1. What type of organization best describes you?
The Environmental Health Project (EHP) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to defend public health in the face of oil and gas development.
2. Describe your organization. In two to three sentences, tell us who you are and what you represent.
The Environmental Health Project (EHP) was founded in 2012 to address the lack of coordinated public health action in the wake of the Marcellus Shale gas drilling boom. Our unique expertise includes the development and use of sophisticated tools for air quality analysis and reporting, and providing insights into short- and long-term air pollution exposure factors from existing and proposed oil and gas facilities. By compiling research and educational materials regarding health impacts related to gas infrastructure for a wide range of audiences (e.g., grassroots organizers, public health professionals, and policymakers) we have earned a trusted reputation of providing science-based, nonpartisan public health recommendations for the purpose of limiting exposure to harmful substances associated with oil and gas development (OGD).
3. Describe your project. In a short paragraph, talk about what you want to do with PurpleAir sensors. Your answer should consider why this project is important or unique, and what its impact will be.
The Environmental HealthWatch Model (“HealthWatch”) helps communities better understand the local health impacts of shale gas development. Each HealthWatch cohort consists of communities that have existing or proposed oil or gas-related infrastructure in or near their community. EHP equips HealthWatch communities with invaluable data and information needed to better protect their health. Over one year of air quality monitoring using PurpleAir Flex monitors, participating communities learn how to analyze air quality data, reduce their exposure to harmful pollution and more effectively advocate for health protections by engaging elected officials, regulators, and site operators. Our next HealthWatch cohort begins this summer and will include two communities located in Southwestern Pennsylvania and one community in Eastern Ohio, each of which is currently impacted by well pads and/or pipeline compressor stations. Starting in July 2025, these three communities, alongside EHP staff, will engage in HealthWatch projects, including air quality monitoring, health-focused education, and policy support to further strengthen advocacy efforts. This new cohort will empower local communities to understand and limit impacts to public health.
4. Which PurpleAir model(s) are you interested in and how many would you want for your project?
We are interested in 12 PurpleAir Flex monitors to employ in our three HealthWatch communities.