University of Idaho
OP-2: Outdoor Air Quality

The University of Idaho engages in a comprehensive air quality program. We review air quality complaints and violations with the local Environmental Safety Office and the state of Idaho’s Division of Environmental Quality.

To complete its air emissions inventory, the UI uses “Method 5” by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Particulate matter is withdrawn isokinetically from the source and collected on a glass fiber filter maintained at a temperature of 120 ±14 °C (248 ±25 °F) or such other temperature as specified by an applicable subpart of the standards or approved by the Administrator for a particular application. The PM mass, which includes any material that condenses at or above the filtration temperature, is determined gravimetrically after the removal of uncombined water. For more information about the IDEQ/EPA Method 5 visit: https://www.epa.gov/emc/method-5-particulate-matter-pm Method 5 is also described within the UI Bison Engineering Report, "Determination of Particulate Emissions from Stationary Sources (Methods 2 & 4 Inclusive). The objective of Method 5 is to determine the filterable particulate matter (PM) from a source. Method 5 is an isokinetic sampling method (i.e., the velocity of sample stream entering the nozzle is approximately equal to the velocity of the approaching sample stream) for determination of PM. The exhaust gas stream is sampled along a cross-section of the stack and PM is captured within the nozzle, probe, filter-bell and on the 0.3 micron pore size glass fiber filter. The filter is maintained at a temperature of 248°F±25°F followed by impingers maintained at a temperature below 64°F. Bison uses a Method 5 sampling train with a stainless steel probe liner and nozzles to gather the particulate sample. Method 5 incorporates Method 2 "velocity measurements" and Method 4 "moisture measurements." Field data, spreadsheet calculations, example calculations, and pitot tube, probe alignment and thermal indicator calibrations are included in the report appendices”.

For more information about the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality please visit: http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/ Data compiled by Teryn Blacketter, a Junior studying Computer Science, and a Facilities—Utilities & Engineering Services Intern. Methodologies data provided by Gene Gussenhoven Director, Utilities and Engineering Services a division of Facilities.