MAP3S: An investigation of atmospheric, energy related pollutants in the Northeastern United States

Abstract

The Multi-State Atmospheric Power Production Pollution Study (MAP3S) is a major new atmospheric research program of the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. The goal of the MAP3S program is to develop and demonstrate an improved, verified capability to simulate the present and potential future changes in pollutant concentration, atmospheric behavior and precipitation chemistry as a result of pollutant releases to the atmosphere from large-scale power production processes, primarily coal combustion. A major motivation of this program is to be able to provide those agencies charged with the task of meeting the nation's energy needs with the knowledge required to assess alternative strategies for generating power while ensuring ample protection of human health and adequate preservation of the natural environment Since coal is the most abundant domestic fossil energy resource and since electric power production is a major and growing sector of our energy economy, this study focuses on the effects of emissions from coal fired electric power plants, particularly sulfur oxide emissions. The study domain is the high population, energy intensive northeastern quadrant of the United States. Research projects are underway to measure present sulfur oxide concentrations and composition, to assess the potential for long range transport to investigate transformation processes in plumes from point and urban sources, to sample precipitation chemistry and improve understanding of scavenging mechanisms and to develop numerical models that can simulate future air quality on sub-continental scales given patterns of anticipated combustion emissions.