ML22118A305
ML22118A305 | |
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Issue date: | 10/31/2010 |
From: | US Dept of Interior (DOI), US Dept of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service, US Dept of Interior, National Park Service |
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National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Program Center Federal Land Managers Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG)
Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/NRR2010/232
ON THE COVER Courthouse Towers, Arches National Park, Utah.
Photo by Debbie Miller.
THIS PAGE:
Jumping Cholla, Superstition Wilderness, Arizona.
Photo by Steve Boutcher
Federal Land Managers Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG)
Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/NRR2010/232 U.S. Forest Service Air Quality Program 1400 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20250 National Park Service Natural Resource Program Center Air Resources Division PO Box 25287 Denver, Colorado 80225 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System Air Quality Branch 7333 W. Jefferson Ave., Suite 375 Lakewood, CO 80235 October 2010
The National Park Service, Natural Resource Program Center publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public.
The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate high-priority, current natural resource management information with managerial application. The series targets a general, diverse audience, and may contain NPS policy considerations or address sensitive issues of management applicability.
All manuscripts in the series receive the appropriate level of peer review to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and designed and published in a professional manner.
This guidance document was jointly prepared by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency. Guidance contained herein has been reviewed by subject matter experts and the general public through formal public review and comment period. This guidance document provides information for Federal Land Managers, permitting authorities, and permit applicants to use when assessing air quality impacts to air quality related values. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U.S. Government.
This report is available from the Air Resources Division of the NPS (http://www.nature.nps.gov/air) and the Natural Resource Publications Management Web site (http://www.nature.nps.gov/publications/NRPM) on the Internet.
Please cite this publication as:
U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Federal land managers air quality related values work group (FLAG): phase I reportrevised (2010). Natural Resource Report NPS/
NRPC/NRR2010/232. National Park Service, Denver, Colorado.
NPS 999/105412, October 2010
USFS-NPS-USFWS iii iv FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Contents Figures............................................................................................................................................................................ vii Tables............................................................................................................................................................................. viii Preface to this Edition of the FLAG Phase I Report (New)........................................................................................... ix Executive Summary (Revised)....................................................................................................................................... xii
- 1. Background ................................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1. History (Revised)...................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1.1. FLAG Approach (Revised)................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1.2. FLAG Organization.......................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2. Overview of Resource Issues (Revised)..................................................................................................................... 2 1.2.1. Visibility........................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2.2. Vegetation....................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2.3. Soils and Surface Waters.................................................................................................................................. 3 1.3. Legal Responsibilities (Revised)................................................................................................................................ 3 1.4. Commonalities Among Federal Land Managers...................................................................................................... 4 1.4.1. Identifying AQRVs (Revised)............................................................................................................................. 4 1.4.2. Determining the Levels of Pollution that Trigger Concern for the Well-Being of AQRVs (Revised)...................... 4 1.4.3. Visibility........................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.4.4. Biological and Physical Effects.......................................................................................................................... 5 1.4.5. Determining Pollution Levels of Concern (Revised)............................................................................................ 5 1.4.6. FLM Databases (Revised).................................................................................................................................. 5 1.5. Regulatory Developments Since FLAG 2000 (New).................................................................................................. 5
- 2. Federal Land Managers Approach to AQRV Protection . ....................................................................................... 7 2.1. AQRV Protection and Identification (Revised).......................................................................................................... 7 2.2. New Source Review (Revised).................................................................................................................................. 7 2.2.1. Roles and Responsibilities of FLMs (Revised)..................................................................................................... 7 2.2.2. Elements of Permit Review............................................................................................................................... 9 2.2.3. FLM Permit Review Process............................................................................................................................ 10 2.2.4. Criteria for Decision Making (Adverse Impact Considerations) (Revised).......................................................... 12 2.2.5. Air Pollution Permit Conditions that Benefit Class I Areas............................................................................... 12 2.2.6. Reducing Pollution in Nonattainment Areas (Nonattainment Permit Process).................................................. 13 2.3. Other Air Quality Review Considerations (Revised)................................................................................................ 13 2.3.1. Remedying Existing Adverse Impacts.............................................................................................................. 13 2.3.2. Requesting State Implementation Plan (SIP) Revisions to Address AQRV Adverse Impacts (Revised)................ 14 2.3.3. Periodic Increment Consumption Review (Revised)......................................................................................... 14 2.4. Managing Emissions Generated in and Near FLM Areas (Revised).......................................................................... 14 2.4.1. Prescribed Fire ............................................................................................................................................. 15 2.4.2. Strategies to Minimize Emissions from Sources In and Near FLM Areas (Revised)............................................ 15 2.4.3. Conformity Requirements in Nonattainment Areas........................................................................................ 16
- 3. Subgroup Reports: Technical Analyses and Recommendations............................................................................ 18 3.1. Subgroup Objectives and Tasks............................................................................................................................. 18 3.2. Initial Screening Criteria (New).............................................................................................................................. 18 USFS-NPS-USFWS v
3.3. Visibility................................................................................................................................................................ 19 3.3.1. Introduction (Revised).................................................................................................................................... 19 3.3.2. Recommendations for Evaluating Visibility Impacts (Revised).......................................................................... 20 3.3.3. Air Quality Models and Visibility Assessment Procedures (Revised).................................................................. 20 3.3.4. Summary (Revised)......................................................................................................................................... 25 3.3.5. Natural Visibility Conditions and Analysis Methods (New)............................................................................... 26 3.4. Ozone................................................................................................................................................................... 54 3.4.1. Introduction (Revised).................................................................................................................................... 54 3.4.2. Ozone Effects on Vegetation (Revised)........................................................................................................... 54 3.4.3. Established Metrics to Determine Phytotoxic Ozone Concentrations (Revised)................................................ 55 3.4.4. Identification of Ozone Sensitive AQRVs or Sensitive Receptors (Revised)....................................................... 55 3.4.5. Review Process for Sources that Could Affect Ozone Levels or Vegetation in FLM Areas (Revised)................. 55 3.4.6. Further Guidance to FLMs (Revised)............................................................................................................... 56 3.4.7. Ozone Air Pollution Web Sites (Revised)......................................................................................................... 58 3.5. Deposition ........................................................................................................................................................... 58 3.5.1. Introduction (Revised).................................................................................................................................... 58 3.5.2. Current Trends in Deposition (Revised)........................................................................................................... 59 3.5.3. Identification and Assessment of AQRVs (Revised) ........................................................................................ 59 3.5.4. Determining Critical Loads (Revised)............................................................................................................... 62 3.5.5. Other AQRV Identification and Assessment Tools (Revised) ........................................................................... 64 3.5.6. Recommendations for Evaluating Potential Effects from Proposed Increases in Deposition to an FLM Area (Revised) ............................................................................................................................... 65 3.5.7. Summary (Revised)......................................................................................................................................... 71 3.5.8. Web sites for Deposition and Related Information (Revised) .......................................................................... 71
- 4. Expansion of Discussion of Process for Adverse Impact Determination (New Chapter)................................... 73 4.1. Background ........................................................................................................................................................ 73 4.2. Regulatory Factors................................................................................................................................................ 73 4.3. Contextual Considerations.................................................................................................................................... 74 4.4. Preliminary Adverse Impact Concerns.................................................................................................................... 74 4.5. Adverse Impact Determination.............................................................................................................................. 74
- 5. Future FLAG Work..................................................................................................................................................... 75 5.1. Implementing FLAG Recommendations (Revised) ................................................................................................. 75 5.2. Phase I Updates (Revised) ..................................................................................................................................... 75 5.3. Phase II Tasks (Revised).......................................................................................................................................... 75 Appendix A: Glossary.................................................................................................................................................... 76 Appendix B: Legal Framework for Managing Air Quality and Air Quality Effects on Federal Lands..................... 79 Appendix C: General Policy for Managing Air Quality Related Values in Class I Areas . ........................................ 84 Appendix D: Best Available Control Technology (BACT) Analysis............................................................................. 85 Appendix E: Maps of Federal Class I Areas.................................................................................................................. 86 Appendix F: FLAG 2000 Participants............................................................................................................................ 89 Appendix G: Bibliography (Revised)............................................................................................................................ 91 vi FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Figures Figure 1. Procedure for Visibility Assessment for Distant/Multi-Source Applications (Revised) ......................................... xii Figure 2. FLM Assessment of Potential Ozone Effects from New Emissions Source (Revised).......................................... xiii Figure 3. FLM Assessment of Potential Deposition Effects from New Emissions Sources (Revised).................................. xiv Figure 4. Procedure for Visibility Assessment for Distant/Multi-Source Applications (Revised)......................................... 26 Figure 5. IMPROVE Equation for Calculating Light Extinction......................................................................................... 29 Figure 6. FLM Assessment of Potential Ozone Effects from New Emissions Source (Revised) ......................................... 57 Figure 7. FLM Assessment of Potential Deposition Effects from New Emissions Sources (Revised).................................. 67 Figure 8. National Park Services Class I Areas................................................................................................................ 86 Figure 9. Fish and Wildlife Service Class I Areas............................................................................................................. 87 Figure 10. Forest Service Class I Wilderness Areas......................................................................................................... 88 USFS-NPS-USFWS vii
Tables Table 1. FLAG 2000 vs. FLAG 2010 Analyses................................................................................................................... xi Table 2. Section of Table 6 Used for Step 1 Calculations of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Example.................................. 27 Table 3. Step 3 Calculation Results for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Example ............................................................... 27 Table 4. Step 4 Calculation Results for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Example................................................................. 28 Table 5. 20% Best Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area................................... 30 Table 6. Annual Average Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area.......................... 34 Table 7. Monthly fL(RH) - Large (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor........................................ 38 Table 8. Monthly fS(RH) - Small (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor........................................ 42 Table 9. Monthly fSS(RH) - Sea Salt Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor....................................................................... 46 Table 10. Monthly Average Natural Conditions Visual Range In Kilometers.................................................................... 50 Table 11. Indicators for monitoring and evaluating effects from deposition of S and N (Revised)................................... 60 viii FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Preface to this Edition of the FLAG Phase I Report (New)
Under the Clean Air Act, the Federal Land Manager (FLM) and the Federal official with direct responsibility for management of Federal Class I parks and wilderness areas (i.e., Park Superintendent, Refuge Manager, Forest Supervisor) have an affirmative responsibility to protect the air quality related values (AQRVs) (including visibility) of such lands, and to consider whether a proposed major emitting facility will have an adverse impact on such values.
The FLMs decision regarding whether there is an adverse impact is then conveyed to the permitting authority - usually a State agency - for consideration in its determinations regarding the permit. The permitting authoritys determinations generally consider a wide range of factors, including the potential impact of the new source or major Adult Brown Pelicans on Breton Island National Wildlife Refuge, modification on the AQRVs of Class I areas, if applicable. Louisiana.
Credit: USFWS Both State permitting agencies and permit applicants requested that the FLMs provide better consistency FLAG members include representatives from three of the pertaining to their role in the review of new source permit federal land management agencies that administer Federal applications near Federal Class I areas. To address this Class I areas: the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), under the concern, the FLMs formed the Federal Land Managers Air Department of Agriculture, and the National Park Service Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG). The official (NPS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under FLM is the Secretary of the department with authority the Department of the Interior, hereafter referred to as over the Federal Class I areas (or the Secretarys designee). the Agencies or the FLMs. In addition, five Tribal For the Department of the Interior, the Secretary has governments each administer their redesignated Class I designated the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and areas, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) jointly Parks as the FLM, whereas the Secretary of Agriculture has administers four mandatory Federal Class I areas with the delegated the FLM responsibilities to the Regional Forester, USFS. BLM is not a member of FLAG. However, because and in some cases, the Forest Supervisor. BLM does manage federal PSD Class I lands, as well as large amounts of acres in the vicinity of many FLAG The purpose of FLAG is twofold: (1) to develop a more Agencies Class I areas, they may apply, when appropriate, consistent and objective approach for the FLMs to the assessment methodologies outlined in the FLAG report.
evaluate air pollution effects on public AQRVs in Class I Applicants with the potential to adversely impact visibility areas, including a process to identify those resources and or other AQRVs at PSD Class I areas administered by the any potential adverse impacts, and (2) to provide State BLM should contact that agency directly to discuss their permitting authorities and potential permit applicants considerations. The Agencies review permit applications consistency on how to assess the impacts of new and for projects that may impact their areas, and make existing sources on AQRVs in Class I areas, especially in recommendations to their respective FLM as to whether or the review of Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) not those impacts might be considered adverse. The FLM of air quality permit applications. Under the Clean Air Act, will then make the final decision regarding the nature of the the FLM formal affirmative responsibility role in the potential impacts to AQRVs, which is then conveyed to the permitting process is limited to the extent a proposed new or permitting authority for its consideration.
modified source may affect AQRVs in a Class I area.1 In December 2000, after undergoing a public review and comment process that included a 90 day public comment period announced in the Federal Register and a public
- 1. Nevertheless, the FLMs are also concerned about resources in meeting, the FLMs published a FLAG Phase I Report (FLAG Class II parks and wilderness areas because they have other mandates to protect those areas as well. The information and procedures outlined 2000), along with an accompanying Response to Public in this document are generally applicable to evaluating the effect of new Comments document. The FLAG 2000 report described or modified sources on the AQRVs in both Class I and Class II areas, the work accomplished in Phase I of the FLAG effort. FLAG including the evaluation of effects as part of Environmental Assessments 2000 provided State permitting authorities and potential and/or Environmental Impact Statements under the National permit applicants a consistent methodology for conducting Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). However, FLAG does not preclude more refined or regional analyses being performed under NEPA or Class I area impact analyses. At that time, the Agencies other programs. envisioned a FLAG Phase II to address unresolved issues USFS-NPS-USFWS ix
including those that will require research and the collection sections. To aid the FLAG user wanting to focus on the most of new data. However, resource constraints have prevented recent changes, the Agencies have identified those new and the Agencies from embarking on a formal FLAG Phase II revised sections throughout the FLAG 2010 report.
process, but the Agencies have made significant progress in obtaining effects-based information as part of their The most significant changes in this FLAG 2010 revision are resource-protection responsibilities. This information is summarized as follows:
included in this revised report.
- Adopts similar criteria derived from EPAs 2005 Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) guidelines for the The Agencies formed three separate subgroups to deal with Regional Haze Rule to screen out from AQRV review area specific technical and policy issues associated with those sources with relatively small amounts of emissions visibility impairment, ozone effects on vegetation, and effects located a large distance from a Class I area (i.e., Q/D 10, of pollutant deposition on soils and surface waters. FLAG for sources located greater than 50 km away).
2000 consolidated the results of those three subgroups.
- Utilizes the most recent EPA estimates to determine FLAG 2000 included recommendations for completing annual average or 20% best natural visibility conditions and evaluating New Source Review (NSR) projects that for Class I areas, using the new EPA-approved visibility may affect federally protected areas. It was intended to be algorithm.
a screening tool to help the Agencies and permit applicants
- Adopts criteria derived from the 2005 BART guidelines determine whether impacts would be negligible. It was that utilizes monthly average relative humidity adjustment not intended to provide a bright-line test that would allow factors to minimize the effects of weather events (i.e.,
one to determine whether or not a proposed source of air short-term meteorological phenomena) on modeled pollution would cause or contribute to an adverse impact visibility impacts.
on AQRVs. That determination remains a project-specific management decision of the FLM. Among other factors,
- Adopts criteria derived from the 2005 BART guidelines the FLMs assessment of whether or not an adverse impact that sets a 98th percentile value to screen out roughly would occur is based on the sensitivity of the AQRVs at the seven days of haze-type visibility impairment per year.
particular federally protected area under consideration, and
- Includes deposition analysis thresholds and concern the magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and geographic thresholds for nitrogen and sulfur deposition impacts on extent of the estimated new source impacts. This report vegetation, soils, and water.
(FLAG 2010) reaffirms these intentions.
- Increases transparency and consistency of factors FLAG 2000 has been a useful tool to the Agencies, State considered for adverse impact determinations.
permitting authorities, and permit applicants. It was A comparison of these FLAG 2010 changes to information intended to be a working document that would be revised contained in FLAG 2000 is provided in Table 1:
as necessary as the Agencies learn more about how to better assess the health and status of AQRVs. Based on knowledge Other changes of note included in FLAG 2010 are:
gained and regulatory developments since FLAG 2000, the
- Clarifies the near field visibility analysis techniques for Agencies believe certain revisions to FLAG 2000 are now analyzing plumes or layers viewed against a background; appropriate. This revised report (FLAG 2010) reflects those changes. However, it is important to emphasize that in this
- Expands discussion of Critical Loads to reflect some revision the Agencies have made certain changes to update significant developments in this area since FLAG 2000; specific information and data, but retain intact much of the
- Updates ozone sensitive species lists contained in background and general information contained in FLAG Appendix 3.A of the FLAG 2000 report, but now includes 2000 (e.g., Appendices A through H). Therefore, while this that information on individual agency web sites rather version replaces FLAG 2000, FLAG 2010 does not constitute than in the FLAG 2010 report; a comprehensive update of all the information and material
- Replaces Appendix 3.B of FLAG 2000 (W126 and N100 contained in FLAG 2000. Instead, the Agencies have focused ozone values) with current information on the individual their efforts on those areas of FLAG 2000 that have received agency web sites; the most attention and concern from permit applicants and permitting authorities. In that regard, the Agencies
- Updates the information contained in Table D-2 of FLAG have included substantial changes to the visibility analysis 2000 to reflect current information, but now includes that sections, as well as included a more detailed discussion of information on individual agency web sites rather than in the factors that the FLMs will use in the decision making the FLAG 2010 report; process for an adverse impact determination. The Agencies
- Replaces the dated sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium ion have also taken this opportunity to discuss some key concentration maps (Figures D-2, D-3, and D-4 of FLAG regulatory developments since FLAG 2000, as well as update 2000), with a reference to the NADP site for current some information in the FLAG 2000 deposition and ozone trends data.
x FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 1. FLAG 2000 vs. FLAG 2010 Analyses FLAG 2000 FLAG 2010 Annual emissions/Distance None 10 (sum of certain pollutant emissions (TPY) divided (Q/D) screening criteria. (Not by distance (km) from Class I area; applies to all AQRVs, applicable for Class I increment not just visibility. See section 3.2.
analyses).
Background Visibility Conditions. Based on annual average natural, using Based on annual average natural, or 20% best natural, NAPAP estimates. using EPA data from Regional Haze Rule development.
See section 3.3.3.
Relative Humidity Adjustment Hour-by-hour (with RH capped at 98%). Monthly average (with RH capped at 95%). See section Factor (f(RH)). 3.3.3.
First Level Screening Model. CALPUFF or CALPUFF-lite. CALPUFF only. See section 3.3.3.
Visibility Assessment Criteria. Maximum modeled value. 98th percentile modeled value at any receptor. See section 3.3.3.
Deposition Analysis Thresholds/ None Provided for nitrogen and sulfur deposition. See section Concern Thresholds 3.5.6.
Adverse Impact Determination Likely to Object if 10% threshold Adverse impact determination process more explicit; Criteria. exceeded; regulatory factors implicitly considers regulatory and other factors. See sections considered. 4.2-4.4 USFS-NPS-USFWS xi
Executive Summary (Revised)
The Federal Land Managers Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG) formed to develop a more consistent approach for the Federal Land Managers (FLMs) to evaluate air pollution effects on resources. As discussed in the Preface, the FLAG Phase I Report (FLAG 2000) is being revised in part at this time. The primarybut not solefocus of FLAG is the New Source Review (NSR) program, especially in the review of Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) of air quality permit applications. The goals of FLAG have been to provide consistent policies and processes both for identifying air quality related values (AQRVs) and for evaluating the effects of air pollution on Marble Mountain Wilderness, California.
AQRVs, primarily in Federal Class I air quality areas, but also Credit: Steve Boutcher in some instances, in other national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and national discusses considerations unrelated to new source review monuments. Federal Class I areas are defined in the Clean and managing emissions in Federal areas. If and when the Air Act as national parks over 6,000 acres and wilderness Agencies embark on Phase II, FLAG will address unresolved areas and memorial parks over 5,000 acres, established as of issues including those that will require research and the 1977. All other FLM areas are designated Class II. Maps of collection of new data.
the Agencies Federal Class I areas are provided in Appendix E. This revised FLAG Phase I Report consolidates the results of the FLAG Visibility, Ozone, and Deposition subgroups.
FLMs have an affirmative responsibility to protect AQRVs. The chapters prepared by these subgroups contain issue-In this respect, the FLM role consists of considering specific technical and policy analyses, recommendations whether emissions from a new or modified source may for evaluating AQRVs, and information for completing and have an adverse impact on AQRVs and providing comments evaluating NSR permit applications. This information and to permitting authorities (States or EPA). FLMs have no the associated recommendations are intended for use by the permitting authority under the Clean Air Act, and they have FLMs, permitting authorities, NSR permit applicants, and no authority under the Clean Air Act to establish air quality- other interested parties. The report includes background related rules or standards. It is important to emphasize that information on the roles and responsibilities of the FLMs the FLAG report only explains factors and information the under the NSR program.
FLMs expect to use when carrying out their consultative role. It is separate from Federal regulatory programs. This document includes recommendations for completing and evaluating NSR applications that may affect Class I FLM FLAG members include representatives from the three areas. This information can also be used to evaluate impacts primary agencies that administer the nations Federal Class on Class II parks and wilderness areas. It does not provide a I areas: the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the National Park universal formula that would, in all situations, allow one to Service (NPS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). determine whether or not a source of air pollution causes (Subsequently in this report, these three agencies collectively or contributes to an adverse impact. That determination will be referred to as the Agencies or the FLMs. Class remains a project-specific management decision, the I and Class II air quality areas are called FLM areas in responsibility for which remains with the FLM, as delegated this report.) Appendix F contains a list of participants that by Congress. The FLMs assessment of whether or not an worked on the original FLAG 2000 report. adverse impact would occur is based on the sensitivity of the AQRVs at the particular FLM area under consideration, as This report describes the work accomplished in Phase I of well as the consideration of several other factors, including the FLAG effort as revised to reflect current developments. the magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and geographic That work includes identifying policies and processes extent of the new sources impacts.
common to the FLMs (herein called commonalities) and developing new policies and processes using readily To provide information for the FLMs assessment of adverse available information. This report provides State permitting impacts on AQRVs, the permit applicant should identify the authorities and potential permit applicants a consistent and potential impacts of the source on all applicable AQRVs of predictable process for assessing the impacts of new and that area. An FLM may ask that an applicant address any or existing sources on AQRVs, including a process to identify all of the areas of concern. The primary areas of concern those AQRVs and potential adverse impacts. The report also to the FLMs with respect to air pollution emissions are xii FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
visibility impairment, ozone effects on vegetation, and effects
- Apply the applicable EPA Guideline, steady-state models of pollutant deposition on soils and surface waters. for regions within the Class I area that are affected by plumes or layers that are viewed against a background The FLAG Phase I Report also describes the FLAG effort, (generally within 50 km of the source).
including the FLAG approach, organization, and plans for future FLAG work. Appendix A of the report contains a -- Calculate hourly estimates of changes in visibility, as glossary of technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms characterized by the change in the color difference used in the report along with associated definitions. index (E) and plume contrast (C), with respect to Appendix G provides a list of all references cited in the natural conditions, and compare these estimates with FLAG report. the thresholds given in section 3.3.3.
- For regions of the Class I area where visibility impairment The key recommendations developed by the Visibility, from the source would cause a general alteration of the Ozone, and Deposition subgroups are summarized below, appearance of the scene (generally 50 km or more away and updated in part in this FLAG 2010 revision. However, from the source or from the interaction of the emissions for all three subject matter areas, FLAG recommends that from multiple sources), apply a non-steady-state air the permit applicant consult with the appropriate permitting quality model with chemical transformation capabilities authority and with the FLM for the affected area(s) for (refer to EPAs Guideline on Air Quality Models), which confirmation of preferred procedures. This consultation yields ambient concentrations of visibility-impairing should take place in the early stages of the permit application pollutants. At each Class I receptor:
process.
-- Calculate the change in extinction due to the source Recommendations for Evaluating Visibility being analyzed, compare these changes with the Impacts (Revised) reference conditions, and then compare these results with the thresholds given in section 3.3.3.
FLAG provides recommendations, specific procedures, and -- Utilize estimates of annual average natural visibility interpretation of results for assessing visibility impacts of conditions for each Class I area as presented in new or modified sources on Class I area resources.2 Table 6, unless otherwise recommended by the FLM or permitting authority. Alternative estimates FLAG addresses assessments for sources proposed for of visibility conditions are provided in Table 5 locations near (generally within 50 km) and at large distances for consistency with State agencies that elected to (greater than 50 km) from these areas. The key components use 20% best visibility for regional haze or BART of the recommendations are highlighted below.
implementations, or when FLMs recommend using In general, FLAG recommends that an applicant: the 20% best visibility as natural background.
- Apply the Q/D test (see INITIAL SCREENING TEST
- If first-level modeling results are above levels of concern, below) for proposed sources greater than 50 km from continue to consult with the Agencies to discuss other a Class I area to determine whether or not any further considerations (e.g., possible impact mitigation, more visibility analysis is necessary. refined analyses).
- Consult with the appropriate regulatory agency and with This review process for distant/multi-source applications is the FLM for the affected Class I area(s) or other affected portrayed schematically in Figure 1.
area for confirmation of preferred visibility analysis procedures. Recommendations for Evaluating Ozone
- Obtain FLM recommendation for the specified reference Impacts (Revised) levels (estimate of natural conditions) and, if applicable,
- FLM actions or specific requests on a permit application FLM recommended plume/observer geometries and will be based on the existing air pollution situation at the model receptor locations. area they manage. These conditions include (1) whether or not actual ozone damage has occurred in the area, and (2) whether or not ozone exposure levels occurring in
- 2. Nevertheless, the FLMs are also concerned about resources in the area are high enough to cause damage to vegetation Class II parks and wilderness areas because they have other mandates to protect those areas as well. The information and procedures outlined (i.e., phytotoxic O3 exposures). Figure 2 shows the FLM in this document are generally applicable to evaluating the effect of new review process to assess ozone impacts for a project that or modified sources on the AQRVs in both Class I and Class II areas, exceeds the initial annual emissions over distance (Q/D) including the evaluation of effects as part of Environmental Assessments screening criteria. As noted in Figure 2, ambient ozone and/or Environmental Impact Statements under the National concentrations are considered along with data from Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). However, FLAG does not preclude more refined or regional analyses being performed under NEPA or exposure response studies (EPA 2007b) to determine other programs. whether a source will cause or contribute to phytotoxic USFS-NPS-USFWS xiii
Figure 1. Procedure for Visibility Assessment for Distant/Multi-Source Applications (Revised)
- Q/D test only applies to sources located greater that 50 km from a Class I area.
- Difference Change in the 98th percentile with respect to (wrt) the annual average Natural Condition (NC). Applicant should use the 20th percen-tile best natural condition background if recommended by the FLM or permitting authority.
ozone levels (i.e., levels toxic to plants) at the affected site.
- NOx and VOC emissions are of concern because they are The FLM may ask the applicant to calculate the ozone precursors of ozone. Current information indicates most exposure values if these data are not already available. FLM areas are NOx limited. Until we determine the VOC Ozone damage to vegetation is determined from field or NOx status of each area, we will focus on NOx emission observations at the impacted site. sources.
- Oxidant stipple necrosis on plant foliage and ozone-Recommendations for Evaluating Deposition induced senescence infer adverse physiological or Impacts (Revised) ecological effects, and are considered to be damage if they are determined to have a negative impact on aesthetic For a project that exceeds the initial annual emissions over value. distance (Q/D) screening criteria, the permit applicant
- Established ozone metrics to describe ozone exposure are should consult with the appropriate regulatory agency and referenced. FLM for the affected area(s) to determine if a deposition impact analysis should be done (i.e., expected sulfur and/
xiv FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Figure 2. FLM Assessment of Potential Ozone Effects from New Emissions Source (Revised)
- Q/D test only applies to sources located greater that 50 km from a Class I area.
- Note: Ambient ozone concentrations are considered along with data from exposure response studies (EPA 2007b) to determine whether a source will cause or contribute to phytotoxic ozone levels (i.e., levels toxic to plants) at the affected site.
or nitrogen deposition impacts are above the Deposition
- From the respective Agency web sites, identify available Analysis Threshold (DAT) or concern threshold (see on-site or representative wet and dry deposition data for section 3.5.6). Please note that although mercury and other the FLM area.
toxic emissions are of interest to the FLM, the deposition
- Estimate the future deposition rate by adding the existing impact analyses discussed here applies only to nitrogen rate, the new emissions contribution to deposition, and sulfur emissions. If an analysis is advised, the permit and the contribution of sources permitted but not yet applicant should obtain available information on Class I operating, while subtracting emission reductions that AQRVs, critical loads, and concern thresholds from the will occur before the proposed source begins operation.
FLM. In addition, the applicant should refer to section 3.5.6 Modeling of new, reduced, and permitted but not yet Recommendations for Evaluating Potential Effects from operating emissions contribution to deposition should be Proposed Increases in Deposition to an FLM Area section conducted following EPA recommendations.
of the Deposition Chapter. The following steps summarize that process.
- Compare the future deposition rate with the recommended screening criteria (e.g., critical load, USFS-NPS-USFWS xv
Figure 3. FLM Assessment of Potential Deposition Effects from New Emissions Sources (Revised)
- Q/D test only applies to sources located greater that 50 km from a Class I area.
concern threshold, or screening level value) for the -- NPS and FWS Class I area information is available at:
affected FLM area. A list of documents summarizing http://www.nature.nps.gov/air these screening criteria, where available, can be found in
- Figure 3 shows the FLM review process to assess Appendix G. deposition impacts from new emission sources.
-- Information for USFS Class I areas is also available at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/air xvi FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
1. Background
1.1. History (Revised)
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 give Federal Land Managers (FLMs) an affirmative responsibility to protect the natural and cultural resources of Class I areas from the adverse impacts of air pollution (see Appendix B: Legal Framework for Managing Air Quality and Air Quality Effects on Federal Lands). FLM responsibilities include the review of air quality permit applications from proposed new or modified major pollution sources near these Class I areas.
If, in its permit review, an FLM demonstrates that emissions from a proposed source will cause or contribute to adverse UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Montana.
Credit: Maribeth Oaks/The Wilderness Society impacts on the air quality related values (AQRVs) of a Class I area, the permitting authority, typically the State, can deny the permit. Federal Land Managers Air Quality Related Values Work Group, or FLAG. Although FLAG membership comprises The FLMs role in the reviewing of permit applications air resource managers and subject matter experts from the focuses on impacts to Class I areas.3 Individually, FLMs have three agencies, representatives from the Bureau of Land developed different approaches to identifying AQRVs and Management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defining adverse impacts on AQRVs in Class I areas. For (EPA), U.S. Geological Survey, and State air agencies have example, in 1988, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest also participated in FLAG efforts.
Service (USFS) conducted a national screening process to identify the AQRVs for each of its Class I areas. Using FLAG participants have collaborated to:
this national process as a starting point, each USFS Region -- define sensitive AQRVs, refined the screening parameters and identified sensitive
-- identify the critical loads (or pollutant levels) that AQRVs for many Class I areas. However, this resulted in would protect an area and identify the criteria that differences in the approaches and levels used by USFS define adverse impacts, and Regions. The U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) -- standardize the methods and procedures for have adopted a case-by-case approach to permit review, conducting AQRV analyses.
considering the most recent information available for each To accomplish its objective, FLAG started with (and will area. NPS and FWS have included lists of sensitive AQRVs continue to build on) the procedures, terms, definitions, and for their Class I areas in their Air Resources Information screening levels common to the three agencies. Many such System (ARIS) database. commonalities were identified early in the FLAG planning 1.1.1. FLAG Approach (Revised) sessions (see section 1.4, Commonalities Among Federal Land Managers).
Air resource managers from the USFS, NPS, and FWS recognized the need for a more consistent approach FLAGs Action Plan stipulates a phased approach. Phase among their agencies with respect to their efforts to protect I addressed issues that could be resolved without research AQRVs. In April 1997, an interagency Work Group was or the collection of new data. When the Agencies embark formed whose objective was to achieve greater consistency on FLAG Phase II, they will address the more complex and in the procedures each agency uses in identifying and unresolved issues from Phase I that may require additional evaluating AQRVs. The Work Group named itself the data collection (see section 5, Future FLAG Work).
The FLAG effort focuses on the effects of the air pollutants
- 3. Nevertheless, the FLMs are also concerned about resources in that could affect the health of resources in Class I areas, Class II parks and wilderness areas because they have other mandates primarily pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, to protect those areas as well. The information and procedures outlined nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrates, and sulfates. In in this document are generally applicable to evaluating the effect of new Phase I, FLAG concentrated on four issues: (1) terrestrial or modified sources on the AQRVs in both Class I and Class II areas, including the evaluation of effects as part of Environmental Assessments effects of ozone; (2) aquatic and terrestrial effects of wet and and/or Environmental Impact Statements under the National dry pollutant deposition; (3) visibility impairment; and (4)
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). However, FLAG does not preclude process and policy issues. Four subgroups, one for each of more refined or regional analyses being performed under NEPA or other programs.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 1
these issues, were formed and charged with developing a set the resource, as well as geological, meteorological, biological, of recommendations for consistent policies and processes. and other factors, vary from place to place.
FLAG 2000s findings and technical recommendations 1.2.1. Visibility underwent scientific peer review, as well as review by agency Visitors to national parks and wildernesses list the ability decision-makers such as Class I area Park Superintendents, to view unobscured scenic vistas as a significant part of a Refuge Managers, and Forest Supervisors; Regional satisfying experience. Unfortunately, visibility impairment Foresters; and the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife has been documented in all Class I areas with visibility and Parks. (Note: USFS has designated the FLM as the monitoring. Most visibility impairment is in the form of Regional Foresters and, in some cases, Forest Supervisors.)
regional haze. The greatest visibility impairment due to FLAG products have also undergone public review and regional haze occurs in the eastern United States and in comment. A notice of availability of the draft FLAG 2000 southern California, while the least impairment occurs in report was published in the Federal Register, and the FLMs the Colorado Plateau and Nevada Great Basin areas, and conducted a public meeting to discuss the draft FLAG report in Alaska. Ammonium sulfate contributes at least 50% to and provided a 90 day public comment period. For the visibility impairment at most Class I areas in the eastern FLAG 2010 revisions, the FLMs announced the availability United States. The contribution to visibility impairment of the draft report in the Federal Register and provided a 60 from ammonium nitrate is highest in central and southern day public comment period. There was not sufficient public California and in the Midwest. The largest region of interest to conduct a public meeting to discuss the proposed high rural organic carbon visibility impairment is in the revisions to the FLAG report.
southeastern United States; impairment in this range is also 1.1.2. FLAG Organization present in the Sierra Nevada region of California and in the northern Rockies of Montana. The highest contribution In addition to the four subgroups (policy, deposition, to visibility impairment from fine soil is found in the arid ozone, and visibility), the FLAG organization included Southwest. The highest coarse particle contribution to Leadership and Coordinating Committees and a Project impairment is also in the arid Southwest and southern Manager. The Leadership Committee, which includes the California. (DeBell et al. 2006) Visibility impairment on air quality program chiefs from the three FLM agencies, Federal lands can also result from plume intrusion and has was responsible for providing direction to the Work Group been documented in Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Moosehorn and the resources necessary for FLAG to accomplish National Wildlife Refuge, and Grand Canyon National Park.
its objective. The Coordinating Committee, which also includes representatives from each agency, was responsible 1.2.2. Vegetation for communications within the Work Group, including While several components of air pollution (e.g., sulfur coordination among the agencies and subgroups. The FLAG dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and peroxyacyl nitrates) can Project Manager coordinated FLAG activities, served as a affect vegetation, ozone is generally acknowledged as the air single point-of-contact for the subgroups, and performed pollutant causing the greatest amount of injury and damage other administrative functions.
to vegetation. The most common visible effects are stipple (dark colored lesions on leaves resulting from pigmentation 1.2. Overview of Resource Issues (Revised) of injured cells), fleck (collapse of a few cells in isolated Research conducted on Federal lands by FLMs and others areas of the upper layers of the leaf, resulting in tiny light-has characterized natural resource effects associated with air colored lesions), mottle (degeneration of the chlorophyll in pollution, and has helped identify those particular resources certain areas of the leaf giving the leaf a blotchy appearance),
that are vulnerable to pollution in different areas. This necrosis (death of tissue), and in extreme cases, mortality.
effort does not address the impacts from air pollution on Aside from visible injury, ozone exposure can result in less cultural resources. Documented effects include impairment obvious physiological impairment such as decreased growth of visibility, injury and reduced growth of vegetation, and or altered carbon allocation.
acidification and fertilization of soils and surface waters.
Ozone fumigation experiments have identified a number Air pollution effects on resources have been identified in a of plant species that are sensitive to ozone. For example, number of FLM areas; a few examples are provided below.
fumigations were conducted in Great Smoky Mountains It is important to note that similar, or even more serious, National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina) from 1987 air pollution effects may be occurring on all Federal lands, to 1992. On the basis of foliar injury, thirty species were but FLMs have not had the financial resources to perform rated as sensitive to ozone levels that occurred in the park.
the inventorying, monitoring, and/or research necessary The species with foliar injury included black cherry (Prunus to document such effects. Furthermore, the sensitivity of serotina) and American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis).
resources may vary from area to area because the nature of Additional observations and physiological measurements 2 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
indicated elevated ozone concentrations reduced leaf, root, pH values. Class I areas in the Northern and Southern Blue and total dry weights, and increased the severity of leaf Ridge (e.g., Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Joyce stipple and premature leaf abscission in these two species Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness in North Carolina) had a lower (Neufeld and Renfro 1993a,b). Field observations have percentage of acidic stream length, however, streams with documented foliar injury of these species in other eastern low buffering capacity were common. The Alabama Plateau United States areas such as Brigantine Wilderness (New Class I area (Sipsey Wilderness) had streams with the highest Jersey) and Cape Romain Wilderness (South Carolina). buffering capacity. (Note that the authors based their report on surveys conducted by others and did not account for Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Jeffrey pine (Pinus potential differences in methods of data collection.)
jeffreyi) are recognized as good candidates for ozone-injury surveys in the western United States, based on their A number of Federal areas contain estuarine and coastal documented sensitivity. For example, these species were areas that may experience eutrophication as a result of examined for ozone injury in national parks and national excess nitrogen deposition resulting from air pollution forests in the California Sierra Nevada from 1991 to 1995. and other sources of nitrogen. For example, symptoms of The sites surveyed included Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, eutrophication, including nutrient enrichment and algal and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks and the Tahoe, blooms, have been observed in Everglades National Park and Eldorado, Stanislaus, Sierra, and Sequoia National Forests. Chassahowitzka Wilderness (Florida).
Foliar injury attributable to ozone was found at all areas, and the extent of injury generally increased in a southward 1.3. Legal Responsibilities (Revised) direction along the Sierra Nevada (Miller 1995).
The specific legal responsibilities that Congress has given 1.2.3. Soils and Surface Waters FLMs to protect natural, cultural, and scenic resources on the public lands from air pollution are identified in Acidity in rain, snow, cloud water, and dry deposition Appendix B. Statutes described in Appendix B include can affect soil fertility and nutrient cycling processes in agency organic acts, the Wilderness Act, and the Clean Air watersheds and can result in acidification of lakes and Act (CAA).
streams with low buffering capacity. Deposition of sulfate to sensitive watersheds results in leaching of base cations, The fundamental Congressional direction for managing soil acidification, and surface-water acidification. In some public lands arises out of respective organic acts. Each soils, sulfate adsorption results in delayed acidification of of these laws is essentially a charter from Congress to surface waters. Deposition of excess nitrogen species (nitrate the Executive Branch providing a purpose for parks, and ammonium) to both terrestrial and aquatic systems wildernesses, and refuges, respectively, and establishing can result in acidifying streams, lakes, and soils. There is broad management objectives for these areas. The also evidence that nitrogen deposition can cause shifts in Wilderness Act sets aside a subset of these public lands phytoplankton composition in lakes in which biological where natural processes are allowed to dominate. The activity is limited by nitrogen availability, i.e., increased agency stewards develop specific management objectives nitrogen deposition can cause phytoplankton species that building on the organic acts using public involvement, use nitrogen more efficiently to eventually dominate the lake. regulations, best available science, and additional direction provided by Congress.
Water chemistry surveys and on-going monitoring show that many high elevation lakes on Federal lands in the Sierra Among this additional Congressional direction is the Clean Nevada, Cascades, and Rocky Mountains are sensitive to Air Act (CAA). It further characterizes some of the public acid deposition. In general, these lakes are on bedrock that lands as Class I areas and bestows on the land managers provides them with very little buffering capacity. Some of an affirmative responsibility to protect these areas from these lakes, for example, Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain air pollution. The CAA directs that the FLMs identify National Park (Colorado) experience episodic acidification and protect air quality related values, including visibility.
during Spring snow melt (Baron and Campbell 1997). This direction is consistent with the underlying charters provided by the organic acts and the Wilderness Act. The Through funding provided by the Southern Appalachian similarities of management objectives, and of the policies Mountains Initiative, Herlihy et al. (1996) compiled and procedures necessary for protecting Class I areas, are information on surface water sensitivity of streams in nine at the core of the FLAG process. Please note that although of the eleven Class I areas in the Southern Appalachians.
all wilderness is not Class I, and the FLMs have not The nine Class I areas were grouped according to geology, proposed that non-Class I wilderness be classified as Class physiography, and stream chemistry, then the groupings were I, management actions (e.g., limiting human activities) that ranked in terms of effects. Class I areas in the West Virginia satisfy wilderness management objectives for Class II areas, Plateau (Otter Creek and Dolly Sods Wildernesses) had are often substantially the same as those used in Class I area the highest percentage of acidic stream length and lowest management.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 3
In implementing laws, it is essential to understand the General Policy for Managing Air Quality Related Values in intent of Congress. In the case of the CAA, the FLM gleans Class I Areas.
additional insight from a passage in Senate Report No.95-127, 95th Congress, 1st Session, 1977 which states: 1.4.1. Identifying AQRVs (Revised)
The Federal Land Manager holds a powerful tool. He FLMs agree on the following definition of an AQRV:
is required to protect Federal lands from deterioration A resource, as identified by the FLM for one or more of an established value, even when Class I [increments] Federal areas that may be adversely affected by a change are not exceeded. While the general scope of the in air quality. The resource may include visibility or a Federal Governments activities in preventing significant specific scenic, cultural, physical, biological, ecological, deterioration has been carefully limited, the FLM or recreational resource identified by the FLM for a should assume an aggressive role in protecting the air particular area.
quality values of land areas under their jurisdiction. In cases of doubt the land manager should err on the side This definition is compatible with the general definition of of protecting the air quality-related values for future AQRV that appears in the Federal Register (45 FR 43003, generations. June 25, 1980). That definition includes visibility, flora, fauna, odor, water, soils, geologic features, and cultural resources.
Although the FLMs have an affirmative responsibility to FLMs have the responsibility to identify specific AQRVs of protect AQRVs, they have no permitting authority under the areas they manage. To this end, FLMs further refine AQRVs CAA, and they have no authority under the CAA to establish beyond the above definition to be more site-specific (i.e.,
air quality-related rules or standards. The FLM role within area specific) by using on-site information. To the extent the regulatory context consists of considering whether possible, the FLMs have identified specific AQRVs for emissions from a new source, or emission increases from many Class I areas. Site-specific AQRV lists are available a modified source, may have an adverse impact on AQRVs on the respective Agency web sites, or by contacting the and providing comments to permitting authorities (States Agencies directly. The FLMs also recognize that, ideally, or EPA). It is important to emphasize that the FLAG report inventories should be developed for all Class I areas. The only explains factors and information the FLMs expect to FLMs may identify additional AQRVs in the future as use when carrying out their consultative role. It is not a rule more is learned through science about the sensitivity of or standard. resources to air pollution. A public process involving the regulated community and other interested members of The FLAG report describes the steps and process that the public is necessary and will be accomplished through the FLMs intend to go through in order to perform their participation in the land management planning process or statutory duties. Consequently, the scope of the FLAG reply to an announcement in the Federal Register. Finally, report is to provide a more consistent approach for the three FLMs agree on the need for continued inventory, research, FLM agencies to evaluate air pollution effects on resources, and monitoring to improve their ability to determine which and to provide guidance to permitting authorities and permit AQRVs are most sensitive to air pollution and the sensitivity applicants regarding necessary AQRV analyses. Although of these AQRVs.
FLAG strives to be consistent with regulatory programs and initiatives such as the Regional Haze Rule and New Source 1.4.2. Determining the Levels of Pollution that Review Reform, no direct ties exist between FLAG and these Trigger Concern for the Well-Being of AQRVs regulatory requirements. (Revised) 1.4. Commonalities Among Federal Land FLMs acknowledge the importance of being able to agree Managers among themselves on the levels of pollution that trigger concerns for AQRVs. FLMs recognize the need to assess If a new source is proposed near two or more areas managed cumulative impacts and the difficulties associated with by different FLMs, the FLMs generally try to coordinate this process. Difficulties arise when a large number of in their interactions with the permitting authority and with minor source impacts eventually lead to an unacceptable the applicant. For example, two or more FLMs involved cumulative impact or when a new source applies for a PSD in pre-application meetings typically try to minimize the permit in an area that has a high background concentration workload for the applicant by reaching agreement on the of pollution from existing sources. The agencies will evaluate types of analyses the application should contain. Beyond a proposed new source within the context of the total coordinating during permit review, FLMs currently base impacts that are occurring or that potentially could occur requests and decisions on similar principles regarding from permitted/existing sources on the AQRVs of the area resource protection and FLM responsibilities. Listed below and should consider the effects of both emission increases are the common principles in five areas of air resource and decreases.
management. In addition, Appendix C provides the FLMs 4 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
1.4.3. Visibility information on air quality and its effects in parks and wildernesses.
FLMs use EPA-approved models [Appendix W of Part 51 (EPAs Guideline on Air Quality Models, revised November Natural Resource Information System - Air Module 2005), as required under the PSD regulations at 40 CFR (NRIS-AIR) (Revised) 51.166(1) and 52.21(1)] and the recommendations of Publicly available USDA Forest Service Class I and II area the Interagency Work Group on Air Quality Modeling information and related resource data can be linked to or (IWAQM) to evaluate visibility impacts. The models use found at http://www.fs.fed.us/air. If desired information and thresholds of visibility degradation measured in light data cannot be found, contact any air program manager or extinction to evaluate source impacts to haze (far-field/
specialist at national or regional offices for assistance.
multi-source impacts), and EPA established criteria for coherent plume impacts (near-field impacts). Currently 1.5. Regulatory Developments Since FLAG all FLMs use Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual 2000 (New)
Environments (IMPROVE) monitoring data to determine current conditions for visibility in FLM areas. Several regulatory developments have occurred since the FLMs published the FLAG report in December 2000. Some 1.4.4. Biological and Physical Effects of these regulatory developments may have a significant All FLMs rely on research, monitoring, models, and effects effect on air resource management in mandatory Class experts to identify and understand physical, biological, and I areas, or how these effects are assessed. First, on April chemical changes resulting from air pollution and relating 15, 2003, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) them to changes in AQRVs. Further, they focus on sensitive promulgated revisions to Appendix W of 40 C.F.R.
AQRVs (defined as either species or processes) to assess this §51 (Guideline on Air Quality Models). EPA revised the biological/physical/chemical change. Guideline to adopt the CALPUFF model as a preferred long-range transport model for inclusion in Appendix A 1.4.5. Determining Pollution Levels of Concern of that document. Prior to that date, FLAG 2000 relied on (Revised) CALPUFF as the suggested model of choice for long-range FLMs rely on the best scientific information available in transport assessments in accordance with recommendations the published literature and best available data to make of the Interagency Work Group on Air Quality Models informed decisions regarding levels of pollution likely to (IWAQM). EPAs adoption of CALPUFF substantiates cause adverse impacts. FLMs re-evaluate, update, and the Agencies model choice. In addition, EPAs action, assess this information as appropriate. They consider combined with improved computer technology, has resulted specific Agency and Class I area legislative mandates in in the availability of more meteorological data. These their decisions and, in cases of doubt, err on the side of improvements have enhanced the ability of permitting protecting the AQRVs for future generations. (Senate authorities and applicants to perform the types of modeling Report No.95-127, 95th Congress, 1st Session, 1977) analyses suggested in FLAG. However, the FLMs will continue to work with the EPA on recommendations for For air quality dispersion modeling analyses, FLMs follow future long-range transport model development.
Appendix W of Part 51 (EPAs Guideline on Air Quality Models, revised November 2005), as required under the On May 12, 2005, the EPA published the Clean Air PSD regulations at 40 CFR 51.166(1) and 52.21(1), and the Interstate Rule (CAIR) to reduce interstate transport of recommendations of the Interagency Work Group on Air fine particulate matter and ozone. The CAIR applied to 28 Quality Modeling (IWAQM). FLMs recommend protocols eastern states and the District of Columbia, and required for modeling analyses to permit applicants on a case-by-case those areas to significantly reduce emissions of sulfur basis considering types and amount of emissions, location dioxide (SO2) and/or nitrogen oxides (NOx) from utilities.
of source, and meteorology. When reviewing modeling Although EPA developed the CAIR to address violations of and impact analysis results, all FLMs consider frequency, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for magnitude, duration, location of impacts, and other factors, fine particulates (PM2.5) and ozone, the associated SO2 and in determining whether impacts are adverse. NOx emission reductions would also benefit visibility and other AQRVs at many eastern Class I areas. The Agencies 1.4.6. FLM Databases (Revised) supported the CAIR, however, because it did not apply to western states, the majority of the Class I areas would not Air Resources Information System (ARIS) (Formerly Air have directly benefited from the rule. Please note that at the Synthesis) (Revised) time of this writing CAIR has been remanded to the EPA ARIS provides information on air quality related values in for revision to address various court challenges, and EPA NPS and FWS Class I areas, as well as in many NPS Class has proposed a new transport rule as a replacement (EPA II areas. ARIS identifies specific AQRVs, and provides 2010a).
USFS-NPS-USFWS 5
On July 6, 2005, the EPA published a final rule and Regional Haze Rule before the FLMs published FLAG 2000, associated guidelines that detail the Best Available Retrofit there were several improvements and differences in the Technology (BART) requirements of the Regional Haze associated EPA guidance documents (e.g., those related to Rule. Among other things, the BART guidelines advise Natural Conditions and Tracking Progress) that were not States to rely on the CALPUFF model for long-range finalized until December 2003. Therefore, these documents visibility impairment assessments, provide thresholds for were not reflected in FLAG 2000, but have been considered what constitutes causing or contributing to regional haze in this revision. Currently, State Implementation Plans visibility impairment, and includes screening level values that (SIPs) under the Regional Haze Rule are being developed, exempt certain sources from further analysis. As discussed and submitted to the EPA for approval. If the new visibility in more detail below, the Agencies believe the assumptions SIPs adequately account for new source growth, the and methodology included in the BART guidelines also Agencies may need to make further revisions to the FLAG have merit with respect to evaluating haze-like visibility recommendations to reflect progress made through the SIP impairment for New Source Review under the PSD and process that could minimize the focus the FLMs place on other programs. Consequently, the Agencies are paralleling individual sources.
some of those BART guidelines in this FLAG revision.
EPA has also developed other regulations, standards, and Please note that FLAG 2000 acknowledges the EPAs July policies that will help reduce air pollution and resulting 1999 Regional Haze Rule, and discusses possible changes impacts at FLM areas (e.g., revised ozone, sulfur dioxide, to FLAG that may be necessary as States implement the nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter standards; mobile Regional Haze Rule. Although the EPA promulgated the source controls).
6 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
- 2. Federal Land Managers Approach to AQRV Protection FLM responsibilities for resource protection on Federal lands are clear and there should be no misunderstanding regarding the tools the FLM uses to fulfill these responsibilities. Opportunities to influence decisions regarding pollution sources external to the park or wilderness are limited. However, FLMs strive to minimize emissions from internal sources and their effects.
Approaches for minimizing air pollution from external and internal sources are discussed in detail below.
2.1. AQRV Protection and Identification (Revised)
Sipsey Wilderness, Alabama.
Credit: Steve Boutcher Congress assigned the FLMs an affirmative responsibility to protect AQRVs in Federal Class I areas. The FLMs interpret this assignment as a responsibility to: the Class I areas national significance, that is, the reason the Class I area was created. Adverse impacts can also
- Identify AQRVs in each of the Class I areas. be an impairment of the structure or functioning of the
- Establish inventorying and monitoring protocols for ecosystem, as well as an impairment of the quality of the AQRVs. visitor experience. The FLMs make an adverse impact determination on a case-by-case basis, based on technical
- Prioritize AQRV inventorying and monitoring.
and other information, which is then conveyed to the
- Specify a process for evaluating air pollution effects on permitting authority.4 The permitting authority then AQRVs, including the use of sensitive indicators. considers this, along with other factors, in its determination
- Specify adverse effects for each AQRV. regarding the permit application.
To the extent possible, AQRVs have been identified for 2.2. New Source Review (Revised) each Class I area. As noted above, the FLMs may identify additional AQRVs in the future as more is learned about Section 165 of the CAA spells out the roles and the sensitivity of resources to air pollution. The FLMs will responsibilities for FLMs in New Source Review, including provide a public process involving the regulated community the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting and other interested members of the public in order to seek program. Other laws, such as the respective agency organic public input regarding AQRV-identification issues. This acts and the Wilderness Act, provide the fundamental desired public involvement will be accomplished through underpinning of land management direction to land participation in the land management planning process or managers. The following discussion merges this complex reply to an announcement in the Federal Register. labyrinth of legal responsibilities as it relates to air resource management.
While the sensitivity of an AQRV to air pollution may be known, long-term monitoring of the health or status of 2.2.1. Roles and Responsibilities of FLMs the AQRV may not have been accomplished. The expense (Revised) of monitoring all AQRVs simultaneously is prohibitive.
The federal officials directly responsible for the national Consequently, FLMs seek opportunities through the parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests permitting process and through partnerships to gather more (e.g., park superintendents, refuge managers, and forest information about condition of AQRVs.
supervisors, respectively) derive their responsibility from the Because AQRVs themselves are often difficult to measure, respective agency organic acts. Furthermore, these officials, surrogates are used as indicators, or sensitive indicators, of and the FLM for the respective agencies, have an affirmative the health or status of the AQRV. A working process for Class responsibility under Section 165 of the CAA to protect and I area management and AQRV protection is outlined ahead in this document. 4. As discussed elsewhere in this report, if a proposed sources impacts on AQRVs exceed established significance criteria, the FLMs An adverse impact is determined for each AQRV. An adverse will consider the magnitude, frequency, geographic extent, etc. of the impacts, and other relevant factors, in determining whether or not the impact from air pollution results in a diminishment of impacts are adverse.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 7
enhance the AQRVs of Class I areas from the adverse effects
- Existing/prevailing meteorological conditions; of air pollution. The FLM for the USFS is the Regional
- Cumulative effects of several sources to AQRVs, as well as Forester or the Forest Supervisor depending on the specific changes in their emissions.
location. The FLM for the NPS and FWS is the Department of the Interiors Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Additionally, such dialogue facilitates coordination between Parks. permitting authorities and the FLMs. The significance of the impact to AQRVs is more important than the distance The FLMs have visibility protection responsibility under of the source. Not all PSD permit applications that the 40 CFR §51.307 (New source review), which spells out FLM is notified of will be analyzed in-depth by the FLM.
the requirements for State Implementation Plan (SIP) FLM notification of a PSD permit application for a project visibility protection programs, as well as 40 CFR §52.27 located greater than 100 km does not mean that the (Protection of visibility from sources in attainment areas) permit application will be reviewed by the FLM in detail.
and 40 CFR §52.28 (Protection of visibility from sources Notification of PSD permit applications in excess of 100 km in non-attainment areas). These three provisions, taken by the permitting authority allows the FLM to gauge the level together along with the SIP-approved rules, establish the of potential cumulative effects. As indicated above, the FLM visibility protection program for new and modified sources decides which PSD permit applications to review on a case-throughout the country. by-case basis depending on the potential impacts to AQRVs.
Notification Pre-Application Meetings Section 165 (42 USC 7475) of the CAA requires the EPA, To expedite the PSD permit review process, the FLM or the State/local permitting authority, to notify the FLM if encourages pre-application meetings with permitting emissions from a proposed project may impact a Class I area. authorities and permit applicants to discuss air quality The permitting authority should forward PSD applications concerns for a specific Class I area in question. Given to the FLM for review and analysis as soon as possible preliminary information, such as the sources location after receipt, giving the FLM an opportunity to review the and the types and quantity of projected air emissions, the application concurrently with the permitting authority. FLM can discuss specific AQRVs for an area and advise the applicant of the analyses needed to assess potential impacts Generally, the permitting authority should notify the FLM on these resources.
of all new or modified major facilities proposing to locate within 100 km (62 miles) of a Class I area. In addition, the Completeness Determination permitting authority should notify the FLM of very large To further minimize delays, the FLMs encourage the sources with the potential to affect Class I areas proposing permitting authority to use comments provided by the FLM to locate at distances greater than 100 km. (Reference March concerning the completeness of the application, and to not 19, 1979, memorandum from EPA Assistant Administrator deem the application complete until the applicant performs for Air, Noise, and Radiation to Regional Administrators, all necessary air quality impact analyses, including all Regions I - X). Given the multitude of possible size/distance relevant AQRV impact information. The permitting authority combinations, the FLMs can not precisely define in advance should then notify the FLM when they deem the application what constitutes a very large source located more than 100 to be complete.
km away that may impact a particular Class I area. However, as discussed elsewhere in this report, the Agencies have Visibility Protection Procedures adopted a size (Q)/distance (D) criteria to screen out from Additional procedural requirements apply when a proposed AQRV review those sources with relatively small amounts source has the potential to impair visibility in a Class I of emissions located a large distance from a Class I area.
area (40 CFR §52.27(d)(2007); 40 CFR §51.307(a)(2007)).
Consequently, as a minimum, the permitting authority Specifically, the permitting authority must, upon receiving should notify the FLM of all sources that exceed this Q/D a permit application for a source that may affect visibility in criteria. Nevertheless, the FLM and permitting authority any Class I area, notify the FLM in writing. Such notification should still work together to determine which other PSD shall include a copy of all information relevant to the permit applications the FLM is to be made aware of in excess of 100 application, including the proposed sources anticipated km. In making this determination, the FLM and permitting impacts on visibility in a Class I area. The permitting authority should consider, on a case-by-case basis, such authority shall notify the FLM within 30 days of receipt and factors as:
at least 60 days prior to the close of the comment period.
- Current conditions of sensitive AQRVs; If the FLM notifies the permitting authority that the
- Magnitude of emissions; proposed source may adversely impact visibility in a Class
- Distance from the Class I area; I area, or may adversely impact visibility in a previously
- Potential for source growth in an area/region; identified integral (scenic) vista, then the permitting 8 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
authority is to work with the FLM to address their concerns. Because proposed sources are not yet operating, the air If the permitting authority agrees with the FLMs finding quality analysis should rely on mathematical dispersion that visibility in a Class I area may be adversely affected, models to estimate the air quality impact of the proposed the permit may not be issued. Even though the permitting emissions. The FLMs provide the applicants with guidance authority may agree with the FLMs adverse impact finding on where to place model receptors within the Class I area.
regarding integral vistas, the permitting authority may still The applicant is responsible to provide sufficient information issue a permit if the emissions from the source are consistent for the FLM to make a decision about the acceptability with reasonable progress toward the national goal of of potential AQRV impacts as a consequence of the new preventing or remedying visibility impairment. In making source.
this decision, the permitting authority may take into account the costs of compliance, the time needed for compliance, The applicant must perform the air quality impact analysis the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of using approved models and procedures as specified in compliance, and the useful life of the source. Appendix W of Part 51 (EPAs Guideline on Air Quality Models, revised November 2005), as required under the The FLM will make a preliminary determination regarding PSD regulations at 40 CFR 51.166(1) and 52.21(1). The possible adverse visibility impacts upon receipt of all applicant should explicitly state all assumptions for the relevant information, including the draft permit and any analysis, and furnish sufficient information on modeling associated staff analysis. input so that the FLM can validate and duplicate the model results. FLMs encourage the permit applicant to submit a 2.2.2. Elements of Permit Review modeling protocol for review before performing the Class The FLM review of a PSD application for a proposed project I modeling analyses. This protocol should include the that may impact a Class I area generally consists of three proposed air quality analysis methodology and model input main analyses: (i.e., emissions, stack data, meteorological data, etc.), and the proposed location of the receptors in the FLM area.
- 1. Air quality impact analysis to ensure that predicted pollutant levels in Class I areas do not exceed National AQRV Impact Analysis Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and PSD According to the CAAs legislative history and current EPA increments, and to provide sufficient information for the regulations and guidance, the air quality impact analysis FLM to conduct an AQRV impact analysis. Ensuring that that provides sufficient information to enable the FLM to permit applicants meet these requirements is the direct conduct the AQRV impact analysis is one part of a permit responsibility of the permitting authority (see discussion application just as are the BACT analysis and the air quality below); impact analysis relative to the increments and NAAQS.
- 2. AQRV impact analysis to ensure that the Class I area The applicant bears the entire cost of preparing the permit resources (i.e., visibility, flora, fauna, etc.) are not application including the complete air quality impact adversely affected by the proposed emissions. The AQRV analysis.
impact analysis includes interpreting the significance of the results from the applicants air quality impact analysis It is important to highlight the distinction between the air and is the responsibility of the FLM (see discussion quality impact analyses that the applicant performs and below); and the AQRV impact analyses that FLMs perform. Whereas the permit applicant calculates changes in pollutant
- 3. Best Available Control Technology (BACT) analysis concentrations, deposition rates, or visibility extinction, to help ensure that the source installs the best control the FLM assesses the extent to which these impacts affect technology to minimize emission increases from the sensitive visual, aquatic, or terrestrial resources. Given the proposed project (See Appendix D for a summary of FLMs statutory responsibilities and expertise, the FLM this analysis). The final BACT determination is a direct must have responsibility to consider whether the amount responsibility of the permitting authority. of pollution dispersed into the air or deposited on the Air Quality Impact Analysis ground (or in water) would have an adverse impact on any AQRV, and if so, to demonstrate that claim to the permitting The permit applicant must perform an air quality impact authority. In making an adverse impact finding, FLMs analysis for each pollutant subject to PSD review (40 CFR consider such factors as magnitude, frequency, duration,
§51.166). This analysis must show the contribution of the location, geographic extent, and timing of impacts, as well proposed emissions to increment consumption and to as current and projected conditions of AQRVs based on the existing ambient pollution levels in a Class I park or cumulative impacts.
wilderness area. The applicant must perform a cumulative increment analysis for each pollutant and averaging time for The FLM uses the results from the applicants air quality which the proposed source will have a significant impact. impact analysis and other information to conduct the USFS-NPS-USFWS 9
AQRV impact analysis and make an informed decision 2.2.3. FLM Permit Review Process about whether or not AQRVs will be adversely affected. If the FLM concludes that AQRVs will be adversely affected, The FLMs current permit review process for any the FLM will so demonstrate to the permitting authority. application that may impact a FLM area is described below.
The following sections of this document give guidance to
- 1. Pre-application. If possible, participate in any pre-applicants on how to conduct an air quality impact analysis application meeting to learn specifics of the proposed and how the FLM uses this information to make an AQRV project (size, emissions, location, etc.) and to provide impact decision.
information regarding recommended Class I analyses.
Cumulative Impact Analysis 2. Modeling Protocol. The FLMs encourage the permit The FLM will evaluate on a case-by-case basis both the applicant to submit a modeling protocol for review permit applicants contribution to the AQRV impacts, as before performing the Class I modeling analyses. This well as the cumulative source impacts on AQRVs, taking protocol should include the proposed air quality analysis into account expected emission reductions. A cumulative methodology and model input (i.e., emissions, stack data, air quality analysis in which the proposed source and any meteorological data, etc.), and the proposed location of recently permitted (but not yet operating) sources in the the receptors in the FLM area.
area are modeled is an important part of any AQRV impact 3. Completeness Determination. Upon receipt, the FLM analysis. This cumulative modeled impact is then added to will review the application and provide comments to measured ambient levels (to the extent that such monitoring the permitting authority regarding the completeness of data are available) so that the FLM can assess the total effect the application and the need for additional information of the anticipated ambient concentrations on AQRVs. If regarding the BACT, Air Quality Impacts, and AQRV no representative monitoring data are available, the total Impacts analyses. The FLM will coordinate with the pollutant concentrations should be estimated by modeling permitting authority and the permit applicant to ensure emissions from all contributing sources in the area. that all the necessary information to enable the FLM to make an impact determination is included.
Information Provided by the FLM to the Applicant
- 4. Public Comment Period. After review of all relevant To assist the permit applicant in performing air quality information, the FLM will provide pertinent comments impact analyses, the FLMs will provide all available to the permitting authority, before or during the official information about AQRVs for a particular Class I area that public comment period, and/or at scheduled public may be adversely affected by emissions from the proposed hearings.
source. FLMs will recommend available methods the applicant should use to analyze the potential effects (i.e., 5. No Class I Increment Violated and No Adverse pollutant concentration, deposition rates, and visibility Impacts. If no Class I increment is violated and no extinction) in the Class I area. In addition to identifying adverse impacts to AQRVs are expected, the FLM will AQRVs, FLMs will, to the extent possible: inform the permitting authority of this determination and no further FLM action is necessary. The FLM may still
-- identify inventories, surveys, monitoring data, provide BACT comments.
scientific studies, or other published reports that are
- 6. No Class I Increment Violated but AQRV Impacts the basis for identification of AQRVs; Uncertain. If no Class I increment is violated but
-- identify specific receptors known to be most sensitive uncertainty exists regarding potential adverse impacts to air pollution and the pollutant or pollutants to AQRVs, the FLM may request that the permitting that individually or in combination can cause or authority include a permit condition that requires the contribute to an adverse effect on each receptor; permittee to conduct relevant post-construction AQRV
-- identify the critical pollutant concentrations above or air quality monitoring. The FLM may also request which adverse effects are known or suspected to certain control technologies or methods to reduce occur; impacts.
-- recommend methods the applicant should use for 7. Class I Increment Violated, but No Adverse AQRV predicting ambient pollutant concentrations and Impacts. If the Class I increment is violated, but no other related impacts (e.g., deposition, visibility) adverse AQRV impacts are anticipated, the applicant which may cause or contribute to an adverse effect requests the FLM to certify no adverse impact under on each receptor; and Section 165(d)(2)C)(iii) of the Clean Air Act [42 USC 7475(d)(2)(C)(iii)(1998)]. If the FLM concurs, (s)he
-- suggest screening level values or criteria that would makes a preliminary determination that no adverse be used to assess whether a proposed emissions impacts will occur.
increase would have a de minimis impact on AQRVs.
10 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
-- The FLM will inform the applicant, the State/local copying, and an announcement of at least a 30 day permitting authority, and EPA of the preliminary no public comment period on issues directly relevant to adverse impact determination. the determination in question.
-- The FLM will notify the public of its preliminary -- The FLM will review and prepare response to public no adverse impact determination either through the comments.
permitting authoritys notice procedures, or through -- The FLM will make a final determination regarding separate notice in the Federal Register. Such notice adverse impacts, with a clear and concise statement should include a statement as to the availability of reasons supporting that determination.
of supporting documentation for inspection and copying, and an announcement of at least a 30 day -- The FLM will inform the permit applicant, public comment period on issues directly relevant to the permitting authority, and EPA of its final the determination in question. determination.
-- The FLM will review and prepare response to public -- Simultaneous with above, the FLM will publish a final comments. determination in the Notice section of the Federal Register, including a clear and concise statement of
-- The FLM will make a final determination regarding reasons supporting that determination, statement no adverse impacts, with a clear and concise as to availability of supporting documentation statement of reasons supporting that determination. for inspection and copying, and statement as to
-- The FLM will inform the permit applicant, immediate effective date (date signed) of final the permitting authority, and EPA of its final determination.
determination and if the final determination is no -- If the FLM makes a final determination that a source adverse impact, the FLM shall so certify in a letter will have an adverse impact, the FLM will oppose to the affected parties. the permit. However, the permit applicant may
-- Simultaneous with above, the FLM will publish a final propose to mitigate any adverse impacts (via reducing determination in the Notice section of the Federal emissions, obtaining emission offsets, etc.). If the Register, including a clear and concise statement of applicant adequately mitigates the adverse impacts to reasons supporting that determination, statement the satisfaction of the FLM, the FLM will withdraw as to availability of supporting documentation his objection to the permit. If the adverse impacts are for inspection and copying, and statement as to not adequately mitigated and the permitting authority immediate effective date (date signed) of final nevertheless issues the permit, the FLM may appeal determination. the permit.
-- The FLM will contact the permitting authority and Note: If the permitting authoritys SIP makes execution request a revision to the State Implementation Plan of the above listed steps impossible (e.g., inadequate (SIP) to eliminate the Class I increment violations. time allotments for the FLMs determination or lack of
- 8. Adverse Impact Determination. Regardless of timely FLM notice) the procedures shall be adjusted as increment status, the FLM may make a preliminary appropriate. In addition, the above procedures (6 and 7) determination that the proposed project will cause, or could also be modified to accommodate those situations contribute to, an adverse impact on AQRVs. Before when the FLM chooses to certify that existing impacts are officially declaring an adverse impact, the FLM will adverse, absent a proposed new source. Such an action inform the proposed new source and the permitting would alert potential permit applicants that adverse impacts authority that an adverse impact determination is exist and any new source would need to mitigate its potential imminent and suggest that the draft permit be modified. impacts. Although each FLM may implement the above If the draft permit is modified to satisfy the concerns of procedures somewhat differently, the FLAG goal is to reduce the FLM, then an adverse determination is avoided. the differences in implementing the above steps.
-- The FLM will inform the applicant, the permitting Furthermore, FLMs intend to coordinate on air permit authority, and EPA of a preliminary adverse impact modeling requirements for new or modified sources that determination. are geographically near more than one FLM area. For
-- The FLM will notify the public of the preliminary example, a proposed source in eastern Tennessee that lies adverse impact determination either through the equidistant from NPS-administered Great Smoky Mountains permitting authoritys notice procedures, or through National Park and the FS-administered Joyce Kilmer/
separate notice in the Federal Register. Such notice Slickrock Wilderness would receive coordinated guidance should include a statement as to the availability on modeling requirements from the FLMs. The FLMs of supporting documentation for inspection and may or may not have common AQRVs at different Class I areas, making coordination beneficial. The FLMs may also USFS-NPS-USFWS 11
coordinate on potential permit conditions and mitigation In some States, FLMs use screening procedures or strategies. thresholds that indicate when the condition of an AQRV is acceptable or unacceptable. The pollutant concentration 2.2.4. Criteria for Decision Making (Adverse or loading rate that will adversely impact an AQRV Impact Considerations) (Revised) can vary among Class I areas, and depends on current As previously mentioned, the legislative history of the CAA conditions. After a threshold is reached, an increase in provides direction to the FLM on how to comply with the pollutant concentrations is likely to be unacceptable. A affirmative responsibility to protect AQRVs in Class I areas, concern threshold can be an adverse impact threshold or and in cases of doubt, the land manager should err on other quantifiable level in resource condition or pollutant the side of protecting air quality-related values for future exposure identified by the FLM.
generations.
2.2.5. Air Pollution Permit Conditions that The FLMs define adverse impact on AQRVs as: Benefit Class I Areas An unacceptable effect, as identified by an FLM that The FLM does not determine what permit conditions will results from current, or would result from predicted, be required or administer permit conditions; that is the deterioration of air quality in a Federal Class I or Class responsibility of the permitting authority. However, the II area. A determination of unacceptable effect shall be FLMs may request permit conditions or agree to withdraw made on a case-by-case basis for each area taking into objections to permit issuance if requested conditions are account existing air quality conditions. It should be included. The FLMs view the inclusion of certain PSD based on a demonstration that the current or predicted permit conditions by the permitting authority as a means to deterioration of air quality will cause or contribute help protect or enhance the condition of AQRVs when:
to a diminishment of the areas national significance, 1. Air pollution source(s) may cause impacts that exceed impairment of the structure and functioning of the areas protection thresholds for AQRVs; ecosystem, or impairment of the quality of the visitor
- 2. Terrestrial resources, aquatic resources, and/or visibility experience in the area.
are currently adversely impacted by air pollution and Also, the Federal visibility protection regulations (40 CFR proposed emissions will exacerbate these adverse
§51.300, et seq., §52.27) define adverse impact on visibility conditions; as: 3. FLM policies require improvement or restoration of AQRVs in parks and wildernesses; and
[V]isibility impairment which interferes with the management, protection, preservation or enjoyment of 4. There is uncertainty on the extent and magnitude of air the visitors visual experience of the Federal class I area. pollution effects on AQRVs.
This determination must be made on a case-by-case Recommended permit conditions may include requiring basis taking into account the geographic extent, intensity, emission offsets, AQRV and/or air quality monitoring, duration, frequency, and time of visibility impairment, inventories, post-construction reassessment, LAER (or and how these factors correlate with: (1) times of visitor other improved control technologies), or other measures to use of the Federal class I area, and (2) the frequency and protect, enhance, or restore resources and values of parks timing of natural conditions that reduce visibility. (Id. and wildernesses. Permit conditions may:
§51.301(a))
- 1. Result in net air quality benefits at a protected area or FLMs typically address adverse impacts on a case-by-case within a region; basis in response to PSD permit applications. The factors
- 2. Contribute to a reduction of air pollution within a region; the FLMs will consider in making an adverse impact determination are discussed in more detail below (see 3. Promote ecosystem inventories and/or monitoring to section 4.3). When an adverse impact is predicted, FLMs evaluate physical and biological resource damage caused recommend that permits either be modified to protect by air pollution emissions; and AQRVs or be denied. FLMs can also address adverse 4. Promote ecosystem restoration or improve the condition conditions outside of the PSD process. They do so through of resources that have been damaged by air pollution a variety of mechanisms: certify visibility impairment; emissions.
participate in regional assessments; informally collaborate with States and EPA; review lease permits, SIP revisions, The basis of an air permit condition should be identified in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses, Park/ the public notice for the draft permit. To be effective, permit Refuge/Forest management plans, CERCLA (Comprehensive conditions must be federally enforceable and guaranteed.
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) Air permit provisions may be temporary or permanent reviews, and other documents. depending on the nature of the permit requirements.
12 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Procedures to implement an air permit condition must be 2.3. Other Air Quality Review acceptable to the FLM (e.g., an agreement between parties Considerations (Revised)
[memorandum of understanding, interagency agreement]
is an option to accomplish inventory, monitoring, or other At all Class I areas where visibility has been monitored, requirements). visibility conditions have been found to be impaired by human-caused pollution. The impairment comes primarily 2.2.6. Reducing Pollution in Nonattainment from older sources, not new sources. From a regional Areas (Nonattainment Permit Process) perspective, new or modified sources (using new/cleaner The PSD program does not apply with respect to a particular technologies) contribute far less to impaired AQRV pollutant when the source locates in an area designated conditions than old sources. EPA has implemented a call non-attainment for that pollutant. Instead, pollution sources for reducing NOx emissions from older sources in the are regulated by Non-attainment Area New Source Review eastern U.S. to meet existing ozone standards. In addition (NNSR). NNSR includes air quality planning and regulation to complying with national ambient standards, States are of stationary sources. Air quality planning addresses issues now developing plans to implement EPAs Regional Haze such as lowest achievable emission rate (LAER), offsets, Regulations. If these requirements are implemented, then reasonably available control technology (RACT), and progress toward remedying impaired AQRVs is likely.
mobile and stationary source control strategies. New major However, given the sensitivity of some AQRVs to low levels stationary sources and major modifications of sources in of pollution, programs focused on reaching national goals, designated non-attainment areas must satisfy NNSR before such as the NAAQS or visibility, may not fully remedy construction begins. For visibility protection, SIPs must impacts on AQRVs in all locations. It is for this reason that include either EPA-approved provisions to comply with 40 the FLM does pursue other strategies to protect AQRVs. The CFR §51.307 for the non-attainment pollutant, otherwise, following sections discuss FLM issues that go beyond NSR.
the federally promulgated visibility provisions at 40 CFR 2.3.1. Remedying Existing Adverse Impacts
§52.28 would apply to all sources located in non-attainment areas. Therefore, FLMs can provide suggestions to the Allowing the existence of adverse impacts would be permitting authority regarding these conditions during the inconsistent with the mandates of the FLM agencies.
permitting and planning processes. Consequently, FLMs may request or participate in regional assessments to protect AQRVs, and remedy any existing SIPs provide a mechanism to address AQRV impacts when adverse impacts on AQRVs, as appropriate. Regional the source or the Class I area is located in a non-attainment assessments often use a multi-faceted approach to remedy area. FLMs may recommend that States adopt policies, rules, impairment. For example, categories addressed by the Grand or regulations in their SIPs requiring a demonstration that Canyon Visibility Transport Commission (GCVTC) include offsets will result in a net air quality benefit within any Class air pollution prevention; clean air corridors; stationary I area likely to be impacted by emissions from the source to sources; sources in and near Class I areas; mobile sources; be permitted. FLMs may also request emissions reductions road dust; fire; and future regional coordination.
greater than 1:1, perhaps offset rates of 1.5 or 2.0 to 1, or higher, depending on the nature and magnitude of impacts Clean Air Act requirements for remedying existing visibility to be offset. Such recommendations can be developed jointly impairment provide a mechanism for addressing impacts in a meeting with the regulatory authority or in a letter from from specific sources or groups of sources [42 USC the FLM. 7491). Negotiations at the Centralia Power Plant in the state of Washington provide an example of how to build Mitigation measures recommended by FLMs may include partnerships and work collaboratively to obtain retrofit stringent control technologies to minimize the increase controls or more stringent control technologies for sources in emissions and the impact on AQRVs. Monitoring can that affect a FLM area. Through a collaborative decision determine whether predicted resource conditions are making process, owners of the Centralia plant agreed to observed. Offsets ensure that net emissions reductions reduce sulfur dioxide emissions at the plant by 90%. In from all sources will occur within a geographic area and another case, the FWS identified plume impacts from a their resulting air quality impacts at the Class I area will be pulp and paper mill located seven miles upwind of the mitigated. Moosehorn Wilderness Area. Using cameras provided by the IMPROVE monitoring network, plumes from the mill were documented entering the Moosehorn Wilderness Area. In collaboration with the State of Maine, additional controls for nitrogen oxides and updated particulate controls were incorporated into the mills PSD permit to address the plume impacts.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 13
FLMs may also coordinate with others to ensure that few PSD permit applicants have had to perform a cumulative emission reductions in nonattainment areas will improve increment consumption analysis for Class I areas. Such a air quality in FLM areas. Recommendations on urban periodic increment consumption review would be beneficial planning were developed with FLM involvement to address given that the burden of proof for AQRV adverse impact nonattainment areas in California. Data documenting determinations shifts from the FLM to the applicant when ozone effects on vegetation were provided to the planning the increment has been consumed.
authority.
In its 1990 report, Air Pollution: Protecting Parks and 2.3.2. Requesting State Implementation Plan Wilderness From Nearby Pollution Sources, the U.S. General (SIP) Revisions to Address AQRV Adverse Impacts Accounting Office (GAO) found that only 1 percent of (Revised) the sources within 100 kilometers of five Class I areas it investigated were required to have permits under the A SIP is the mechanism that states use to develop the PSD program, with 99 percent of the sources being minor pollution control programs that will be used to achieve or grandfathered sources. It also found that non-PSD and maintain the NAAQS, as well as prevent significant sources contribute from 53 to 90 percent of five of the six deterioration of air quality. It is important for FLMs to be criteria pollutants emitted within a 100-kilometer radius of involved in SIP development, as participation provides each of the five Class I areas. As part of its investigation, an opportunity to influence planning of pollution control GAO noted that a significant portion of total emissions programs that can benefit air quality in FLM areas. Once a of volatile organic compounds generally comes from small SIP is fully approved by EPA, it is legally enforceable under sources...and suggested that as part of the overall control both State and Federal law. FLMs assist in the development strategy, States may want to consider lowering thresholds of SIPs by providing analysis and comment to address for regulating new sources to 25 tons of volatile organic existing impacts of concern. This approach is particularly compounds a year. According to the investigation, 55 useful for addressing impacts on AQRVs other than percent of anthropogenic VOC emissions come from new visibility, since the Clean Air Act does not provide specific sources or modifications totaling five tons per year or less.
requirements for other AQRVs.
In a review of PSD permit applications near Mesa Verde SIP revisions could be used to address multiple sources National Park (a Class I area in Colorado), a cumulative and regional pollution that adversely affect AQRVs in all modeling analysis of increment-consuming sources found Class I areas. For example, in South Coast and San Diego, that approximately 80 percent of the NO2 Class I increment California, SIP revisions included FLM recommendations at the park had been consumed, but much of it by minor to reduce the impact of minor sources on AQRVs. South sources.
Coast recommendations addressed visibility while the San The FLMs have encouraged EPA to provide clearer direction Diego recommendations addressed all AQRVs. EPAs NOx on how often these periodic reviews should occur as the lack SIP Call in the east is another example of obtaining emission of a prescribed time-frame for conducting such analyses has reductions through the SIP revision process. The NOx SIP clearly led to noncompliance with this requirement over the Call was directed at 20 eastern States and the District of past twenty years by States.
Columbia to address NOx emissions from existing large sources. Significant reductions in ozone formation and 2.4. Managing Emissions Generated in and nitrogen deposition have occurred as a result of these efforts.
Near FLM Areas (Revised) 2.3.3. Periodic Increment Consumption Review Specific strategies need to be developed and implemented (Revised) for reducing and preventing pollution from the many diverse EPA has indicated its intention to establish a SIP revision sources and activities in communities surrounding FLM requirement to address existing adverse impacts on AQRVs. areas, including gateway communities (i.e., those adjacent The FLMs strongly support EPA exercising its authority to FLM areas). Accountability mechanisms are needed to in this way. In the interim, however, there are existing SIP ensure that appropriate actions are taken, reported and revision requirements that are not being fully utilized. EPAs incorporated into SIPs, visibility protection plans, and current regulations require States to conduct a periodic Federal land management plans. Various forums (e.g.,
review of the adequacy of their PSD plan and program. [40 the Western Regional Air Partnership, and the Southern CFR §51.166(a)(4)] This would include an assessment of Appalachian Mountains Initiative) addressed some of increment consumption in Class I and Class II areas. Few the emissions sources of concern and developed regional States have ever conducted a comprehensive, cumulative strategies. In addition, EPA has formed other regional increment consumption analysis for one or more Class I planning organizations for implementing its regional haze areas. In addition, many PSD sources have not exceeded the rule. FLMs participate in these forums, consistent with significant impact levels for increment consumption; thus, Federal law (e.g., Federal Advisory Committee Act), to the 14 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
maximum extent possible and coordinate their activities The FLMs are committed to minimizing the impacts from within those forums to ensure that comprehensive strategies smoke by following sound smoke management practices, are developed and implemented to address all the key and if practical, using non-burning alternatives (i.e.,
emissions sources near FLM areas. mechanical clearing, chipping, mulching) to achieve land management objectives. Each prescribed burn site will have A systematic assessment of emission sources in and near unique characteristics, but in general, smoke impacts can FLM areas would be extremely helpful for formulating be minimized by burning during weather conditions that strategies aimed at mitigating or eliminating adverse impacts provide optimal humidity levels and dispersion conditions on area resources, and the NPS has performed micro- for the type of materials being burned, in addition to limiting emission inventories for several of its Class I areas. However, the amount of materials and acreage burned at one time.
without this assessment for all areas it is not possible to accurately quantify the extent to which these emissions EPA has worked in partnership with land management contribute to the overall problem. Nevertheless, FLMs can, agencies in the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and should, take steps to minimize emissions generated on and the Interior; State Foresters; State air regulators; Tribes; FLM lands even without an accurate inventory of emissions and others to obtain recommendations and develop a sources. national policy that addresses how best to improve the quality of wildland ecosystems (including forests and 2.4.1. Prescribed Fire grasslands) and reduce threats of catastrophic wildfires Prescribed fire is a land management tool used for multiple through the increased use of managed fire, while achieving landscape objectives. Prescribed fire allows the FLM national clean air goals (EPA 1998b). EPAs interim air to mimic natural fire return intervals under controlled quality policy on fire describes criteria for wildland managers conditions where smoke management can minimize air (federal, state, tribal, and private), and state and tribal air quality impacts. The alternative is wildfires, which can be pollution agencies, to use in planning for and implementing very difficult to control and may cause much more severe prescribed fires, and recommends a variety of smoke air quality impacts. A modeling assessment suggests that management techniques that land managers can use to help using prescribed fire to minimize wildfires can result in a net reduce smoke impacts from prescribed fires. The policy is reduction in fine particle (PM2.5) emissions in the long-term. available at EPAs web site: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/faca/
In the Pacific Northwest wildfire emissions were found to fa08.html. In addition, on March 22, 2007, EPA promulgated be greater than prescribed fire emissions in the same airshed its Exceptional Events Rule that clarifies how ambient air (Ottmar 1996). quality standard exceedances from wildland fire will be treated in determining attainment and nonattainment status.
Since the early 1900s, wildfire has been aggressively In that rule, EPA committed to revising its 1998 wildland fire suppressed on most of the nations public lands to protect policy (72 FR 13560, March 22, 2007).
public safety, property, and to prevent what was thought to be the destruction of our natural and cultural resources. 2.4.2. Strategies to Minimize Emissions from Fire-exclusion practices have resulted in forests, shrub Sources In and Near FLM Areas (Revised) lands, and grasslands plagued with a variety of problems, Aside from prescribed fire, other activities in and near including overcrowding, resulting from the encroachment of FLM areas that generate air pollution include vehicle species normally suppressed by fire; vulnerability of trees to emissions, road building, operation of generators, oil and insects and disease; and inadequate reproduction of certain gas development, etc. Developing strategies for addressing species. In addition, heavy accumulation of fuels (such as natural resource impacts in or near an FLM area should not dead vegetation on the forest floor) can cause fires to be only take into consideration the type of activities generating catastrophic, which threatens firefighter and public safety, the emissions and their amount, but also the existing impairs forest and ecosystem health, destroys property and condition of the resources of that area. More stringent natural and cultural resources, and degrades air quality. measures should be recommended for sources in and near The intense or extended periods of smoke associated FLM areas that are already experiencing adverse effects from with wildfires can also cause serious health effects and air pollution.
significantly decrease visibility.
Examples of potential air pollution prevention practices FLMs recognize prescribed fire as a valuable tool; they that FLM agencies may encourage or develop and use are also recognize that emissions from prescribed fire can be a categorized under the following three strategies:
significant source of air pollution. Smoke particles are also in the size range (< 2.5 µm) that they play a significant role in visibility impairment. Particulate matter is the main pollutant of concern from smoke because it can cause serious health problems, especially for people with respiratory illness.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 15
Pollution Prevention Strategies Implementing strategies to achieve emission reductions
- Review land management plans for affected FLM areas in and near FLM areas will require efforts in at least three to assess whether they include strategies to limit and specific areas:
reduce air pollution emissions and incorporate protective 1. FLMs should ensure that sufficient emphasis is placed in measures into planning and decision documents. agency planning documents requiring the minimization
- Place priority on pollution prevention. of air pollution emissions from new activities or practices.
- Encourage zero and near-zero emitting technologies. 2. FLMs should inventory air pollution emissions within
- Promote energy conservation and the use of renewable FLM areas. After emissions have been quantified, energy sources. FLMs, States, and adjacent communities will be able to assess the impact of these emissions through the
- Promote use of clean fuels. use of appropriate models. Knowledge of Class I area Mobile Source Strategies emissions will also improve FLM ability to consult with States during the development and review of their SIPs
- Promote the adoption of Low Emission Vehicle standards (especially visibility SIPs). The NPS has developed an or the conversion of Federal fleets to alternative fuels.
emissions inventory tool, the Climate Leadership in Parks
- Improve control of evaporative emissions. (CLIP) Tool, that can be utilized by FLMs to inventory
- Promote more stringent emission standards for the tour both greenhouse gases and all criteria air pollutants.
bus industry and other high-emitting vehicles used in 3. FLMs should cooperate with States and local federal areas (e.g., park shuttle vehicles). communities in assessing the need for, and the
- Considering restricting access of high emitting vehicles to development of, appropriate emission reduction sensitive areas. strategies in and near FLM areas that address non-PSD sources. For Class I areas, the Regional Planning
- Retire high-emitting vehicles from Federal fleets as Organizations have completed analyses of emissions quickly as practicable and/or relocate high-emitting from nearby communities and activities that will serve as vehicles to less sensitive areas until they can be retired.
the basis for identifying strategies to reduce emissions.
- Establish emission budgets from the transportation sector Without an acknowledgment from States and local for selected FLM areas. communities that these sources may pose a threat to
- Develop mass transit systems in some NPS units (e.g., FLM areas and a systematic assessment of these potential light rail in Grand Canyon NP and a bus system in Zion impacts, current efforts to protect FLM area resources NP). may be insufficient.
Minor Source Strategies (Revised) 2.4.3. Conformity Requirements in
- Apply RACT, BACT, LAER, best and reasonably available Nonattainment Areas control measures, etc., to existing federal sources, as appropriate. Conformity criteria and procedures ensure that actions on lands administered by Federal agencies do not cause
- Recommend going beyond conformity requirements a violation of the NAAQS, increase the frequency of any to include the protection of AQRVs in FLM areas, and standards violations, or delay attainment of a standard.
ensure all actions FLMs can practicably control in and Conformity to SIPs is only required for activities within near FLM areas will not cause, or contribute to, an nonattainment areas for non-transportation related sources adverse impact on any AQRV. if emissions are above de minimis levels and regionally Improved involvement with interested parties in gateway significant. Any activity that represents 10 percent, or more, communities will likely be required to ensure growth in these of the emission inventory for that pollutant in the non-communities occurs in a manner that mitigates the impact on attainment or maintenance area is regionally significant.
natural resources. These communities may need to enhance Examples of actions that may require a conformity their participation in the planning processes of FLMs. determination include road paving projects, ski area Similarly, FLMs should participate in planning activities development, or mining. Activities such as prescribed fire, for public lands located in the FLM area and communities that are included in a conforming land management plan, adjacent to FLM areas to ensure air quality concerns are are exempt from conformity requirements. Please note that adequately addressed. Mechanisms should be identified conformity determinations must be made in accordance and developed for community involvement in developing, with applicable EPA regulations, are typically done before a implementing, and enforcing emission management project is approved, and are part of the NEPA process.
strategies for sources near and in FLM areas.
The FLM should define the process to be used in conformity determinations and perform the conformity analysis before 16 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
a project is implemented. A conformity analysis typically Arizona, the USFS requested additional mitigation measures includes emission calculations, public participation, to protect AQRVs in the Superstition Wilderness.
mitigation measures/implementation schedules, and reporting methods. The Pacific Southwest Region of the Transportation projects in FLM areas classified as USFS has published a Conformity Handbook for FLMs to nonattainment are subject to a more complicated assist in conformity compliance. In an approved Plan of transportation conformity process. Consultation with State Operation, FLMs can require monitoring. For example, in and local air quality and transportation agencies will be the case of Carlota Mine, located on National Forest land in required to comply with applicable regulations.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 17
- 3. Subgroup Reports: Technical Analyses and Recommendations 3.1. Subgroup Objectives and Tasks Subgroups were formed to address the four key issues relevant to AQRV identification and evaluation issues: policy (and procedures), visibility, ozone, and deposition. Each of these subgroups reviewed the commonalities among the FLMs then addressed the tasks assigned to them by FLAG.
One of their first tasks was to differentiate between Phase I tasks, those which could be resolved in the short term without significant additional resources, and Phase II issues, those that would require a longer period or greater effort.
Subgroups were asked to reach common ground among the FLMs on the issues. The intent was to develop, to the extent possible, consistent policies, processes, and terminology that could be used when identifying AQRVs and evaluating impacts on AQRVs. This involves recommending consistent approaches for identifying air pollution effects on AQRVs, for determining adverse impacts, and for attributing adverse impacts to specific pollution sources. In addition, the FLMs consider that AQRV protection from visibility, ozone, and deposition impacts are equally important. However, we Acadia National Park, Maine.
Credit: National Park Service also recognize that given the current state of the science, attributing adverse impacts to specific sources are easier to -- those located more than 50 km from any Class I area document for visibility than for deposition and ozone, and that emit less than 500 tons per year of NOx or SO2 easier for deposition than ozone. (or combined NOx and SO2), and The individual subgroup reports document the common -- those located more than 100 km from any Class I area policies, procedures, and definitions identified or developed that emit less than 1,000 tons per year of NOx or SO2 during Phase I activities. The Visibility, Ozone, and (or combined NOx and SO2).
Deposition subgroup reports are included below. The In both cases, the annual emissions over distance factor FLAG Policy Subgroup Report was used as the basis for equates to 10.
much of the rest of this FLAG Phase I Report, including much of section 1 Background and section 2 Federal Land The Agencies have concluded that a similar approach has Managers Approach to AQRV Protection. merit with respect to new source impacts at Class I areas, for air pollution sources with relatively steady emissions 3.2. Initial Screening Criteria (New) throughout each year. However, the Agencies are modifying the size criteria to also include Particulate Matter less than Experience with the FLAG 2000 recommendations in 10 microns in size (PM10) and sulfuric acid mist (H2SO4) dealing with many new source review applications led emissions because those pollutants also impair visibility and the Agencies to believe that an initial screen that would contribute to other resource impacts. In addition, rather exempt a source from AQRV impact review based on its than the two-step BART test, the Agencies are using a fixed annual emissions and distance from a Class I area may be Q/D factor of 10 as a screening criteria for sources locating/
appropriate in most situations. As part of its Regional Haze located greater than 50 km from a Class I area. Furthermore, Regulation, the EPA has introduced a screening criteria in the Agencies are expanding the screening criteria to include its BART guidelines based on a sources annual emission all AQRVs, not just visibility. Therefore, the Agencies will strength and distance from a Class I area. The EPA stated consider a source locating greater than 50 km from a Class I that it would be reasonable to conclude that the following area to have negligible impacts with respect to Class I AQRVs sources would not be considered to cause or contribute to if its total SO2, NOx, PM10, and H2SO4 annual emissions visibility impairment:
(in tons per year, based on 24-hour maximum allowable emissions), divided by the distance (in km) from the Class I 18 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
area (Q/D) is 10 or less. The Agencies would not request any visibility impairment as defined in 40 CFR §51.301 (x),
further Class I AQRV impact analyses from such sources. that is, new source growth should not allow any humanly perceptible change in visibility as compared against natural In cases where a sources operations which generate conditions.
visibility-affecting emissions are limited to time periods shorter than a year, the short-term potential to impact Visibility Impairment visibility may not be adequately expressed by the Q/D Before proceeding with the discussion, it is useful to identify concept. For example, a source that is operated either the ways that visibility impairment can manifest itself.
seasonally or intermittently, and has zero emissions for First, the pollutant loading of a section of the atmosphere substantial portions of a year, would have a total annual can become visible, by the contrast or color difference emission rate that under-represents its potential emission between a layer or plume and a viewed background, strength over a shorter time frame, such as a day or week. such as a landscape feature or the sky. The second way Because visibility is an air quality related value that is that visibility is impaired is a general alteration in the sensitive to immediate and short-term conditions, in order appearance of landscape features or the sky, changing the to apply the Q/D10 screening tool, these types of sources color or the contrast between landscape features or causing need to first adjust the tons-per-year emissions to reflect features of a view to disappear. The first phenomenon is what the emissions would be if the source operated year- commonly referred to as plume impairment, whereas the round. For instance, if operations are restricted to 3,000 second phenomenon is sometimes referred to as uniform hours per year, then the annual steady-state-equivalent haze impairment. As plumes are transported within a emission rate (Q) is found by multiplying the permitted total stable atmospheric layer, they may become a layered haze.
tons per year for SO2, NOx, PM10 , and H2SO4 by the ratio of As plumes and other more diffuse emission sources are hours: 8,760 hours0.0088 days <br />0.211 hours <br />0.00126 weeks <br />2.8918e-4 months <br /> per year/3,000 hours0 days <br />0 hours <br />0 weeks <br />0 months <br /> operation.5 Then, transported and become well mixed in the atmosphere, they using this annual equivalent Q in the Q/D test, the Agencies may develop into a uniform haze.
will consider a source locating greater than 50 km and showing that its ratio of annual equivalent Q (tons per year) Visibility Parameters (Revised) divided by distance from the Class I area (km) of 10 or less, The analysis methods for new source growth, described in as having negligible impacts with respect to Class I visibility this chapter, deal with the visibility effects of discrete plumes impacts, and would not request any further Class I visibility and the aggregation of discrete plumes into a uniform impact analyses from such sources. haze. The difference in these phenomena, as treated in this chapter, is whether the visibility effect is primarily seen 3.3. Visibility as a section of the atmosphere which exhibits a change in 3.3.1. Introduction (Revised) contrast or color as compared with a viewed background, or whether the effect is due to an alteration of the appearance This chapter describes methods for analyzing the impacts of the background features themselves. For the first on visibility from new or modified air pollution sources. situation, the contrast (C) and color difference index (E)
This includes sources that fall under the purview of the of the plume and the viewing background are calculated.
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) regulations For the second situation, the change in atmospheric light and sources that are being analyzed for Environmental extinction (bext), relative to natural conditions, is calculated.
Assessments and/or Environmental Impact Statements The light extinction is inversely proportional to visual under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The range. An approximation for which situation applies is the basis for some of the decisions outlined in this chapter is distance from the point of emission. (Distance serves as an Section 169A of the Clean Air Act. The opening statement of indicator of where steady state conditions may apply.) The this section states: Congress hereby declares as a national visibility impairment from sources within 50 kilometers of a goal the prevention of any future, and the remedying of view is usually calculated using contrast and color difference, any existing, impairment of visibility in mandatory class I whereas visibility impairment from sources greater than 50 Federal areas which impairment results from man made air kilometers from a view, or the aggregation of a number of pollution. Under the regulations promulgated for visibility plumes, regardless of distance, is usually calculated using protection (40 CFR §51.301 (x)) visibility impairment is the change in light extinction. The distance approximation defined as any humanly perceptible change in visibility is useful for distinguishing these two phenomena; the terms (visual range, contrast, coloration) from that which would near field and distant/multi-source are sometimes used have existed under natural conditions. The remainder of in the remainder of this document to make this distinction.
this chapter describes methods that allow for new source growth to be analyzed against the constraint of preventing
- 5. Or, an intermittent hourly emission limit could be annualized by multiplying by 8,760 hours0.0088 days <br />0.211 hours <br />0.00126 weeks <br />2.8918e-4 months <br /> per year/2,000 lb/ton (= 4.38).
USFS-NPS-USFWS 19
3.3.2. Recommendations for Evaluating Visibility should be accounted for when the change in extinction is Impacts (Revised) calculated.
There are two fundamentally different approaches one Information needed to calculate the above indices for all 156 could adopt to determine visibility impairment. One is Class I areas for which visibility is an important attribute is a technically rigorous, complex, and situation-specific provided in Tables 5 through 10 at the end of this chapter. If method, while the other is a more generalized approach. The estimates are needed for Class II areas, the FLM can provide more rigorous approach requires determination of particle them.
concentrations and size distributions, calculation of particle growth dynamics, and application of elaborate physics (e.g.,
3.3.3. Air Quality Models and Visibility Mie Theory) to determine the optical characteristics of the Assessment Procedures (Revised) aerosol distribution. Sophisticated radiative transfer models The modeling discussion will be divided into two parts to are then applied, using aerosol optical characteristics, address the very different requirements for 1) near field lighting and scene characteristics, and spatial distribution of modeling where plumes or layers are compared against a the pollutants to calculate the path and wavelength of image- viewing background, and 2) distant/multi-source modeling forming and non-image-forming light that reaches a specific for plumes and aggregations of plumes that affect the general observer from all points in the scene being viewed. appearance of a scene. Note that both of the above analyses might apply depending on the sources proximity to all While such a detailed analysis may be useful for assessing portions of the Class I area or multiple Class I areas.
specific cases, it is usually impractical for situations in which visibility could be experienced in a nearly infinite variety FLAG 2000 provided information in the form of of circumstances. Practical limitations frequently dictate recommendations, specific processes, and interpretations that it is more reasonable to use a generalized approach to of results for assessing visibility impacts of sources affecting determine the change in extinction by using bulk-averaged Class I areas (although some of this information is generally aerosol-specific extinction efficiencies rather than trying to applicable to Class II areas, as well). The information reproduce the complex optical phenomena that may occur separately addressed assessments for sources proposing to in the atmosphere. locate relatively near (within 50 km) and at farther distances (greater than 50 km) from these areas. It also recommended Consequently, as a first-level analysis, FLAG recommends impairment thresholds and identified the conditions for the generalized approach for determining the effects on which cumulative analyses could be warranted. This revision visibility from a proposed new sources emissions. The (FLAG 2010) updates the Distant/Multi-source analysis procedure is to estimate the atmospheric concentrations of discussed in FLAG 2000, and clarifies the recommendations visibility impairing pollutants, apply representative visibility regarding the near-field (within 50 km)/steady-state analysis.
parameters, calculate the change from specified reference levels, and compare this change with prescribed threshold Near Field Analysis Technique for Analyzing Plumes or values. The more detailed analysis described above may be Layers Viewed Against a Background (Revised) appropriate as a refined analysis in the event the source fails the first-level analysis. The Model (Near Field - Steady State Conditions Applicable) (Revised)
FLAG is using EPAs estimates of natural visibility conditions EPA has recommended a methodology to assess impacts due under its Regional Haze Rule as reference levels for Class to coherent plumes. A guideline for when these steady state I visibility analyses. Comparison with natural conditions conditions apply is the distance from the source to the view will help ensure that those conditions will not be impaired of concern. This technique is usually applied for sources in keeping with Section 169A of the CAA. Because of the locating within 50 km of a Class I area. Applicants should different requirements of the two modeling approaches first model their potential plume impacts using the screening discussed below, natural conditions should be expressed model, VISCREEN (EPA 1992a), or, if the next level of using two different metrics:
analysis is called for, PLUVUE II (EPA 1992b and 1996a).
- Standard visual range (visual range adjusted to a Rayleigh Both of these models use steady-state, gaussian-based plume condition of 10 Mm-1), for near field modeling. Present dispersion techniques to calculate one-hour concentrations EPA guideline visibility models traditionally accept within an elevated plume. These two models calculate the visibility conditions expressed in these terms. change in the color difference index (E) and contrast between the plume and the viewing background. Values
- Extinction, for distant/multi-source modeling. Visibility of E and plume contrast are based on the concentrations conditions should be expressed in terms of the averaged of fine primary particulates (including sulfates), nitrogen extinction efficiencies of the individual atmospheric dioxide (NO2), and the geometry of the observer, target, constituents that comprise the total extinction. The relative humidity effects of the hygroscopic particles plume, and the position of the sun. PLUVUE II also allows 20 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
consideration of the effects of secondarily formed sulfates. Workbook for Estimating Visibility Impairment (EPA-Plume contrast results from an increase or decrease in light 450/4-80-031):
transmitted from the viewing background through the plume Level-1 Screening: Level-1 screening is designed to the observer. The specifics of the emission scenarios and to provide a conservative estimate of plume visual plume/observer geometries for modeling should be selected impacts (i.e., impacts that would be larger than those in consultation with the appropriate Agency representatives.
calculated with more realistic input and modeling At the present time there is no recommended procedure for assumptions). This conservatism is achieved by the conducting analyses of multiple sources with these modeling use within the screening model VISCREEN of worst-tools, so multiple coherent plumes should be treated case meteorological conditions: extremely stable (F) individually, or combined into a representative single source atmospheric condition, coupled with a very low wind if appropriate. Alternatively, the techniques outlined in the speed (1 m/s) persisting for 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br />, with a wind that Distant/Multi-Source section below may be used on a case-would transport the plume directly adjacent to the by-case basis.
observer (as shown schematically in Figure 7).
The Recommended Procedures (Near Field - Steady Since little project specific information is used for a State Conditions) (Revised)
Level-1 screening analysis, documentation requirements Until better modeling tools are available, FLAG recommends are minimal. Basic information of emissions, using the present EPA techniques for plume visual impact meteorological parameters, and model results should be screening analyses (EPA 1992c). However, unlike those provided. Applicants are encouraged to supply electronic procedures, which suggest the use of current average annual copies of all files necessary to reproduce the results. If visibility conditions, FLAG recommends that for Class I an application shows estimated impact values within the areas the visual range corresponding to natural conditions thresholds, it is unlikely that additional evaluation will be be used to generate the hourly estimates of E and plume necessary.
contrast. FLAG recommends this change in order for the analysis technique to be consistent with the national visibility
- Level-2 Near Field Screening. If Level-2 screening is goal. For plume analyses, FLAG recommends using the necessary, more project specific information is now monthly average natural visual range conditions provided for incorporated. Actual meteorology from the area and each area in Table 10. emission characteristics of the facility are used. Again, as described in the EPAs Workbook for Estimating Visibility If a screening analysis of a new or modified source can Impairment:
demonstrate that its emissions will not cause a plume with Level-2 Screening: As shown in Figure 1, Level-2 any hourly estimates of E greater than or equal to 2.0, plume visual impact screening is done if the Level-1 or the absolute value of the contrast values (lCl) greater results exceed the screening criteria. The objective of than or equal to 0.05, the FLM is likely not to object to the Level-2 screening is identical to that of Level-1the issuance of the PSD permit based on near field visibility estimation of worst-day plume visual impactsbut impacts and no further near field visibility analyses will be in Level-2 screening more realistic (less conservative) requested. More refined analyses (i.e., PLUVUE II) would be input, representative of the given source and the undertaken if the above conditions are not met and would Class I area, is provided. This situation-specific input be compared against lower levels of concern. For PLUVUE may include particle size distributions for plume and II analyses, the FLM would likely not object if E < 1.0 and background that are different from those used in the lCl < 0.02.
default Level-1 analysis. Median background visual All analysis for Class I visibility impacts should include range based on on-site measurements rather than the all visibility impairing emissions. This means that even if map shown in Figure 9 might be used. However, the a facility is only considered a significant emitter of one most important potential difference in input between pollutant, all pollutants that may contribute to impairment Level-1 and Level-2 analysis centers on meteorology should be modeled together. Furthermore, since visibility and plume transport and dispersion patterns. While is an instantaneous value, short-term (24-hour) maximum the Level-1 analysis assumes F stability, a 1 m/s allowable emissions should be used. wind speed, and a wind direction that would carry plume material very close to the observer, in the
- Level-1 Near Field Screening. Conducting a complete Level-2 analysis, meteorological data and topography refined plume blight analysis can become rather representative of the source area and Class I area may complex, so three levels of evaluation are available to an suggest that worst-case plume dispersion conditions applicant. The first, Level-1 screening, is the simplest and are different.
most conservative method. As described in the EPAs It is important to note that the Agencies have maintained the recommendation that all applicants compare USFS-NPS-USFWS 21
estimated modeled impacts from a facility against natural assess one observer location per model run. Specific conditions. This is true for all analysis levels. The use of information on setup methods can be found in EPAs five years of site-representative meteorology and facility- Workbook for Estimating Visibility Impairment and specific emission characteristics is what makes this PLUVUE II manual.
analysis different.
Substantial documentation is needed for this more As a result of the increased project-specific information, refined analysis. The discussion should summarize data documentation also should include summaries and/or sources, processing methods, and modeling utilities tables describing the additional data sets and evaluation used, and information regarding all assumptions or steps taken to conduct the analysis. consolidation criteria. In short, sufficient information and electronic files should be provided to the Agencies that Once again, meeting screening thresholds means that it will allow reviewers to reproduce the results. Due to the is likely that the Agencies Class I air quality modeling complexity of this refined analysis, the Agencies suggest procedures will have been satisfied. that consultation occur between the applicant and the
- Level-3 Near Field Refined Analysis. A Level-3 analysis Agencies before working on the impact analysis begins.
is the final assessment. An applicant can conduct a full Furthermore, selection of model parameters and input refined analysis demonstrating estimates of frequency, data should be documented in a written protocol and magnitude, and spatial extent of a proposed projects agreed upon by the affected Agencies in advance of any visibility impacts. The EPAs Workbook for Estimating modeling being conducted.
Visibility Impairment says:
If the estimated plume parameters exceed the Level-3 Analysis: In Level-3 analysis, the objective is aforementioned values, the FLM would rely on a case-by-broadened from conservative analysis of worst-case case effects-based test (NPS 1993), taking into account conditions to a realistic analysis of all conditions that magnitude, frequency, duration, and other factors, to decide would be expected to occur in a typical year in the whether to make an adverse impact determination.
region that includes both the emission source and the observer. Level-3 analysis is no longer considered Distant/Multi-Source Techniques for Analyzing screening because it is a comprehensive analysis of Whether a Plume or an Aggregation of Plumes Alters the magnitude and frequency of occurrence of plume the General Appearance of a Scene (Revised) visual impacts as observed at a sensitive Class I area This analysis is generally more complex than the near field, vista. coherent plume modeling analyses and the guidance from It is important to determine the frequency of EPA is less definitive, though it is evolving. The modeling occurrence of visual impact because the adversity or system should include the capability to assess single and significance of impact is dependent on how frequently multiple sources in a temporally and spatially varying an impact of a given magnitude occurs. For example, meteorological domain, accommodate modeling domains if a plume is perceptible from a Class I area a third of measuring hundreds of kilometers, include rough and the time, the impact would be considered much more complex terrain, provide pollutant concentration estimates significant than if it were perceptible only one day for averaging times from one-hour to annual, and address per year. The assessment of frequency of occurrence inert and secondarily formed pollutants and dry and wet of impact should be an integral part of Level-3 visual deposition. In the early 1990s the FLMs and the EPA impact analysis. recognized the need for a consistent, technically credible technique to estimate contributions to air quality of multiple As mentioned above, the threshold values for this new sources locating more than 50 km from Class I areas.
analysis step changed. For this step, EPAs PLUVUE II Towards that end, on April 15, 2003, the EPA promulgated model is currently recommended. One main difference revisions to Appendix W of 40 C.F.R. §51 (Guideline on Air with PLUVUE II is its inability to evaluate more than Quality Models). The EPA revised the Guideline to adopt one hour of impact per run. Because it is customary to the CALPUFF model as the preferred long-range transport evaluate five years of site-specific meteorology, it can model for inclusion in Appendix A of that document. This become an extensive process. Applicants may want to technique is usually applied when sources are located more develop and utilize tools to group hourly meteorological than 50 kilometers from portions of a Class I area, when and post processing scenarios. The analysis identifies an aggregation of plumes may impact an area, or when the specific locations for plume/observer relationships. These assumptions inherent in steady state visibility models do not observation points should be established within each apply.
potentially impacted Class I area. With each observer, potential impacts are calculated for all possible views. The first-level analysis procedures discussed in this revision As with the meteorology, PLUVUE II is only able to differ from FLAG 2000 in several discrete areas, but 22 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
generally remain the same. The primary differences are in the processes that produce visibility impairing pollutants and areas of the reference natural conditions that are used in the accurately treat the relevant radiative transfer properties comparisons for thresholds of concern and using the average affecting visibility. This will likely entail using different monthly relative humidity adjustment factors rather than the meteorological and air quality models capable of producing hour-by-hour factors identified in FLAG 2000. CALPUFF is hourly concentrations, or less, and using a three dimensional still the preferred first-level air quality model for calculating radiative transfer model (see refined analysis discussion pollutant concentrations, however, using CALPUFF Lite below).
with single station meteorology is no longer recommended.
We wish to emphasize that the first-level procedures defined For consistency with implementation of BART or the herein are to be taken as a whole; any deviations from these regional haze rule to specific Class I areas, the FLM or procedures or ostensible refinements compromise the permitting authority may recommend use of the 20% best integrity of the analysis, and may warrant an hourly analysis natural background values provided in Table 5 in lieu of for all hours in the analysis. Furthermore, the metric used for annual averages on a case-by-case basis.
the first-level analysis (relative change in light extinction) is Background Information on Thresholds not necessarily the appropriate metric for a refined analysis.
The procedures and metrics for refined analyses will need to In its BART guidelines, EPA indicated that for regional haze, be agreed upon by the affected Agencies. a source whose 98th percentile value of the haze index is greater than 0.5 deciview (dv) (approximately a 5% change in The initial step in conducting the first-level analysis is to run light extinction) is considered to contribute to regional haze CALPUFF using a minimum of three years of mesoscale visibility impairment. Similarly, a source that exceeds 1.0 meteorological model output, and preferably five years, dv (approximately a 10% change in light extinction) causes consistent with current EPA guidance. Selection of model visibility impairment. The 0.5 dv and 1.0 dv thresholds are parameters and input data should be documented in a similar to what the Agencies used in FLAG 2000. Therefore, written protocol and agreed upon by the affected Agencies for consistency between visibility protection programs and in advance of any modeling being conducted. Please note to address similar concerns, the Agencies will also use the emissions input considerations and model receptor grid data 98th percentile value as a threshold in the first-level visibility are discussed below. The indices for comparison with the analyses for new source impacts.
Agencies levels of concern are calculated in CALPOST. The remainder of this discussion is focused on CALPOST. In its 2005 BART guidelines, the EPA also concluded that by using the 98th percentile of CALPUFF modeled impacts After CALPUFF is run, CALPOST is used to evaluate the sources that contribute 0.5 deciview to regional haze whether the proposed source or modification will be below visibility impairment in a Class I area would effectively be the Agencies threshold for concern (i.e., 5% change in light captured, while minimizing the likelihood that the highest extinction). The CALPOST parameter MVISBK is set to eight modeled visibility impacts might be caused by conservative (8), sub-mode five (M8_MODE = 5), and the background assumptions in the model. Similarly, using the monthly hygroscopic and non-hygroscopic aerosol levels are derived average relative humidity adjustment factors, rather than from the annual average natural conditions provided in Table the hour-by-hour factors, reduces some of the higher (e.g.,
- 6. The monthly relative humidity adjustment factors for the weather -related) values seen in FLAG 2000.
Class I area are input to the RHFAC array (Tables 7-9) in CALPOST. The 98th percentile test applies to the number Using the 98th percentile of modeled visibility values to of days that any model receptor in the Class I area exceeds compare to the 5% change in extinction threshold would the threshold. The visibility threshold for concern is not exclude roughly seven days per year from consideration exceeded if the 98th percentile change in light extinction is for each Class I area. However, consistent with the BART less than 5% for each year modeled, when compared to the guidelines, the 98th percentile test applies to the number of annual average natural condition value for that Class I area. days that any model receptor in the Class I area exceeds the threshold. Also, this test is limited to haze-like, first-level If this analysis indicates that the 98th percentile values for analyses. Therefore, all applicable sources locating within change in light extinction are equal to or greater than 5% 50 km of a Class I area would still need to assess coherent for any year, then the Agencies will further scrutinize the plume impacts in accordance with the procedure described applicants proposal. The Agencies will consider the full above. Furthermore, applicable sources would need to assess range of factors discussed below (in the Expansion of sulfur and nitrogen deposition impacts at the Class I area.
Discussion of Process for Adverse Impact Determination chapter) and any refined analyses provided by the applicant Natural Conditions before making a recommendation to the FLM regarding FLAG 2000 discussed assessing the change in visibility potential adverse impacts. As noted above, these refined due to a proposed new source relative to annual average analyses should account for the relevant physicochemical natural conditions. Therefore, it is important to define USFS-NPS-USFWS 23
natural conditions for each Class I area. At the time of the analyses, it is critical that appropriate emissions are FLAG 2000, the Agencies acknowledged that the EPA matched to the averaging time being assessed, and that these was working on defining natural conditions in support of emission rates ultimately are included as enforceable permit their visibility regulations. In the absence of more specific conditions. This approach is consistent with the Guideline on data, the FLMs at that time adopted the appropriate Air Quality Models (Appendix W of 40 C.F.R. §51) and the aerosol concentrations developed by the National Acid EPA BART guidelines. Furthermore, if an applicant chooses Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) as estimates of to conduct any refined analyses, where visibility impairment natural conditions for each Class I area. The EPA has since is assessed at no more than an hourly basis, maximum published natural condition estimates for each Class I area. hourly emissions should be analyzed.
The natural condition values provided in FLAG 2000 and those developed by the EPA are based on similar underlying Please note that all visibility impairing pollutants should assumptions; consequently, the estimates are similar. be modeled from all modified or affected emission Regardless, the EPA estimates should be used by applicants unit(s), regardless of which pollutants actually triggered in future visibility impact assessments. Please note that NSR. Particulate Matter (PM) should also be speciated Tables 5 and 6 contain estimates for the 20% best natural into filterable PM (coarse, fine, elemental carbon) and visibility and annual average natural visibility conditions for Condensable PM (organic carbon and sulfates) based on the each Class I area, respectively. best available information. Particulate speciation data for several source types can be found on the NPS Air Resources Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Divisions web site at:
FLAG 2000 discussed the importance of the relative -- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/permits/ect/index.cfm humidity adjustment factor (f(RH)) when calculating the sulfate and nitrate components of the visibility extinction Applicants should calculate the 24-hour average net coefficient. These aerosols are hygroscopic and the addition emission increase for each pollutant from modified facilities of water enhances their scattering efficiencies. FLAG 2000 as the maximum allowable 24-hour average minus the recommended using hour-by-hour f(RH) for the analysis. actual hourly rate averaged over the past two years (annual The EPA, in its 2005 BART guidelines, concluded that by emissions over past two years/hours of operation over last using a monthly average f(RH) the likelihood that the highest two years).6 modeled visibility impacts were caused by short-term and Model Receptor Grid geographically different meteorological phenomena (e.g.,
weather events) would be minimized. The Agencies agree Since FLAG 2000 was published, the NPS Air Resources with the EPA that using the monthly f(RH) effectively Division has developed a database of modeling receptors neutralizes short-term weather events and are adopting a for all of the Class I areas in the contiguous United States. A similar approach for Class I visibility impact analyses for new file conversion program to convert the data from latitude/
sources. Therefore, new sources performing Class I visibility longitude to other common mapping coordinates (currently analyses should use monthly average f(RH) values developed Lambert Conformal and Universal Transverse Mercator by EPA for large hygroscopic particles (Table 7), small (UTM)) has also been developed. Alaska and Hawaii are not hygroscopic particles (Table 8), and sea salt (Table 9), rather yet complete, but will be included in the data sets when they than the hourly values discussed in FLAG 2000. are available.
Emissions Input Permit applicants can download the Class I Receptor Data files, as well as the Conversion program, from the link below.
There are two other aspects of the visibility impact analysis For modeling consistency, the Agencies ask that permit that the Agencies would like to clarify at this time: (1) applicants use the uniform receptor grids provided. Also emissions input, and (2) the model receptor grid. Regarding available are the Class I boundary shape files that were used the emission inputs, because applicants are assessing a 24- to create the receptor data files.
hour average regional haze visibility impact, it is important that they model a corresponding maximum allowable -- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Maps/Receptors/
24-hour mass emission rate, as opposed to monthly or index.cfm annual average emissions. Using a 30 day average emission Receptor grids for FLM Class II areas should be dense rate as input to the visibility modeling analyses does not enough to determine Class II increment consumption and restrict the facility from emitting pollution at a higher rate for shorter time periods (e.g., 24-hour average). A 30 day average emission rate smooths out days with high emissions,
- 6. Note that this is different from the emission change calculation used and therefore, would underestimate the predicted 24-hour for short-term increment, which is calculated as the maximum allowable visibility impacts. Because the emission rates and the 24-hour average minus the highest occurrence over the past two years.
corresponding averaging times influence the outcome of 24 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
to perform any required secondary impacts (i.e., soils, are encouraged to consult with the Agencies and discuss the vegetation and visibility) analyses. specifics of this refined analysis.
Refined Analysis 3.3.4. Summary (Revised)
It is important to reiterate that the FLAG distant/multi- FLAG provides recommendations, specific procedures, and source visibility analysis is only a first-level screening interpretation of results for assessing visibility impacts of technique, primarily designed to identify those sources new or modified sources on Class I area resources. Although that are unlikely to significantly affect visibility and FLMs only have a formal role in the permitting process for warrant no further analysis, and those that may adversely applications that affect Class I areas, this information can be impact visibility and warrant further scrutiny. Visibility is used for Class II areas as well. FLAG addresses assessments experienced instantaneously, not on a 24-hour average for sources proposed for locations near (generally within 50 basis. The 24-hour average visibility calculation in FLAG is km) and at large distances (greater than 50 km) from these acceptable because of a number of simplifying assumptions areas. The key components of the recommendations are in the prescribed technique. Accepting certain EPA BART highlighted below.
guideline procedures as an update to the FLAG techniques does not alter the first-level nature of the procedure. In general, FLAG recommends that an applicant:
Modifying those simplifying assumptions negates the
- Apply the Q/D test (see section 3.2, Initial Screening acceptability of using a 24-hour average. Consequently, Criteria) for proposed sources greater than 50 km from any applicant whose visibility analysis deviates from the a Class I area to determine whether or not any further recommended FLAG screening procedures warrants visibility analysis is necessary.
performing an hour-by-hour analysis.
- Consult with the appropriate regulatory agency and with Deviations from the first-level screening procedure the FLM for the affected Class I area(s) or other affected should lead to refinements in the modeling and visibility area for confirmation of preferred visibility analysis analyses, not arbitrary adjustments to the prescribed first- procedures.
level technique. This is especially important in dealing
- Obtain FLM recommendation for the specified reference with weather-related events. The Agencies believe that levels (estimate of natural conditions) and, if applicable, by paralleling the BART guideline procedures they have FLM recommended plume/observer geometries and adequately taken into account the effects of meteorological model receptor locations.
extremes, and model uncertainty. Therefore, given the Agencies desire to balance the positive and negative biases
- Apply the applicable EPA Guideline, steady-state models of the FLAG screening methodology, any modifications for regions within the Class I area that are affected by to the screening technique invalidate the Level 1 model plumes or layers that are viewed against a background results. Consequently, the Agencies do not expect permit (generally within 50 km of the source).
applicants that exceed the visibility effects thresholds -- Calculate hourly estimates of changes in visibility, as to scrutinize the data and attempt to disregard specific characterized by the change in the color difference impact days due to weather. Under those circumstances, index (E) and plume contrast (C), with respect to the permit applicant can accept the modeling results at natural conditions, and compare these estimates with face value, and then the FLM will decide whether or not the thresholds given in section 3.3.3.
those impacts are adverse. Alternatively, the applicant could
- For regions of the Class I area where visibility impairment conduct an hour-by-hour analysis (as opposed to using a from the source would cause a general alteration of the 24-hour average) by performing a refined analysis using appearance of the scene (generally 50 km or more away a more sophisticated approach that requires determining from the source or from the interaction of the emissions particle concentrations and size distributions, calculation of from multiple sources), apply a non-steady-state air particle growth dynamics, and application of Mie Theory quality model with chemical transformation capabilities to determine the optical characteristics of the aerosol (refer to EPA guidance documents), which yields ambient distribution. Sophisticated radiative transfer models can concentrations of visibility-impairing pollutants. At each then be applied, using aerosol optical characteristics, lighting Class I receptor:
and scene characteristics, and spatial distribution of the pollutants to calculate the path and wavelength of image- -- Calculate the change in extinction due to the source forming and non-image-forming light that reaches a specific being analyzed, compare these changes with the observer from all points in the scene being viewed. The reference conditions, and then compare these results concept of this more refined approach is discussed in FLAG with the thresholds given in section 3.3.3.
2000, and one possible approach is included in Proposed -- Utilize estimates of annual average natural visibility FLAG Level II and III Visibility Assessment (Schichtel et al. conditions for each Class I area as presented in 2006). However, if this situation arises, permit applicants Table 6, unless otherwise recommended by the USFS-NPS-USFWS 25
Figure 4. Procedure for Visibility Assessment for Distant/Multi-Source Applications (Revised)
- Q/D test only applies to sources located greater that 50 km from a Class I area.
- Difference Change in the 98th percentile with respect to (wrt) the annual average Natural Condition (NC). Applicant should use the 20th percen-tile best natural condition background if recommended by the FLM or permitting authority.
FLM or permitting authority. Alternative estimates 3.3.5. Natural Visibility Conditions and Analysis of visibility conditions are provided in Table 5 Methods (New) for consistency with State agencies that elected to Both distant/multi-source applications and near-field use 20% best visibility for regional haze or BART analyses require an estimate of natural visibility conditions.
implementations.
The effects of visibility impairing emissions from a source are
- If first-level modeling results are above levels of concern, compared to the natural visibility conditions to determine continue to consult with the Agencies to discuss other the potential for unacceptable visibility impacts. The considerations (e.g., possible impact mitigation, more methods and data for calculating natural visibility conditions refined analyses). in FLAG are presented in this section. The calculation of This review process for distant/multi-source applications is visibility metrics under the distant/multi-source application portrayed schematically in Figure 4. is also described. For the distant/multi-source application, aerosol species components are provided for input to the CALPUFF modeling system, which is the suggested model 26 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
for most of these applications. For near-field analyses, visual (EC), soil, coarse mass (CM), sea salt, and Rayleigh ranges under natural conditions are provided for input to the scattering.
VISCREEN and PLUVUE-II models.
Natural visibility Table 2. Section of Table 6 Used for Step 1 Calculations of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness conditions Example Distant/Multi-source:
Natural visibility conditions (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m 3
µg/m 3
µg/m 3
µg/m 3
µg/m 3
µg/m 3
µg/m3 Mm-1 are affected by the light Acadia NP 0.23 0.10 1.67 0.02 0.24 2.14 0.14 12 scattering of air molecules (Rayleigh scattering) and Agua Tibia Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.14 11 by naturally occurring Alpine Lakes aerosols. The majority Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.23 1.30 0.06 11 of aerosols, both natural and anthropogenic, that affect light extinction can be categorized as sulfates ((NH4)2SO4), nitrates (NH4NO3), 2. Look up the f(RH) factors for large sulfate/nitrate (table organic mass (OM), elemental carbon (EC), soil, sea salt, 7), small sulfate/nitrate (table 8), and sea salt (table 9);
and coarse mass (CM). The light scattering efficiency of January in this example.
aerosols is affected by the size of the aerosol relative to the wavelength of light. Sulfates, nitrates, and sea salt are all a. fL(RH) = 3.86 hygroscopic, which affects their size and their light scattering b. fS(RH) = 5.87 efficiency as they acquire or shed water molecules. The c. fSS(RH) = 5.35 relationship between the aerosol components and light extinction is shown through the equations in Figure 5. The 3. Calculate the large and small sulfate, nitrate, and organic hygroscopic effects are accounted for through the relative mass, as defined in Figure 5.
humidity adjustment factors (f(RH)) terms in the equations Table 3. Step 3 Calculation Results for the Alpine Lakes in Figure 5. The aerosol concentrations and monthly relative Wilderness Example humidity adjustment factors for calculating natural visibility Total Large Small conditions are found in Tables 5 through 10.
Sulfate 0.12 0.00072 0.11928 The aerosol concentrations for the 20% best natural Nitrate 0.10 0.0005 0.0995 conditions are found in Table 5 and the annual average Organic Mass 0.60 0.018 0.582 natural concentrations are found in Table 6.
- 4. Apply to bext equation in Figure 5:
Near-field: The near-field visibility analysis is generally performed using either VISCREEN or PLUVUE-II. For bext=
calculating the effect of a plume on visibility, a background visibility, expressed as a visual range, must be input to these 2.2 x 5.87 x 0.11928 + {Sulfate}
models. Appropriate average natural conditions, by month 4.8 x 3.86 x 0.00072 and Class I area are listed in Table 10. The values in Table + 2.4 x 5.87 x 0.0995 + {Nitrate}
10 were determined by calculating the month by month 5.1 x 3.86 x 0.0005 light extinction values and calculating the visual range (VR)
+ 2.8 x 0.582 + 6.1 x {Organic Mass}
(VR=3912/bext).
0.018 Example Calculation of Natural Conditions and + 10 x 0.02 {Elemental Carbon}
Change in Light Extinction
+ 1 x 0.23 {Soil}
The annual average concentration and the relative humidity
+ 0.6 x 1.30 {Coarse Mass}
adjustment factors (f{L,S,SS}(RH)) for the Alpine Lakes
+ 1.7 x 5.35 x 0.06} {Sea Salt Wilderness for January will be used for illustration of the calculations. + 11 {Rayleigh}
+ 0.33 x 0 {NO2}
- 1. Look up the Alpine Lakes Wilderness annual average concentration values in Table 6 for sulfate ((NH4)2SO4), bext =17.46 Mm-1 nitrate (NH4NO3), organic mass (OM), Elemental Carbon USFS-NPS-USFWS 27
To calculate the change in light extinction from the impacts The other concentrations and the relative humidity from an air pollution source, the species concentrations adjustment factors would remain as in step 4 of the natural from the source are added to the total species concentrations condition example. After recalculating the light extinction in steps 3 and 4 above and the new total light extinction is accounting for the effect of the source (bext(source+nat cond)), the calculated. Therefore, if a source contributed 0.05 µg/m3 of new light extinction would be 18.25 Mm-1.
sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) and 0.01 µg/m3 of nitrate (NH4NO3) at a receptor, the total, large and small sulfate and nitrate values The change in light extinction (bext) would simply be:
would be: bext = (bext(source+nat cond) - bext(nat cond)) / bext(nat cond) or:
Table 4. Step 4 Calculation Results for the Alpine Lakes bext = (18.25 - 17.46) / 17.46 Wilderness Example bext = 0.045 (4.5%)
Total Large Small Sulfate 0.17 (0.12+0.05) 0.001445 0.168555 The example provided here is to illustrate the process.
Nitrate 0.11 (0.10+0.01) 0.000605 0.109395 Usually the concentrations and relative humidity adjustment factors would be extracted from the appropriate tables and input to one of the air quality model post processing programs.
28 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
bext = 2.2 x fS(RH) x [Small Sulfate] + 4.8 x fL(RH) x [Large Sulfate]
+ 2.4 x fS(RH) x [Small Nitrate] + 5.1 x fL(RH) x [Large Nitrate]
+ 2.8 x [Small Organic Mass] + 6.1 x [Large Organic Mass]
+ 10 x [Elemental Carbon]
+ 1 x [Fine Soil]
+ 0.6 x [Coarse Mass]
+ 1.7 x fSS(RH) x [Sea Salt]
+ Rayleigh Scattering (Site Specific)
+ 0.33 x [NO2 (ppb)] {or as: 0.1755 x [NO2 (g/m3)]}
Where:
[ ] indicates concentrations in g/m3 fS(RH) = Relative humidity adjustment factor for small sulfate and nitrate fL(RH) = Relative humidity adjustment factor for large sulfate and nitrate fSS(RH) = Relative humidity adjustment factor for sea salt For Total Sulfate < 20 g/m3:
[Large Sulfate] = ([Total Sulfate] / 20 g/m3) x [Total Sulfate]
For Total Sulfate 20 g/m3:
[Large Sulfate] = [Total Sulfate]
And:
[Small Sulfate] = [Total Sulfate] - [Large Sulfate]
To calculate large and small nitrate and organic mass, substitute ({Large, Small, Total} {Nitrate, Organic Mass}) for Sulfate.
Figure 5. IMPROVE Equation for Calculating Light Extinction http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/Publications/GrayLit/019_RevisedIMPROVEeq/RevisedIMPROVEAlgorithm3.doc USFS-NPS-USFWS 29
Table 5. 20% Best Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Mm-1 Type Acadia NP 0.09 0.03 0.68 0.01 0.10 0.94 0.03 12 B20%
Agua Tibia Wilderness 0.03 0.04 0.26 0.01 0.26 1.20 0.04 11 B20%
Alpine Lakes Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.15 0.01 0.05 0.30 0.02 11 B20%
Anaconda Pintler Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.12 0.01 0.07 0.31 0.00 10 B20%
Ansel Adams Wilderness 0.02 0.01 0.12 0.01 0.07 0.44 0.01 9 B20%
Arches NP 0.07 0.06 0.23 0.01 0.14 0.89 0.01 9 B20%
Badlands NP 0.05 0.05 0.23 0.01 0.22 0.99 0.00 11 B20%
Bandelier NM 0.07 0.06 0.31 0.01 0.16 0.91 0.00 9 B20%
Bering Sea Wilderness B20%
Big Bend NP 0.05 0.04 0.24 0.01 0.11 0.80 0.00 10 B20%
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP 0.06 0.04 0.24 0.01 0.13 0.88 0.00 9 B20%
Bob Marshall Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.19 0.01 0.08 0.37 0.00 10 B20%
Bosque del Apache Wilderness 0.08 0.06 0.30 0.01 0.15 0.97 0.02 10 B20%
Boundary Waters Canoe Area 0.11 0.02 0.50 0.01 0.13 0.86 0.01 11 B20%
Wilderness Breton Wilderness 0.14 0.05 0.73 0.01 0.27 2.26 0.07 11 B20%
Bridger Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.14 0.01 0.07 0.33 0.00 9 B20%
Brigantine Wilderness 0.12 0.04 0.86 0.01 0.24 1.73 0.04 12 B20%
Bryce Canyon NP 0.04 0.05 0.18 0.01 0.10 0.60 0.00 9 B20%
Cabinet Mountains Wilderness 0.05 0.05 0.13 0.01 0.09 0.42 0.01 10 B20%
Caney Creek Wilderness 0.07 0.06 0.68 0.01 0.14 1.51 0.02 11 B20%
Canyonlands NP 0.07 0.06 0.23 0.01 0.14 0.89 0.01 9 B20%
Cape Romain Wilderness 0.14 0.06 0.88 0.01 0.24 1.99 0.04 12 B20%
Capitol Reef NP 0.06 0.07 0.26 0.01 0.15 0.79 0.01 9 B20%
Caribou Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.12 0.01 0.08 0.24 0.01 10 B20%
Carlsbad Caverns NP 0.06 0.05 0.26 0.01 0.12 0.82 0.00 9 B20%
Chassahowitzka Wilderness 0.14 0.08 1.02 0.01 0.28 2.46 0.02 11 B20%
Chiricahua NM 0.06 0.05 0.27 0.01 0.13 0.81 0.00 10 B20%
Chiricahua Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.27 0.01 0.13 0.81 0.00 10 B20%
Cohutta Wilderness 0.09 0.08 0.69 0.01 0.15 1.06 0.01 11 B20%
Crater Lake NP 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.01 0.07 0.23 0.01 9 B20%
Craters of the Moon NM 0.06 0.05 0.19 0.01 0.12 0.69 0.01 10 B20%
Cucamonga Wilderness 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.01 0.14 0.67 0.01 9 B20%
Denali NP & Pres 0.04 0.02 0.08 0.01 0.05 0.31 0.01 11 B20%
Desolation Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.15 0.01 0.09 0.51 0.01 9 B20%
Diamond Peak Wilderness 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.01 0.07 0.23 0.01 9 B20%
Dolly Sods Wilderness 0.10 0.05 0.80 0.01 0.17 0.96 0.01 10 B20%
Dome Land Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.18 0.01 0.08 0.43 0.01 10 B20%
Eagle Cap Wilderness 0.05 0.02 0.17 0.01 0.10 0.50 0.01 10 B20%
Eagles Nest Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.14 0.01 0.08 0.36 0.00 8 B20%
Emigrant Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.10 0.00 0.08 0.50 0.01 10 B20%
Everglades NP 0.16 0.07 0.77 0.01 0.16 1.86 0.12 11 B20%
Fitzpatrick Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.14 0.01 0.07 0.33 0.00 9 B20%
Flat Tops Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.14 0.01 0.08 0.36 0.00 8 B20%
Galiuro Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.27 0.01 0.13 0.81 0.00 10 B20%
30 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 5. 20% Best Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Mm-1 Type Gates of the Mountains Wilderness 0.04 0.04 0.13 0.01 0.07 0.49 0.00 9 B20%
Gearhart Mountain Wilderness 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.01 0.07 0.23 0.01 9 B20%
Gila Wilderness 0.06 0.04 0.22 0.01 0.09 0.45 0.00 9 B20%
Glacier NP 0.05 0.03 0.17 0.01 0.11 0.57 0.00 11 B20%
Glacier Peak Wilderness 0.02 0.03 0.09 0.00 0.04 0.28 0.01 11 B20%
Goat Rocks Wilderness 0.02 0.01 0.06 0.00 0.04 0.21 0.01 10 B20%
Grand Canyon NP 0.04 0.03 0.12 0.01 0.10 0.59 0.00 9 B20%
Grand Teton NP 0.06 0.05 0.17 0.01 0.08 0.33 0.00 9 B20%
Great Gulf Wilderness 0.09 0.04 0.56 0.01 0.10 1.05 0.02 11 B20%
Great Sand Dunes NP & Pres 0.06 0.05 0.29 0.01 0.15 0.90 0.00 9 B20%
Great Smoky Mountains NP 0.09 0.06 0.78 0.01 0.16 1.47 0.01 11 B20%
Guadalupe Mountains NP 0.06 0.05 0.26 0.01 0.12 0.82 0.00 9 B20%
Haleakala NP 0.05 0.04 0.24 0.01 0.11 1.59 0.13 10 B20%
Hawaii Volcanoes NP 0.03 0.04 0.27 0.01 0.06 0.64 0.11 10 B20%
Hells Canyon Wilderness 0.06 0.02 0.19 0.01 0.14 0.81 0.01 11 B20%
Hercules-Glades Wilderness 0.09 0.06 0.78 0.01 0.16 1.86 0.02 11 B20%
Hoover Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.08 0.01 0.06 0.55 0.00 9 B20%
Isle Royale NP 0.10 0.02 0.34 0.01 0.09 0.79 0.01 12 B20%
James River Face Wilderness 0.11 0.06 0.71 0.01 0.20 1.39 0.01 11 B20%
Jarbidge Wilderness 0.05 0.03 0.14 0.01 0.05 0.33 0.00 10 B20%
John Muir Wilderness 0.02 0.01 0.12 0.01 0.07 0.44 0.01 9 B20%
Joshua Tree NP 0.04 0.02 0.20 0.01 0.17 0.94 0.02 10 B20%
Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness 0.09 0.06 0.78 0.01 0.16 1.47 0.01 11 B20%
Kaiser Wilderness 0.02 0.01 0.12 0.01 0.07 0.44 0.01 9 B20%
Kalmiopsis Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.31 0.01 0.05 0.99 0.04 12 B20%
Kings Canyon 0.03 0.03 0.18 0.01 0.08 0.73 0.02 11 B20%
La Garita Wilderness 0.06 0.04 0.24 0.01 0.13 0.88 0.00 9 B20%
Lassen Volcanic NP 0.03 0.02 0.12 0.01 0.08 0.24 0.01 10 B20%
Lava Beds NM 0.03 0.03 0.14 0.01 0.06 0.46 0.00 10 B20%
Linville Gorge Wilderness 0.08 0.06 0.67 0.01 0.14 1.04 0.01 11 B20%
Lostwood Wilderness 0.06 0.04 0.23 0.01 0.22 1.05 0.01 11 B20%
Lye Brook Wilderness 0.05 0.03 0.36 0.01 0.09 0.63 0.01 11 B20%
Mammoth Cave NP 0.11 0.08 0.86 0.01 0.24 1.54 0.01 11 B20%
Marble Mountain Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.12 0.01 0.06 0.36 0.01 10 B20%
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.14 0.01 0.08 0.36 0.00 8 B20%
Mazatzal Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.30 0.01 0.14 0.80 0.00 10 B20%
Medicine Lake Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.24 0.01 0.20 1.13 0.00 11 B20%
Mesa Verde NP 0.06 0.05 0.24 0.01 0.17 0.67 0.00 9 B20%
Mingo Wilderness 0.12 0.04 0.88 0.01 0.21 1.49 0.01 12 B20%
Mission Mountains Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.19 0.01 0.08 0.37 0.00 10 B20%
Mokelumne Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.15 0.01 0.09 0.51 0.01 9 B20%
Moosehorn Wilderness 0.11 0.04 0.76 0.01 0.12 1.25 0.02 12 B20%
Mount Adams Wilderness 0.02 0.01 0.06 0.00 0.04 0.21 0.01 10 B20%
Mount Baldy Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.19 0.01 0.11 0.53 0.00 9 B20%
Mount Hood Wilderness 0.02 0.02 0.06 0.00 0.05 0.15 0.01 10 B20%
USFS-NPS-USFWS 31
Table 5. 20% Best Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Mm-1 Type Mount Jefferson Wilderness 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.00 0.03 0.31 0.01 11 B20%
Mount Rainier NP 0.03 0.02 0.18 0.01 0.06 0.83 0.02 11 B20%
Mount Washington Wilderness 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.00 0.03 0.31 0.01 11 B20%
Mount Zirkel Wilderness 0.06 0.04 0.16 0.01 0.09 0.60 0.00 8 B20%
Mountain Lakes Wilderness 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.01 0.07 0.23 0.01 9 B20%
North Absaroka Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.16 0.00 0.11 0.82 0.00 9 B20%
North Cascades NP 0.02 0.03 0.09 0.00 0.04 0.28 0.01 11 B20%
Okefenokee Wilderness 0.13 0.07 0.92 0.01 0.22 1.69 0.03 11 B20%
Olympic NP 0.04 0.03 0.23 0.01 0.03 0.50 0.04 11 B20%
Otter Creek Wilderness 0.10 0.05 0.80 0.01 0.17 0.96 0.01 10 B20%
Pasayten Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.24 0.01 10 B20%
Pecos Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.16 0.01 0.08 0.67 0.00 8 B20%
Petrified Forest NP 0.06 0.06 0.28 0.01 0.15 0.75 0.00 9 B20%
Pine Mountain Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.30 0.01 0.14 0.80 0.00 10 B20%
Pinnacles NM 0.06 0.04 0.31 0.01 0.16 1.50 0.06 11 B20%
Point Reyes NS 0.12 0.04 0.33 0.01 0.13 1.08 0.25 12 B20%
Presidential Range-Dry River 0.09 0.04 0.56 0.01 0.10 1.05 0.02 11 B20%
Wilderness Rawah Wilderness 0.06 0.04 0.16 0.01 0.09 0.60 0.00 8 B20%
Red Rock Lakes Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.17 0.01 0.08 0.33 0.00 9 B20%
Redwood NP 0.05 0.03 0.28 0.01 0.06 1.02 0.10 11 B20%
Rocky Mountain NP 0.04 0.02 0.15 0.01 0.09 0.68 0.00 9 B20%
Roosevelt Campobello International 0.11 0.04 0.76 0.01 0.12 1.25 0.02 12 B20%
Park Saguaro NP 0.07 0.05 0.32 0.01 0.22 1.15 0.03 10 B20%
Saint Marks Wilderness 0.14 0.06 0.81 0.01 0.24 2.17 0.04 11 B20%
Salt Creek Wilderness 0.05 0.06 0.31 0.01 0.17 1.00 0.02 10 B20%
San Gabriel Wilderness 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.01 0.14 0.67 0.01 9 B20%
San Gorgonio Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.15 0.01 0.10 0.62 0.02 10 B20%
San Jacinto Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.15 0.01 0.10 0.62 0.02 10 B20%
San Pedro Parks Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.14 0.01 0.09 0.34 0.01 8 B20%
San Rafael Wilderness 0.03 0.04 0.22 0.01 0.11 0.79 0.02 10 B20%
Sawtooth Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.23 0.01 0.10 0.37 0.00 10 B20%
Scapegoat Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.19 0.01 0.08 0.37 0.00 10 B20%
Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.12 0.01 0.07 0.31 0.00 10 B20%
Seney Wilderness 0.08 0.01 0.38 0.01 0.09 0.80 0.01 12 B20%
Sequoia NP 0.03 0.03 0.18 0.01 0.08 0.73 0.02 11 B20%
Shenandoah NP 0.08 0.07 0.56 0.01 0.14 1.20 0.01 10 B20%
Shining Rock Wilderness 0.05 0.05 0.51 0.01 0.13 0.56 0.01 10 B20%
Sierra Ancha Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.33 0.02 0.14 0.73 0.01 10 B20%
Simeonof Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.25 0.02 0.04 1.18 0.25 12 B20%
Sipsey Wilderness 0.11 0.10 0.81 0.01 0.25 1.66 0.01 11 B20%
South Warner Wilderness 0.03 0.03 0.14 0.01 0.06 0.46 0.00 10 B20%
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness 0.05 0.02 0.17 0.01 0.10 0.50 0.01 10 B20%
Superstition Wilderness 0.07 0.05 0.31 0.01 0.16 0.84 0.00 10 B20%
32 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 5. 20% Best Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Mm-1 Type Swanquarter Wilderness 0.12 0.06 0.65 0.01 0.23 2.38 0.05 12 B20%
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.28 0.01 0.12 0.62 0.00 9 B20%
Teton Wilderness 0.06 0.05 0.17 0.01 0.08 0.33 0.00 9 B20%
Theodore Roosevelt NP 0.07 0.04 0.26 0.01 0.21 1.20 0.01 11 B20%
Thousand Lakes Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.12 0.01 0.08 0.24 0.01 10 B20%
Three Sisters Wilderness 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.00 0.03 0.31 0.01 11 B20%
Tuxedni Wilderness 0.03 0.04 0.09 0.01 0.03 0.52 0.05 12 B20%
UL Bend Wilderness 0.05 0.03 0.18 0.01 0.15 0.93 0.01 11 B20%
Upper Buffalo Wilderness 0.08 0.06 0.68 0.01 0.16 1.33 0.01 11 B20%
Ventana Wilderness 0.06 0.04 0.31 0.01 0.16 1.50 0.06 11 B20%
Virgin Islands NP 0.18 0.07 0.21 0.01 0.12 1.53 0.26 11 B20%
Voyageurs NP 0.12 0.02 0.56 0.01 0.10 0.86 0.01 12 B20%
Washakie Wilderness 0.05 0.04 0.16 0.00 0.11 0.82 0.00 9 B20%
Weminuche Wilderness 0.06 0.04 0.24 0.01 0.13 0.88 0.00 9 B20%
West Elk Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.14 0.01 0.08 0.36 0.00 8 B20%
Wheeler Peak Wilderness 0.04 0.03 0.16 0.01 0.08 0.67 0.00 8 B20%
White Mountain Wilderness 0.05 0.03 0.24 0.01 0.08 0.67 0.01 9 B20%
Wichita Mountains Wilderness 0.03 0.04 0.28 0.01 0.15 1.52 0.01 11 B20%
Wind Cave NP 0.05 0.04 0.20 0.01 0.19 1.05 0.00 10 B20%
Wolf Island Wilderness 0.13 0.07 0.92 0.01 0.22 1.69 0.03 11 B20%
Yellowstone NP 0.06 0.05 0.17 0.01 0.08 0.33 0.00 9 B20%
Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness 0.03 0.02 0.12 0.01 0.06 0.36 0.01 10 B20%
Yosemite NP 0.03 0.02 0.10 0.00 0.08 0.50 0.01 10 B20%
Zion NP 0.05 0.06 0.28 0.01 0.10 0.60 0.01 10 B20%
USFS-NPS-USFWS 33
Table 6. Annual Average Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Mm-1 Type Acadia NP 0.23 0.10 1.67 0.02 0.25 2.14 0.14 12 Annual Agua Tibia Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.14 11 Annual Alpine Lakes Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.23 1.30 0.06 11 Annual Anaconda Pintler Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.39 1.79 0.02 10 Annual Ansel Adams Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.58 0.02 0.46 2.88 0.03 9 Annual Arches NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.92 0.01 9 Annual Badlands NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.01 11 Annual Bandelier NM 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.86 0.02 9 Annual Bering Sea Wilderness Annual Big Bend NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 10 Annual Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.49 2.59 0.01 9 Annual Bob Marshall Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 2.34 0.01 10 Annual Bosque del Apache Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.04 10 Annual Boundary Waters Canoe Area 0.23 0.10 1.71 0.02 0.31 2.53 0.02 11 Annual Wilderness Breton Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.78 0.02 0.48 3.01 0.19 11 Annual Bridger Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 1.88 0.01 9 Annual Brigantine Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.47 3.00 0.22 12 Annual Bryce Canyon NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.87 0.01 9 Annual Cabinet Mountains Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.41 2.31 0.02 10 Annual Caney Creek Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 11 Annual Canyonlands NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.92 0.01 9 Annual Cape Romain Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.45 3.00 0.20 12 Annual Capitol Reef NP 0.11 0.10 0.58 0.02 0.50 2.78 0.00 9 Annual Caribou Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 1.82 0.01 10 Annual Carlsbad Caverns NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 9 Annual Chassahowitzka Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.81 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.08 11 Annual Chiricahua NM 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 10 Annual Chiricahua Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 10 Annual Cohutta Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.71 0.02 0.50 2.45 0.02 11 Annual Crater Lake NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.39 1.67 0.02 9 Annual Craters of the Moon NM 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.92 0.01 10 Annual Cucamonga Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.04 9 Annual Denali NP & Pres 0.12 0.05 0.60 0.02 0.14 1.12 0.04 11 Annual Desolation Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.43 1.92 0.01 9 Annual Diamond Peak Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.39 1.67 0.02 9 Annual Dolly Sods Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.43 2.19 0.02 10 Annual Dome Land Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 10 Annual Eagle Cap Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.99 0.04 10 Annual Eagles Nest Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.48 2.12 0.00 8 Annual Emigrant Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 3.00 0.02 10 Annual Everglades NP 0.23 0.10 1.79 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.31 11 Annual Fitzpatrick Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 1.88 0.01 9 Annual Flat Tops Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.48 2.12 0.00 8 Annual Galiuro Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 10 Annual 34 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 6. Annual Average Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Mm-1 Type Gates of the Mountains 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.35 1.55 0.01 9 Annual Wilderness Gearhart Mountain Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.39 1.67 0.02 9 Annual Gila Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.54 0.01 9 Annual Glacier NP 0.11 0.10 0.59 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.01 11 Annual Glacier Peak Wilderness 0.11 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.19 1.32 0.02 11 Annual Goat Rocks Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.23 1.23 0.03 10 Annual Grand Canyon NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.88 0.02 9 Annual Grand Teton NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.41 1.92 0.01 9 Annual Great Gulf Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.70 0.02 0.25 2.65 0.03 11 Annual Great Sand Dunes NP & Pres 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.99 0.01 9 Annual Great Smoky Mountains NP 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.48 2.92 0.02 11 Annual Guadalupe Mountains NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 9 Annual Haleakala NP 0.12 0.10 0.57 0.02 0.23 2.93 0.25 10 Annual Hawaii Volcanoes NP 0.12 0.10 0.45 0.02 0.16 1.42 0.29 10 Annual Hells Canyon Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.48 2.97 0.01 11 Annual Hercules-Glades Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 11 Annual Hoover Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.97 0.01 9 Annual Isle Royale NP 0.23 0.10 1.55 0.02 0.24 2.89 0.03 12 Annual James River Face Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.48 3.00 0.02 11 Annual Jarbidge Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 10 Annual John Muir Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.58 0.02 0.46 2.88 0.03 9 Annual Joshua Tree NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 10 Annual Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.48 2.92 0.02 11 Annual Kaiser Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.58 0.02 0.46 2.88 0.03 9 Annual Kalmiopsis Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.20 2.24 0.23 12 Annual Kings Canyon 0.11 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.04 11 Annual La Garita Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.49 2.59 0.01 9 Annual Lassen Volcanic NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 1.82 0.01 10 Annual Lava Beds NM 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 2.36 0.01 10 Annual Linville Gorge Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.45 2.60 0.02 11 Annual Lostwood Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 11 Annual Lye Brook Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.59 0.02 0.28 1.79 0.02 11 Annual Mammoth Cave NP 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.50 2.73 0.02 11 Annual Marble Mountain Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.52 0.02 0.42 2.08 0.04 10 Annual Maroon Bells-Snowmass 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.48 2.12 0.00 8 Annual Wilderness Mazatzal Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 10 Annual Medicine Lake Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.48 3.00 0.01 11 Annual Mesa Verde NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.88 0.00 9 Annual Mingo Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.83 0.02 0.51 3.05 0.04 12 Annual Mission Mountains Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 2.34 0.01 10 Annual Mokelumne Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.43 1.92 0.01 9 Annual Moosehorn Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.79 0.02 0.23 2.56 0.11 12 Annual Mount Adams Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.23 1.23 0.03 10 Annual USFS-NPS-USFWS 35
Table 6. Annual Average Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Mm-1 Type Mount Baldy Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.57 0.02 0.50 2.82 0.01 9 Annual Mount Hood Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.29 1.58 0.05 10 Annual Mount Jefferson Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.26 1.98 0.05 11 Annual Mount Rainier NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.24 2.27 0.07 11 Annual Mount Washington Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.26 1.98 0.05 11 Annual Mount Zirkel Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.45 2.69 0.00 8 Annual Mountain Lakes Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.39 1.67 0.02 9 Annual North Absaroka Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.43 2.84 0.01 9 Annual North Cascades NP 0.11 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.19 1.32 0.02 11 Annual Okefenokee Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.08 11 Annual Olympic NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.15 1.88 0.14 11 Annual Otter Creek Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.43 2.19 0.02 10 Annual Pasayten Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.33 1.50 0.01 10 Annual Pecos Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.29 0.03 8 Annual Petrified Forest NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.01 9 Annual Pine Mountain Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 10 Annual Pinnacles NM 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.35 3.00 0.19 11 Annual Point Reyes NS 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.24 3.00 2.11 12 Annual Presidential Range-Dry River 0.23 0.10 1.70 0.02 0.25 2.65 0.03 11 Annual Wilderness Rawah Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.45 2.69 0.00 8 Annual Red Rock Lakes Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.41 1.92 0.01 9 Annual Redwood NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.16 3.00 0.96 11 Annual Rocky Mountain NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.90 0.00 9 Annual Roosevelt Campobello 0.23 0.10 1.79 0.02 0.23 2.56 0.11 12 Annual International Park Saguaro NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.06 10 Annual Saint Marks Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.10 11 Annual Salt Creek Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.04 10 Annual San Gabriel Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.04 9 Annual San Gorgonio Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.05 10 Annual San Jacinto Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.05 10 Annual San Pedro Parks Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.19 0.01 8 Annual San Rafael Wilderness 0.11 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.11 10 Annual Sawtooth Wilderness 0.12 0.08 0.60 0.02 0.41 1.64 0.01 10 Annual Scapegoat Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 2.34 0.01 10 Annual Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.39 1.79 0.02 10 Annual Seney Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.74 0.02 0.26 1.95 0.02 12 Annual Sequoia NP 0.11 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.04 11 Annual Shenandoah NP 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.41 2.88 0.02 10 Annual Shining Rock Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.76 0.02 0.50 1.76 0.02 10 Annual Sierra Ancha Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 10 Annual Simeonof Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.46 0.02 0.13 3.00 1.26 12 Annual Sipsey Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.04 11 Annual South Warner Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 2.36 0.01 10 Annual 36 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 6. Annual Average Natural Conditions - Concentrations and Rayleigh Scattering By Class I Area (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 OM EC Soil CM Sea Salt Rayleigh Class I Area µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 Mm-1 Type Strawberry Mountain Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.99 0.04 10 Annual Superstition Wilderness 0.11 0.10 0.59 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.02 10 Annual Swanquarter Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.63 0.02 0.41 3.00 0.14 12 Annual Sycamore Canyon Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 9 Annual Teton Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.41 1.92 0.01 9 Annual Theodore Roosevelt NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.01 11 Annual Thousand Lakes Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 1.82 0.01 10 Annual Three Sisters Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.26 1.98 0.05 11 Annual Tuxedni Wilderness 0.12 0.09 0.60 0.02 0.10 2.06 0.38 12 Annual UL Bend Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.45 3.00 0.00 11 Annual Upper Buffalo Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 11 Annual Ventana Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.35 3.00 0.19 11 Annual Virgin Islands NP 0.23 0.10 0.35 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.84 11 Annual Voyageurs NP 0.23 0.10 1.75 0.02 0.26 2.73 0.04 12 Annual Washakie Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.43 2.84 0.01 9 Annual Weminuche Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.49 2.59 0.01 9 Annual West Elk Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.48 2.12 0.00 8 Annual Wheeler Peak Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 2.29 0.03 8 Annual White Mountain Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 9 Annual Wichita Mountains Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.03 11 Annual Wind Cave NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.49 2.98 0.01 10 Annual Wolf Island Wilderness 0.23 0.10 1.80 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.08 11 Annual Yellowstone NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.41 1.92 0.01 9 Annual Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness 0.12 0.10 0.52 0.02 0.42 2.08 0.04 10 Annual Yosemite NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.44 3.00 0.02 10 Annual Zion NP 0.12 0.10 0.60 0.02 0.50 3.00 0.01 10 Annual USFS-NPS-USFWS 37
Table 7. Monthly fL(RH) - Large (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Acadia NP 2.74 2.46 2.45 2.66 2.67 2.73 2.99 3.03 3.16 2.91 2.89 2.96 Agua Tibia Wilderness 2.10 2.08 2.11 1.98 1.98 1.93 1.93 2.01 2.02 1.99 1.87 1.95 Alpine Lakes Wilderness 3.86 3.58 3.04 2.92 2.99 2.58 2.62 2.67 2.97 3.60 4.00 3.99 Anaconda Pintler Wilderness 2.75 2.46 2.24 2.08 2.06 2.01 1.76 1.72 1.88 2.22 2.66 2.74 Ansel Adams Wilderness 2.56 2.34 2.20 1.88 1.79 1.59 1.52 1.52 1.59 1.70 2.01 2.34 Arches NP 2.28 2.12 1.73 1.57 1.50 1.28 1.34 1.47 1.51 1.56 1.90 2.13 Badlands NP 2.31 2.31 2.31 2.21 2.34 2.25 2.08 2.05 2.02 2.05 2.38 2.33 Bandelier NM 2.10 1.90 1.72 1.51 1.53 1.38 1.63 1.87 1.80 1.59 1.87 2.04 Bering Sea Wilderness 3.02 3.17 3.20 3.19 3.23 3.34 3.78 4.16 3.64 3.19 3.12 3.13 Big Bend NP 1.72 1.61 1.44 1.38 1.47 1.48 1.58 1.74 1.83 1.63 1.63 1.70 Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP 2.15 2.05 1.83 1.75 1.74 1.51 1.59 1.78 1.80 1.68 1.96 2.06 Bob Marshall Wilderness 2.82 2.54 2.35 2.22 2.21 2.19 1.98 1.92 2.15 2.43 2.78 2.81 Bosque del Apache Wilderness 2.03 1.82 1.55 1.37 1.36 1.27 1.61 1.79 1.73 1.54 1.73 2.00 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 2.50 2.25 2.28 2.09 2.20 2.43 2.57 2.71 2.78 2.38 2.64 2.64 Breton Wilderness 2.91 2.76 2.74 2.72 2.83 2.94 3.10 3.07 2.97 2.82 2.83 2.90 Bridger Wilderness 2.22 2.10 2.04 1.95 1.95 1.67 1.46 1.44 1.68 1.83 2.19 2.16 Brigantine Wilderness 2.49 2.32 2.38 2.28 2.50 2.56 2.69 2.81 2.82 2.71 2.45 2.50 Bryce Canyon NP 2.31 2.16 1.82 1.56 1.47 1.26 1.30 1.46 1.46 1.55 1.87 2.15 Cabinet Mountains Wilderness 3.07 2.73 2.45 2.26 2.24 2.21 1.98 1.92 2.19 2.53 3.03 3.11 Caney Creek Wilderness 2.77 2.53 2.37 2.43 2.68 2.71 2.59 2.60 2.71 2.69 2.67 2.79 Canyonlands NP 2.32 2.16 1.78 1.58 1.51 1.28 1.36 1.53 1.55 1.58 1.93 2.17 Cape Romain Wilderness 2.66 2.47 2.42 2.32 2.56 2.80 2.82 3.04 3.03 2.86 2.65 2.70 Capitol Reef NP 2.36 2.22 1.84 1.63 1.54 1.31 1.36 1.52 1.55 1.61 1.95 2.22 Caribou Wilderness 2.96 2.58 2.35 2.10 2.01 1.85 1.79 1.82 1.88 2.03 2.50 2.82 Carlsbad Caverns NP 2.07 1.81 1.50 1.42 1.51 1.48 1.72 1.90 2.03 1.64 1.76 2.00 Chassahowitzka Wilderness 3.03 2.82 2.74 2.65 2.63 3.00 3.02 3.15 3.14 3.03 2.97 3.09 Chiricahua NM 1.87 1.79 1.52 1.24 1.22 1.13 1.64 1.87 1.66 1.45 1.55 1.89 Chiricahua Wilderness 1.84 1.76 1.49 1.22 1.20 1.12 1.64 1.86 1.64 1.43 1.53 1.87 Cohutta Wilderness 2.84 2.61 2.49 2.36 2.72 2.97 3.00 3.07 3.08 2.89 2.72 2.85 Crater Lake NP 3.71 3.25 3.07 2.91 2.70 2.50 2.31 2.33 2.49 2.99 3.67 3.74 Craters of the Moon NM 2.58 2.34 2.03 1.84 1.83 1.65 1.40 1.39 1.52 1.80 2.35 2.54 Cucamonga Wilderness 2.21 2.14 2.13 1.96 1.95 1.90 1.91 1.96 1.98 1.96 1.90 2.02 Denali NP & Pres 2.48 2.44 2.15 1.96 1.98 2.13 2.47 2.90 2.95 2.84 2.69 2.68 Desolation Wilderness 2.73 2.42 2.18 1.84 1.74 1.56 1.47 1.49 1.58 1.73 2.12 2.54 Diamond Peak Wilderness 3.82 3.38 3.18 3.04 2.79 2.60 2.33 2.35 2.58 3.18 3.80 3.86 Dolly Sods Wilderness 2.53 2.39 2.38 2.20 2.63 2.65 2.74 2.90 2.94 2.65 2.45 2.61 Dome Land Wilderness 2.26 2.07 2.00 1.79 1.73 1.63 1.61 1.64 1.68 1.71 1.81 2.01 Eagle Cap Wilderness 3.44 3.02 2.54 2.31 2.28 2.01 1.78 1.75 1.97 2.61 3.34 3.56 Eagles Nest Wilderness 2.02 2.01 1.87 1.87 1.92 1.69 1.68 1.83 1.86 1.73 1.96 1.97 Emigrant Wilderness 2.67 2.42 2.26 1.92 1.81 1.59 1.49 1.50 1.58 1.72 2.08 2.45 Everglades NP 2.43 2.31 2.26 2.16 2.15 2.38 2.32 2.49 2.55 2.42 2.34 2.39 Fitzpatrick Wilderness 2.22 2.10 2.04 1.95 1.94 1.68 1.47 1.44 1.68 1.83 2.18 2.16 Flat Tops Wilderness 2.09 2.04 1.87 1.84 1.86 1.62 1.59 1.70 1.79 1.72 1.97 2.03 Galiuro Wilderness 1.80 1.67 1.47 1.21 1.18 1.10 1.43 1.66 1.53 1.42 1.57 1.87 Gates of the Mountains Wilderness 2.46 2.25 2.15 2.05 2.02 2.00 1.81 1.77 1.91 2.15 2.37 2.41 38 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 7. Monthly fL(RH) - Large (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gearhart Mountain Wilderness 3.30 2.89 2.62 2.45 2.29 2.13 1.88 1.90 2.03 2.47 3.09 3.27 Gila Wilderness 1.93 1.78 1.52 1.31 1.28 1.23 1.72 1.76 1.68 1.50 1.67 1.96 Glacier NP 3.21 2.84 2.69 2.55 2.58 2.56 2.24 2.22 2.57 2.81 3.08 3.13 Glacier Peak Wilderness 3.69 3.39 2.97 2.85 2.79 2.54 2.49 2.59 2.91 3.45 3.83 3.84 Goat Rocks Wilderness 3.83 3.44 3.10 2.97 2.82 2.60 2.48 2.55 2.88 3.49 3.91 3.98 Grand Canyon NP 2.13 2.01 1.74 1.46 1.36 1.19 1.29 1.49 1.47 1.50 1.75 1.98 Grand Teton NP 2.27 2.14 2.01 1.91 1.90 1.68 1.48 1.44 1.64 1.84 2.16 2.24 Great Gulf Wilderness 2.51 2.32 2.36 2.41 2.45 2.55 2.72 2.87 2.98 2.80 2.67 2.60 Great Sand Dunes NP & Pres 2.11 2.04 1.85 1.77 1.80 1.62 1.70 1.97 1.92 1.72 2.04 2.09 Great Smoky Mountains NP 2.85 2.57 2.51 2.35 2.72 2.98 2.98 3.08 3.10 2.87 2.71 2.85 Guadalupe Mountains NP 2.14 1.82 1.49 1.38 1.48 1.47 1.78 1.98 2.10 1.60 1.78 2.08 Haleakala NP 2.34 2.27 2.25 2.20 2.13 2.09 2.16 2.14 2.10 2.19 2.33 2.30 Hawaii Volcanoes NP 2.56 2.45 2.47 2.47 2.47 2.45 2.53 2.59 2.55 2.57 2.78 2.55 Hells Canyon Wilderness 3.05 2.65 2.22 1.97 1.91 1.81 1.55 1.52 1.68 2.15 2.90 3.15 Hercules-Glades Wilderness 2.70 2.48 2.30 2.30 2.57 2.59 2.56 2.60 2.69 2.54 2.57 2.72 Hoover Wilderness 2.63 2.38 2.21 1.88 1.77 1.56 1.46 1.47 1.55 1.69 2.05 2.42 Isle Royale NP 2.53 2.21 2.26 2.07 1.99 2.32 2.65 2.69 2.82 2.28 2.76 2.74 James River Face Wilderness 2.44 2.30 2.29 2.12 2.47 2.58 2.65 2.78 2.82 2.57 2.36 2.51 Jarbidge Wilderness 2.51 2.28 1.90 1.92 1.97 1.82 1.51 1.37 1.34 1.56 2.14 2.42 John Muir Wilderness 2.51 2.29 2.20 1.95 1.86 1.65 1.60 1.61 1.69 1.78 2.03 2.28 Joshua Tree NP 2.06 1.99 1.97 1.82 1.81 1.74 1.68 1.82 1.83 1.81 1.75 1.87 Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness 2.86 2.58 2.51 2.36 2.71 2.97 2.98 3.06 3.08 2.87 2.72 2.85 Kaiser Wilderness 2.58 2.35 2.22 1.90 1.80 1.62 1.56 1.57 1.64 1.75 2.03 2.36 Kalmiopsis Wilderness 3.57 3.17 3.03 2.88 2.75 2.60 2.52 2.53 2.60 2.92 3.51 3.55 Kings Canyon 2.47 2.26 2.18 1.94 1.85 1.65 1.59 1.60 1.68 1.77 2.01 2.24 La Garita Wilderness 2.14 2.03 1.81 1.70 1.69 1.49 1.63 1.87 1.83 1.67 1.98 2.08 Lassen Volcanic NP 2.99 2.61 2.38 2.13 2.03 1.86 1.81 1.84 1.90 2.06 2.54 2.86 Lava Beds NM 3.31 2.88 2.64 2.44 2.29 2.13 1.98 1.99 2.10 2.43 3.03 3.26 Linville Gorge Wilderness 2.71 2.54 2.48 2.31 2.70 2.96 3.00 3.20 3.19 2.84 2.62 2.74 Lostwood Wilderness 2.51 2.45 2.54 2.06 2.03 2.21 2.23 2.05 2.02 2.13 2.69 2.67 Lye Brook Wilderness 2.46 2.30 2.34 2.31 2.42 2.47 2.60 2.76 2.84 2.70 2.54 2.51 Mammoth Cave NP 2.79 2.57 2.47 2.56 3.29 3.76 3.67 2.92 2.95 2.71 2.61 2.82 Marble Mountain Wilderness 3.48 3.08 2.95 2.78 2.67 2.53 2.50 2.52 2.55 2.78 3.32 3.42 Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness 2.02 1.99 1.84 1.84 1.83 1.59 1.69 1.90 1.89 1.71 1.94 1.96 Mazatzal Wilderness 1.91 1.80 1.59 1.32 1.25 1.13 1.38 1.61 1.51 1.45 1.63 1.89 Medicine Lake Wilderness 2.53 2.46 2.46 2.02 2.00 2.13 2.12 1.95 1.98 2.10 2.63 2.65 Mesa Verde NP 2.45 2.25 1.98 1.57 1.61 1.31 1.62 1.87 1.75 1.66 2.01 2.30 Mingo Wilderness 2.73 2.52 2.34 2.28 2.53 2.60 2.64 2.67 2.71 2.56 2.56 2.73 Mission Mountains Wilderness 2.93 2.62 2.37 2.20 2.21 2.19 1.98 1.92 2.15 2.46 2.91 2.96 Mokelumne Wilderness 2.72 2.42 2.20 1.86 1.75 1.57 1.48 1.50 1.58 1.73 2.11 2.52 Moosehorn Wilderness 2.65 2.39 2.38 2.52 2.49 2.57 2.83 2.95 3.07 2.83 2.77 2.78 Mount Adams Wilderness 3.78 3.40 3.10 2.98 2.78 2.60 2.43 2.52 2.84 3.45 3.87 3.92 Mount Baldy Wilderness 2.00 1.86 1.62 1.34 1.29 1.18 1.50 1.73 1.60 1.51 1.73 2.01 Mount Hood Wilderness 3.71 3.33 3.08 2.96 2.74 2.55 2.34 2.42 2.72 3.35 3.81 3.84 Mount Jefferson Wilderness 3.89 3.48 3.27 3.16 2.89 2.66 2.35 2.35 2.63 3.34 3.92 3.95 USFS-NPS-USFWS 39
Table 7. Monthly fL(RH) - Large (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mount Rainier NP 3.93 3.54 3.23 3.12 2.96 2.75 2.61 2.69 3.04 3.66 4.04 4.07 Mount Washington Wilderness 4.09 3.63 3.49 3.41 3.06 2.80 2.37 2.34 2.62 3.41 4.07 4.10 Mount Zirkel Wilderness 2.00 1.99 1.89 1.92 1.98 1.72 1.63 1.70 1.81 1.75 1.97 1.95 Mountain Lakes Wilderness 3.51 3.03 2.80 2.62 2.44 2.25 2.08 2.09 2.23 2.65 3.37 3.52 North Absaroka Wilderness 2.16 2.05 2.01 1.95 1.94 1.77 1.58 1.50 1.67 1.87 2.12 2.14 North Cascades NP 3.60 3.32 2.99 2.88 2.74 2.59 2.49 2.63 2.97 3.43 3.77 3.76 Okefenokee Wilderness 2.94 2.73 2.73 2.65 2.74 3.11 3.00 3.17 3.16 3.05 2.96 3.03 Olympic NP 3.80 3.50 3.30 3.21 2.76 2.89 2.61 2.94 3.23 3.73 3.99 3.95 Otter Creek Wilderness 2.55 2.41 2.40 2.23 2.64 2.69 2.80 2.96 3.00 2.69 2.48 2.63 Pasayten Wilderness 3.65 3.34 2.97 2.84 2.72 2.53 2.45 2.56 2.88 3.39 3.78 3.81 Pecos Wilderness 2.09 1.93 1.73 1.57 1.58 1.44 1.65 1.90 1.84 1.63 1.90 2.05 Petrified Forest NP 2.11 1.95 1.64 1.40 1.32 1.18 1.46 1.72 1.58 1.53 1.81 2.09 Pine Mountain Wilderness 1.96 1.86 1.64 1.35 1.28 1.15 1.38 1.62 1.53 1.48 1.66 1.93 Pinnacles NM 2.84 2.86 2.87 2.27 2.15 1.99 1.91 1.97 1.98 2.10 2.16 2.46 Point Reyes NS 2.96 2.73 2.61 2.28 2.20 2.04 2.12 2.16 2.18 2.23 2.47 2.75 Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness 2.52 2.32 2.37 2.42 2.49 2.61 2.78 2.93 3.03 2.83 2.68 2.59 Rawah Wilderness 1.91 1.96 1.89 1.96 2.04 1.79 1.71 1.78 1.86 1.75 1.94 1.90 Red Rock Lakes Wilderness 2.39 2.20 2.06 1.95 1.92 1.80 1.60 1.54 1.69 1.93 2.30 2.37 Redwood NP 3.31 3.10 3.16 3.04 3.11 3.08 3.26 3.28 3.11 2.99 3.20 3.12 Rocky Mountain NP 1.77 1.85 1.84 1.95 2.04 1.80 1.73 1.77 1.84 1.70 1.84 1.76 Roosevelt Campobello International Park 2.66 2.39 2.38 2.53 2.49 2.57 2.82 2.93 3.05 2.83 2.78 2.79 Saguaro NP 1.69 1.56 1.40 1.13 1.12 1.05 1.37 1.62 1.47 1.38 1.50 1.83 Saint Marks Wilderness 2.98 2.78 2.73 2.69 2.74 3.04 3.17 3.21 3.10 2.96 2.94 3.06 Salt Creek Wilderness 2.01 1.79 1.51 1.45 1.55 1.48 1.64 1.80 1.91 1.64 1.72 1.91 San Gabriel Wilderness 2.25 2.17 2.14 1.96 1.95 1.90 1.91 1.95 1.98 1.97 1.91 2.04 San Gorgonio Wilderness 2.21 2.23 2.13 1.90 1.90 1.69 1.62 1.71 1.72 1.70 1.73 1.92 San Jacinto Wilderness 2.12 2.09 2.06 1.90 1.90 1.81 1.71 1.88 1.89 1.87 1.80 1.92 San Pedro Parks Wilderness 2.14 1.97 1.73 1.55 1.53 1.38 1.59 1.83 1.77 1.61 1.91 2.08 San Rafael Wilderness 2.50 2.37 2.34 2.12 2.10 2.05 2.10 2.15 2.20 2.15 2.07 2.25 Sawtooth Wilderness 2.79 2.44 2.05 1.83 1.80 1.66 1.37 1.35 1.43 1.77 2.47 2.75 Scapegoat Wilderness 2.74 2.47 2.30 2.18 2.16 2.14 1.93 1.87 2.07 2.35 2.70 2.72 Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness 2.90 2.57 2.26 2.05 2.03 1.95 1.67 1.63 1.81 2.19 2.76 2.91 Seney Wilderness 2.75 2.42 2.49 2.35 2.30 2.55 2.75 3.01 3.03 2.78 2.88 2.85 Sequoia NP 2.40 2.22 2.21 2.05 1.95 1.67 1.60 1.59 1.69 1.78 2.04 2.17 Shenandoah NP 2.44 2.28 2.29 2.12 2.45 2.56 2.65 2.79 2.81 2.53 2.34 2.55 Shining Rock Wilderness 2.78 2.56 2.48 2.33 2.72 2.98 3.02 3.17 3.18 2.91 2.68 2.79 Sierra Ancha Wilderness 1.92 1.81 1.59 1.32 1.25 1.13 1.42 1.65 1.54 1.47 1.66 1.93 Simeonof Wilderness 3.39 3.40 3.15 3.26 3.40 3.69 4.00 4.14 3.61 3.09 3.21 3.44 Sipsey Wilderness 2.79 2.58 2.42 2.36 2.64 2.86 2.94 2.92 2.93 2.78 2.64 2.80 South Warner Wilderness 3.06 2.67 2.39 2.16 2.05 1.90 1.68 1.69 1.79 2.11 2.67 2.97 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness 3.55 3.10 2.69 2.47 2.37 2.10 1.82 1.81 2.05 2.73 3.45 3.65 Superstition Wilderness 1.84 1.72 1.53 1.26 1.20 1.11 1.36 1.56 1.46 1.40 1.58 1.85 Swanquarter Wilderness 2.48 2.35 2.31 2.18 2.38 2.55 2.67 2.72 2.64 2.55 2.40 2.49 Sycamore Canyon Wilderness 2.01 1.93 1.70 1.40 1.33 1.17 1.38 1.67 1.58 1.52 1.70 1.97 Teton Wilderness 2.22 2.09 2.01 1.92 1.91 1.72 1.52 1.47 1.65 1.86 2.15 2.19 40 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 7. Monthly fL(RH) - Large (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Theodore Roosevelt NP 2.47 2.42 2.45 2.12 2.14 2.21 2.14 1.99 1.99 2.10 2.58 2.57 Thousand Lakes Wilderness 3.04 2.63 2.42 2.17 2.06 1.88 1.82 1.85 1.91 2.08 2.61 2.91 Three Sisters Wilderness 4.03 3.59 3.43 3.34 3.02 2.78 2.40 2.38 2.65 3.39 4.02 4.04 Tuxedni Wilderness 2.97 2.83 2.47 2.40 2.38 2.50 2.96 3.19 3.18 2.91 2.91 3.03 UL Bend Wilderness 2.33 2.20 2.19 2.03 1.96 1.95 1.80 1.66 1.76 2.00 2.31 2.32 Upper Buffalo Wilderness 2.71 2.48 2.31 2.33 2.61 2.64 2.57 2.59 2.71 2.58 2.59 2.72 Ventana Wilderness 2.80 2.67 2.63 2.20 2.10 1.96 1.97 2.01 2.05 2.11 2.21 2.51 Virgin Islands NP 2.04 2.00 1.94 2.03 2.06 2.04 2.05 2.14 2.14 2.18 2.20 2.12 Voyageurs NP 2.46 2.22 2.22 2.07 2.09 2.46 2.46 2.59 2.70 2.35 2.58 2.55 Washakie Wilderness 2.16 2.05 2.01 1.94 1.93 1.74 1.54 1.48 1.66 1.86 2.12 2.14 Weminuche Wilderness 2.19 2.05 1.81 1.65 1.64 1.44 1.60 1.85 1.79 1.65 1.97 2.11 West Elk Wilderness 2.11 2.04 1.84 1.77 1.77 1.54 1.63 1.83 1.83 1.69 1.96 2.04 Wheeler Peak Wilderness 2.14 2.00 1.78 1.65 1.67 1.52 1.66 1.94 1.89 1.68 1.98 2.10 White Mountain Wilderness 2.00 1.79 1.51 1.40 1.44 1.37 1.64 1.82 1.85 1.59 1.72 1.95 Wichita Mountains Wilderness 2.39 2.25 2.10 2.11 2.39 2.24 2.02 2.13 2.35 2.22 2.28 2.41 Wind Cave NP 2.23 2.22 2.22 2.18 2.32 2.18 2.00 1.97 1.95 2.00 2.30 2.24 Wolf Island Wilderness 2.86 2.67 2.61 2.54 2.63 2.96 2.94 3.13 3.12 2.99 2.88 2.95 Yellowstone NP 2.24 2.11 2.03 1.95 1.94 1.78 1.59 1.53 1.69 1.91 2.19 2.22 Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness 3.12 2.76 2.60 2.37 2.29 2.13 2.14 2.18 2.21 2.33 2.75 2.98 Yosemite NP 2.61 2.45 2.34 1.99 1.88 1.61 1.48 1.46 1.54 1.69 2.06 2.38 Zion NP 2.32 2.18 1.83 1.56 1.45 1.26 1.24 1.38 1.40 1.51 1.84 2.14 USFS-NPS-USFWS 41
Table 8. Monthly fS(RH) - Small (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Acadia NP 3.80 3.28 3.30 3.71 3.72 3.81 4.28 4.34 4.58 4.10 4.06 4.19 Agua Tibia Wilderness 2.68 2.61 2.63 2.42 2.40 2.33 2.33 2.45 2.49 2.46 2.29 2.42 Alpine Lakes Wilderness 5.87 5.35 4.34 4.13 4.30 3.50 3.61 3.69 4.27 5.43 6.15 6.08 Anaconda Pintler Wilderness 3.72 3.23 2.87 2.62 2.60 2.52 2.14 2.07 2.33 2.87 3.60 3.71 Ansel Adams Wilderness 3.51 3.11 2.87 2.34 2.18 1.86 1.75 1.76 1.88 2.05 2.55 3.12 Arches NP 2.96 2.70 2.09 1.84 1.75 1.40 1.49 1.69 1.76 1.83 2.33 2.69 Badlands NP 2.94 2.96 3.01 2.87 3.10 2.91 2.64 2.59 2.56 2.58 3.11 2.98 Bandelier NM 2.66 2.36 2.10 1.77 1.80 1.55 1.93 2.30 2.21 1.87 2.32 2.60 Bering Sea Wilderness 4.16 4.48 4.52 4.50 4.64 4.86 5.71 6.43 5.40 4.52 4.36 4.37 Big Bend NP 2.11 1.92 1.65 1.56 1.67 1.67 1.83 2.07 2.22 1.92 1.92 2.04 Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP 2.71 2.56 2.23 2.12 2.12 1.75 1.87 2.17 2.21 2.00 2.42 2.57 Bob Marshall Wilderness 3.84 3.35 3.06 2.86 2.86 2.84 2.49 2.39 2.77 3.22 3.81 3.83 Bosque del Apache Wilderness 2.56 2.23 1.83 1.54 1.54 1.39 1.90 2.16 2.09 1.79 2.09 2.53 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 3.23 2.81 2.93 2.63 2.89 3.22 3.44 3.71 3.83 3.08 3.49 3.49 Breton Wilderness 4.08 3.82 3.79 3.74 3.94 4.12 4.41 4.37 4.18 3.92 3.93 4.06 Bridger Wilderness 2.78 2.60 2.55 2.43 2.45 1.99 1.65 1.63 2.03 2.25 2.78 2.68 Brigantine Wilderness 3.34 3.07 3.17 2.99 3.37 3.45 3.68 3.90 3.91 3.73 3.27 3.36 Bryce Canyon NP 3.02 2.77 2.23 1.84 1.70 1.38 1.42 1.67 1.67 1.81 2.30 2.75 Cabinet Mountains Wilderness 4.30 3.69 3.23 2.91 2.91 2.87 2.50 2.40 2.84 3.40 4.26 4.37 Caney Creek Wilderness 3.85 3.44 3.14 3.24 3.66 3.71 3.49 3.51 3.73 3.72 3.68 3.88 Canyonlands NP 3.03 2.77 2.17 1.86 1.76 1.40 1.52 1.78 1.81 1.87 2.38 2.77 Cape Romain Wilderness 3.66 3.33 3.24 3.07 3.46 3.88 3.91 4.31 4.30 4.00 3.62 3.73 Capitol Reef NP 3.10 2.86 2.27 1.94 1.81 1.45 1.52 1.77 1.81 1.91 2.43 2.86 Caribou Wilderness 4.17 3.50 3.11 2.68 2.54 2.28 2.21 2.26 2.36 2.60 3.39 3.93 Carlsbad Caverns NP 2.70 2.25 1.75 1.63 1.77 1.70 2.06 2.34 2.59 1.95 2.16 2.57 Chassahowitzka Wilderness 4.31 3.92 3.79 3.62 3.57 4.22 4.26 4.50 4.49 4.29 4.18 4.43 Chiricahua NM 2.29 2.19 1.75 1.34 1.31 1.18 1.94 2.28 1.95 1.64 1.79 2.34 Chiricahua Wilderness 2.25 2.14 1.71 1.30 1.28 1.17 1.95 2.26 1.93 1.61 1.75 2.31 Cohutta Wilderness 3.99 3.59 3.38 3.16 3.76 4.19 4.24 4.37 4.41 4.09 3.77 4.00 Crater Lake NP 5.58 4.73 4.37 4.09 3.70 3.37 3.05 3.08 3.38 4.26 5.52 5.64 Craters of the Moon NM 3.40 3.00 2.52 2.22 2.23 1.94 1.56 1.55 1.76 2.17 3.04 3.32 Cucamonga Wilderness 2.87 2.73 2.68 2.40 2.37 2.29 2.31 2.38 2.43 2.42 2.34 2.54 Denali NP & Pres 3.21 3.19 2.71 2.39 2.46 2.69 3.27 4.05 4.17 3.90 3.59 3.58 Desolation Wilderness 3.77 3.22 2.82 2.26 2.09 1.80 1.67 1.71 1.84 2.08 2.72 3.44 Diamond Peak Wilderness 5.79 4.97 4.61 4.35 3.90 3.55 3.08 3.12 3.55 4.63 5.75 5.88 Dolly Sods Wilderness 3.39 3.16 3.17 2.87 3.63 3.62 3.78 4.06 4.15 3.63 3.27 3.53 Dome Land Wilderness 2.97 2.64 2.51 2.17 2.08 1.91 1.89 1.93 2.01 2.06 2.23 2.56 Eagle Cap Wilderness 5.05 4.28 3.45 3.05 3.02 2.56 2.20 2.15 2.53 3.62 4.89 5.26 Eagles Nest Wilderness 2.48 2.48 2.29 2.32 2.42 2.03 2.02 2.24 2.31 2.09 2.42 2.42 Emigrant Wilderness 3.69 3.25 2.98 2.39 2.21 1.86 1.71 1.73 1.85 2.07 2.68 3.32 Everglades NP 3.14 2.93 2.83 2.67 2.63 3.03 2.91 3.22 3.33 3.12 2.95 3.08 Fitzpatrick Wilderness 2.78 2.60 2.54 2.43 2.44 1.99 1.66 1.63 2.02 2.25 2.77 2.68 Flat Tops Wilderness 2.61 2.53 2.28 2.26 2.31 1.91 1.86 2.04 2.19 2.06 2.42 2.51 Galiuro Wilderness 2.17 1.99 1.68 1.30 1.26 1.14 1.62 1.96 1.75 1.60 1.82 2.31 Gates of the Mountains Wilderness 3.20 2.85 2.71 2.57 2.53 2.50 2.21 2.14 2.37 2.74 3.09 3.12 42 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 8. Monthly fS(RH) - Small (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gearhart Mountain Wilderness 4.80 4.05 3.60 3.30 3.04 2.76 2.37 2.39 2.62 3.36 4.45 4.76 Gila Wilderness 2.40 2.16 1.77 1.45 1.41 1.33 2.11 2.12 2.00 1.73 1.99 2.45 Glacier NP 4.53 3.87 3.63 3.39 3.51 3.48 2.91 2.87 3.47 3.86 4.29 4.37 Glacier Peak Wilderness 5.53 4.98 4.21 3.99 3.90 3.43 3.35 3.54 4.14 5.12 5.80 5.80 Goat Rocks Wilderness 5.81 5.08 4.46 4.23 3.97 3.57 3.35 3.48 4.11 5.22 5.98 6.09 Grand Canyon NP 2.73 2.53 2.12 1.69 1.52 1.27 1.42 1.72 1.69 1.74 2.11 2.49 Grand Teton NP 2.88 2.66 2.48 2.35 2.34 2.00 1.68 1.62 1.94 2.25 2.73 2.82 Great Gulf Wilderness 3.34 3.02 3.12 3.23 3.31 3.46 3.76 4.03 4.22 3.90 3.64 3.50 Great Sand Dunes NP & Pres 2.66 2.55 2.27 2.16 2.22 1.92 2.04 2.47 2.41 2.07 2.57 2.63 Great Smoky Mountains NP 4.01 3.52 3.43 3.14 3.76 4.20 4.21 4.39 4.45 4.05 3.76 3.99 Guadalupe Mountains NP 2.85 2.28 1.74 1.57 1.73 1.69 2.16 2.48 2.74 1.90 2.20 2.71 Haleakala NP 2.98 2.85 2.81 2.72 2.60 2.53 2.65 2.63 2.56 2.69 2.95 2.89 Hawaii Volcanoes NP 3.35 3.10 3.14 3.13 3.14 3.11 3.24 3.42 3.34 3.38 3.76 3.34 Hells Canyon Wilderness 4.28 3.56 2.83 2.42 2.34 2.19 1.80 1.75 2.01 2.75 4.03 4.45 Hercules-Glades Wilderness 3.70 3.33 3.01 3.01 3.47 3.48 3.41 3.51 3.67 3.43 3.46 3.73 Hoover Wilderness 3.63 3.18 2.89 2.33 2.16 1.82 1.66 1.68 1.81 2.02 2.62 3.25 Isle Royale NP 3.26 2.74 2.87 2.58 2.46 3.00 3.59 3.68 3.92 2.88 3.72 3.67 James River Face Wilderness 3.25 3.03 3.02 2.72 3.31 3.48 3.59 3.83 3.91 3.48 3.11 3.38 Jarbidge Wilderness 3.29 2.92 2.31 2.34 2.44 2.22 1.73 1.51 1.48 1.80 2.70 3.13 John Muir Wilderness 3.42 3.02 2.86 2.44 2.29 1.94 1.86 1.87 2.01 2.16 2.60 3.03 Joshua Tree NP 2.62 2.49 2.44 2.19 2.16 2.05 1.97 2.18 2.21 2.19 2.11 2.31 Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness 4.02 3.54 3.42 3.15 3.74 4.19 4.21 4.35 4.41 4.04 3.77 4.00 Kaiser Wilderness 3.55 3.13 2.89 2.36 2.21 1.90 1.81 1.83 1.95 2.12 2.59 3.16 Kalmiopsis Wilderness 5.32 4.56 4.30 4.02 3.79 3.54 3.43 3.44 3.56 4.12 5.21 5.28 Kings Canyon 3.35 2.97 2.82 2.42 2.28 1.93 1.85 1.87 2.01 2.15 2.56 2.96 La Garita Wilderness 2.71 2.54 2.21 2.04 2.05 1.72 1.93 2.31 2.26 2.00 2.46 2.62 Lassen Volcanic NP 4.24 3.55 3.16 2.73 2.58 2.31 2.24 2.29 2.39 2.64 3.46 4.00 Lava Beds NM 4.84 4.05 3.63 3.28 3.04 2.76 2.53 2.55 2.75 3.29 4.35 4.75 Linville Gorge Wilderness 3.76 3.46 3.37 3.07 3.74 4.18 4.24 4.62 4.61 4.00 3.59 3.80 Lostwood Wilderness 3.21 3.15 3.36 2.60 2.54 2.86 2.89 2.60 2.53 2.72 3.60 3.52 Lye Brook Wilderness 3.25 2.99 3.10 3.06 3.24 3.30 3.52 3.80 3.95 3.71 3.42 3.35 Mammoth Cave NP 3.86 3.47 3.32 3.54 4.90 5.77 5.58 4.09 4.15 3.73 3.54 3.91 Marble Mountain Wilderness 5.15 4.40 4.15 3.84 3.67 3.44 3.41 3.44 3.50 3.89 4.87 5.04 Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness 2.48 2.44 2.23 2.25 2.25 1.87 2.02 2.35 2.35 2.04 2.36 2.38 Mazatzal Wilderness 2.36 2.20 1.88 1.46 1.36 1.18 1.54 1.89 1.74 1.66 1.91 2.33 Medicine Lake Wilderness 3.25 3.15 3.21 2.52 2.49 2.71 2.71 2.42 2.46 2.65 3.48 3.48 Mesa Verde NP 3.32 2.96 2.55 1.88 1.96 1.46 1.94 2.35 2.13 2.04 2.57 3.06 Mingo Wilderness 3.74 3.38 3.07 2.97 3.39 3.52 3.57 3.64 3.72 3.47 3.43 3.74 Mission Mountains Wilderness 4.03 3.51 3.08 2.82 2.84 2.83 2.49 2.40 2.78 3.28 4.04 4.08 Mokelumne Wilderness 3.75 3.23 2.86 2.29 2.12 1.81 1.68 1.72 1.84 2.08 2.71 3.41 Moosehorn Wilderness 3.59 3.14 3.16 3.44 3.38 3.49 3.98 4.18 4.40 3.94 3.82 3.82 Mount Adams Wilderness 5.71 5.00 4.46 4.23 3.89 3.55 3.26 3.41 4.02 5.13 5.89 5.98 Mount Baldy Wilderness 2.51 2.30 1.92 1.51 1.43 1.25 1.73 2.08 1.88 1.76 2.08 2.54 Mount Hood Wilderness 5.56 4.87 4.40 4.19 3.79 3.44 3.07 3.22 3.79 4.93 5.76 5.81 Mount Jefferson Wilderness 5.95 5.16 4.78 4.57 4.09 3.65 3.10 3.11 3.63 4.91 5.98 6.05 USFS-NPS-USFWS 43
Table 8. Monthly fS(RH) - Small (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mount Rainier NP 6.01 5.29 4.71 4.51 4.23 3.82 3.59 3.73 4.39 5.55 6.23 6.27 Mount Washington Wilderness 6.35 5.47 5.22 5.07 4.42 3.93 3.16 3.09 3.63 5.07 6.31 6.35 Mount Zirkel Wilderness 2.43 2.44 2.31 2.37 2.51 2.07 1.92 2.02 2.23 2.12 2.41 2.37 Mountain Lakes Wilderness 5.20 4.32 3.90 3.58 3.26 2.96 2.69 2.70 2.94 3.67 4.96 5.24 North Absaroka Wilderness 2.68 2.51 2.50 2.42 2.40 2.13 1.83 1.72 1.98 2.31 2.65 2.65 North Cascades NP 5.37 4.86 4.24 4.04 3.80 3.51 3.34 3.61 4.23 5.08 5.68 5.66 Okefenokee Wilderness 4.16 3.79 3.80 3.65 3.79 4.46 4.24 4.55 4.55 4.35 4.18 4.33 Olympic NP 5.76 5.20 4.81 4.64 3.81 4.04 3.52 4.16 4.70 5.63 6.11 6.02 Otter Creek Wilderness 3.41 3.20 3.20 2.91 3.64 3.70 3.88 4.18 4.26 3.72 3.32 3.56 Pasayten Wilderness 5.46 4.89 4.20 3.96 3.77 3.42 3.28 3.49 4.08 5.00 5.72 5.74 Pecos Wilderness 2.65 2.40 2.10 1.85 1.88 1.65 1.96 2.34 2.27 1.94 2.36 2.60 Petrified Forest NP 2.67 2.43 1.96 1.59 1.46 1.26 1.67 2.06 1.85 1.79 2.20 2.66 Pine Mountain Wilderness 2.44 2.29 1.95 1.51 1.41 1.20 1.54 1.91 1.77 1.70 1.96 2.39 Pinnacles NM 4.02 4.05 4.09 3.01 2.81 2.54 2.40 2.52 2.54 2.74 2.82 3.36 Point Reyes NS 4.16 3.74 3.53 2.96 2.80 2.55 2.69 2.77 2.80 2.90 3.30 3.80 Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness 3.36 3.02 3.15 3.26 3.37 3.56 3.86 4.14 4.33 3.96 3.68 3.50 Rawah Wilderness 2.31 2.39 2.32 2.44 2.61 2.19 2.05 2.16 2.31 2.12 2.37 2.29 Red Rock Lakes Wilderness 3.09 2.76 2.57 2.41 2.38 2.17 1.86 1.77 2.01 2.39 2.96 3.05 Redwood NP 4.81 4.41 4.51 4.27 4.40 4.37 4.73 4.76 4.46 4.24 4.62 4.45 Rocky Mountain NP 2.09 2.24 2.24 2.45 2.62 2.22 2.09 2.15 2.29 2.04 2.23 2.08 Roosevelt Campobello International Park 3.61 3.14 3.16 3.45 3.37 3.49 3.95 4.15 4.36 3.93 3.84 3.85 Saguaro NP 1.99 1.80 1.56 1.18 1.16 1.07 1.51 1.89 1.66 1.54 1.72 2.25 Saint Marks Wilderness 4.24 3.89 3.79 3.72 3.79 4.32 4.56 4.63 4.43 4.19 4.16 4.39 Salt Creek Wilderness 2.57 2.19 1.75 1.67 1.82 1.69 1.93 2.16 2.37 1.94 2.07 2.38 San Gabriel Wilderness 2.94 2.78 2.72 2.41 2.37 2.29 2.32 2.39 2.44 2.44 2.36 2.58 San Gorgonio Wilderness 2.94 2.94 2.74 2.36 2.34 2.00 1.88 2.02 2.05 2.04 2.10 2.43 San Jacinto Wilderness 2.73 2.65 2.59 2.33 2.30 2.16 2.02 2.26 2.30 2.28 2.19 2.38 San Pedro Parks Wilderness 2.73 2.45 2.10 1.81 1.80 1.55 1.87 2.24 2.16 1.91 2.36 2.65 San Rafael Wilderness 3.38 3.13 3.07 2.68 2.64 2.57 2.66 2.74 2.84 2.77 2.63 2.94 Sawtooth Wilderness 3.78 3.18 2.55 2.20 2.17 1.95 1.51 1.50 1.61 2.11 3.26 3.70 Scapegoat Wilderness 3.70 3.24 2.97 2.79 2.78 2.75 2.41 2.31 2.65 3.09 3.67 3.68 Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness 3.99 3.41 2.90 2.56 2.54 2.43 2.00 1.93 2.21 2.82 3.78 4.01 Seney Wilderness 3.69 3.10 3.30 3.10 3.03 3.45 3.80 4.27 4.31 3.82 3.97 3.87 Sequoia NP 3.25 2.91 2.87 2.59 2.46 1.97 1.85 1.84 2.02 2.18 2.64 2.85 Shenandoah NP 3.26 2.99 3.02 2.72 3.28 3.46 3.59 3.85 3.91 3.41 3.08 3.44 Shining Rock Wilderness 3.89 3.51 3.37 3.11 3.77 4.22 4.29 4.58 4.60 4.12 3.69 3.88 Sierra Ancha Wilderness 2.38 2.21 1.87 1.46 1.36 1.19 1.60 1.95 1.78 1.69 1.96 2.41 Simeonof Wilderness 4.86 4.88 4.44 4.64 4.92 5.46 6.08 6.35 5.30 4.29 4.52 4.98 Sipsey Wilderness 3.89 3.52 3.23 3.13 3.60 3.99 4.13 4.09 4.12 3.87 3.61 3.89 South Warner Wilderness 4.36 3.67 3.20 2.81 2.64 2.39 2.04 2.07 2.24 2.76 3.71 4.20 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness 5.26 4.45 3.71 3.32 3.18 2.70 2.26 2.24 2.66 3.84 5.11 5.44 Superstition Wilderness 2.25 2.06 1.77 1.38 1.29 1.15 1.52 1.81 1.66 1.58 1.83 2.28 Swanquarter Wilderness 3.31 3.09 3.01 2.78 3.09 3.39 3.57 3.68 3.55 3.40 3.14 3.33 Sycamore Canyon Wilderness 2.52 2.41 2.05 1.59 1.47 1.23 1.53 1.98 1.85 1.77 2.03 2.45 Teton Wilderness 2.78 2.59 2.49 2.37 2.36 2.06 1.75 1.67 1.96 2.28 2.70 2.73 44 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 8. Monthly fS(RH) - Small (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Theodore Roosevelt NP 3.17 3.11 3.22 2.71 2.74 2.85 2.73 2.49 2.48 2.66 3.42 3.37 Thousand Lakes Wilderness 4.34 3.60 3.22 2.79 2.62 2.34 2.26 2.31 2.41 2.69 3.58 4.11 Three Sisters Wilderness 6.22 5.38 5.09 4.92 4.35 3.89 3.21 3.17 3.68 5.02 6.20 6.24 Tuxedni Wilderness 4.11 3.89 3.26 3.14 3.11 3.31 4.13 4.57 4.57 4.04 4.04 4.23 UL Bend Wilderness 2.94 2.75 2.77 2.55 2.44 2.41 2.19 1.97 2.12 2.50 2.96 2.95 Upper Buffalo Wilderness 3.73 3.33 3.03 3.07 3.54 3.57 3.43 3.50 3.71 3.51 3.52 3.74 Ventana Wilderness 3.92 3.69 3.61 2.86 2.69 2.46 2.46 2.55 2.61 2.72 2.89 3.43 Virgin Islands NP 2.41 2.36 2.27 2.39 2.44 2.40 2.43 2.57 2.58 2.63 2.68 2.54 Voyageurs NP 3.16 2.77 2.82 2.59 2.65 3.28 3.25 3.48 3.66 3.02 3.37 3.32 Washakie Wilderness 2.68 2.52 2.49 2.40 2.40 2.09 1.77 1.68 1.98 2.29 2.66 2.65 Weminuche Wilderness 2.80 2.58 2.22 1.97 1.97 1.64 1.89 2.28 2.20 1.97 2.45 2.69 West Elk Wilderness 2.64 2.53 2.24 2.15 2.16 1.79 1.92 2.24 2.26 2.02 2.41 2.53 Wheeler Peak Wilderness 2.72 2.50 2.17 1.97 2.02 1.76 1.98 2.42 2.36 2.01 2.48 2.66 White Mountain Wilderness 2.54 2.19 1.76 1.58 1.65 1.53 1.94 2.20 2.29 1.87 2.07 2.45 Wichita Mountains Wilderness 3.17 2.94 2.69 2.68 3.15 2.86 2.49 2.70 3.07 2.87 2.97 3.20 Wind Cave NP 2.81 2.81 2.86 2.82 3.06 2.81 2.50 2.46 2.44 2.52 2.97 2.83 Wolf Island Wilderness 4.02 3.68 3.58 3.45 3.59 4.17 4.13 4.47 4.46 4.23 4.05 4.18 Yellowstone NP 2.82 2.61 2.53 2.42 2.41 2.16 1.86 1.76 2.02 2.36 2.78 2.80 Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness 4.48 3.82 3.53 3.13 3.00 2.75 2.81 2.87 2.93 3.11 3.84 4.24 Yosemite NP 3.62 3.32 3.13 2.52 2.34 1.89 1.69 1.67 1.78 2.04 2.65 3.22 Zion NP 3.05 2.81 2.26 1.84 1.67 1.37 1.33 1.54 1.58 1.75 2.25 2.72 USFS-NPS-USFWS 45
Table 9. Monthly fSS(RH) - Sea Salt Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Acadia NP 3.90 3.48 3.40 3.66 3.71 3.81 4.19 4.27 4.44 4.13 4.10 4.19 Agua Tibia Wilderness 2.94 2.95 3.02 2.85 2.88 2.81 2.78 2.90 2.90 2.83 2.56 2.69 Alpine Lakes Wilderness 5.35 4.96 4.27 4.11 4.18 3.64 3.68 3.73 4.12 4.98 5.51 5.53 Anaconda Pintler Wilderness 4.00 3.56 3.18 2.90 2.85 2.75 2.33 2.25 2.52 3.10 3.81 3.97 Ansel Adams Wilderness 3.55 3.25 3.04 2.54 2.38 2.05 1.91 1.91 2.03 2.21 2.72 3.21 Arches NP 3.25 2.99 2.26 1.97 1.86 1.48 1.59 1.82 1.88 1.96 2.60 3.02 Badlands NP 3.37 3.33 3.27 3.05 3.25 3.15 2.89 2.81 2.74 2.82 3.41 3.38 Bandelier NM 2.91 2.59 2.22 1.87 1.90 1.67 2.11 2.54 2.37 2.00 2.49 2.78 Bering Sea Wilderness 4.39 4.57 4.60 4.58 4.57 4.70 5.26 5.73 5.11 4.59 4.52 4.54 Big Bend NP 2.20 2.03 1.75 1.67 1.84 1.87 2.03 2.34 2.47 2.09 2.10 2.22 Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP 3.05 2.89 2.47 2.31 2.28 1.89 2.04 2.36 2.37 2.18 2.71 2.92 Bob Marshall Wilderness 4.08 3.66 3.35 3.11 3.08 3.04 2.68 2.59 2.94 3.42 3.98 4.05 Bosque del Apache Wilderness 2.77 2.43 1.95 1.62 1.62 1.47 2.06 2.40 2.29 1.92 2.27 2.71 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 3.73 3.35 3.29 2.91 3.00 3.44 3.68 3.88 3.98 3.45 3.89 3.91 Breton Wilderness 4.10 3.89 3.87 3.85 4.02 4.21 4.44 4.38 4.23 3.99 4.01 4.11 Bridger Wilderness 3.25 3.05 2.90 2.67 2.62 2.17 1.81 1.79 2.17 2.43 3.15 3.17 Brigantine Wilderness 3.53 3.24 3.30 3.15 3.49 3.63 3.84 4.02 4.02 3.82 3.48 3.55 Bryce Canyon NP 3.24 3.00 2.40 1.96 1.80 1.45 1.52 1.80 1.78 1.93 2.52 2.99 Cabinet Mountains Wilderness 4.42 3.93 3.50 3.18 3.13 3.06 2.67 2.59 3.01 3.58 4.33 4.46 Caney Creek Wilderness 3.90 3.52 3.31 3.41 3.83 3.88 3.69 3.68 3.82 3.76 3.77 3.93 Canyonlands NP 3.30 3.04 2.33 1.99 1.87 1.48 1.63 1.90 1.94 2.00 2.64 3.07 Cape Romain Wilderness 3.74 3.44 3.37 3.23 3.62 3.99 4.04 4.32 4.29 4.03 3.74 3.81 Capitol Reef NP 3.35 3.11 2.45 2.08 1.93 1.54 1.62 1.90 1.94 2.05 2.68 3.13 Caribou Wilderness 4.16 3.63 3.28 2.89 2.75 2.47 2.33 2.37 2.49 2.74 3.48 3.97 Carlsbad Caverns NP 2.75 2.36 1.86 1.72 1.89 1.86 2.27 2.59 2.75 2.09 2.29 2.68 Chassahowitzka Wilderness 4.29 3.99 3.89 3.76 3.77 4.29 4.34 4.51 4.49 4.33 4.23 4.38 Chiricahua NM 2.53 2.38 1.91 1.41 1.38 1.21 2.12 2.55 2.18 1.78 1.99 2.56 Chiricahua Wilderness 2.48 2.33 1.86 1.37 1.35 1.20 2.12 2.54 2.16 1.75 1.94 2.52 Cohutta Wilderness 3.97 3.62 3.44 3.26 3.82 4.20 4.24 4.35 4.35 4.05 3.82 4.02 Crater Lake NP 5.15 4.56 4.31 4.12 3.80 3.52 3.20 3.23 3.44 4.17 5.10 5.19 Craters of the Moon NM 3.78 3.41 2.86 2.51 2.48 2.16 1.72 1.69 1.93 2.43 3.38 3.72 Cucamonga Wilderness 3.07 3.01 3.03 2.79 2.80 2.72 2.72 2.80 2.81 2.76 2.58 2.77 Denali NP & Pres 3.68 3.57 3.07 2.74 2.74 3.01 3.53 4.13 4.19 4.09 3.92 3.94 Desolation Wilderness 3.85 3.39 3.02 2.48 2.32 2.01 1.84 1.87 2.02 2.28 2.94 3.58 Diamond Peak Wilderness 5.29 4.72 4.45 4.27 3.92 3.65 3.23 3.26 3.56 4.43 5.26 5.34 Dolly Sods Wilderness 3.60 3.35 3.31 3.03 3.66 3.76 3.91 4.12 4.16 3.72 3.47 3.72 Dome Land Wilderness 3.10 2.86 2.75 2.42 2.33 2.15 2.11 2.16 2.22 2.26 2.40 2.71 Eagle Cap Wilderness 4.84 4.27 3.57 3.22 3.14 2.74 2.33 2.27 2.60 3.61 4.68 4.99 Eagles Nest Wilderness 2.86 2.82 2.54 2.52 2.57 2.20 2.20 2.44 2.46 2.27 2.73 2.79 Emigrant Wilderness 3.70 3.37 3.13 2.60 2.42 2.05 1.88 1.88 2.01 2.24 2.84 3.39 Everglades NP 3.60 3.44 3.37 3.22 3.21 3.58 3.50 3.72 3.78 3.61 3.50 3.55 Fitzpatrick Wilderness 3.25 3.05 2.88 2.66 2.62 2.18 1.82 1.79 2.16 2.43 3.13 3.18 Flat Tops Wilderness 2.99 2.88 2.54 2.47 2.47 2.07 2.03 2.23 2.35 2.25 2.75 2.89 Galiuro Wilderness 2.42 2.19 1.82 1.35 1.31 1.16 1.76 2.18 1.94 1.73 2.00 2.52 Gates of the Mountains Wilderness 3.62 3.27 3.05 2.85 2.80 2.74 2.43 2.35 2.58 2.99 3.41 3.52 46 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 9. Monthly fSS(RH) - Sea Salt Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gearhart Mountain Wilderness 4.63 4.06 3.67 3.40 3.16 2.90 2.49 2.50 2.70 3.39 4.31 4.60 Gila Wilderness 2.63 2.35 1.91 1.52 1.48 1.36 2.22 2.36 2.19 1.87 2.17 2.65 Glacier NP 4.61 4.12 3.87 3.64 3.63 3.59 3.11 3.11 3.63 4.03 4.43 4.51 Glacier Peak Wilderness 5.14 4.73 4.19 4.03 3.93 3.60 3.51 3.63 4.04 4.79 5.31 5.34 Goat Rocks Wilderness 5.30 4.79 4.32 4.15 3.94 3.65 3.46 3.55 3.99 4.83 5.40 5.51 Grand Canyon NP 2.93 2.73 2.26 1.78 1.61 1.32 1.50 1.85 1.79 1.84 2.29 2.70 Grand Teton NP 3.34 3.10 2.82 2.59 2.56 2.21 1.85 1.78 2.12 2.48 3.10 3.29 Great Gulf Wilderness 3.60 3.29 3.29 3.34 3.41 3.58 3.85 4.07 4.20 3.96 3.81 3.73 Great Sand Dunes NP & Pres 2.98 2.84 2.48 2.33 2.36 2.08 2.24 2.66 2.56 2.26 2.82 2.94 Great Smoky Mountains NP 4.01 3.57 3.47 3.22 3.82 4.23 4.24 4.37 4.38 4.03 3.81 4.02 Guadalupe Mountains NP 2.82 2.35 1.84 1.64 1.82 1.83 2.36 2.72 2.85 2.01 2.28 2.76 Haleakala NP 3.52 3.43 3.40 3.35 3.25 3.18 3.29 3.27 3.22 3.33 3.52 3.47 Hawaii Volcanoes NP 3.80 3.68 3.71 3.72 3.72 3.69 3.79 3.83 3.79 3.83 4.08 3.80 Hells Canyon Wilderness 4.39 3.81 3.15 2.75 2.63 2.44 1.97 1.90 2.19 3.00 4.13 4.51 Hercules-Glades Wilderness 3.86 3.51 3.23 3.22 3.66 3.72 3.69 3.73 3.81 3.57 3.65 3.88 Hoover Wilderness 3.66 3.31 3.05 2.53 2.36 2.00 1.82 1.82 1.96 2.18 2.79 3.34 Isle Royale NP 3.78 3.34 3.28 2.93 2.78 3.31 3.83 3.87 4.06 3.40 4.05 4.04 James River Face Wilderness 3.43 3.19 3.16 2.90 3.46 3.69 3.79 3.97 4.00 3.61 3.31 3.56 Jarbidge Wilderness 3.65 3.28 2.62 2.69 2.71 2.44 1.95 1.67 1.60 2.01 3.03 3.51 John Muir Wilderness 3.46 3.18 3.07 2.68 2.51 2.17 2.06 2.08 2.20 2.35 2.75 3.12 Joshua Tree NP 2.83 2.76 2.75 2.52 2.53 2.41 2.28 2.53 2.53 2.48 2.32 2.54 Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness 4.01 3.58 3.46 3.24 3.81 4.22 4.23 4.35 4.35 4.03 3.82 4.02 Kaiser Wilderness 3.58 3.27 3.08 2.58 2.42 2.10 1.99 2.00 2.12 2.29 2.75 3.24 Kalmiopsis Wilderness 4.98 4.45 4.28 4.09 3.89 3.66 3.49 3.51 3.60 4.08 4.90 4.96 Kings Canyon 3.40 3.13 3.03 2.66 2.50 2.16 2.05 2.07 2.20 2.33 2.71 3.05 La Garita Wilderness 3.03 2.83 2.41 2.21 2.19 1.86 2.10 2.50 2.42 2.16 2.72 2.93 Lassen Volcanic NP 4.21 3.66 3.33 2.93 2.78 2.50 2.36 2.40 2.51 2.78 3.54 4.02 Lava Beds NM 4.64 4.04 3.68 3.37 3.15 2.89 2.62 2.65 2.82 3.32 4.21 4.56 Linville Gorge Wilderness 3.80 3.52 3.43 3.18 3.80 4.20 4.25 4.51 4.48 3.97 3.67 3.86 Lostwood Wilderness 3.77 3.66 3.67 2.86 2.79 3.07 3.11 2.82 2.80 2.99 3.93 3.95 Lye Brook Wilderness 3.53 3.26 3.27 3.20 3.36 3.48 3.70 3.93 4.04 3.82 3.63 3.61 Mammoth Cave NP 3.99 3.63 3.45 3.50 4.52 5.19 5.08 4.16 4.17 3.81 3.73 4.03 Marble Mountain Wilderness 4.85 4.32 4.16 3.92 3.76 3.53 3.44 3.46 3.51 3.86 4.63 4.78 Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness 2.89 2.82 2.52 2.49 2.45 2.04 2.22 2.57 2.54 2.26 2.71 2.80 Mazatzal Wilderness 2.60 2.40 2.03 1.53 1.42 1.21 1.66 2.06 1.90 1.77 2.10 2.55 Medicine Lake Wilderness 3.79 3.66 3.56 2.80 2.75 2.94 2.93 2.66 2.73 2.95 3.85 3.92 Mesa Verde NP 3.40 3.10 2.61 1.95 2.00 1.53 2.04 2.45 2.28 2.05 2.69 3.15 Mingo Wilderness 3.92 3.58 3.30 3.19 3.58 3.72 3.80 3.82 3.85 3.61 3.66 3.90 Mission Mountains Wilderness 4.24 3.79 3.38 3.10 3.08 3.04 2.68 2.59 2.96 3.48 4.17 4.26 Mokelumne Wilderness 3.81 3.38 3.04 2.51 2.34 2.02 1.86 1.88 2.02 2.27 2.91 3.52 Moosehorn Wilderness 3.80 3.42 3.32 3.50 3.47 3.60 3.98 4.15 4.31 4.02 3.97 3.99 Mount Adams Wilderness 5.24 4.74 4.34 4.18 3.91 3.66 3.41 3.51 3.93 4.78 5.36 5.44 Mount Baldy Wilderness 2.74 2.50 2.05 1.58 1.50 1.29 1.87 2.28 2.06 1.87 2.26 2.74 Mount Hood Wilderness 5.16 4.67 4.33 4.18 3.87 3.61 3.29 3.38 3.78 4.67 5.29 5.33 Mount Jefferson Wilderness 5.38 4.84 4.55 4.42 4.05 3.74 3.27 3.28 3.63 4.64 5.41 5.46 Mount Rainier NP 5.42 4.92 4.50 4.36 4.13 3.86 3.67 3.76 4.20 5.05 5.56 5.62 USFS-NPS-USFWS 47
Table 9. Monthly fSS(RH) - Sea Salt Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mount Washington Wilderness 5.61 5.03 4.81 4.71 4.24 3.91 3.31 3.25 3.60 4.73 5.59 5.62 Mount Zirkel Wilderness 2.85 2.83 2.61 2.61 2.67 2.24 2.10 2.23 2.38 2.31 2.75 2.78 Mountain Lakes Wilderness 4.89 4.26 3.93 3.67 3.40 3.11 2.82 2.83 3.04 3.67 4.68 4.91 North Absaroka Wilderness 3.18 2.97 2.83 2.66 2.64 2.35 2.02 1.89 2.16 2.53 3.03 3.13 North Cascades NP 5.03 4.65 4.22 4.08 3.88 3.68 3.53 3.70 4.13 4.78 5.24 5.25 Okefenokee Wilderness 4.13 3.83 3.82 3.69 3.85 4.38 4.28 4.51 4.48 4.31 4.18 4.27 Olympic NP 5.27 4.87 4.61 4.51 3.94 4.12 3.76 4.16 4.51 5.17 5.51 5.46 Otter Creek Wilderness 3.63 3.40 3.34 3.06 3.67 3.82 3.98 4.19 4.23 3.78 3.51 3.76 Pasayten Wilderness 5.09 4.67 4.18 4.00 3.84 3.58 3.45 3.58 3.99 4.71 5.25 5.30 Pecos Wilderness 2.91 2.64 2.25 1.97 2.00 1.78 2.15 2.57 2.44 2.09 2.56 2.83 Petrified Forest NP 2.93 2.66 2.11 1.66 1.53 1.30 1.81 2.26 2.03 1.91 2.40 2.88 Pine Mountain Wilderness 2.69 2.50 2.11 1.60 1.47 1.24 1.67 2.09 1.92 1.82 2.16 2.62 Pinnacles NM 3.94 3.97 3.99 3.12 2.94 2.67 2.54 2.63 2.65 2.80 2.96 3.36 Point Reyes NS 4.20 3.88 3.72 3.25 3.12 2.88 2.96 3.01 3.05 3.12 3.48 3.90 Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness 3.60 3.28 3.31 3.36 3.45 3.66 3.92 4.14 4.27 3.99 3.83 3.72 Rawah Wilderness 2.70 2.74 2.58 2.65 2.76 2.36 2.23 2.37 2.45 2.31 2.69 2.66 Red Rock Lakes Wilderness 3.51 3.18 2.91 2.67 2.63 2.41 2.06 1.94 2.20 2.63 3.29 3.46 Redwood NP 4.66 4.38 4.48 4.34 4.41 4.35 4.56 4.59 4.34 4.19 4.51 4.44 Rocky Mountain NP 2.44 2.56 2.47 2.64 2.75 2.37 2.26 2.36 2.41 2.20 2.51 2.41 Roosevelt Campobello International Park 3.82 3.43 3.32 3.52 3.47 3.61 3.96 4.13 4.29 4.02 3.99 4.01 Saguaro NP 2.24 2.00 1.69 1.21 1.20 1.08 1.67 2.13 1.86 1.65 1.89 2.44 Saint Marks Wilderness 4.18 3.89 3.82 3.76 3.85 4.30 4.49 4.54 4.39 4.19 4.15 4.30 Salt Creek Wilderness 2.72 2.37 1.88 1.77 1.96 1.87 2.15 2.44 2.59 2.12 2.26 2.56 San Gabriel Wilderness 3.12 3.04 3.04 2.77 2.78 2.69 2.69 2.77 2.79 2.74 2.59 2.79 San Gorgonio Wilderness 2.97 3.06 2.93 2.60 2.63 2.28 2.13 2.30 2.31 2.24 2.25 2.55 San Jacinto Wilderness 2.92 2.91 2.91 2.67 2.69 2.55 2.33 2.64 2.64 2.57 2.40 2.60 San Pedro Parks Wilderness 3.00 2.71 2.25 1.94 1.91 1.66 2.04 2.45 2.33 2.05 2.57 2.88 San Rafael Wilderness 3.49 3.35 3.34 3.00 2.99 2.90 2.97 3.04 3.09 3.00 2.86 3.12 Sawtooth Wilderness 4.05 3.53 2.89 2.53 2.44 2.18 1.66 1.61 1.76 2.38 3.55 4.00 Scapegoat Wilderness 3.97 3.57 3.27 3.04 3.01 2.96 2.60 2.51 2.83 3.30 3.86 3.93 Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness 4.20 3.71 3.21 2.86 2.80 2.66 2.18 2.09 2.39 3.06 3.96 4.20 Seney Wilderness 4.05 3.60 3.60 3.30 3.20 3.58 3.91 4.28 4.30 4.00 4.19 4.16 Sequoia NP 3.27 3.07 3.10 2.84 2.66 2.21 2.06 2.05 2.21 2.35 2.75 2.93 Shenandoah NP 3.44 3.17 3.17 2.90 3.42 3.66 3.78 3.97 3.98 3.56 3.28 3.62 Shining Rock Wilderness 3.90 3.55 3.43 3.21 3.82 4.22 4.28 4.48 4.48 4.06 3.76 3.92 Sierra Ancha Wilderness 2.62 2.42 2.02 1.53 1.42 1.22 1.73 2.14 1.95 1.81 2.15 2.62 Simeonof Wilderness 4.83 4.85 4.54 4.68 4.83 5.20 5.57 5.72 5.11 4.48 4.62 4.89 Sipsey Wilderness 3.94 3.60 3.36 3.28 3.72 4.06 4.18 4.14 4.13 3.91 3.74 3.96 South Warner Wilderness 4.32 3.75 3.31 2.94 2.77 2.51 2.13 2.15 2.31 2.83 3.71 4.19 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness 4.97 4.37 3.77 3.44 3.28 2.88 2.41 2.38 2.73 3.77 4.82 5.10 Superstition Wilderness 2.49 2.27 1.92 1.44 1.34 1.17 1.64 1.98 1.82 1.69 2.01 2.49 Swanquarter Wilderness 3.52 3.30 3.25 3.09 3.42 3.71 3.88 3.96 3.83 3.67 3.43 3.55 Sycamore Canyon Wilderness 2.78 2.62 2.22 1.68 1.55 1.27 1.67 2.17 2.00 1.90 2.25 2.69 Teton Wilderness 3.26 3.04 2.83 2.61 2.59 2.27 1.93 1.83 2.14 2.50 3.07 3.21 Theodore Roosevelt NP 3.67 3.56 3.51 2.93 2.97 3.09 2.96 2.72 2.72 2.93 3.75 3.78 48 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 9. Monthly fSS(RH) - Sea Salt Relative Humidity Adjustment Factor Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Thousand Lakes Wilderness 4.27 3.70 3.38 2.99 2.82 2.52 2.37 2.42 2.53 2.82 3.62 4.08 Three Sisters Wilderness 5.53 4.97 4.74 4.63 4.20 3.89 3.35 3.31 3.65 4.70 5.53 5.56 Tuxedni Wilderness 4.28 4.06 3.53 3.46 3.44 3.64 4.26 4.56 4.51 4.17 4.17 4.37 UL Bend Wilderness 3.44 3.22 3.12 2.79 2.70 2.67 2.42 2.18 2.35 2.77 3.34 3.40 Upper Buffalo Wilderness 3.85 3.47 3.23 3.27 3.72 3.78 3.69 3.70 3.84 3.64 3.67 3.86 Ventana Wilderness 3.91 3.76 3.70 3.08 2.93 2.69 2.69 2.75 2.80 2.87 3.06 3.48 Virgin Islands NP 3.17 3.12 3.04 3.15 3.19 3.17 3.18 3.31 3.30 3.36 3.39 3.28 Voyageurs NP 3.69 3.31 3.20 2.90 2.89 3.46 3.55 3.71 3.87 3.42 3.83 3.80 Washakie Wilderness 3.18 2.98 2.83 2.64 2.62 2.31 1.96 1.85 2.15 2.50 3.04 3.14 Weminuche Wilderness 3.08 2.85 2.39 2.11 2.09 1.77 2.05 2.46 2.36 2.12 2.69 2.95 West Elk Wilderness 3.00 2.87 2.49 2.36 2.33 1.94 2.10 2.44 2.43 2.20 2.72 2.89 Wheeler Peak Wilderness 3.00 2.76 2.35 2.11 2.15 1.92 2.17 2.63 2.52 2.18 2.71 2.93 White Mountain Wilderness 2.71 2.37 1.89 1.68 1.76 1.66 2.14 2.46 2.49 2.02 2.25 2.63 Wichita Mountains Wilderness 3.35 3.12 2.91 2.94 3.40 3.21 2.84 3.01 3.32 3.10 3.20 3.40 Wind Cave NP 3.25 3.20 3.13 3.01 3.22 3.06 2.75 2.68 2.63 2.75 3.28 3.24 Wolf Island Wilderness 4.03 3.74 3.66 3.55 3.72 4.20 4.20 4.46 4.42 4.22 4.08 4.15 Yellowstone NP 3.29 3.05 2.87 2.66 2.65 2.39 2.05 1.93 2.21 2.59 3.14 3.25 Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness 4.38 3.89 3.66 3.31 3.18 2.92 2.89 2.94 3.00 3.20 3.84 4.19 Yosemite NP 3.58 3.38 3.23 2.71 2.54 2.08 1.84 1.79 1.93 2.18 2.78 3.25 Zion NP 3.26 3.03 2.44 1.96 1.78 1.44 1.41 1.66 1.67 1.88 2.48 2.98 USFS-NPS-USFWS 49
Table 10. Monthly Average Natural Conditions Visual Range In Kilometers Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Acadia NP 173 177 177 174 174 173 170 169 167 171 171 170 Agua Tibia Wilderness 226 227 226 228 228 229 229 228 228 228 230 229 Alpine Lakes Wilderness 224 228 236 238 236 243 242 242 237 227 222 222 Anaconda Pintler Wilderness 256 259 262 267 268 271 273 272 271 269 265 259 Ansel Adams Wilderness 258 263 266 269 269 270 274 275 272 267 259 258 Arches NP 265 268 274 276 277 281 280 278 277 276 271 268 Badlands NP 233 233 233 234 232 233 235 236 236 236 232 233 Bandelier NM 269 272 276 280 281 283 278 274 276 277 274 269 Bering Sea Wilderness Big Bend NP 236 234 233 234 233 231 225 220 227 233 235 235 Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP 278 280 282 283 282 282 281 278 276 280 280 278 Bob Marshall Wilderness 257 259 262 263 263 266 265 262 262 264 260 258 Bosque del Apache Wilderness 249 252 256 259 259 260 255 252 253 256 253 249 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 184 187 189 190 190 191 193 194 191 188 184 184 Breton Wilderness 173 176 176 179 177 174 172 170 169 174 171 171 Bridger Wilderness 278 280 286 290 292 296 295 292 292 291 285 280 Brigantine Wilderness 159 161 161 161 160 158 156 157 158 160 160 159 Bryce Canyon NP 268 269 270 271 271 275 279 279 275 273 268 268 Cabinet Mountains Wilderness 252 254 253 255 251 251 249 247 247 248 252 251 Caney Creek Wilderness 174 177 180 183 183 183 186 186 183 179 174 173 Canyonlands NP 257 261 264 263 259 259 260 260 258 258 259 257 Cape Romain Wilderness 167 169 174 177 178 181 180 178 177 177 172 169 Capitol Reef NP 269 271 277 280 281 285 284 281 281 280 275 271 Caribou Wilderness 250 256 259 263 264 267 267 267 266 264 257 252 Carlsbad Caverns NP 266 271 276 277 275 276 272 270 267 274 271 267 Chassahowitzka Wilderness 171 173 174 175 175 171 171 169 169 171 171 170 Chiricahua NM 253 254 258 261 262 263 256 253 256 259 257 252 Chiricahua Wilderness 253 254 258 262 262 263 256 253 256 259 258 252 Cohutta Wilderness 181 184 185 187 183 180 180 179 179 181 183 181 Crater Lake NP 255 263 266 269 273 276 280 279 276 267 256 255 Craters of the Moon NM 245 248 252 255 255 257 261 261 259 255 248 246 Cucamonga Wilderness 263 264 264 267 267 268 268 267 267 267 268 266 Denali NP & Pres 257 257 261 263 263 261 257 251 250 252 254 254 Desolation Wilderness 270 275 279 285 287 290 292 292 290 287 280 273 Diamond Peak Wilderness 253 261 264 267 271 275 279 279 275 264 254 253 Dolly Sods Wilderness 197 200 201 203 204 206 206 205 205 204 203 200 Dome Land Wilderness 242 244 244 247 241 241 239 237 236 241 243 241 Eagle Cap Wilderness 229 234 241 245 245 249 252 253 249 240 230 227 Eagles Nest Wilderness 302 302 304 304 303 308 308 305 304 307 303 303 Emigrant Wilderness 242 245 248 253 254 258 259 259 258 256 250 245 Everglades NP 168 170 171 172 172 169 170 167 166 168 169 168 Fitzpatrick Wilderness 280 282 283 284 284 289 292 293 288 286 280 281 Flat Tops Wilderness 301 302 305 305 304 309 310 307 306 307 303 302 Galiuro Wilderness 254 255 258 262 262 263 259 256 258 259 257 252 Gates of the Mountains Wilderness 281 285 287 288 289 289 292 293 291 286 283 282 50 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 10. Monthly Average Natural Conditions Visual Range In Kilometers Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gearhart Mountain Wilderness 262 269 274 277 280 283 287 287 285 277 266 263 Gila Wilderness 275 278 282 285 285 286 278 278 279 282 279 275 Glacier NP 224 228 230 231 231 231 235 235 231 228 225 225 Glacier Peak Wilderness 233 237 243 245 245 249 250 248 244 236 231 231 Goat Rocks Wilderness 243 249 254 256 259 263 265 263 258 248 241 241 Grand Canyon NP 267 269 273 278 280 282 281 277 278 277 273 269 Grand Teton NP 274 278 277 276 275 273 270 268 266 269 272 273 Great Gulf Wilderness 192 192 195 195 195 197 196 193 193 196 192 192 Great Sand Dunes NP & Pres 255 260 260 263 257 254 253 252 251 255 257 255 Great Smoky Mountains NP 184 185 187 188 188 190 192 193 190 188 185 184 Guadalupe Mountains NP 265 270 276 278 276 276 271 268 266 274 271 266 Haleakala NP 232 234 234 235 237 238 236 236 237 235 232 233 Hawaii Volcanoes NP 243 246 246 246 246 246 244 243 244 243 238 243 Hells Canyon Wilderness 224 229 234 237 238 239 242 243 241 235 226 223 Hercules-Glades Wilderness 178 180 182 182 179 179 180 179 178 180 179 178 Hoover Wilderness 259 263 265 271 273 276 278 277 276 274 268 262 Isle Royale NP 182 185 184 186 187 183 179 179 177 184 179 179 James River Face Wilderness 181 183 187 187 186 188 192 193 193 191 185 182 Jarbidge Wilderness 245 246 246 249 244 243 242 240 239 243 246 243 John Muir Wilderness 256 260 261 264 258 254 254 253 252 255 258 256 Joshua Tree NP 242 246 247 251 252 255 256 256 255 253 249 246 Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness 186 187 187 189 189 190 190 189 188 189 189 188 Kaiser Wilderness 260 264 266 272 273 277 278 278 276 274 269 264 Kalmiopsis Wilderness 194 200 202 205 207 209 211 210 209 204 195 195 Kings Canyon 229 232 233 236 237 240 240 240 239 238 235 232 La Garita Wilderness 252 259 263 266 268 271 273 273 271 266 256 253 Lassen Volcanic NP 263 264 267 269 269 272 270 266 267 269 265 263 Lava Beds NM 244 250 253 257 258 261 261 261 260 258 251 246 Linville Gorge Wilderness 180 182 183 185 180 177 177 175 175 178 181 180 Lostwood Wilderness 229 230 228 234 235 232 232 234 235 233 227 227 Lye Brook Wilderness 196 198 197 197 196 195 194 192 191 192 195 195 Mammoth Cave NP 187 188 189 189 189 192 191 188 188 191 188 188 Marble Mountain Wilderness 251 255 256 254 242 235 237 249 248 252 254 250 Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness 274 281 284 287 289 291 292 291 291 286 276 275 Mazatzal Wilderness 252 253 256 260 261 263 259 256 258 258 256 252 Medicine Lake Wilderness 231 232 231 236 237 235 235 237 237 236 230 229 Mesa Verde NP 264 267 271 277 276 281 276 272 275 275 270 266 Mingo Wilderness 166 169 172 174 173 173 176 176 174 171 166 166 Mission Mountains Wilderness 249 252 254 255 251 250 250 249 249 251 251 249 Mokelumne Wilderness 252 259 263 266 269 272 275 273 268 257 251 250 Moosehorn Wilderness 159 163 166 167 170 172 174 173 170 162 158 157 Mount Adams Wilderness 242 248 251 253 258 262 267 267 262 250 241 241 Mount Baldy Wilderness 261 266 269 275 276 280 281 281 279 277 271 264 Mount Hood Wilderness 241 249 253 256 259 262 265 265 262 255 243 241 Mount Jefferson Wilderness 237 240 240 238 239 238 234 232 230 234 235 235 USFS-NPS-USFWS 51
Table 10. Monthly Average Natural Conditions Visual Range In Kilometers Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mount Rainier NP 215 220 224 226 228 231 233 232 227 218 213 213 Mount Washington Wilderness 216 223 224 225 230 234 240 241 237 225 217 216 Mount Zirkel Wilderness 296 296 297 296 295 300 301 300 298 299 296 296 Mountain Lakes Wilderness 284 285 286 287 287 290 294 295 292 288 284 284 North Absaroka Wilderness 246 251 256 258 260 262 264 261 256 249 244 244 North Cascades NP 243 246 246 247 246 241 243 240 240 242 243 242 Okefenokee Wilderness 162 166 168 169 174 173 176 172 169 163 160 161 Olympic NP 233 235 235 238 231 230 228 226 225 230 234 231 Otter Creek Wilderness 180 183 188 190 191 194 195 193 189 183 178 178 Pasayten Wilderness 269 271 274 277 276 279 276 272 272 276 272 269 Pecos Wilderness 294 297 303 308 310 313 307 302 304 305 300 294 Petrified Forest NP 269 271 274 279 280 282 278 275 276 277 274 270 Pine Mountain Wilderness 238 238 238 247 248 251 252 251 251 249 248 244 Pinnacles NM 211 215 216 222 223 226 225 224 224 223 219 214 Point Reyes NS 128 134 133 132 130 127 122 119 117 121 124 126 Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness 186 188 189 191 192 192 192 191 190 191 192 190 Rawah Wilderness 297 296 297 296 294 298 300 299 297 299 296 297 Red Rock Lakes Wilderness 261 264 263 266 264 265 261 261 264 266 262 264 Redwood NP 176 182 187 191 192 196 204 206 201 192 180 177 Rocky Mountain NP 261 265 265 262 263 262 258 256 254 258 259 259 Roosevelt Campobello Int Pk 170 173 173 175 172 169 169 166 166 168 171 170 Saguaro NP 252 250 250 248 247 251 252 251 250 252 250 252 Saint Marks Wilderness 182 185 189 190 188 189 187 185 184 187 186 184 Salt Creek Wilderness 245 247 247 250 250 251 251 250 250 250 251 249 San Gabriel Wilderness 262 262 264 268 268 272 273 271 271 271 271 267 San Gorgonio Wilderness 253 255 258 262 262 263 258 254 257 258 256 251 San Jacinto Wilderness 247 247 248 250 250 252 253 251 250 251 252 250 San Pedro Parks Wilderness 280 284 285 286 285 279 277 276 278 281 281 279 San Rafael Wilderness 243 246 250 253 253 256 252 248 249 252 247 244 Sawtooth Wilderness 259 263 269 272 272 274 278 278 277 273 263 259 Scapegoat Wilderness 249 253 255 257 257 257 260 261 258 254 249 249 Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness 251 256 261 264 265 266 270 271 268 262 253 251 Seney Wilderness 179 182 181 182 183 180 178 175 175 178 177 177 Sequoia NP 230 232 232 234 236 239 240 240 239 238 234 233 Shenandoah NP 191 193 193 195 191 190 189 187 186 190 192 190 Shining Rock Wilderness 193 196 197 199 194 191 190 188 188 192 195 193 Sierra Ancha Wilderness 252 253 256 260 261 263 259 256 257 258 256 252 Simeonof Wilderness 138 138 143 141 138 133 128 127 135 144 142 138 Sipsey Wilderness 176 178 180 181 178 175 174 174 174 176 178 176 South Warner Wilderness 243 249 253 256 258 260 263 263 261 257 249 245 Strawberry Mountain Wilderness 227 233 239 242 244 248 252 252 248 238 228 226 Superstition Wilderness 254 256 259 262 263 264 261 258 259 260 258 254 Swanquarter Wilderness 172 174 174 176 174 171 170 169 170 171 173 172 Sycamore Canyon Wilderness 267 268 272 277 278 281 277 273 274 275 272 268 Teton Wilderness 280 282 283 285 285 288 291 292 289 286 281 281 52 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Table 10. Monthly Average Natural Conditions Visual Range In Kilometers Class I Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Theodore Roosevelt NP 223 228 231 234 235 238 238 238 237 235 229 225 Thousand Lakes Wilderness 258 259 258 263 262 261 262 265 265 263 256 257 Three Sisters Wilderness 217 223 225 227 231 234 240 240 236 226 217 217 Tuxedni Wilderness 195 198 205 206 206 204 195 192 192 196 196 194 UL Bend Wilderness 235 236 236 237 238 238 240 242 241 238 234 235 Upper Buffalo Wilderness 177 180 182 182 178 178 179 179 177 179 179 177 Ventana Wilderness 213 215 216 223 225 227 227 227 226 225 223 218 Virgin Islands NP 188 189 190 188 187 188 187 185 185 184 183 185 Voyageurs NP 177 179 179 181 180 176 176 175 174 178 175 176 Washakie Wilderness 270 272 272 273 273 276 279 280 277 274 270 270 Weminuche Wilderness 272 273 276 277 277 281 280 276 276 279 275 273 West Elk Wilderness 298 301 305 308 308 312 309 305 306 308 303 300 Wheeler Peak Wilderness 296 300 306 308 307 309 303 300 299 304 301 297 White Mountain Wilderness 265 267 271 273 272 275 273 268 269 272 267 265 Wichita Mountains Wilderness 232 233 232 233 231 233 235 235 236 235 231 232 Wind Cave NP 246 248 250 250 247 249 252 250 247 249 248 246 Wolf Island Wilderness 173 175 176 177 176 172 172 170 170 171 173 172 Yellowstone NP 280 282 283 284 284 287 290 291 288 285 280 280 Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness 246 251 254 258 259 262 261 260 260 258 251 248 Yosemite NP 243 245 246 252 253 257 259 259 258 256 251 246 Zion NP 247 249 254 257 259 262 262 260 260 258 254 250 USFS-NPS-USFWS 53
3.4. Ozone appear (Guderian et al. 1985). Plants must expend energy to detoxify ozone and repair injured tissue that could otherwise 3.4.1. Introduction (Revised) be used for growth or for maintenance of plant health.
Ozone is an air pollutant that forms on warm, sunny days The injured plant cells eventually die if detoxification and when precursor emissionsnitrogen oxides (NOx) and repair cannot keep up with ozone uptake. The mesophyll volatile organic compounds (VOCs)react in the presence cells under the upper epidermis of leaves are the most of sunlight. Because ozone is a regional pollutant, precursor sensitive to ozone, and those are the first cells to die. The sources both near and far from FLM areas can contribute to adjacent epidermal cells then die, forming a small black ozone formation. or brown interveinal necrotic lesion that becomes visible on the upper surface of the leaf. These visible lesions Ozone is phytotoxic, causing damage to vegetation most frequently begin to develop on leaves that have just throughout the world (Ashmore et al. 2004). Some plant become fully matured, with older leaves on a stem showing species are more sensitive to ozone than are humans (EPA increased amounts of injury. These lesions, termed oxidant 2007b). Ozone pollution has been shown to reduce plant stipple7, are quite specific indicators that the plant has been growth, alter species composition, and predispose trees to exposed to ozone. Other plant symptoms that can result insect and disease attack. Ozone also causes direct foliar from exposure to ozone, with or without the presence of injury to many plant species. Affected leaves are often oxidant stipple, include chlorosis, premature senescence, marked with discoloration and lesions, and they age more and reduced growth. However, these symptoms are non-rapidly than normal leaves (EPA 2007b). specific for ozone since other stressors (e.g., disease, insects) can also cause them to occur. Further, these non-specific FLAG is intended to provide information to assist the symptoms are difficult to quantify in natural ecosystems, FLMs in identifying ozone impacts to vegetation on lands although limited data are available from exposure response they manage. Therefore, the objectives of this chapter experiments to estimate growth losses from specific ozone are to document information currently known about exposures. In general, the only indicator that a FLM has vegetation response to ozone exposure, and to describe to document that ozone has impacted vegetation is visible FLM procedures for responding to new source review symptoms of injury such as oxidant stipple.
(NSR) permit applications. If the FLMs have evidence that ozone is adversely impacting an area they manage, they will In addition to affecting individual plants, ozone can also recommend that additional emissions of ozone precursors affect entire ecosystems. Research shows that plants growing are minimized until those adverse impacts are mitigated. in areas with high exposure to ambient ozone may undergo natural selection for ozone tolerance (EPA 2007b). The final 3.4.2. Ozone Effects on Vegetation (Revised) result could be the elimination of the most ozone-sensitive Most ozone effects research has focused on agricultural genotypes from the area. Regardless of the amount of crops. However, research has identified many native ozone exposure, the magnitude of plant response may vary plants in natural ecosystems that are sensitive to ozone depending on the geographic area because of changes in (EPA 1996e). Some of these ozone-sensitive plant species meteorological and climatic conditions, and differences have been used as bioindicators of ozone to document in plant conditions in space and time. Factors of most phytotoxicity of ozone in the field due to ambient ozone. A importance that influence plant response to ozone are the listing of key literature describing known ozone effects on species/genotype, soil moisture, and nitrogen availability.
native vegetation is provided in Appendix G. Other factors influencing plant response to ozone include nutrient status, atmospheric humidity, temperature, solar The definitions for ozone injury and damage used by FLMs radiation, phenological stage of development, carbon are based on the classical definitions (for example, see dioxide concentrations, day length, regional climatic Guderian 1977). Injury is all physical or biological responses differences, other pollutant interactions, and population/
to pollutants, such as change in metabolism, reduced ecosystem interactions (EPA 2007b).
photosynthesis, leaf necrosis, premature leaf drop, and chlorosis. Damage is reduction in the intended use or value Changes in growth, ecosystem form or function, or of the biological or physical resource; for example, economic biological or genetic diversity caused by ozone have been production, ecological structure and function, aesthetic difficult to document in natural ecosystems. However, value, and biological or genetic diversity that may be altered recent research in Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the impact of pollutants. showed that in years with high ozone, tree growth was Ozone enters plants through leaf stomata. It oxidizes plant 7. Specific symptoms of ozone injury in some plant species are tissue, causing changes in biochemical and physiological different. A few species develop white or tan rather than brown or black processes. These biochemical and physiological changes lesions. This is termed fleck or weather fleck instead of oxidant occur within the leaf long before visible necrotic symptoms stipple. In conifers, ozone causes banding of necrotic and green tissue near the tips of older needles, termed chlorotic mottle.
54 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
significantly reduced and trees had increased rates of included in the NPS and FWS ARIS data base referenced water loss (McLaughlin et al. 2007a). Increased water loss previously, and will be updated as necessary. The ARIS web resulted in soil moisture depletion and reduced late-season site is as follows:
streamflows (McLaughlin et al. 2007b). The experiment was
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/permits/aris/index.
conducted over a range of forest types and included several cfm different tree species. These findings may have implications for climate change. Climate change is predicted to increase In addition, the NPS has evaluated the risk to vegetation temperatures and drought conditions in some areas. Ozone from ozone exposure at approximately 270 park units. The may exacerbate the effects of drought by increasing water ozone risk assessment can be found at:
loss from trees.
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Permits/ARIS/
Given the difficulty in determining ozone-induced networks/ozonerisk.cfm physiological or growth changes in natural ecosystems, Forest Service pertinent ozone information, including a list FLMs will utilize as indicators of ozone effects on vegetation of ozone sensitive species, can be found at:
(1) symptoms that are clearly ozone induced such as oxidant stipple, and (2) ozone exposures that have been shown to be -- http://www.fs.fed.us/air phytotoxic. 3.4.5. Review Process for Sources that Could 3.4.3. Established Metrics to Determine Affect Ozone Levels or Vegetation in FLM Areas Phytotoxic Ozone Concentrations (Revised) (Revised)
EPA has set primary and secondary ozone standards to As mentioned above, NOx and VOC are ozone precursors.
protect human health and welfare. On March 12, 2008, States and the EPA have based ozone control strategies EPA revised the primary and secondary ozone standards in various parts of the country on the determination of to 0.075 ppm (8-hour standard). On January 6, 2010, the which precursor is most likely to influence the formation EPA proposed further strengthening of the primary (human of ozone. Information suggests that in areas where ozone health) ozone standard and establishing a new secondary formation is driven by VOC emissions, i.e., VOC-limited ozone standard to protect ecosystems and sensitive plants areas, VOC to NOx ratios are less than 4:1. In VOC-(EPA 2010b). For questions regarding site specific issues limited areas, minimizing or reducing VOC emissions is the applicant is encouraged to consult with the FLM. More the most effective means of limiting or lowering ozone detailed discussions regarding other ozone metrics may concentrations. Conversely, in NOx-limited areas, where be available on the respective agency web sites provided in VOC to NOx ratios are greater than 15:1, controlling NOx section 3.4.7. emissions is most effective. It is generally thought that most rural areas of the U.S. are NOx-limited, most or all of 3.4.4. Identification of Ozone Sensitive AQRVs or the time, with the possible exception of the rural areas of Sensitive Receptors (Revised) southern California. The FLMs do not have current data to show that all areas are not NOx limited, nor do they FLMs have determined that given the high ecological, consider VOCs to be unimportant as ozone precursors.
aesthetic, and intrinsic value of federal lands, special However, until there is enough information available for attention should be given to native species. Ideally, FLAG to determine whether ozone formation in each FLM protection efforts would focus on the identification and area is primarily limited by NOx or VOC emissions, we will protection of at risk native species in an area. Unfortunately, assume all FLM areas are NOx-limited and will focus on AQRV identification is limited by incomplete species control of NOx emissions. Where FLMs have information inventories and/or lack of exposure/response data for most indicating a specific area is VOC limited, they will shift the species of native vegetation. Sensitive species identification ozone protection strategy to focus on VOC rather than NOx will improve as more information becomes available. In the emissions.
meantime, the Agencies are providing lists of sensitive plant species for each Class I area, i.e., those species that have The FLMs recognize that oxidant stipple can occur at been observed to exhibit ozone symptoms at ambient ozone hourly ozone concentrations that can be considered natural exposures. This information is available at the respective background levels (Singh et al. 1978). Many of the high agency web sites (see below). However, those ambient levels hourly background concentrations can be attributed to have not necessarily occurred at the specific Class I area stratospheric intrusions or stratospheric mixing in the upper where the plants occur. troposphere (Singh et al. 1978); but stratospheric intrusions rarely occur in the middle and southern latitudes after May Since FLAG 2000, the FLMs have acquired additional (Singh et al. 1980, Wooldridge et al. 1997), and thus do not information regarding ozone effects to vegetation, including coincide with the major portion of the growing season.
lists of ozone sensitive species. Much of this information is USFS-NPS-USFWS 55
However, oxidant stipple has been observed on foliage in impact in the area they manage. The decisions are based on the spring when these intrusions can occur. In general, the FLM interpretation of regulations, past experience in the oxidant stipple observed on foliage from June through NSR arena, availability of ozone effect exposure/response September cannot be attributed to natural background information for species that occur in the area, and other ozone from stratospheric sources. Low levels of ambient factors. The FLM may also consider current trends in ozone ozone may occasionally occur in the troposphere from non- exposures and meteorological conditions during peak ozone anthropogenic and non-stratospheric sources. exposures (because dry soil conditions may induce plants to close stomates to limit water loss, thus limiting ozone The occurrence of oxidant stipple necrosis on plant foliage uptake), as well as expected reductions in ozone precursor may indicate further ozone induced physiological and emissions. The FLM will negotiate with the NSR permit growth impacts. Point sources emit precursors that could applicant and the permitting authority regarding possible produce ozone at the FLM area, and increased ozone could mitigation strategies (e.g., using more efficient emissions induce further injury or damage to vegetation. However, we control technologies, obtaining emission offsets, etc.).
assume that restriction on increases in ozone precursors will prevent additional ambient ozone and subsequent increases 3.4.6. Further Guidance to FLMs (Revised) in injury or damage to vegetation in FLM managed areas. It As mentioned above, limited information about ozone is important that ambient ozone monitoring be conducted exposure/response relationships in plants and lack of an by the State or Local air pollution control agency or by the ozone source/receptor model make it difficult to protect FLM to determine the seasonal ozone exposure.
FLM areas from the effects of ozone from new sources.
FLM actions or specific requests on a permit application will However, there are other area-specific gaps in information be based on the existing air pollution situation at the FLM that also limit protection efforts. It is important for local area(s) that may be affected by the source. Some FLMs may, land managers to attempt to collect the missing information.
with appropriate documentation, rely on growth loss rather This section provides guidance specifically to FLMs on what than foliar necrosis to make an adverse impact finding. types of data should be collected and how the data could be Each FLM will determine if actions are warranted to limit collected.
emissions that might lead to increased ambient ozone, based Identifying and Monitoring Ozone-sensitive AQRVs on the expected impact of ozone in their particular area.
Although many FLM areas have identified ozone-sensitive FLM response will depend on whether or not: plant species in their areas, most areas need more details
-- ozone specific vegetation effects have been regarding plant species location and abundance. FLAG documented in the area (as evidenced by foliar injury recommends FLMs gather this information, where needed, or damage to vegetation); and refine their lists of area-specific ozone-sensitive plants.
The FLMs have placed ozone sensitive plant species lists
-- ozone exposure levels occurring in the area are high for many of their areas in the NRIS-AIR or Air Resources enough that they could affect vegetation (i.e., ozone Information System databases.
exposures are at levels shown to be phytotoxic).
FLAG recommends that once local FLMs have developed For a project that exceeds the initial annual emissions over lists of potentially sensitive AQRVs specific for their site, they distance (Q/D) screening criteria, Figure 6 outlines the conduct surveys to detect the presence of ozone-induced general FLM review process for responding to NSR permit foliar injury on the selected species. The USFS Forest Health applications based on ozone exposure and vegetation Monitoring (FHM) Program and the National Park Service effects at the receptor site. As noted in Figure 6, ambient Inventory and Monitoring Program have developed foliar ozone concentrations are considered along with data from injury survey protocols and QA/QC procedures that can exposure response studies (EPA 2007b) to determine be used to collect this information. Another resource is whether a source will cause or contribute to phytotoxic the foliar injury training module developed by the NPS Air ozone levels (i.e., levels toxic to plants) at the affected site.
Resources Division and The Pennsylvania State University, The FLM may ask the applicant to calculate the ozone available at http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/edu/O3Training/
exposure values if these data are not already available. Ozone index.cfm. This module helps field staff identify and quantify damage to vegetation is determined from field observations ozone injury symptoms on plant foliage. Field crews should at the impacted site.
obtain proper training and field experience in identifying Management decisions regarding acceptance of an existing foliar injury symptoms before surveys can be conducted.
or future ozone exposure will be area-specific and may differ Ideally, to verify ozone-induced foliar injury symptoms in significantly between agencies, or even regionally within the field, exposure/response fumigation studies should be agencies. Each FLM will determine if injury and/or damage conducted on these species, using concentrations that reflect are necessary to warrant action, based on the expected current ambient exposure. Plants should also be tested at 56 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
higher exposures, simulating increased levels of ambient protocols developed by the EPA and the state air quality ozone that might occur in the future. Due to the expense agency. Continuous monitoring is desirable to determine of constructing and operating such systems, it would be the temporal dynamics of ozone exposure for vegetation.
most appropriate for agencies to join resources and develop Unfortunately, continuous monitoring is expensive and regional fumigation facilities. At a minimum, such facilities requires electric power that is often not available in or near should be constructed both in the eastern and western U.S., remote FLM areas. When installing a continuous monitor is since ambient conditions at an eastern facility might not be not an option, FLAG recommends use of passive monitors.
appropriate for western species and vice versa. Passive monitors give total exposure loading values (SUM00) for a specified period of time. The data are useful for Ambient Ozone Monitoring indicating year-to-year changes in total ozone exposure Many FLM areas do not currently have either on-site or at an individual site, and for indicating where continuous nearby ambient ozone monitoring data. FLAG recommends monitors should be installed. However, FLMs recognize the that local FLMs make every effort to collect this information limitation of passive samplers in relating ozone exposure to and that they use quality-assured ambient ozone monitoring plant response.
Figure 6. FLM Assessment of Potential Ozone Effects from New Emissions Source (Revised)
- Q/D test only applies to sources located greater that 50 km from a Class I area.
- Note: Ambient ozone concentrations are considered along with data from exposure response studies (EPA 2007b) to determine whether a source will cause or contribute to phytotoxic ozone levels (i.e., levels toxic to plants) at the affected site.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 57
3.4.7. Ozone Air Pollution Web Sites (Revised) In this section, the Agencies focus on S and N deposition and associated effects to ecosystems, but other potentially EPA ozone information:
damaging pollutants are routinely deposited. For example,
-- http://www.epa.gov/ozone mercury emitted from coal-fired powerplants, incinerators, and other sources deposits into ecosystems and accumulates
-- http://www.epa.gov/castnet to sometimes toxic levels in fish and wildlife (EPA 1997).
NPS ozone information: EPA sampled fish from over 75,000 lakes nationwide and found that mercury concentrations in large predatory fish
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/permits/aris/index.
exceeded the human health screening value for mercury in cfm nearly half the lakes (EPA 2009b). The Great Waters Program
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Monitoring/network. found that, in addition to mercury, airborne toxics including cfm dioxins, furans, polycyclic organic matter, polychlorinated
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/studies/ecoOzone.cfm biphenyls (PCBs), and pesticides are deposited widely across the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake Bay, Lake Champlain, FWS Information:
and many coastal estuaries, posing ecological and human
-- http://www.fws.gov/refuges/whm/AirQuality/index. health risks (EPA 2000a). Even in relatively remote western html and Alaska national parks, deposition has increased concentrations of certain toxic compounds in fish and U.S. Forest Service information:
wildlife above health thresholds (Landers et al. 2008).
-- http://www.fs.fed.us/air Federal Land Managers (FLMs) have documented the
-- http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/atdep effects of S and N deposition on many air quality related Ozone effects research, USDA ARS, North Carolina: values (AQRVs). Documented effects include acidification of lakes, streams, and soils; leaching of nutrients from soils;
-- http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=8453 injury to high-elevation spruce forests; changes in terrestrial Ozone exposure metrics for vegetation: and aquatic species composition and abundance; changes in nutrient cycling; unnatural fertilization of terrestrial
-- http://www.asl-associates.com/ ecosystems; and eutrophication of estuarine and some lake systems. FLMs recognize that other undocumented effects 3.5. Deposition may also be occurring.
3.5.1. Introduction (Revised) The FLAG deposition subgroup was formed to identify Atmospheric deposition has been studied extensively common approaches among these agencies for evaluating throughout the world, beginning in the 1800s in England, atmospheric deposition and its effects on AQRVs. In Sweden, Norway, and Germany. Research has primarily addition, the subgroup was directed to recommend methods focused on the deposition of acidic pollutants and long-term for establishing critical deposition loading values (critical acidification. Many publications describe current conditions, loads) and, where possible, recommend such critical loads monitoring and modeling methods, and the results of for specific areas. These tasks were assigned to Phase I or acidification experiments. In the United States, research on Phase II, depending on their degree of difficulty.
acidification was first begun in 1962 at Hubbard Brook, New During the scoping process, the FLAG Deposition Hampshire. Subsequent work in the Adirondack lakes and Subgroup determined that Phase I tasks would include the other areas furthered the understanding of acid deposition summarization of information currently available about effects. It is now recognized that, in addition to causing deposition and its effects on FLM areas and the development acidification, deposition of pollutants can affect many of recommendations on methods to model and evaluate ecosystem characteristics, including nutrient cycling and current and future deposition and its effects on AQRVs. In biological diversity.
addition, critical load values, where available from previous Although much progress has been made to control sulfur FLM guidance documents, would be referenced. FLMs dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, deposition of sulfur agreed that site-specific AQRV and critical load information (S) and nitrogen (N) compounds continues to be a problem would be maintained on FLM web sites, rather than in North America and Europe (EPA 2007a). As a result, included in the Phase I report. In this way, the information certain sensitive freshwater lakes and streams continue to can be updated and the most recent versions made quickly lose acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) and sensitive soils available to the public. Some of this information is already continue to be acidified. Other ecosystems, including forests, available on FLM web sites, and the FLMs are committed to grasslands, estuaries, and N-limited lakes exhibit unwanted entering remaining available information as soon as possible.
fertilization and other effects from excess N deposition.
58 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
The subgroup recognizes that the development and decreased in nearly all parts of the country. Nitrate, however, refinement of site-specific critical load values for all FLM has increased in many areas and ammonium, another areas are crucial for AQRV protection. However, because component of N deposition, has also increased significantly of the complexity of this undertaking, and the lack of in many areas, particularly in the West (Lehmann et al.
information for many areas, it was deferred to future FLAG 2005). Publications on trends in deposition are available development. from NADP at:
Future deposition effects work will involve developing -- http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/lib/
methods for establishing critical deposition loading values In this chapter, it is assumed that S is deposited into the for FLM areas, and establishing critical loads for areas environment primarily as sulfate ion and N is deposited with adequate information. For areas lacking sufficient primarily as inorganic nitrate and ammonium ions. Other information to determine critical loads, strategies will ionic forms of S and N occur in the atmosphere, but be developed to obtain needed information. Previously information on their deposition into ecosystems is limited.
established critical loads will be reviewed and refined For example, organic N in deposition is not routinely as necessary. The subgroup will also explore alternative measured because of the expense and complexity of the methods for estimating background deposition rates, measurements. Organic N includes peroxyacetyl nitrate including extrapolation techniques or modeling that (PAN) (produced in the atmosphere by nitrogen oxides considers the spatial scale of ecosystems and differences and hydrocarbon reactions), urea, and amino acids. Both in elevation. Methods for addressing problems with dry natural and anthropogenic processes contribute to organic deposition and cloud and fog deposition measurements will N formation, including industry, agriculture, biomass also be considered. In addition, future work may provide burning, and biological activity. Limited monitoring suggests research or monitoring recommendations to improve our that organic N deposition varies widely, but on average understanding of deposition and its effects, including effects constitutes about 30 percent of total N (Neff et al. 2002) on cultural resources.
3.5.3. Identification and Assessment of AQRVs 3.5.2. Current Trends in Deposition (Revised) (Revised)
Title IV of the Clean Air Act was passed by Congress as AQRVs sensitive to pollutant deposition have been identified part of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments to reduce in various documents published by the USFS, NPS, and emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from fossil FWS, which are listed in the General References of fuel-burning power plants in order to reduce deposition of S Appendix G of this report. The FLMs have previously used and N compounds and protect ecosystems suffering damage a combination of approaches to identify AQRVs, including from acid deposition. Since the implementation of Title IV, national and regional workshops, regional reviews, and wet sulfate deposition, a major component of acid rain, has site-specific studies. AQRV identification was based on significantly decreased. Average annual sulfate deposition in information from peer-reviewed scientific literature and the Northeast in 2000-2002 was 40% lower than it was in expert judgment. Because information on AQRVs may 1989-1991, deposition in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest was change as new data become available, the FLMs agree that 35% lower, and deposition in the Southeast was 25% lower AQRV information will be made available on FLM web sites (NAPAP 2005). to allow for updating and improve accessibility, as discussed Wet nitrate deposition, on the other hand, has not decreased in the Introduction to this chapter.
regionally from historical levels because of the relatively Information on AQRVs for many USFS Class I areas can be moderate reduction in nitrogen oxides from power plants found at and the continuing large contribution (over 50% of total nitrogen oxides emissions) from other sources of nitrogen -- http://www.fs.fed.us/air oxides such as vehicles and nonroad vehicles (NAPAP 2005). The USFS is currently adding to and updating this Deposition monitoring data can be used to identify information.
decreases in S and N deposition due to decreases in Information on AQRVs for NPS Class I areas and some FWS emissions. The National Atmospheric Deposition Program Class I areas is available from NPS Air Web at:
(NADP) provides one of the best and most comprehensive long-term records of wet deposition chemistry in the -- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air U.S. Annual reports on deposition nationwide as well as Information on AQRVs for FWS Class I areas is under deposition trend plots for all NADP sites are available at development at:
http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/. An analysis of long-term trends (1985-2004) in precipitation chemistry from NADP sites -- http://www.fws.gov/refuges/whm/AirQuality/index.
across the U.S. found that concentrations of sulfate have html USFS-NPS-USFWS 59
Table 11. Indicators for monitoring and evaluating effects from deposition of S and N (Revised)
Ecosystem Indicators for Sulfur Deposition Freshwater Chemical change (ANC depression), changes in phytoplankton and benthic community composition, species diversity, biomass Terrestrial Leaching of soil cations, soil acidification, mobilization of aluminum ions; Lichen species and vitality Estuarine Saltwater not sensitive to S deposition; leaching of nutrients may occur in sandy nearshore soils Ecosystem Indicators for Nitrogen Deposition Freshwater Chemical change (ANC depression), changes in phytoplankton and benthic community composition, species diversity, biomass Terrestrial Changes in: litter and soil carbon and N dynamics; biomass; soil N processes; litter decomposition rates; soil microbe functional groups; soil organic matter quality and quantity; soil water chemistry; Lichen species and vitality Estuarine Changes in: phytoplankton species composition and biomass; aquatic invertebrates; seagrass health and distribution; nutrient ratios; dissolved oxygen; trophic status FLMs recommend that permit applicants consult with among FLMs that certain soil fauna (e.g., microorganisms the appropriate FLM to determine the need for an AQRV and invertebrates) are very sensitive to deposition and can be analysis and, if applicable, the methods for the analysis. used as sensitive receptors.
All FLMs use a similar conceptual approach to identify In terrestrial ecosystems, sulfate production is regulated AQRVs that reflects the FLMs interest in maintaining the primarily by chemical processes (Johnson et al. 1983) integrity of ecosystem structure and function and protecting and it is rarely a limiting nutrient. Soil response to acidic the most sensitive ecosystem components. AQRVs can deposition can be evaluated by monitoring the leaching of be categorized by the type of ecosystem in which they essential soil cations, soil acidification, and mobilization of are found, such as terrestrial, freshwater, and estuarine ionic aluminum. These processes have been studied both in ecosystems. Each ecosystem and its AQRVs responds field and laboratory experiments, and are defined in detail somewhat differently to deposition and approaches to in the literature (Mollitor and Raynal 1983; Richter et al.
evaluating deposition effects must therefore be developed 1983; Johnson et al. 1983; Reuss and Johnson 1986). Effects accordingly. In terrestrial ecosystems, detection of changes of S deposition can be detected by monitoring calcium in production, decomposition, and nutrient cycling and magnesium ions and S in the litter layer and surface processes provide information on deposition stress. In soils; calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfate ions in aquatic and estuarine ecosystems, detection of changes in soil solution; cation exchange capacity (CEC); and base water chemistry and aquatic community composition and saturation.
structure provide similar information. Table 11 summarizes AQRV indicators that may be used to assess effects in various In general, biological AQRVs do not provide reliable ecosystems. indicators of S deposition in terrestrial ecosystems except under extreme S deposition. Lichens have been used in Terrestrial, freshwater, and estuarine AQRVs are discussed some areas as biomonitors to demonstrate spatial trends below. In addition, methods to evaluate S- and N-induced in S deposition, particularly in areas with pronounced S deposition stress are discussed. deposition gradients. For example, isotopic analysis of lichens from Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Colorado, indicated that Terrestrial Ecosystems power plants in the nearby Yampa Valley were the source of Terrestrial ecosystem AQRVs include flora, fauna, and elevated S in the lichens (Jackson et al. 1996).
soils. FLMs have identified, where possible, AQRVs, or characteristics of AQRVs, most likely to be sensitive to S Unlike S, the production and mobility of N in ecosystems and N deposition (sensitive receptors). For example, is regulated almost entirely by biological processes. N is a high-elevation spruce forests may be sensitive receptors. limiting nutrient in many terrestrial ecosystems. In these FLMs assess the condition of these sensitive receptors ecosystems, growth of plants is limited by N availability; by evaluating some aspect of the receptor (the sensitive additional N from atmospheric inputs increases plant receptor indicator or indicator). For example, an growth. Most ecosystems can retain and process significant indicator for high-elevation red spruce forests is the additions of N, with resulting increases in production and occurrence and extent of winter foliar injury. In general, changes in species diversity, biomass, and nutrient cycling.
the FLM has focused on deposition effects to vegetation However, these changes are usually considered to be and chemical receptors in terrestrial ecosystems, with little inconsistent with desired ecosystem conditions for natural emphasis on fauna. In addition, there is increasing awareness areas. The ability to retain and process N varies significantly 60 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
depending on watershed successional status, site and fire and organic N compounds in soils, which are important history, soil conditions, vegetation, and other nonhuman nutrient and energy sources for both terrestrial and aquatic factors. When N inputs exceed an ecosystems assimilation ecosystems (Grandy et al. 2008; Aber et al. 1995; Sinsabaugh capacity, N is lost or leached, usually as nitrate, from the soil et al. 2005). These could also be used as indicators of N and can be detected in adjacent streams or lakes. This may deposition effects. However, because there are many other occur following a major disturbance such as fire, logging, variables that also affect soil processes, it may be very land use change, grazing, agriculture, or where atmospheric difficult to discern effects on any soil indicators that are N deposition or experimental inputs exceed what the solely attributable to N.
ecosystem can assimilate (Fenn and Dunn 1989; Fenn 1991, Fenn et al. 1996; Adams et al. 1997). Freshwater Ecosystems AQRVs in freshwater ecosystems include lakes and streams Studies in northern Europe (Dise and Wright 1995) found and their associated flora and fauna. Sensitive receptors that European forests leached detectable levels of nitrate at include water chemistry and clarity, phytoplankton, inputs of about 10-25 kilograms N per hectare per year (kg zooplankton, fish, amphibians, macroinvertebrates, N ha1yr1). Tundra and high-elevation alpine sites may leach and benthic organisms. Water chemistry indicators that N at much lower levels of input. Mountain watersheds in respond to deposition include pH, ANC, conductance, the western U.S. show signs of N leakage at wet deposition cations and anions, metals, and dissolved oxygen. Physical levels of 3-5 kg N ha-1yr-1 (Eilers et al. 1994; Williams et al. indicators, such as water clarity, and biological indicators, 1996; Williams and Tonnessen, in review). However, even including species diversity, abundance, condition factor high elevation, poorly vegetated ecosystems with limited soil and productivity of fish, amphibians, macroinvertebrates, development can process more than 80% of the atmospheric and plankton can also be used to detect deposition effects N input before it reaches the aquatic system (Campbell et in aquatic ecosystems. Much research has been done on al. 1995, Kendall et al. 1995). Although nitrogen leaching the sensitivity of aquatic species to deposition, many of has often been used as an indicator of excess N deposition, which are discussed in the 1990 National Acid Precipitation major changes occur in below and above-ground biomass, Assessment Program (NAPAP) State of Science report species diversity, and nutrient cycling long before N input (NAPAP 1991a) and the 1998 NAPAP report (NAPAP 1998).
levels are sufficient to cause nitrate leaching (NAPAP 1993; Tilman et al. 1997; Vitousek et al. 1997). For example, with Sulfur is not a limiting nutrient in freshwater ecosystems.
ambient deposition rates of 7-10 kg N ha1yr1, a Minnesota However, there are regions of the U.S. where a relatively Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) grassland study high percentage of surface water is sensitive to current acidic observed shifts from native, warmseason grasses to low inputs. These include portions of the Northeast (particularly diversity mixtures dominated by coolseason grasses and Maine and the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains),
a greater than 50% decline in species richness (Wedin southeastern streams, and some high elevation western and Tilman 1996; Tilman et al. 1997). Significant losses lakes, particularly in the Rocky Mountains (NAPAP 2005).
in terrestrial diversity may have already occurred over There are a number of FLM areas in acid-sensitive regions, extensive areas of the U.S., particularly in forest understories, including national parks, national forests, and wilderness shrublands, grasslands, and in soil microbial communities. areas. In these areas, S deposition can cause decreases (Suding et al. 2005; Weiss 2006). in ANC and pH. For these sensitive or low-ANC waters, the best approach to quantify S deposition effects is the Because significant ecological changes may occur before procedure currently used, monitoring changes in ANC and nitrate loss can be detected, more sensitive indicators than pH.
nitrate leaching are needed to evaluate N deposition effects.
Such indicators include changes in carbon and N dynamics Nitrogen deposition, like S deposition, can cause episodic of litter and soil and biomass (Aber and Driscoll 1997; acidification of surface water in certain sensitive high-Magill et al. 1997). With knowledge of inputs and small- elevation ecosystems that have low-ANC headwater lakes scale N fertilization studies, changes in soil organic matter and streams. Episodic acidification occurs in these areas quality and quantity in response to N deposition can be when deposition is as low as 3-5 kg N ha-1yr-1 (Williams et al.
evaluated. Soil microbial communities control the quantity 1996).
and quality of N available to ecosystems and may be very sensitive indicators of N deposition. Changes in soil microbe Estuarine Ecosystems functional groups or biomass may provide good estimates AQRV sensitive receptors in estuarine ecosystems include of ecosystem critical loads and incremental effects. Soil N plankton, sea grasses, and water chemistry and clarity.
mineralization, small root growth, and carbon:nitrogen Associated coastal forest and dune soils may also be useful as ratios of soil and microbial biomass are also sensitive to sensitive receptors. Water and soil nutrient concentrations, N deposition. Evidence suggests that current deposition phytoplankton species composition and abundance, sea rates may alter the production of dissolved organic carbon USFS-NPS-USFWS 61
grass health, and dissolved oxygen concentrations can be Significance of Long-Term Monitoring to Evaluate used to evaluate deposition effects. Trends and Validate Modeling In estuaries, S is not a limiting nutrient. In addition, Long-term monitoring is critical to evaluate trends in estuarine waters are highly buffered and, therefore, not deposition and deposition effects. Monitoring programs subject to acidification. However, many coastal forest and should concentrate not only on areas with high past and/or dune soils are dominated by sandy soils that are sensitive present sulfate, nitrate, or ammonium deposition, but also in to leaching of limiting nutrients because of very low cation areas that are very sensitive to deposition and in areas where exchange capacity (Au 1974). Monitoring for change in deposition is expected to increase. For selected monitoring estuarine areas with high S deposition should therefore focus sites, the FLM should (1) obtain ion deposition data for on soil ion mobility. As soil calcium and magnesium levels the site, as from NADP or CASTNet, (2) identify sensitive are generally adequate because of deposition from marine AQRVs and appropriate variables to monitor, (3) evaluate sources, potassium is likely the only limiting nutrient subject the present condition of the sensitive AQRVs, (4) determine to significant loss by sulfate leaching. the degree to which results from one site can be extrapolated to other FLM areas in the region, and lastly (5) implement The role of N in estuaries is probably the best-documented a long-term monitoring program, using carefully selected example of anthropogenic alteration with a literature record variables.
dating back to the 1950s. Production and use of fertilizers, land use changes, and fossil fuel combustion have greatly Long-term monitoring data are also needed to support and increased the available N, normally a limiting nutrient, validate models used to predict deposition and deposition which enters coastal waters (Galloway et al. 2003). This has effects, including the effects of increases or decreases of S increased estuarine production and accelerated the process and N on ecosystems. Long term studies in both aquatic of eutrophication. Eutrophication can result in dramatic and terrestrial ecosystems such as Hubbard Brook, Lake algae blooms, anoxia, the production of toxic hydrogen Tahoe, and the Experimental Lakes Area have provided sulfide gas, and species extirpation in estuarine ecosystems. useful information for modeling (Bormann and Likens Human induced eutrophication has been documented for 1967; HolmHanson et al. 1976; Likens and Bormann 1977, many areas along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, including the Leonard et al. 1979; Byron and Eloranta 1984; Schindler et Chesapeake Bay, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Florida Bay, and al. 1985; Schindler 1987; Schindler et al. 1990; Jassby et al.
Long Island Sound. 1995). NAPAP and the National Science Foundation LTER program have addressed monitoring to meet modeling needs A number of FLM areas along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
contain significant coastal waters that may be sensitive to eutrophication. Little is known about excess N effects Data requirements to support models vary, but the quality in most of these areas, although eutrophication is well of input data will determine the quality of a models documented in Florida Bay, located in Everglades National predictions. Modeling is further discussed in the Other Park. Also, recent evidence indicates that coastal waters in AQRV Identification and Assessment Tools (see section Chassahowitzka Wilderness (Florida) experience N-induced 3.5.5).
algal blooms (Dixon and Estevez in draft). In most coastal 3.5.4. Determining Critical Loads (Revised) waters, 1045% of the N entering the system is atmospheric, either from direct deposition to surface water or deposition FLAG 2000 introduced the concept of critical loads as it to the watershed. Complete elimination of atmospheric relates to air resource management in Class I areas. Since N inputs would not entirely mitigate ecosystem change FLAG 2000 was published, the Agencies have adopted the due to N because of the substantial contributions from widely used definition of critical load, the quantitative agricultural and urban runoff. However, for most estuaries, estimate of an exposure to one or more pollutants below any reduction in N input would be beneficial in restoring which significant harmful effects on specified sensitive ecosystem structure and function. elements of the environment do not occur according to present knowledge (Nilsson and Grennfelt 1988). Critical The monitoring procedures recommended, and currently loads have been widely accepted in Europe and Canada as a used, in estuaries are similar to those used in freshwater, basis for negotiating control strategies for transboundary air with emphasis on incremental changes in plankton, aquatic pollution (Posch et al. 1997).
plant, benthic, and invertebrate community composition; species diversity, distribution, and biomass; and ecosystem In Canada, researchers have estimated the critical loads of S trophic status. in wet deposition necessary to protect moderately sensitive lakes in eastern provinces. That value, equivalent to 6.7 kg ha-1yr-1 of S in wet deposition, was used by Canada to argue for the U.S. to implement the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which call for the initial reduction of sulfur dioxide 62 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
emissions in the eastern U.S. and later from all electric aquatic and terrestrial resources. The completed report utilities nationwide. With additional data on lake and stream includes a number of modeling analyses that project the chemistry available for sensitive systems in Nova Scotia, effect of reductions in both S and N deposition in areas Ontario, and Quebec, the Canadians are now recommending studied during NAPAP. EPA concluded that deposition a more stringent critical load, equivalent to 2.7 kg ha-1yr-1 of standards could not be set at this time because of 1) the lack wet deposition S. of clearly defined policy regarding appropriate or desired goals for protecting sensitive aquatic or terrestrial resources, In both European countries and in North America, attention and 2) key scientific uncertainties, particularly regarding has expanded beyond ecosystem damage caused by S nitrogen watershed processes. In addition, EPA recognized deposition to ecosystem damage caused by N deposition. that a national deposition standard might be inappropriate In some European forests, chronically high N deposition because of differences among ecosystems. However, in has exceeded the assimilation capacity of local ecosystems, response to public comments on the report, EPA stated that resulting in the release of nitrate into surface waters (Dise Given an adequate level of monitoring and assessment data, and Wright 1995). Watersheds that are leaking nitrate into Class I areas could serve as potential targets for standard surface waters during the growing season, are referred to setting activities. (EPA 1995) as N saturated (Aber et al. 1989). Nitrogen saturation has been linked to forest decline in Europe (Schulze Since FLAG 2000, other U.S. agencies and organizations 1989). Based on a set of regional N addition experiments have started considering how to work with critical loads.
conducted at sites in northern Europe (NITREX), Wright A National Academy of Sciences Report, Air Quality (1995) recommended a N critical load of less than 10 kg Management in the United States (2004), recognized the ha-1yr-1 to protect European forests and fresh waters from potential of critical loads for establishing standards to N saturation. However, this critical load does not protect protect ecosystems, prompting the EPA to explore critical ecosystems from the changes caused by N deposition prior loads as an accountability tool to assess ongoing programs.
to actual N saturation, including shifts in composition Also, in the 2005 Prevention of Significant Deterioration for and abundance of soil fauna species and alterations in soil Nitrogen Oxides Final Rule, EPA stated it would consider chemistry. (Fenn et al. 2003; Driscoll et al. 2003) critical loads information from any state as part of their air quality management approach, including whether such an In the United States, two states have attempted to set approach satisfies PSD requirements. (EPA 2005.) The U.S.
deposition standards or critical loads to protect sensitive has signed, but not ratified, the European Unions protocol ecosystems. In 1982, the State of Minnesota passed the for establishing critical loads, contained in the 1999 Protocol Acid Deposition Control Act to limit wet sulfate deposition to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level to 11 kg ha-1yr-1, which is equivalent to 3.7 kg S ha-1yr-1. Ozone ( AKA The Gothenburg Protocol), available at:
At this sulfate level, precipitation pH was likely to remain above 4.7, which would protect lakes with ANC less than 50 -- http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/multi_h1.htm microequivalents per liter (µeq l-1). In 2006, EPA held the Multiagency Critical Loads Workshop In 1989, the California legislature adopted the Atmospheric to share information on critical loads and to develop a broad Acidity Protection Act, which required the Air Resources federal strategy for planning, executing, and evaluating Board (CARB) to develop and adopt standards, to the critical loads projects, and to consider critical load use extent supportable by scientific data, at levels which are in a policy or management framework. As a result of necessary and appropriate to protect public health and recommendations from the workshop, the Critical Loads sensitive ecosystems from adverse effects resulting from Ad-Hoc Committee (CLAD) was formed to foster critical atmospheric acidity (CARB 1993). An assessment of loads science and development. Information on CLAD existing data identified the high elevation watersheds, and the Multiagency Critical Loads Workshop Report are surface waters, and mixed conifer forests of the Sierra available at:
Nevada and the Los Angeles Basin as sensitive ecosystems. -- http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/clad/
CARB analyses suggested that appropriate standards would include a critical load value for inorganic N to protect In 2008, EPA used critical loads to assess progress under forests, and critical loads for both N and S to protect poorly the Acid Rain and related programs. For the analysis, EPA buffered lakes and streams. However, no acidity standards to compared critical loads exceedances in Adirondack lakes protect human health or critical loads to protect ecosystems before and after implementation of acid rain controls (EPA have been set in California to date. 2009a).
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Title IV, section Critical Loads in FLM Areas (Revised) 404, called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) In the Clean Air Act, as amended in 1977, Congress gave to prepare a report on the feasibility and effectiveness of FLMs an affirmative responsibility to protect AQRVs setting deposition standards nationwide to protect sensitive in Class I areas from the adverse effects of air pollution.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 63
Congress intent was, In cases of doubt the land manager et al. 1989; Fox et al. 1987). Subsequently, the USFS held should err on the side of protecting the air quality-related regional workshops to develop updated and more area-values for future generations (Senate Report No.95-127, specific screening procedures for new air pollutant emissions 95th Congress, 1st Session 1977). In an effort to ensure AQRV sources (Adams et al. 1991; Peterson et al. 1992; Haddow protection, FLMs have established critical loads for many et al. 1998; Peterson et al. 1993; Stanford et al. 1997). These FLM areas. FLMs agree that a critical load should protect workshops were comprised of national and regional USFS the most sensitive AQRVs within each FLM area and should land managers, deposition experts from the academic and be based on the best science available. As new scientific air pollution research community, and agency air quality information becomes available, critical loads should be professionals. Dependent on the workshop leadership, each reviewed and updated. Critical loads should ensure that no regional workshop followed a slightly different process unacceptable change occurs to the resource. and a variety of outputs and formats resulted. However, all workshops used a collaborative process to determine S and A journal article published in the July 2005 issue of N deposition rates that would pose a risk to the aquatic BioScience, entitled Protecting Resources on Federal Lands: and terrestrial ecosystems protected in FLM areas, while Implications of Critical Loads for Atmospheric Deposition addressing the scientific uncertainty inherent in ecosystem of Nitrogen and Sulfur (Porter, Blett, Potter, Huber 2005) response to acidic deposition. Critical load guidelines for provides an update on the Agencies perspectives with many USFS Class I areas are published in the regional respect to critical loads. Among other things, the article workshop reports (see Appendix H) and are available at:
describes the history of critical loads, the advances in science related to critical loads, and how to apply the concept -- http://www.fs.fed.us/air of critical loads (including some specific case studies). As resources permit, the Agencies will develop methods Subsequent articles provide additional information and and a process for establishing critical deposition loading perspectives on critical loads (Burns et al. 2008; Dennis et al. values for all FLM areas and for recommending critical 2007). These and other articles and reports on critical loads loads for areas where adequate information exists. For areas are available from: lacking sufficient information to determine critical loads,
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Studies/criticalLoads/ the Agencies are developing strategies to obtain needed index.cfm information.
-- http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/clean_air_water/clean_ Current information and links on critical loads work being water/critical_loads/ done by the U.S. Forest Service can be found at the following FLMs have used a combination of approaches to establish web site:
critical loads, including national and regional workshops, -- http://www.fs.fed.us/air regional reviews, and site-specific studies (see Appendix G).
In all cases, the FLMs have used peer-reviewed scientific The Agencies anticipate using critical loads as they are literature and expert judgment to make their decisions. For developed as an assessment tool, and, in concert with the example, the NPS has compiled regional reviews that have Deposition Analysis Thresholds and Concern Thresholds evaluated existing information on air quality, deposition, (see below), a tool for assessing new source impacts. The and effects on AQRVs in national parks. For these reviews, Agencies also intend to continue to consult with States and NPS grouped parks by region and ecosystem type, including the EPA as critical load development work progresses.
the Pacific Northwest, the Colorado Plateau, and the Rocky 3.5.5. Other AQRV Identification and Assessment Mountains, and conducted an empirical assessment of the Tools (Revised) status of aquatic and terrestrial resources. An analysis of deposition effects was done, using current deposition data In addition to AQRV monitoring, there are several tools for S and N and effects information from field observations available to the FLM for identifying AQRVs and assessing and research. These reviews provide the basis for critical the response of sensitive AQRVs to pollutant deposition.
load development by identifying sensitive resources and These include the Air Resources Information System impacts to those resources. Park-specific information on (ARIS), the Natural Resource Information System - Air sensitive resources, impacts, and critical loads is available at: Module (NRIS-Air), and deposition models such as the Model of Acidification of Groundwater in Catchments
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/permits/aris/index. (MAGIC) and MAGIC-With Aggregated Nitrogen Dynamics cfm (MAGIC-WAND).
The USFS has conducted a series of national and regional workshops to establish critical loads and concern thresholds.
In the late 1980s, the USFS published prototype methods for evaluating the effects of acid deposition on AQRVs (Fox 64 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Air Resources Information System (ARIS) was used by NAPAP in its 1990 Integrated Assessment FLAG 2000 also introduced Air Synthesis as an to project surface water chemistry resulting from various information management and decision-support computer deposition scenarios (NAPAP 1991b). In another application system under development by NPS and FWS. The NPS in the eastern U.S., MAGIC has been linked with a simple, and FWS have since redesigned and renamed Air Synthesis, empirical, dose/response fish model developed at University now called Air Resources Information System (ARIS). ARIS of Virginia that makes it possible to predict changes in fish provides information on air quality related values in NPS productivity based on modeled changes in stream water and FWS Class I areas, as well as in many NPS Class II areas. chemistry.
Information can be accessed for specific areas or for all units As a result of NAPAP, there was increased awareness of the within NPS Inventory & Monitoring (I & M) networks.8 potential impacts of inorganic N deposition on watersheds ARIS identifies specific AQRVs, and provides information and surface waters. In response, the MAGIC model was on air quality and its effects in parks and wildernesses. updated with a module called With Aggregated Nitrogen ARIS maintains information for all 48 NPS Class I air Dynamics (WAND). MAGIC-WAND is a process-based quality areas and several FWS Class I areas. Information is model that uses site-specific information on hydrology, soils, being developed for the remaining FWS Class I areas, and and hydrochemistry. The model predicts changes through additional Class II areas. Additional information on ARIS time in lake or stream chemistry. These time-series of can be found at: changes in pH and ANC can subsequently be used by FLMs
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/permits/aris/index. to calculate critical S or N loads for watersheds.
cfm MAGIC-WAND has been extensively tested in the Information for FWS Class I areas is under development at: Adirondacks and at watersheds in Maine. For example, the Bear Brook Watershed Manipulation Project uses MAGIC-
-- http://www.fws.gov/refuges/whm/AirQuality/index.
WAND to predict the effects of experimentally added N and html S on a test watershed. MAGIC-WAND has also been applied Natural Resource Information System - Air Module to watersheds in FLM areas in the Cascades, the Sierra (NRIS-Air) Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, and the Wind River Range in an effort to quantify critical S and N loads to aquatic and Publicly available USDA Forest Service Class I and II area terrestrial resources. In the southeastern U.S., MAGIC-information and related resource data can be linked to or WAND is being used under the auspices of the Southern found at http://www.fs.fed.us/air. If desired information and Appalachian Mountains Initiative (SAMI) to predict the data cannot be found, contact any air program manager or effects of future deposition scenarios on FLM areas. Future specialist at national or regional offices for assistance.
SAMI modeling efforts will link watershed model results Information from NRIS-Air, including USFS Class I area with fish dose/response models. The ultimate goal is to AQRV information, is available at: calibrate MAGIC-WAND with landscape level data in order to set regional critical loads.
-- http://www.fs.fed.us/air Other models are also in use. For example, the USFS Rocky Deposition Effects Models Mountain Region recommends using either CALPUFF or A number of watershed process models have been AERMOD (or other approved models) to estimate S and N developed and tested in an attempt to simulate the effects deposition. The Screening Methodology for Calculating ANC of S and N on soils, forests, and surface waters. These Change to High Elevation Lakes (USDA Forest Service 2000) models are used by FLMs to predict effects from increases summarizes procedures for estimating total deposition of S in deposition and vary from detailed, compartment models and N. The document also recommends computations for of watersheds to lumped parameter models that do not track estimating alkalinity changes in lakes caused by increases in different ions through each soil compartment. For a review S and N deposition. Another model, the Nutrient Cycling of models developed under NAPAP see NAPAP 1991. Model (NuCM) has been used in the East to predict the effect of changes in deposition on nutrient concentrations in A commonly applied watershed model is MAGIC. MAGIC soils and vegetation.
was first developed for eastern U.S. watersheds and then extensively tested and validated throughout Europe and 3.5.6. Recommendations for Evaluating Potential North America (Cosby et al. 1985, 1995, 1996). The model Effects from Proposed Increases in Deposition to an FLM Area (Revised)
- 8. The NPS I & M program consists of over 270 park units organized into 32 networks to conduct long-term natural resource monitoring FLAG 2000 described a process to help the Agencies and on park vital signs, that is, selected physical, chemical, and biological permit applicants assess the total sulfur and/or total nitrogen elements and processes of park ecosystems that represent the overall deposition impacts of proposed new or modified sources.
health or condition of the park.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 65
Since that time, the Agencies have refined the concept Class I areas; therefore an applicant will need to check for of using concern thresholds, pollutant exposures, and Class I area-specific thresholds on the following Internet site:
deposition analysis thresholds in the permit review process.
-- http://www.fs.fed.us/air/technical/class_1/alpha.php The approaches used by the respective agencies may vary somewhat, but in essence are all similar. FLM Response to Potential Deposition Impacts Deposition Analysis Thresholds (DATs) For a project that exceeds the initial annual emissions over distance (Q/D) screening criteria, the permit applicant The NPS and FWS have introduced and developed the should consult with the appropriate regulatory agency and concept of Deposition Analysis Thresholds (DATs) to use as FLM for the affected area(s) to determine if a deposition screening level values for the additional modeled amount of impact analysis should be done (e.g., expected sulfur and/
sulfur and nitrogen deposition within FLM areas from new or nitrogen deposition impacts are above the DAT) or or modified PSD sources. A DAT is defined as the additional respective concern threshold). For such cases, FLMs request amount of nitrogen or sulfur deposition within an FLM area, that proponents provide sufficient information for the FLM below which estimated impacts from a proposed new or to evaluate the potential effects of emissions increases on modified source are considered negligible. In other words, AQRVs. FLMs have provided information to applicants if the new or modified source has a predicted nitrogen or through guidance documents, correspondence, meetings, sulfur deposition impact below the respective DAT, the NPS and phone consultations. This chapter summarizes current and FWS will consider that impact to be negligible, and no information for evaluating new emissions on deposition and further analysis would be required for that pollutant. In sensitive AQRVs and includes recommendations for:
cases where a sources impact equals or exceeds the DAT, the NPS/FWS will make a project specific assessment of -- the types of data, information, and analysis needed whether the projected increase in deposition would likely before a permit application can be considered result in an adverse impact on resources considering complete, including analytical and modeling existing AQRV conditions, the magnitude of the expected protocols for a proponents use in conducting an increase, and other factors. AQRV impact analysis;
-- approaches and sources of appropriate values for The DATs are based on naturally occurring deposition estimating wet and dry deposition; and that park and wilderness ecosystems may have experienced prior to anthropogenic influences and are scaled to enable -- permit conditions to mitigate source impacts.
assessment of the impacts of individual sources of air The process begins with the question Q/D 10? as pollution. The DAT established for both nitrogen and sulfur the first level screening criteria (see Figure 7). The next in eastern and western FLM areas and wildernesses is 0.010 question is whether or not the DAT/concern threshold is and 0.005 kilograms/hectare/year (kg/ha/yr), respectively. exceeded. If not, no adverse impacts are expected. If so, the More information regarding the sulfur and nitrogen DATs Agencies will determine if the contextual considerations (see can be found at: section 4.3) or any refined analyses alleviate any deposition
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Pubs/pdf/flag/ concerns. If not, the Agencies will defer to the FLM to make nsDATGuidance.pdf a case-by-case adverse impact finding. In determining if the proposed action will cause or contribute to an adverse While DATs are a tool to assess the impact of a single new effect to AQRVs, the FLM will consider information on source, these levels may not be protective in areas that are deposition-sensitive AQRVs, deposition loads at which these already impaired or where there are multiple new sources AQRVs are affected (i.e., critical loads), the current pollutant impacting a single area. The critical load concept, discussed deposition rates in the area, and the expected impacts from above, may be a more effective tool for assessing cumulative the proposed source. Procedures for estimating the sources impacts. impacts are found in Estimation of Current and Future Concern Thresholds and Pollutant Exposures Deposition Rates section of this report. In areas where no information is available, information from a nearby, or The Forest Service has continued to develop AQRV concern ecologically similar area, may be used. An adverse effect may thresholds and pollutant exposure(s) thresholds (for sulfur occur if the critical load is exceeded for an area, and the or nitrogen deposition) that when exceeded may indicate new source impact is above the levels of concern (i.e., DAT/
an adverse impact to one or more AQRVs. These thresholds concern threshold). AQRV and critical load information are are very similar to the NPS/FWS Deposition Analysis discussed earlier in this report.
Thresholds (DATs) in that they establish a point below which adverse impacts are not expected. Impacts above If the available information is insufficient for the FLM to the thresholds may or may not cause an adverse impact; determine if the proposed action will cause or contribute depending on current levels of deposition and resource to an adverse effect to AQRVs, the FLM may ask for condition. The values for these thresholds vary between FS deposition and deposition effects monitoring and/or 66 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
research in the FLM area. If the proposed action will being critical for characterizing baseline air quality data in likely cause or contribute to an adverse effect to AQRVs, the U.S.
the FLM may recommend permit conditions that ensure mitigation, including stricter emissions controls and effective Wet Deposition (Revised) emissions offsets. If no mitigation is possible, the FLM may Wet deposition includes rain, snow, fog, cloud water, and recommend denial of the permit. dew. In most FLM areas, rain and snow are the primary contributors to wet deposition. However, in some high Available Deposition Monitoring Data elevation areas, fog, cloud water, and dew are significant Atmospheric pollutants are deposited to ecosystems contributors, as discussed below.
primarily through wet deposition and dry deposition. FLMs participate in national monitoring programs to monitor wet Because rain and snow are the primary constituents of wet and dry deposition, including the National Atmospheric deposition at most FLM areas, the FLM generally relies on Deposition Program (NADP) and the Clean Air Status and data from NADP to evaluate wet deposition of pollutants.
Trends Network (CASTNet). A 1999 report, The Role of NADP samplers collect rain and snow and NADP has Monitoring Networks in the Management of the Nations documented deposition for many years in a nationwide Air Quality, (CENR, 1999) identified these two networks as network that currently includes over 220 monitoring Figure 7. FLM Assessment of Potential Deposition Effects from New Emissions Sources (Revised)
- Q/D test only applies to sources located greater that 50 km from a Class I area.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 67
sites. The network collects data to evaluate spatial and mortality. The contribution of clouds and fog to deposition temporal long-term trends in precipitation chemistry. The at high elevations may overshadow both deposition from precipitation at each site is collected weekly and sent to precipitation and dry deposition (Hidy 1998). The EPA a central analytical laboratory for analysis of hydrogen estimated that as a result of cloud cover, high elevation (acidity as pH), sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, chloride, and forests might experience four times the amount of total base cations, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and pollutant deposition as lower elevation forests without cloud sodium. Data and isopleth maps of pollutant concentrations cover (NAPAP 1991). High elevation lakes are also impacted and deposition are available on the NADP web site at: by fog and clouds, as well as rain and snow. Measurements in high elevation areas that do not include all contributions
to wet deposition will result in under-estimates.
FLMs agree that it is preferable to obtain NADP data from the web site, rather than summarizing wet deposition data in Modeling has been used to estimate total wet deposition this report. In this way, current data can be easily accessed in some areas. For example, the Southern Appalachian by FLMs and the public. Man and the Biosphere Cooperative (as part of the Southern Appalachian Assessment) has used NADP data, Approximately 50 FLM areas have NADP samplers in topographical data, and meteorological data to model wet or immediately adjacent to them. Because some of these deposition loading at locations in the southeastern U.S.
areas are classified as wilderness, FLMs install sampling equipment in adjacent non-wilderness areas in order to Dry Deposition (Revised) preserve the wilderness character of the area. Ambient air in Dry deposition includes gases, aerosols and particles.
these adjacent areas is considered representative of air in the The primary gases involved with N and S deposition are wilderness area. ammonia (NH3), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
nitric acid (HNO3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), while the A number of FLM areas do not have an NADP sampler in primary particles are nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), and or adjacent to them. Where possible, the FLM has identified sulfate (SO42-) ions (Hanson and Lindberg 1991). Ammonia, an NADP site whose data may be used to characterize NO, NO2 and SO2 are taken up by plants through stomata, deposition at the area. Deposition rates generally increase while HNO3, due to its high deposition velocity, is deposited with elevation and deposition in high-elevation areas may to plant surfaces in addition to being taken up by stomata.
be difficult to characterize with data from a lower-elevation Nitrate, ammonium, and sulfate particles deposit to surfaces NADP site. FLM consultation may be necessary to estimate (Bytnerowicz and Fenn 1996).
deposition in these areas.
Dry deposition is much more difficult to estimate than Areas that experience significant deposition from fog wet deposition. The estimation of dry deposition rates and cloud water or large amounts of snow may need to requires information on the ambient concentrations of use alternate sampling methods and data in addition to pollutants, meteorological data, and information on land NADP protocols and NADP data to characterize them. use, vegetation, and surface conditions, all of which are Wet deposition in these areas may need to be sampled site-specific. Because of this site-specificity, it is difficult to with alternate methods, including cloud water samplers spatially extrapolate dry deposition data as is often done for and snowpack sampling or estimated by modeling. At sites wet deposition data.
where such data or modeled estimates are available, they should be used to calculate total deposition. At mountain In general, FLMs rely on data from CASTNet for estimates sites frequented by clouds and fog, deposition from clouds of dry deposition in FLM areas (http://www.epa.gov/
may equal or exceed that from precipitation. Cloud water castnet). CASTNet was developed by EPA, as a result of the is generally more acidic and contains higher concentrations Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, and currently includes of base cations than rain water; therefore, it can contribute over 70 sites. These include a combination of former significantly to total loadings of S and N (Hemmerlein and National Dry Deposition Network sites, Park Research Perkins 1992). Various methods have been developed to and Intensive Monitoring of Ecosystems Network sites measure deposition from cloud water. The Mountain Acid (PRIMENet), and others. Dry deposition is measured at 26 Deposition Program (MADPro) used automated cloud NPS areas and 2 USFS areas. FLMs agree that it is preferable water collectors to sample at three high-elevation eastern to obtain CASTNet data from the web site, rather than sites (Anderson et al. 1999). Forests covered by fog for summarizing dry deposition data in this report. In this way, significant periods of time may be especially susceptible current data can be easily accessed by FLMs and the public.
to injury from acid deposition. Acidic cloud water has predisposed red spruce in the high elevations of the Other methods for measuring dry deposition are northeast U.S. Appalachians to winter injury and cumulative available. For example, information on vertical changes in impacts with other biotic and abiotic stresses have caused concentrations of major gases and particles of interest over plant canopies can be used for calculation of deposition of 68 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
these compounds to forests and other ecosystems (Hicks sulfate ion concentrations) can be estimated based on their et al. 1987). Models, such as Big-Leaf (Baldocchi et al. concentrations from annular denuder/filter pack systems 1987) allow estimating dry deposition to uniform canopies, or other comparable techniques and literature values of such as agricultural crops or lowland forests. However, no deposition velocities of these ions.
models have been developed so far for reliable estimates of deposition of gases and particles to forests and other For many FLM areas, detailed site-specific information and ecosystems in complex mountain terrain (Bytnerowicz et monitoring needed for dry deposition measurements are not al. 1997). Therefore, no good large-scale estimates of dry available. Therefore, the FLM may choose to recommend deposition are available for western U.S. forests. a reasonable estimate of dry deposition. NAPAPs 1991 summary report concluded that dry deposition of sulfur is Another approach to evaluating dry deposition is net 30-60% of the total (wet plus dry) deposition at regionally throughfall technique. By measuring concentrations of ions representative sites; dry deposition of nitrogen is 30-in throughfall (bulk precipitation) and after subtracting 70% of the total (wet plus dry) deposition at regionally concentrations of the same ions in precipitation in an representative sites (NAPAP 1991a). An analysis of one year open area, fluxes of ions such as nitrate, ammonium, and (1991) of NADP, CASTNet, and IMPROVE (Interagency sulfate can be calculated. A branch washing technique Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments) data from is similar to the net throughfall approach and is used national parks and wildernesses found that wet deposition when no wet precipitation is present. The pre-washed dominated total deposition in both the East and the West.
branches are exposed to ambient air for a certain time Dry deposition of sulfur was 20-50% of the total; dry period and then carefully rinsed with water (Lindberg deposition of nitrogen was 30-60% of the total (Hidy 1998).
and Lovett 1985). Information about amounts of nitrate, These estimates, and similar ones, have led to the common ammonium and sulfate rinsed from branches of a known assumption that dry deposition is approximately 50% of the surface area, time of exposure, and leaf area index of a total deposition. Therefore, for many FLM areas without given forest stand allow the calculation of fluxes of the on-site or nearby representative dry deposition sampling, the measured ions to trees. Adding stomatal uptake of gases FLM may recommend that dry deposition is equal to wet (calculated from information on gas concentration and deposition. The FLM recommends this as a best available stomatal conductance), and estimates of deposition to other estimate, recognizing that in some areas it may result in landscape forms (such as soils and rocks) allow for quite under- or over-estimating total deposition. Total deposition, reliable estimates of dry deposition at a forest stand level which is the sum of wet plus dry deposition, therefore equals (Bytnerowicz et al. 2000). Such estimates have been made twice the wet deposition.
for the subalpine zone of the eastern Sierra Nevada and mixed conifer forests on the western Sierra Nevada and In summary, the San Bernardino Mountains (Bytnerowicz and Fenn Total Deposition = Wet Deposition + Dry Deposition 1996; Bytnerowicz et al. 1999). Both the net throughfall and Or, branch washing techniques, although providing relatively Total Deposition = 2 x Wet Deposition (assuming Dry accurate estimates of deposition to certain ecosystems, Deposition = Wet Deposition) cannot be applied to every type of vegetation. These techniques work well for conifers with relatively thick There are numerous monitoring stations in or near FLM cuticles. For plants with thinner cuticle, extraction of ions areas for estimating wet and dry deposition values. For from plant interior or transcuticular uptake of deposited ions some areas the FLM assumes that dry deposition equals may not allow for making good estimates of dry deposition wet deposition, recognizing that this may result in under- or to plant surfaces. over-estimates of total deposition. Deposition monitoring data and information on the appropriate dry deposition data Recent developments, such as passive samplers that allow to use at sites where data are available are included on the for relatively inexpensive determinations of nitric oxide, respective Agencies web sites referenced previously.
nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, nitric acid and sulfur dioxide concentrations, provide some promising opportunities for FLMs will continue to participate in monitoring and large-scale estimates of distribution of these pollutants. This, research to further our understanding of dry deposition together with information on landscape-level vegetation dynamics and improve our measurements of dry deposition.
coverage, leaf area index, and deposition velocity of the monitored pollutants, will allow calculating deposition of the Other Deposition Measurement Methods measured gases to various landscape forms. Although this Pollutant deposition, particularly in areas where traditional approach would not include deposition fluxes of particulate wet and dry deposition sampling is impractical, can also pollutants, a large portion of dry N and S deposition be estimated by other methods. These methods include (gases) would be covered. Information on fluxes of the bulk samplers that collect both wet and dry deposition and N and S particulate component (nitrate, ammonium, and snowpack measurements that estimate the total amount of USFS-NPS-USFWS 69
pollutants in the snow column at the time of maximum snow for arid lands at 20°C. Langford et al. (1992) provide strong accumulation. Special methods have also been developed for evidence that background levels of NH3 show strong collecting fog and cloud water (Anderson et al. 1999). dependence with ambient temperature (variations of a factor of 3 or 4) and a strong dependence on the soil pH.
In addition, methods are being developed to estimate dry However, given all the uncertainties in NH3 data, IWAQM deposition rates from pollutant concentrations obtained recommends use of the background levels provided above, by IMPROVE fine particle samplers. IMPROVE samplers unless better data are available for the specific modeling are located at many FLM areas and expanded coverage is domain. IWAQM notes that in areas where there are high planned for 1999. ambient levels of sulfate, values such as 10 ppb might Modeling Deposition Rates overestimate the formation of particulate nitrate from a given source, for these polluted conditions. IWAQM further notes Deposition from existing sources can be estimated from that areas in the vicinity of strong point sources of NH3, deposition monitoring data, but contributions to deposition such as feed lots or other agricultural areas, may experience from the proposed source and other sources permitted but locally high levels of background NH3.
not yet operating should be modeled.
Questions regarding these recommendations should be Modeling should be done in accordance with resolved through consultation with the appropriate FLM and recommendations developed by the Interagency Work the appropriate State and/or EPA modeling representative.
Group on Air Quality Modeling (IWAQM) Phase 2: Applicants should provide a modeling protocol to the
-- http://www.epa.gov/scram001/7thconf/calpuff/ appropriate FLM prior to conducting modeling analyses.
phase2.pdf Estimation of Current and Future Deposition Rates IWAQM provides the procedures that can be used to (Revised) estimate S and N deposition from a proposed source and In order to evaluate a proposed sources contribution to other sources permitted but not yet operating. The FLMs total (wet + dry) deposition in a FLM area, it is necessary propose that these procedures be used to estimate S and to first estimate current pollutant deposition rates. The N deposition. For S deposition, the wet and dry fluxes current rate is a result of deposition from all existing natural of sulfur dioxide and sulfate are calculated, normalized and anthropogenic sources. FLMs use two approaches to by the molecular weight of S, and expressed as total S. estimating the current rate of deposition. One approach For N deposition, IWAQM recommends that the wet estimates the current rate by averaging data from an and dry fluxes of nitric acid (HNO3) and nitrate (NO3-) appropriate monitoring site for the pollutant of interest, and the dry flux of nitrogen oxides (NOx) be calculated, using all years with complete data records. The second, normalized by the molecular weight of N, and expressed more conservative, approach assumes that the current rate is as total N. In addition, the FLMs agree that wet and dry equivalent to the highest rate for the pollutant of interest in fluxes of ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) and ammonium the data record.
nitrate (NH4NO3) should be calculated, normalized by the molecular weight of N, and added to the estimate of total N. The method for estimating future total deposition rates is:
Therefore, total N deposition is the sum of N contributed by
- From the respective Agency web sites, identify available dry and wet fluxes of HNO3, NO3-, (NH4)2SO4, and NH4NO3 on-site or representative wet and dry deposition data and the dry flux of NOx.
for the FLM area. Wet deposition data can be obtained The FLMs recognize that the ammonia (NH3) in these through NADP (http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/). For NPS compounds is derived from both man-made and natural sites without an NADP sampler, use estimates of total sources. Free gaseous NH3 has a high deposition velocity wet nitrogen and total wet sulfur from the Air Quality and tends to deposit quickly. However, if sulfates and Estimates for 1999-2003 at http://www.nature.nps.gov/
nitrates (which are primarily man-made) are present in the air/Maps/AirAtlas/index.cfm.
atmosphere, free NH3 quickly reacts to form (NH4)2SO4 and Dry deposition data can be obtained through CASTNet at NH4NO3. These compounds, because of their fine particle (http://www.epa.gov/castnet).
size and slower deposition velocity than free gaseous NH3, can be transported long distances and deposited in a FLM Verify if dry deposition is assumed to equal wet area, adding to the total N deposition loading. deposition for the site. For high-elevation sites, consult with the FLM to determine if deposition from cloud An appropriate estimate of ambient free gaseous NH3 water, fog, dew, or snowpack should be considered.
is needed for the modeling analysis. IWAQM refers to For sites without on-site data, consult FLM for further Langford et al. (1992), who suggest that typical (within a guidance.
factor of 2) background values of NH3 are: 10 parts per billion (ppb) for grasslands, 0.5 ppb for forest, and 1 ppb
- After consulting with the FLM, estimate either:
70 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
-- the average annual or seasonal wet and dry may request a deposition impact analysis, described in deposition rates for the appropriate pollutant using detail in this chapter and summarized below.
all years with complete data records; or -- Estimate the current deposition rate to the FLM
-- the highest annual or seasonal wet and dry deposition area. A list of monitoring sites providing data to rates for the appropriate pollutant using all years with characterize deposition in FLM areas is included on complete data records. the respective Agencies web sites.
- Calculate current total deposition (wet + dry = total). -- Estimate the future deposition rate by adding the
- Estimate, using the appropriate dispersion model as existing rate, the new emissions contribution to described in the Modeling Deposition Rates section deposition, the contribution of sources permitted above, the proposed sources contribution to future total but not yet operating, and then subtracting the credit deposition on an annual or seasonal basis. for enforceable emission reductions. Modeling of new, reduced, and permitted but not yet operating
- Estimate, using appropriate dispersion model as described emissions contribution to deposition should in the Modeling Deposition Rates section above, be conducted following current EPA modeling the contribution of any sources permitted but not yet guidance.
operating to future total deposition and the affect of any enforceable emission reductions. This estimate may be -- Compare the future deposition rate with the available from the State permitting authority. recommended screening criteria (e.g., critical load, concern threshold, or screening level value) for the
- The current pollutant deposition rate plus the proposed affected FLM area. A list of documents summarizing sources contribution to deposition plus the contribution these screening criteria, where available, can be from other sources permitted but not yet operating minus found in Appendix H.
credit for enforceable emission reductions equals the future total deposition rate. Information for USFS Class I areas is also available at:
Current + Proposed + Permitted (not yet operating) - credit http://www.fs.fed.us/air for enforceable reductions = Future Total Deposition Information for NPS and FWS Class I areas is This future total deposition rate for a given pollutant can available at:
then be used to determine the potential for adverse effects http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Permits/
to AQRVs. If appropriate, the change in deposition rate can ARIS/
be used to estimate changes in pH or ANC in an ecosystem.
If the future total deposition rate is expected to cause an Information for FWS Class I areas is under adverse effect to AQRVs and/or exceeds the critical load development at:
established for a FLM area, the FLM may recommend http://www.fws.gov/refuges/whm/
mitigation. If no critical load has been established for the AirQuality/index.html FLM area, the FLM will use the best information available in determining whether to recommend mitigation. The appropriate FLM should be contacted for additional information.
3.5.7. Summary (Revised) 3.5.8. Web sites for Deposition and Related
- Deposition of S and N has the potential to affect Information (Revised) terrestrial, freshwater, and estuarine ecosystems on FLM lands. Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNet) dry deposition data:
- The FLM has identified, where possible, AQRVs sensitive to deposition of S and N on FLM lands and the critical -- http://www.epa.gov/castnet loads associated with those AQRVs.
National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program 2005
- A proponent of a source of new emissions with the Report:
potential to contribute to S or N deposition in an FLM area should consult with the FLM to determine what -- http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/AQRS/reports/
analyses are needed to assess AQRV effects. The FLM napapreport05.pdf USFS-NPS-USFWS 71
National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) wet -- http://www.fws.gov/refuges/whm/AirQuality/index.
deposition data: html
-- http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/ U.S. Geological Survey, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program:
National Park Service Airweb:
-- http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa
-- http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/
U.S. Geological Survey, Acid Rain Program:
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Snow Water Equivalent Information (SNOTEL): -- http://bqs.usgs.gov/acidrain
-- http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snow U.S. Geological Survey, Water Data Storage and Retrieval System (WATSTORE):
Southern Appalachian Mountain Initiative:
-- http://water.usgs.gov/owq/data.html
-- http://www.tva.gov/sami USDA Forest Service National Air Resource Management Web Site:
EPA Office of Air and Radiation:
-- http://www.epa.gov/oar EPA, Deposition to Estuaries:
-- http://epa.gov/owow/airdeposition/
EPA, STOrage and RETrieval System for Water and Biological Monitoring Data (STORET):
-- http://www.epa.gov/storet U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Air Quality Branch:
72 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
- 4. Expansion of Discussion of Process for Adverse Impact Determination (New Chapter)
Based on feedback from permit applicants and State permitting authorities, the Agencies are providing a more detailed description of the adverse impact decision making process once a source analysis has raised concerns during a first-level and any subsequent analyses.
If the first-level analysis yields impacts above the defined threshold(s), the applicant may propose to address preliminary FLM concerns directly through proposed emission reductions for the project, or through implementation of other measures to mitigate emission impacts. Alternatively, the applicant may undertake a more refined analysis to potentially alleviate preliminary concerns.
Of course, this refined analysis should occur in a time-frame that enables permitting authorities to adhere to their regulatory guidelines.
Additional emission reductions, mitigation proposals, or more refined analysis are not legal requirements. They are options that can be utilized to help alleviate preliminary FLM concerns about emission impacts on Class I areas.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan.
Permit applicants can request that FLMs conduct their Credit: Atlee Hart evaluation based on information provided in the application.
4.2. Regulatory Factors 4.1. Background According to the EPA definition of adverse impact on The FLAG visibility thresholds have been interpreted by visibility, the FLM must determine whether the proposed some as a one-dimensional or bright line test that inevitably sources predicted impact interferes with the management, leads to an adverse impact determination. This, however, is protection, preservation, or enjoyment of the visitors not the intent; these screening-levels were envisioned as a visual experience taking into account the geographic visibility analysis threshold similar to the newer deposition extent, intensity, duration, frequency and time of visibility analysis thresholds (DATs) discussed above for sulfur and impairments, and how these factors correlate with (1) nitrogen deposition. times of visitor use of the Federal Class I area, and (2) the The Agencies want to emphasize that the FLAG report frequency and timing of natural conditions that reduce provides criteria as to when the FLMs will definitively not visibility. (40 C.F.R. §51.301).
object to, or declare an adverse impact for, a proposed new Considering the regulatory factors is inherent in the first-source. FLAG assures an applicant that, if they conduct their level modeling exercise. The model describes the geographic analyses correctly and demonstrate that change in extinction area predicted to be impacted. The visibility extinction or deposition falls below the specified thresholds, the FLMs values describe the intensity of the impact. Similarly, the will not raise concerns regarding the project. However, the model provides some level of assessment regarding duration, converse does not necessarily apply a FLAG threshold frequency, and time of impact. A more refined modeling exceedance does not mean the FLM will certainly find that analysis should further inform consideration of these a project will adversely affect air quality related values. If a factors. Regarding how these factors correlate with visitor threshold is exceeded, the FLMs will consider the factors use, the responsibilities of the Agencies include protecting discussed below and make a project-specific determination the resources for all visitors. Visitor data show that nearly as to whether or not the impacts are adverse. all Class I areas have some level of visitation each month.
Regarding correlation with the frequency and timing of natural conditions that reduce visibility, the first-level modeling analysis will not provide this information directly, but, by using the percentile approach and monthly relative USFS-NPS-USFWS 73
humidity values, the Agencies have attempted to provide a 4.4. Preliminary Adverse Impact Concerns reasonable approach to addressing weather impacts.
After considering the regulatory factors and contextual Similarly, if the sulfur or nitrogen DAT is exceeded, or if high considerations listed above, the Agencies, in consultation ozone levels are anticipated, the FLMs should determine if with the FLM, will evaluate, on a project-specific basis, those impacts would adversely affect sensitive AQRVs. This whether the evidence supports a finding that the new source adverse impact determination should be made on a project- would possibly cause or contribute to an adverse impact specific basis and will be largely driven by management on air quality related values. If so, the Agencies will notify objectives for the area. the permit applicant and the permitting agency and provide the permit applicant the opportunity to consider mitigation 4.3. Contextual Considerations strategies that will alleviate the potential adverse impact concerns. These strategies may include:
The Agencies recognize that the context within which new source permitting occurs is shifting. Many older major
- Obtaining emission offsets for pollutants that cause or stationary sources will be installing pollution controls over contribute to the potential adverse impacts on Class I area the next 10 to 15 years (e.g., in response to the Regional resources; Haze Rule). New motor vehicle emission and fuel standards
- Reducing emission rates through more stringent pollution will reduce tailpipe pollution from mobile sources gradually, control technology or operational or design changes; and but significantly, over a similar time frame. States are
- Monitoring or special studies that increase understanding developing visibility protection plans that ensure reasonable of how Class I area resources or visitors are affected by air progress toward natural conditions, pursuant to the EPAs pollution, which may serve as a basis for revisiting permit Regional Haze Rule. These plans will be reviewed and conditions in future years. (Note: monitoring and study revised every five to ten years, and thus provide a mechanism alone does not constitute mitigation.)
for revisiting sources as better technology becomes available or as otherwise needed to maintain progress toward visibility Again, proposing any such mitigation strategy is voluntary.
goals. The location and effect of pending pollution control Nevertheless, if the FLMs deem a proposed mitigation programs on specific Class I areas remains somewhat strategy as adequate to protect AQRVs, and the mitigation uncertain; however, the Agencies recognize and appreciate strategy is made enforceable via the PSD permit or some that significant emission reductions are anticipated, other mechanism, the FLM will not make an adverse impact especially in the eastern U.S. finding with respect to the issues addressed by the mitigation strategy.
As part of the discussions with permitting authorities or permit applicants when screening level thresholds are 4.5. Adverse Impact Determination exceeded, the Agencies will consider contextual information, including, for example: If an applicant is unable or unwilling to implement an
- Current pollutant concentrations and AQRV impacts in appropriate mitigation strategy to alleviate potential adverse the Class I area impact concerns, the FLM will determine whether or not the potential impacts of the project as proposed should be
- Air quality trends in the Class I area formally deemed adverse to air quality related values in the
- Emission changes that have occurred or would occur (i.e., affected Class I areas. If the FLM concludes that there are enforceable) by the time the new source begins operation potential adverse impacts, he will inform the permitting
- Whether there are approved SIPs that account for new authority of this decision.
source growth and demonstrate attainment of national Historically, the FLMs have made adverse impact findings ambient air quality standards and reasonable progress for less that one percent of the permit applications that the toward visibility goals Agencies review. In those rare cases, the FLMs will strive
- The expected useful life of the source to provide the permitting authority with an ample technical
- The stringency of the emission limits (e.g., Best Available and policy/management-related foundation, including a Control Technology) discussion of the analysis results and the regulatory and contextual factors discussed above. The FLMs ability to
- Other considerations such as options put forth by the provide this foundation will depend on the completeness applicant that would produce ancillary environmental and adequacy of information provided by the permit benefits to AQRVs (e.g., reductions in toxic air applicant. Where information is lacking, or uncertain, the contaminants, pollution prevention investments) FLMs will err on the side of protecting air quality related
- Comments received from the public or other agencies values.
during the comment period prior to issuing the permit.
74 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska.
Credit: National Park Service/Trey Simmons.
- 5. Future FLAG Work 5.2. Phase I Updates (Revised)
This revised FLAG Phase I Report is intended to clearly state 5.1. Implementing FLAG Recommendations FLM positions regarding NSR/PSD as it currently exists. As (Revised) the FLMs learn more about how to better assess the health and status of AQRVs, and as EPA produces new modeling FLAG participants believe that the recommendations in tools, the FLAG report may be revised again. Any such this revised document should be implemented as soon as revisions to the report will be announced on the Agencies possible. Therefore, an attempt has been made to present web sites.
thorough and clear information on the processes that will be used to protect and improve AQRVs in FLM areas. 5.3. Phase II Tasks (Revised)
Many of the issues and recommendations discussed FLAG Phase I focused on issues that could be resolved herein are complex and require specialized knowledge. relatively quickly, without extensive research or the Consequently, State agencies and others who intend to use collection of new data. The FLMs envisioned a Phase II this information in NSR/PSD permitting, land planning that would address the more complex issues and concerns, and use, and other activities, may want or require further including those that may require additional data collection.
guidance and implementation assistance. The Agencies Unfortunately, lack of available resources has prevented anticipate that much of this guidance and assistance will be the Agencies from embarking on a formal FLAG Phase provided locally through established formal and informal II process. Nevertheless, the Agencies continue to gather links between FLMs, States, EPA and others. For example, effects-based information as part of their ongoing resource the Agencies intend to provide further information through protection responsibilities. The new information gathered their respective web sites, and through participating in since FLAG 2000 is reflected in this revision. As the Agencies related training sessions and/or workshops. generate additional data or information, they will make that available to interested parties via their respective web sites.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 75
Appendix A: Glossary Airshed. A geographic area that, because of topography, meteorology, and/or climate, is frequently affected by the same air mass.
The list below contains definitions for some of the terms used in the FLAG Phase I Report. These terms are defined AOT40. Sum of all hourly average concentrations after in the sense that they relate to the work of the Federal Land subtracting 40 ppb from each hourly value.
Managers (FLMs) in protecting air resources.
BACT (Best Available Control Technology). The control For terms whose definition is lengthy or complex, the level (or control measures) required for sources subject to associated Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section or PSD. (See 40 CFR §52.21(b)(12), or 40 CFR §51.166(b)(12)).
other reference is cited.
Class I Area. As defined in the Clean Air Act, the following Air Quality Related Value (AQRV). A resource, as identified areas that were in existence as of August 7, 1977: national by the FLM for one or more Federal areas, that may be parks over 6,000 acres, national wilderness areas and adversely affected by a change in air quality. The resource national memorial parks over 5,000 acres, and international may include visibility or a specific scenic, cultural, physical, parks.
biological, ecological, or recreational resource identified by Critical Load. The quantitative estimate of an exposure to the FLM for a particular area.
one or more pollutants below which significant harmful Adverse Impact on an AQRV. An unacceptable effect, as effects on specified sensitive elements of the environment do identified by an FLM, that results from current, or would not occur according to present knowledge.
result from predicted, deterioration of air quality in a Federal Cumulative. The impact on an AQRV resulting from the Class I or Class II area. A determination of unacceptable total pollutant loading from all sources including the effect shall be made on a case-by-case basis for each area contributing effects of known and reasonably foreseeable taking into account existing air quality conditions. It should new and modified sources of air pollution. A single source be based on a demonstration that the current or predicted may cause individually minor, but cumulatively significant, deterioration of air quality will cause or contribute to a effects on AQRVs.
diminishment of the areas national significance, impairment of the structure and functioning of the areas ecosystem, or Damage. Any reduction in the intended use or value of impairment of the quality of the visitor experience in the a biological or physical resource. For example, economic area. production, ecological structure or function, aesthetic value, or biological or genetic diversity that may be altered by a Adverse Impact on Visibility. Visibility impairment which pollutant.
interferes with the management, protection, preservation, or enjoyment of a visitors visual experience of a Federal Deposition Analysis Threshold. A screening threshold Class I or Class II area. This determination must be made developed by NPS and FWS that defines the additional on a case-by-case basis taking into account the geographic amount of nitrogen or sulfur deposition within an FLM area, extent, intensity, duration, frequency and time of visibility below which estimated impacts from a proposed new or impairments, and how these factors correlate with (1) times modified source are considered negligible.
of visitor use of the Class I area, and (2) the frequency and timing of natural conditions that reduce visibility. This Emission Offset. A Federally enforceable reduction in term does not include effects on integral vistas. [40 CFR emissions from an existing source that mitigates the impacts
§51.301(a)] of a proposed new or modified source on AQRVs, PSD increments, and/or NAAQS. Also, Federally enforceable Absorption. The process by which incident light is removed reductions in actual emissions from existing sources in a from the atmosphere and retained by a particle. nonattainment area such that the total allowable emissions from a new or modified source and existing sources will Absorption Coefficient. A number that is proportional be sufficiently less than the total emissions from existing to the amount of light removed from a sight path by sources before the application for a permit to construct so as absorption per unit distance.
to represent reasonable further progress towards attainment Acidification. The decrease of acid neutralizing capacity of the NAAQS. (See 42 U.S.C. § 7503(a)(1)(A))
in water or base saturation in soil caused by natural or Extinction. The attenuation of light due to scattering and anthropogenic processes.
absorption as it passes through a medium.
Aerosol. A mixture of microscopic solid or liquid particles Fugitive Emissions. Emissions which do not pass through in a gaseous medium. Smoke, haze, and fog are aerosol a stack, chimney, vent, or other functionally equivalent examples.
opening.
76 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Federal Land Manager (FLM). The Secretary of the Nitrates. Those gases and aerosols that have origins in the Department with authority over such lands. [40 CFR gas-to-aerosol conversion of nitrogen oxides, e.g., NO2 ;
§51.166(b)(24)] The FLM for the Department of the of primary interest are nitric acid and ammonium nitrate.
Interior has been delegated to the Assistant Secretary for Ammonium nitrate is very hygroscopic so its contribution to Fish and Wildlife and Parks; the FLM for the Department visibility impairment is magnified in the presence of water of Agriculture has been delegated to the Forest Service, and vapor.
has been redelegated to the Regional Forester or individual Forest Supervisor. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). A gas consisting of one nitrogen and two oxygen atoms It absorbs blue light and therefore Flux. Gaseous uptake into plant tissue. has a reddish-brown color associated with it.
Green Line. The total pollutant loading (contributions from Nonattainment Area. An area designated by the EPA existing and proposed sources) below which there is a very Administrator pursuant to Section 107(d) of the Clean Air high degree of certainty that no AQRV will be adversely Act as having air quality which does not meet one or more affected. National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). For a list of nonattainment areas, see 40 CFR Part 81, Subpart C.
Haze. An atmospheric aerosol of sufficient concentration to be visible. The particles are so small that they cannot be Oxidant Stipple. Small brown or black interveinal necrotic seen individually, but are still effective attenuating light and lesions on the adaxial surface of leaf tissue that can be reducing visual range. attributed to exposure to ozone.
Hydrocarbons. Compounds containing only hydrogen and Phytotoxic. Poisonous to plants.
carbon. Examples: methane, benzene, and decane.
Post-Construction Monitoring. Monitoring required as Hygroscopic. Readily absorbing moisture, as from the a permit condition that the permitting authority considers atmosphere. necessary to determine the effect emissions from a stationary source may have, or are having, on the air quality or on the Injury. Any physical or biological response to pollutants, AQRVs of an area. Such monitoring includes both ambient such as a change in metabolism, reduced photosynthesis, monitoring and AQRV monitoring and may involve leaf necrosis, premature leaf drop, or chlorosis. short-term and long-term measurements made at locations LAER (Lowest Achievable Emissions Rate. The control representative of the greatest expected impacts.
level required of a source subject to nonattainment review. PSD Increments. The maximum increases in ambient (See 40 CFR §51.165(a)(1)(xiii)) pollution concentrations allowed over baselines Limit of Acceptable Change. The amount of change that concentrations. See 40 CFR §51.166 (c) for increments for could occur without significantly altering an AQRV or specific pollutants.
sensitive receptor. RACT (Reasonable Available Control Technology). The Micrometer. A unit of length equal to one millionth of a lowest emissions limit that a particular source can meet meter; the unit of measure for particle size. by the application of control technology that is reasonably available considering technological and economic feasibility.
Mie Theory. A complex mathematical model that allows the computation of the amount of energy (light) scattered by Rayleigh Scattering. The scattering of light by particles spherical particles. much smaller than the wavelength of the light, e.g.,
molecular scattering in the natural atmosphere.
N100. Number of hourly average concentrations 100 ppb.
Reconstructed Extinction. Extinction estimate that results Natural Conditions. Conditions substantially unaltered from summing up the product of the mass of each measured by humans or human activities. As applied in the context particle species and the appropriate absorption or extinction of visibility, natural conditions include naturally occurring coefficient.
phenomena that reduce visibility as measured in terms of light extinction, visual range, contrast, or coloration. Red Line. The total pollutant loading (contributions from existing and proposed sources) at which there is a very high Natural Visibility Conditions. Visibility conditions degree of certainty that at least one AQRV will be adversely attributable to Rayleigh scattering and aerosol associated affected.
with natural processes.
Nephelometer. An instrument that measures the amount of light scattered.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 77
Regional Haze Visibility Impairment. Any humanly Sulfates. Those aerosols that have origins in the gas-to-perceptible change in visibility (light extinction, visual aerosol conversion of sulfur dioxide; of primary interest range, contrast, coloration) from that which would have are sulfuric acid and ammonium sulfate. Sulfuric acid existed under natural conditions, caused predominantly by and ammonium sulfate are very hygroscopic so their a combination of many sources from, and occurring over, a contribution to visibility impairment is magnified in the wide geographic area. presence of water vapor.
Re-opener. A permit condition that requires the permitting Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). A gas consisting of one sulfur and two authority, at a specified time after permit issuance, to oxygen atoms. Of interest because sulfur dioxide converts to review and revise, if necessary, the permit based on new an aerosol.
information such as the findings from post-construction monitoring, updated emissions inventories, updated SUM00. The sum of all hourly average concentrations above modeling, research, or information on air pollution effects to 0 ppb.
terrestrial, aquatic, and visibility resources. SUM06. The sum of all hourly average concentrations at or Scattering. An interaction of a light with an object (e.g., a above 60 ppb.
fine particle) that causes the light to be redirected in its path. Target Load. The acceptable concentration or dose of an air Scattering Coefficient. Measure of the ability of particles pollutant that provides a reasonable margin of safety below to scatter light; measured in number proportional to the the critical load. The target load should be achievable under amount of light scattered per unit distance. existing conditions.
Screening Level or Screening Level Value (SLV). The Transmissometer. An instrument that measures the amount concentration or dose of air pollution below which of light extinction over a fixed, specified path length.
estimated impacts from a proposed new or modified source Visibility Impairment. Any humanly perceptible change are considered insignificant. The SLV is dependent on in visibility (visual range, contrast, coloration) from that existing air quality and on the condition of the AQRV of which would have existed under natural conditions. [40 CFR concern. §51.301(x)]
Sensitive Receptor. The AQRV, or part thereof, that is the Visual Range. The distance at which a large black object most responsive to, or the most easily affected by the type would just disappear from view.
of air pollution in question. For example, at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spruce-fir forest is a sensitive Volatile Organic Compound (VOC). Any compound of receptor of the AQRV flora. carbon, except those excluded by EPA that participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions. (See 40 CFR Sensitive Receptor Indicator. A measurable physical, §51.100(s))
chemical, biological, or social (e.g., odor) characteristic of a sensitive receptor. For example, for the sensitive receptor, W126. An ozone index that multiplies each specific Crater Lake, water clarity is a sensitive receptor indicator. concentration by a sigmoidal weighted function, then sums all values. Wi = 1/[1 + Me-(A x Ci)], where M and A Stationary Source. A source of pollution that is well are constants 4403 and 126 ppm-1, respectively, wi is the defined, such as the smokestack of a coal-fired power plant weighting factor for ci, and ci is concentration in ppm.
or smelter.
78 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Appendix B: Legal Framework [E]nsure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the System are maintained for the for Managing Air Quality and Air benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Quality Effects on Federal Lands 16 U.S.C. §668dd(a)(4)(B)(1997)
Department of Agriculture: Forest Service (Forest Introduction Service)
The regulation of air pollution sources has clearly been National Forest System lands are defined as:
delegated to EPA, and as applicable, the States. However, Federal Land Managers (FLMs) have the responsibility to [A]ll National Forests reserved or withdrawn from the public protect the particular values of the lands over which they domain of the United States, all national forests acquired have jurisdiction, to the extent they have been delegated the through purchase, exchange, donation, or other means, all authority, from the adverse impacts of activities inside and national grasslands and land utilization projects...and all outside these areas. lands waters, and other interests administered by the Forest Service.
This Appendix sets out the basic legal authorities and responsibilities with which the FLMs comprising FLAG 16 U.S.C. §1609(a)(1997) must comply, in addition to those authorities which they can The Forest Services Organic Administration Act of 1897 utilize to protect AQRVs on public lands. directs the Secretary of Agriculture to:
For the purposes of this Appendix only, the term public [M]ake provisions for the protection against destruction by lands is defined to include units of the National Park, fire and depredations upon the public forests and national National Wildlife Refuge, and National Forest Systems. forests...
Agency Organic Acts 16 U.S.C. Sec. §551(1997)
Department of the Interior: National Park Service The National Forest units are managed consistent with (NPS): Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMPs) under the provisions of the National Forest Management Act (NFMA).
This Organic Act is very specific in that it mandates national 16 §U.S.C. 1604 (1997). Any measures addressing AQRVs on park unit managers:
National Forest System lands will be implemented through,
[T]o conserve the scenery and the natural and historic and be consistent with, the provisions of an applicable objects and wild life therein and to provide for the LRMP or its revision (16 U.S.C. §1604(i)).
enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means The Secretary of Agriculture is required by law to prepare a as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future Renewable Resource Assessment by 1979, and every 10 years generations.
thereafter. By law this Assessment is required to address:
16 U.S.C. §1(1997); and
- A description of Forest Service programs in research, cooperative programs and management of the National
[T]he authorization of activities shall be construed and Forest System, their relationships, and the relationships of the protection, management, and administration of these these programs and responsibilities to public and private areas shall be conducted in light of the high public value activities; and and integrity of the National Park System and shall not be exercised in derogation of the values and purposes for which
- An analysis of the potential effects of global climate these various areas have been established, except as may change on the condition of renewable resources on the have been or shall be directly and specifically provided for by Forests and rangelands of the United States; and Congress.
- An analysis of the rural and urban forestry opportunities to mitigate the buildup of atmospheric carbon dioxide 16 U.S.C. § 1a-1 (1997) and reduce the risk of global climate change.
Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife 16 U.S.C. §1601(a) (1997)
Service (FWS):
In addition, the Secretary of Agriculture is required to With respect to National Wildlife Refuge System lands prepare and transmit to the President, a Renewable Resource (Refuge System lands under the jurisdiction of the United Program (the Program) every 5 years. This Program must States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)), FWS managers are include program recommendations which recognize the required to manage Refuge System lands so to:
fundamental need to protect, and where appropriate, USFS-NPS-USFWS 79
improve the quality of ... air resources. 16 U.S.C. §1602(5) public health and welfare and the productive capacity of its (C). population.
The Forest Services implementing regulations for NFMA 42 U.S.C. § 7401(b)(1); and are found at 36 C.F.R. §219 et seq. LRMPs are, in part, specifically based on: A primary goal of this Act is to encourage or otherwise promote reasonable Federal, State, and local government
[R]ecognition that the National Forests are ecosystems actions, consistent with the provisions of this Act, for and their management for goods and services requires an pollution prevention.
awareness and consideration of the interrelationships among plants, animals, soil, water, air, and other environmental 42 U.S.C. §7401(c) factors within such ecosystems. The CAA provides an additional legal framework for FLMs 36 C.F.R. §219.1(b)(3) to preserve and protect AQRVs from pollution sources emanating both within and outside National Park, Forest, and Refuge boundaries.
The Wilderness Act. 16 U.S.C. §1131 (1997)
AQRVs in Wilderness areas may receive further protection National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) by the language of the Wilderness Act itself which states: and State Implementation Plans (SIPs):
The CAA establishes a regulatory program with the goal Wilderness areas... shall be administered for the use of of achieving and maintaining national ambient air quality the American people in such a manner as will leave them standards (NAAQS) through state or, if necessary, federal unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness ....
implementation plans (SIPs or FIPs).1 (16 U.S.C. Sec. §1131).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged For Wilderness Areas in the National Forest System, the with promulgating:
Acts implementing regulations are found at 36 C.F.R. §293.
These Wilderness Areas shall be administered:
- primary NAAQS for criteria pollutants to protect the public health, allowing an adequate margin of safety;
...[For] such other purposes for which it may have been and established in such a manner as to preserve and protect
[their] wilderness character. In carrying out such purposes,
- secondary NAAQS to protect the public welfare from National Forest Wilderness resources shall be managed any known or anticipated adverse effects associated with to promote, perpetuate, and, where necessary, restore the the presence of such air pollutant in the ambient air.2 wilderness character of the land... The above secondary standards may help protect public land AQRVs.3 To date, EPA has promulgated NAAQS for 36 C.F.R. §293.2 (1997) six criteria pollutants: sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and lead. In 2006, The Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq. EPA issued revised, and more stringent NAAQS for fine Because of a perceived need for national and regional air particulate matter. In 2008 EPA revised the ozone standard, quality research to support State programs, Congress passed to address human health and welfare concerns. In 2010, EPA its first federal air quality initiative in 1955. (Air Pollution promulgated one-hour standards for nitrogen dioxide and Control Act of 1955, Ch. 360, 69 Stat. 322). In response sulfur dioxide. However, EPA openly acknowledged that to increasing harm to public health and welfare and to these revised NAAQS were not fully adequate to protect inadequate controls and enforcement, Congress has slowly the above secondary values, in particular those sensitive but steadily expanded and refined the law, now known as the AQRVs on public lands. EPA proposed further revisions Clean Air Act (CAA), to cover more types of pollutants and to the primary and secondary ozone standards in January emitters; e.g., stationary and mobile sources of pollution. 2010 and is currently developing a proposal for secondary These efforts have culminated in the 1990 Amendments NOx and SOx standards that are intended to address aquatic to the CAA, which represent the most comprehensive and acidification due to acid deposition.
detailed set of measures to date to both prevent and curtail Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD):
air pollution.
The CAA, as amended in 1977, includes the following The declaration of purpose, as revised in 1990 states in part: major purposes regarding the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) provisions:
The purposes of this subchapter are: to protect and enhance the quality of the Nations air resources so as to promote the [T]o protect public health and welfare from any actual or potential adverse effect . . . from air pollution . . .
80 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
notwithstanding attainment and maintenance of all national The facility owner demonstrates that the facilitys emissions ambient air quality standards. of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides will not cause or contribute to concentrations which will exceed 42 U.S.C. § 7470(1) the maximum allowable increases for that Class I area.
[T]o preserve, protect, and enhance the air quality 42 U.S.C. §7475(d)(2)(C)(i)(paraphrased) and 42 U.S.C.
in national parks, national wilderness areas, national §7476.
monuments, national seashores, and other areas of special national or regional natural, recreational, scenic, or historic Even if no increment violation is predicted, value.
[T]he state may not issue a PSD permit, if the Federal Land 42 U.S.C. §7470(2) Manager demonstrates to the satisfaction of the State that the emissions from such facility will have an adverse impact The PSD section provides some protection for park and on the air quality-related values (including visibility) of Class wilderness AQRVs through establishment of ceilings on I lands.
additional amounts of air pollution over baseline levels in clean air areas (increments). It requires EPA or the State to 42 U.S.C. §7475(d)(2)(C)(ii)(paraphrased) provide to the FLM notice of any proposed major emitting facility4 whose emissions may affect a Class I area (42 U.S.C. Neither the CAA nor the implementing regulations specify
§7475(d)(2)(A), and also by charging: criteria for the FLM to satisfy state permitting agencies.
Consequently, some states have taken a liberal view of their
[T]he Federal Land Manager 1 and the Federal official discretion to reject an FLMs adverse impact determination.
charged with direct responsibility for management of such However, EPAs Environmental Appeals Board (the lands with an affirmative responsibility to protect the air Board) has ruled that state discretion in rejecting a FLMs quality related values (including visibility) of any such lands finding of adverse impacts is not unfettered (see the within a class I area and to consider, in consultation with the Boards decisions regarding the permit appeals for the Old Administrator, whether a proposed major emitting facility Dominion Electric Cooperative and Hadson Power projects will have an adverse impact on such values. in Virginia). Nevertheless, the appropriate role of the FLM in the PSD permit process was addressed in EPAs 1996 42 U.S.C. §7475(d)(2)(B). proposed New Source Review Reform regulations. The final Class I areas include national parks larger than 6,000 acres regulations have not yet been promulgated.
and national wilderness areas and national memorial parks Visibility Protection. Subpart II, 42 U.S.C. §7491 which exceed 5,000 acres, in existence on August 7, 1977. et seq. (1997)
The 1990 Amendments provided that subsequent additions to the boundaries of such areas are also Class I areas. The Visibility portion of the CAA:
Currently, 48 areas in the National Park system, 21 Refuge
... [D]eclares as a national goal the prevention of any future, System units, and 88 areas under the administration of the and the remedying of any existing, impairment of visibility Forest Service are designated as Class I.
in mandatory class I Federal areas which impairment results Under the PSD provisions and implementing regulations from man made air pollution.
(40 C.F.R. §51.166(p)), for Class I areas, once baseline 42 U.S.C. §7491(a)(1).
concentrations come under review by submission of a PSD preconstruction permit application for a major new To help carry out this goal, the Secretaries of the Interior and or modified emissions source, only the smallest increment Agriculture are charged with identifying Class I areas where of certain pollutants sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide visibility is an important value. EPA is charged with reporting and particulate matter may be added to the air by the to Congress on methods to implement the national goal and proposed new source, and other increment consuming with promulgating regulations to ensure reasonable progress sources. toward meeting the goal.
Under the PSD provisions a FLM has several tools he/she In 1980, EPA issued enforceable regulations for visibility may use to protect AQRVs. impairment reasonably attributable to a specific source or small group of sources. In particular, major stationary A state may not issue a PSD permit to allow construction or sources emitting any pollutant which may reasonably modification of a major emitting facility when the applicable be anticipated to cause or contribute to any impairment Federal Land Manager files a notice alleging the facility of visibility is required to install best available retrofit may cause or contribute to a change in the Class I areas air technology (BART). In addition, in April 1999 EPA quality and by identifying the potential adverse impact of promulgated final regulations addressing regional haze.
such a change, unless:
USFS-NPS-USFWS 81
The regional haze rule protects air quality in Class I areas Proposed new or modified major stationary sources within by requiring States to plan to achieve natural visibility nonattainment areas are required to meet emissions limits conditions over a 60-year time frame. based on lowest achievable emission rate technology (LAER) and may be constructed only if their emissions are The 1990 Amendments added a new section on visibility, sufficiently offset by reductions in emissions from other which authorizes EPA in conjunction with NPS and other sources. The 1990 Amendments also require analysis of federal agencies, to conduct visibility research and to alternative sites, sizes, production processes, and control evaluate clean air corridors and emissions sources and techniques and a finding that the benefits of the source source regions causing visibility impairment in Class I areas. outweigh its environmental and social costs. (42 U.S.C.
In this regard, EPA was required to establish the Grand §7501-15.)
Canyon Visibility Transport Commission (GCVTC) by 1991 and consider the recommendations GCVTC would make General (42 U.S.C. §7492(f). NPS, FS, FWS, and BLM played a vital CAA Subchapter III 42 U.S.C. §7601 et seq. contains role in the work of the GCVTC and committees in an effort definitions, requirements for reports to Congress, to improve air quality in the Grand Canyon and other parks authorizations for appropriations, and procedures for EPA and wilderness areas in the Golden Circle on the Colorado rule making and judicial review. Citizen suits are authorized:
Plateau.
- 1) against EPA for failure to perform a nondiscretionary duty As part of the visibility protection process, states are under the CAA, or 2) against others for alleged violations of required to promulgate a plan to prevent any future, and an emission limitation, standard, or order. (42 U.S.C.§7601 et remedy any existing impairment of visibility in Class I seq.)
areas... 40 C.F.R. §51.300 (1997). EPA has defined visibility Acid Deposition impairment as:
The 1990 Amendments add Title IV, which contains
[A]ny humanly perceptible change in visibility (visual range, requirements for electric utilities to reduce emissions contrast, coloration) from that which would have existed associated with acid rain. To reduce the adverse effects of under natural conditions. acid deposition, Title IV requires a reduction in annual 40 C.F.R. §51.301(x)(1997).7 emissions of sulfur dioxide of ten million tons from 1980 emission levels and a reduction of nitrogen oxides emissions However, EPA has promulgated its visibility regulations of approximately two million tons from 1980 emission levels, to allow FLMs to use their existing authorities to in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. (42 address visibility impairment (rather than significant U.S.C. §7651.) The Title creates a system of market-based impairment) so that the affected Federal Land Manager emission allowances, which can be traded among sources.
may certify to the State, at any time, that there exists See (42 U.S.C. §7651a-o.)
impairment of visibility in any mandatory Class I Federal area. 40 C.F.R. §51.302(c). Operating Permits The 1990 Amendments add Subchapter V, 42 U.S.C. §7661 Nonattainment Areas, 42 U.S.C. §7501 et seq.:
et seq., which establishes a nation-wide permit program for Areas that have failed to meet NAAQS for one or more existing stationary sources. Permit requirements will include criteria pollutants are designated as nonattainment areas. emission limitations. EPA may veto state permits, which do Under the 1990 Amendments, Congress provides for further not comply with provisions of the CAA. (42 U.S.C. §7661a-f.)
classification of nonattainment areas based on severity of the nonattainment and availability and feasibility of appropriate Conformity, 42 U.S.C. §7506 (1997) pollution control measures and for a compliance schedule (Paraphrased) No federal agency may engage in, support ranging from 1993 in marginal nonattainment areas to 2010 in any way,... license or permit, or otherwise approve any for Los Angeles. activity which does not conform to an approved state (or federal) implementation plan. Conformity shall be The 1990 Amendments authorize EPA to issue control an affirmative responsibility of the head of each agency.
technique guidance documents (CTGs) covering a variety Conformity means:
of topics, such as control of idling vehicles and voluntary removal of pre-1980 model year light duty vehicles (cash
- Conforming to the SIPs purpose of eliminating or for clunker programs). (42 U.S.C. §7408.) EPA is authorized reducing the number of NAAQS violations; to issue CTGs, in lieu of regulations, to reduce volatile
- That any such activities will not:
organic compounds (VOC) emissions from any consumer or commercial product. (42 U.S.C. §7511b.) -- Cause or contribute to new violations in any area; or 82 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
-- Increase the frequency or severity of any existing involved in satisfying State permitting agencies in the PSD standard violation... process, and the appropriate delegated role for FLMs in non-PSD situations, the existing framework may provide an EPA, in its criteria and procedures for implementing inadequate means for FLMs to protect AQRVs from adverse conformity has decided that only those activities that a impacts caused by sources outside unit boundaries.
federal agency can practicably control, and will maintain control over due to a continuing program responsibility are Endnotes subject to same. 40 C.F.R. §93.152.
- 1) Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. §7401-7671q (as amended 1990).
Although required to comply with the conformity provisions (42 U.S.C. §7618(1997)), the FLM cannot use these 2) Clean Air Deskbook, The Environmental Law Reporter, provisions to protect AQRVs from adverse impacts from off Environmental Law Institute, 1992.
site sources.
- 3) Managing National Park System Resources: A Handbook on Impact on Federal Land Managers Legal Duties, Opportunities, and Tools, Chap. 4 The Clean Air Act by Molly Ross at pp. 51-65, The Conservation The CAA reinforces the FLMs Organic Act and Wilderness Foundation, 1990.
Act roles as protectors of AQRVs on public lands.
- 4) Atmospheric Environment Vol. 27B, No. 1, The 20-Year The CAA also imposes on FLMs an obligation to comply History of the Evolution of Air Pollution Control Legislation with the Acts many provisions regarding the abatement of in the U.S.A. by Richard H. Schulze at pp. 15-25., 1993 air pollution to the same extent as any private person (42 U.S.C. §7418). 5) Wilderness Act of 1964, 16 U.S.C. §1131 et seq, P.L. 577, 78 stat 890 as amended.
Thus, under various authorities, FLMs are responsible for protecting AQRVs within their respective unit boundaries 6) The Principal Laws Relating to Forest Service Activities, and taking appropriate action to do so, when reviewing USDA - Forest Service ISBN 0-16-041927-1, 1993 emission sources both within units, and in proximity to unit
- 7) Organic Administration Act of 1897, 16 U.S.C. §473-475, boundaries.
§477-482, §551.
FLMs, under the CAA, have an affirmative responsibility for protecting AQRVs (including visibility) in reviewing proposed PSD permits. However, because of the uncertainty USFS-NPS-USFWS 83
Appendix C: General Policy for 8. Each Class I component is important in itself; as well as in terms of how it interacts with other components of Managing Air Quality Related the ecosystem. That is, the individual parts of the Class I Values in Class I Areas ecosystem are as significant as the sum of the parts.
- 9. The physical components of the ecosystem (for instance, lake chemistry) are as essential as its biological Most Federal Land Manager (FLM) enabling legislation constituents (i.e., salamanders). That is, the earth is as and regulations developed to implement Federal Laws essential as the community of life.
do not directly address air quality, or air pollution effects on Parks or Wildernesses. They do, however, provide 10. Class I components are to be protected from human-broad direction on what should be protected in Parks and caused change rather than from damage. Terms Wildernesses (the earth and its community of life) and such as damage and harm are prejudicial, whereas to what degree (preserve natural conditions or conserve human-caused change is value-neutral. (For example, resources unimpaired). Accordingly, FLMs have developed deposits of nitrogen in a lake from nitrogen oxide, a the following policies related to air quality and Class I areas: common air pollutant, might result in more plant growth and larger fish. This would, however, be an unnatural
- 1. Class I areas are not merely a commodity for human use - and therefore unacceptable - change in the aquatic and consumption. Park and Wilderness ecosystems have ecosystem).
intrinsic values other than user/public concerns.
- 11. The goal of Class I management is to protect natural
- 2. A principal objective of FLM management is to offer a conditions, rather than the conditions when first natural user experience, rather than strictly an enjoyable monitored. That is, if initial monitoring in a Class I area one. The amount of enjoyment is purely a personal identifies human-caused changes, appropriate actions matter for the individual user to decide. should be taken to remedy them, in order to move
- 3. All Class I components are equally important; none is of towards a more natural condition.
lesser value than another. 12. The designation of a Park or Wilderness as Class I or II
- 4. A Class I component is important even if users of the area does not dictate the management goals for it; these are are unaware of its existence. identified in the enabling legislation. The designation
- 5. All life forms are equally important. For example, only determines which options are available to meet microorganisms are as essential as elk, wild flowers, or the goals. Class I Parks or Wildernesses, for instance, grizzly bears. can be protected through AQRV analysis, whereas the protection of Class II Parks and Wildernesses can be
- 6. The goal of Class I management is to protect not only achieved using BACT requirements.
resources with immediate aesthetic appeal (i.e., sparkling clean streams) but also unseen ecological processes (such 13. The FLMs will do their best to manage and protect as natural biodiversity and gene pools). resources at every area that they administer.
- 7. The most sensitive Class I components are to be 14. Although monitoring is critical to many air resource emphasized more than those of average or normal management decisions, it must not interfere needlessly sensitivity. Sensitivity is generally determined by inertia with Park or Wilderness. Where possible, the most (resistance to change), elasticity (how far the component intrusive monitoring and instrumentation should be can be stretched from its natural condition without conducted adjacent to the Class I area - if such areas being permanently modified), and resiliency (the number adequately represent the area of concern.
of times it can revert to its natural condition after experiencing human-caused change).
84 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Appendix D: Best Available emission increases and their corresponding impact on the FLM area in question. The FLM does this by comparing Control Technology (BACT) the proposed controls to recent BACT determinations for similar facilities. If the FLM disagrees with the applicants Analysis BACT analysis, technical comments are submitted to the permitting authority that has the ultimate responsibility to Given the need to minimize emissions and their resulting make the BACT determination and issue the permit.
air quality impacts, the FLMs recommend that the applicant conduct the BACT analysis using EPAs top-down approach. The environmental impacts analysis of the BACT review is In brief, a top-down process ranks all available control not to be confused with the air quality-related analysis. The technologies in descending order of control effectiveness. environmental impacts analysis of the BACT review should All of the available control systems for the source, including concentrate on impacts other than ambient air quality the most stringent, must be considered. The applicant impacts of the regulated pollutant in question, such as first examines the most effective, or top, alternative. That solid or hazardous waste generation, discharges of polluted alternative is established as the BACT unless the applicant water from a control device, or emissions of unregulated demonstrates, and the permitting authority agrees, that pollutants. Thus, the fact that a given control alternative technical considerations, or energy, environmental, or would result in only a slight improvement in ambient economic impacts justify a conclusion that the most concentrations of the pollutant in question when compared stringent technology is not achievable in that case. FLMs with a less stringent control alternative, should not be utilize EPAs BACT/RACT/LAER Clearinghouse, and other viewed as a basis for rejecting the more stringent control information, for assessing control technologies proposed by alternative.
permit applicants.
Regarding the economic impact analysis, given the special If the most stringent technology is eliminated in this fashion, protection Class I areas are afforded under the Clean Air Act, then the next most stringent alternative is considered, and so FLMs believe that the need to minimize potential impacts on. Permit applicants should refer to chapter B of the EPA on a Class I area should be a major consideration in the Draft New Source Review Workshop Manual for a detailed BACT determination for a project proposed near such an discussion of the top-down policy (EPA 1990). area. Therefore, if a source proposes to locate near a Class I area, additional costs to minimize impacts on sensitive The FLM reviews the applicants BACT analysis to Class I resources may be warranted, even though such costs determine if the best available pollution control technology may be considered economically unjustified under other is being proposed, thereby minimizing the proposed circumstances.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 85
Appendix E: Maps of Federal Class I Areas AK Denali NP & Pres 0 125 250 500 Miles C a n a d a 0 250 500 1,000 Km North Cascades NP Olympic NP !
! Glacier NP Isle
! Voyageurs NP Royale NP ME WA ! !
Mount Theodore Acadia NP !
MT Roosevelt NP ND Rainier NP !
MN VT NH Crater OR Yellowstone NP NY Lake NP ID WI MA
! Craters of Wind SD RI
! Cave NP CT Redwood NP the Moon NM !
Grand ! !
Badlands NP MI
! ! Lava Beds NM Teton NP PA WY IA NJ Lassen Rocky NE OH Point Volcanic NP UT MD DE Mountain NP IL IN Shenandoah NP Reyes NS NV Capitol ! !
Yosemite NP Reef Arches NP CO WV VA
! Bryce Mammoth Pinnacles NP ! ! Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP MO CA Canyon NP ! ! Canyonlands NP Cave NP KY NM ! KS Great Smoky Atlantic Oc Zion NP Great Sand Pa Sequoia / !
Mesa Mountains NP Kings Canyon NP ! Dunes NP & Pres TN !
Grand Verde NP NC cifi Canyon NP !
Bandelier NM OK SC AR ean Joshua ! AZ Petrified NM Forest NP c Ocean Tree NP MS AL GA Carlsbad Saguaro NP ! Caverns NP Chiricahua NM Guadalupe!
! TX LA Mountains NP Big FL Bend NP Everglades NP M e x i c o Haleakala NP HI!
8 0 125 250 500 Miles Car ibbean Sea PR !
VI Hawaii Virgin Volcanoes NP 0 250 500 1,000 Kilometers Islands NP Figure 8. National Park Service Class I Areas Map produced by the National Park Service Air Resources Division March 2010.
86 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
AK Tuxedni Wilderness 0 125 250 500 Miles C a Simeonof Wilderness n a d a 0 250 500 1,000 Km Lostwood Wilderness Moosehorn Wilderness Medicine Lake Wilderness WA ! ! ME !
UL Bend Wilderness MT
! ND Seney Wilderness MN
! VT Red Rock Lakes NH OR ID !
Wilderness WI NY MA SD CT RI MI NJ PA Brigantine Wilderness WY IA !
NE OH MD DE UT IL IN NV CO WV VA CA KS MO KY Swanquarter Wilderness Atlantic Oc Mingo Wilderness !
Pa !
TN NC OK cifi AR Wichita Mountains SC Cape Romain ean Wilderness AZ NM !Wilderness !
c Ocean Bosque del Apache
! MS AL GA Wolf Island Salt Creek Wilderness Wilderness ! Wilderness TX !
Okefenokee LA Saint Marks
! Wilderness Breton Wilderness ! Wilderness FL Chassahowitzka Wilderness M e x i c o HI 8
0 125 250 500 Miles Car ibbean Sea PR VI 0 250 500 1,000 Kilometers Figure 9. Fish and Wildlife Service Class I Areas Map produced by the National Park Service Air Resources Division March 2010.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 87
AK 0 125 250 500 Miles C a n a d a 0 250 500 1,000 Km Pasayten Wilderness Glacier Peak
! Cabinet Mountains Alpine Lakes ! Boundary Waters WA ! Canoe Area ME Bob Marshall Goat Rocks Mission Mtns ! ! MT !
Mount Adams !
Selway !Scapegoat ND Great Gulf Bitterroot ! Gates of the Mountains Rainbow Lake ! !
Mount Hood ! VT Presidential Eagle !
! Anaconda Pintler MN ! Range Mount Jefferson Lye Brook Dry River Mt Washington ! ! Cap ! ! Hells Three Sisters ! OR ! Canyon !
Diamond Peak ! Sawtooth North Absaroka WI NY MA Strawberry !
Kalmiopsis Mtn !
! ! ! Gearhart Mtn ID MI Marble Mtn Mountain !Fitzpatrick
! Lakes !
Thousand Lakes ! South Jarbridge Bridger PA
!! Warner WY IA NJ
! Caribou NE OH Yolla Bolly- Rawah MD DE Middle Eel NV Mount Zirkel Otter Creek ! Dolly Sods Desolation Flat Tops CO IL IN !
! UT ! Eagles Nest
! Mokelumne ! WV James River Face Emigrant!! Hoover Ansel Adams
! Maroon Bells- !
VA Kaiser!! John Muir West Elk ! Snowmass KS MO KY Ventana La Garita !! Weminuche Atlantic Oc
! CA Linville Gorge Pa San Rafael
! Domeland San Pedro Wheeler Peak Hercules-Glades Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock NC
! Sycamore Parks! ! Upper Buffalo! TN ! !
Shining Rock cifi Canyon ! !
San Gabriel !!Cucamonga AZ Pecos OK Cohutta SC
!San Gorgonio Pine Mountain NM AR !Sipsey ean
! !! Caney Creek
! San Mount Baldy !
Agua Tibia JacintoMazatzal ! !
c Ocean
! Sierra Ancha MS AL GA Superstition ! !White Mountain Gila Galiuro !
!Chiricahua TX LA Bradwell Bay FL M e x i c o HI 8
0 125 250 500 Miles Car ibbean Sea PR VI 0 250 500 1,000 Kilometers Figure 10. Forest Service Class I Wilderness Areas Map produced by the National Park Service Air Resources Division March 2010.
88 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Appendix F: FLAG 2000 Participants The individuals listed in the attached table participated in the development of the FLAG Phase I Report (December 2000).
The contact information was not updated as part of this FLAG 2010 revision. The abbreviations for the FLAG subgroup or committee on which participants served are shown below.
LC = Leadership Committee CC = Coordinating Committee P = Policy Subgroup V = Visibility Subgroup O = Ozone Subgroup D = Deposition Subgroup T = Terminology (Glossary) Subgroup FLAG 2000 Participants Name Subgroup Organization Work Phone Fax Email Address Acheson, Ann* V Forest Service (406) 329-3493 (406) 329-3132 aacheson@fs.fed.us Ahuja, Suraj O,V,D Forest Service (530) 934-3316 (530) 934-7384 sahuja@fs.fed.us Bachman, Bob* CC,V,D,T Forest Service (503) 808-2918 (503) 808-2973 rbachman@fs.fed.us Bayle, Bruce* P Forest Service (404) 347-3872 (404) 347-6197 bbayle@fs.fed.us Benoit, Clif* V,P Forest Service -- -- --
Blanchard, Karen* EPA (919) 541-5503 (919) 541-5509 blanchard.karen@epamail.epa.gov Blett, Tamara* Forest Service -- -- --
Boutcher, Steve Forest Service (503) 326-5434 (503) 808-2973 sboutcher@fs.fed.us Bray, David T,V EPA (206) 553-4253 (206) 553-0110 bray.dave@epamail.epa.gov Breitenfeld, Dale* Park Service -- -- --
Bunyak, John P,T Park Service (303) 969-2818 (303) 969-2822 john_bunyak@nps.gov Bytnerowicz, A. O Forest Service (909) 680-1562 (909) 680-1501 andrzej@deltanet.com Carriero, Joe* CC,T Fish and Wildlife -- -- --
Copeland, Scott V CIRA (CSU) (970) 491-3315 (970) 491-8598 copeland@cira.colostate.edu Fisher, Rich* CC,V,P,O,T Forest Service (970) 498-1232 (970) 498-1010 rfisher@lamar.colostate.edu Flores, Miguel* P,O Park Service -- -- --
Haddow, Dennis* P,V,T Forest Service (303) 275-5759 (303) 275-5759 dhaddow@fs.fed.us Hogsett, Bill O EPA (541) 754-4632 (541) 754-4739 bill@heart.cor.epa.gov Huber, Cindy V Forest Service (540) 265-5156 (540) 265-5145 chuber@fs.fed.us Irwin, John V EPA (919) 541-5682 (919) 541-0044 irwin.john@epamail.epa.gov Jackson, Bill O Forest Service (704) 257-4815 (704) 257-4263 bjacksono2@fs.fed.us Lamb, Donna* LC Forest Service (202) 205-0800 (202) 205-1096 dlamb@fs.fed.us Malm, Bill V Park Service (970) 491-8292 (970) 491-8598 malm@cira.colostate.edu Maniero, Tonnie* CC,O Park Service (303) 969-2806 (303) 969-2822 tonnie_maniero@nps.gov Morris, Kristi Park Service (303) 987-6941 (303) 969-2822 kristi_morris@nps.gov Morse, Dee CC,V Park Service (303) 969-2817 (303) 969-2822 dee_morse@nps.gov Musselman, Bob O,D Forest Service (970) 498-1239 (970) 498-1010 bobm@lamar.colostate.edu Notar, John V Park Service (303) 969-2079 (303) 969-2822 john_notar@nps.gov
- No longer works for the agency or now works for a different office.
USFS-NPS-USFWS 89
FLAG 2000 Participants Name Subgroup Organization Work Phone Fax Email Address Parker, Kim* D,O Forest Service -- -- --
Peterson, Dave O BRD (206) 543-1587 (206) 695-0790 wild@u.washington.edu Peterson, Janice O,D Forest Service (425) 744-3425 (425) 744-3255 jpeterson@fs.fed.us Pitchford, Mark V NOAA (702) 895-0432 (702) 895-0507 MarcP@snsc.dri.edu Pitt, Ken P USDA/OGC (303) 275-5539 (303) 275-5557 kenneth.pitt@usda.gov Porter, Ellen* CC,D Fish and Wildlife (303) 969-2617 (303) 969-2822 ellen_porter@nps.gov Potter, Debby* P,D Forest Service (505) 842-3143 (505) 842-3800 dapotter@fs.fed.us Procter, Trent O Forest Service (559) 784-1500 (559) 781-4744 tprocter@fs.fed.us Renfro, Jim O Park Service (423) 436-1708 (423) 436-5598 jim_renfro@nps.gov Riebau, Al D Forest Service (202) 205-1524 (202) 205-1054 ariebau@fs.fed.us Rocchio, Judy O Park Service (415) 427-1431 (415) 427-1487 judy_rocchio@nps.gov Rolofson, Bud* V Fish and Wildlife (303) 969-2804 (303) 969-2822 bud_rolofson@nps.gov Scruggs, Mark* V Park Service (303) 969-2077 (303) 969-2822 mark_scruggs@nps.gov Shaver, Chris LC Park Service (303) 969-2074 (303) 969-2822 chris_shaver@nps.gov Shepherd, Don Park Service (303) 969-2075 (303) 969-2822 don_shepherd@nps.gov Silva, Sandra LC Fish and Wildlife (303) 969-2814 (303) 969-2822 sandra_silva@nps.gov Stottlemyer, Bob D USGS/BRD (970) 498-1017 (970) 498-1010 crhoades@lamar.colostate.edu Thomas, Jerome Forest Service (803) 561-4000 (803) 561-4004 jthomas@fs.fed.us Tonnessen, Kathy* D Park Service -- -- --
Vimont, John V Park Service (303) 969-2808 (303) 969-2822 john_vimont@nps.gov
- No longer works for the agency or now works for a different office.
90 FLAG Phase I ReportRevised (2010)
Appendix G: Bibliography Au, S. 1974. Vegetation and Ecological Processes on Shackleford Bank, North Carolina. Scientific Monograph (Revised) Series No. 6. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Washington, D.C. 86 pp.
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vegetated surfaces. Atmospheric Environment. 21,91-101.
Aber, J.D., K.J. Nadelhoffer, P. Steudler and J.M. Melillo.
Baron, J.S. and D.H. Campbell. 1997. Nitrogen fluxes 1989. Nitrogen saturation in northern forest ecosystems:
in a high elevation Colorado Rocky Mountain basin.
excess nitrogen from fossil fuel combustion may stress the Hydrological Processes 11:783-799.
biosphere. BioScience 39:378-386.
Binkley, D., C. Giardina, I. Dockersmith, D. Morse, M.
Aber, J.D., Magill A, McNulty SG, Boone RD, Nadelhoffer Scruggs and K. Tonnessen. 1997. Status of Air Quality and KJ, Downs M, Hallett R. 1995. Forest biogeochemistry Related Values in Class I National Parks and Monuments and primary production altered by nitrogen saturation.
of the Colorado Plateau. U.S. Department of the Interior, Water, Air and Soil Pollution 85: 1665-1670.
National Park Service, Air Resources Division. Denver, Adams, M.B., D.S. Nichols, C.A. Federer, K.F. Jensen and Colorado.
H. Parrott. 1991. Screening Procedure to Evaluate Effects Bormann, F. H. and G. E. Likens. 1967. Nutrient cycling.
of Air Pollution on Eastern Region Wildernesses Cited as Science 155:424429.
Class I Air Quality Areas. General Technical Report NE-151. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Brace, S., D.L. Peterson and D. Horner. 1998. Diagnosing Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. Radnor, Ozone Injury in Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest.
Pennsylvania. PNW-GTR-xxx (In Press). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.
Adams, M.B., T.R. Angradi and J.N. Kochenderfer. 1997.
Stream water and soil solution responses to 5 years of Bunyak, J. 1993. Permit Application Guidance for New nitrogen and sulfur additions at the Fernow Experimental Pollution Sources. Natural Resources Report NPS/
Forest, West Virginia. Forest Ecology and Management NRAQD/NRR-93. U.S. Department of the Interior, 95:7991. National Park Service, Air Quality Division. Denver, Colorado.
Ames, R.B., and Malm, W.C. 2001.Chemical Species Contributions to the Upper Extremes of Aerosol Fine Burns, Douglas A.; Blett, Tamara; Haeuber, Richard; Pardo, Mass. Atmospheric Environment. 35:5193-5201. Linda H. 2008. Critical Loads as a Policy Tool for Protecting Ecosystems from the Effects of Air Pollutants.
Anderson, J.B., R.E. Baumgardner, V.A. Mohnen and J.J.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment: 6(3) 156-159.
Bowser. 1999. Cloud chemistry in the eastern United States, as sampled from three high-elevation sites along Byron, E. R. and P. Eloranta. 1984. Recent historical the Appalachian Mountains. Atmospheric Environment changes in the diatom community of Lake Tahoe, 33:5105-5114. CaliforniaNevada, U.S.A. Verh. Internat. Verin. Limnol.
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Ashmore, M., Emberson, L., Karlsson, P. E., Pleijel, H.
2004. New directions: a new generation of ozone Bytnerowicz, A., J. J. Carroll, B. K. Takemoto, P. R. Miller, critical levels for the protection of vegetation in Europe M. E. Fenn, R. C. Musselman. 2000. Distribution and (correspondence). Atmospheric Environment. 38: 2213- transport of air pollutants to vulnerable California 2214. ecosystems. In: K. M. Scow, G. E. Fogg, M. L. Johnson.
Integrated Assessment of Ecosystem Health. Lewis Ashmore, M.R. and A.W. Davison. 1996. Towards a critical Publishers, Boca Raton,93-118.
level of ozone for natural vegetation. In: Kaerenlampi, L.
and L. Skaerby, eds. Critical Levels for Ozone in Europe: Bytnerowicz, A., M. E. Fenn 1996. Nitrogen deposition in Testing and Finalizing the Concepts. UN-ECE Workshop California forests: a review. Environmental Pollution, 92, Report. University of Kuopio, Department of Ecology 127-146.
and Environmental Science. p. 58-71.
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Bytnerowicz, A., M. E. Fenn, P. R. Miller, M. J. Arbaugh. Cosby, B.J., S.A. Norton and J.S. Kahl. 1996. Using a paired-1999. Wet and dry pollutant deposition to the mixed conifer watershed manipulation experiment to evaluate a forest. In: P. R. Miller and J. R. McBride (eds.) Oxidant catchment-scale biogeochemical model. Science of the Air Pollution Impacts in the Montane Forests of Southern Total Environment 183:49-66.
California. Springer, New York, 235-269.
Davis, D.D. 1995. Evaluation of Ambient Ozone Injury on Bytnerowicz, A., S. Ferguson, F. Fujioka, R. Ottmar, M. the Foliage of Vegetation in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Poth. 1997. Simulation modeling: role and status. In: Wildlife Refuge, Brigantine, New Jersey. Final Report.
A. Bytnerowicz (tech. ed.) Atmospheric and Biospheric Interactions of Gases and Energy in the Pacific Region of Davis, D.D. 1998a. Evaluation of Ambient Ozone Injury on the the United States, Mexico and Brazil. USDA FS, Pacific Foliage of Vegetation in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Southwest Research Station, General Technical Report, Refuge, South Carolina. 1997 Observations.
PSW-GTR-161, 27-30. Davis, D.D. 1998b. Evaluation of Ozone Injury on Vegetation California Air Resources Board (CARB). 1993. The in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. 1997 Atmospheric Acidity Protection Program: Annual Report Observations.
to the Governor and Legislature, 1992. Sacramento, Dennis, R.L., R. Haeuber, T. Blett, J. Cosby, C. Driscoll, California. J. Sickles and J.M. Johnston. 2007. Sulfur and nitrogen Campbell, D.H., D.W. Clow, G.P. Ingersoll, M.A. Mast, deposition on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in N.E. Spahr and J.T. Turk. 1995. Processes controlling the United States. Air & Waste Management Association the chemistry of two snowmeltdominated streams Environmental Manager. pp 12-17.
in the Rocky Mountains. Water Resources Research Dise, N. and R.F. Wright. 1995. Nitrogen leaching from 31(11):28112821. European forests in relation to nitrogen deposition. Forest CENR. 1999. The role of monitoring networks in the Ecology and Management 71:153-161.
management of the Nations air quality. Report of the Dixon, L.K. and E.D. Estevez. 2000. Reservoirs of nitrogen National Science and Technology Council Committee on and phosphorus across a multiple source, nitrogen-enriched, Environment and Natural Resources. Washington, D.C. estuarine gradient. Draft report to the Air Quality Branch, Chappelka, A.H., L.J. Samuelson, J.M. Skelly, A.S. Lefohn U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado.
and D. Nesdill. 1995. Effects of Ozone on Vegetation Driscoll CT, Whitall D, Aber J, Boyer E, Castro M, Cronan in Southern Appalachians: an Annotated Bibliography. C, Goodale CL, Groffman P, Hopkinson C, Lambert Auburn University, School of Forestry. Auburn, Alabama. K, Lawrence G, Ollinger S. 2003. Nitrogen pollution Chow, J.C., Bachmann, J.D., Wierman, S.S.G., Mathai, C.V., in the northeastern United States: sources, effects, and Malm, W.C., White, W.H., Mueller, P.K., Kumar, N., management options. BioScience 53:357-374.
Watson, J.G. 2002. Critical Review Discussion: Visibility: Eckert, R., R. Kohut, J. Laurence, P. King, T. Lee, B. Rock, Science and Regulation. Journal of the Air and Waste D. Moss and A. Theisen. 1991. Studies to Assess the Effects Management Association. 52:973-999 of Ozone on Native Vegetation of Acadia National Park.
Colorado State University. Cooperative Institute for Annual Report. University of New Hampshire. Durham, Research in the Atmosphere. 1996. IMPROVE, New Hampshire.
Interagency Monitoring of Protected Environments. Spatial Ecological Society of America. 2000. Acid deposition: the and Seasonal Patterns and Long Term Variability of the ecological response. Workshop Report. March 1-3, 1999.
Composition of the Haze in the United States: An Analysis of Washington, D.C.
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Eilers, J. M., C.L. Rose and T.J. Sullivan. 1994. Status of Cosby, B.J., R.F. Wright and E. Gjessing. 1995. An Air Quality and Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants on acidification model (MAGIC) with organic acid evaluated Ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest Region of the National using whole-catchment manipulations in Norway. J. Park Service. Technical Report NPS/NRAQD/NRTR-Hydrol. 170:101-122. 94/160. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Cosby, B.J., R.F. Wright, G.M. Hornberger and J.N. Galloway. Service, Air Quality Division. Denver, Colorado.
1985. Modeling the effects of acid deposition: assessment of a lumped parameter model of soil water and stream water chemistry. Water Resources Research 21:51-63.
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for Visual Impact Screening and Analysis (Revised). EPA- R-00-003.
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