Assessing tropospheric ozone In Western Washington

Cooper, Stephanie; Peterson, David

[Investigator Accomplishment Reports, permit # MORA1996APAJ, park study # MORA1996APAJ] Objectives: Quantify large-scale ozone distribution in western Washington, and determine how ozone exposure variew with increasing distance (and elevation) from the Puget Sound region; Identify areas that have the greatest potential for injury to vegetation from elevated ozone exposure; and develop an approach for long-term ozone monitoring in western Washington. Findings and Status: Five sites in the Nisqually watershed in Mount Rainier National Park were monitored for ozone using passive samplers placed along a transect. Sites within North Cascades and Olympic National Parks were also monitored. Monitoring at NPS sites was funded by the Challenge Cost Share Program ($15,000) and through the NPS Air Resources Division (John Ray). Funding for other western Washington areas was provided by the Washington Department of Ecology and the USDA Forest Service.;Samplers were placed out for a 12-week period beginning in late June, 1996. Samplers were changed weekly so that weekly ozone concentrations could be understood. A sampler was placed at Tahoma Woods and at Paradise to compare passive samplers with the continuous ozone samplers located at these sites.;Results of 1996 sampling were similar to previous years (Brace 1996). Additional data analysis will be completed and final reports prepared.