The effect of the 1980 copper smelter strike on air quality in the Southwest
Eldred RA, Ashbaugh LL, Cahill TA, Flocchini RG, Pitchford ML. 1981. The effect of the 1980 copper smelter strike on air quality in the Southwest
The paper examines the effects of the July through September 1980 copper smelter strike on southwestern U. S. air quality before, during, and after the strike. This paper evaluates data from thirteen fine particulate sites in National Park Service units in Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Utah. Ambient particulate measurements were made at thirteen remote sites in Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Utah before, during, and after the 1980 copper smelter strike. Prior to the strike, the highest sulfate concentrations at the sites in Arizona, Utah, and western New Mexico were accompanied by wind trajectories from the smelter region. During periods of southerly winds, the smelters caused significant increases in sulfate levels throughout northern Arizona and southern Utah. The long range sulfate impact was greatest in summer when higher conversion rates caused more sulfate to be produced before the emitted sulfur dioxide was removed by deposition. During the strike, there was a 50-90% decrease in mean summer sulfate levels throughout Arizona.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Eldred, Robert; Ashbaugh, Lowell; Cahill, Thomas; Flocchini, Robert; Pitchford, Mar
- Date of Issue
- 1981
- Units
- CHIR
- Keywords
- Air Circulation, Air Pollution-Measurement, Air Quality, Atmospheric Sciences, Contaminant, hazardous material, Mine, Mining-Environmental Aspect