Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve AQRV's

Aquatic Resources
Craters of the Moon NM&P has few aquatic resources, with just two streams, water holes, and ice caves. The streams are well buffered, but occasionally have pH values lower than the EPA criterion (pH 6.5) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life. Water quality is more likely affected by local influences, like leachate from mine tailings, than by atmospheric deposition of acidifying pollutants (nitrogen and sulfur).

Fauna/Wildlife
While there have been no systematic studies, there is currently no information indicating that wildlife in Craters of the Moon NM&P are being affected by air pollutants.

Night Skies
Dark night skies are considered an important air quality related value at Craters of the Moon NM, possessing value as a cultural, scenic, natural, and scientific resource. Air pollution and poor quality outdoor lighting degrade night skies, lessening a viewer's ability to see stars and other astronomical objects, and altering the nocturnal scene. Use of high quality lighting that produces very little scattered light can greatly improve the night sky. Reduction of haze from air pollution can also improve the night sky.

• Natural Lightscapes

Soils
Soils in Craters of the Moon NM&P may be sensitive to atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds. In some areas of the country, elevated nitrogen deposition has been shown to alter soil nutrient cycling.

Vegetation
Several plant species that occur in Craters of the Moon NM&P, including Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) and Salix scouleriana (Scouler’s willow), are known to be sensitive to ozone. Monitoring data indicate that ozone concentrations and doses are approaching levels known to cause injury to vegetation.

Vegetation in Craters of the Moon NM&P may be sensitive to nitrogen deposition. In some parts of the country, excess nitrogen deposition has resulted in changes in species composition and abundance; native plants adapted to nitrogen-poor conditions have been replaced by invasive and exotic species that are better able to utilize nitrogen.

• Ozone Sensitive Plant Species Listed by Park
• Ozone Sensitive Plant Species on NPS and U.S. FWS Lands
• Ozone Bioindicators on NPS and U.S. FWS Lands

Visibility
Visibility is a very sensitive AQRV in Craters of the Moon NM&P. Monitoring in the NM&P has documented visibility impairment (haze) due to fine particle pollution in the area.

• Natural Background Estimates