Spectral data are used to present the unique spectral signature of a chaff cloud as observed by the measuring radar and is a function of the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm applied to the pulse-to-pulse amplitude data.

The data are presented graphically to display the power spectral density of the chaff cloud (volts ) relative to the frequencies of interest (0-500 Hz).

Air quality issues addressed in the report include the potential for

(1) noncompliance with national air quality standards due to the release of significant quantities of particulates,

(2) release of hazardous air pollutant emissions, and (3) visibility impairment.

The report takes into consideration the Clean Air Act and its amendments and includes a literature review of chaff dispersion and air quality effects as well as its own April 1994 technical report on chaff particulate testing.

The report’s literature review shows that none of the previous studies had addressed the possible formation of inhalable particulates or issues related to compliance with the Clean Air Act.