Pollution

Take a look at our Recycling page for information on how you, as a Davis citizen/student can help reduce waste.

Air pollution in the region is so problematic, that our local air districts typically issue about 25 Spare the Air Days each year between the months of May and October. Some things contributing to rising incidents of asthma in local populations:

• Cows (Aggie article)
  

• Crop Dusting
  

• Forest & Grass Fires
  

• Interstate 80
  

• Pigeons
  

• Transportation
  

• Weather

...in the San Joaquin Valley

Pollution in the San Joaquin valley is claimed by some to be among the worst in the state... these individuals expect to see an Aggie story in the near future. Note that Davis is not part of the San Joaquin Valley — which includes San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Kern counties — but is actually part of the Sacramento Valley!

(the following is excerpted from San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District)

"Just because you can’t see air pollution doesn’t mean it’s not there. The fact is the San Joaquin Valley has a serious air pollution problem that affects our health and our local economy.

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of our air pollution is created right here at home. Data indicates that approximately 27 percent of the total air pollution in the northern portion of the District comes from the Bay Area. In the central portion of the District, the percentage drops to eleven and in the southern area, transport air pollution constitutes nine percent of the total air pollution inventory.

The Valley is particularly vulnerable to air pollution formation because of its topography, climate, and growing population. Surrounding mountains trap airborne pollutants near the Valley floor where people live and breathe. In addition, the Valley’s hot, summer temperatures promote the formation of harmful ground-level ozone (also known as smog). Finally, as population levels increase, so does air pollution. More people equals more cars and more activities that contribute to poor air quality."

• (see Light Ordinance)
  

• Earth Hour

Don't dump stuff in the sewers!

• Annual Water Quality Reports
  

• Boy Scout Cabin
  

• Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources
  

• EPA Superfund Site
  

• Drinking Water
  

• Tap Water
  

• Waste Water Treatment Plant
  

• Water Towers
  

• World Water Day

Noise pollution in Davis is such an issue for some, that the area has gone to lengths which many feel are ridiculous to keep the noise levels down within city limits — of course, the upside is that we don't have to hear leaf blowers before 8am in the morning!

• Noise Violation
  

• Parties
  

• Snoring

Comments:

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Why doesn't anyone ever mention forest/grass-fires when they talk about pollution in the valley? It seems pretty obvious to me that those two sources are MAJOR contributors to the poor air quality in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. — RussBowlus

Some of the burrito eaters I know definitely contribute to localized air pollution! It's as legitimate as snoring or methane from cows, i'n'it?? — AlphaDog