2009-034 (2) - Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for Fairhaven/Lincoln

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S. Environmental Analysis AIR QUALITY Air Pollutants of Concern Criteria Air Pollutants The air pollutants ern itted into the ambient air by stationary and mobile sources are regulated by federal and state taw. These regulated air pollutants are known as "criteria air pollutants" and are categorized into primary and secondary pollutants, Primary air pollutants are those that are emitted directly from sources. Carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrogen oxides (NOx )3 sulfur dioxide (SO,), coarse inhalable particulate matter P M 10 , fine inhalable particulate matter PM , : and lead (Pb ) are primary air pollutants. Of these, CO, S02, NO, P 1,c,, and P 2., are criteria pollutants. VOC and NOx are criteria pollutant precursors and go on to form secondary criteria pollutants through chemical and photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. Ozone 03 and nitrogen dioxide NO are the principal secondary pollutants. Presented below is a description of each of the primary and secondary criteria air pollutants and their known health effects. Other pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), a natural by-product of animal respiration that is also produced in the combustion process, have been linked to such phenomena as global warming. These emissions are unregulated and there are no thresholds for their release. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas p rod uces# by incornplete cornbu #ion of carbon substances, such as gasoline or diesel fuel. The primary adverse health effect associated with CO is interference with normal oxygen transfer to the blood, which may result in tissue oxygen deprivation (SC AQMD 2005). Volatile Organic Compounds (1100) are compounds comprised primarily of atoms of hydrogen and carbon. Internal combustion associated with motor vehicle usage i s the major source of hydrocarbons. VOCs are synonymous with reactive organic gases. Other sources of VOC include evaporative emissions associated with the use of paints and solvents, the application of asphalt p a vi and the use of household consumer products such as aerosols. Adverse effects on human health are net caused directly by VOC, but rather by reactions of VOC to form secondary pollutants such as ozone (SCAOMD 2005). Nitrogen Oxides NO serge as integral participants in the process of photochemical smog production. The two major forms of NOx are nitric oxide NO and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO is a colorless, odorless gas formed from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen when combustion takes place under high temperature and /or high pressure. NO2 is a reddish - brown irritating gas formed by the corn bination of NO and oxygen. N Ox ants as an acute respiratory irritant and increases susceptibility to respiratory pathogens SCAD 2405. NO is a by- product of fuel combustion. The principal form of NO produced by combustion is NO, but NO reacts with oxygen to form NO., creating the mixture of NO and NO2commonly called NOx. NO2 acts as an acute irritant and, in equal concentrations, is more injurious than NO. At atmospheric concentrations, however, NO2 is only potentially irritating. There is some indication of a relationship between NO2and chronic pulmonary fibrosis. Some increase in bronchitis in children (two and three years old) has also been observed at concentrations below 0 .3 part per million ppm). NO absorbs blue light; the result is a brownish -red cast to the atmosphere and reduced visibility. NO2 also contributes to the formation of PM,,, PM .,, and ozone (SCAOMD 2005). Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a colorless, pungent, irritating gas formed by the combustion of sulfurous fossil fuels. Fuel combustion is the primary source of S 02. At sufficiently high concentrations, S O may irritate the upper respiratory tract. At lower concentrations and when combined with particulates, SO may do greater harm by injuring lung tissue. A primary source 0f S02emissions is high - sulfur- content coal. Gasoline and natural alas have very lover sulfur content and hence do not release significant quantities of SO2 (SCALD 2005). air hav n L into n and Santa ClaralLincoln Intersection Modifications City of Santa Ana @ ag e 5,1-3 S emen o the Santa Ana Second Main Track Proj'ect EIR Resolution No. 2009 -034 Page 53 of 130