Reducing Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution – Air Mail!
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 09/23/2022 11:30 AM EDTDEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
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This Month's Topics: |
Public & Stakeholder Participation Information:
Air Mail! is the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All NYS residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here. Taking a STEP in the Right Direction to Close Orphaned WellsDEC continued its support of the University at Albany Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) this summer. Since 1986, STEP has promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented students in science and engineering education. During one STEP summer session, DEC Mineral Resources staff taught students about drones, their applications, and the careers they support. Staff described how drone-mounted technologies help locate abandoned, or “orphaned,” oil and gas wells that are difficult to find on foot using hand-held devices. Through videos, students learned how drone thermal cameras are used to conduct animal surveys. The students also saw their own infrared heat signatures in a real-time video feed from one of the drones brought by staff. At the conclusion of the session, participants were able to fly small trainer drones around the classroom. To safeguard the environment and public health, DEC uses drones to locate orphaned oil and gas wells. When orphaned wells are left unplugged, they may leak and pollute groundwater, surface water, and soils. They may also release methane into the air. Once a drone operator locates a well, DEC conducts an inspection and prioritizes the well for plugging based on potential environmental, public health, and safety risks. DEC estimates that as many as 75,000 wells may have been drilled in NYS, and tens of thousands of unplugged wells may still exist. Plugging orphaned wells will reduce the amount of pollution in our air, water, and soil, while also helping NYS reach its Climate Act goals. Engaging students in the use of new technologies and increasing diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) career paths is essential to ensure equal representation in problem-solving and decision making, especially as DEC develops policies and mitigation strategies to address climate change. Photo Caption: DEC uses large drones to locate orphaned oil and gas wells. These old wells often leak and pollute the water, soil, and air around them. Commute Sustainably with Get There Green!From September 19 through 25, NYS is celebrating Get There Green! — a week to promote and celebrate more sustainable modes of transportation in conjunction with Climate Week NYC. To help reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions, DEC encourages all New Yorkers to take at least one trip September 19 through 25 using a sustainable mode of transportation. Some examples include walking, biking, taking public transit, carpooling, or driving an electric vehicle. To have your emissions reductions counted toward the NYS total, pledge your trips online. While on your trip(s), and in a safe manner, take a selfie and post it to social media using #GTG22 to let everyone know about your Get There Green trip! To learn more about how to utilize sustainable modes of transportation, visit the Get There Green! webpage. Helpful Links:
Dates to Remember:
Stay Informed about Your Air QualityNYS' ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground-level ozone forecasts during ozone season and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round using a scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, indicating polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert. Find out if an Air Quality Alert is in effect by calling the toll-free Ozone Hotline: 1-800-535-1345. The AQI can be accessed in three ways:
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