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

on aquatic invertebrates particularly mayflies, caddisflies, molluscs, crustaceans, and some insects. Associated
predators including waterfowl, shorebirds and many passerines e.g. flycatchers, swallows, blackbirds and
warblers, hooded merganser and common goldeneye, are vulnerable to compromised egg production, and growth
and survival of offspring.
When fish populations decline, predators such as common loons, common mergansers, herons, bitterns, terns,
gulls, eagles, kingfishers, and ospreys suffer. Even omnivores, such as the American black duck and ring-necked
duck, as well as migratory birds, may suffer a diminished breeding season.
The effect of metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead is exaggerated in acidified aquatic ecosystems. Though
the exact science is unclear, it is believed that metals present in acidified waters bioaccumulate and subsequently
biomagnify in the aquatic foodchain supporting fish and their predatory birds and mammals.
VEGETATION Air pollution has been associated with compromised tree growth throughout the world.
Various pollutants have been implicated (e.g., sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, fluorides, and heavy metals).
Ozone causes damage to plants by inhibiting photosynthesis. Agricultural productivity has been impacted, as
exhibited by varieties of potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, grapes and onions suffering stunted growth and browned
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leaves. The soil itself responds to acidification by way of decrease in fertility and, thus yield.
ARCHITECTURE Air pollutants such as acid precipitation can also exact aesthetic as well as structural
damage to building materials such as stone and metal. This has become an expensive maintenance concern.
Support
Regulatory
FEDERAL
The Clean Air Act - First instituted in 1970, the Clean Air Act (CAA) focussed on the nation's air quality.
!
Its 1990 Amendment required the EPA to set national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for air
pollutants by setting allowable concentration and exposure limits for various pollutants. It also identified
actions and time frames for meeting NAAQS in nonattainment areas to insure that these standards were
met. Ramifications for Morris County are that ozone and carbon monoxide reduction is required with
deadlines of November 2007 for ozone and December 1996 for carbon monoxide.
While stricter standards and regulations have netted air quality improvements, there have been increases in motor
vehicles and their use. In addition there have been challenges to the Clean Air Act (CAA), e.g., the 1995
dismantling of the Employer Trip Reduction provision of the Clean Air Act Amendment (CAAA).
Planning Strategies
Planning strategies for protecting and restoring air quality, or the air shed, are directed at
reducing exhaust emissions throughout various elements of the Master Plan.
! Circulation plan incorporating:
È convenient and protective bicycle routes
È continuous sidewalks radiating from town center outwards
È provision of jitney services at commercial centers and train stations
*Bradley’s
Spleenwort
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$CWGTUHGNF
A Natural Resource Management Guide
for the County of Morris 210