Effects of Centralia's Air Pollution Emissions

Visibility is affected by the amount of particulates in the air. Particles of sulfate are the single most significant contributor to Mt. Rainier's visibility impairment. The primary source of sulfate particles is coal-fired electric facilities and industries. The Park Service has determined that Centralia causes approximately one third of human-made visibility impairment on the 132 days in the year which would otherwise be clear. In addition, the Park Service has found that Centralia's sulfate particles have adversely affected other areas as far away as Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. Sulfate particles are responsible for more than 50 percent of Mt. Rainier's lost visibility.

Centralia's huge sulfur emissions are also responsible for at least 30 percent of the acidification of forests, lakes and streams around Mt. Rainier. When sulfur emissions mix with rain or other water, acids form and fall to earth. These acid rain deposits weaken tree defenses to diseases resulting in deforestation. Data from the Forest Service show that acidification around Mt. Rainier National Park is already in excess of protective levels for many types of native trees and plants, and is causing serious damage to park ecosystems.

The sulfur emissions also acidify lakes, causing conditions that kill or injure many aquatic creatures. Lakes in the western United States are particularly sensitive to acid deposits because they lack natural buffering capacity. A recent Park Service study concluded that the long-term integrity of the Cascade lakes near Mount Rainier could be adversely affected by additional acid pollution. The Forest Service has measured current levels of sulfur deposition in the area that are six times the recommended level for these sensitive lakes.

In addition, the Centralia Coal Plant is estimated by federal studies to cause 19 deaths and 660 illnesses each year.

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