The South Ward's Air Quality Crisis
The South Ward's Air Quality Crisis1 in 4 children in Newark have asthma. The South Ward of Newark faces significant environmental health challenges because of the proximity to the Port, AirPort, highways as well as several industrial facilities. In addition, there are more than 25,000 diesel truck trips per day—and 4,500 of these trucks regularly move through our local community roads. Diesel emissions release harmful pollutants that disproportionately impact the health of South Ward residents, contributing to asthma, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular problems.
Our Air Quality Monitoring Initiative
To combat these challenges, the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) has developed a comprehensive air quality monitoring network. This network spans the Clinton Hill, Weequahic, and Dayton Street neighborhoods, collecting real-time data on particulate matter (PM) and black carbon—pollutants strongly linked to health risks.
Why Particulate Matter (PM) and Black Carbon Matter
Both PM and black carbon are harmful by-products of fossil fuel combustion, particularly from diesel trucks. PM, classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, can lead to respiratory diseases, organ damage, and even cancer with long-term exposure. Black carbon, a key component of PM, not only affects human health but also accelerates climate change by absorbing sunlight and warming the atmosphere.
Air Quality Monitoring Systems
1. PurpleAir Monitors:
What it Measures: PM1, PM2.5, PM10
Why We Use It: These stationary monitors provide real-time data on particulate matter levels, helping us track long-term pollution trends across different areas of the South Ward. The data is available to the public through the PurpleAir map.
2. Atmotube PRO:
What it Measures: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure
Why We Switched: We transitioned from AirBeam2 to Atmotube for truck count air monitoring due to its advanced features and user-friendly app interface. This makes it easier for community members to participate in air quality monitoring and enhances our ability to track pollution spikes in real-time.
3. Met One C-12 Black Carbon Monitors:
What it Measures: Black carbon, a component of particulate matter from diesel exhaust
Why We Use It: Black carbon has significant health and climate impacts. It is linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and contributes to climate change by absorbing heat and accelerating snow and ice melt. Monitoring black carbon levels helps us advocate for policies to reduce diesel emissions in the community.
Data Validation
At SWEA, ensuring the accuracy of our data is paramount. To validate our air quality monitoring results, we collaborate with key partners, including the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health (CEEJH), and the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOSHI). During the collocation phase, we compare our PurpleAir and black carbon monitors to regulatory monitors approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This process ensures that our hyperlocal monitors provide reliable and actionable data.This rigorous process is critical in building trust in our data, which we use to drive meaningful environmental policy changes.
The Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Board
The Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Board, led by SWEA’s Environmental Justice Organizer, plays a key role in ensuring that our air monitoring projects address the community’s specific needs. This board includes seven residents and stakeholders from the South Ward, who provide valuable insights and oversee the planning, implementation, and dissemination of research for the air quality monitoring projects.
The board meets every two months on the third Monday to review findings, discuss project updates, and strategize next steps for community engagement. This advisory board is crucial for ensuring that the voices of South Ward residents are central to how we approach air quality monitoring and advocacy.
Truck Count + Air Monitoring
Truck counts are essential for illustrating the scale of diesel truck traffic in the South Ward. We combine these counts with real-time air quality data from Atmotube PRO sensors to demonstrate the direct correlation between heavy truck traffic and spikes in air pollution. This data serves as a vital tool in advocating for stronger environmental regulations and policy changes.
Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Board
To strengthen community engagement, we’ve established the Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Board, led by our Environmental Justice Organizer. This board includes seven dedicated residents and stakeholders from the South Ward who are instrumental in overseeing the planning, implementation, and dissemination of the research for our Air Quality Monitoring Projects. By meeting every two months, the third Monday, this advisory board ensures that the unique concerns of our community are represented and that the project remains aligned with local priorities. The board plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our air quality initiatives and fostering a strong connection between residents and the science driving our advocacy.
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Solutions: What We’re Advocating For
SWEA is committed to reducing the harmful impact of diesel emissions and improving air quality in the South Ward. We use the data collected from our air quality monitors and truck counts to drive solutions and advocate for systemic changes. Here are the key solutions we support:
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1. Electrification of Freight Transportation
Why It Matters: Electrifying trucks that pass through the South Ward will significantly reduce harmful emissions. We support national efforts to transition the freight sector to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, including the Biden-Harris Administration's $1.5 billion investment in electric heavy-duty vehicles.
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2. Stronger Air Quality Regulations
We advocate for stronger standards, including the EPA’s Phase III Greenhouse Gas Rule and the adoption of stricter emission standards for heavy-duty trucks, like California’s Heavy-Duty Truck Rule.
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3. Zero-Emission Zones (ZEZs)
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What Are They? ZEZs are areas where only zero-emission vehicles are allowed, dramatically reducing air pollution in high-traffic urban areas. SWEA supports establishing ZEZs near sensitive locations in Newark, such as schools and parks, to protect vulnerable populations.
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4. Alternative Truck Routes
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Redirecting diesel trucks away from residential areas will reduce pollution exposure for South Ward residents. SWEA is working with local authorities to explore and advocate for alternative truck routes.
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5. Public Transit and Bicycle Infrastructure
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We advocate for expanding public transit options and developing safe bicycle infrastructure to reduce the reliance on diesel trucks for short-haul deliveries. Sustainable transportation options will play a key role in decreasing air pollution.
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6. Improved Port Operations
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Green Port Technology: We support the adoption of clean port technologies, including electric equipment and hybrid vehicles, to reduce emissions from port operations. Green Corridors: We advocate for the creation of “green corridors” for freight vehicles, encouraging the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in designated zones.