Space Technology to Help Clean Local Air
April 17, 1996APCD Contact:
Bobbie Bratz or 805-961-8800
SBRC Contact Jack Weber, 805-562-7039
Goleta, CA -- Under a grant from the Air Pollution Control
District, remote sensing technology developed by scientists at the
Santa Barbara Research Center (SBRC) to monitor the Earth from space
will be used in a study to improve local air quality. From late
April through June, a roadside van will be measuring pollutants from
the tailpipes of passing vehicles at test locations in Carpinteria,
Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, Santa
Ynez, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Orcutt, Guadalupe, and Santa Maria.
SBRC remote sensors utilize an infrared beam which, when projected across a
single lane of traffic, provides an instantaneous measurement of auto emissions.
The remote sensing technology can measure the exhaust from thousands of vehicles
per day with no inconvenience to the motoring public. The data collected will
tell us the percentage and distribution of vehicles with poor or non-functioning
smog control equipment, and will help us design future programs to improve the
quality of air we breathe. No individual vehicle owners will be identified or
cited as part of this program.
Media representatives are invited to view the remote sensing technology in
action on Wednesday, April 17, 1996, at 10:00 A.M. at the Air Pollution Control
District. We invite you to drive your vehicles through the checkpoint and see
how the study will be conducted.
Members of the public may view the remote sensing equipment at the Santa Barbara
Research Center display at Santa Barbara Earth Day, Sunday, April 21, from 10:00
A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the corner of State and Anapamu Streets in Santa Barbara.
Air Pollution Control District staff will also be present at Earth Day.
Return to News Releases, 1997, 1996 |
