These projects had air monitors in place in the community and deployed equipment to take air samples in response to the complaints following EPA sampling protocols.
The air samples revealed concerning levels of volatile organic compounds associate with resident complaints.
The results from the Community Monitoring Projects were:
-- Project SPOTlight collected four air samples in Rochester and detected harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have not been found in other locations in Beaver County.
-- Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was detected in all four samples collected in Rochester, unique to this location. These findings have not been seen in any of the other 22 samples collected across Beaver County.
MMA is used in the manufacture of resins and plastics. It can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Respiratory effects have been reported following short-term and long-term exposure.
-- MEK (2-butanone) and MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone) were detected in all four samples collected in Rochester. They were detected at higher concentrations and with more frequency in Rochester than in any of the samples collected outside of Rochester.
These are both solvents used in paints, glues, coatings, and inks and symptoms including irritation to the eyes, nose and throat can be associated with exposure to these compounds.
"We help residents make sense of what they're breathing by collecting air samples, interpreting the results and sharing this scientific information with them directly,” said Emily Klein, project manager for Project SPOTlight. “We’ve installed 82 monitors to date and have collected over 25 outdoor air samples in Beaver County.” (See: Rochester Report, Project SPOTlight)
Concerns reached the DEP and EPA.
The EPA conducted the inspection with the PA DEP on June 10, 2026, after several residents reported horrific smells coming from the manholes in their neighborhood and the pipes in their own homes in the residential community of Rochester in the immediate proximity of a Sherwin Williams facility, which employs 104 people.
The inspection, which noted foam coming from manholes in the neighborhood, also documented alarming levels of volatile organic compounds that could be unhealthy to workers and nearby residents.
This report was obtained by a Beaver County Marcellus Awareness member. (EPA Region 3 Report)
AirSense is a Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community project, designed to provide real-time air quality data and a comprehensive health risk assessment, to inform and empower community members.
For the stationary monitors in this project, five Aeroqual brand AQM 65 Monitors have been strategically installed throughout the county to continuously measure chosen air pollutants.
These monitors are of similar quality to those used by regulatory agencies.
Each of the pollutants were chosen for monitoring because they are common pollutants that contribute to air pollution and are associated with negative health effects.
As a part of the initiative, the Environmental Health Project provides BCMAC with quarterly air quality reports.
Project SPOTlight responds in real-time to residents who report smells or air quality concerns in and around Beaver County.
An EPA funded project, it provides free, low-cost PM2.5 [particulate] monitors to residents and collects air samples to determine whether residents are being exposed to harmful VOCs.
The project helps residents make sense of what they're experiencing living near industrial polluters.
For more information, visit the Breathe Project website.
Resource Links:
-- DEP Fines Sherwin-Williams $124,700 For Air Pollution Violations At Beaver County Plant [PaEN]
-- DEP Issues Air Quality Plan Approval For As-Built Air Pollution Controls, Wastewater Treatment Plant At Shell Petrochemical Plant In Beaver County [PaEN]
[Posted: October 3, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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