Air Pollution is Blurring Park Views

Air pollution, usually considered a city problem, is mucking up scenic views in the wilds of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Whereas 50 years ago a vacationer perched at Newfound Gap could see an average of 113 miles, today he or she can see only 25. In summer, a season that once ranked among the clearest, the average view is now only 14 miles.

Scientists studying air pollution trace our shrinking views to small particles, mostly sulfates, produced by the burning of coal. Because these particles reflect and scatter light, we see a whitish haze rather than views of distant mountains. Coal-burning power plants and factories are the main contributors to this type of pollution.

Sulfates and other air pollutants travel to the Smokies on rivers of air from as far away as the Midwest, Gulf Coast, and Northeast. The mountains and predominant weather patterns then trap and concentrate the pollution in and around the park.

The National Park Service is involved in a number of projects aimed at reducing air pollution in the Smokies. Most importantly, for over 20 years the park service has continuously monitored visibility and other types of air pollution. Through these efforts the park service has been able to identify types and sources of air pollution impacting the Smokies.

Park officials are using this information to help inform legislators and promote initiatives to improve air quality. As a result, some power companies have been persuaded to retrofit old plants with advanced scrubbers and other pollution control devices. Tougher standards and improved technologies will significantly reduce emissions from several large power plants over the next few years.

However, increasing demand for electricity in the East and Midwest continues to threaten air quality. Dozens of new power plants that would affect air pollution in the park have been proposed. If views in the Smokies are to improve, we will need to control existing sources of pollution and address the cumulative effects of new ones. You can help:

use energy efficient appliances, vehicles, and lawn maintenance equipment
don't waste electricity in your home or gasoline in your car.


									Air Pollution is Blurring Park Views Air pollution, usually considered a city problem, is mucking up scenic views in the wilds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Whereas 50 years ago a vacationer perched at Newfound Gap could see an average of 113 miles, today he or she can see only 25. In summer, a season that once ranked among the clearest, the average view is now only 14 miles. Scientists studying air pollution trace our shrinking views to small particles, mostly sulfates, produced by the burning of coal. Because these particles reflect and scatter light, we see a whitish haze rather than views of distant mountains. Coal-burning power plants and factories are the main contributors to this type of pollution. Sulfates and other air pollutants travel to the Smokies on rivers of air from as far away as the Midwest, Gulf Coast, and Northeast. The mountains and predominant weather patterns then trap and concentrate the pollution in and around the park. The National Park Service is involved in a number of projects aimed at reducing air pollution in the Smokies. Most importantly, for over 20 years the park service has continuously monitored visibility and other types of air pollution. Through these efforts the park service has been able to identify types and sources of air pollution impacting the Smokies. Park officials are using this information to help inform legislators and promote initiatives to improve air quality. As a result, some power companies have been persuaded to retrofit old plants with advanced scrubbers and other pollution control devices. Tougher standards and improved technologies will significantly reduce emissions from several large power plants over the next few years. However, increasing demand for electricity in the East and Midwest continues to threaten air quality. Dozens of new power plants that would affect air pollution in the park have been proposed. If views in the Smokies are to improve, we will need to control existing sources of pollution and address the cumulative effects of new ones. You can help: use energy efficient appliances, vehicles, and lawn maintenance equipment don't waste electricity in your home or gasoline in your car.