Assessing public perception of visibility for standard setting exercises

Pryor, SC

HERO ID

56598

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1996

HERO ID 56598
In Press No
Year 1996
Title Assessing public perception of visibility for standard setting exercises
Authors Pryor, SC
Journal Atmospheric Environment
Volume 30
Issue 15
Page Numbers 2705-2716
Abstract #Using the photographs and optical measurements taken during a summer field program (REVEAL) designed to examine the chemical and physical characteristics of visibility impairment in the Fraser Valley, southwestern British Columbia, a protocol for gauging public perception of visibility in this region was devised and tested in a pilot survey. This paper details the protocol (which is based on previous studies conducted in the United States of America) and analysis techniques for survey responses. A preliminary assessment of the results of the pilot study is also presented. A public perception survey conducted in Denver (Ely et al., 1991), resolved a visibility standard for Denver of bext (total light extinction) = 0.076 Î 10-3 m-1. Assuming a homogeneous atmosphere, this level of bext is approximately equal to a visual range of 50 km. Using a similar protocol, responses from this pilot study were used to extrapolate visibility standards for two suburban locations in the Fraser Valley of b(ext) (approx) 0.09 Î 10-3-0.105 Î 10-3 m-1 (bsp (particle light scattering) (approx) 0.051 Î 10-3-0.063 Î 10-3 m-1) and b(sp) (approx) 0.39 Î 10-3 m-1. These levels of light extinction (bsp is the largest component of b(ext)) relate to approximate visual range of between 40 and 60 km in a homogeneous atmosphere. Possible reasons for the apparent discrepancies between locations are discussed and the effect of survey group are addressed.
Doi 10.1016/1352-2310(95)00365-7
Wosid WOS:A1996UN84700004
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments ECRIB.Atmos. Environ. 30: 2705-2716.
Is Public Yes
Keyword visibility standards; visual air quality; perception; southwestern British Columbia
Is Qa No