Keep Tahoe Blue, The Tyre Collective, and the Desert Research Institute (DRI) have launched a pilot program in partnership with the Emerald Bay Shuttle and its operator, Downtowner. The initiative aims to address the impact of vehicles on Lake Tahoe’s water clarity by testing new technology that captures tire wear particles.
“While we know that vehicles impact water quality and Lake clarity, this project will help us better understand exactly how vehicles contribute to Tahoe’s water quality challenges,” said Laura Patten, natural resource director at Keep Tahoe Blue. “That knowledge is critical to creating solutions that protect this national treasure.”
The Tyre Collective has provided devices that attach to vehicle undercarriages to collect tire wear particles as they are generated. These particles are recognized as a source of microplastic pollution in waterways and also contribute particulate matter to the air. According to research from California agencies, tire wear particles contain chemicals such as 6PPD and 6PPD-q, which can leach into waterways and pose risks to aquatic species.
“Tire wear is a silent but significant source of pollution — it’s in our air, our oceans, and our waterways,” said Siobhan Anderson, co-founder and CSO at The Tyre Collective. “We are excited to demonstrate our technology at Lake Tahoe, an iconic environment where protecting clarity and water quality is critical.”
During the month-long pilot project at Lake Tahoe, samples collected by these devices will be analyzed by Keep Tahoe Blue, The Tyre Collective, and DRI. Their goal is to better understand transportation-related pollutants affecting the lake.
“DRI’s role is to provide the science that validates and informs these efforts,” said Dr. Monica Arienzo, Assistant Research Professor at the Desert Research Institute. “Testing these fine sediments from tires, and collecting samples throughout the pilot, will guide solutions to prevent this source of pollution.”
The program also seeks to show how alternative transportation options like the Emerald Bay Shuttle can reduce traffic impacts while working with new technologies for environmental protection.
Keep Tahoe Blue has been active in conservation efforts since 1957 through science-based advocacy and community engagement (https://www.keeptahoeblue.org/). The Tyre Collective develops on-vehicle solutions for capturing tire wear using patented electrostatic technology (https://www.thetyrecollective.com/).