Defensible VOC Monitoring Reduces Risk for Oil and Gas Client in Colorado
Quandary Consultants, LLC, a Colorado-based consultant, used a network of VOC monitors and a cloud-based interface to deliver defensible and actionable air quality data.
Project Details
Project
Quandary Consultants, LLC
Location
United States
Date
2019
Services
8 x AQS1 Air Quality Stations
Measurements
VOCs, weather sensors and telemetry
Sector
Industrial Hygiene
The customer
Quandary Consultants, LLC is an environmental and regulatory consulting company headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Since 2016 Quandary has become the consultant of choice for numerous oil and gas, construction, and municipal clients. The staff of scientists, engineers, hydrologists, geologists, and regulatory analysts help clients manage complex environmental regulatory challenges and health and safety concerns.
In response to recent oil and gas regulations in Colorado, Quandary has specialized in continuous air quality monitoring services for clients in oil and gas exploration, completions, and production.
The problem
On April 16, 2019, Governor Polis signed into law Senate Bill 19-181, the most sweeping and progressive oil and gas legislation passed since the boom in hydraulic fracturing. SB 19-181 directs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to “regulate the development and production of the natural resources of oil and gas in the state of Colorado in a manner that protects public health, safety, and welfare, including protection of the environment and wildlife resources.” In response, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission require operators to comply with site-specific air quality protection measures, including continuous air emission monitoring to eliminate or minimize air emissions to help protect communities near oil and gas facilities. Effective October 17, 2019, all drilling permits within 2,000 feet of occupied buildings are required to comply with SB 19-181 regulations.
The solution
Quandary was approached by an existing oil and gas client to conduct continuous air quality monitoring for VOCs near two of the client’s drilling and production operations in northeastern Colorado. The client had solicited several monitoring proposals and ultimately selected Quandary as their approach offered cost-effective and reliable 24/7 fenceline air monitoring with real-time data access and storage through Aeroqual Cloud, an easy-to-use secure web-based interface.
The client signed off on the Aeroqual solution supplied by The JJ Wilbur Co. A network of eight AQS1 air quality stations were deployed around various drilling sites to measure VOC emissions in part-per-billion concentrations. An integrated meteorological station combined weather data with emissions data for source apportionment reporting and 4G-enabled modems transmit the data to Aeroqual Cloud in real-time. JJ Wilbur supplied solar panels and battery systems for remote power operation.
“Aeroqual AQS1 monitors were a logical choice for this project. The monitors exhibited reliable long-term operation using solar and battery power at remote sites without access to AC power.”
John Van Kirk
Senior Environmental Scientist at Quandary Consultants
Evaluation
Quandary’s project manager John Van Kirk noted that “Aeroqual AQS1 monitors were a logical choice for this VOC monitoring project as we were already familiar with the cloud-based application from using Dust Sentry units for monitoring PM10 at a highway construction project. In addition, Aeroqual’s monitors exhibited reliable long-term operation using solar and battery power at remote sites without access to AC power.”
This innovative, easy-to-deploy system has given Quandary a technical and commercial advantage in helping its clients to minimize risk. By generating defensible and actionable air quality data Quandary’s client is able to comply with SB 19-181 and protect communities near their installations.
Related products
FAQs for the Quandary Consultants VOC Monitoring Case Study
What does Aeroqual offer for VOC monitoring?
Aeroqual provides VOC monitoring solutions like the AQS1 Air Quality Monitor, which delivers real-time, defensible air quality data for regulatory compliance in oil and gas, construction, and remediation industries.
What was the purpose of this VOC monitoring project?
Quandary Consultants needed a VOC monitoring system to help an oil and gas client in Colorado comply with SB 19-181, a law requiring continuous air emission monitoring to protect public health.
Why was the Aeroqual AQS1 chosen for this project?
The AQS1 Air Quality Monitor was selected due to its ability to measure VOCs in part-per-billion (ppb) concentrations, operate on solar and battery power, and provide real-time remote access via Aeroqual Cloud.
How does Aeroqual Cloud improve VOC monitoring?
Aeroqual Cloud enables remote data access, real-time alerts, and source apportionment reporting, allowing VOC consultants like Quandary to minimize risk and respond quickly to exceedances.
What pollutants were monitored at the Colorado oil and gas sites?
The monitoring network measured VOCs (volatile organic compounds), while an integrated meteorological station tracked weather conditions for accurate emissions analysis.
What makes the AQS1 ideal for VOC consulting projects?
The AQS1 provides:
• High-precision VOC measurements in ppb levels
• Remote monitoring capabilities via 4G-enabled modems
• Solar and battery-powered operation for off-grid sites
• Automated alerts and compliance reporting
How does Aeroqual ensure accurate VOC data collection?
The AQS1 network combines VOC readings with meteorological data, ensuring accurate source tracking and compliance with Colorado Air Quality Control Commission regulations.
How does Aeroqual support VOC consultants like Quandary Consultants?
Aeroqual provides real-time VOC monitoring solutions, enabling environmental consultants to deliver defensible air quality data that meets regulatory requirements.
Can Aeroqual VOC monitors be used for other environmental compliance needs?
Yes, AQS1 monitors are used for air power consultants, industrial emissions tracking, and compliance with state and federal air quality regulations.
How does real-time VOC monitoring improve compliance?
By using Aeroqual Cloud, environmental VOC consultants can remotely track emissions, receive automated alerts, and generate reports for regulatory compliance.
Who is Quandary Consultants?
Quandary Consultants, LLC is an environmental and regulatory consulting firm in Denver, Colorado, specializing in VOC consulting, oil and gas air quality compliance, and industrial emissions monitoring.
How does Quandary Consultants use VOC monitoring?
Quandary Consultants specializes in VOC consulting, providing real-time emissions monitoring for oil and gas facilities in compliance with Colorado’s SB 19-181.
How does Aeroqual support VOC consultants in Colorado?
Aeroqual’s AQS1 monitors and Aeroqual Cloud software enable VOC consultants in Colorado to monitor emissions remotely, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Want to learn more?
If you’d like to know more about this case study, or to discuss your air monitoring requirements, please get in touch.