See an air quality report for any address within Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community.

Emissions come from a wide range of stationary sources. Regulated facilities are required to keep emissions below a threshold that is believed to keep ambient concentrations at or below safe levels as defined by the 

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (EPA)

. Despite the large number of regulated sources, fugitive emissions from many smaller natural and man-influenced sources can make up a significant portion of primary emissions, especially for PM

Stationary air pollution sources can potentially result in air pollution levels that adversely impact human health and climate. There are many small stationary sources, some of which are regulated, within BAAEC.  We focused on warehouses. Other potential sources in the BAAEC area include the San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant, the Vineland Swap Meet, various other commercial businesses, like shopping centers, and manufacturing and distribution facilities. Specific sources of concern to the community include the Quemetco Battery Recycling Center and the Puente Hills Landfill and the attached Materials Recovery Facility, which are southeast but outside the BAAEC monitoring area so mobile measurements were not conducted around those sources. Many sources in the area are not regulated and as a group they are termed fugitive sources. Fugitive sources are not easily monitored, since they are each individually small and spread over a large area. Air quality modeling attempts to include fugitive emissions based on estimates of population density, fuel usage, and other factors. Aclima’s mobile hyperlocal monitoring may be able to help identify which small sources are contributing to specific areas in the community.

stationary-sources-pm25

There are thousands of regulated facilities in the Greater Los Angeles Area – facilities that need to self-report their emissions to ensure compliance with the 

. What did we typically find in the air near stationary source locations in BAAEC? What sensitive populations are nearby? Here we we measured pollution block by block to explore pollution near truck routes, warehouses, the Quemetco battery recycling center, the Puente Hills Landfill near the community, the recycling facility (Puente Hills Material Recovery Facility), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant, the Vineland Swap Meet, and various other commercial and manufacturing areas (shopping centers, businesses), and manufacturing facilities. Three freeways, one each to the north, west, and south are also a concern to the community and contribute to pollution in the area.

Stationary Sources and Freeways: where is it all coming from? A look at emissions from known stationary sources and freeways

Decisions are only as good as the intelligence behind them. Our high-resolution data provides the measurements required to:

• support electrification throughout under-served areas of the community;

• target emissions reductions to reduce greenhouse pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO

• help communities and individuals reduce their health risk from air pollution.

Aclima deployed its fleet of vehicles driven by local community members to measure air pollution on each block repeatedly from July 1 through September, 30, 2021. Measurements for each pollutant on each road segment during the monitoring period were averaged to create maps that provide detailed, high-resolution spatial information of air pollution in the community block by block.

In the Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community, we measured levels of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO

), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and black carbon (BC) at 1-second intervals, every ~100 meters. We analyzed over 3.6 million, 1-second data points based on these seven pollutants and discovered patterns and areas with elevated concentrations of unhealthy air pollutants and those that contribute to climate change such as CH

Aclima Measured And Analyzed Air Pollution On More Than 1,550 Blocks

Aclima has updated the LA 2021 public report to reflect our use of improved calculations for analyzing and mapping the data.

The data mapped from the Los Angeles measurement period, which covered July 1 through September 30, 2021, is now modestly different from those in the first version of the public report, released in February 2022.

The underlying 1-Hz, or 1-second, data as collected by the vehicles is unchanged. However, data products, including products that build on ambient concentration aggregates at the segment and hexagon scale, have changed modestly.

In these final reports, we used a streamlined order of calculations, which were completed using software for increased accuracy.

We improved the base algorithms that are used to calculate the data.

We fixed a timezone error in the final Black Carbon ambient concentrations. Because we use data obtained from a secondary source to normalize our data (see: Methodology), this error affected the normalization process and therefore what data showed in the first version of the report.

Overview of changes and impacts on the report:

The largest changes (~+/- 10%) are seen in BC (Black Carbon) data. There are smaller changes (~+/- 8%) in other pollutants.

Typically, the maps will now indicate that more hexagons are above the local regulatory median and that more segments are impacted by diesel pollution.

The new spatial aggregates reflect higher confidence, improving the spatial representativeness of the data and the ability to see differences between neighboring hexagons.

Now that the calculations are produced by software rather than manual calculations, there is increased accuracy and traceability.

The world's most detailed air quality maps, now available in neighborhood. 

Aclima's high-resolution, block-by-block measurements identify areas where elevated levels of harmful pollutants are typically present. Multiple measurements at each location over time leads to an understanding of typical air quality. Each block has been measured over 20 times, which has been proven (Apte et al. 2017) to be representative of the persistent air quality at a given location during the measurement time frame.

Mobile mapping is either continuous or performed on a quarterly or annual project basis to establish a baseline (3- or 12-months). This data can help communities identify areas for electrification in under-served areas, while reducing exposure and risk from air pollution for all residents, where they live, work, and play. With our hyperlocal air quality maps, air district regulators are equipped with the hard data needed to enhance the identification and characterization of sources and improve emissions reduction planning.

: average air pollution concentrations block by block.

Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community does not have a regulatory station within its boundary. The closest site is Pico Rivera #2, about 4.6 miles southwest from the center of the mapped BAAEC area; it measures NO

 measurements are collected at the Glendora - Laurel site, which is about 11 miles northeast.

Regulatory monitors collect data continuously at a single location meant to be spatially representative of the area. These regulatory stations are considered to be representative of the neighborhood, a radius of 0.3 to 2.5 miles from the respective site. They do not measure CO

, or BC, the three primary climate changing pollutants.

See current air quality, wind direction, and pollution trends over time.

Wind patterns impact the extent to which stationary measurements reflect emissions not immediately upwind or downwind of the site. During the monitoring period, average winds in the Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community (BAAEC), were from the southwest with some variability from the  south-southwest in the early afternoon, but still in the same general direction. The strongest winds were between 7-10 mph and they were most prevalent in the late morning. 

 allow pollutant levels to increase as emissions sources continue. Mobile monitoring can capture the influence of sources in all directions that can result in elevated concentrations within a region.

Wind moves pollutants in the air and impacts how well stationary measurements reflect emissions.

Aclima uses climate and economic justice indicators to identify sensitive, under-served, overburdened, and at-risk populations. This map illustrates areas where sensitive populations live based on a calculated index that includes asthma prevalence, cardiovascular disease prevalence, population under age 5, population over age 64, and low birthweight infants. Within BAAEC, areas in Bassett and to the north of Valley Boulevard and east of the I-605 are primarily commercial. Near Avocado Heights, but outside of the BAAEC boundary, areas to the east and south are primarily commercial and manufacturing. Puente Hills Landfill and the Quemetco Battery Recycling Center are to the southeast of BAAEC and were not included in the measurement area, so their impacts are not fully measured. Three freeways create a perimeter around three sides of BAAEC, to the north (I-10), west (I-605, and south (SR-60). During the study period, fairly persistent winds were from the south and southwest, which may subject sensitive residents downwind of these emissions sources to increased levels of pollution.

Community risk: air pollution exposure presents a risk to all of us

Schools, healthcare facilities (hospitals and other), childcare centers, community centers, a library, and parks are among the locations where sensitive populations visit and spend their time in BAAEC. Many of these sites are located near major roads and freeways, which often have high fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO

), carbon monoxide (CO,), and black carbon (BC). Other emissions sources in the area that might increase the levels of these pollutants include the Quemetco Battery Recycling Center, nearby Puente Hills Landfill, commercial and manufacturing facilities, and general traffic in the community.

Air quality trends where sensitive populations spend time.

The community members identified several locations of concern that might impact where people in BAAEC live, work, go to school, and spend the majority of their time. The Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community is impacted by various mobile and stationary sources that can impact air quality in the region and can affect sensitive population health and emit climate changing pollutants. Within the community, sensitive sites include 9 public schools, 6 childcare facilities, 1 library (Sunkist Library), 1 community center, several parks among other sensitive sites. Most of these locations are in the general residential areas in the central and eastern half of the monitoring area with fewer locationed in the commercial areas to the west and south. However, many sensitive sites are located near major roads and within 0.5 miles of one of the three bordering highways. Cars and trucks emit carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx; NO + NO

), and black carbon (BC), which result in elevated levels of these pollutants that may impact the health of residents. The community faces high rates of poverty and unemployment and is also surrounded by significant pollution sources including, three major freeways, Puente Hills Landfill, the Quemetco Battery Recycling Center, and a large commercial zone which contributes to local traffic concerns. Within this area, consistently poor air quality days or a high average level of pollutants over long periods of time can potentially result in serious and chronic health effects like respiratory issues, cardiovascular issues, and reduced life expectancy. Some pollutants, such as ozone and PM

 have short-term effects like inducing asthma attacks as well as long-term effects, as referenced. Pollutants like CO

, BC have known adverse effects on the climate.

Sensitive Sites: air quality trends where sensitive populations spend time

Where is it all coming from? A look at emissions from known stationary sources and freeways.

When Aclima measurements are aggregated to larger areas, patterns of high pollution emerge, which helps community members take steps to reduce exposure. Values of a hexagon can be compared to the nearest EPA regulatory site measurements, to the level of 

(World Health Organization) air quality guidelines

. Areas emitting higher than area average greenhouse pollutants (CO2, CH4, and BC, a component of PM2.5) can also be identified for further investigation or reductions.

 (averaged over 3 years) and 100% of the measurement area exceeds this value.

0% of the measurement area has higher nitrogen dioxide NO

 pollution than the EPA threshold of 53 ppb.

100% of the measurement area has higher NO

 pollution than the WHO guidelines of 5.3 ppb and 5 µg/m

, respectively. Extended exposure, possibly at even lower levels, can potentially result in adverse health effects.

Why this matters: compare areas of elevated pollution

Regulatory air monitors are stationary and report air quality from one location for an entire area. Aclima mobile mapping data is gathered at different times of day throughout the week across a community to identify a detailed, hyperlocal view of how air quality differs from one block to the next. This is why lived experiences, provided by Aclima’s hyperlocal mobile monitoring, does not  always match the stationary regulatory site's data that covers a much larger geographical area. Viewing sensitive sites and stationary sources on these maps helps us understand the relationship between potential sources and the effect emissions from those sources have on the people who live nearby. Mobile mapping data complements regional data provided by regulatory monitors with hyperlocal data that reveals average air quality conditions where people live, work, and breathe.

Comparing Aclima maps to regulatory data from nearby stationary monitors

Exposure to diesel pollution increases the risks of experiencing serious health problems, which is why Aclima developed a Diesel Pollution Indicator (DPI) visualization tool. This tool allows you to see, at a hyperlocal level, where diesel emissions may be present, as well as where steps should be taken to reduce exposure, such as reducing emissions at the source by using electric vehicles or at a sensitive receptor (schools) using filtration of the outside air as it enters the building.

Aclima designed the DPI to identify diesel emissions based on nitrogen dioxide (NO

) and black carbon (BC), a component of PM

 that have strong associations to adverse health effects and are regulated by EPA to provide protection for the nation’s public health and welfare. Ambient levels are established to reduce risk from criteria pollutants with an adequate margin of safety to protect sensitive populations. The DPI is based on these two components because emissions from sources that use diesel fuel, like heavy-duty trucks, and train locomotives and drayage trucks found in railyards, contain a higher concentration of BC and NO

 than other combustion sources. This indicator gives us a scientifically  and methodological approach  to seeing the detailed patterns for diesel pollution in the community.

Truck routes, as identified by the Department of Transportation, in the Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community (BAAEC) are primarily freeways. Aclima’s defined DPI clearly shows the presence of diesel emissions on the two major freeways we drove, in the community (I-605 and SR-60). Road segments are categorized into two levels based on Aclima's DPI: High and Medium.

Here we show High and Medium DPI for the residential areas suspected to be most impacted by diesel pollution.

Diesel emissions above the Aclima defined DPI criteria are not observed on residential roads in BAAEC. However, lower levels of diesel emissions are likely present in the residential community due to transport by the prevailing winds from the freeways or other sources outside of BAAEC. Average winds over the monitoring period were 

 from the south and southwest, varying by time of day. Based on this, we can infer that residential areas downwind (northeast) of the major freeways may experience higher diesel pollution than areas farther away from these sources.

Diesel Indicator: Residential Areas of Concern

Diesel Pollution Indicator: Residential Areas of Concern

Here we investigate High and Medium DPI within a 1,000 foot radius of schools, childcare centers, community centers, libraries, and parks.

 refers to the sum of High and Medium DPI road segments observed in a circle divided by the total number of road segments in the 1,000 foot radius circle. This map only shows High and Medium DPI road segments that are within the circles rather than all road segments with High and Medium DPI throughout the map.

As seen in this view, most locations with road segments labeled as DPI within 1000 ft are located near freeways – the I-605 or SR-60. However, lower levels of diesel emissions are likely present in the community due to transport by the prevailing winds from the freeways as well as some contribution from local traffic.

Diesel Pollution Indicator: Exposure Reduction

Here we investigate warehouses in the Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community (BAAEC) with High and Medium DPI identified within a 2,000 foot radius. Percent (%) of segments in the table refers to the number of High plus Medium DPI road segments in the circle divided by the total number of road segments in the 2,000 foot radius circle. This map only shows High and Medium DPI road segments that are within the circles rather than all road segments with High and Medium DPI throughout the map.

Most warehouses in the community are in Bassett just north of Valley Boulevard and east of the I-605. Warehouses are also located outside and adjacent to BAAEC north and south of Valley Boulevard and east of Puente Avenue and south of I-10. This view shows warehouses where a higher fraction (>25%) of road segments in the 2,000 foot circle are labeled by DPI and those warehouses are located close to one of the two freeway interchanges (I-10/I-605 or I-605/SSR-60). This suggests that some of the roads near warehouses can be strongly impacted by transport of diesel traffic emissions (likely diesel trucks) from the freeways, while, in addition, those warehouses and others in the community may be impacted by traffic associated with the warehouse.

The state of California is a champion of the federal Clean Air Act, having enacted some of the strictest diesel emissions standards in the world. South Coast AQMD closely followed this model by adopting the first-of-its-kind Indirect Source Rule to address pollution caused primarily by diesel trucks servicing distribution warehouses and other locations. However, more can and should be done to immediately reduce diesel people’s exposure at the local level. The use of High and Medium DPI can help identify streets with the most heavy-duty diesel truck traffic, so that local community and non-profit leaders can continue to work with city and county officials to design or redesign truck-appropriate routes and clean air solutions. Studies have found that truck and idling bans on specific heavily-traveled roads in a community are successful in reducing exposure to higher levels of diesel pollution, especially for children or other vulnerable populations that may live or spend time along key distribution corridors.

In addition to mobile sources of pollution, the High and Medium DPI can also help identify which specific stationary and off-road sources, such as warehouses, factories, and railyards, may have the highest air quality impact on nearby residents. The communities can also use this Diesel Pollution Indicator to work with local school districts and other officials to prioritize schools, childcare centers, libraries, and community centers near truck routes, railyards, and other industrial sources that may benefit most from the installation of air filtration systems.

While individuals should take steps to reduce their exposure to diesel particulate matter whenever possible, it is the federal, state, and local regulators’ duty to enact policies that protect the public’s health from significant off-road, on-road, and stationary diesel pollution sources. Installing air filtration devices in all buildings is recommended, particularly those along heavy truck routes and near railyards. This is a near-term option to reduce harmful impacts today; however, a systematic solution to eliminating diesel truck pollution would be to support the adoption of high-voltage electric vehicle charging and cargo movement infrastructure, whose locations can be prioritized using the DPI in collaboration with regulators, local utilities, and industry leaders. Permits for new distribution centers or expanded operations/output should also take into account potential increases in diesel emissions. Siting of these facilities should be done in a way that will not lead to increased truck traffic near the sensitive sites shown in this Community Air Quality Report.

The Methane Indicator highlights areas in the community with elevated ambient methane concentrations above the typical background level. While the MI reports the levels of methane from all sources, elevated methane levels most likely reflect emissions from gas infrastructure, the landfill, possible oil and gas wells in the area, and sewage. Most of the identified High and Medium DPI road segments are in the southwest section of BAAEC north of SR-60 and east of the I-605. High and Medium DPI road segments are also observed on these two freeways at their interchange.

Aclima’s algorithms can identify dangerous leaks that pose a potential combustion safety risk. The purpose of the MI is to detect methane leaks at any level to reduce the effect methane has on public safety and its impact on exacerbating global climate change, the latter since it is a potent greenhouse gas and second only to carbon dioxide. Methane also has a shorter atmospheric lifetime than CO

, so achieving methane reductions may have a more rapid effect on reducing global warming.

: In the event that Aclima’s monitoring indicates a methane leak at such a scale that it may pose a threat to human health or become a combustion risk, the local gas utility is immediately notified out of an abundance of caution for public safety.

In addition to daily actions the local utility and air regulators take to ensure public safety, community members can also take action if they are concerned about fugitive methane or gas leaks:


Notify the local utility or regional air quality district to investigate the area to determine whether the methane concentrations identified through the MI are being caused by sources that could be capped like abandoned oil and gas wells.

If landfills, wastewater treatment plants, agricultural waste sites, or sewer infrastructure are determined to be the likely source(s) of fugitive methane, biogas capture could be a viable option.

Work with leadership of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, logistics companies, distribution warehouses, railyards, drayage services, and other large vehicle fleet managers to convert to zero-emission electric vehicles. Many of these vehicles could be powered by electricity, and specifically by locally-generated solar energy from rooftops and covered parking areas. Covered parking areas have the added benefit of reducing the 

, which occurs when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat.

Call before you dig. The local gas utility will be able to advise on the location of gas lines to avoid.

Require any new construction or major appliance replacements use electric-only rather than natural gas.

The TPI provides insights into light- and heavy-duty vehicle emissions, while the Diesel Pollution Indicator (DPI) is focused on diesel emissions primarily from heavy-duty trucks and trains, possibly allowing distinction between areas with more gasoline and diesel emissions. The TPI is based on concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO

). The small distinction between gasoline and diesel emissions is possible with the TPI because gasoline engines emit a higher fraction of CO per unit of energy than diesel vehicles.

Road segments are identified as having elevated diesel emissions at their locations based on two levels of Aclima's TPI: High and Medium. These measurements give us a detailed and scientifically rigorous approach to seeing the patterns that this pollutant indicator exhibits.

Residential congestion is not only annoying, but also produces elevated levels of unhealthy pollution where people live and breathe. By focusing on residential roads and arterials, the TPI can be used to prioritize areas in the community that would most benefit from interventions and policy enforcements.

This map shows the High and Medium TPI for the residential areas suspected to be most impacted by traffic pollution. Traffic emissions measured on these local roads may be caused by local vehicle traffic, exacerbated by congestion and idling at traffic lights. Traffic emissions can also be transported between residential areas by prevailing winds. During the monitoring period, average winds were 

 and from the southwest, varying by time of day.

Traffic Indicator: Residential Areas of Concern

Traffic Pollution Indicator: Residential Areas of Concern

Here we investigate High and Medium TPI within a 1,000 foot radius of sensitive receptors where people live, work, and play, such as schools, childcare centers, community centers, libraries, and parks. The Percent (%) of segments in the table refers to the number of High plus Medium TPI road segments in a circle divided by the total number of road segments in the 1,000 foot radius circle. This map only shows High and Medium TPI road segments that are within the circles rather than all road segments with High and Medium TPI throughout the map.

This map shows these sensitive receptors in relation to the TPI. The Aclima High and Medium TPI identified around sensitive receptors are similar to those identified by the Aclima identified DPI and sensitive receptors. Facilities with a higher fraction of road segments in the 1,000 foot circle labeled by TPI are located close to main thoroughfares, like the library or the Intervale Bassett Senior Center, or freeways, like San Angelo Park.

Understanding the relationship between both the Diesel Pollution Indicator and Traffic Pollution Indicator provides a thorough set of criteria that can help prioritize areas in the community for emission reductions and continued monitoring.

Traffic Pollution Indicator: Exposure Reduction

Here we investigate High and Medium TPI within a 2,000 foot radius of warehouses in BAAEC. Percent (%) of segments in the table refers to the number of High plus Medium TPI road segments in the circle divided by the total number of road segments in the 2,000 foot radius. This map only shows High and Medium TPI road segments that are within the circles rather than all road segments with High and Medium TPI throughout the map.

Most warehouses in the community are in Bassett just north of Valley Boulevard and east of the I-605. Warehouses with the highest fraction of road segments, within the 2,000 foot circle and identified by TPI, are located near major interchanges (I-605 and Valley Boulevard or I-605 and SR-60).  Those near and north of Valley Boulevard also show some impact from TPI.  The High and Medium TPI signatures near these warehouses may be impacted by transport of traffic emissions from the freeways or from Valley Boulevard.

Municipal agencies can utilize the TPI to reduce vehicle traffic near locations where populations that are highly sensitive to air pollution live and work, such as schools and parks.

 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Bassett Unified School District, Whittier City School District, and Whittier Union High School District should increase the number of electric buses and phase-out the use of diesel and CNG. As a number of the BAAEC Implementation Team like Green Commuter and Greenlots are keenly aware, improving public transportation service on corridors with High TPI could reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips. The vanpooling program being implemented through BAAEC could be optimized for local air quality impacts using the TPI, including the the placement of vanpool stops, charging infrastructure, and routing vehicles. Public electric vehicle charging infrastructure should be distributed based on need and ambient conditions for those who are unable to use public transit.

Also well-known to the BAAEC Implementation Team are strategies to reduce car dependency by supporting active transportation choices. Groups like ActiveSGV can work with municipalities and alternative transportation coalitions to provide training and to construct safe cycling lanes and bike share infrastructure along streets with lower pollution levels and adjacent to those where internal combustion vehicles seem to travel most frequently.

In addition, traffic signals can be optimized to reduce idling at stop lights. Idling bans should be enforced for all vehicles (trucks, buses, cars, etc.) outside of schools, childcare centers, parks, healthcare facilities, and other sensitive receptor locations.

Green corridors and physical barriers can be effective in containing or mitigating pollutants along major roadways. The Traffic Pollution Indicator can help identify sections of roads and highways that could benefit most from these infrastructure improvements, which can be very costly. Local leaders would need to work with CalTrans, LA County, and the MTA to determine under whose jurisdiction each road section falls, and what type of barriers or green infrastructure would be most appropriate if other critical infrastructure are present in the vicinity (for example, gas lines under the surface of streets).

Published peer-reviewed research has confirmed that the miniscule size of PM

 allows the pollutant to enter deep into the lungs – the smallest particles can even enter the bloodstream and cells – and remain in the human body permanently.

 is emitted directly from natural sources, such as windblown dust, and man-made sources, such as vehicles and industry, and it also can be formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Due to the different sources and mechanisms of PM

 formation, it is difficult to address the source of the problem without high quality pollutant and meteorological measurements, and a range of statistical and modeling approaches. High spatial resolution (hyperlocal or block-by-block) measurements by Aclima can support these approaches. Road segments are labeled using two levels of Aclima's PMI: High and Medium. These measurements give us a detailed and scientifically rigorous approach to seeing the patterns that this air pollutant exhibits.

Ambient concentrations measured by Aclima are prioritized by the PMI for continued monitoring and to improve the public allocation of mitigation measures, such as provisioning underserved communities with air filtration systems.

By focusing on residential roads and arterials, the High and Medium PMI can be used to prioritize areas in the community that would most benefit from interventions and policy enforcements.

This map illustrates areas of elevated levels of particulate matter pollution in residential areas where people live and breathe and are suspected to be impacted by particulate matter.

High PMI identified on these residential roads may be caused by cars and trucks within local areas as well as industry, commercial activities, and wind blown dust. Particulate matter emitted by many sources can also be transported by prevailing winds into and between residential areas. Over the monitoring period, the average winds were 

from the southwest, varying by time of day. High and Medium PMI in the residential areas were observed in northern BAAEC, primarily north of Amar Road. High and Medium PMI were also observed on the freeways (I-605 and SR-60) and along major roads through Bassett and along Valley View Boulevard.

PM Indicator: Residential Areas of concern

Particulate Matter Indicator: Residential Areas of concern

Here we investigate High and Medium PMI within a 1,000 foot radius of sensitive receptors where people live, work, and play – schools, childcare centers, community centers, libraries, and parks. Percent (%) of segments in the table refers to the number of High plus Medium TPI road segments in the circle divided by the total number of road segments in the 1,000 foot radius circle. This map only shows High and Medium TPI road segments that are within the circles rather than all road segments with High and Medium TPI throughout the map.

This map shows these sensitive receptors in relation to the PMI. High and Medium PMI values are observed at sensitive receptors located close to and north of Amar Road or near freeways or major roads.

Particulate Matter Indicator: Exposure Reduction

Here we investigate High and Medium PMI near warehouses in the BAAEC with PMI within a 2,000 foot radius. Percent (%) of segments in the table refers to the number of High plus Medium PMI road segments in the circle divided by the total number of road segments in the 2,000 foot radius circle. This map only shows High and Medium PMI road segments that are within the circles rather than all road segments with High and Medium PMI throughout the map.

Most warehouses identified are in the southern portion of Bassett, just adjacent to and just north of Valley Boulevard and along the western side of Bassett, east of I-605. A number are located east of Avocado Heights and to the south of SR-60 along the I-605. Most of the warehouses in these two locations are just outside BAAEC but can impact BAAEC due to traffic to and from the warehouses and associated freeway traffic and due to the wind blowing pollutants from these warehouses into the BAAEC region.

The majority of High and Medium PMI values are located on the freeways and major roads (Valley Boulevard). The highest PMI % of segment values around warehouses occurs on road segments where the 2,000 foot circles include Valley Boulevard or the freeway. The warehouses with the most identified PMI road segments are near I-605 in Bassett and the I-605/SR-60 interchange in southwestern Avocado Heights. These PMI signatures are likely due to traffic in the area or wind blown particles from upwind (from the southwest).

 concentrations are highest. Analysts can utilize the PMI in conjunction with satellite imagery and meteorological data such as wind behavior to identify likely sources. Since PM

 in the atmosphere results from a range of natural and human-caused sources, actions to reduce exposure can include a mix of mitigation and adaptation approaches.

One substantial action could be working with local lawmakers to reduce traffic near sensitive locations like schools and parks, which can significantly reduce exposure to fossil fuel emissions, but also avoid brake dust, tire wear, and road erosion, which over time also causes increased PM

 levels and harmful exposure. Road-based PM

 can also be mitigated by physical barriers and increased street sweeping, ideally using vacuum-style equipment to avoid additional dust distribution.

 shows up largely in the form of dust and is difficult to mitigate in hot, dry climates, which necessitates adaptation strategies to capture and manage exposure for at-risk populations. Dust caused by construction should be mitigated using best available practices and technologies. Actions to reduce exposure could include the distribution of portable indoor filtration devices and/or building retrofits where higher PM

 concentrations are measured, using Aclima’s hyperlocal air pollution data as evidence for increased access to state and regional incentive programs. Since air filtration systems often require more energy use than natural ventilation (e.g. opening windows), efforts should also be made to pair filtration incentives with financial support for solar energy at the home or building scale to reduce energy costs. BAAEC Community Partners and Implementation Team members like Clean Power Alliance, Community Electricity, GRID Alternatives, Pivot Energy, Quality Conservation, Sonnen, and The Energy Coalition could partner with HVAC companies and indoor air quality experts when working with residents and communities to improve access to solar energy and building retrofits, incorporating human health into the driving factors for improved efficiency and on-site power generation.

Actions to reduce PM pollution can take many forms, and Aclima’s hyperlocal air pollution platform helps identify and prioritize interventions for the vulnerable populations that need them most urgently. This could include using this PM Indicator to prioritize the placement of school-based air monitoring for additional limited-term assessments.

It should always be noted during discussions and permitting processes with local businesses, that the people who are typically most exposed to harmful and toxic air are those who work in and around sources of these pollutants. Truckers, delivery drivers, warehouse workers, bus drivers, and those who work in industrial facilities can face long-term health effects of being exposed to unhealthy air. With Aclima's data in hand, environmental justice leaders can support employees as they advocate for themselves and ensure their employers adopt best practices to protect their workers and the community.

Stationary Sources and Freeways: where is it all coming from? A look at emissions from known stationary sources and freeways

Air Quality Lookup by Address

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