Graduate Abstract

Stephanie Fincher
Summer 2007

Evaluating the benefits of a systems approach to particulate matter air pollution management

by

Stephanie Fincher

Bachelor of Science
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
2005

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the

Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science

Department of Environmental Studies
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

Graduate College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Summer 2007

Dr. Krystyna Stave, Examination Committee Chair
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Paper titled 'A pro-active approach for particulate matter air pollution management' published and presented in Proceedings of the 25th International Conference of the system dynamics society, Boston ,M.A. Aug 3, 2007

Paper available at:
http://www.systemdynamics.org/conferences/2007/proceed/papers/STAVE395.pdf

ABSTRACT

Although air quality has improved in the United States over the past thirty years, some air quality management areas continue to have serious problems with air pollutant such as particulate matter (NRC 2004). I hypothesized that using a systems approach would have benefits for PM10 management, including improved results and understanding, as well as identification of ineffective policies. A system dynamics model was developed for PM10 in the Las Vegas valley. Policy analysis revealed real-world behavior, important dynamics of the systems and long-term perspective, and show that PM10 pollution could have been reduced or avoided by other strategies. Recommendations for the model, problematic assumptions, and implications of results for air quality management are discussed.