Air Quality Studies for Columbia Manhattanville Mixed-Use Redevelopment and Rezoning

AKRF led the air quality analyses for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the proposed Columbia University-Manhattanville academic mixed-use development and area-wide rezoning project in West Harlem, New York.

We provided complex air quality analyses for different aspects of the project including an analysis of potential impacts from stationary sources, such as heating systems, emissions from project-generated traffic and parking facilities, and the proposed Columbia University laboratories.

The air quality analyses included a very detailed assessment of particulate matter (PM 2.5) impacts. An assessment of criteria pollutants from nearby emission sources, including a bus depot, and the proposed rezoning was performed to assess the cumulative impact on the proposed site. An alternative plan which supplied heat and power to the project via an on-site cogeneration plant with a capacity of up to 15 megawatts was also evaluated. AKRF compared the emissions from turbines with emissions from controlled engines, and researched various particulate matter control technologies for the boilers.

AKRF also analyzed the potential for impact from emissions generated by construction equipment and activity during the projected 20-year construction period. Since the project sponsors were interested in introducing the cleanest construction procedures practicable, AKRF first identified the best available procedures already in use in existing projects, and researched additional available emissions control measures and their effectiveness. The work included the formulation of construction contract documents detailing the requirements for the implementation of the emissions reduction program. This work built on AKRF’s prior experience in innovative clean construction methods and detailed construction analysis performed for Lower Manhattan and other projects.

In addition, AKRF performed a visual impact analysis to address the potential for visible plume fogging and deposition from the proposed academic buildings’ cooling towers. The analysis was performed using the Seasonal/Annual Cooling Tower Impacts (SACTI) model to determine the hours of fogging, rime icing, and mineral deposition on nearby buildings.