Public Participation in Air Sampling and Water Quality Test Kit Development to Enable Citizen Science

Abstract

Public Participation in Air Sampling and Water Quality Test Kit Development to Enable Citizen Science Erin N. Haynes, DrPH MS, Timothy J. Hilbert, MS, Rusty Roberts, John Quirolgico, MS, Rachael Shepler, Gerry Beckner, Jennifer Veevers, PhD, Jeff Burkle, and Roman Jandarov, PhD What Is the Purpose of This Study/Review? • To establish an academic–community partnership to address Guernsey County residents' concern regarding environmental quality near proposed and operating natural gas extraction waste sites. • To develop a citizen science tool for water quality assessment by engagement of the local middle and high schools. What Is the Problem? • Natural gas extraction creates liquid, solid, and gaseous waste and the management of these wastes is a public health concern. • Natural gas extraction waste facilities are often located in underserved areas, an environmental justice issue for these communities. • The dramatic increase in natural gas extraction activity has caused concern among community members of Guernsey County and neighboring counties. What Are the Findings? • Together we selected 10 air sampling locations in proximity to current or proposed natural gas extraction sites, obtained cooperation from landowners, and conducted air quality monitoring over a 6-week period. • Volatile organic compounds were detected at all 10 air sampling locations. • Nineteen unique volatile organic compounds were detected; one was above the recommended exposure level. • Water quality test kits were developed and piloted in middle school and high school classrooms. Who Should Care Most? • Residents, public health officials, and emergency responders in rural communities with nearby natural gas extraction activity. • Educators and residents with an interest in participating in environmental health research via citizen science. [End Page 123] Recommendations for Action • Baseline measurements should be taken at any potential natural gas extraction sites and routine monitoring be conducted thereafter to characterize long-term exposures. • Water and soil sampling should be performed. • Data such as truck traffic and gallons of waste injected should be documented. • Engaging residents in research is a useful tool for increasing awareness and connecting communities to research. [End Page 124] Erin N. Haynes Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky Timothy J. Hilbert Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Rusty Roberts Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center John Quirolgico Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Rachael Shepler Guernsey County resident Gerry Beckner Guernsey County Department of Emergency Management Jennifer Veevers Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Jeff Burkle Guernsey County resident Roman Jandarov Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Correspondence to: Erin N. Haynes, DrPH MS, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Ave., CPH 212G, Lexington, KY 40536-0003. Phone: (859) 562-2119. Fax: (859) 257-8811. E-mail: Erin.Haynes@uky.edu Copyright © 2019 Johns Hopkins University Press