Bronte Wells
Mesa, Arizona, is a city that faces a variety of environmental issues, particularly concerning air and water quality. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has identified several industries in Mesa that pose a high risk of contaminating water sources, including gas stations, landfills, dry cleaners, agricultural fields, wastewater treatment plants, and mining operations. In addition, the city struggles with air pollution, including particulate (dust) pollution, carbon monoxide, and ozone. To address these challenges, Mesa has implemented initiatives such as the No Burn Day restriction and educational programs to raise awareness about water conservation and pollution prevention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main air pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Particulate pollution | Dust |
| Other air pollutants | Carbon monoxide, ozone |
| Water pollutants | Pesticides, herbicides, organic chemical contaminants, radioactive contaminants |
| Water pollution prevention | Water education, conservation rebate programs, water-efficient landscaping ideas |
| Water treatment | Ozone disinfection |
| Water sources | Wells, surface water treatment plants |
| Industries with potential to affect water sources | Gas stations, landfills, dry cleaners, agricultural fields, wastewater treatment plants, mining operations |
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What You'll Learn
Water pollution from pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers
The City of Mesa, Arizona, has taken initiatives to address water pollution and ensure safe drinking water for its residents. While the city faces challenges such as air pollution and the risks associated with industries located within its boundaries, it actively works to protect public health and the environment.
Herbicides, specifically, are designed to bond with the soil structure and prevent weeds from growing. They are often applied directly to the soil and have lower water solubility than other pesticides to aid in soil binding. However, their persistency in the soil can cause issues, and they can still contribute to water pollution.
Fertilisers, on the other hand, are materials added to the soil to increase its fertility and promote plant growth. They typically contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in varying ratios, depending on the specific needs of different plants and soils. While fertilisers enhance plant growth, over-fertilisation can lead to leaf burn, reduced production, and even plant death. When fertilisers enter water bodies, they change the water quality and can make it unsafe for recreation and drinking. This phenomenon is known as fertiliser pollution, which can result in "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive.
The use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers in agriculture, urban settings, and residential areas can all contribute to water pollution in Mesa, Arizona. The City of Mesa provides educational materials and tips to help residents understand water pollution prevention, including the proper use and disposal of these substances. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) conducts source water assessments to identify potential sources of water contamination, which include agricultural fields, wastewater treatment plants, and industrial operations.
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Air pollution from dust and carbon monoxide
The City of Mesa, Arizona, has taken a leadership position to reduce particulate pollution, which continues to be a major problem. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Maricopa County Air Quality Department, and the City of Mesa work together to protect public health and the environment by identifying and enforcing control measures that reduce air pollution.
Particulate matter, or dust, is a significant contributor to air pollution in Mesa. The city has implemented measures to reduce dust pollution, and residents can also play a role in reducing dust pollution by following guidelines for residential wood burning. For instance, the No Burn Day restriction is in place to avoid adding pollution to the air when the forecast suggests air quality will approach or exceed federal health standards.
Carbon monoxide is another concern, particularly during the cooler months. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas that can have harmful health effects, including headaches, dizziness, and even death in high concentrations. To ensure that Maricopa County meets the health-based standards for carbon monoxide, residents can take measures such as properly ventilating their homes and ensuring their vehicles' engines are properly tuned.
Ozone is also a concern during the warmer months in Mesa. Ozone is a highly reactive gas that can have negative effects on human health, including respiratory issues. To reduce ozone pollution, residents can take measures such as reducing their use of vehicles and avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn equipment.
In addition to air pollution, Mesa also faces challenges with water quality. The city has implemented various measures to protect and improve water quality, including water education programs and water-efficient landscaping ideas. The $126 million Signal Butte Water Treatment Plant, brought online in 2018, is one of the largest capital projects in Mesa's history, adding 24 million gallons per day of capacity to the city's water system.
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High-risk water sources near gas stations and landfills
The City of Mesa, Arizona, is taking active measures to ensure its residents have access to safe and reliable water services. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has identified several potential sources of water contamination, including gas stations, landfills, dry cleaners, agricultural fields, wastewater treatment plants, and mining operations.
Gas stations, in particular, pose a significant risk to nearby water sources. Gasoline spills and leaks from faulty underground storage tanks can contaminate both surface and groundwater, leading to environmental and public health concerns. The contamination can occur when rainwater washes gasoline residue from pumps and spills into storm drains, eventually making its way into nearby water bodies and reservoirs. This has been observed in Washington, where gas stations have leaked toxins into groundwater, impacting the drinking water sources for nearly half of all Americans.
Landfills are another high-risk factor for water pollution in Mesa. Leachate leakage from landfills can contaminate groundwater with toxic substances such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and bacteria. These contaminants can have severe ecological consequences, such as water blooms and soil salinization, and pose serious health risks to humans, including an increased risk of cancer and infant death.
To address these risks, Mesa has implemented various strategies, including educational programs, water-efficient landscaping ideas, and conservation rebate programs. The city is also investing in major infrastructure projects, such as the $126 million Signal Butte Water Treatment Plant, which will utilize advanced water treatment technologies to provide safe and clean drinking water to its residents.
While the presence of high-risk industries near water sources is a concern, it is important to note that Mesa's drinking water quality remains uncompromised. The city actively works to identify and enforce control measures to reduce pollution and protect the health of its residents and the environment.
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Radioactive contaminants from oil and gas production
Oil and gas extraction activities, including fracking, drilling, and production, can release radioactive materials that endanger workers, nearby communities, and the environment. Underground oil and gas reservoirs often contain elevated levels of radioactive materials, mostly Radium-226 and Radium-228, compared to those found above ground. Once drilling begins, these radioactive materials can be released into the air, onto land, or into surface water or groundwater. As they become concentrated, they can contaminate the environment and accumulate in people's bodies. Radium-226 and Radium-228 are known to increase the risk of cancer, with chronic exposure inducing cancer in studies on humans and animals.
TENORM contamination can occur in various forms during oil and gas production. Drill cuttings, the small pieces of rock ground during drilling, can contain radioactive elements. Flowback and produced water, which come to the surface during and after drilling, can also contain radioactive materials. Pipe scale, which builds up inside pipes when water is pumped in and out, can have high levels of radioactivity due to the presence of radionuclides. Sludges, sediments, and filters can also capture TENORM as liquid and gas pass through.
The improper disposal of TENORM wastes in the past may have resulted in environmental contamination. Surface disposal of radioactive sludge, scale, and produced water can lead to groundwater and surface water contamination. This puts nearby residents and workers, especially those working on uncovered waste sites, at risk of exposure to radioactive dust, gamma radiation, and radon gas, which can cause lung cancer.
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to properly manage and dispose of TENORM wastes. Pipes contaminated with scale can be cleaned through sandblasting or scraping, and the removed scale is stored for later disposal. Contaminated equipment can be cleaned and reused, disposed of, or recycled if radiation levels are sufficiently reduced. If equipment cannot be decontaminated, it is sent to a landfill licensed to accept NORM materials. Following safety guidelines, such as those provided by the EPA and OSHA, can help reduce on-site radiation exposure for workers.
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Ozone pollution advisory in Phoenix
The City of Mesa in Arizona has taken a leadership position to reduce particulate pollution, which continues to be a major problem. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Maricopa County Air Quality Department, and the City of Mesa work together to protect public health and the environment by identifying and enforcing control measures that reduce air pollution.
One of the measures to reduce air pollution is the No Burn Day restriction, which is in place to avoid adding pollution to the air when the forecast suggests air quality will approach or exceed federal health standards. The City of Mesa also provides residents with educational materials, tips, conservation rebate programs, and water-efficient landscaping ideas to help protect water quality and the environment.
Mesa's water sources are potentially affected by nearby gas stations, landfills, dry cleaners, agricultural fields, wastewater treatment plants, and mining operations. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has ranked these land uses according to their potential impact on the city's water sources.
While the result of Mesa's assessment was high-risk, this does not mean that the drinking water is compromised, only that at least one high-risk activity was identified. The city is taking steps to address water quality issues, such as the construction of the new $126 million Signal Butte Water Treatment Plant, which will provide safe and clean drinking water to the residents of southeast Mesa.
In terms of air quality, Phoenix, Arizona, is currently facing a moderate level of air pollution, with the main pollutant being ozone (O3). Residents are advised to reduce ozone pollution by driving as little as possible, carpooling, using public transit, or telecommuting. Additionally, it is recommended to use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) or water-based paints and ensure that containers of household cleaners and chemicals are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
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Frequently asked questions
Mesa, Arizona faces pollution from a variety of sources. The main pollutants are particulate matter (dust), carbon monoxide, and ozone.
Industries that contribute to pollution in Mesa include gas stations, landfills, dry cleaners, agricultural fields, wastewater treatment plants, and mining operations.
Pollution can have significant health impacts on vulnerable individuals, including children, older adults, people with heart or lung disease, asthma, and bronchitis. Exposure to pollutants like ozone can increase the severity of asthma attacks, cause bronchitis, reduce the body's ability to fight infection, and lead to respiratory issues.
The City of Mesa, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department work collaboratively to address air pollution. Initiatives such as the No Burn Day restriction aim to prevent additional air pollution when forecast conditions indicate potential breaches of federal health standards. The city also encourages residents to use apps and sign up for alerts to stay informed about air quality.
