This report details a collaboration between the San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health’s Spring 2017 PH 632 Air Quality course, the Sage Project, and the City of Lemon Grove. The studies contained in this report were designed to provide the City of Lemon Grove with data regarding humidity, noise levels, and ambient air quality and to assess the usability of certain areas of the city. This report covers four ambient air and noise sampling studies in Lemon Grove performed by four graduate student groups. Their purpose was to determine whether the residents of Lemon Grove were exposed to excessive ambient concentrations of particulate matter (PM) as well as excessive ambient noise levels. Multiple PM2.5 mass concentration and particle count measuring devices were used. Instruments that measure ambient noise, relative humidity, and temperature were also used. The air sampling measurements were performed in the following four areas in Lemon Grove: the police department (stationary), parks, hotspots, and areas frequented by sensitive groups. Across all areas, ambient PM2.5concentrations were found to be below federal and state Ambient Air Quality Standards, a 24-hour average of 35 μg/m3. Additionally, it was determined that ambient PM2.5 concentrations were lower on rainy days compared to non-rainy days in all the areas sampled, whereas concentrations of PM1.0 and PM10 were higher in the hotspots examined as compared to residential areas. This was mainly due to the automobile combustion of particles as well the pres-ence of dust, mold, and pollen emitted in the atmosphere. It was also found that the mean noise level values in the parks examined were higher than those recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The proximity of the respective parks to nearby freeways or the number of cars on the road was deter-mined to have no effect on noise level. Noise levels also exceeded the recommended levels in the hotspots. As a result, a few domestic and industrial mitigation strategies were recommended. For instance, limiting large PM2.5 producing activities by imposing permitting requirements that could require industrial facilities to outline and integrate emission reduction plans before going into operation. In addition, short-term mitigation strategies include require-ments or fines imposed on unsanctioned community or residential fire pits and firework activities and restrictions on the use of charcoal and wood barbeques, especially during times of elevated PM2.5 concentrations (i.e., peak traffic periods). Public notices and city council meetings informing the public regarding air pollutants and noise levels may also be beneficial in educating residents on matters concerning the air quality in Lemon Grove. Air Quality and Noise Pollution in Lemon Grove
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
The Sage Project Contact Info
Kristofer Patron
Program Administrator
kpatron@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-0103
University Faculty Contact
Zohir Chowdhury
Public Health
Local Government / Community Contact
Management