News Releases from Region 07

EPA Launches Air Quality Study in Kansas City, Kan., Neighborhoods

Special Rollout Ceremony and Open House Scheduled Friday, Oct. 27

Environmental News

NEWS MEDIA ADVISORY

(Lenexa, Kan., Oct. 26, 2017) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will launch the Kansas City Transportation Local-Scale Air Quality Study (KC-TRAQS) at a rollout ceremony and open house at noon, Friday, Oct. 27. The yearlong study seeks to learn more about air emissions from local sources in three neighborhoods in Kansas City, Kan. Students from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools will participate in the events.

WHO:  EPA Region 7 and EPA Office of Research and Development

WHAT:  Rollout Ceremony for KC-TRAQS Study and Open House

WHERE:  Kansas City, Kansas Police Department - South Patrol, 2100 Metropolitan, Kansas City, Kan.

WHEN:  Rollout Ceremony: Noon, Oct. 27, 2017; Open House: Noon to 2 p.m.

Speakers:  Karen Flournoy, EPA Region 7 Special Assistant to the Regional Administrator; Angela Markley, Commissioner of Wyandotte County Unified Government

The study enables EPA to provide air quality information to the community and its residents, and will advance air monitoring technology for use by other states and communities. The research is designed to measure and monitor air quality and is not a health study to evaluate health effects from any observed air pollution. The study will be conducted for one year. A citizen science project is part of the study, and will involve area residents and students in air measurement activities.

The study area includes the neighborhoods of Turner, Argentine and Armourdale in southeast Wyandotte County, Kan.

Visuals Available:

• Students, boys and girls, learning to use the handheld Air-Mapper, increasing their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills
• Middle school teacher working with the handheld Air-Mapper
• Scientists explaining how the study will be conducted
• On-site information booths

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