Lehigh Valley/Berks Area Air Quality Forecast For Thursday, May 31

Thursday May 31, 2007:
Ozone (O3) – Code YELLOW
Fine Particulates (PM 2.5) – Code YELLOW

Regional Maximum PM 2.5 Concentrations:

Tuesday, May 29, 2007:
PM 2.5 – GREEN (25 AQI or 7.7 µg/m3)
O3 – GREEN (47 AQI or 52 ppb)

Short-Term Discussion: Mostly sunny and very warm at the moment, though humidity levels have not crept up much to this point. Ozone and fine-particulate concentrations look like they will fall within the upper good to moderate range with ozone probably being the higher of the two. Tomorrow looks like another close call. A “back-door front” coming out of New England may touch off a “saving” late afternoon or evening thunderstorm. If this scenario doesn’t materialize ozone concentrations may be a bit higher than forecasted.

A clear night for the “blue moon” with morning temperatures expected to bottom out near 60 degrees. Becoming mostly sunny, warm and humid Thursday afternoon with temperatures expected to reach the upper 80s. An approaching cool front from New England will trigger some clouds and possibly a late afternoon or evening thunderstorm. Right now it looks like these clouds and possible showers will keep ozone concentrations in the upper code YELLOW (moderate) range with fine-particulate concentrations ending up in the mid to upper portions of the moderate range.

Extended: An unsettled weather pattern will settle over the region for this weekend as the remnants of the storm system currently affecting the upper Midwest making their way east. Warm temperatures and higher humidity levels will give us a good chance for convective showers and isolated thunderstorms this weekend. We expect ozone and fine-particulate concentrations to remain in the upper moderate range over the next several days with an outside chance that levels could go higher depending on the timing of any shower activity.

Reminder: While levels in the Lehigh Valley/Berks are forecast as Moderate for Thursday, the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Susquehanna Valley regions will likely be experiencing a CODE ORANGE ACTION DAY.

Lehigh Valley-Berks Air Quality Forecast, Wednesday, May 30

Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Action Day?: No
Temperature: Mid 80s

Discussion:
Generally clear with some patchy morning fog, temperatures will bottom out in the low 50s. Becoming mostly sunny with gentle northwesterly winds and afternoon temperatures in the mid 80s. Wednesday’s ozone and fine-particulate concentrations will both peak in the low to mid code YELLOW (moderate) range.

Extended:
The current surface pattern looks very similar to the one we experienced last week; a ridge of high pressure parked over the MidAtlantic and a low-pressure system stuck over the upper Midwest. We can expect dry conditions to persist through Friday with a chance of showers over the weekend. With stagnant conditions expected to set up over much of the east coast, ozone and fine-particulate concentrations are bound to increase as the week progresses. Upper moderate levels can be expected with an outside possibility of higher concentrations before weekend showers provide some relief.

Three Pennsylvania Universities Receive Solar Energy Research Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 29) – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $22.7 million in basic research projects aimed at improving the capture, conversion and use of solar energy. Three of the projects are at Pennsylvania universities. The research will help increase the amount of solar power in the nation’s energy supply.

“These projects are part of our aggressive basic research in the physical sciences–what I call ‘transformational science’–aimed at achieving a new generation of breakthrough technologies that will push the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy sources to levels comparable to petroleum and natural gas sources,” Under Secretary for Science Dr. Raymond L. Orbach said.

DOE’s Office of Science selected 27 projects that will focus on fundamental science to support enhanced use of solar energy. Universities and national laboratories in 18 states will conduct the research.

The Pennsylvania projects include:

• Penn State University – Nanostructured Photocatalytic Water Splitting Systems;
• University of Pennsylvania – Semiconductor Ferroelectrics and Surface Nanomaterials for Highly Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production;
• University of Pittsburgh – Nanocrystal-Based Dyads for Solar to Electric Energy Conversion.

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell’s proposed Energy Independence Strategy includes a Pennsylvania Sunshine initiative that will offer production incentives for solar technologies manufactured in Pennsylvania and rebates for solar technologies installed by homeowners and small businesses.

The solar research projects are part of a department-wide, comprehensive, balanced portfolio of basic and applied research and technology development aimed at significantly advancing the use of sunlight as a practicable solution to meet our compelling need for clean, abundant sources of energy. These projects, along with the commercialization projects funded through the Solar America Initiative, form an important component of President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative. DOE plans to fund additional projects in fiscal year 2008.

The projects will address two priority technical areas:

Conversion of Solar Energy to Electricity (14 projects, $9.9 million over three years) — The challenge in converting sunlight to electricity is to greatly reduce the cost per watt of delivered solar electricity by dramatically improving the conversion efficiency. A broad range of research on novel approaches to solar-to-electricity conversion is covered by these projects, including: nanostructured inorganic photovoltaics, plasmonic conversion concepts, organic and hybrid inorganic-organic photovoltaics, multiple-exciton generation for enhanced conversion, and nano-arrays for improved photoelectrochemical cell performance.

Conversion of Solar Energy to Chemical Fuels (13 projects, $12.8 million over three years) — The direct conversion of sunlight into chemical fuels is vital in order to overcome the problem of the day/night variation of the solar resource and to provide solar-derived energy in forms useful for transportation, residential and industrial applications. Projects in this area focus on two major areas: detailed studies of the machinery of natural photosynthetic systems aimed at biomimetic approaches to solar water splitting and photocatalytic schemes for the direct conversion of sunlight into hydrogen or hydrocarbon fuels.

The basic solar research program is administered by the department’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences in the Office of Science. For additional information about DOE’s Solar America Initiative, visit DOE’s web site.

“Hiking Week” Is Here In Pennsylvania

Over 100 Hikes Scheduled Across Pennsylvania May 26-June 3

HARRISBURG  — After setting a lofty goal of finding ways to tell Pennsylvanians “to take a hike,” organizers of the May 26 to June 3 Hiking Week today announced they have surpassed the 100-hike mark. The annual endeavor encourages healthy exercise and showcases the state’s bountiful outdoors.

“At least 100 organized hikes across the state for all ages and abilities was the noble goal set by the Keystone Trails Association, and our invaluable partners in this increasingly popular statewide event not only met that benchmark, they continue to add to it,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis.

The nine-day Hiking Week observance is marking its sixth year, and the co-sponsoring trail association and DCNR still are inviting suggestions for hikes that could be added to this year’s schedule.

“Early this year, the trail association and DCNR set the ambitious goal of scheduling 100 hikes for this year’s PA Hiking Week—and we did it,” said Keystone Trails Association Executive Director Paul Shaw. “We already have 104 different events on the calendar, including several hikes in one event, and we’re hoping more will be planned on the thousands of miles of trails available in Pennsylvania.”

Festivities planned by DCNR and the Keystone Trails Association will take place in parks, forests, cities and towns across the state. All of the scheduled hikes have leaders and include a variety of lengths and difficulties—from easy strolls along urban greenways to strenuous treks in some of Pennsylvania’s rugged mountain areas.

To have organized Hiking Week outings added to the official schedule, organizers should contact the Keystone Trails Association at (814) 395-9696; or visit its Web site at www.KTA-Hike.org.

Organized in 1956, KTA is a 1,100-member umbrella organization made up of 50 hiking and outdoors organizations in and around Pennsylvania.

For more information, or for a complete calendar of events closer to the starting date, visit DCNR’s web site site: www.dcnr.state.pa.us (choose “Hiking Week”).  For more information on KTA, visit at www.KTA-Hike.org.

Lehigh Valley – Berks Air Quality Forecast for Tuesday, May 29

Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Action Day?: No
Temperature: Low 80s

Discussion:
On Tuesday, expect clearing skies as our frontal system from Monday pushes out to sea. In the wake of the frontal passage, a ridge of high pressure will set up once again over the region. As this ridge begins to set up, we expect to see winds turning more out of the north. This will help a bit of a cleaner air to begin to work into the region. Afternoon highs are still expected to be rather warm (due to a full day of sunshine) as readings reach into the low 80s. Air quality levels will drop off though as this drier air mass works in. Overall, air quality levels should be in the good range.

Extended:
As we take a look at this week, we notice that conditions should stay fairly warm. We are likely to get a shot of rain early in the week, with a bit of dry spell in the middle, and then finishing off the week wet. Here is how things are shaping up… By the end of the holiday weekend, we should see a frontal system move through the region, allowing for some rain to push through before moving off to our east. This front will help push the higher levels of air quality out with it, at least for a couple of days. A ridge of high pressure will begin to build into the region as we start the work week. Another system developing across the Plains will slowly push east toward our area as the high pushes out into the western Atlantic. This set up will be eerily familiar to this week. The high pressure system in combination with the frontal system moving through the Midwest, will return a warm and moist air mass to the region. Don’t be surprised to see a chance of afternoon showers develop especially during the afternoons later in the week. Temperatures should bounce back up into the 80s with air quality levels likely approaching the Code ORANGE range again. A front pushing through the region over the weekend should put an end to any extended period of poor air quality that we see.

Moderate PM.25, Good Ozone Levels Today and Extended Forecast

Date: Monday, May 28, 2007
Action Day?: No
Temperature: Near 80s
Discussion:
On Monday, expect to see increasing cloudiness throughout the day as another cold front approaches the region. Once again, this front is expected to pass through the region and produce another bout of showers across the region. Afternoon highs are expected to be near 80. The extent of cloud cover and showers should keep ozone confined to the good range. PM 2.5 levels, on the other hand, will remain elevated in the morning hours, in advance of the frontal passage. Therefore, expect levels to remain in the moderate range.

Extended:
As we take a look at this week, we notice that conditions should stay fairly warm. We are likely to get a shot of rain early in the week, with a bit of dry spell in the middle, and then finishing off the week wet. Here is how things are shaping up… By the end of the holiday weekend, we should see a frontal system move through the region, allowing for some rain to push through before moving off to our east. This front will help push the higher levels of air quality out with it, at least for a couple of days. A ridge of high pressure will begin to build into the region as we start the work week. Another system developing across the Plains will slowly push east toward our area as the high pushes out into the western Atlantic. This set up will be eerily familiar to this week. The high pressure system in combination with the frontal system moving through the Midwest, will return a warm and moist air mass to the region. Don’t be surprised to see a chance of afternoon showers develop especially during the afternoons later in the week. Temperatures should bounce back up into the 80s with air quality levels likely approaching the Code ORANGE range again. A front pushing through the region over the weekend should put an end to any extended period of poor air quality that we see.

DEP Seeks Comments on Air Plan for Philadelphia Area

HARRISBURG (May 18) –The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking public comment on a plan for the Pennsylvania portion of the Philadelphia ground-level ozone nonattainment area to meet the health-based ozone standard by June 2010. The plan includes a balanced suite of measures for reducing ozone-causing emissions from industry and utilities, from sources such as consumer products and from vehicles, including the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program.

The plan shows how ozone and emissions have been decreasing over time. It demonstrates how the area will attain the standard by presenting evidence from photochemical modeling, ozone trends and regional transport impacts. The plan demonstrates how it will meet 2008 and 2009 reasonable further progress milestones for emission reductions through state and federal control measures. As required by the Clean Air Act, the plan also contains the base year 2002 emissions inventory, a reasonably available control measure analysis, a contingency plan to bring the area back into attainment should violations of the NAAQS after the standard is attained, and mobile source emission budgets for purposes of transportation conformity. After consideration of comments received, the plan will be finalized and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval as a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision.

Two-thirds of Pennsylvanians live in areas that failed to meet the stricter ozone protection standards and were designated as in “nonattainment” by EPA in 2004. Volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide are the primary components of ground-level ozone, or smog, which adversely affects the health of millions of Pennsylvania residents, especially children. Heart problems and respiratory problems, including asthma, are exacerbated by unhealthy air. Most areas of Pennsylvania are now in compliance with the ozone standards; consequently, the Department has submitted requests to EPA for legal recognition of that status. To do so, DEP had to demonstrate that the standards would continue to be met for at least the next ten years. These requests are pending at EPA.

The Philadelphia plan is available on DEP’s Web site at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword “Air Plans.” More information on ozone designations and air quality is available on the site using DEP Keyword: “Air Quality.”

DEP Secretary McGinty Offers Tips To Save Gas, Money This Summer Driving Season

From the Pennsylvania DEP:

HARRISBURG – Like to save 91 cents on a gallon of gas? Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said [on May 19] that there are simple steps motorists can take to improve their vehicle’s fuel economy and save money at the pump — an especially important consideration this summer as gas prices break records.

“With gas prices at record highs and heavy traffic volume expected this Memorial Day weekend, motorists should know that there are some very simple steps they can take to improve their gas mileage and save money,” said McGinty. “And every dollar not spent on gasoline is a dollar you can spend enjoying your vacation or other summer activities.”

McGinty offered the following tips to get better mileage from your vehicle:

* Replace your air filter regularly. Assuming gas is priced at $3 per gallon, a dirty air filter can cost you as much as 30 cents a gallon in lower gas mileage.
* Slow down. Every five miles per hour you drive over 60 costs you 20 cents a gallon.
* Avoid quick starts. A steady, gradual rate of acceleration can save up to 15 cents a gallon.
* Get a tune up. A smooth running engine is worth up to 12 cents a gallon.
* Inflate your tires properly. Under inflated tires can cost you 9 cents a gallon.
* Lighten your load. Every 100 pounds of extra weight in your trunk costs you 5 cents a gallon.

“Together, these tips can save you 91 cents on every gallon of gas and they can improve your vehicle’s mileage,” McGinty said. “These savings can really add up.”

The secretary said motorists could realize additional savings if they are able to avoid times of heavy commuting. Sitting in heavy traffic results in zero miles per gallon for a vehicle and an idling engine can consume between one-half and one gallon of gas per hour.

For more information and other tips to improve fuel economy, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, DEP Keyword “Energy,” and click on the “Pump Money Into Your Wallet” link under “What’s New.”

Today Is An Air Quality Action Day (Code Orange)

Officials are forecasting today, May 27, 2007, to be an Air Quality Action Day (Code ORANGE) in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County areas. What does this designation mean for the residents of Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks Counties?

Using a color-coded scale, the forecast informs people about the predicted ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels and any precautions that need to be taken. On Good (green) Days, air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk. On Moderate (yellow) Days, air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Orange days like today are considered Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups, as members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. If you are a member of a sensitive group in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County regions, be sure to take proper precautions today. Specifically, active children and adults, as well as people with respiratory diseases such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. More severe Unhealthy Days are designated by the color red. On these days, everyone may begin to experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Very Unhealthy Days are signified by light purple on the Air Quality Index, and on these days, everyone may experience more serious health effects. Hazardous Days are the most extreme and are designated by dark purple/maroon. On these days, health warnings of emergency conditions are issued an the entire population is likely to be affected.

Days coded orange or higher on the Air Quality Index are considered Action Day. The Air Quality Partnership is a public/private coalition of volunteers dedicated to improving air quality in the four most populous areas of Pennsylvania. The goals of the Air Quality Partnership are to increase the public’s understanding on the impact of air pollution, provide alerts for days with high air pollution, provide health effects information and guidelines to prevent or reduce exposure, and finally encourage voluntary actions to reduce air pollution emissions, especially on “Action Days.”

Upcoming DEP Events

There are series of upcoming events, including educational opportunities, public meetings, and outdoor festivities, throughout Pennsylvania listed here on the DEP site that should be of interest to many.

If you’re planning on taking part in any outdoor activities this weekend, remember that tomorrow is an Air Quality Action Day and prolonged outdoor exertion may be harmful to members of sensitive groups.