We have an air pollution issue - A student report

By Cassandra St.Hart

Editor's Note: Karl Schlobohm's Eighth Grade students at Amelia Island Montessori School were given an assignment to write on a subject of interest to them. We will post a series of the student's class assignments over this Father's Day weekend. We hope you enjoy.

Air pollution is projected to be a major problem in our area within the next 50 years, especially in areas where factories and mills continue to emit dangerous chemicals. Known for its beautiful beaches, history and natural diversity, you would never suspect that such a beautiful area as Fernandina Beach would contain more air pollution than the national average, and more than all of its surrounding areas.

Due to the current levels of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and methane (SO2, CO2, CH4) Nassau county was considered a “nonattainment area,” which which the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) defines as an area where “air pollution levels have not met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)” as defined in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970 (P.L. 91-604, Sec. 109) ).There are many potential causes for this designation, but the biggest contributing factor is the gas emissions from the West Rock paper mill on the north end of the island, whose industrial appearance contrasts with the natural beauty of Fort Clinch State Park in its background.

The Clean Air Act of 1990 brings forth an approach to reduce acid rain and industrial emissions of sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide dissolves easily in water to form sulfuric acid, which is a major component of acid rain. Following this act, the smoke from West Rock and Fernandina Beach Sulfite Pulp Mill (among other industries) release enough sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and methane (CH4) in Nassau County for our region to be considered a “non-attainment area;” but for the past ten years, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has Partnered with the EPA to develop strategies for maintaining a healthy air quality levels.

Methane (CH4) is emitted from all kinds of sources, such as: fossil fuel production, distribution and use, livestock farming, landfills and waste heaps, biomass burning rice agriculture, biofuel production and natural sources. As methane gas is emitted into the atmosphere, it reacts with the hydroxyl radical to create water vapor and carbon dioxide .Methane is 34 times more powerful a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, as it is this more effective at trapping heat between the atmosphere and the earth’s surface.

Sulfur dioxide is a harmful gas. Inhaling it can cause irritation to the lungs, eyes nose and throat. Often symptoms consist of a sore throat, a runny nose, a burning sensation in the eyes and a cough. Carbon dioxide is another harmful gas. If inhaled in large concentrations, it can cause rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, clumsiness, emotional upsets and fatigue, and as less oxygen becomes available: vomiting, nasua, coma and death may occur.

How can we solve this issue of air pollution in area? There are a variety of alternatives to the damaging fuels we use now, more sustainable alternatives to the tree pulp material that our mills use to produce paper: hemp. Hemp was legalized in the us in 2018 by President Donald Trump, and it is said to be 4-5 times more tear-resistant than paper made out of materials from trees. Although its production cost is higher, hemp grows incredibly quickly than trees and is a more sustainable alternative. Hemp products are 100% biodegradable and recyclable. The hemp plant can help reduce global warming because it takes out large amounts per acre, more than most plants. Hemp can also help with road safety, by replacing wood with hemp it’s a lot less likely to cause accidents on our roads than the logging trucks currently being used.

By using alternative energy, we not only protect our natural resources, but we save money as well. Solar energy, wind energy, and water energy are all sustainable and natural energies that do not leave a carbon footprint and will always be available.