Bibb County Air Exceeded Smog Standards Wednesday

By S. Heather Duncan, The Macon Telegraph, Ga.

Jun. 22–Bibb County’s smog levels exceeded federal air pollution standards for the first time in 2006 on Wednesday, according to readings posted on the state Department of Natural Resources’ web site.

Unhealthy ozone levels are also predicted for Thursday, although ozone levels are expected to drop into the safe range on Friday. Bibb County and part of Monroe County are in a federal “non-attainment zone” for exceeding the limits too many times, which indicates dangerously polluted air.

Residents, particularly those with asthma or heart disease, are warned to avoid outdoor exercise in the evening on high-ozone days.

After last year’s mild, wet summer, Middle Georgia has been on track to be removed from such the non-attainment zone in 2009. However, Bibb and Monroe counties must demonstrate three consecutive years of compliance with federal air standards by 2009, and Georgia Tech scientists have warned that a return to hot, dry conditions could still chip away at that goal.

Macon exceeded the federal standards three times in 2005.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Macon Telegraph, Ga.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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