Transit Connections 2013 The Value of Transit Transit: It’s Personal Amy Fitch University of Nevada, Reno Julie D. Hunter Washoe County Health District.

Transit Connections 2013 The Value of Transit

Transit: It’s Personal

Amy FitchUniversity of Nevada, Reno

Julie D. HunterWashoe County Health District

Kevin SchillerWashoe County Department of SocialServices

Washoe County Health District, Air Quality Management

Division

Julie HunterSenior Air Quality Specialist

Transit Connections, December 6, 2013

Air Quality Management Division Monitoring – Measures the level of criteria pollutants

Planning – Establishes rules and regulations to reduce air pollutants of concern in the area

Permitting – Issues Permits to Operate with conditions to reduce/limit emissions

Enforcement – Ensures compliance with permit conditions and regulations governing air quality

AQM Monitoring Network

• 8 Sites in Southern Washoe County

• Operates 24/7• Meets EPA

requirements • Reviewed annually• Changes approved by

EPA

Monitoring Station

Criteria Air Pollutants

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)• Particulate Matter (PM)• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)• Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx)• Ozone (O3)• Lead

Air Quality Index (AQI)

• Pollutant levels calculate daily AQI

• AQI reported daily to public

• AQI level determines health effects

Health Effects of Ozone

• OZONEo Cough o Throat Irritationo Pain, burning, or

discomfort in the chest when taking a deep breath

o Chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath

Health Effects of Particulates

• Particulate Mattero Coughing, wheezing,

shortness of breath o Aggravated asthma o Lung damage (including

decreased lung function and lifelong respiratory disease)

• Pollution per Mile Calculation (Washoe County):

• Annual Emissions: 2,580,403 tons/year• Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): 11,507,066 per day• Vehicle Population: 267,157 number of vehicles

Pollution Calculation

Pollution from Vehicles

• Average vehicle drives 43.1 miles per day

• 53.7 lbs of emissions per day per vehicle

• 1.2 lbs pollution per mile

CO

VOCCO2

PM10PM2.5

NOx

SO2

Transit Solutions

• Motor vehicles are the largest contributor to ozone in Washoe County

• 40% of all trips are two miles or less, these short trips lead to “cold starts” which are a big source of emissions.

• One mile pedaled or walked saves 1.2 pounds of pollution

Active Transportation Benefits

Solutions to Reduce Pollution

• Public transit, carpool, or active transportation

• Combine errands• Limit engine idling• Safe refueling• Refuel vehicles after dusk• Keep vehicle tuned and

tires inflated

Keep it Clean

• Know the Code

• Rack Em Up

• nOzone

www.ourcleanair.com