Dr. Tim Hawkins, a professor of geography and Earth science at Shippensburg University, is spearheading a research initiative focused on the environmental repercussions of warehouse development in Cumberland Valley, with a particular emphasis on air quality. This study, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources along with the South Mountain Partnership, aims to map the growth of warehouse facilities and their impact on traffic and air pollution in Cumberland and Franklin counties.
The research will document the rise of warehouse facilities in terms of their number, size, and the dates they began operations. The team will also evaluate traffic flow on major highways and assess how changes in seasonal weather patterns might influence air quality. The hypothesis driving this research is that the surge in warehouse construction has increased truck traffic, thereby exacerbating air pollution in an area already facing air quality challenges.
Grace Coffman, a student at Shippensburg University, has been integral to the project, having played a key role in crafting the grant proposal. Coffman will also lead much of the data analysis under Hawkins’ guidance. The research group plans to convene weekly to discuss their findings and refine their methodologies.
Utilizing satellite imagery and aerial photography, the team will monitor warehouse expansion. Traffic data will be sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and air quality readings will be gathered from Environmental Protection Agency monitors as well as PurpleAir sensors. This data will help correlate pollution levels to traffic and warehouse growth over time.
The outcomes of this study could influence local policies and heighten public awareness regarding the environmental impacts of rapid warehouse development. At the least, the research will provide a clearer picture of the factors affecting air quality in Cumberland Valley, potentially informing county and municipal decision-makers about the implications of warehouse growth.
This research is part of a larger endeavor at the university to examine regional warehouse expansion. The Center for Land Use & Sustainability at Shippensburg University also received a $6,253 grant for a related project that will create a StoryMap detailing warehouse development in the region, to be featured on the Center’s website.
Additionally, the university is planning a public forum as part of Worldwide Climate Justice and Education Week, aiming to discuss the broader social, economic, and environmental impacts of warehouse development. This forum, still in the planning stages, will include a panel discussion and presentations from various stakeholders in the warehouse industry.
The findings from these comprehensive studies are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and local residents concerned about the long-term impacts of warehouse development on their communities.
Photo credits to Shippensburg University
