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Indiana Harbor and Canal
Dredging and Disposal Project

Ambient Air Monitoring

Ambient (long-term) air monitoring is used to show that the surrounding community is not adversely impacted from the CDF emissions, and to confirm that the CDF is being operated efficiently to minimize emissions.

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Ambient air monitoring locations [Source: USACE]

Five air sampling stations collect ambient air monitoring data every six days during the dredging period, and every twelve days during the non-dredging period. Four monitors are located around the perimeter of the CDF, and one monitor is located at East Chicago High School.

The long-term air monitoring program is establishing a continual air monitoring database of ambient air quality at and around the site: before, during, and after construction activities; and during and between dredging events. Long-term monitoring is used to show that the surrounding community is not adversely impacted from the CDF emissions, and to confirm that the CDF is being operated efficiently to minimize emissions.

Purpose of Ambient Air Monitoring

The primary goals of ambient air monitoring are to:

Status

Ambient air monitoring at Indiana Harbor and Canal has been occuring since 2001. In May 2004, the construction phase of the ambient air monitoring program was implemented. In October 2012, the CDF operation phase of the ambient air monitoring program started and is ongoing.

As of the latest air monitoring data evaluation, there is no indication that activities at the site are causing degradation of the ambient air at the high school. This data is re-evaluated on an annual basis.

Latest Ambient Air Monitoring Reports