"The level of acidity is still too high to eliminate the stripping of calcium and magnesium from soil," he said. The effect was strongest in central New England and Maine, Warby said, which was surprising because this region received less acid rain than other regions like the Adirondacks, Catskills and Poconos. This may be because the soils in these other regions were already largely depleted of calcium by the time the first samples were taken in 1984, he said. Even though surface waters have recovered somewhat, if the neutralizing capacity of the soils continues to decline, lakes and streams may take another hit. "We've done model simulations that suggest that there will still be recovery for the next couple of decades," Driscoll said. "But unless the base status of the soils is allowed to recover, that may not continue and you may see declines in surface water quality over 70, 80, 100 years." The Clean Air Interstate Rule, which sets tighter limits for the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power-plant smokestacks in 28 states, will take effect over the next seven years and should lead to additional reductions in acid rain. "It will still be elevated," Driscoll said. "It's still a long way from what we think it was 200 years ago." Related Links: |
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