HomeMy WebLinkAboutAir Quality Initiatives
Augusta Richmond GA
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FINAL DRAFT'- December 1, 2003
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City of Augusta
Air Quality Initiatives
Air Quality
Air quality is an issue in communities throughout the country, including Augusta. Air
pollution has a direct impact on public health and well being. It also has implications for
economic development, transportation, and the quality oflife.
Ozone, the main ingredient of smog, is a serious air quality problem. Even at low levels
ozone can have a number of effects on the respiratory system. Ozone is a gas that occurs
both in the Earth's upper atmosphere and at ground level. In the Earth's lower
atmosphere, near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power
plants, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight.
Ozone pollution is a c oncem during the summer months when the weather conditions
needed to form ground-level ozone - lots of sun and hot temperatures - normally occur.
Particulate matter (PM) is another type of air pollutant. Particulate matter is any material
that exists as solid or liquid in the atmosphere. Particulate matter may be in the form of
fly ash, soot, dust, fog, fumes or other materials. Particulate matter causes irritation and
damage to the respiratory system. This can result in difficulty breathing, induce
bronchitis and aggravate existing respiratory disease. Exposure to particulates impacts
individuals with chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, people with influenza or
asthma, children and elderly persons.
The Early Action Compact
In December 2002, Augusta entered into an Early Action Compact (EAC) with EP A and
the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). In signing the EAC, Mayor Bob
Young committed the City to work with other stakeholders to achieve cleaner air by
December 31, 2007. The specific steps to be taken will be spelled out in an Early Action
Plan (EAP), to be developed by EPD with local input.
Even prior to adoption of the EAC, the Augusta area stakeholders were working toward
voluntary emissions reductions. Measures that have already been taken by local
businesses include upgrading to cleaner energy systems and installing state of the art
industrial air filter systems. In addition, for the last five years the city has been an active
participant and supporter of the Fall Line Air Quality Study (F AQS).
Cit)' of Augusta Emission Control Reduction Strategies
The City of Augusta will implement, where feasible, the following emission control
reduction strategies to help achieve c leaner air i n the city and the region. The City is
committed to working cooperatively with residents, industry, area local governments and
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other stakeholders to protect public health and ensure the economic well-being of the
reglOn.
Short Term Strate/des
1. Reinforce existing policy ensuring that fleet vehicles and motorized equipment is
maintained at peak efficiency and replaced at the end of its useful life with more
efficient vehicles. Explore the feasibility of using altemative fuels in vehicle fleets.
2. Reinforce the existing city policy that prohibits the idling of vehicles when not in use.
3. Conduct periodic energy audits to improve energy efficiency in all county facilities.
Examples of remedial steps that should be taken include:
. Repair leaky air conditioning and refrigeration systems
. Cut back on air conditioning and heating use by tuming the themlOstat
down in the winter and up in the summer
. Ensure that offices, water heaters, ducts and pipes are properly insulated
4. Promote the use of altemative modes of transportation (public transit, carpooling) by
city employees. Currently, city employees can ride Augusta Public Transit at no cost
with proper identification.
5. Use the City's Greenspace Program to protect naturalareas. Avoid or minimize the
use of motorized vehicles and pesticides to maintain public parks and open space.
6. Administer and enforce the existing Tree Ordinance to ensure that required
landscaping and green space is a part of all new private development.
7. Implement projects in the Augusta Regional Transportation Study Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan to increase and improve walking and cycling routes and reduce motor
vehicle use.
8. Develop a Smog Alert Plan in cooperation with other local govemments in the region.
The Plan could include an early wanling system for residents, regular media updates
on air quality, and information that helps residents recognize smog-induced health
problems.
9. Establish a program to increase awareness of the air quality benefits of using Augusta
Public Transit. The goal is to increase transit ridership and decrease air pollution.
10. Encourage proper storage and disposal of household paints, solvents and pesticides.
11. Promote community awareness and education though local media, distribution of
educational materials, public speaking and through local businesses, industries and
other organizations.
12. Enforce existing restrictions on outdoor buming.
13. Undertake the following activities, as part of the Augusta Regional Transportation
Study (ARTS), to raise public awareness about air pollution and quality:
. Hold two public meetings in the current fiscal year (July, 2003 - June, 2004).
The meetings will be staffed by the Department of Natural Resources staff
who will seek to educate the public through interactive displays.
. Provide the ARTS Committees with regular updates on air quality and related
Issues.
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. Distribute air quality fact sheets and related information at other public
meetings
. Include articles on air quality and related issues in the quarterly ARTS
newsletter.
LOIlf! Term Stratef!ies
1. Support the Augusta Region Transportation Study (ARTS) Long Range
Transportation Plan Update which reflects the community's desire to provide a
balance between continuing to provide an efficient road transportation system while
also shifting away from auto reliance and towards a greater use oftransit, pedestrian
and bicycling facilities.
2. Support initiatives to provide public transportation for rural residents.
3. Incorporate the Early Action Plan into municipal strategic plans.
4. Consider stricter outside burning controls.
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