Atlanta's Anti-Pollution Initiatives: Strategies And Impact

Atlanta, Georgia, has been taking steps to address its air pollution problem, which is caused primarily by mobile vehicular emissions. The city has implemented various measures, including banning the purchase of new diesel buses, encouraging the use of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and investing in public transit. Additionally, Atlanta has developed a new transportation plan that places a greater emphasis on transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, air quality improvements, and highway system preservation. The city has also made efforts to address sewage pollution, which has been a long-standing issue for the city's waterways, with Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) contaminating creeks and rivers.

Banning new diesel vehicles

Diesel vehicles are a major source of air pollution in Atlanta, contributing significantly to the city's poor air quality index (AQI) rating. Diesel exhaust contains particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Particulate matter, or PM, is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles found in the air. These particles can be made up of acids, organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. The size of these particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Smaller particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, are able to penetrate deep into the respiratory system, reaching the lungs and causing or exacerbating respiratory illnesses such as asthma, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Nitrogen oxides, or NOx, play a key role in the formation of ground-level ozone, which is a harmful pollutant with serious health implications. Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted by vehicles but is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in the presence of sunlight. In Atlanta, mobile vehicular emissions are the primary source of nitrogen oxides, accounting for 67% of the total emissions.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature, resulting in a significant number of molecules evaporating from their liquid or solid form and entering the atmosphere. While VOCs can be emitted directly, they also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog when they react with nitrogen oxides. In Atlanta, vehicular emissions account for 6% of VOCs.

Given the harmful nature of diesel exhaust emissions and their contribution to Atlanta's air pollution, banning new diesel vehicles could be an effective strategy to reduce pollution levels in the city. This approach has been considered in other parts of the world, such as India, where the Energy Transition Advisory Committee has recommended banning all diesel vehicles by 2027 to curb air pollution.

However, implementing such a ban comes with its own set of challenges. Automobile manufacturers have already invested significantly in upgrading diesel engines to meet government regulations, and a sudden ban could render these investments wasteful. Additionally, diesel fuel is commonly used in commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, so a ban could disrupt the transportation sector. Furthermore, diesel-powered vehicles often have lower operating expenses and better performance compared to petrol-powered vehicles, so a ban could create financial difficulties for a significant portion of the population.

To effectively reduce pollution from diesel vehicles, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This could include incentivizing the use of alternative fuels, such as electric, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles, and investing in the necessary infrastructure. Improving public transportation and promoting cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles can also play a crucial role in reducing air pollution from diesel sources. While banning new diesel vehicles may be a drastic measure, it could be considered as part of a broader strategy to improve air quality and protect public health.

Improving public transport

Atlanta is a key regional and global hub for passenger and freight transportation. However, its transport system has resulted in significant pollution and congestion. Most commuters choose to travel by car, with only 4.5% using public transport.

To reduce its dependence on cars, Atlanta has implemented several initiatives to improve its public transport system. Here are some ways in which Atlanta is improving its public transport system to reduce pollution:

• Expanding the public transport network: The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates Atlanta's public transport system, which includes heavy rail, light rail, and local bus routes. MARTA's heavy rail system covers 47.6 miles of tracks and serves 38 stations on four service lines. In addition, MARTA's bus system serves a wider area, including North Fulton, South DeKalb, and Clayton County.
• Investing in clean energy and technology: MARTA has a fleet of 550 diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. The switch from diesel to CNG fuel has led to cost savings and environmental benefits, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1,870 metric tons, equivalent to taking 395 cars off the road for a year.
• Promoting pedestrian and cycling infrastructure: Atlanta is working to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to provide viable alternatives to driving. For example, the BeltLine project aims to increase access to alternatives to driving, and the city plans to construct 226 miles of bike lanes by 2020.
• Developing a Vision Zero action plan: In April 2020, the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) committed to developing a Vision Zero action plan to reduce traffic fatalities and improve road safety.
• Reducing traffic congestion: Public transportation has been proven to reduce congestion. In 2011, public transportation in the US saved 865 million hours in travel time, and without it, congestion costs would have increased by $21 billion.
• Encouraging the use of public transport: Public transportation use is one of the most effective ways for individuals to conserve energy and reduce their carbon footprint. A person who switches from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by more than 48,000 pounds.

Reducing vehicle emissions

Overview

Atlanta has been taking steps to address its air pollution issues, and one significant aspect is tackling vehicle emissions, which contribute significantly to the city's nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels.

Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

• Promoting Public Transportation and Reducing Vehicle Miles Travelled: Atlanta has invested in expanding and improving its public transportation system, including bus and rail networks. This strategy aims to encourage people to use mass transit instead of private vehicles, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road and the overall vehicle miles travelled.
• Encouraging Alternative Fuel Vehicles: The city has also banned the purchase of new diesel buses, and there is a shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles. This move away from diesel helps reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions, as diesel vehicles are a significant contributor to air pollution.
• Improving Traffic Flow: Atlanta has implemented measures to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, such as creating the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) to address air pollution, traffic congestion, and poorly planned development. By improving traffic flow, they can reduce the time vehicles spend idling in traffic, emitting pollutants.
• Land-Use Planning: Atlanta is also addressing land-use planning to become more compact and transit-oriented. This involves increasing density near the city centre and facilitating greater use of public transit. This strategy can reduce the need for long commutes and decrease vehicle miles travelled.
• Emission Standards and Regulations: The state of Georgia has implemented vehicle emissions programs and invested in cleaner engine technologies. Additionally, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has developed a transportation plan that focuses on transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and air quality improvements. These plans and regulations help set emission standards and encourage the use of cleaner technologies.

Results and Challenges

While Atlanta has made progress in reducing vehicle emissions, it still faces challenges. The city is known for its traffic and sprawl, with residents driving upwards of 100 million miles daily. Additionally, the state's decision to remove tax credits for electric vehicles in 2015 led to a significant drop in electric car registrations. However, there is a recent shift towards bipartisan support for electric vehicles, which could accelerate their adoption. Overall, Atlanta's efforts to reduce vehicle emissions are ongoing, and a combination of strategies targeting transportation and land-use planning, as well as technological advancements, will be crucial to achieving cleaner air.

Reducing fireplace and wood stove use

Fireplaces and wood stoves are a major source of indoor and outdoor air pollution, with the potential to produce over 200 dangerous chemicals and heavy metals. The smoke and emissions from wood-burning are harmful to human health and can cause coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even premature death. As such, it is important to reduce their use.

One way to reduce fireplace and wood stove use is to switch to cleaner and more efficient heating alternatives, such as gas, oil, propane, or electric heat. These alternatives produce fewer emissions and are less harmful to the environment and human health. Additionally, it is important to only burn clean, dry, and seasoned wood that has been split and dried for at least six months if you must use a fireplace or wood stove. Burning hardwood instead of softwood is also recommended, as hardwoods are denser and burn more slowly and evenly, producing less smoke.

Another way to reduce the use of fireplaces and wood stoves is to improve the energy efficiency of your home. By weatherizing your home and reducing the need for heating, you can decrease your reliance on fireplaces and wood stoves. Properly insulating your home, sealing drafts, and using energy-efficient appliances can all help to reduce your heating needs and, consequently, your use of fireplaces and wood stoves.

For those who rely on wood stoves or fireplaces as their primary heating source, there are still ways to reduce their impact on the environment and human health. Using an EPA-certified wood-burning stove or fireplace insert can help to reduce emissions and improve heating efficiency. Certified stoves use about one-third less wood and circulate more heat into the home, rather than up the flue. Additionally, regularly maintaining and cleaning your wood-burning appliance is essential to ensure safe and clean burning. Annual inspections by a professional are recommended to maintain optimal efficiency and minimise emissions.

Finally, it is important to be mindful of outdoor air quality when using a fireplace or wood stove. On days when the outdoor air quality is poor, it is best to avoid burning wood, as this can further contribute to air pollution and have detrimental effects on human health. By being mindful of air quality and taking the necessary precautions, individuals can play a role in reducing pollution and protecting their health and the environment.

Improving sewage infrastructure

The City of Atlanta has been working to improve its sewage infrastructure, which is vital as rivers and creeks are fundamental to the health and well-being of communities in the region. Sewage pollution has been one of the biggest threats to Atlanta's waterways, with Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) spilling millions of gallons of sewage into creeks and rivers annually.

In 1994, community members concerned about the sewage pollution in the Chattahoochee River formed the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting and cleaning up the river. The group sued the city of Atlanta in 1995 for non-compliance with National Pollutent Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, leading to a consent decree requiring the city to fix its combined sewer system.

In 1998, another lawsuit resulted in an amendment to the consent decree, mandating the city to address issues with its sanitary sewer infrastructure. By 2008, Atlanta had completed construction and operational improvements to CSO facilities, significantly reducing CSOs. The city has also reduced the volume of SSOs by 95% compared to 2004 levels.

The Clean Water Atlanta initiative, launched by the city, aims to improve water quality through capital construction programs and enhanced operation of drinking and wastewater systems. Under this program, Atlanta has separated combined sewers, evaluated and repaired sewer mains, and constructed sewer tunnels to manage excess flow during heavy rainfall. These efforts have resulted in a reduction in sewer overflows.

The city has also adopted a Green Infrastructure Strategic Action Plan, with a goal to reduce stormwater runoff volume by 225 million gallons annually. This plan includes the development of Cook Park on land previously prone to severe flooding. The park incorporates wet detention ponds, rain gardens, and stormwater planters to manage stormwater while providing recreational spaces for the community.

Despite progress, sewage infrastructure issues have primarily impacted marginalized, black, and low-income communities in south and west Atlanta, contributing to health and quality-of-life disparities. Organizations like the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) are advocating for these communities and addressing the environmental injustices they face. WAWA's programs include partnerships to monitor water quality and identify ongoing contamination, holding the city accountable for addressing these issues.

The city's efforts to improve sewage infrastructure are ongoing, with investments of $2 billion in the wastewater system, improving the quality of life for over 1.2 million people daily.

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