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Author: Tracy Roberts

Ambient Air Monitoring Active Report

To convert from ppb (parts per billion) to ppm (parts per million), you divide the ppb value by 1,000, because 1 ppm is equivalent to 1,000 ppb. For example, 500 ppb is 0.5 ppm (500 / 1000 = 0.5), and 100 ppb is 0.1 ppm (100 / 1000 = 0.1). 

Examples

2,500 ppb: 2,500 / 1,000 = 2.5 ppm 

100 ppb: 100 / 1,000 = 0.1 ppm

500 ppb: 500 / 1,000 = 0.5 ppm

You can also use any free online converter. https://www.inchcalculator.com/ppb-to-ppm-converter/

Risk Based on Level of Exposure of H2S

0.0002-0.3ppm Odor Detection threshold, 0.0014ppm Daily exposure likely to be without risk, 0.02ppm 15-364 days of exposure with minimal risk, 0.07ppm 14 days or less of exposure with minimal risk, 10ppm 10-minute exposure limit, 20ppm Ceiling Limit, 50ppm Peak 10-min exposure limit, 100ppm Immediately dangerous to life or health, 40,000-440,000ppm Explosive (lower and upper limits)

What does H2S gas smell like at low concentrations?

At low concentrations, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) smells distinctly like rotten eggs, a warning sign of its presence, detectable in air from parts per billion (ppb) to low parts per million (ppm). This familiar odor comes from decaying organic matter in places like sewers, swamps, and landfills, but at higher levels, it can quickly overwhelm your sense of smell, causing olfactory fatigue, making it undetectable even as it becomes more dangerous. 

24 Hour Drager Monitor Results

The 24-hour continuous monitoring system was installed on March 12, 2026, at the landfill site. The system is configured with a low alarm threshold of 10 ppm (A1) and a high alarm threshold of 15 ppm (A2), as detailed in the accompanying data sheets.

Each screenshot diagram displays the actual readings for the specified time period with a blue line. The overview on the screenshot indicates the alarm thresholds and any readings within the time frame. The Excel spreadsheets provide the alarm thresholds and detail the H2S readings, along with any other alarms or warnings.

Notes for March 15 readings: 1. The Logged Value data displays every time the monitor detected a concentration change, regardless of how quickly or often, and the 15-minute time waited average (TWA) in the adjacent column. 2. The 1-Min Avg data displays the average reading over each 60-second period, the same 15-minute TWA column, and a column for both the minimum reading and peak reading during that 60-second period.

Updated information from Senator Tim Shallenburger 3/13/2026

Please see the following update received yesterday from KDHE regarding EPA testing at the GALENA LANDFILL:

“EPA arrived on site yesterday and sampled in three fixed locations and eight “roving” locations (observed by mobile sampling equipment) south and east of the landfill in residential and commercial areas. There were no detections at these locations of any contaminants of concerns, which included volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO) and LEL (combustible gases). There were slightly detectable particulates, but this could be reasonably attributed to traffic or atmospheric conditions.

EPA continued monitoring overnight at two locations and then did some sampling near the smoldering area.

Today, right in the hotspot, there were low detections of VOCs and carbon monoxide, as would be expected near smoke emissions. There continued to be no detections away from the hotspot. Based on this, and the City’s own monitoring capability, EPA will likely demobilize either later today or tomorrow. We will continue to work with the Cherokee County Health Department, City, and Jordan Disposal and monitor this situation.”

KDHE also produced some FAQ regarding the landfill and can be found here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2391/Galena-Construction-Demolition-Landfill-

Sharing information from Senator Tim Shallenburger

My office has been working alongside Representative Helwig and KDHE to get some answers on the Jordan Landfill. This afternoon, we received the following update from HDHE: 

“On Friday, KDHE was contacted about a subsurface smoldering event in the Construction and Demolition portion of the landfill. The smoldering was actually discovered during work to begin installation of a filter/venting system intended to mitigate odors. Smoldering events produce smoke and can cause increased odors and distress to neighbors. The following response actions have been taken:

Jordon Disposal began immediately to excavate and extinguish the smoldering.

Jordan Disposal notified KDHE that hydrogen sulfide levels in the excavation pit were 10 parts per million. A one-time reading at this level exceeds our standard but is not a health risk over a short, limited period.

On Tuesday (yesterday), KDHE staff were on site and recommended additional air sampling be performed.

Meteorological reports showed the wind would change, to blow from the north toward more residents, and this has now happened.

KDHE therefore submitted a Request for Assistance to EPA to perform on-site air monitoring. This air monitoring will allow KDHE to keep residents informed and take precautionary measures if there is any risk to human health.”

KDHE also produced some FAQ regarding the landfill and can be found here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2391/Galena-Construction-Demolition-Landfill-

GALENA DAYS VENDOR SIGN UP 2026

Galena Days Sign Up Form
JUNE 4TH, 5TH, & 6TH
Contact Name
Address
PLEASE GIVE AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE TO HELP WITH PLACEMENT
VENDOR TYPE/PRICE
ELECTRICITY (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

Payments

WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT CASH OR CHECK PAYMENTS CAN BE MAILED TO JESSICA WALKER AT 211 W 7TH STREET GALENA, KS 66739 OR DROPPED OFF IN PERSON AT THE SAME ADDRESS (CITY HALL) PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: GALENA FIRE DEPARTMENT

EVENT GUIDELINES

***PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING AND ACKNOWLEDGE WITH YOUR SIGNATURE*** REFUND POLICY: Cancellations must be made by May 1st. No refunds will be given after that time. If you are not accepted, you will be refunded 100% of monies paid. Vendors are accepted on a first come first served basis. EVENT IS HELD RAIN OR SHINE. EXCLUSIVES ON BOOTHS: There are no exclusives on booths (i.e., one kettle corn, one BBQ, etc.). However, we do try to limit the number of vendors who sell items and spread them out accordingly. It is important for vendors to inform us during the application process about the items you are selling. FOOD VENDORS: Must abide by all Kansas Heath Regulation and Food Safety. You must keep a fresh bucket of water and wash rag for cleanliness. Please submit a menu but note that there can be like vendors in your menu category. You are welcome to share your menu on the Facebook Page. FAMILY FRIENDLY: This is a family friendly event. There will be no items sold that are not “G” rated. No food vendors are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages. FESTIVAL HOURS: Vendors can set up on Wednesday or Thursday all day, ready to be open by 5:00PM. Once set up you must remain up until end of festival Saturday at 10pm. This will be strictly enforced. The safety of everyone comes first as well as consideration for other vendors still selling. Please check in at the CITY HALL department upon arrival for set up. I have read and reviewed the above policies for the Galena Days Festival and agree to abide by them. I understand that my failure to abide by all regulations could result in my exclusion from future participation in the festival.

VENDOR MAP

VENDOR MAP WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT ON FACEBOOK
Hold Harmless Agreement
I assume all risk of bodily injury, property damage, and personal damage that may occur by participating in Galena Days and, for myself/ourselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators, do hereby forever waive and release any and all claims against and agree to hold harmless the City of Galena, Galena Fire Department, its committee, sponsors and volunteers, and successors or assigns any kind from any and all claims which may be made for any cause whatsoever arising as a result of participation. Further, I hereby consent to allow my picture(s) or likeness to appear in any official document, news release, sponsor advertisement, and/or television and radio coverage of the events within or as part of Galena Days and grant permission to use and/or publish photographic portraits or pictures, video tape, or film of me in which I may be included in whole, part, composite, or reproductions thereof in black and white and/or color or otherwise made through any media now known for art, advertising, trade, or any other similar lawful purposes whatsoever, including the publicity and promotion of this event itself, excluding commercial use of or by marketing professionals.
Electronic Signature
I certify by signing this electronically, that all the information submitted by me on this application is true and complete, and I understand that if any false or misleading information, omissions, or misrepresentations are discovered, my application may be rejected, and if I am employed, my employment may be terminated at any time. In consideration of my employment, I agree to conform to the office’s rules and regulations, and I understand that these rules and or the employee handbook do not form a contract of employment either expressed or implied, and I agree that my employment and compensation can be terminated, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at either my or the department’s option. I also understand and agree that the terms and conditions of my employment may be changed, with or without cause and with or without notice, at any time by the office. I understand that no city representative, other than the Mayor, and then only when in writing and signed by the Mayor, has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specific period of time, or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing.

Accepting Letters of Interest for Vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Committee

1 Position available

Position 1- shall reside outside of but within 3 miles of the corporate limits of Galena, Kansas. (updated)

Overview:

POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The planning commission and city governing body shall have all the powers and duties set forth in K.S.A. 12-701 et seq., and amendments thereto, and such other powers and duties as are now or may hereafter be prescribed by law. (b) In the event the city has no city planning commission or the city planning commission lacks a quorum, the city council may exercise the duties thereof.

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS. The planning commission is hereby designated to serve as the city’s board of zoning ppeals with all the powers and duties as provided for in K.S.A. 12-759. The board shall adopt rules in the form of bylaws for its operation which shall include hearing procedures. Such bylaws shall be subject to the approval of the governing body. Public records shall be kept of all official actions of the board which shall be maintained separately from those of the commission. The board shall keep minutes of its proceedings showing evidence presented, findings of fact, decisions and the vote upon each
question or appeal. A majority of the members of the board present and voting at the hearing shall be required to decide any appeal. Subject to subsequent approval of the governing body, the board shall establish a scale of reasonable fees to be paid in advance by the appealing party.

The City of Galena is always looking for dedicated residents who care about their community’s future to serve on our governing body or committees.

Letters of interest can be mailed or delivered to City of Galena 211 W 7th St. Galena, Kansas 66739, faxed to 620-783-5111, or you may fill out the form below. Deadline: March 16, 2026.

LETTER OF INTEREST FOR PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
Name
Address
Used to verify address.
Do you live inside City Limits?
Please note that committee member shall reside outside of but within 3 miles of the corporate limits of Galena, Kansas.