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Volatile Organics Network Description

The Toxics Monitoring Network was expanded statewide in 1990. Of the initial design for 20 stations, up to eighteen became operational (including the expanded Fresh Kills landfill monitoring). The sample collection consists of "Summa" polished and glass lined canisters which collect an air sample drawn by pumps at a controlled air flow rate.

The objectives of the network are:

1. Provide a consistent, high quality, long term database to define air quality for VOC's.
2. Measure Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in industrial areas.
3. Measure VOCs in urban and suburban areas.
4. Measure VOC background concentrations in a rural area.
5. Track industry in their effort to reduce or control VOC emissions.
6. Track changes in the air quality in relation to the control of motor vehicle VOC emissions.

Sample collection and analysis using new techniques began in December 1998 at three sites. Official startup was January 6, 1999. No shakedown period was necessary, as this method has been in use as quality control for other monitoring since 1994. Four other stations have were added during the startup year. The Niagara Falls CAM station was added in February, Fresh Kills landfill was added in June, Whiteface Mountain and College Point, Queens in July. Table 1 contains the site information for Statewide VOC monitoring up to 2002.