Chattanooga, TN Now Meets Smog Standards (TN)
(ATLANTA – May 31, 2011) – Today,
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
announcing a final determination that the Chattanooga area meets
the 1997 federal fine particulate matter standard. The Chattanooga
area includes Hamilton County, Tennessee, in its entirety; Catoosa
and Walker Counties in Georgia, in their entireties; and a portion
of Jackson County in Alabama.
"We commend local and state officials, as well
as the residents of the Chattanooga area, who have been working
collaboratively with us to reach this milestone," said EPA Regional
Administrator Gwen Keyes Fleming. “This accomplishment
signifies that the citizens of Chattanooga are breathing cleaner
air and leading healthier lives.
"The private and corporate citizens of Hamilton
County again have shown that they can meet any challenge," said Bob
Colby, Director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution
Control Bureau. "We are pleased to be a small part of their success
in improving air quality for the benefit of all,"
“I look forward to our continuing to work
together on a regional and local basis to keep the air
clean.” James A. Capp, Chief of the Georgia Environmental
Protection Division’s (EPD) Air Protection Branch, noted that
"This determination is confirmation that the clean air programs we
have in place in Georgia are working. This success is the result of
the effective partnerships that Georgia EPD has with the public,
regulated community, nonprofit organizations and other governmental
organizations."
EPA's decision to finalize the determination
that the Chattanooga area is attaining the standard is based on the
most recent air quality monitoring data for fine particulate
matter. The Chattanooga area has made significant progress in
improving air quality and has reached an important clean air
milestone. Air in the Chattanooga area is meeting the health based
standard set in 1997, and all three states are currently developing
plans to put measures in place to ensure the area continues to meet
this standard. This progress is a result of hard work and great
cooperation among local, state and federal agencies, private
partners and the approximately 520,000 citizens who live and work
in the Chattanooga area.
Particulate matter pollution – especially fine particles
– contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so
small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious
health problems. Particles can cause premature death and a wide
range of lung and heart disease, including heart attacks and
asthma.
For more information on the Chattanooga area
fine particulate matter attainment determination, visit docket
number EPA-R04-OAR-2011-0084 at www.regulations.gov.