Neighborhood Air Quality Impact from Construction Site Emissions in Portland, OR

Abstract

Research has shown that diesel particulate matter, including black carbon, is harmful to human health and has climate warming properties. Emissions from off-road engines, specifically construction, are a major source of diesel particulate matter in Portland, OR. There has been little done to manage the impact that construction has on local air quality. This project included a review of recent literature on the health and climate warming effects of particulate matter and black carbon, a modeling study to better understand what the major sources of diesel particulate matter are in Oregon, and a review of current research on construction site emissions. This study also included field monitoring of black carbon at construction sites in Portland, OR which showed that local air quality can be affected. The information gathered in this project, and in partnership with Neighbors for Clean Air, informed content for an interactive web page to help educate and motivate local residents to better understand what’s in their air. This study revealed that there are many opportunities to leverage existing policies and increase incentives for construction projects to adopt cleaner technology and reduce emissions on site.