Presentation Date: Feb 14, 2026
AGSA Abstract
In response to community concerns about pollutant releases from a thermal treatment facility in Colfax that conducts open burning and open detonation of hazardous materials, including fireworks, military waste, and other toxic substances, this study implemented a community-led air pollution assessment to characterize ambient air contaminants, strengthen local knowledge, and support informed community action. A mixed-method monitoring approach was used to assess particulate matter and hazardous air pollutants. Low-cost PurpleAir sensors were deployed to provide continuous, real-time PM₂.₅ data and capture short-term pollution events. High-volume and passive air samplers were used to collect particulate samples for laboratory analysis of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). Together, these methods enabled both temporal and chemical characterization of air pollution in the community. Community engagement was central to the study design. Residents participated in monitoring activities, attended regular meetings to discuss sampling results, and received training on interpreting air quality data and associated health risks. These engagements created a feedback loop in which community observations informed sampling strategies, and scientific findings were translated into accessible information for residents. The results revealed elevated concentrations of multiple pollutant classes during periods of facility operation, aligning with community reports of odors, smoke, and health symptoms. As access to data increased community awareness and advocacy capacity, residents engaged regulatory agencies and decision-makers using study findings. Subsequently, the thermal treatment facility ceased operations. This work demonstrates the power of community-led air monitoring to generate actionable data, advance environmental justice, and directly influence industrial accountability and public health protection.
