Based on the available data and information, we know it is clear there are some very important unanswered questions that must be answered before we can intelligently proceed on this issue. Based on our assessment of the available data, information and evidence we have arrived at the following conclusions: It is not clear that acid rain is a phenomenon which is increasing in geographic scope or in intensity. It is not clear that acid precipitation does in fact cause acidification of lakes, particularly in the Eastern U.S., or cause other severe ecological damage. It is not clear that coal burning by utilities is a major cause of increased acidity in rain. We need to determine the causes and effects of acid precipitation before deciding how it should be controlled and if, indeed, control is warranted. Based on this we urge this Committee to consider the following recommendations: 1. Federal funding should be increased to conduct more 2. research on the causes and effects of acid rain. EPA and the Congress should avoid establishing new - 19 In conclusion, I want to leave the Committee with one final thought, and that is that the acid rain issue should not be decided on incomplete information, inconclusive data and unfounded allegations. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my remarks. answer any questions you may have. I will be glad to Over the past two decades, the shift to cleaner (low-sulfur) fuels such as oil and natural gas has resulted in a significant decline in the level of SO2 in the atmosphere. This trend has leveled off recently. However, slight increases have been noted in places such as Los Angeles and parts of the Northeast. In Los Angeles, for example, relatively low sulfur dioxide levels have increased coincident with the curtailment of the use of natural gas as an industrial fuel. A shift to coal from natural gas and oil will require strict environmental controls if standards are to be maintained. (Taken from: DOE/EPA Energy/ Environment Book, March 1978 EPA-600/9-77-041) National Average Concentration (μg/m3 Trend in Average Sources: 1964-1970 U. S. EPA, 1973. 1971-1975 U. S. EPA, 1976 b. STATEMENT by G. W. Barrett Station Engineer, Station Environment Generation Studies Branch Central Electricity Generating Board EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE ON THE EFFECTS OF THE LONG RANGE TRANSPORT OF AIR POLLUTANTS On its formation the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) was charged with two duties; to generate electricity economically and to have due regard for the effects of its actions on the environment. The CEGB therefore has always had a keen interest in matters of air pollution. It has maintained a considerab research effort in the field and has achieved international recognition for its work on the dispersion of gases from tall chimneys. The earlier work concentrated on the behaviour and fate of gaseous emissions fairly close to the chimneys (less than 10 km) because this was where the major effects were most likely to be experienced. Techniques were developed which allowed the dispersion at such distances to be controlled to the satisfaction of United Kingdom legislative and medical authorities. In the late 1960's and early 1970's, however, attention turned to the possibility of adverse effects at very much greater distances. British tall chimneys were accused of causing damage to forests, rivers, lakes and even human health as far away as Scandinavia. Since that time there has been an intense research effort into the long range transport of air pollution and the CEGB has played a full part in this research, working alongside Scientists in the countries which claim to be affected. This research continues, but already the following conclusions are clear. The effects of the long range transport of air pollution lie in the tendency to cause an acidification of rainfall above that caused by gases naturally present in the atmosphere. This acidification has no effect on human health and there is no unequivocal evidence of damage being caused to forests. The only possible adverse effect which remains is the indication of a trend of acidification in some upland lakes located in areas made peculiarly sensitive by a combination of circumstances. In these few areas geology, heavy rainfall, low calcium and acidity may have led to loss of fish population in some cases. Research will continue to determine whether or not this is so and if an adverse effect is proven, to determine the best strategies for alle vicing the problem. |