Border air from EPA just got tougher. For the, U.S. EPA, along with the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) got together. For they will unveil a new air pollution monitor. It is located at the San Ysidro port of entry. It’s also located on the US-Mexico border.
In addition, it’s about 16 miles from downtown San Diego. What’s the issue: 50,000 cars and buses; that’s in addition to 25,000 pedestrians across the region daily.
That is most commonly known as the busiest land port of entry in the Western Hemisphere.
Border Air EPA Standards for Monitoring
The Border Air EPA District will monitor measures PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter up to 2.5 microns in diameter). All which can also result in negative health effects when inhaled.
The device also began operating today. It is also to be used to collect real time data. Especially on the levels of air pollutants in San Ysidro. As well as the adjoining communities.
In addition, the EPA is also providing $110,000 to the SDAPCD for the two year project. That includes the purchase, installation, and also the operation of the monitor.
At the conclusion of the study, if PM 2.5 levels are elevated, the District and EPA will thereafter identify its sources. Finally and also work to reduce it.
Wood Burning Other Air Pollution EPA District Border Monitoring
In collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For the EPA air quality district at the border has a monitor. It is also placed on the roof of the pedestrian building. Located at the port of entry. Data from the monitor are posted on the SDAPCD website and will be used to help address air pollution challenges. Especially in nearby communities. At the completion of the monitoring period, the EPA and SDAPCD will analyze the data. Finally and then determine next steps. The closest PM 2.5 monitor is in Chula Vista, Calif., about 6 miles north of the port of entry, and does not provide data representative of PM 2.5 emissions at the Border.
“This air pollution monitor will allow us to track San Ysidro’s air quality and craft solutions to improve the air that local residents breathe,” said County Supervisor Greg Cox, who represents the area.
Binational environmental pollution is addressed through the Border 2020 Environment Program – a bi-national collaborative effort with a mission to protect human health and the environment along the U.S.–Mexico border. To date, EPA has invested over $600 million in border environmental projects. For more about EPA’s Border 2020 Program, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/border2020
PM 2.5 Monitoring at EPA Border District
PM 2.5 is one of the most pressing challenges to clean air today. When inhaled, this complex mixture of extremely small particles can reach the deepest regions of the lungs. Health studies have shown a significant association between exposure to fine particles and premature death from heart or lung disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air pollution presents a substantial environmental risk. Especially in some border communities. More noteworthy, those that are frequently exposed to elevated concentrations of:
- particulate matter PM10
- PM2.5
- ozone
and toxic air pollutants.
Communities that deal with multiple environmental stressors are often disadvantaged. As well as more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution. The border region includes a number of cities that share common airsheds. Therefore, activities in one city can directly affect the other. That’s whether in the same country or across the border.
For more on EPA EJ Month, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/events/20th-anniversary.html#blog
Finally and to access the AirNow website, please visit: http://sd.sdapcd.org/Airvision/
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