FAQs – The Terra AyAy Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Terra AyAy Project FAQ page! Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our mission, data collection processes, and how you can access and utilize the valuable environmental information we provide. Whether you’re an educator, researcher, policymaker, or community member, our goal is to support your efforts in fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices in St. Croix. Explore the sections below to learn more about our project and how you can get involved. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out through our Contact page.

“How much current does the PurpleAir monitor pull/use?”terraadmin2024-07-23T18:17:05+00:00

“How much current does the PurpleAir monitor pull/use?”

“5V USB Micro, 0.18A continuous, 600mA peak” -from PurpleAir Flex specs listed here

“PurpleAir sensors run on 5 volts and the current draw is 180mA. This means the power consumption of a sensor is about 1 watt. If running the sensor 24 hours per day, the daily consumption would be 0.024 kWh. We have experimented with a 20Ah battery pack and found it was able to keep the sensor running for about four days.” –PurpleAir Forum

“How long do the PurpleAir monitors last?”terraadmin2024-07-23T18:16:25+00:00

“How long do the PurpleAir monitors last?”

PurpleAir air quality monitors generally last for about two years. That’s because air quality monitors work by using sensors to measure pollutants in their environment. Over time, some sensors can become less sensitive or fail, resulting in inaccurate readings. However, many PurpleAir devices can last longer than two years when properly maintained. – source article

“Why Purple Air monitors?”terraadmin2024-07-23T18:19:05+00:00

“Why Purple Air monitors?”

As a community based project, we wanted to utilize equipment that is accessible for a majority of community members. Our project currently includes the installation of a limited number of PurpleAir monitors, however the monitors are available for purchase online and are used across the world by communities advocating for safer air quality standards and measures.

See other community groups who utilize PurpleAir monitors here: https://community.purpleair.com/t/purpleair-in-the-community/809

“How is this project funded?”terraadmin2024-07-23T18:20:11+00:00

“How is this project funded?”

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement 96241922 to St Croix Foundation. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.

“How long is the Terra Ay Ay Project?”terraadmin2024-07-23T18:20:43+00:00

“How long is the Terra Ay Ay Project?”

Terra Ay Ay Project is currently funded to operate until August 2025 (pending extension.) We are actively seeking additional funding sources to continue testing and sharing results of tests in the years to come. Our education and community outreach efforts are designed to engage all residents to better understand how pollutants and climate changes can affect our air, water and soil – and, in turn, how that can affect our personal health and the health of our families and future generations. This website will be archived and information will remain publicly accessible.