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Transit Connections 2013 The Value of Transit. Transit: It’s Personal. Amy Fitch University of Nevada, Reno. Kevin Schiller Washoe County Department of Social Services. Julie D. Hunter Washoe County Health District. Washoe County Health District, Air Quality Management Division.
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Transit Connections 2013 The Value of Transit Transit: It’s Personal Amy Fitch University of Nevada, Reno Kevin Schiller Washoe County Department of Social Services Julie D. Hunter Washoe County Health District
Washoe County Health District, Air Quality Management Division Julie Hunter Senior Air Quality Specialist Transit Connections, December 6, 2013
Air Quality Management Division • Monitoring – Measures the level of criteria pollutants • Planning – Establishes rules and regulations to reduce air pollutants of concern in the area • Permitting – Issues Permits to Operate with conditions to reduce/limit emissions • Enforcement – Ensures compliance with permit conditions and regulations governing air quality
AQM Monitoring Network • 8 Sites in Southern Washoe County • Operates 24/7 • Meets EPA requirements • Reviewed annually • Changes approved by EPA
Criteria Air Pollutants Carbon Monoxide (CO) Particulate Matter (PM) Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx) Ozone (O3) Lead
Air Quality Index (AQI) • Pollutant levels calculate daily AQI • AQI reported daily to public • AQI level determines health effects
Health Effects of Ozone • OZONE • Cough • Throat Irritation • Pain, burning, or discomfort in the chest when taking a deep breath • Chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Health Effects of Particulates • Particulate Matter • Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath • Aggravated asthma • Lung damage (including decreased lung function and lifelong respiratory disease)
Pollution Calculation • Pollution per Mile Calculation (Washoe County): • Annual Emissions: 2,580,403 tons/year • Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): 11,507,066 per day • Vehicle Population: 267,157 number of vehicles
Pollution from Vehicles PM2.5 SO2 PM10 NOx CO2 VOC CO Average vehicle drives 43.1 miles per day 53.7 lbs of emissions per day per vehicle 1.2 lbs pollution per mile
Active Transportation Benefits • Motor vehicles are the largest contributor to ozone in Washoe County • 40% of all trips are two miles or less, these short trips lead to “cold starts” which are a big source of emissions. • One mile pedaled or walked saves 1.2 pounds of pollution
Solutions to Reduce Pollution Public transit, carpool, or active transportation Combine errands Limit engine idling Safe refueling Refuel vehicles after dusk Keep vehicle tuned and tires inflated
Keep it Clean • Know the Code • Rack Em Up • nOzone www.ourcleanair.com