The winter time air pollution in The winter time air pollution in Cache Valley, Utah, USA:Cache Valley, Utah, USA:

Causes and Possible SolutionsCauses and Possible Solutions

Esmaiel MalekEsmaiel MalekDepartment of Plants, Soils, ClimateDepartment of Plants, Soils, Climate

Utah State UniversityUtah State UniversityLogan, UT 84322-4820, U.S.A.

Telephone: 435-797-3284, Fax: 435-797-2117, E-mail:emalek@mendel.usu.edu

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has called a ’Red Air Quality Alert’ day for Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber Counties for Wednesday February 20, 2008.

The Bear River District Health Department has called a RED day for Cache County.

Cache County: Air Quality condition as issued by the Bear River Health Dept.: RED

Health Advisory: Sensitive people (those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children) should reduce prolonged or heavy

exertion outdoors.

Wood-burn conditions and health statements are as follows:

http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.DisplayTopStory&StoryType=1

Examples of the wintertime air pollution in Cache Examples of the wintertime air pollution in Cache ValleyValley, , UTUT

Southwest view of the valleySouthwest view of the valley

February, 2002, 4:00 p.m.

January, 2004

Snow covered hill

Polluted air

Polluted airWellsville Mountains

Everybody heard the news in January Everybody heard the news in January 2004, about the worst national air 2004, about the worst national air

pollution in Logan, Cache County, Utah, pollution in Logan, Cache County, Utah, U.S.A., a metropolitan area with a U.S.A., a metropolitan area with a

population of 102,720 (Toth et al., 2006). population of 102,720 (Toth et al., 2006).

Among the media’s comments Among the media’s comments were:were:

““Logan’s air found worst to breathe in the Logan’s air found worst to breathe in the U.S.”U.S.”

““Logan’s (the county seat) air is the Logan’s (the county seat) air is the dirtiest in the U.Sdirtiest in the U.S.”.”

Cache Valley on a “good” day (Feb. 25, 2002)

Cache Valley on a “moderate” day (Feb. 23, 2002: PM2.5 ≈ 40 µg/m3)

Cache Valley on a “very bad” day (Feb. 16, 2004; PM2.5 = 101.6 µg/m3)

Pictures: Dr. Martin

What caused the high What caused the high concentration of polluted concentration of polluted

material in the air in Cache material in the air in Cache Valley during theValley during the

period of 8 period of 8 -- 15 January, 2004?15 January, 2004?

Factors responsible for this highly Factors responsible for this highly winterwinter--time polluted air in Cache time polluted air in Cache

Valley can be related to:Valley can be related to:

♥♥ -- EnvironmentEnvironment

♠♠ -- Meteorology,Meteorology,

♣♣-- Geography,Geography,

--♣♣ The Cache Valley geographical structure:The Cache Valley geographical structure:

NorthNorth

Valley Valley centercenter

NWNW NENE

WW EE

SWSW SESE

The bottom of Cache Valley (about 61 km long by 50 km wide) is aThe bottom of Cache Valley (about 61 km long by 50 km wide) is about 1372 m bout 1372 m (4500 ft) above msl and it is almost entirely surrounded by stee(4500 ft) above msl and it is almost entirely surrounded by steep mountains p mountains

reaching over 2743 m (9000 ft) above msl, forming a reaching over 2743 m (9000 ft) above msl, forming a bowlbowl around the Valley.around the Valley.

♠♠-- MeteorologyMeteorologyAA-- High pressure:High pressure:

High atmospheric surface pressureHigh atmospheric surface pressureduring the during the period of 8 period of 8 -- 15 January, 15 January, 2004,2004, acted as a lid, holding down acted as a lid, holding down

the cold polluted air in Cache Valley the cold polluted air in Cache Valley under a thick sheet of warm airunder a thick sheet of warm air. .

♠♠-- Meteorology (continued)Meteorology (continued)BB-- Precipitation & Wind:Precipitation & Wind:

0

3

6

9

12

Wat

er e

quiv

alen

t, m

m/h

Win

d sp

eed,

m/s

12

34

56

78

910

1112

1314

1516

1718

1920

2122

2324

2526

2728

2930

31

Day

Precip. U3

January 2004 (hourly data)

b

Lack of precipitation and almost Lack of precipitation and almost calm conditions during the calm conditions during the period of period of 8 8 -- 15 January, 2004,15 January, 2004, kept the level of kept the level of pollutantspollutants high in Cache Valley (high in Cache Valley (no no

washout and ventilationwashout and ventilation).).

0

3

6

9

12W

ater

equ

ival

ent,

mm

/h

Win

d sp

eed,

m/s

12

34

56

78

910

1112

1314

1516

1718

1920

2122

2324

2526

2728

2930

31

DayPrecip. U3

January 2004 (hourly data)

b

♠♠-- Meteorology (continued)Meteorology (continued)CC-- SnowSnow--covered surface: covered surface:

-- High reflection of solar radiation by the snowHigh reflection of solar radiation by the snow--cover surface during cover surface during the day caused less solar radiation absorption and lower the day caused less solar radiation absorption and lower

temperatures.temperatures.

--January 2004 averaged about 359 mm (14 inches) of snow, which January 2004 averaged about 359 mm (14 inches) of snow, which boosted the coldboosted the cold--surface air temperature which averaged to about surface air temperature which averaged to about

--19.5 19.5 ooC (C (--3.1 3.1 ooF) during this period.F) during this period.

(Example of snow in Logan, UT: Courtesy of Tim Wright)

♠♠-- Meteorology (continued)Meteorology (continued)DD-- Radiation budget: Radiation budget:

Pyrgeometers Pyranometers

Frost-covered net radiometer

Snow-covered net radiometer

♠♠-- Meteorology (continued)Meteorology (continued)DD-- Radiation budget: Radiation budget:

Almost cloudlessAlmost cloudless--sky periodsky period

Logan, Utah, USA, January 2004

0

25

50

75

100

1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31

DOY

Clo

udin

ess,

%

Almost cloudless-sky period

Malek, E. 1997 (c). Evaluation of effective atmospheric emissivity and parameterization of cloud at local scale. Atmos. Res. 41-54.Malek, E. (2008). Cloud contribution to the daily and annual radiation budget in a mountainous valley. Doi.10.1016/j. atmosres.2008.11.029.

♠♠-- Meteorology (continued)Meteorology (continued)EE-- Inversion:Inversion:

IInversionnversion is theis the increase of temperature with height, which prevents vertical airincrease of temperature with height, which prevents vertical air motion and motion and traps traps pollutants in the air.pollutants in the air.

Vertical air temperature can be measured by Vertical air temperature can be measured by radiosonderadiosonde, , tethersondetethersonde, , acousticacoustic, etc., approaches , etc., approaches (some require complex and expensive equipment).(some require complex and expensive equipment).

The Cache Valley vertical air temperatures have been measured byThe Cache Valley vertical air temperatures have been measured by the HOBO temperature the HOBO temperature sensor/data logger (Martin, 2006).sensor/data logger (Martin, 2006).

Whiteman et al. 2000

Data logger

Thermister inside the radiation shield

♠♠-- Meteorology (continued)Meteorology (continued)EE-- Inversion:Inversion:

IInversion during the period of 8 nversion during the period of 8 -- 15 January, 2004.15 January, 2004.

http://www.arl.noaa.gov.ready-bin/mainarc.pl

The bottom line is that during the winter, Cache Valley typically has a very small air shed available, where pollutants will accumulate and become

concentrated.

http://www.airquality.utah.gov/Publichttp://www.airquality.utah.gov/Public--Interest/CurrentInterest/Current--Issues/cacheIssues/cache--valleyvalley--PM/PM/Science/Science/CacheValleyScience.htmCacheValleyScience.htm

-- Environment Environment

♣♣ These substances in the atmosphere may These substances in the atmosphere may result in adverse effects to result in adverse effects to humanshumans, , animalsanimals, ,

vegetationvegetation, and , and materialsmaterials..

♣♣ Air pollution is referred to as the degradation Air pollution is referred to as the degradation of air quality resulting from unwanted gases of air quality resulting from unwanted gases

and particulates occurring in the air.and particulates occurring in the air.

♣♣ The air quality index (AQI) is used for reporting the The air quality index (AQI) is used for reporting the severity of air pollution levels to the public. severity of air pollution levels to the public.

♣♣ The AQI incorporates one or a combination of five criteria The AQI incorporates one or a combination of five criteria pollutants:pollutants:

55-- Nitrogen dioxide.Nitrogen dioxide.

44-- Sulfur dioxide,Sulfur dioxide,

33-- Carbon monoxide,Carbon monoxide,

22-- Particulate matter (PMParticulate matter (PM2.52.5 or PMor PM1010, e.g., PM, e.g., PM2.52.5 is the gravitational is the gravitational mass of all particles with 2.5 µm in diameters),mass of all particles with 2.5 µm in diameters),

11--Ground level ozone,Ground level ozone,

-- An AQI value is calculated daily An AQI value is calculated daily for each of these pollutants.for each of these pollutants.

-- The highest AQI for an individual pollutant is the AQI The highest AQI for an individual pollutant is the AQI value for that day.value for that day.

(http://www.airnow.gov)(http://www.airnow.gov)

Ground levelGround level ozoneozone, and , and PMPM2.52.5 are the major concerns are the major concerns in Cache Valley.in Cache Valley.

Hazardous301 to 500

PurpleVery Unhealthy201 to 300

Red

Unhealthy 132 132 µµg mg m-3151 to 200

OrangeUnhealthy forSensitive Groups

101 to 150

YellowModerate51 to 100

GreenGood0 to 50

...as symbolizedby this color:

...air quality conditions are:When the AQIis in this range:

ColorsLevels of Health ConcernAir Quality Index(AQI) Values

PMPM2.52.5 ((µµg mg m--33))

0 – 15.4

15.5 – 40.4

40.5 – 65.4

65.5 – 150.4

150.5 – 250.4

> 250.5

Sources of PMSources of PM2.52.5 in Cache Valleyin Cache Valley

The atmosphere is The atmosphere is ammoniaammonia--richrich, due in part to , due in part to agricultural activities, but ammonia does not produce agricultural activities, but ammonia does not produce particulate matter (particulate matter (PMPM2.52.5) until it reacts with ) until it reacts with nitrogen nitrogen

oxidesoxides ((NONOx x , 8.3x103 kg/d) and and sulfur oxidessulfur oxides ((SOSOxx,8.5x103 kg/d), from automobile and diesel exhausts to from automobile and diesel exhausts to

produce produce ammonium nitrate andand ammonium sulfate.

The single major contributor of PMThe single major contributor of PM2.52.5 in Cache Valley in Cache Valley is motorized vehicles.is motorized vehicles.

Other minor sources are: home heating and industry. Other minor sources are: home heating and industry.

Martin (2006):Martin (2006): http://www.airquality.utah.gov/Publichttp://www.airquality.utah.gov/Public--Interest/CurrentInterest/Current--Issues/cacheIssues/cache--valleyvalley--PM/Outreach/Cache%20Valley%20Air%20Quality%20Studies%202006.pdfPM/Outreach/Cache%20Valley%20Air%20Quality%20Studies%202006.pdf

Ammonia is produced form (2002 Agriculture Census)Ammonia is produced form (2002 Agriculture Census) ::106,000 cattle106,000 cattle, , 7,300 sheep and lambs,

7,500 pigs, 1,200+ poultry , and 50,000 minks.

-- Cache Valley is the State of Utah leader in dairy Cache Valley is the State of Utah leader in dairy products.products.

Sources of Ammonia in Cache Valley:

These animals generate a great deal of ammoniaThese animals generate a great deal of ammonia(average 24(average 24--h wintertime = h wintertime = 9.2 µg/m3 (13.9 ppb)),which is a major contributor to the high level of which is a major contributor to the high level of

PMPM2.52.5 in the Valley.in the Valley.

On-road automobile emissions

- RoadRoad--side emissions monitoring of over 12,000 moving vehicles in Cachside emissions monitoring of over 12,000 moving vehicles in Cache Valley e Valley showed showed that approximately 4.5% and 10.3% of the Valley’s vehicles would fail inspections tests for NOx and VOCs, respectively, and that these vehicles were

responsible for 25.4% and 47.8% of the valley-wide emissions.

- The study also found that majority of the vehicles that would fail would be older than 1996. as of 2004,

vehicle registrations from the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles showed thepercentage of vehicles that are 1996 or newer be 49.4%, and, therefore, eligible

for vehicle inspection and maintenance (I&M) program.

Martin (2006)

After being combined:HNO3 + NH3 → NH4NO3

- Agriculture emissions: Ammonia (NH3)

- Automobile emissions, for instance: NOx and VOCs (as catalysts)

NHNH44NONO33 = Ammonium Nitrate = Ammonium Nitrate which considered as a which considered as a

particulate matter (PM)particulate matter (PM)

gasgas gasgas particleparticle

Microscopic view of PM (Courtesy of Dr. Silva, USU).

--Crustal Elements = dust from dirt roads and Crustal Elements = dust from dirt roads and wind storms off the west desert.wind storms off the west desert.

--Elemental Carbon = incompletely Elemental Carbon = incompletely combusted hydrocarbons (diesel soot, combusted hydrocarbons (diesel soot, black and blue exhaust, woodblack and blue exhaust, wood--burning burning stoves, black smoke from incomplete coal stoves, black smoke from incomplete coal burning).burning).

--Organic Carbon = fuel vapors, solvent Organic Carbon = fuel vapors, solvent vapors and unburned fuel in exhaust from vapors and unburned fuel in exhaust from poorly maintained vehicles.poorly maintained vehicles.

--Ammonium Sulfate = ammonia + sulfur Ammonium Sulfate = ammonia + sulfur oxides (SOoxides (SOxx) (diesel engines and coal.)) (diesel engines and coal.)

--Ammonium Nitrate = ammonia + nitrogen Ammonium Nitrate = ammonia + nitrogen oxides (NOoxides (NOxx) (mostly from vehicles).) (mostly from vehicles).

Chemical Composition of Cache Valley PM2.5

Monitoring sites throughout the Cache Valley

Newly established site

Loading BGI Air Sampler Changing PM 2.5 Filter Downloading RUN Data

Comparison of Exposed and

Unexposed Filters

Transport of Air Samplers BGI PQ200A Air Sampler Control Panel and Sampling Apparatus

http://atlas.utah.gov/website/amccurrent/EPA recently strengthened the 24-h PM2.5 standard from the 1997 level of 65 µg m-3,

and retained the current annual fine particle standard at 15 µg m-3 (12-18-2006)..

Take it easy! Life goes on!!

Concluding RemarksConcluding Remarks

What can be done to alleviate the wintertime high What can be done to alleviate the wintertime high concentration of air pollutants in the Valley?concentration of air pollutants in the Valley?

-- Infants, young children, and the elderly were Infants, young children, and the elderly were particularly vulnerable to the effects of PMparticularly vulnerable to the effects of PM2.52.5..

-- The wintertimeThe wintertime--high levels of particulate matters (PMhigh levels of particulate matters (PM2.52.5) ) in Cache Valley were associated with significant health in Cache Valley were associated with significant health problems within 1problems within 1--5 days of exposure, ranging from: 5 days of exposure, ranging from:

asthma attacksasthma attacks,, increased ER visitsincreased ER visits, , heart attacksheart attacks, , strokesstrokes, , and may be to and may be to deathdeath..

-- Cache Valley is the State of Utah leader in dairy Cache Valley is the State of Utah leader in dairy products.products.

Research is necessary to Research is necessary to reduce ammonia from reduce ammonia from waste productswaste products and reduce the and reduce the nitrogen oxidesnitrogen oxides

((NONOxx)) and and sulfur oxidessulfur oxides ((SOSOxx) from automobile ) from automobile and diesel exhaustsand diesel exhausts ..

Reduction of ammonia from animal waste productsReduction of ammonia from animal waste products

Animal feeding:- Reduced nitrogen diets (less crude proteins)- Dietary electrolyte balance to affect pH

Waste treatment (confinement and storage):- Frequent removal- Biological nitrification of liquid wastes before discharge to lagoon- Acidify manure- Cover manure pits

-- Community education (Community education (driving as little as possibledriving as little as possible, , car poolingcar pooling, or , or using public transportationusing public transportation) followed ) followed by behavioral changes with decreased by behavioral changes with decreased vvehicle ehicle mmiles iles

ttraveled (raveled (VMTVMT) could result in additional ) could result in additional reductions of NOreductions of NOxx emissions.emissions.

-- Identification and repair or removal of old Identification and repair or removal of old vehicles could result in a 15 percent reduction of vehicles could result in a 15 percent reduction of

NONOxx during wintertime inversions.during wintertime inversions.

Reduction of Reduction of nitrogen oxidesnitrogen oxides ((NONOxx)) andand sulfur oxidessulfur oxides((SOSOxx) ) from automobile and diesel exhausts.from automobile and diesel exhausts.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=818102http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=818102

Cache Valley Teens Taking Steps to Help EnvironmentCache Valley Teens Taking Steps to Help Environment

Warning tools:Warning tools:

Main Street, LoganMain Street, Logan

Main Street, LoganMain Street, Logan

Main Street, LoganMain Street, Logan

Main Street, LoganMain Street, Logan

Meteorological and Environmental Aspects of One Meteorological and Environmental Aspects of One of the Worst National Air Pollution Episode of the Worst National Air Pollution Episode

(January, 2004) in Logan, Cache Valley, Utah, (January, 2004) in Logan, Cache Valley, Utah, U.S.A.U.S.A.

Esmaiel MalekEsmaiel Malek* and Tess Davis** and Tess Davis*Randal S. Martin+Randal S. Martin+

Philip Silva++Philip Silva++

* Utah Climate Center, Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate,* Utah Climate Center, Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate,Utah State University, Logan, Utah, U.S.A.Utah State University, Logan, Utah, U.S.A.

+ + Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State UnDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, iversity, Logan, Utah, U.S.A.U.S.A.

++ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State Universi++ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, U.S.A.ty, Logan, Utah, U.S.A.

(J. Atmos. Res., 2006)(J. Atmos. Res., 2006)

Questions?Questions?