Air Quality Conference Athens, Greece March 19, 2012-March 23, 2012

Air Quality ConferenceAthens, GreeceMarch 19, 2012-March 23, 2012

-Even with the monitors in place, there were hundreds of microclimates with populations that werent monitored.-SOE: This was only the second time in the United States where a State of Emergency was declared due to bad air quality rather than fire danger.Definition of PM:Particulate matter is a mixture of chemical compounds that include soil, dust and soot. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers are classified as PM10 and particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers are classified as PM2.5. PM10 particles are called coarse particles and are small enough to be inhaled and pass through respiratory system to the lungs. PM 2.5 particles are called fine particles and are of greater health concern than PM10 as they are small enough to reach the deepest, most sensitive part of your lungs. Recent studies suggest that PM2.5 can get past the lungs and into the bloodstream. Some major sources of PM2.5 are mobile vehicles, industrial processes, wood-burning stoves, forest fires and agricultural burning1. The major source of PM 2.5 that we are concerned with in this report is smoke from forest fires. PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke is created through combustion which is the process of burning fuels. Smoke is a mixture of gaseous compounds and fine particles.Wildfire smoke contains more air pollutants than just particulate matter. When combustion in a wildfire occurs, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds are emitted into the atmosphere. While all of these chemical compounds are air pollutants, particulate matter is of the most importance when it comes to public health.Exposure to PM 2.5 can cause many health problems such as aggravated asthma, increased respiratory difficulties such as irritation or the eyes and throat, development of chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and nonfatal heart attacks. Among populations with heart or lung disease, exposure to particle pollution can lead to premature death2. The most vulnerable populations are children, the elderly and sensitive populations. In a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, research has shown that exposure to pollutants can stunt lung growth in children. US EPA has created air quality standards that protect the public from harmful exposure to PM 2.5 in the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Metric: 8,350,000short 7,590,909 tonnes

69,583 short 63,257 tonnes1Air Quality ConferenceProvided a wonderful opportunity to exchange district information and work with a wide array of peers throughout the world

Papers focused on developing technologies and equipment relating to air quality

Papers were technical & detailed on a variety of air pollution controls and discoveries

Several papers presented provided information & technologies practical for district activities in 2012 & moving forward

Allowed contact and discussions with professionals in other countries

Conference design provided three simultaneous presentations in three different locations

-Even with the monitors in place, there were hundreds of microclimates with populations that werent monitored.-SOE: This was only the second time in the United States where a State of Emergency was declared due to bad air quality rather than fire danger.Definition of PM:Particulate matter is a mixture of chemical compounds that include soil, dust and soot. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers are classified as PM10 and particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers are classified as PM2.5. PM10 particles are called coarse particles and are small enough to be inhaled and pass through respiratory system to the lungs. PM 2.5 particles are called fine particles and are of greater health concern than PM10 as they are small enough to reach the deepest, most sensitive part of your lungs. Recent studies suggest that PM2.5 can get past the lungs and into the bloodstream. Some major sources of PM2.5 are mobile vehicles, industrial processes, wood-burning stoves, forest fires and agricultural burning1. The major source of PM 2.5 that we are concerned with in this report is smoke from forest fires. PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke is created through combustion which is the process of burning fuels. Smoke is a mixture of gaseous compounds and fine particles.Wildfire smoke contains more air pollutants than just particulate matter. When combustion in a wildfire occurs, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds are emitted into the atmosphere. While all of these chemical compounds are air pollutants, particulate matter is of the most importance when it comes to public health.Exposure to PM 2.5 can cause many health problems such as aggravated asthma, increased respiratory difficulties such as irritation or the eyes and throat, development of chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and nonfatal heart attacks. Among populations with heart or lung disease, exposure to particle pollution can lead to premature death2. The most vulnerable populations are children, the elderly and sensitive populations. In a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, research has shown that exposure to pollutants can stunt lung growth in children. US EPA has created air quality standards that protect the public from harmful exposure to PM 2.5 in the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Metric: 8,350,000short 7,590,909 tonnes

69,583 short 63,257 tonnes2Air Quality ConferenceSome of the presentations attended include:

Measuring ozone & no2 from space

Transport of pm2.5 and pmfines Distribution of ozone precursors in Lake Tahoe, USA

Domestic wood combustion impact on air quality in Lombardy region (northern Italy)

Considering multiple effects & multiple pollutants for comprehensive air quality management

-Even with the monitors in place, there were hundreds of microclimates with populations that werent monitored.-SOE: This was only the second time in the United States where a State of Emergency was declared due to bad air quality rather than fire danger.Definition of PM:Particulate matter is a mixture of chemical compounds that include soil, dust and soot. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers are classified as PM10 and particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers are classified as PM2.5. PM10 particles are called coarse particles and are small enough to be inhaled and pass through respiratory system to the lungs. PM 2.5 particles are called fine particles and are of greater health concern than PM10 as they are small enough to reach the deepest, most sensitive part of your lungs. Recent studies suggest that PM2.5 can get past the lungs and into the bloodstream. Some major sources of PM2.5 are mobile vehicles, industrial processes, wood-burning stoves, forest fires and agricultural burning1. The major source of PM 2.5 that we are concerned with in this report is smoke from forest fires. PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke is created through combustion which is the process of burning fuels. Smoke is a mixture of gaseous compounds and fine particles.Wildfire smoke contains more air pollutants than just particulate matter. When combustion in a wildfire occurs, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds are emitted into the atmosphere. While all of these chemical compounds are air pollutants, particulate matter is of the most importance when it comes to public health.Exposure to PM 2.5 can cause many health problems such as aggravated asthma, increased respiratory difficulties such as irritation or the eyes and throat, development of chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and nonfatal heart attacks. Among populations with heart or lung disease, exposure to particle pollution can lead to premature death2. The most vulnerable populations are children, the elderly and sensitive populations. In a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, research has shown that exposure to pollutants can stunt lung growth in children. US EPA has created air quality standards that protect the public from harmful exposure to PM 2.5 in the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Metric: 8,350,000short 7,590,909 tonnes

69,583 short 63,257 tonnes3Air Quality ConferenceDiscussions with Colleagues

Shortly before my presentation for the conference, one of the principle organizers, Professor Bernard Fisher with the Environmental Agency of the United Kingdom, introduced himself and asked how our agency was structured within the political structure of the U.S. As I explained how we were structured, he commented that when he saw the paper the Abstract submitted by us, he realized that he was extremely pleased to see the paper, and that we were attending. I asked why, and he answered that at these conferences they rarely have the opportunity to see the real effects of the research they conduct.

-Even with the monitors in place, there were hundreds of microclimates with populations that werent monitored.-SOE: This was only the second time in the United States where a State of Emergency was declared due to bad air quality rather than fire danger.Definition of PM:Particulate matter is a mixture of chemical compounds that include soil, dust and soot. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers are classified as PM10 and particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers are classified as PM2.5. PM10 particles are called coarse particles and are small enough to be inhaled and pass through respiratory system to the lungs. PM 2.5 particles are called fine particles and are of greater health concern than PM10 as they are small enough to reach the deepest, most sensitive part of your lungs. Recent studies suggest that PM2.5 can get past the lungs and into the bloodstream. Some major sources of PM2.5 are mobile vehicles, industrial processes, wood-burning stoves, forest fires and agricultural burning1. The major source of PM 2.5 that we are concerned with in this report is smoke from forest fires. PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke is created through combustion which is the process of burning fuels. Smoke is a mixture of gaseous compounds and fine particles.Wildfire smoke contains more air pollutants than just particulate matter. When combustion in a wildfire occurs, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds are emitted into the atmosphere. While all of these chemical compounds are air pollutants, particulate matter is of the most importance when it comes to public health.Exposure to PM 2.5 can cause many health problems such as aggravated asthma, increased respiratory difficulties such as irritation or the eyes and throat, development of chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and nonfatal heart attacks. Among populations with heart or lung disease, exposure to particle pollution can lead to premature death2. The most vulnerable populations are children, the elderly and sensitive populations. In a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, research has shown that exposure to pollutants can stunt lung growth in children. US EPA has created air quality standards that protect the public from harmful exposure to PM 2.5 in the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Metric: 8,350,000short 7,590,909 tonnes

69,583 short 63,257 tonnes4Air Quality ConferenceDiscussions with Colleagues

As I began my presentation, I was surprised as I looked around the room, and not only were all the seats taken, but there was barely standing room only. During, and after the presentation, there were excellent questions concerning the effects of the wildfires on the communities, transport of pollutants, our methodology for calculating emissions, the effects of high PM on the population, our Clean Air Shelters, cooperation between so many agencies, etc.The questioning went on until the moderator finally cut the questions off to end the session.I had multiple requests for my card so that follow-up discussions might be possible.

-Even with the monitors in place, there were hundreds of microclimates with populations that werent monitored.-SOE: This was only the second time in the United States where a State of Emergency was declared due to bad air quality rather than fire danger.Definition of PM:Particulate matter is a mixture of chemical compounds that include soil, dust and soot. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers are classified as PM10 and particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers are classified as PM2.5. PM10 particles are called coarse particles and are small enough to be inhaled and pass through respiratory system to the lungs. PM 2.5 particles are called fine particles and are of greater health concern than PM10 as they are small enough to reach the deepest, most sensitive part of your lungs. Recent studies suggest that PM2.5 can get past the lungs and into the bloodstream. Some major sources of PM2.5 are mobile vehicles, industrial processes, wood-burning stoves, forest fires and agricultural burning1. The major source of PM 2.5 that we are concerned with in this report is smoke from forest fires. PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke is created through combustion which is the process of burning fuels. Smoke is a mixture of gaseous compounds and fine particles.Wildfire smoke contains more air pollutants than just particulate matter. When combustion in a wildfire occurs, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds are emitted into the atmosphere. While all of these chemical compounds are air pollutants, particulate matter is of the most importance when it comes to public health.Exposure to PM 2.5 can cause many health problems such as aggravated asthma, increased respiratory difficulties such as irritation or the eyes and throat, development of chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and nonfatal heart attacks. Among populations with heart or lung disease, exposure to particle pollution can lead to premature death2. The most vulnerable populations are children, the elderly and sensitive populations. In a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, research has shown that exposure to pollutants can stunt lung growth in children. US EPA has created air quality standards that protect the public from harmful exposure to PM 2.5 in the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Metric: 8,350,000short 7,590,909 tonnes

69,583 short 63,257 tonnes5North Coast Unified Air Quality Management DistrictRichard L. Martin, APCOHeather EmkeGenesis RivasAir Quality Conference: Athens 2012Evaluation of the Air Quality Management Challenges in Californias North Coast Air Basin

6NCUAQMD is a governmental regulatoryagency, tasked with protecting the healthand safety of the public by regulating air resources

Serve Del Norte, Trinity and Humboldt Counties

7800 sq. miles of forest, mountains and coastline in Northern CA which creates hundreds of microclimates

About the size of the country of Israel

Who We Are

-Terrain is combo of coastal, mountainous, and agricultural. Populations are mostly in a few large towns-Population of approximately 170,000 people compared to L.A. county population of 9.8 million

72008 Wildfires in Northern CA Between June 20, and August 18, 2008 lighting strike wildfires burned over 600,000 acres of land in and around the District area.

Out of the 1.34 million acres burned by wildfires in California that year, approximately 30% of the total acreage burned was in Trinity County

Wildfires in Trinity County alone cost USFS $150 million in suppression efforts. Trinity County and its adjacent counties received less than a quarter of the $150 million, and Trinity County received only about 5% of that economic input from the government.

-Image is of wildfire perimeters in 2008 wildfire season. Blue markers at air monitoring locations, yellow markers at fire complex names, red areas are fire perimeters-30% of acreage burned in Trinity =400,000 out of 1.34 million acres burned by wildfires in CA that year

8Air Monitoring Microclimates and scattered population present challenges for the District regarding communication to rural communities

Determining how much of an impact the wildfires had on these populations was a challenge.

Within four days of the onset of the fires, the District installed 11 MET One EBAM monitors. Assistance provided by USEPA, CARB and SDAPCD

Thirteen counties in California declared a State of Emergency due to the wildfires

Wildfires exposed residents to hazardous amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5)

Pyrogenic emissions were calculated to be 8,350,000 short tons of pollution, or 69,583 short tons per day over the course of the 120 day event.

-Even with the monitors in place, there were hundreds of microclimates with populations that werent monitored.-SOE: This was only the second time in the United States where a State of Emergency was declared due to bad air quality rather than fire danger.Definition of PM:Particulate matter is a mixture of chemical compounds that include soil, dust and soot. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers are classified as PM10 and particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers are classified as PM2.5. PM10 particles are called coarse particles and are small enough to be inhaled and pass through respiratory system to the lungs. PM 2.5 particles are called fine particles and are of greater health concern than PM10 as they are small enough to reach the deepest, most sensitive part of your lungs. Recent studies suggest that PM2.5 can get past the lungs and into the bloodstream. Some major sources of PM2.5 are mobile vehicles, industrial processes, wood-burning stoves, forest fires and agricultural burning1. The major source of PM 2.5 that we are concerned with in this report is smoke from forest fires. PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke is created through combustion which is the process of burning fuels. Smoke is a mixture of gaseous compounds and fine particles.Wildfire smoke contains more air pollutants than just particulate matter. When combustion in a wildfire occurs, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and other organic compounds are emitted into the atmosphere. While all of these chemical compounds are air pollutants, particulate matter is of the most importance when it comes to public health.Exposure to PM 2.5 can cause many health problems such as aggravated asthma, increased respiratory difficulties such as irritation or the eyes and throat, development of chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and nonfatal heart attacks. Among populations with heart or lung disease, exposure to particle pollution can lead to premature death2. The most vulnerable populations are children, the elderly and sensitive populations. In a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, research has shown that exposure to pollutants can stunt lung growth in children. US EPA has created air quality standards that protect the public from harmful exposure to PM 2.5 in the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Metric: 8,350,000short 7,590,909 tonnes

69,583 short 63,257 tonnes9Summertime inversions throughout the Districts microclimates trapped the wildfire smoke close to the ground.

Exposure to PM 2.5 exacerbates many health problems such as:

Air Monitoring cont. aggravated asthma increased respiratory difficulties irritation to the eyes and throat development of chronic bronchitis decreased lung function nonfatal heart attacks

-Photographs are of Hoopa Valley on July 9, 2008. Willow Creek EBAM recorded a PM 2.5 24hr average concentration of 162ug/m3 for this day.

10Health Alerts49 PSAs were issued through September 12, 2008.

659 Air Quality Alerts were issued on 70 straight days to 28 different communities within the District.

8 Hazardous Air Quality Alerts were issued during the event

Because air quality in the North Coast is usually rated as healthy, residents didnt understand the serious nature of an air quality rating that was unhealthy or hazardous

-Hazardous Air Quality Alerts are issued by an Air Quality Agency when monitored air quality data indicate that current levels are hazardous to all people and conducting any activity outside is considered hazardous to ones health.-

11Interagency Cooperation-Three different counties OES and Health departments-Federal/state/local fire suppression agencies

Lessons Learned:

Action Event Plan-Templates created in advance for joint issuance -Aids in consistency and timeliness

More than a dozen agencies came together in cooperation to manage the wildfire event12Tribal Interaction-Sovereign nations bound by federal laws must go through local and state channels to secure federal disaster relief and be declared a State Of Emergency by the Governor.

Lessons Learned: cont.

Clean Air Shelters-PM 2.5 trapped in HEPA filters

-Other emergency services available to the public

Clean Air Shelters are created when existing buildings are retrofitted with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters installed in the air intakes for the specific building. This traps any PM2.5 from entering the building providing a Clean Air Shelter for occupants. The shelters are also outfitted with a clean water supply, restrooms, food, cots and other items needed for a stay of several days to several weeks. Many of these buildings are government offices or schools outfitted to serve as a community shelter.

13Smoke Spotter ProgramModeled after the NOAA Weather Spotting Program

Initial Volunteers were Weather Spotters; previously trained in recognizing smoke vs. fog, and judging distances.

Additional Spotters were found in locations near the fires

All spotters are asked to volunteer every year prior to any fires

During a fire, those nearby are asked to actively participate

Initial volunteer list was obtained with the assistance of NOAA.

Lower left corner of slide: trees are actually 80 ft tall or an 8 story building) so column of flames is about 200 ft tall!

This region typically has a lot of fog so it is very important to utilize people who can tell the difference between fog and smoke14CO Emissions5,600,000 short tons of CO were released during the wildfire event

By comparison, the EPA has estimated that Los Angeles County emits approximately 2,000,000 short tons of CO per year. The District emitted almost triple that amount of CO during the 120 days of the wildfires.

CO2 is created once these emissions mix with Oxygen in the atmosphere

CO2 (a GHG) has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 100 years

-Metric: 5,6000,000 short 5,090,909 tonnes

2,000,000 short 1,818,181 tonnes15Global ImpactsCA is leading the U.S. in Greenhouse Gas reduction efforts and passed Assembly Bill 32 which seeks to return GHG levels to pre-1990 levels by the year 2020.

While these GHGs were released from a natural source due to an exceptional event, the emissions still contributed to the Greenhouse Effect and will remain in the atmosphere for anywhere from a decade to several centuries.

These types of emissions, while a significant source of pollution, are not addressed in AB32.

16ConclusionBy understanding the greater environmental and economic impacts of a localized natural disaster, governmental regulatory agencies can better prepare and provide for the common goal of public health and safety17

Questions?

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