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To educate our community about the economic,
environmental and health impacts of high ozone levels and
encourage citizens to take appropriate actions to reduce those
levels.
- To educate our community about the risks
and consequences of increased ozone levels.
- To increase community awareness of how
personal actions can increase ozone levels.
- To promote personal activities that
reduce ozone levels in our community.
Ozone is a colorless, odorless gas. Good
ozone is found in our upper atmosphere, 10 to 30 miles above
the earth. It is here that ozone protects us from the sun's
ultraviolet rays.
Ozone at ground level is a pollutant sometimes called smog.
Smog is created when the sun's rays react chemically with
exhaust from vehicles; small gasoline engines and vapors from
oil based products.
Ground level ozone
is regulated by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) as an air pollutant because it can harm human
health and the environment. In high concentrations, ozone
may irritate the respiratory system causing throat irritation,
coughing and/or difficulty in breathing. Our lungs' ability
to supply our bodies with oxygen is reduced. This is particularly
a concern for children, asthmatics and other sensitive individuals.
The effect of high ozone levels in excess of USEPA regulations
will have an adverse economic impact on our community as well.
Currently Allen County is "in attainment" of the air quality
standard for ozone. However, based on our history of air monitoring,
we would no longer be "in attainment" with the stricter air
quality standards being proposed in Washington, D. C. If ozone
standards are violated, the cost to our community could reach
well into the millions of dollars.
- mandatory automobile emissions testing
and vapor control programs can be required
- the cost to gas stations for installing
expensive vapor recovery systems will negatively impact
fuel prices
- businesses may become wary of starting
or expanding in Allen County because of stricter USEPA sanctions
- federal highway dollars could be reduced
for road projects here
An "OZONE ALERT" will be issued by the Allen
County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) when environmental
conditions are favorable for ozone emissions to exceed acceptable
standards as established by the USEPA and state authorities.
A committee of meteorologists and others will monitor conditions
throughout the ozone season of April - September and advise
the EMA when conditions have the potential to reach a serious
level.
"OZONE ALERTS" will be issued between 2:00-2:30 p.m. on the
day before the anticipated high ozone day.
An "OZONE ALERT" day is an emergency situation
that asks businesses and individuals to curtail certain activities
that contribute to ozone formation during the alert period.
Weather is a key factor in determining when an "OZONE ALERT"
is issued. If the forecast calls for an unusually hot, calm
and sunny day, conditions could be ideal for the production
of ozone. The positive actions we take during this time can
greatly improve our quality of life in Allen County, as well
as, help us maintain established ozone standards.
The Allen County Ozone Action Committee
is a joint committee of the Allen County Environmental Citizens
Advisory Committee and the Allen County Hazardous Materials
Emergency Planning Committee. The committee is chaired by
the county Emergency Management Agency director.
The following are
some simple ways that everyone can help control the production
of ozone:
- Refuel vehicles AFTER 6:00 PM on "Ozone
Alert" days and do not "top off" the tank. Vapors escape
from the nozzle while refueling and cool fuel from underground
tanks expands in your gas tank releasing vapors that react
with the heat to produce ozone.
- Parking your vehicle in the shade can
also prevent fuel from evaporating.
- Replacing any missing or improperly
fitting gas caps to prevent fuel vapors from escaping
from
the fuel tank.
- On short trips, walk or ride a bicycle.
- Try to limit driving. Car pool with
friends to work, school or meetings.
- Put of using you gas powered lawn mower
until after the "Ozone Alert".
- Avoid painting outdoors with oil based
paints.
- Avoid cooking out over charcoal during
"Ozone Alert" periods.
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