Selected Abstracts
The following publications have been accepted for presentation at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Air and Waste Management Association.
A Modified Clark County, Nevada Specific BELD3/BEIS3 Biogenic Emissions Inventory
George J. Schewe, CCM, QEP, Environmental Quality Management, Inc.,; Harish Agarwal, Clark Co. Dept. of Air Quality and Env. Mgt.; G. Jeremiah Schewe, EQM; Josh Dunbar, EQM; Julie Wagner, P.E., EQM; Randal Cook, EQM
ABSTRACT
A biogenics emission inventory was designed and prepared that specifically applied to the land use and vegetative types in Clark County, Nevada. Clark County is characterized by the Mojave Desert, a low rainfall, high desert region of the American Southwest and also by the city of Las Vegas, an irrigated urban complex. Portions of Clark County, specifically around the Las Vegas Valley area have been designated as non-attainment for ozone. Coupled with the non-attainment designation for Clark County is the requirement for the development of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) whereby the area must prepare an emission inventory, identify culpable sources, prepare control strategies or mitigations measures incorporating growth in the area regarding both population and industry, and demonstrate attainment by the dates so mandated by EPA. This paper discusses the derivation of a Clark County specific Biogenic Emission Land Use Data (BELD3) format set with classifications of land use that conform to the desert Southwest. Twenty-nine rural or native vegetative types were selected in the area along with nine urban classifications. Site surveys were used to identify dominant plant species and plant areal coverage in each land use category. These categories along with a "barren" factor category used to account for the open spaces between vegetation in the desert were used to assign land use and land use combinations to each of over 19,000 1.0 km2 grids. The Biogenic Emissions Inventory System (BEIS3) was updated to match these land use categories by selecting attendant emission factors from literature reviews. The BEIS3 Model was associated with a 2001 year MM5 Model meteorological data set over the same grid spacing on an hourly basis. The resultant isoprene, monoterpene, NOx, and total VOC emissions were calculated for the whole county and are presented in summary fashion in this paper along with annual summary figures and ozone episodic analyses.
Detecting Moisture Anomalies In Building Envelopes Using Infrared Thermography: A Case Study.
John R. Kominsky, Environmental Quality Management, Inc.,; James S. Luckino, Archatas, Inc., Worthington, Oh.
ABSTRACT
The problem of moisture in building envelopes may best be described as an elusive phenomenon in a heterogeneous medium. Visual examination is a reliable means of moisture detection in building walls after serious damage has been done. Traditional spot measurement instruments (conductance- and capacitance-types) are not ideally suited to cope with a wet anomaly that can change its shape, location, and content as conditions dictate. Infrared thermal imaging is a more versatile tool for in-situ moisture detection because it can be used to rapidly scan a surface to determine if moisture is present and detect a moisture problem in the formative stages, before it becomes serious.
This investigation involved a newly-constructed health care facility. It was prompted by owner concerns of potential areas of moisture intrusion through the envelope and resultant microbial colonization in the interstitial wall space. Infrared thermography was used to identify areas of probable moisture anomalies in the building envelope (walls and roof). Thermal images were made using a FLIR ThermaCAM(r) E series camera. Based on the qualitative interpretation of the thermal scans, wall areas were selected for invasive examination. At each location the brick veneer was removed to expose the method of brick installation and the composition of the envelope. Exterior sheathing was removed to expose the framework, batt insulation, vapor barrier, and backside of the gypsum wallboard for visual examination. Observations were photographed and the free water content of building components was measured. Microbial colonization was observed and in some cases with deteriorating building components. Air sampling for culturable fungi was conducted throughout the building to determine if the mold present in "visually inaccessible spaces" migrated into the tenant space.
This investigation demonstrates that qualitative thermography coupled with quantitative substantiation is the most powerful method of moisture analysis in building envelopes.