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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAtmosphere Chapter ATMOSPHERE The atmosphere includes the air we breathe,the sounds we hear,the 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(e.g.,toxins,smog,allergens,noise, additional greenhouse gases,and ozone-depleting chemicals)that diminish our health,harm wildlife,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 as people spend most of their time indoors;noise pollution from vehicles,trains,construction equipment,power tools and other human activity;air pollution from factories,buildings and motorized vehicles and small engines;and air pollution carried in from other cities(e.g.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 climate changes stressing other parts of the world,particularly for societies less affluent and able to adjust,and ecosystems less resilient than ours.The City of Oshkosh recognized these issues with a 2007 resolution to approve the U.S.Mayors Climate Protection Agreement(Resolution 07-262)-and a 2008 resolution to adopt the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives(ICLEI)Five Milestones for Climate Mitigation(Resolution 08-295). �it quality has been improving in Oshkosh.Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 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. / comme.ted[KJ1]:still looking for updated numbers here;EPA and WI DNR's website do not list Winnebago Over the last 10 years of monitoring,and increase in toxic air emissions has occurred.The County.Might have to use neighboring counties,but I want Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)Toxic Release Inventory(TRI)shows 61,200 lbs.of to look around a bit more. TRI-covered chemicals in 2017 were released into the atmosphere in Oshkosh,up from 41,600 lbs.in 2007 and 19,500 lbs.in 2003. Three facilities in the community are primarily responsible for the release of these chemicals,which are primarily ozone(74%),toluene (13%),and xylene(8%). 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 2010 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 Air Quality Improvements. ➢ Collaborate with local companies emitting air pollutants,exploring ways to continue to improve their pollution reduction practices and technology. ➢ Continue to collaborate internally to improve both city bus services and bicycle access on main roads so-as to reduce automobile-related pollution. ➢ Facilitate the reduction of vehicle idling by constructing more roundabout intersections in place of stop lights and signs,considering no-idling signs at bridge and rail crossings,and continuing the idling education campaign with the Oshkosh Area School District. ➢ Mandate city officials include air pollution impacts as part of the assessments carried out when expanding infrastructure or considering annexation. ➢ Consider revisions to ordinances against odor-producing sites and activities while ensuring existing ordinances are properly enforced. Indoor Air Quality. ➢ Ensure local agencies are appropriately enforcing state and local regulations regarding indoor tobacco smoke,combustion products,molds,and radon. ➢ Continue to encourage the purchase of indoor living plants in municipal buildings to reduce indoor air pollution. Noise Pollution. ➢ Develop guidelines for citizens to petition for quiet zones,seasons,or times(e.g. Sunday mornings in warmer seasons). ➢ Continue to review noise ordinances and their application with respect to sources(i.e., autos,motorcycles,trains and boats,airplanes and events),updating as technology advances. ➢ Explore opportunities to strategically deploy noise-reducing barriers(e.g.along Highway 41). Greenhouse Gas"Sinks". ➢ Encourage the citizenry to plant trees,flowers,and brushes that will act as a natural greenhouse gas sinks that will absorb carbon dioxide. ➢ Continue to plant trees on easements in order to maximize the urban forest cover. ➢ Encourage use of local plant materials(e.g.wood,straw,composites,bioplastics)during construction(e.g.by removing outdated restrictions in building codes). ➢ Collaborate with developers to minimize topsoil erosion during construction and landscaping. Public Awareness. --Educate 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. ➢ 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. ➢ Periodically use city social media accounts to alert the citizenry on days with substandard air quality in order to create awareness;suggest actions individuals can take to mitigate the occurrence of such days. ➢ Educate the public about regulations for private use of fireworks and explosives. ➢ Educate and alert the public about the potential dangers of paints,glues,caulks and other materials with high levels of volatile organic compounds(VOCs),as well as flame retardants,hazardous cleaning products and other chemicals that may negatively impact air quality.