Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

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Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 1. Project Area CharacteristicsNitrogen OxidesNitrogen oxides (NO x ) are produced when fossil fuels are burned at temperatures greater than 1,200degrees Fahrenheit. Automobiles, trucks, buses, airplanes, industries, and power plants emit NO x into theatmosphere. They contribute to the deposition of nitrogen in soil and water through acid rain and play amajor role in the formation of ground-level ozone. Human health is impacted when NO x enters the lungsand makes breathing more difficult (DEP 5 ).OzoneOzone is a colorless, odorless gas that forms in the atmosphere. Depending on where it is located inthe atmosphere, it can be beneficial or harmful. When located in the upper atmospheric layer, it is calledthe ozone layer and it filters the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. When it is located in the lowestatmosphere it is called ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant—a pollutant thatis formed in the atmosphere instead of being directly emitted from a specific source. It forms when NO xcombines and reacts with volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight and warm temperatures(DEP 5 ). Ozone, and the pollutants that cause it, can be transported from hundreds of miles away.When inhaled, ozone reacts with tissues in our lungs making breathing difficult. People with asthmaand lung disease are most seriously impacted, but even healthy individuals are at risk with prolongedexposure.Particular MatterParticulates are tiny drops of liquid or small particles of dust, metal, or other materials that float inthe air. A mixture of these particles is known as particular matter. Four different types and sizes ofparticular matter exist. These particles travel into the lungs and become trapped. They can causerespiratory ailments and can carry cancer-causing chemicals, producing greater health problems (DEP 5 ).Total suspended particulates vary in size up to 45 micrometers in diameter. They can remainsuspended in the air for a few seconds or up to several months (DEP 5 ). There are no federal or state airqualitystandards for total suspended particulates.Particular matter 10 (PM 10 ) is solid matter or liquid droplets from smoke, dust, fly ash, orcondensing vapors that can be suspended in air for long periods. They are less than 10 micrometers indiameter.Particular matter 2.5 (PM 2.5 ) are fine particles with diameters less than 2.5 micrometers. They canaccumulate in the respiratory system and are associated with numerous adverse health effects, especiallyamong children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or cardiopulmonary disease (DEP 5 ).Sulfates and nitrates are classified together as a critical pollutant. Sulfates are one of the keycomponents in the formation of acid rain. Nitrates are currently being studied to determine if they have animpact on the formation of acid rain. Both sulfates and nitrates have a role in reducing visibility.Sulfur DioxideSulfur dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere by industrial processes such as burning coal or oilcontaining sulfur. Trees, plants, and agricultural crops are damaged by sulfur dioxide and it can acceleratethe corrosion of materials, such as monuments, buildings, and iron-containing metals (DEP 5 ). Sulfurdioxide is the main component of acid rain, joining with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuricacid. Children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease,are more susceptible to negative health effects from this pollutant.1-5
Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 1. Project Area CharacteristicsMercuryAlthough mercury is not identified as a national critical pollutant, it is an important one. Mercuryoccurs naturally in air, water, and soil. Many rocks, including coal, release mercury into the atmospherewhen burned. It is estimated that half of all mercury deposition within the U.S. comes from sourceswithin the U.S. (EPA, 2005). Approximately 40 percent of the domestic mercury released is from coalburningpower plants. Of the mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants, only one-third isdeposited in the U.S.Mercury emitted into the atmosphere eventually settles into water or onto land, where it can becarried to water by runoff. Once deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into methylmercury, ahighly toxic form that builds up in fish, shellfish, and animals that eat fish (EPA, 2005). Some species offish and shellfish build up more methylmercury than others and, depending on what they eat, how longthey live, and where they are located in the food chain, the level of methylmercury varies.Humans are exposed to methylmercury primarily through the consumption of fish and shellfish. Athigh levels, mercury exposure can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system (EPA,2005). In unborn babies, newborns, and young children, high levels of methylmercury can affect thedevelopment of the nervous system and impair learning.EPA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and individual states work together to establish local fishadvisories for certain types of commercially harvested fish and shellfish. These advisories suggest howoften women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children shouldeat certain types of fish. Advisories for men, women, and children of all ages are also issued whenappropriate. Advisories for Pennsylvania are updated annually and can be accessed on the DEP’s website,keyword: fish advisories.Impacts of Air PollutionAir pollution not only affects the quality of the air, but the economy, health, and environment. Itcontributes to land and water pollution by altering the chemical makeup of streams and soils. It can leadto impairment or destruction of habitats (through the loss of trees, plants, and animals), decreasingproperty values and incomes, and increasing medical expenses and employee absenteeism (Kling &Wuebbles, 2003).Air Quality Partnership, a public/private coalition of volunteers, is working to improve the air qualityin the four most populous areas of Pennsylvania. The majority of the Connoquenessing watershed, withthe exception of Lawrence County, is located within the Pittsburgh Region. The goals of the partnershipinclude: increasing public understanding of impacts of air pollution, provide alerts for days with high airpollution, provide health effect information and guidelines to prevent and reduce exposure, and encouragevoluntary action to reduce air pollution emission (Air Quality Partnership).Utilizing EPA’s standard air quality index (AQI) the partnership alerts communities when the air isunhealthy to breath. The index utilizes a four-staged color system to alert communities. When the AQI isgreen the air is considered to be in a healthy or good condition. A yellow AQI occurs when the air qualityis in fairly good condition and recommends individuals that are extremely sensitive to limit exposure tothe outdoors. A ranking of orange is considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals and recommendslimited exposure to the outdoors, especially in elderly and extremely young individuals. An AQI of red isunhealthy for everyone to be exposed to the outdoors for any period of time.1-6
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