GERLACH,Nev,.- As part of the baselines for the Burning Man permit renewal, visitors to the playa may notice some temporary equipment at the Coyote Dunes exclosures. This equipment is designed to measure particulate matter in the air and to record local meteorological data. The goal of this research is to understand the 2.5 and 10 micron particulate matter (i.e. dust) production out on the playa and to examine the conditions throughout the year. Similar units are being installed at the Black Rock Station in Gerlach and the BLM office in Winnemucca. Once the units are functioning properly, public access to this data will be provided.
"While air quality studies were done at last year's Burning Man event, it has become clear we don't fully understand the dust storm cycle out on the playa, and what the normal dust concentration levels are out on the playa," said Mark Hall, BRFO Field Manager and Authorized Officer for the 2018 Burning Man event. "A study like this may seem esoteric, but 2.5 and 10 micron particulate matter can have adverse health impacts and potentially impact surrounding communities.
If the public sees anyone tampering or vandalizing the equipment, the BLM asks that you notify BLM Law Enforcement dispatch at 702-293-8998.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
