RTI scientists will analyse air samples for chloride and for sulphur and nitrogen compounds that indicate acid in the atmosphere in more than 150 US national parks and wilderness areas
Scientists at RTI International will continue their support of federal efforts to protect and enhance the scenic beauty and air quality of US national parks through a renewed contract with the National Parks Service to analyze air samples collected through a nationwide network of monitoring devices.
Under terms of the five-year contract worth $2.3 million, RTI scientists will analyse air samples for chloride and for sulphur and nitrogen compounds that indicate acid in the atmosphere in more than 150 US national parks and wilderness areas including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
RTI scientists also will monitor the air for harmful ozone levels that damage vegetation and ecosystems and can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, congestion and reduced lung function.
"Air quality affects the longevity of cultural and geological landmarks in our national parks as well as the health of visitors, plants and animals," said Eva Hardison, RTI's project manager.
"Most people assume the air quality in national parks is much better than in other areas, but actually those pollution levels often rival that of urban areas.
"Conducting these analyses provides us with a better understanding of pollutants in the air so policy makers can best determine regulations needed to preserve our natural resources and our health".
The ongoing effort to protect and enhance park resources is part of the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (Improve) programme, begun in 1985, which implemented an extensive long-term monitoring program designed to establish the current visibility conditions, track changes in visibility and determine causal mechanism for the visibility impairment in the National Parks and Wilderness Areas.
RTI has conducted analyses for the National Park Service since the Improve programme began, expanded from monitoring 20 sites to the more than 150 parks monitored today.
The data supplied by RTI researchers has assisted with improving air quality policies in those areas.
This project builds on RTI's extensive history in environmental research, where more than 200 scientists work to reduce air, water and soil pollution and develop clean energy technology.
RTI scientists provide expert analyses that inform the development and evaluation of public policies designed to promote the sustainable management of air, water and land resources for both government and commercial clients.
