Macon, GA Now Meets Smog Standards (GA)
(ATLANTA – June 2, 2011) – Today,
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
announcing a final determination that the Macon area meets the 1997
federal fine particulate matter standard. The Macon area includes
Bibb County, in its entirety, and a portion of Monroe County in
Georgia.
"We commend local and state officials, as well
as the residents of the Macon 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 Macon are breathing cleaner air and
leading healthier lives.
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 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 Macon area is attaining the standard is based on the most
recent air quality monitoring data for fine particulate matter. The
Macon area has made significant progress in improving air quality
and has reached an important clean air milestone. Air in the Macon
area is meeting the health based standard set in 1997, and the
State of Georgia is currently developing a plan 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 180,000 Georgians who live and work in the Macon
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 Macon area fine
particulate matter attainment determination, visit docket number
EPA-R04-OAR-2011-0055 at www.regulations.gov.