Peter Murchie, MPH/MS, Office of Air, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 811 SW 6th Ave, 3rd Fl, Portland, OR 97204, 503-326-6554, murchie.peter@epa.gov

This discussion presents an overview of the Portland Air Toxics Project (PATP), which integrates state-of-the-art risk science, public involvement and innovative reduction strategies to create local and state policy. PATP is a collaborative effort between the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Metro regional government. The PATP builds upon a unique statewide regulatory structure that empowers local communities to identify air quality problems and develop reduction strategies that meet local public health goals. Portland is the first community in the state of Oregon to do a risk assessment for air toxics, including benzene, diesel particulate matter, and chromium, and looks at both cancer and non-cancer health outcomes. The team created emission inventory, dispersion modeling, monitoring and exposure modeling methods that are being adapted by other communities. Results of the project indicate that current pollutant levels from some air toxics may threaten the public’s health. To create effective strategies to reduce the risk from these pollutants, risk management decisions need to involve stakeholders at the local level (e.g., transportation planners, small businesses, community organizations, local governments). The presentation will discuss the process used to involve the public in creating the study design and informing subsequent policy. Included will be specific examples of the roles of local stakeholders, the results of the risk assessment, and the application of risk assessment data to local policy outcomes.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation the participants will be able to

• Describe the process and science used to collect air toxics risk data in Portland OR
• Understand the risk characterization results
• Define the role of stakeholders in study design and risk management
• Articulate the application of results to local, state and national policy

Keywords: Community, Risk Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.