SAMI will identify emission levels necessary to protect natural resources in South Appalachia. ORNL can help develop, demonstrate and advance a mix of energy technologies that can achieve emission levels that are protective of mountain air and stream quality. Berry says the National Park Service is particularly interested in these kinds of studies and in the deployment of advanced technologies. They ve already seen adverse effects of air pollution in the form of acidified and dead mountain streams in the Shenandoahs. In other areas, including the Smokies, air pollution has been cited as a contributing factor in species die-offs the Fraser firs as one example.
Socioeconomic impacts result, either directly or indirectly.
For instance, the tourism industry warns of a dropoff in revenue as tourists become increasingly discouraged by murky vistas. Some states have already taken steps to introduce technology by using their environmental policies SAMI s stakeholders range from both sides of the issues, from green activists to industries, she says. For instance, several major regional industries participating in SAMI contribute their share to air quality issues in the Appalachians. ORNL s capabilities in assessments, computer modeling and technology development can help ensure that proposals are not only technically but also economically viable. These industries, Berry says, know that sound science and technology are critical to remedying existing and preventing future adverse effects of air pollution on the mountains.