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

Washoe County Health District,
Air Quality Management
Division
Julie Hunter
Senior 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
• OZONE o Cough o Throat Irritation o 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 Matter o Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath o Aggravated asthma o Lung damage
(including decreased lung function and lifelong respiratory disease)

Pollution Calculation
• 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 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

Transit Solutions

Active Transportation Benefits
• 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

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