Air Pollution Webquest

Name: ______Class: ______Date: ______EPA National Emissions Inventory Air Pollution Webquest Introduction The quality of air can vary widely depending where you live. While nearly any area will experience some level of air pollution, the types and amounts of each can change depending on what is nearby. This webquest will help you identify some of the major point sources of pollution in your area. Background The Clean Air Act, originally passed in 1963 then amended in 1970 and 1990, established acceptable air quality levels for criteria pollutants. For each pollutant listed below, identify the chemical formula (if applicable) and describe its physical properties. Use this link for information: https://www3.epa.gov/air/airpollutants.html

Chemical Pollutant Physical Characteristics Health Effects Symbol Colorless, foul-smelling gas that is Increased risk of respiratory Sulfur dioxide SO 2 produced by burning fossil fuels. disease. Worsens asthma.

Carbon monoxide

Nitrogen oxides

Particulate Matter

Accessing Local Facility Data 1. Visit the 2008 Emissions Inventory Database at https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/2011- national-emissions-inventory-nei-data 2. Scroll down to the “Maps and Fusion Tables” section. 3. Click on the “Table” link for the air pollutant you would like to analyze first. 4. Click on the blue “Filter” button, then select “State.” Choose your state from the checklist. 5. Click the filter tab again, this type selecting “County”. Choose your county from the checklist. 6. The list should show all source of that pollutant in your county, starting with the largest producer.

Environmental Science Resources http://www.aurumscience.com Page 1 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) In the table below, list the top five sulfur dioxide emissions facilities in your county. Give the amount of emissions in tons and identify the city where it is located. Give a brief explanation of the source of what that facility is (e.g. coal-burning power plant, airport, etc.).

Annual Site Name Emissions City Description (in tons)

Carbon Monoxide (CO) In the table below, list the top five carbon monoxide emissions facilities in your county. Give the amount of emissions in tons and identify the city where it is located. Give a brief explanation of the source of what that facility is (e.g. coal-burning power plant, airport, etc.).

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) In the table below, list the top five nitrogen oxide emissions facilities in your county. Give the amount of emissions in tons and identify the city where it is located. Give a brief explanation of the source of what that facility is (e.g. coal-burning power plant, airport, etc.).

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) In the table below, list the top five nitrogen oxide emissions facilities in your county. Give the amount of emissions in tons and identify the city where it is located. Give a brief explanation of the source of what that facility is (e.g. coal-burning power plant, airport, etc.).

Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) In the table below, list the top five particulate matter (≤ 10 microns) emissions facilities in your county. Give the amount of emissions in tons and identify the city where it is located. Give a brief explanation of the source of what that facility is (e.g. coal-burning power plant, airport, etc.).

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) In the table below, list the top five particulate matter (≤ 2.5 microns) emissions facilities in your county. Give the amount of emissions in tons and identify the city where it is located. Give a brief explanation of the source of what that facility is (e.g. coal-burning power plant, airport, etc.).

Pollution Map Locate the #1 polluting facility for each of the pollutants in the previous sections. Mark those facilities on the map below. Create a key, so that different colors or symbols represent producers of different plants.

Go to the live wind map at hint.fm/wind and zoom in to see the current wind currents in your county. Take a pencil and lightly draw arrows showing the direction of these wind currents.

What area or ecosystem is likely to feel effects of the air pollution produced in this county?