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

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 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 VOC CO2 PM10 PM2.5 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