EPA Research in Kansas

EPA researchers are working hard to protect communities across the nation. Learn about some of the work EPA researchers are doing in Kansas.

• Impacts of Wildland Fires on Ozone Monitoring Equipment
• Supporting Healthy Soil and Nitrate Leaching
• Assessing Impacts of Green Infrastructure on Groundwater Quality
• DIY Air Sensor Now Available for Use by Educators and Citizen Scientists
• EPA Researchers Develop Strategies and Methods to Help Predict Harmful Algal Blooms in Kansas
• Partnering with States and Local Communities on Water Reuse
• Advancing Air Quality Measurement Capabilities and Engaging A Kansas Community in Citizen Science
• Leaving the Gray Behind
• Prairie Rangeland Burning

For more EPA work, see EPA in Kansas.

Impacts of Wildland Fires on Ozone Monitoring Equipment

States have observed unexplained increases in ozone from monitors near active wildfires or prescribed burns. To find out why this was occurring, EPA researchers investigated and evaluated a popular ozone monitoring method during fires in Kansas, Oregon, and Montana. Their research will help state, tribal and local monitoring agencies interpret ozone data collected during wildland fire smoke events. Read Study Provides New Insights Into Impacts of Wildland Fires on Ozone Monitoring Equipment.

Supporting Healthy Soil and Nitrate Leaching 

As farmers face pressure to produce food for America, decades of conventional agricultural practices are making it challenging to have healthy soil. In Kansas, EPA researchers are investigating cost-effective ways to improve soil health and achieve cleaner water while providing evidence back to farmers and their partners at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  The Kansas DHE can also use these results to develop an evidence-based blueprint to cost effectively manage nitrate pollution in their surface water and drinking water.

Assessing Impacts of Green Infrastructure on Groundwater Quality

Green infrastructure reduces stress on wastewater systems, decreases sewer overflows, and improves watershed health--but how does it impact groundwater quality? EPA recently completed comprehensive multi-year studies in Kansas, Washington and Kentucky to find out. The data collected can be used by state and local agencies to make decisions about implementing green infrastructure in their communities. Read Assessing Impacts of Green Infrastructure on Groundwater Quality.

DIY Air Sensor Available for Educators and Citizen Scientists

Interested in a DIY project that will help you learn about air quality? EPA researchers have published instructions for building a portable, battery-powered air sensor, called the AirMapper, which can be used for educational outreach activities. EPA made AirMappers available to community members in Kansas City, Kansas, during a large air monitoring study. Read DIY Air Sensor Now Available for Use by Educators and Citizen Scientists.

EPA Researchers Develop Strategies and Methods to Help Predict Harmful Algal Blooms in Kansas

Harmful algal blooms produce cyanotoxins which can contaminate water and impact tourism, the fishing industry, and recreational activities. At Milford Lake—which discharges into the Kansas River, a drinking water source for more than 800,000 people—EPA researchers are working with the state of Kansas and other partners to determine ways to monitor, prevent, and predict harmful algal blooms. Read EPA Researchers Develop Strategies and Methods to Help Predict Harmful Algal Blooms in Kansas.

Partnering with States and Local Communities on Water Reuse

We know we can reduce how much water we use, but what about reusing and recycling it? EPA is working with San Francisco, Kansas and other state and local governments around the country to make sure we can do that safely. Researchers are currently modeling exposure risks to create a regulatory risk-based framework so that water can be recycled and reused safely. Read Partnering with States and Local Communities on Water Reuse.

Air Quality Measurement and Engaging A Kansas Community 

EPA recently launched the year-long Kansas City Transportation and Local-Scale Air Quality Study to learn more about air quality in three neighborhoods in Kansas City, KS, that have multiple air pollution sources from highways, railways, and industry. The study will provide comprehensive air quality monitoring using three different air measurement approaches. A citizen science project is part of the study and will involve area residents and students in air measurement activities. Read Advancing Air Quality Measurement Capabilities and Engaging A Kansas Community in Citizen Science. 

Leaving the Gray Behind

Researchers with EPA’s Net Zero Program are working with the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas Unified School District 475, and others to test and demonstrate green infrastructure technology, such as permeable pavement, at Fort Riley in Kansas. Read Leaving the Gray Behind. 

Prairie Rangeland Burning

The Flint Hills ecoregion of eastern Kansas and northern Oklahoma is home to the largest remaining contiguous natural grassland prairie in the U.S. Land managers frequently use controlled burns to sustain the natural prairie ecosystem from the encroachment of woody species, and to enhance the quantity and quality of the grasses for cattle grazing. Smoke from widespread prescribed spring burning can exceed air quality limits and impacted urban areas. EPA Region 7 and Office of Research and Development are collaborating with Kansas Department of Health and Environment to establish a user-friendly, multi-model framework for visualizing historical and hypothetical burning scenarios, including changes in the location, timing and frequency of rangeland burning practices.