February 27, 2007
Acid rain flashback
Remember acid rain?
One of the top environmental crises of the 1980s, acid rain is now often considered a problem solved, or contained, at least.
For those too young to remember when R.E.M.'s song "Fall On Me" was a hit: Pollutants from power plants, vehicles and other sources react in the atmosphere and then settle back to earth as acidic dust or as acidic precipitation. The pollutants, and the amount of acid deposition, have been reduced dramatically in the past 20 years through a cap-and-trade system so successful it is now considered a model in the fight against global warming.
Well, better not cross acid rain off the to-do list yet.
A report to be presented today in Portland suggests that more than one-third of Maine’s forests are still at risk from continuing levels of acid rain that can change the soil chemistry and leach out nutrients. The study, conducted by Ecosystems Research Group of Norwich, Vt., is part of a regional mapping effort and based on computer deposition and sensitivity models rather than actual soil tests or signs of distress. The study is expected to focus more research back onto the issue, while also raising questions about how resilient the forests will be when faced with a changing climate.
We plan to examine the report and what it means in the Press Herald tomorrow. It’s posted online here. For information about the public presentation, look here
Posted by at 07:39 AM
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Cap n' Trade? huh.
THe removal of SOX is a triumph for the air pollution abatement industry whose scrubbers became increasingly effective, esp. in those dreaded coal fired power plants.
Over the past decades; 'dirty' industry has left the U.S. and opened up in China, Central America...anywhere but next door.
Some attribute the melting of ice caps in the arctic not to global warming, but instead to the increased soot and particulates from China's vast coal fired industry.
Any real Mainer knows that the fastest way to melt ice off of your driveway is to sprinkle wood ashes on it and let Solar radiation do its work.
There is a Sat. photo of N. Greenland showing the difference in color because of the particulates...and a calculation that indicates this is the real reason for the accelerated meltoff.
If you think CO2 reduction is working; explain why Europe's temps continue to rise despite 5 years of reductions?
Posted by
Frank HellerFebruary 28, 2007 11:00 AM
Let me add, acidification of Maine'lakes and ponds was a major problem in the 70's and 80's and killing off the fishing camp business for many families.
A real reporter would have investigated the impact of the reductions on these ponds first hand; instead of feeding us 2nd hand pseudo science, i.e "is part of a regional mapping effort and based on computer deposition and sensitivity models rather than actual soil tests or signs of distress. "
Posted by
Frank HellerFebruary 28, 2007 11:05 AM
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