Philadelphia's Anti-Pollution Measures: Strategies And Impact

Philadelphia, the largest city in the US state of Pennsylvania, has been taking several measures to reduce pollution. The city has historically struggled with pollution, dating back to its founding in 1682, when founder William Penn aimed to avoid the filthy conditions of European cities. Despite his intentions, Philadelphia faced issues such as garbage disposal, unpaved roads, and industrial pollution. Over time, the city has implemented various initiatives to address these challenges.

In recent years, Philadelphia has made notable progress in improving its air quality, with annual AQI levels gradually improving since 1980. The city has also updated its regulations on toxic air pollution from industrial facilities for the first time in four decades, expanding the list of regulated compounds. Additionally, Philadelphia received $7.3 million in competitive federal funding for projects aimed at improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion. These projects include cleaner waste haulers, transit improvements, and the development of new trails.

To further reduce pollution, Philadelphia encourages the use of renewable energy sources, promotes composting and recycling, and emphasizes the importance of improving indoor air quality. The city also focuses on protecting its rivers from polluted stormwater and recommends the use of public transportation or active mobility options like walking and biking to reduce vehicle emissions.

Despite these efforts, Philadelphia continues to face challenges, particularly with pollution from upwind sources and the impact of climate change on the health of its residents. The city is committed to transitioning to clean energy and implementing initiatives to create a more sustainable future.

Incentivising the use of electric vehicles

Philadelphia has been described as a "hot spot for smog exposure" due to its location downwind of major pollution sources in states like Ohio. The city has upwards of 25 refineries and, like any major city, plenty of car exhaust. In 2019, Philadelphia’s average annual PM2.5 level fell within the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) target but exceeded the World Health Organization's (WHO) standard.

To curb local air pollution, Philadelphia can incentivise the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Here are some ways this could be done:

Rebates and grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers rebates and grants to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. The Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program provides rebates to eligible residents to offset the cost of purchasing or leasing new or pre-owned electric vehicles. Additionally, the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program offers financial assistance for projects that promote innovative, advanced fuel and vehicle technology.

Tax exemptions and credits

Pennsylvania has implemented tax exemptions and credits for electric vehicle owners. From January 1, 2025, EVs will be exempt from the Alternative Fuels Tax. Businesses may also receive a tax credit for purchasing hydrogen or natural gas from a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in the state.

Weight exemptions

Pennsylvania has weight exemptions for vehicles equipped with qualified idle reduction technology or powered primarily by electricity or natural gas. This compensates for the additional weight of the technology and can help encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

Charging infrastructure support

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has recognised the need to support the development of EV charging infrastructure. The Alternative and Clean Energy (ACE) Program provides grants and loans for the construction of charging stations. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan.

City initiatives

The City of Philadelphia has committed to transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2035. As part of this effort, the city can incentivise electric vehicles by offering reduced parking rates for electric vehicles and providing more accessible and affordable charging options.

Improving public transport and encouraging active travel

Philadelphia has been awarded $7.3 million in federal funding for five projects that will improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. One of the projects receiving funding is the Navy Yard Contra Flow Loop Shuttle, which will increase the frequency of shuttle services between the Navy Yard and the AT&T Station on the Broad Street line. The Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) aims to provide more viable and convenient commuting choices for the more than 12,000 employees at the Navy Yard.

Another project that will improve public transportation in Philadelphia is the Ramping up to Rapid Transit on Roosevelt Boulevard. This project has constructed 10 new bus stations at five intersections on Roosevelt Boulevard, supporting a new bus service planned by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) for this corridor. The new bus service is expected to attract new transit riders, reducing vehicle-miles travelled and emissions.

In addition to improving public transportation, Philadelphia is also encouraging active travel, such as walking and biking. The city's bike-sharing program, Indego, offers residents an alternative to driving, helping to reduce outdoor air pollution. By choosing to walk, bike, or take public transportation, individuals can play a crucial role in improving Philadelphia's air quality and reducing the city's carbon footprint.

The city is also taking steps to reduce emissions from waste haulers. The "Advancing CNGs in Philadelphia" project, funded by a $2 million grant, will purchase new waste haulers that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), reducing engine-related methane emissions. This initiative will not only improve air quality but also benefit the city's most disadvantaged and heavily polluted neighbourhoods.

Regulating industrial air pollution

Philadelphia has historically been one of the country's first industrial hubs, and while much of its large-scale polluting industry has declined over the years, some facilities continue to emit toxic air pollutants that negatively impact public health and the environment. In recognition of this, the city has recently taken steps to regulate industrial air pollution more effectively.

For the first time in over four decades, Philadelphia has updated its regulations regarding toxic air pollution from industrial facilities. The Air Pollution Control Board approved a revision to an obscure regulation that covers compounds like asbestos, lead, arsenic, and cancer-causing benzene. This revision more than doubles the number of regulated compounds, addressing the fact that, as scientific knowledge advances, more chemicals are identified as harmful. The new regulation also lowers the emissions thresholds that trigger health risk assessments, reflecting the understanding that even lower concentrations of certain chemicals can pose health risks.

The policy revision also allows the Health Department to consider the background levels of a pollutant when evaluating a permit application. If a facility's emissions of a toxic air pollutant pose a significant cancer risk to the surrounding community, the city will reject the permit. The city will also reject a permit if a facility's emissions of a pollutant would push the existing cancer risk near the facility above acceptable levels. For lower-risk facilities, the Health Department can require the implementation of pollution control technology or a reduction in operating hours to mitigate pollution.

While this updated regulation is a step in the right direction, critics argue that it does not go far enough. It does not consider the cumulative impacts of multiple pollutants or take into account non-air pollution, the pre-existing health of the community, or demographic factors. Additionally, mobile sources of air pollution, such as airplanes, ships, and trucks, are not subject to the regulation. Nevertheless, the revised regulation represents progress in Philadelphia's efforts to reduce industrial air pollution and protect the health of its residents.

Reducing stormwater runoff

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is responsible for managing stormwater in the city. Stormwater runoff is identified as the number one cause of pollution in rivers and streams, which are the source of Philadelphia's drinking water. The PWD aims to reduce this pollution by capturing rainwater, decreasing flooding, and reducing combined sewer overflows.

To achieve this, the PWD uses a combination of traditional "gray" infrastructure and green infrastructure projects. Gray infrastructure refers to gutters, drains, and pipes that collect stormwater runoff and transport it to treatment plants or nearby bodies of water. On the other hand, green infrastructure uses soil, plants, and stone to capture and use stormwater where it falls, allowing it to be soaked up by plants or soil, evaporate into the air, or released slowly into the traditional infrastructure system.

Philadelphia has adopted a 25-year plan called Green City, Clean Waters to reduce combined sewer overflows by 85%. This plan involves treatment plant upgrades and the installation of green stormwater infrastructure in streets, parks, schools, and other public spaces. The city is also offering incentives to private owners and developers to implement green infrastructure on their properties.

The PWD has developed the Stormwater Management Guidance Manual to provide detailed information on how to comply with the Stormwater Regulations and design criteria for development projects and other stormwater projects. The manual includes guidance on project characteristics, submission and review procedures, and specific requirements such as post-construction stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater retrofit projects.

By implementing these measures, Philadelphia aims to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate the effects of increasing rainfall due to climate change.

Improving indoor air quality

The City of Brotherly Love has taken steps to address its outdoor air pollution problem, but what about the air inside? Indoor air quality is critical to the health of families, as Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Here are some ways to improve the air inside your home.

Ventilation

Opening windows and doors is a simple and cost-free way to improve indoor air quality. This is especially important during short-term activities that can generate high levels of pollutants, such as painting, cooking, or maintenance activities like welding or sanding. However, if you live near a busy freeway, factory, or other sources of outdoor air pollution, opening windows and doors may not be advisable. In these cases, it's better to use a portable mechanical HEPA air cleaner to capture pollutants like particulate matter, chemicals, and other harmful particles.

Air Cleaners/Filtration

Air cleaners are another way to improve indoor air quality, but they are generally not designed to remove gaseous pollutants. Their effectiveness depends on how well they collect pollutants and how much air they draw through the cleaning or filtering element. Table-top air cleaners, in particular, may not be sufficient to remove pollutants from strong nearby sources.

Source Control

The most effective way to improve indoor air quality is often to eliminate individual sources of pollution or reduce their emissions. Some sources, like those containing asbestos, can be sealed or enclosed. Other sources, like gas stoves, can be adjusted to decrease emissions.

Testing

If you're concerned about the air quality in your home, you can test it yourself with a variety of air quality test kits available online. These kits can check for multiple pollutants or just one, like radon. If you want a full panel of results, consider hiring a professional, as they will likely yield more extensive results and provide personalized information.

Allergens

Keeping common allergens like pet dander, dust, and mould at bay will improve overall air quality and reduce your chances of experiencing respiratory symptoms. This can be done through prevention strategies such as regularly brushing and bathing pets, washing bedding in hot water twice a month, and choosing hypoallergenic pillows and impermeable mattresses. Vacuuming, dusting, and removing and replacing items where mould is growing will also help remove allergens from the air.

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