The purpose of this competitively selected ARP funded grant agreement is to provide mid-ohio regional planning commission (MORPC) the ability to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants of…

The purpose of this competitively selected ARP funded grant agreement is to provide mid-ohio regional planning commission (MORPC) the ability to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants of greatest concern in communities with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the covid-19 pandemic. MORPC will focus on underserved communities impacted by emissions from mobile and stationary sources using a photochemical model to include meteorological and emission data and identify near real-time particle pollution levels and source apportionment at selected community sites. Activities:morcp will choose monitoring sites based on multiple levels of social and health vulnerability data, including covid-19 mortality and morbidity data. Resulting data from 18 months' worth of air quality monitoring and modeling will be used by MORPC and franklin county public health (FCPH) to identify and understand the distribution and causes of particulate matter (PM) pollution and create interventions based on disproportionate impacts and source drivers. The information gathered from this modeling will be shared with local communities to help gain future interest and buy-in on PM pollution related issues. The activities will be used to support community and local efforts to monitor their own air quality and to promote air quality monitoring partnerships that: leverage existing air quality expertise, expand use of community monitoring groups and other approaches that give the community a voice in the monitoring of the air quality, and build a foundation of trusting relationships and enhanced understanding from which sustainable solutions to community air pollution problems can be found. Subrecipient:franklin county public health (FCPH) will be the sub-awardee and support community engagement along with other critical project needs, including gathering and presenting health data, engaging partners and community members, planning outreach activities, supporting monitor placement and maintenance, and informing initiatives to address disparities.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include deployment of low-cost PM monitors in/near underserved communities, analysis of 18 months of PM monitoring data, formation of community advisory boards (CAB), informing the public of findings through digital air quality screens, and the development and distribution of educational materials. The expected outcomes include near real-time air quality data availability for communities and stakeholders, identification of air pollution hotspots and spatial patterns, a strengthened network of partners engaged in air quality and public health, increased community awareness of local air pollution levels, and increased community buy-in for future initiatives resulting from the project. The intended beneficiaries include the communities in and round franklin county, ohio, inclusive of the city of columbus and surrounding suburban communities.