The Fayette Citizen-News Page
Wednesday, July 14, 1999
Expect more fog alerts this summer

State agencies that forecast air pollution conditions are using tougher standards, effective May 1, acording to the Air Protection Branch of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

“The new reporting and forecasting will give the public considerably more accurate information on smog levels,” said Harold Reheis, EPD director.

Forecasters will use data compiled over eight-hour periods rather than the previous one-hour time slots, he said. “With the eighthour samling period and stricter federal standards for ozone, we're more likely to get a true picture of each day's air quality,” he said.

Forecasters will declare “smog alert days” during the 1999 ozone season, May 1 - Sept. 30, when the forecasting team projects that weather conditions will be conducive to the formation of smog at concentrations exceeding federal standards. In 1998, under the old standard, there were 35 “ozone action days.”

Jeane Pierce, coordinator for the EPD's Partnership for a Smog- Free Georgia, says it is more important than ever for businesses and individuals to consider change in their activities that will reduce emissions that cause smog. “Employers and employees have many options including teleworking, car and van pooling, or mass transit, that if undertaken by many can significantly reduce the smog levels in Georgia,” she said.

PSG partners with businesses, which commit to encourage actions among employees to reduce smog. Recommended actions focus on reducing the amount of driving done by everyone.

Employers are asked to consider season-long or episodic actions such as encouraging and/or subsidizing mass transit; car pooling; offering flextime or telecommuting options; or deferring lawn maintenance and refueling of fleet vehicles until the smog alert day has concluded.

Partnership for a Smog-Free Georgia is directed by the Environmental Protection Division in cooperation with five other local agencies and organizations. Its mission is to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the 13-county metro Atlanta ozone non attainment area.

For information phone 404-363-7032 or visit the website at www.ga-psg.org.


What do you think of this story?
Click here to send a message to the editor. Click here to post an opinion on our Message Board, "The Citizen Forum"

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page