TABLE 1.
Method | Description | Project Leadera |
Air quality modeling | We evaluated roadway-related air quality issues with traffic volume data from the county transportation agency's model (SF-CHAMP)b and specific local traffic counts and truck and bus percentages collected by PODER volunteers, known emissions for San Francisco County vehicles (EMFAC2007)c, and the US Environmental Protection Agency recommended dispersion model (CAL3QHCR)d for the traffic associated with I-280 and local streets. The model creates contour maps of annual exposure level for PM 2.5 in excess of the ambient exposure level and associated with the location. These exposure data are then used to calculate the expected health effects associated with PM 2.5 roadway exposure. | SFDPH |
Community photography | Community residents took pictures of factors in their daily community environment that affected their health. | PODER |
Community surveys | PODER members conducted door-to-door surveys in Spanish and English over 7 census blocks. The completion rate was greater than 35% (52/146 occupied housing units per US Census 2000 data). | PODER |
Noise modeling | SFDPH evaluated traffic noise exposure with traffic volume data from SF-CHAMP and noise-level modeling software (SoundPLAN).e The model included 3-dimensional buildings and topology. | SFDPH |
Noise monitoring | Noise monitoring and dosimetry was conducted at 3 sites by PODER youth interns from a local high school. | SFDPH |
Oral histories | PODER members interviewed community residents to learn about their personal stories, experiences, struggles, and successes in the neighborhood. | PODER |
Pedestrian environmental quality assessment | We worked with students in an undergraduate environmental justice class at the University of California, Berkeley, to assess the quality of the pedestrian environment in a pilot application of the Pedestrian Environmental Quality Index.f,13 | SFDPH |
Secondary data analysis | We used existing community, hospitalization, emergency room, mortality, and motor vehicle collision data to describe health outcomes in the project area and compare them with other city neighborhoods. | SFDPH |
Traffic counting | PODER members worked in teams, standing on street corners in the residential project area to conduct traffic counts during the morning and afternoon peak periods. Members counted cars, trucks, and buses separately on tally sheets. | PODER |
US Census analysis | We analyzed historical US Census data to consider how overall population and number of households, median incomes, median house values, and percentages of Whites, children, and homeowners in the population differed in 1960, 1980, and 2000. We compared the trends for 5 different areas: the PODER Excelsior study community, areas 0.5 km north of the freeway, areas 0.5 km south of the freeway, and north and south areas slightly farther than 0.5 km away from the freeway. | UCB |
Note. SF-CHAMP = San Francisco County Chained Activity Modeling Process; PODER = People Organizing to Demand Environmental and Economic Rights; EMFAC2007 = emission factors 2007 model; CAL3QHCR = Caline 3 air quality dispersion model with advanced features for including hourly meteorological data; PM = particulate matter; SFDPH = San Francisco Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, Program on Health, Equity and Sustainability; UCB = University of California, Berkley, School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences.
Data analysis and interpretation were collaborative. Information on project leaders is included to aid other organizations interested in replicating this model.
SF-CHAMP is a transportation forecasting model developed by the San Francisco County Transportation Authority for use in various land use and transportation planning applications (Model documentation is available at: http://www.sfcta.org).
This model was developed by the California Air Resources Board and is used to calculate emission rates from all motor vehicles operating on highways, freeways, and local roads in California. EMFAC2007 is the most recent version (Software and additional information is available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msei/onroad/latest_version.htm).
CAL3QHCR is an air dispersion modeling software package for predicting air quality impacts of pollutants near roadways, developed by Scientific Software Group. Sandy, UT. (Additional information is available at: http://www.scisoftware.com/products/calroadsview_overview/calroadsview_overview.html).
SoundPLAN LLC. Shelton, WA. (Additional information is available at: http://www.soundplan.com).
Results are being analyzed at the time of writing. Upon completion, findings will be posted online.13