Background
PDEQ is conducting a special monitoring study to determine levels
of beryllium in the air surrounding the Brush Ceramics facility
in Tucson. PDEQ is working with the Sunnyside Unified School
District (SUSD), the University of Arizona, and the Sonora Environmental
Research Institute to develop a sound technical study to gather
beryllium data.
Project Objective
PDEQ has developed a monitoring
plan and updated equipment and expanded the beryllium monitoring
previously performed by SUSD. Data collected from the improved
monitoring network will allow PDEQ to provide information on
airborne beryllium levels at six different monitoring sites.
Beryllium is naturally occurring in the soils of our region
and is used in some of the manufacturing processes at the Brush
Ceramics facility. The monitoring will measure levels of airborne
beryllium, but will not be able to determine the source of
the beryllium. The data collected at the six monitoring sites
will be used to track trends, and any changes in the trends
can be compared with manufacturing activity at the Brush Ceramics
facility to see if the trends correlate.
• Beryllium
Monitoring Network Plan 2007
• Brush
Air Quality Monitoring Agreement
Project Status
The six monitoring sites are located at the SUSD Transportation
Facility, the Los Ninos Elementary School, Los Amigos Elementary
School, Ocotillo Elementary Schools, Sunnyside High School
and Chaparral Middle School (see map below). All monitors are now on-line and
operating as of July 11, 2007.
Sample Analysis
PDEQ has consulted with Dr. Eric Betterton of the University
of Arizona and Ann Marie Wolf of Sonora Environmental Research
Institute to determine the best process to analyze the filters
that are being collected for beryllium. Samples are being taken
in accordance with the monitoring plan schedule and the filters
are being collected and stored in a protected environment until
the labs are located, the procurement process is complete,
and the contract is finalized. Beryllium is a very stable element,
so there will be no loss in the sample while the details of
the lab search are being finalized. Sampling began on July
11, 2007 and will continue on a daily basis. PDEQ will perform
quarterly audits and calibrations on all of the monitors.
• Beryllium Monitoring Network Summary - 1st Quarter 2008
• Beryllium Monitoring Network Summary - 4th Quarter 2007
• Beryllium Monitoring Network Summary - 3rd Quarter 2007
Beryllium Monitoring Lab Reports
• 2008
• 2007
