports: PENDING UPDATE
QAPP: PENDING UPDATE
