A Natural Resource Management Guide for the County of Morris A ...

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS These compounds come from both human derived and naturally
derived sources. They include petroleum, petrochemicals, solvents, and other organic compounds that vaporize
easily at normal atmospheric temperature and pressures. Present in the air primarily in gaseous form, volatile
organics may react with other chemicals to form new compounds, such as ozone. Many compounds, like benzene
and formaldehyde, are toxic to humans and/or suspected of causing cancer.
Hydrocarbons (carbon and hydrogen compounds) are derived chiefly from gasoline and other petroleum products.
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Mobile sources constitute about 35% of the total. Another 1/3 comes from emissions at refineries, tanks,
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gasoline stations and other parts of the gasoline delivery network. The remainder is from solvents, paints,
coatings and fuels used by industry, dry cleaners and in the home.
Air Quality in Morris County
As has occurred statewide since the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, air quality in Morris County has
improved. Tabular representations of parameters and corresponding levels can be found in Appendix A.
The New Jersey Pollutant Standards Index is used to summarize air quality by region. Chester and Morristown
fall within the "Suburban" reporting region. Table Two represents historic ratings since 1987.
Table Two - Pollutant Standards Index Descriptor Ratings
Reporting Region
Suburban
of Annual Summaries: 1987-1997 20
Compilation
Number of Days
VERY
NOT
YEAR GOOD MODERATE UNHEALTHFUL UNHEALTHFUL AVAILABLE
1987 160 186 16 1 2
1988 165 176 23 2 0
1989 196 167 2 0 0
1990 187 166 10 0 2
1991 180 178 7 0 0
1992 188 174 4 0 0
1993 167 198 0 0 0
1994 201 158 5 0 1
1995 213 145 7 0 0
1996 202 158 4 2 0
1997 243 106 12 4 0
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NJ DEP, Air Quality Report, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998
1996, 1997,
A Natural Resource Management Guide
for the County of Morris 206