Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will conduct a $6 million air pollution study covering 70,000 sq miles of the company's northern and central California service region.

Using weather balloons, aircraft surveys, and air quality measurement instruments on the ground, PG&E will track emissions from pollution sources to areas throughout the San Francisco Bay region, Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, and California Central Coast.

The goal of the study, named Atmospheric Utility Signatures Predictions and Experiments (Auspex), is to measure and model the movement of air pollution from vehicles, agriculture, industry, and natural sources.

The model will help federal, state, and local governments as well as various air pollution sources. The aim is to develop cost effective methods to improve air quality.

Auspex is being conducted in collaboration with the $10 million San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Study.

A third study, cosponsored by PG&E and the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District, will focus on air quality on the central California coast.

These studies make up the most extensive air quality and meteorological measurement program conducted in California, PG&E said.

Scientists for the three studies began sampling early this month and will continue through mid-September.

Measurements will be taken mainly during 15 days on which forecasters expect the highest levels of pollution.

Auspex is cofunded by PG&E and the Electric Power Research Institute, with in-kind support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Quality study is sponsored jointly by federal, state, and local governments, as well as private industry.

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