Bibb Smog Levels Exceed U.S. Standards
Posted on: Friday, 23 June 2006, 09:00 CDT
By S. Heather Duncan, The Macon Telegraph, Ga.
Jun. 23--Bibb County's smog levels exceeded federal air pollution standards for the first time in 2006 on Wednesday.
The eight-hour ozone average Wednesday reached 88 parts per billion. Levels above 85 parts per billion constitute a violation.
Residents, particularly those with asthma or heart disease, are warned to avoid outdoor exercise in the evening on high-ozone days.
Ozone is the primary component of smog. Bibb County and part of Monroe County are in a federal "non-attainment zone" for having too many of these air quality violations, which indicate dangerously polluted air.
After last year's mild, wet summer, Middle Georgia has been on track to be removed from 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.
Wednesday, state officials declared Georgia to be in a Level 1 drought. The state climatologist has indicated Middle Georgia is experiencing a moderate agricultural drought, with a severe agricultural drought expected within a week to 10 days unless weather conditions change.
Macon exceeded the smog limits three times in 2005.
Thursday's ozone levels remained below the federal standard, and today's levels are also expected to remain in the safe range.
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Copyright (c) 2006, The Macon Telegraph, Ga.
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.
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Source: The Macon Telegraph (Macon, Ga.)
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