Bronte Wells
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has some of the worst air quality in the United States. In 2021, it ranked first in the state for poor air quality, with 94 days of elevated levels of particulate matter. Lancaster County, in particular, has been noted for its high levels of soot pollution, ranking as the eighth worst of 227 metropolitan areas in the U.S. for tiny floating particles of soot. Various factors contribute to Lancaster's poor air quality, including emissions from power plants, vehicle traffic, agricultural practices, and residential heating sources. Efforts are being made to improve air quality in the region, but it continues to face challenges in addressing this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Ranking in Pennsylvania | First |
| Air Quality Ranking in the US | Eighth |
| Number of Days with Elevated Levels of Particulate Matter | 94 |
| Main Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Particulate Matter Concentration Compared to WHO Guidelines | 7.3 times more |
| Particulate Matter | Soot, ash, metals, dust, chemicals |
| Sources of Soot | Agriculture, burning of wood stoves, vehicle traffic, power plants |
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What You'll Learn
Soot pollution from the Brunner Island power plant
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has some of the worst soot pollution in the United States. The Brunner Island power plant in York County has been a major source of air pollution in Lancaster County. The plant is located on the Susquehanna River and has been operational since 1961.
The Brunner Island power plant has historically been a coal-fired power plant, with coal ash basins on-site. In 2015, the plant was singled out by The Sierra Club as the largest single source of smog-causing nitrogen oxides in southeastern Pennsylvania. The plant's emissions of nitrogen oxide were so high that the states of Delaware and Connecticut requested the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force Brunner Island to cut down on these pollutants. In 2018, the Sierra Club reached a settlement with Talen Energy, the plant's owner, to phase out coal burning at the plant.
In addition to nitrogen oxide emissions, Brunner Island has also been cited for other air and water pollution issues. In 2018, the plant ranked 27th on the list of most-polluting major power stations in the US in terms of sulphur dioxide emissions. The plant has also been accused of failing to monitor pollution risks and allowing contamination from pollutants such as lithium, aluminum, and arsenic to leach into the groundwater. In 2024, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a notice of violation to the plant after the death of 200 fish in the Susquehanna River.
Despite these issues, efforts are being made to reduce pollution from the Brunner Island power plant. In 2005, the plant's then-owner, PPL, announced plans to install scrubbers to remove sulfur dioxide and mercury from the plant's emissions. These scrubbers became operational in 2009 and have helped to significantly reduce the plant's emissions of these pollutants. Additionally, the plant is transitioning away from coal, with a complete phase-out of coal use planned by 2028.
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High levels of PM2.5 particles
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has a significant issue with air pollution, specifically in the form of high levels of PM2.5 particles. These are tiny particles in the air that irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory system, with long-term exposure aggravating heart and lung disease. PM2.5 particles are produced by emissions from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood. This includes emissions from vehicles, residential furnaces, and wood-burning stoves.
The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report highlights that Lancaster County ranks as the eighth worst of 227 metropolitan areas in the US for tiny floating particles of soot, or particulate matter. This is worse than both New York City and Philadelphia. The report also notes that the county's ozone levels, which contribute to smog, rank as the 62nd worst metro area in the country.
The Brunner Island power plant in York County has been a significant contributor to Lancaster County's poor air quality, particularly in terms of sulfur dioxide emissions, a component of soot. However, emissions from this plant have decreased substantially due to new air pollution equipment and a conversion to natural gas. Despite this positive development, air pollution in Lancaster County remains a concern due to other sources of soot and particulate matter.
Agricultural practices, including spreading manure and fertilizer, and the high concentration of Plain Sect farms, are major contributors to the county's soot levels. Additionally, increased vehicle traffic, construction equipment, and the burning of oil in residential furnaces all play a role in the county's high levels of PM2.5 particles.
The health impacts of PM2.5 particles are particularly concerning for certain vulnerable groups, including older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, children, and asthmatics. Research has shown that children living in communities with high levels of PM2.5 have slower lung growth and smaller lungs at age 18 compared to those in low PM2.5 areas. Short-term exposures to PM2.5 have been linked to premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart and lung issues, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, and respiratory symptoms.
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Ozone pollution
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, ozone pollution is a significant issue. In the "State of the Air" report by the American Lung Association, Lancaster County ranked as the 62nd worst metropolitan area in the country for ozone pollution. While this ranking is better than its ranking for soot pollution, the high levels of ozone in the area still pose a risk to the health of residents, especially children, the elderly, those working outdoors, and those with respiratory problems.
The sources of ozone pollution in Lancaster are varied and complex. One major contributor is vehicle traffic, as increasing traffic leads to increased emissions. The burning of oil in residential furnaces and wood stoves is also a significant source of soot pollution in Lancaster County, with agriculture being another large contributor. The Brunner Island power plant in York County has historically been a major source of bad air in Lancaster County, but levels have been dropping with new air pollution equipment and a conversion to natural gas.
Efforts to combat ozone pollution in Lancaster are ongoing. The county's Sierra Club chapter has placed PurpleAir monitors at volunteers' homes to improve data collection. Additionally, improving fuel efficiency in passenger vehicles and replacing older, less efficient cars with newer, cleaner-burning ones can help offset the impact of increased traffic on ozone levels.
Climate change also plays a role in ozone pollution. It enhances the conditions for ozone formation and makes it harder to clean up communities with high ozone levels. Policymakers and government agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have a critical role in addressing air pollution and implementing measures to improve air quality.
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Nitrogen oxide emissions from fossil fuels
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a group of gases that contribute to air pollution. They are formed during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, methane gas, and diesel, when they are burned at high temperatures. NOx emissions from fossil fuels have been a significant issue since the Industrial Revolution, and they continue to impact air quality today.
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, air pollution has been a growing concern, particularly due to the presence of tiny floating particles of soot and smog. While there are various sources of air pollution in the county, one notable contributor is the Brunner Island power plant in York County, which has historically emitted high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. However, it is important to note that the power plant has been taking steps to improve air quality by implementing new pollution equipment and converting to natural gas, resulting in significantly reduced emissions.
To mitigate the impact of nitrogen oxide emissions from fossil fuels, various technologies have been developed. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) are methods used to reduce NOx emissions by reacting exhaust gases with urea or ammonia, producing nitrogen and water. These techniques have been applied in vehicles such as ships, diesel trucks, and some diesel cars. The use of exhaust gas recirculation and catalytic converters in motor vehicle engines has also significantly reduced vehicular NOx emissions.
While Lancaster, Pennsylvania, faces challenges with air pollution, including nitrogen oxide emissions, there are ongoing efforts to improve air quality. The implementation of new pollution equipment and the transition to cleaner energy sources are positive steps towards reducing NOx emissions and improving the health and well-being of residents in the county.
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Agriculture and farming
Lancaster County, PA, is known for its productive agricultural soils and farming heritage. However, agricultural practices have been identified as a significant contributor to air pollution in the region.
Soot Pollution
Agricultural activities, such as spreading manure and fertilizer, are a major source of soot pollution in Lancaster County. Soot, or particulate matter, is composed of tiny floating particles that can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory system, with long-term exposure aggravating heart and lung disease.
Preserving Farmlands
The Lancaster County Agriculture Preserve Board and Lancaster Farmland Trust have preserved 25% of the county's working lands, ensuring that these lands remain open and available for agricultural activities. Preserving farmlands helps protect watersheds, recharge groundwater, control flooding, and improve air quality.
Conservation Practices
Farmers in Lancaster County are adopting conservation practices to reduce farming-related air pollution. For example, modern farming practices allow for direct injection of fertilizer into the ground, minimizing soil disruption and preventing the release of harmful pollutants. Additionally, Pennsylvania law requires farms to have Erosion and Sediment Control Plans to minimize soil erosion and sediment deposition, and to develop nutrient management plans for manure and wastewater handling.
Pesticide Use
Pesticides are commonly used in agricultural crop production systems to ensure food safety and abundance. While pesticide use has decreased slightly since the early 1980s, emerging pest management issues, such as glyphosate-resistant weeds and invasive pest species, may influence future pesticide use patterns.
Animal Agriculture
A study by Jason Hill, a University of Minnesota professor, estimated that air pollution from Lancaster County farmlands contributes to approximately 184 deaths annually. Animal agriculture, in particular, has been identified as a leading cause of air pollution, with livestock kicking up dust and farming activities like tilling and machinery use contributing to particulate pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Lancaster County's soot pollution is largely caused by agriculture and the burning of wood stoves. The Brunner Island power plant in York County has also historically been a major source of air pollution.
Air pollution can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory system. Long-term exposure can aggravate heart and lung disease and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Lancaster ranked first in Pennsylvania for poor air quality, with 94 days of elevated levels of particulate matter in 2020.
Efforts to combat air pollution include improving fuel efficiency in passenger vehicles and replacing older vehicles with newer, cleaner-burning ones. Lancaster County’s Sierra Club chapter is also working to improve data collection by placing air quality monitors at volunteer homes.
