AboutDavid L. Russell, PE Expertise I`m a Chemical,Civil and Environmental Engineer and have a number of projects in all phases of the environment.
I have worked in the chemical industry and am active in professional societies, and am currently on an industrial wastes committee for the Water Environment Federation, and have taught courses in remediation in the US and abroad.
I have written one book on Remediation of petroleum Contaminated Sites, and have a second book on PRACTICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT to be published by John Wiley in September, 2006. I've also written over 30 articles on various elements of environmental problems and cleanup. Most Recently, I have addressed a NATO Scientific and Techical Conference on Ecoterrorism, and have worked with the same group on remediation of sites contaminated with Chemical Warfare Agent materials and othe materials as well. . I can answer q`s about Chemical and Environmental Engineering, land development, air pollution, water pollution, soil and water cleanup, combustion, international environmental problems, industrial processes chemical processes. Civil and Environmental and Chemical Engineering. Overall, I have over 35 years of experience in this area. Note: I do not answer homework questions
Experience I love work in the third world and developing areas
because it is challenging and one can get a sense of accomplishment.
Question We have lived in our home for 23 years which borders a strip of land next to portable classrooms. Recently we have noticed a strong (stench) odor that resembles burned bone or hair. I don't know how to find where it is coming from. Do you have any recommendations?
Answer Erin:
You pose a tough question. I would look for a couple of things. Pick a still day, and see if you can get permission to go on the (I assume it's a school) schoolyard, preferably with the maintenence people because that will help them as well.
Look for a few possible things.
1. Where there is plumbing in the trailers, sniff around that to see if you can detect a particularly strong odor. Especially if there is a bathroom.
2. Look for dead animals.
3. check the air conditioners as sometimes there is a problem with seals and electrical equipment overheating which can cause the odor.
4. when you go, you might also want to take a bit of air freshener in a plastic bag. After about 10 minutes, you can't smell anything because your nose gets tired, so you take a brief whiff of the air freshener (don't get it too strong or you won't be able to smell anything for a few hours) in the bag and it will help you identify the odor location.
