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.
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