Air quality issues have persisted in Savannah’s greater west side for decades, posing serious concerns for residents' health and quality of life. Communities such as Garden City, Hudson Hill, Wes Savannah, Woodville, Ogeecheeton, and Yamacraw Village have faced significant environmental burdens due to their proximity to industrial and port-related activities. For years, local residents have actively reported violations and sought accountability from responsible entities.

2017-2018 Air Quality Improvement Action Plan for Savannah’s Near-Port Communities

Harambee House, founded in 1990, has been a key advocate for addressing air pollution in Savannah. In partnership with EPA Region 4, Harambee House developed the 2017-2018 Air Quality Improvement Action Plan for Savannah’s Near-Port Communities. The plan set out four key goals:

1. Reduce Air Quality Impacts on the Community  

2. Increase Near-Port Neighborhood Quality of Life and Resilience  

3. Increase Community Decision-Making Involvement and Engagement  

4. Enhance Relationships and Information Exchange with Port-Related Entities

Purple Air Monitors

Since 2018, Harambee House and CEAR Hub at Georgia Tech have been actively monitoring air quality by installing 16 Purple Air sensors in near-port neighborhoods. These sensors provide real-time data on particulate matter, temperature, humidity, and pressure. This initiative is part of a broader network of 71 sensors across coastal Georgia, measuring environmental factors such as air pollution, rainfall, and soil temperature.

Recent Research and Monitoring Efforts

• In April 2024, Harambee House organized a meeting between community members and Port leadership to discuss air quality concerns.

• Since spring 2024, CEAR Hub has participated in a working group supporting the Georgia Ports Authority’s first assessment of pollution impacts from port operations.

• In fall 2024, Georgia Tech students analyzed PM2.5 data from eight locations, revealing higher concentrations near the port.

• On December 16, 2024, CEAR Hub and Underwriter Laboratories Chemical Insights Research Institute conducted air sampling in five Chatham County locations.

• Harambee House and CEAR Hub are currently involved in the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) Working Group, assessing the environmental effects of the harbor deepening on lower Savannah River communities.

Harambee House and CEAR Hub are now facilitating community conversations to determine the next steps in Savannah's air quality monitoring program. Potential future initiatives include a larger pilot project with Underwriter Laboratories, air quality training sessions, and the development of an Annual Air Quality Report for Savannah. These efforts aim to provide data-driven insights and empower communities to advocate for cleaner air and healthier living conditions.

Resources

• Community Science Sampling (12/16/2024) – Report / Data Summary for each sampling location / Raw Data

Residents and community partners tested for a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehydes. While the results cannot be used to definitively state whether Savannah’s air quality is in regulatory limits or if the air is safe or harmful to people’s health, it did indicate that neighborhoods near the port and local industry (Garden City, Hudson Hill, Ogeecheeton and Yamacraw Village) seem to be exposed to more chemicals and at higher concentrations than the comparison site located further away from these industries (Pin Point).

• Community Air Quality Meeting (03/10/2025) - Recording / Presentation