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- All Subjects: Air Quality
- Creators: Stokman, Marie
Though invisible from our vision, and often from our minds as a result, the quality of the air around us has immense impacts on the health of the environment and our populations. Typically, defined by the presence of three main pollutants, particulate matter 10, particulate matter 2.5, and ozone, air quality can be highly localized. Because of this, some communities can be hit harder by air quality issues. The South Mountain Village is an example of a community that is being drastically impacted by issues of air quality. Even though air pollution can have an array of causes that are difficult to pin-point, the impacts that it has on human health and quality of life are just the opposite. Consistent exposure to polluted air can result in short term health effects such as discomfort and shortness of breath along with longer term effects such as asthma and lung cancer. Areas with higher concentrations of pollutants in the air often see an increase in the health issues mentioned. In the case of the South Mountain area, there are many direct and indirect sources of the issue. The area has a higher than average amount of industry such as metal and plastic manufacturing, and the residences are mixed right in with these. Additionally, the area has less wealth and a higher population of racial minorities. These two things are not coincidences, as air quality is an environmental issue that is highly systemic. This thesis project will surround the process of developing and implementing ideas to mitigate the negative effects of air quality in the area, as well as exploring sources of the issue -- both scientific and historic. Project ideas ranging from technology to policies will be considered and investigated in order to produce feasible and actionable plans.
How can we address the causes, impacts, and potential solutions of poor air quality in the Phoenix South Mountain Community? This project focuses on the science, history, and politics surrounding the poor air quality in the South Phoenix area, with an emphasis in creating and implementing local, generational, and technological solutions.
By avoiding vehicle idling for three minutes every day of the year can reduce 1.4 million metric tons annually, which is equivalent to taking 320,000 cars off the road for the entire year (Canada.ca, 2016). The Automobile Idle Reduction Program (AIRP) is an outreach initiative to prevent carbon emissions from being released into the air by automobiles idling in Maricopa County. The initiative establishes a campaign to promote behavioral changes that target high idling industries: freight and delivery, schools and drive- thru facilities.
Background
Globally, carbon emissions negatively alter the air we breathe and is a leading cause in climate change. These problems adversely affect the global environment and human health. Additionally, they have cancer causing agents in the particulate matter. Unfortunately, over the years, Maricopa County has failed to meet air quality standards for particulate matter pollution which effects the health of residents. By not meeting the air quality standards, Maricopa County can receive sanctions and the Environmental Protection Agency can reject Arizona’s State Implementation Plan. This looming threat can financially impinge the economy of Maricopa County, potentially costing taxpayers a substantial increase in taxes.
Strategy and Solution
To battle the creation of carbon emissions and particulate matter, AIRP has developed a strategy for each industry. In partnership with the Maricopa County Air Quality Department, AIRP will introduce the freight and delivery companies to the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Grant promotion to facilitate and fiscally assist with changing older diesel engines into higher efficiency engines that burn cleaner. Provide educators a fifth to eighth grade state approved education program to teach students the importance of vehicle idling reduction at no cost. And work with community organizations to offer a discount at their stores for those patrons who choose to turn their engine off and order inside, rather than idling in the drive-thru facilities. The campaign will market the interest of AIRP to the general public through purposefully placed billboards, light rail wraps, social media pushes, handouts and vinyl stickers.