Operation of EMEP Supersite at Auchencorth Moss: Interim report for meeting on 15 May 2007 at CEH Edinburgh. (EMEP Progress Report: October 2006 – April 2007)

Operation of the site is running smoothly with all but one of the planned measurement systems (carbonyls) now in place and producing data. Data capture and processing for the measurements that are operated by CEH are given in the report. Although operation of measurement equipment by CEH on behalf of other operators is progressing well, and initial problems have been addressed, there is still no mechanism in place for retrieving ratified data from the other networks (AURN, VOCs etc.) so that all the data can be compiled in a single location at CEH. There has also been delay in the retrieval of analytical data from external laboratories (e.g. rainfall chemistry). These issues will be addressed in parallel with the development of the web-based data storage system; a basic system for capture and secure storage of raw data is in place and construction of a database awaits the availability of staff resources, but is planned to be in place by the end of the summer. Agreement has been reached for an extension to install 3-phase power to the site, which in winter (without air conditioning) is consuming around 30A continuously. The present electrical supply cannot cope with possible additional sampling instruments (e.g. hi-vol samplers for POPs), and is likely to be close to its operating limits in summer when the air conditioning is running. The supplier has quoted up to 6 months for installing a new transformer – actual installation will mean a few days downtime for the whole site.