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Show Air Quality Introduction Air quality is an important consideration for Wasatch Front residents' quality of life and protection of GSL ecosystem. Air quality degradation has the potential to impair the aesthetic values of this viewshed ( sunsets, open spaces). Planners and resource managers have recognized the importance of air quality and pollutant transport along the Wasatch. This section addresses air quality issues and regulations relating to management of the GSL system. The planning team identified the following resource concerns: • Air quality impacts on trust resources are not well understood. • Coordination to protect trust resources is a concern. Air Quality Studies The GSL Air Basin Wind Study was conducted by the Wasatch Front Regional Council ( WFRC, 1980) to determine the characteristics of regional wind circulation and its effect on the pollution dispersion and transport. This information was combined with results from previous wind studies in developing an air basin concept for air circulation, considering air quality impacts to individual communities and area- wide concentrations along the Wasatch Front. The transport of toxic substances, radiological materials, odor, sound propagation and wind energy were other environmental considerations ( WFRC, 1980). This study concluded that the transport and diffusion of pollutants are severely limited during inversions. Also, pollutants emitted into the lower layers of the atmosphere are not usually dispersed on a daily basis and depend on large scale weather mechanisms that are much stronger than the diurnal circulation patterns ( Wasatch Front Regional Council, 1980). This study also developed recommendations for future industrial sites and the transport of toxic substances. The confining terrain, diurnal wind circulation and high inversion frequency requires that industrial sites be very carefully considered in this air basin. The impact of a given industry will depend on the transport properties of its emissions and the dispersion characteristic of the locality. This study also recommended that the use, storage and transport of toxic chemical, biological or radiological substances be carefully monitored. Since toxicity, dilution and other factors could be distributed easily resulting in a " critical transportation zone." Odors from industrial releases, sewage treatment facilities, wetland areas and decaying organic material in the lake are also easily transported. This study suggested that additional research be conducted on pollutants and their spatial and temporal emissions and completion of an inventory expanding on the existing database and sampling programs. This would include mixing heights and determining if an ozone cell exists to improve understanding of physical air quality systems in this basin ( WFRC, 1980). 61 |