HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainable AtmosphereDRAFT DRAFT DRAFT July 21, 2010
Atmosphere
The atmosphere includes the air we breathe, the sounds we hear, odors we smell, the greenhouse
gases that keep the planet habitable, weather systems that deliver water, and the high stratospheric
ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet sunlight. People and cities can overload this
atmosphere with pollutants (toxins, smog, allergens, noise, additional greenhouse gases, and
ozone - depleting chemicals) that diminish our health, damage agriculture and structures, lower
property values, and present new risks from changing climate.
Atmospheric pollution creates local and distant problems. Local effects in and near Oshkosh
include: indoor air pollution (people spend most of their time indoors); noise pollution from
vehicles, trains, construction equipment and power tools; air pollution from factories, buildings
and motorized vehicles; and air pollution carried in from other cities (such as acid and mercury
pollution of local waters and fish from coal -fired plants). Climate change may also be impacting
Oshkosh in subtle ways, as Wisconsin has seen warmer winters, more precipitation, longer
growing seasons, and shorter lake ice seasons. Air pollution from Oshkosh also contributes to
global changes stressing other parts of the world, particularly for societies less affluent and able
to adjust, and ecosystems that are less resilient than ours.
Air quality has been improving in Oshkosh. Wisconsin DNR publishes data online for an "Air
Quality Index" based on ground -level ozone for Appleton and Fond du Lac (the closest sites to
Oshkosh). For 2007 -2009, about 90% of our days were ranked "Good" (the top category), with
the other 10% reduced to "Moderate" level of health concern. Since 2003 we have not recorded
any days that were "Unhealthy for Sensitive Individuals ", and 1988 was the last year we
experienced "Unhealthy" days. There have also been major reductions in toxic air releases over
the past 20 years of monitoring. The EPA Toxic Release Inventory (last updated in 2008) shows
that industry releases about 50 tons of toxic materials to the atmosphere from their sites in the
city. This is a major improvement over 128 tons in 1998 and 390 tons in 1988. Three companies
accounted for 98% of the toxic air emissions, which were 65% ozone, 30% solvents, and less than
I% heavy metals.
Indoor air pollution has seen steady improvement as well. Public areas have been cleaner with
tightening of rules on tobacco smoke in state buildings, followed by a citywide smoking
ordinance, and the recent implementation of a state law. Workplace air quality has been
improved by federal regulations and monitoring. Based on its geology, Winnebago County is
listed by the EPA as "Moderate Potential' for harmful levels of radon (a naturally occurring,
underground, radioactive toxin), with recommended testing of indoor spaces to determine if
ventilation needs improvement.
Objective: Provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for people, nature and planet.
Policies:
Improve Air Quality: Encourage local companies emitting toxic air pollutants to continue to
improve their pollution reduction practices and technology. Improve mass transit and non -
motorized vehicle transportation options to reduce automobile - related pollution. Reduce vehicle
idling by constructing more roundabout intersections in place of stop lights and signs. Consider
air pollution impacts of increased vehicle miles travelled in lower density suburban development
when making infrastructure expansion and annexation decisions. Review and maintain high
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DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT July 21, 2010
standards and ordinances against odor - producing sites and activities. Review and maintain
consideration of allergens from pollen in weed ordinances.
Improve Indoor Air Quality: Review and enforce health ordinances and state and federal laws
regarding indoor tobacco smoke, combustion products, molds, and radon.
Reduce Noise Pollution: Develop guidelines for citizens to petition for quiet zones, seasons, or
times (e.g. Sunday mornings in warmer seasons). Review noise ordinances and their application
with respect to sources, zoning or events. Consider rules about the private use of fireworks and
explosives. Review whether parts of the city could benefit from noise - reducing barriers (e.g.
along the recently expanded Route 41 highway).
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Production: Provide a city -wide audit of greenhouse gas emissions.
Set benchmarks and reduction goals that will fulfill the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate
Protection Agreement that Oshkosh signed in 2007. Given that fossil fuel burning is the largest
source of greenhouse gases, the city and its occupants should seek energy conservation
improvements, build and purchase with energy efficiency in mind, and develop renewable energy
options (see Energy Section elsewhere in this document). Transportation is a large sector of the
fossil fuel use, so recommendations listed above for air quality improvement (above, and in
Transportation Section) and for local food that requires less transportation (see Food Section) will
also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Landfills are also a major urban source of greenhouse
gases, so waste reduction actions are also important (see Waste Management Section). Cement
production (burning limestone) is also a major contributor, so builders should be encouraged to
re -use existing buildings, recycle building materials, or use other materials (see "sinks" below).
Increase Greenhouse Gas "Sinks ": The dominant greenhouse gas produced by humans is
carbon dioxide, which can be removed from the atmosphere by plants and stored as wood and in
soils. Encourage tree planting to maximize the urban forest cover. Encourage the use of local
plant materials (wood, straw, composites, bioplastics) in construction, e.g. by removing outdated
restrictions in building codes. Use practices and enforce rules that minimize topsoil erosion
during construction, landscaping and gardening.
Raise Public Awareness: Inform the community about local and indoor air pollution issues,
noise pollution, and how air pollution is contributing to global climate change. Include advice
about how individuals can reduce their pollution contributions. Partner with other organizations
or corporations committed to reducing their own pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (e.g.,
the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has a Climate Action Plan to replace or offset all their
greenhouse gas emissions by 2025). Educate the public about air quality data available online
from Federal and State regulatory agencies, as well as any greenhouse gas inventories conducted
by the city.
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