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science BRIEF
BUILDING A SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION FOR SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL DECISIONS
EPA Near Roadway Field Study, Las Vegas
EPA scientists and engineers will measure, define,
and profile roadway air pollutants along a portion of
U.S. Interstate 15 in Las Vegas beginning in
December 2008.
During the year-long study, EPA researchers will
work with the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) to gather information to better understand
the relationship between traffic emissions and
roadway-related air pollution concentrations at
various distances from the roadway. Study results
will be used to inform future research such as air-
quality modeling, health studies, and evaluations of
risk-management alternatives.
The Las Vegas study is part of an EPA/FHWA joint
program formally called the National Near
Roadway Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT)
Study — a project focused on providing the scientific
knowledge and understanding needed to identify the
most effective strategies and tools to control exposure
to air pollution, including natural and man-made
mitigation strategies to protect people who live, work
or go to school nearby (e.g., placement of vegetation
or man-made barriers near roadways).
During the study, EPA will gather data by placing
instruments 10, 100, and 350 meters from U.S.
Interstate 15 near Dean Martin Drive and 100 meters
from West Post Road. Researchers will also measure
meteorological conditions and roadway
characteristics such as traffic counts and vehicle
types.
Previous research by EPA and others has found that
concentrations of particles and gases associated with
motor vehicles are elevated near major roadways and
other major transportation sources such as airports.
Elevated concentrations of particles and gases emitted
from vehicle tailpipes, road dust from passing
vehicles, and particles from brake and tire wear have
also been found near major transportation sources.
Specific gases found in higher concentrations near
roadways include carbon monoxide, oxides of
nitrogen, and air toxics including benzene and
toluene.
The Las Vegas study is the first in a series of studies
planned in the United States with different road
conditions and weather patterns.
EPA Technical Contact: Dan Costa, Sc.D., National
Program Director for the Clean Air Program,
919-541-2532 or costa.dan@epa.gov
EPA Media Contact: Margot Perez-Sullivan, Public
Information Officer, 415-947-4149 or
perezsullivan. margot@epa.gov
FHWA Media Contact: Doug Hecox
Public Affairs Specialist
(202) 366-2244 ordhecox@dot.gov
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
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