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Climate, Air Quality, and Weather Stories May 28, 2002 Pollution rise follows change to Boston carpool lane Air quality along Bostonās Southeast Expressway has dropped dramatically following a change in the rules governing the expressway's carpool lane. In response to political and public pressure, highway officials three years ago opened the so-called "zipper" lane to vehicles with two occupants, down from three. The Boston Globe reports on an unpublished Massachusetts Highway Department report showing that levels of pollutants along the highway including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and VOCs have risen U.S. submits new climate change report to U.N. The United States has detailed the potential effects global climate change will have on the environment in a new report to the United Nations. "U.S. Climate Action Report 2002" recommends the nation adapt to inevitable changes. This New York Times story outlines the new report, which was submitted as part of the nation's obligations under the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Times' Web site is free but requires registration. Toxic air conveyer belt For generations, neighbors the world over have squabbled over pollution. Sewage travels downstream. Polluted air heads downwind. But now the problem is no longer local and regional but global. MSNBC reports on the phenomenon that is becoming more common: Polluted air from China reaches the United States; polluted air in the U.S. heads for Europe and around it goes. Flame retardant chemicals concentrate in Arctic Research has shown that persistent toxic compounds including PCBs and dioxin make their way to the far ends of the Earth and into the food chain, especially in the Arctic. Environmental Science & Technology Magazine reports that another chemical is showing up at the North Pole at even more alarming rates. Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) chemicals, are used as flame retardants. Ohio company pays fine for pollution in Massachusetts The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection says an Ohio company, Omnova Solutions Inc. of Fairlawn, paid a $21,500 penalty for failing to maintain its air pollution control and monitoring equipment. A DEP news release says the plant, which "manufactures custom polymers, binders and coatings for the textile, paper, and leather finishing industries" exceeded its allowed limit of volatile organic compounds. |
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