UTILIZATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN AN OHIO RIVER SPILLS DETECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Organics Detection System (ODS) is a spill detection network cooperatively operated by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), 11 water utilities, and 3 industries at strategic locations along the Ohio, Allegheny, Monongahela, and Kanawha rivers. The ODS uses purge and trap gas chromatography to analyze for 20 volatile organic compounds (US EPA, 1986). Since its inception in 1977, the network has undergone several advancements in its ability to monitor, analyze, and detect volatile organic compounds in the Ohio River. The present instrumentation used in the network was purchased from 1986 through 1990. The network's capabilities have progressed to the monitoring of raw intake water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and processing raw data with computers. The most noticeable advance has been in the use of computers to manipulate chromatograms, generate final reports, and transfer information. Additionally, computers and modems have enhanced communication between ORSANCO and ODS locations by accelerating the dissemination of information to downstream water users, allowing the observation of chromatograms and general troubleshooting. New technology under consideration includes the ability to remotely control a gas Chromatograph, incorporate automated check samples, and control alarm settings and the notification of such alarms. The ideal system would run independently until one of two conditions occurred—a compound exceeded the alarm threshold, or there was an instrument malfunction.