This cooperative agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the clean air council

Specifically, the recipient will use these funds to work with air monitoring professionals, public health academics and local organizations to asses real-time air pollution trends from the delaware city refinery (DCR). In collaboration with community members, project partners will analyze this data to identify impacts of refinery pollution on residents' health and quality of life and identify public health improvements likely to result from reduced pollution from the DCR. This project will also create a network of local organizations in order to prepare impacted residents for potential incidents at the DCR, such as accidental fires and dangerous short-term air pollution. This project, via extensive community organizing, air monitoring, and data analysis, will influence the next iteration of the DCR's air pollution permits by taking into account the public health benefits of pollution reductions identified as a part of this project.activities:the project activities include: 1) training of community members , monitoring of air quality, public education, and the development of disaster preparedness plans; 2) community-led air pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants; 3) engagement of disadvantaged communities in state and federal advisory groups, public community meetings, rulemakings, and other public processes; 4) monitoring the hazards posed by refinery pollution, including accidents and other unpermitted releases, by combining data with community advocacy; 5) piloting of real-time, fence-line monitoring that will use optical open path sensors to measure concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, naphthalene, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide in 5-minute intervals; and 6) equipping individuals living near DCR to report odors and health symptoms associated with them in real time. This project will also include educational events in which participants can learn about how to reduce their overall risk for respiratory issues, cancer, and other health issues identified in the project area.subrecipient:this project includes two subawards. One subaward for $84,000 will be awarded to drexel university's, DR. Gwen ottinger and her students. Together they will make real-time data available, coordinate community monitoring activities, and contribute to reports. The second subaward will be awarded for $148,000 to community housing and empowerment connections INC. This subaward will establish a local community group dedicated to protecting public health in neighborhoods impacted by the delaware city refinery. The residents will learn how to use the air quality data collected within this project to advocate to local and state decision makers for more protective policies and mitigation measures to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on public health. Outcomes:the anticipated deliverables are: 1) creation of an environmental hazard and health questionnaire. 2) submission of quarterly reports 3) creation of custom branded, resident-led outreach team; 4) creation of educational materials focused on community hazards and health; and 4) the establishment of two working groups to influence local decision making and monitor environmental conditions. The expected outcomes are: 1) the installation of UV doas air monitors in three neighborhoods; 2) creation of a new community organization with local residents engaged in addressing air pollution concerns from the DCR through leveraging air monitoring data and crowd-sourced information; 3) enhanced understanding and identification of each community's concerns about specific pollutants and health issues; 4) reductions in air pollution required by an updated air pollution permit at the DCR and other public health-related decisions, as a result of increased public enga