SEPA
United States
Environmental Prot( ction
Agency
Air and Radiation
EPA 420-R-97-003
September 1997
Technical
Report
Survey and Review of
Episodic Control
Programs in the United
States
^"-4.
Printed on Recycled Paper
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United States
Environmental Prott ction
Agency
Air and Radiation
EPA 420-R-97-003
September 1997
&EPA Technical
Report
Survey and Review of
Episodic Control
Programs in the United
States
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Contents
1 INTRODUCTION I
Survey of Programs 1
Program Benefits 3
Episodic Control Program Study Methodology and Results 10
2 STUDY METHODOLOGY 12
Phase I—Initial Scoping Study 12
Phase II—Survey of Episodic Control Programs 12
Phase ID of the Study 20
3 PHASE H—STUDY FINDINGS 21
Extent and Scope of Episodic Control Programs 21
Components of a Program 31
4 PLANS FOR PHASE HI 49
The San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Programs 49
The Cincinnati Program 50
The Dallas Program 50
The Baltimore-Washington Program 51
Appendix A: Episodic Control Program Contacts
Appendix B: Episodic Control Program Fact Sheet
Appendix C: Episodic Control Program Profiles
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1
1 INTRODUCTION
The implementation of episodic emission control programs is becoming increasingly popular
across the country as an innovative approach to reduce emissions of ozone precursors, carbon
monoxide, and particulate matter. Motivation for implementation of this type of program often
stems from local government and business concerns about the attainment status of the area and
the restrictions, additional controls, and costs associated with reclassification. Many areas are
also motivated by public health concerns and believe that increasing the amount of air quality
information available to sensitive populations raises awareness and results in significant health
benefits. Specific goals which are usually associated with episodic control programs include:
• Educate the public
• Attain air quality standards (NAAQS)
• Meet specific emission reduction targets
• Manage/reduce congestion
• Maintain economic benefits associated with attainment status
• Protect public health
• Maintain air quality standards
Episodic emission control programs, which are being implemented in 40 U.S. cities, are usually
voluntary and generally provide multiple steps that the public (and/or industry) can take to reduce
emissions after certain meteorological conditions are forecast to occur. The programs emphasize
educating the public about the impact of individual activities on local air quality and the basics of
air pollution (e.g., good ozone vs. bad). The education programs are aimed at informing the
public of activities to reduce pollution on both an intermittent "episodic" basis (e.g., reduction of
trips, postponement of certain activities) and on a longer term basis (maintenance of cars).
SURVEY OF PROGRAMS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is authorized by the Clean Air Act Amendments to
initiate, in a cost-effective manner, programs that will reduceemissions of pollutants that are a
threat to public health. Ozone pollution and certain air toxics, such as particulate matter, are
subjects of particular concern. The increasing interest in episodic programs has prompted the
EPA to develop a more thorough understanding of the episodic programs currently in place in
order to identify their ability to reduce emissions of pollutants. Specifically, the EPA is interested
in obtaining information on program elements and design, implementation, incentives to
encourage participation, participation levels, unit emission reductions, unit cost, and any program
evaluations that may have been completed.
Under contract to the EPA, ICF is collecting data on episodic control programs currently
implemented or under development across the country. Almost uniformly, people contacted
during this project have expressed a great deal of interest in the results of this work and support
the EPA's efforts in this area. Figure 1-1 identifies where the episodic control programs for
ozone, carbon monoxide, and PMto that have been established or are being developed for 40
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Status as of July 1996
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different areas in the U.S. Table 1-1 lists each of the programs, the specific pollutants the
programs target, and the attainment status of the programs' areas.
This report summarizes the information obtained on episodic control programs in place as of
September 1996. Phase I of the study involved an initial scoping task which involved gathering
information about existing programs through phone interviews. Phase II of the study involved a
more in-depth data collection program which resulted in the development of detailed program
profiles for each episodic program. The methodology and analysis of the data collected in the
study are presented in the remainder of the report. The following sections discuss some of the
benefits of episodic control programs.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
With implementation of episodic control programs, three distinct, but related, types of benefits
can occur:
• Reduction of Emissions/Improvement of Air Quality
• . Public Education
• Health Benefits
Intermittent controls are appealing to areas that have significant emissions from sources such as
onroad vehicles, which are traditionally difficult to reduce due to driver behavior. The programs
may also offer additional emission reductions—that historically are net easily obtained on an
ongoing basis—during a time when the impacts of emission reductions are the most critical.
Continuing public education efforts may also reduce emissions over the long term due to
increased public awareness of the air quality impacts of changed behavior. These public education
efforts serve the general public and help them to understand their role in air quality planning. The
education component of these programs also helps to create a strong link between environmental
goals (attainment) and associated public health benefits. It is yet unclear that "significant"
emission reductions occur due to episodic controls or that these programs have "significant"
public health benefits, although anecdotal evidence from some programs supports these assertions
and at a minimum, raised public awareness in groups that are susceptible to high ambient
concentration has positive impacts when these groups limit their activities on alert days. The
following sections discuss the expected benefits from episodic control programs in more detail.
Reduction of Emissions/Air Quality Impact Benefits
Most episodic control programs are designed to limit the number of exceedances of the ozone (or
other Criteria-pollutant) standard, and therefore should have a positive impact on air quality. When
episodic control days are forecast, notification through various means (TV, radio, etc.) is
undertaken to raise awareness of the general public and induce individuals to make behavioral
changes. Emission reductions associated with changes in individual behavior can be significant if
a large number of individuals reduce activities associated with production of emissions (e.g.
driving, use of small engines, refueling).
Long-term emission reduction measures which are currently in place (e.g. from fleet turnover) are
expected to lower long-term average (annual average) concentrations of pollutants in urban
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TABLE 1-1. Episodic control programs identified in this study
I Pollutant
Area Name Targeted Attainment Status ofArea '
Albuquerque, NM
Winter Pollution Advisory
CO
Nonattainment (moderate)
Atlanta, GA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
Nonattainment (serious)
Austin, TX
Clean Air Force
Ozone
Attainment
Baltimore, MD
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Nonattainment (severe)
Baton Rouge; LA2
Ozone Action
Ozone
Nonattainment (serious)
Beaumont/Port Arthur, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Charlotte, NC
Ozone Awareness
Ozone
Attainment
Chicago, IL
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Nonattainment (severe)
Cincinnati, OH
Smog Alext
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Cleveland, OH
Ozone Action Day
Ozone
Attainment (maintenance)
Corpus Christi, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Attainment
Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Ozone Alert
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Denver, CO
High Pollution Advisory
PM
Nonattainment (moderate)
Detroit, MI
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Attainment
Gary, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
Nonattainment (severe)
Houston/Galveston, TX
Clean Air Action
Ozone
Nonattainment (severe)
Indianapolis, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Longview/Marshall/Tyler, TX
Northeast Texas Air Care
Ozone
Attainment
Louisville, KY 2
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Milwaukee, WI
Ozone Action
Ozone
Nonattainment (severe)
Northwest (ML Vernon), WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
Attainment
Olympia, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
Nonattainment (moderate)
Philadelphia, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
Nonattainment (severe)
Phoenix, AZ
Ozone High Air Pollution Advisory
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Phoenix, AZ
Residential Woodbuming Restriction
CO
Nonattainment (serious)
Pittsburgh, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Portland, OR
Clean Air Action Days
Ozone
Nonattainment (marginal)
Puget Sound (Seattle), WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
Nonattainment (moderate)
Puget Sound (Seattle), WA
Smog Watch
Ozone
Nonattainment (marginal)
Richmond/Colonial Heights, VA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Sacramento, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
Nonattainment (severe)
San Antonio, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Attainment
San Francisco, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
Attainment
San Joaquin Valley, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
Nonattainment (serious)
South Bend, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
Attainment
Spokane, WA
Wood Stove Curtailment
PM
Nonattainment (moderate)
St Louis, MO
Regional Clean Air Partnership
Ozone
Nonattainment (moderate)
Toledo, OH
Ozone Action Day
Ozone
Attainment
Tulsa, OK
Ozone Alert
Ozone ¦
Attainment
Washington, D.C.
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Nonattainment (serious)
1 Attainment status as of July 1996.
1 Program was not reviewed in detail because only limited data were available at the time of this study.
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areas, but may not be enough to completely avoid violations of short-term standards (1 hour or 8
hour average) during severe episodic meteorological conditions. Because episodic controls have
been designed to reduce emissions by larger amounts for shorter periods, they have the potential
of being more effective in reducing short-term air quality violations.
To stay in attainment of air quality standards, areas must reduce and eventually eliminate the
number of air quality violations. Activities which cannot be eliminated on a long-term basis (such
as lawn maintenance or tank refilling) can be restricted on alert days and result in reductions of
emissions and subsequent improvement of air quality. The individual costs of these reductions
should be more easily absorbed than the more sizable costs associated with additional long-term
stationary source controls. The more episodic nature of the application of these controls should
also be more acceptable to the general public, thus resulting in more individual compliance than
long-term restrictions in driving or in gasoline usage.
Impacts of Nonattainment Designation —The Cincinnati Example
Several episodic control programs are being implemented in areas that are making effort to come
into attainment or to maintain their attainment status. Many areas consider the costs of
redesignation to non-attainment or a more stringent nonattainment level to be significant. This
fact alone has encouraged many areas to implement episodic control programs.
As an example, the Cincinnati Gas and Electric (now part of Cinergy Corp.) and the Regional
Cincinnati Ozone Coalition retained National Economic Research Associates, Inc.(NERA) to
estimate the economic impacts associated with
the introduction of more stringent emission
controls which would likely be included in a
revised ozone State Implementation Plan (SIP).
The analysis examined the Cincinnati MSA and
the potential economic impacts to the area—a
moderate nonattainment area—should the
current SIP fail to bring the MSA into attainment
by 1996. For moderate ozone nonattainment
areas, sources emitting more than 100 tons per
year (tpy) are subject to control. Redesignation
to serious would require sources emitting SO tpy
to apply additional control measures. The
NERA analysis identified that additional control
strategies sufficient to reduce VOC emissions by
approximately 13 percent beyond current efforts
would be required. The report noted that the
current attainment strategy utilizes the most cost
effective approaches and, therefore, additional
measures are chosen from less cost effective
strategies. The combined effect of these additional controls, the current IS percent reduction
plan, and federally mandated controls would require a 53 percent reduction in VOCs. The
conclusions listed in the NERA report include:
Nonattainment Area Requirements
Requirements for Moderate Areas
• State Implementation Plans (SIPs)
• Contingency Measures
• Emission Inventories
• New Source Review (NSR)program
• I/M program
• Stage II gasoline vapor recovery (ozone)
• Conformity (Transportation & General)
• VMT tracking
• Oxygenated fuels (CO)
• RACT required for major sources
Additional Requirements for Serious Areas
• Measures (TCMs) to offset VMT growth
• Clean Fuel Fleet program
• Best Available Control Measures (BACM)
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6
• Additional VOC emissions controls would increase operating and capital costs for
manufacturing and service industries by approximately $23 million annually.
• These costs could jeopardize as many as 1,900 jobs in the short term.
• Reformulated gasoline and other related auto measures coufd cost households in the area
between $63 and $89 million per year.
• Additional emission restrictions could prevent the construction of new facilities and
economic growth could be curtailed. NERA estimates that, based on current forecasts, a
strict limit on manufacturing expansion imposed in 1996 could mean as many as 12,700 job
losses by the end of the century.
• Additional impacts could be realized if NO* reductions are required.
Figure 1-2 displays the estimated contribution of point, area and mobile sources to VOC
emissions for the Cincinnati MSA.
FIGURE 1-2. Distribution of Cincinnati emission sources in 1990 and 1996.
It is interesting to note that area sources—lawn mowers and other small engines as well as
household use of solvents in painting, cooking, and hygiene—are estimated to overtake mobile
sources as the primary contributor to VOC emissions in the area. The episodic control program
in place in the Cincinnati area, which requests that participants reduce operation of small engines
like lawn and garden equipment, targets reduction of these emissions directly. The Cincinnati
case is one example of how implementation of an episodic control program can help to improve
air quality and maintain economic health.
Flexible Attainment Region Desipiation
As a consequence of becoming a nonattainment area, some urban areas around the country have
developed a unique method of air quality planning. On August 22, 199S, the EPA created the
first Flexible Attainment Region (FAR) to help Tulsa, Oklahoma avoid being designated a
nonattainment area for ozone. Corpus Christi and Tyler/Longview, TX followed Tulsa's example
and were designated FARs in 1996. The FAR policy gives localities at risk of becoming a
Mobile
Sources
1996
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7
nonattainment area additional means to stay in attainment by allowing them to develop and
implement a package of locally tailored control measures. As part of the agreement, the EPA will
suspend redesignation of the area to nonattainment in order to allow enough time for these
measures take effect. A key component of the FAR ^designations to date has been an agreement
by the area to implement an episodic control program. The FAR designation is a good example of
a formal mechanism that attainment areas can use to work with EPA and receive some
recognition of their episodic control program.
Because the FAR concept is still so new, specific criteria have not yet been established on how to
qualify to become a FAR or on what measures should be included in a FAR proposal. From the
Tulsa and Corpus Christi examples, however, several observations can be made about the main
components of such programs. At the center of the Tulsa and Corpus Christi FAR proposals is a
multi-stage control measure package that includes voluntary, non-enforceable measures as well as
mandatory, enforceable measures. The main component of these control packages is the
immediate implementation and/or expansion of the area's episodic control programs. The
programs call for other measures of increasing stringency to be implemented in agreed-upon
stages if the NAAQS continue to be violated. In the event of an exceedance of the ozone
standard, several other non-enforceable measures are implemented. These include smoking
vehicle hotlines, car care clinics, ozone information hotlines, and employee commute option
awareness programs. In Tulsa, if exceedances continue, additional enforceable measures, such as
mandating a maximum 8.2 RVP for gasoline and enhancements to vehicle inspection programs,
are then put into effect Many of the mandatory enforceable measures will require a SIP revision,
while the voluntary measures can be implemented immediately.
To date, FAR designations have been given to areas that are close to nonattainment. The FAR
designation is an incentive for these areas that encourages voluntary emission reductions rather
than enforced mandatory reductions. Not only will areas receiving this designation be given more
flexibility in developing pollution abatement programs; if the program is successful, they will
avoid the economic losses which can accompany redesignation to nonattainment. In addition to
Tulsa and Corpus Christi, other areas (Oklahoma City, OK) have also found the FAR designation
to fit into their air quality planning process and are in the process of applying for the FAR
designation.
The initiation of an episodic control program requires an intensive public education and outreach
component. Because these programs are typically'voluntary, individual behavioral changes are
required in order for the program to be effective. Employers, employees, and the general public
need to be made aware of a problem (e.g., poor air quality) and a list of activities that, if under-
taken, may help to mitigate the problemr(e.g., car pooling, refueling at night). Public education
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8
Public Education Benefits
benefits occur in three parts: (1) the public is educated about air pollutants and their effects, (2)
the public becomes aware of the regulatory agencies' role in improving air quality and the
existence of the episodic control
program, and (3) the public begins to
understand how their individual behav-
ioral changes can affect environmental
quality. Each part provides positive
benefits, with the last being the most
significant. Public education programs
for episodic programs may also increase
the public's overall environmental
awareness and help them understand
(and support) other environmental
programs such as vehicle Inspection and
Maintenance.
Health Benefits
In addition to reduced pollutant
exposure of the general population due
to improved air quality on episode days,
there are other health benefits directly
associated with episodic control
programs. Several population groups
are more susceptible to the detrimental
health effects of ground level ozone: the
elderly, children, and asthmatics.
General public education or programs
directly targeting these groups may provide the most significant benefits of any facet of an epi-
sodic control program. Early awareness of a potential high ozone day may help these groups limit
their outdoor activities and therefore limit their potential for overexposure.
The American Lung Association (ALA) has measured the effects of ozone on emergency room
visits.1 Its report finds that ground level ozone is linked with 10,000 to 15,000 hospital
admissions for respiratory conditions (including asthma, pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis, and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in 13 cities during the 1993 and 1994 high ozone seasons.
The report links 30,000 to 50,000 emergency room visits with high ozone levels, and cites
increasing evidence that these effects occur at levels at or below die current ozone standards.
Many cities, such as Los Angeles and Houston, continue to exceed the 0.12 ppm summertime
standard. Figure 1-3 displays ozone standard violation days for the 13 MS As in the
' Factors associated with the data limit the report's ability to provide definitive conclusions, such as inconsistencies
in data collection, variability among socioeconomic groups in the use of hospitals or private care, differences in
ozone exposure and susceptibility to ozone exposure, and limited epidemiological studies on the effects of ozone
exposure. Ambient Ozone Exposure and Emergency Hospital Admissions and Emergency Room Visits for
Respiratory Problems in Thirteen U.S. Cities, Ozkaynak, Hahik, et al., Harvard University School of Public Health,
1996, prepared for the American Lung Association, 1726 M. Street, NW, Suite 912, Washington, DC 20036-
4502.
Public Education Surveys
Surveys are most often used to gauge the
awareness of the public to the program and
often pre- and post- tests are used to evaluate
the effectiveness of any outreach campaign.
The surveys should, at a minimum, measure
the public awareness of the program and the
level of behavioral change that occurs on an
episodic control day. Other behavioral
changes that can be measured to indicate
additional benefits include:
1. Any continuation of behavioral changes
during alert days,
2. Any increased number of emission reduc-
tion activities included in an individual's
response to an alert day,
3. Any additional outreach provided by
individuals in discussions with colleagues
or family, and
4. Any increased non-episodic control activ-
ities that improve environmental quality
(e.g., recycling).
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10
ALA study in 1993 and 1994. The report also recommends that the EPA and states develop
additional communication and outreach programs during high ozone periods.2
The ALA study highlights the specific link between ground-level ozone concentrations and acute
responses by susceptible populations. While the principal investigators note that their
methodology does not account for all factors (e.g., demographics, race, and other factors
associated with the use of emergency rooms), the results do indicate that high concentrations of
ground-level ozone can be statistically associated with emergency room visits and hospital
admissions. Implementation of effective episodic control programs can mitigate these effects in
three direct ways. (1) Communication and outreach programs can inform the public—and
specific susceptible subpopulations—about the potential public health risks due to increases in
ground-level ozone. (2) Accurate forecasting and subsequent notification of alert days can allow
these subpopulations to change their behavior to limit their exposure. (3) The long-term impact
of the episodic control program may reduce ambient concentrations of ground-level ozone and
further reduce the exposure to susceptible populations and all other residents.
Figure 1-3 diagrams two sets of information taken from the ALA study. Ozone standard violation
days for each of the studied cities are shown (vertical bars in ascending order) using the available
data from 1993 or 1994. The average emergency room visits associated with ground level ozone
(calculated by the investigators) are displayed using diamonds. Note that factors such as
population density may account for the differences between the two sets of data for each city.
For example, New York appears to have a much higher number of estimated ER visits than other
cities with similar number of exceedences.
The ALA study investigators do not take the additional step of calculating the potential costs of
these hospital events. The costs of the acute events identified in the study—ER visits and hospital
admissions—are high, and represent some of the most significant, quantifiable benefits potentially
attributable to effective episodic control programs. Additional benefits could also be realized if
the reduction in acute events mitigates the long-term prognosis of chronic disease conditions
(e.g., asthma).
EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM STUDY METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS
The remainder of this document describes the procedures used to complete the survey of episodic
programs and the results of the analysis. The methodology used to collect data on the programs
is presented in Section 2. A list of the contacts for each of the programs is included in Appendix
A and a copy of the information request send to each contact is included in Appendix B. Most of
these programs are voluntary, include control measures for both onroad mobile and nonroad
sources, and involve participation of the general public, local employees and stationarysourees.
An analysis of the data collected for all programs was performed to identify general trends among
the programs. The findings from this analysis are presented in Section 3. In addition, individual
episodic program profiles were developed which summarize the key characteristics of each city's
program (Appendix C). Specific details described for each program include: episodic program
design, control measures suggested, methods used to implement the program, incentives to
encourage participation, participation levels, forecasting methods and any information on program
2 Some areas do not "warn" the public on alert days. The goal of these programs is to increase awareness about
ground level ozone and the behavioral changes that can reduce ozone levels. However, neglecting to warn
susceptible groups results in a missed opportunity to enable these groups to avoid potential exposure and can result
in a loss of potential public health benefits.
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II
evaluations studies. Together, this information will be used in Phase HI of this study to select
four programs for an in-depth evaluation of the programs' effectiveness. Section 4 contains a
discussion of the four areas to be examined in Phase ED of the study.
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2 STUDY METHODOLOGY
PHASE I—INITIAL SCOPING STUDY
The initial phase of this work involved a phone survey to collect information on the state of the
practice of episodic control programs in the U.S. A list of potential contacts was gathered and
phone interviews were conducted during a two-week period in the spring of 1996. The questions,
which were asked of program directors or other knowledgeable staff involved with the programs,
included:
1. Who is responsible for implementing the program? (partnership, APCD, MPO)
2. Are there voluntary or mandatory participation requirements?
3. How is the program implemented? (fax alerts, radio messages, call-in)
4. Is the program coordinated with other state programs (i.e., Washington D.C./Baltimore)
5. What measures are implemented?
6. What steps are required to educate the public and employer participants?
7. Are emission impacts estimated? How so?
8. Has the effectiveness of program been measured or estimated?
The results of this study were documented in an initial draft report to OMS in March 1996. The
information gathered in the initial study helped to establish an extensive list of contacts (see
Appendix A), set realistic limits on the type of data available, and focus the direction for the
information gathering to be performed in Phase II of the study. The preliminary results indicated
that even though some areas were trying to quantify the impact of their programs, very few areas
had any actual data to support a quantitative analysis.
PHASE H—SURVEY OF EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAMS
Phase II focused on developing a more comprehensive list of contacts and completing a more in-
depth survey of the programs to collect the data necessary to characterize them in a useful
database. An associated goal was to identify the five target cities for which the detailed
evaluation of program impacts would be conducted as part of Phase HI of the project.
Data Collection
The telephone interview approach was adequate for the general information-collection in Phase I.
However, collecting a broader, more detailed set of data for programs required a combined
approach which incorporated interviews and the completion of a program fact sheet by each
contact for a given program. A fact sheet was developed with the goal of creating a relatively
complete picture of the components of the programs, including:
• motivations behind each program's inception
• means used to implement and fund the programs
• major components of the program design
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13
• methods used to forecast episode days
• profiles of program participants and participation level
• evaluation of program effectiveness.
A copy of the final fact sheet is included in Appendix B. A considerable effort went into the
design of the fact sheet so that respondents could quickiy and easily fill in the answers to the
questions. Since this phase of the data collection took place in the early summer months, which
are typically quite busy for episodic control programs, we did not want to unduly burden the
program directors. Thus, many of the questions in the feet sheet were developed with check
boxes (see Exhibit 2-1). To be sensitive to time expended, instructions routed the respondent
around questions which did not pertain to the their program.
EXHIBIT 2-1. Section of fact sheet
5) If the program name includes the word "ozone" (i.e., Ozone Alert Program), has this been
a source of confusion for participants? (For example, participants may mistake ambient
ozone with the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere causing a misunderstanding about the
nature of the problem.)
~ The program name does not include the word "ozone". (Skip to Question 7)
~ The program name does include the word "ozone" but this has not been confusing to
participants. (Skip to Question 7)
~ The program name does include the word "ozone" and this has been confusing to
participants.
For each program, contacts were telephoned and informed that they would receive the feet sheet
via fax. Once the fact sheet had been distributed, follow-up calls were made to ensure that the
contacts understood the information being requested and that they would be completing and
returning the survey. This was done both for the original list of contacts and for other programs
identified through additional information gathering. Once fact sheets were returned, additional
telephone interviews were conducted to clarify and expand program details presented in the fact
sheets.
Analysis of Data
Large amounts of information on each episodic control programs were collected through the
interview and feet sheet completion process. To examine the data collected in the survey and
draw conclusions regarding the various components of existing episodic control programs, a
rfatahasft summarizing the individual characteristics of each program was developed. Analysis of
this database is key to understanding and comparing the different programs and the factors
involved in their creation and implementation.
We used the program Microsoft Excel to store and do basic analysis of the data collected in this
study. Microsoft Excel was fully capable of analyzing the data in an efficient and easily
understood manner. In addition, Excel has a number of practical advantages over other programs
such as Lotus Notes. While Lotus is a relatively new program with a steep learning curve, Excel
is much more established and, as a result, the level of computer knowledge required to facilitate
understanding of Excel has already been achieved by many potential users of the database.
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14
Database Codes
To summarize the fact sheets in a single database, a method of coding was developed to be both
logical and easy to understand. For the most part, answers to questions are coded with a single
letter, most often the first letter of the first word or the first letter of what was deemed to be the
key word in the answer. For example, under question 7c, "Specific suggestions being made to the
public on pollution episode days to reduce area source emissions," the answer "avoid using
gasoline powered equipment" is coded as "G" while the answer "avoid using charcoal lighter
fluid" is coded as "C." A viewer might then quickly glance at the database and look under the
column "Area Source Actions" and see that the Washington Episodic Controls Program suggests
that the public avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment and charcoal lighter fluid on
episode days. An example of the coding scheme used in the database is shown in Table 2-1.
Techniques Used to View and Analyze Data in the Database
A series of macros were also developed within Excel to facilitate examination of the data. Macros
enable the viewer to select a particular category and view only those questions which pertain
directly to that category. For example, running the macro "Episode Day Actions" hides all data in
the spreadsheet not related to actions taken on pollution episode days. Once a macro is selected,
the user is provided with a truncated version of the database containing only the desired category
of data. The six macros built into the database display subsets of the data related to the following
categories: Episode Day Actions, Program Evaluation, Funding/Administrative, Forecasting,
Public Outreach, and Program Summary.
An example of the use of a macro is shown in Figures 2-1 and 2-2. In Figure 2-1, the initial
layout of the spreadsheet, which contains all fields of information is shown. Also shown are the
six macros (1) Program Evaluation, (2) Funding/Admin, (3) Forecasting, (4) Episode Day
Actions, (5) Summary, and (6) Outreach. If the user places the mouse over the macro
"Funding/Admin," a display of funding and administrative data for each program results. Figure
2-2 shows the result of this operation: only information such as Funded Agency, Funding Source
and Funding Duration are now visible.
In addition to the macros, another useful feature of Excel was the database filters. Filters serve to
break down data and provide answers to some basic data collection questions. For example, for a
particular data field, filtering allows the viewer to see how many programs answered yes or no to
a specific question. This feature was used both for viewing which program responded similarly to
questions and for tabulating the responses. Facilitating this level of detail is invaluable for
conducting general statistical analyses of the data and identifying similarities between the episodic
control programs in the study.
An example of the use of a filter is shown in Figure 2-3 and 2-4. Figure 2-3 illustrates where the
"filter" command is located in the Excel window. Also shown in Figure 2-3 is the spreadsheet
with filters for each column. Figure 2-4 shows the spreadsheet display after a filter has been run
on the column "start year." In the database, the data have been sorted so that only programs with
a start year of 1994 are displayed.
-------
15
TABLE 2-1. Example database codes.
Code Meaning
Program Goals
E - Public education
A - To attain air quality standards
T - To meet specific emission reduction targets
C - Congestion management
B - Economic benefits of staying in attainment
H - Health benefits
M - To maintain the attainment status of the area
0 - Other
"Ozone" in the Program Name
No - "ozone" is not in the program name
C - Yes, "ozone" is in the program name and it has been a source of confusion for participants
N - Yes, "ozone" is in the program name but it has not been a source of confusion for
participants
Actions taken if "Ozone " is in the Program Name
N - No actions taken
C - Change name
P - Increase public education and outreach about the difference between ambient ozone and the
ozone layer.
Suggested Public Travel Related Measures
N - No travel-related suggestions are being made
L - Avoid driving at lunch time
A - Use alternative modes of transportation instead of driving alone
V - Keep vehicle tuned up
C - Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
H - Work from home
R - Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e. after 6 p.m.)
S - Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
W - Change work schedule to avoid commute
Area Source Emission Reduction Suggestions
N - No suggestions are made to die public to reduce area source emissions
W - W - Avoid use of wood stoves and fireplaces
G - Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment
C - Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
H - Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, etc.)
O- Other
Suggested Episodic Corporate Policy Changes
N - No measures are suggested by the program
R - Postpone fleet refueling until the evening
L - Use fleet vehicles to attend lunch and meetings
C - Use conference technologies instead of face-to-face meetings
0 - Other
-------
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-------
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-------
20
PHASE ffl OF THE STUDY
In the next phase of this study, ICF will work with the program coordinators in four selected
areas to examine any existing data available regarding the impact of the programs. Our intent is
to perform an in-depth, independent evaluation of these programs and to assess the effectiveness
of the control measures in each program. We are currently planning to evaluate the following
programs:
• San Francisco/Sacramento/San Joaquin Valley
• Dallas
• Cincinnati
• Washington D C./Baltimore
These areas have been chosen because they have fairly advanced programs in place and have
already spent resources to collect data on program effectiveness. These areas were selected to
permit an evaluation of programs that are sufficiently different and represent a wide variety of
potential programs and geographic areas. Our review of these programs indicates that there is
wide variation in the type of impacts that are evaluated. Even though two areas may use similar
measures, such as voluntary no-drive days, the amount of data available regarding the impacts of
these programs may be significantly different This can be attributed to factors such as budgetary
and staff constraints, significance of the program in overall regional air quality planning, and
degree of program participation.
We also expect to find a wide degree of variation regarding the definition of "evaluation." Initial
efforts to evaluate program effectiveness usually begin with surveys of program awareness. All of
these cities have completed an initial survey, and some are currently completing additional
focused surveys. The areas have also collected ridership and employer participation data, or have
initiated specific committee or studies to help quantify their program's effectiveness. However,
since most of these data are fairly new and limited, our current belief is that data available to
calculate specific "emission reductions" and "costs" will be limited.
-------
3 PHASE H—STUDY FINDINGS
Forty programs, representing efforts made in over 20 states; were identified and contacted for
information. Program administrator from 38 of these programs responded to our data requests.
The programs examined differ considerably in both focus and level of effort; however, common
program components and successful techniques can be found among the various programs. This
section begins with an overall summary of basic information about the extent and focus of the
programs and follows with a discussion of the basic components required to operate a successful
program. This discussion also includes highlights of unique or exceptional efforts by individual
program. More detailed program profiles for each city examined are included in Appendix C.
EXTENT AND SCOPE OF EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAMS
The existence of episodic control programs, especially those targeted at ozone, is a fairly new
development in air quality planning, as can be seen in Figure 3-1. Episodic programs have been
established or are currently being developed for approximately 40 different areas across the
country. Figure 3-2 displays the location and age of the episodic control programs for which we
have collected data. As seen in the figure, most programs have been operated for less than four
years and many have just started within the last year. The oldest programs were established in
1987 in Seattle and Spokane, Washington. These programs, which are both focused on reduction
of woodburning emissions, are quite a bit older than the oldest ozone programs which began in
1991 in San Francisco and Tulsa.
35
No. Of
Programs
23
30
20
15
10
5
0
~ CO
E3PM10
¦ Ozone
FIGURE 3-1. Number of programs in existence.
-------
ittadelphia (03)
re (03)
fashington O.C. (03)
(03)
^Northwest WA (PM)
I
DetroiV<03)
aland (03)
P
(_) Sacramento (03)
San Francisco (03)
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alley (03)
Charlotte (03)
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O Phoenix (CO)
Phoenif (03)
Austin (03
Beaumont
San AnWnto (03)
Corpus Christ! (03)
O 1 Year or Less
2 - 4 Years
Greater than 4 Years
Figure 3-2
-------
23
Figure 1-1, shown earlier, presents the location of episodic co.itrol programs in the U.S. which
are targeted at reducing ozone impacts. All of these programs operate in the summer ozone
season, are voluntary, are targeted at reducing emissions of onroad mobile and nonroad sources,
and often include both employer and industry participation. As depicted in the figure, the
programs exist in both nonattainment and attainment areas. While many of the nonattainment
areas are making efforts to reduce or limit the number of ozone violations as they move toward
attainment, many of the areas are expecting that the impacts of the program will help the area
maintain its attainment status. Figure 1-1 also shows cities which have episodic control programs
targeting carbon monoxide or PMi0. In contrast to the ozone programs, these programs are
operated in the winter and primarily target reductions in woodburning emissions. In addition,
while the ozone programs are voluntary, the woodburning component of these programs is
typically mandatory3 under existing state regulations.
Goals and Participation
Areas implement episodic control programs for varying reasons. The goals of the area
implementing the program dictate what, if any, monitoring of results takes place and the kinds of
impacts that are evaluated. For example, attainment areas may institute programs to limit air
quality violations and avoid redesignation to nonattainment. Nonattainment areas may use such
programs as part of an emissions reduction strategy, or as a means to avoid additional violations
that could jeopardize attainment prospects or threaten to cause redesignation to a more severe
classification. A summary of the top goals listed by all programs surveyed is given in Table 3-1.
As can be seen in Figure 3-3, of the areas surveyed, one-half of the programs stated that public
education was the number one goal of the program. The second and third most important goals
listed were "Attain/maintain ambient air quality standard" and "Health Benefits," respectively. In
comparison, Figure 3-4 indicates all of the goals that were listed as one of the top three
Health Benefits
Public Education
(53%)
Attain or Maintain Air
Quality Standards
(32%)
FIGURE 3-3. Goals of episodic control programs (percentage of programs ranking goal #1).
3 Most regulations restricting wood burning include exceptions for low income, sole heating source or low emission
devices (certified.wood stoves).
-------
24
TABLE 3-1. Program goais.
Goals (ranked).
Area
Program
#1
#2
#3
Albuquerque, NM
Atlanta, GA
Winter Pollution Advisory
Ozone Advisory
Maintain AQ Standards
Public Education
Public Education,
Health Benefits
Health Benefits
Congestion Management
Congestion Management
Austin, TX
Clean AIR Force
Public Education
.Maintain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
Baltimore, MA
Ozone Action Days
Public Education
Health Benefits
Attain AQ standards
Beaumont, TX
Ozone Action Days
Public Education
Attain AQ standards
Economic Benefits
Charlotte, NC
Ozone Awareness
Public Education
Economic Benefits
Health Benefits
Chicago, IL
Partners for Clean Air
Health Benefits
Public Education
Attain AQ standards
Cincinnati, OH
Smog Alert
Attain AQ standards
Public Participation
Health Benefits
Cleveland, OH
Ozone Action Day
Public Education
Health Benefits
Economic Benefits
Corpus Christi, TX
Ozone Action Days
Maintain AQ status
Public Education
Economic Benefits
Dallas/Ft Wth, TX
Ozone Alert
Public Education
Attain AQ standards
Emission Reductions
Denver, CO
High Pollution Advisory
Attain AQ standards
Emission Reductions
Health Benefits
Detroit, MI
Ozone Action
Attain AQ Standards
Public Education
Health Benefits
Gary, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Public Education
Health Benefits
Maintain AQ standards
Houston-Galv., TX
Indianapolis, IN
Clean Air Action
Partners for Clean Air
Public Education,
Health Benefits
Public Education
Attain AQ standards
Health Benefits
Maintain AQ standards
Longview, TX
Northeast Texas Air Care
Most effective practice
for area
Public Education
Economic Benefits
Public Education
Louisville, KY
Partners for Clean Air
Health Benefits
Maintain AQ standards
Milwaukee, WI
Ozone Action
Maintain AQ status
Attain AQ Standards
Public Education
Northwest, WA
Wflnrismnlre rintnilmmt
Health Benefits
Public Education
Economic Benefits
Olympia, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
Attain AQ Standards
Maintain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
Philadelphia, PA
Ozone Action
Public Education
Health Benefits
Attain AQ Standards
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Residential Woodburaing
Restriction Ordinance
Ozone High Pollution
Advisory
Ozone Action
Public Education
Public Education
Public Education
Emission Reductions
Emission Reductions
Attain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
Health Benefits
Economic Benefits
Portland, OR
Clean Air Action Days
Attain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
Public Education
Puget Sound, WA
Wnrnfannim fhirbnlmMit
Attain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
Maintain AQ Standards
Puget Sound, WA
Smog Watch
Maintain AQ status
Economic Benefits
Public Education
Richmond, VA
Ozone Advisory
Maintain AQ stains
Economic Benefits
Health Benefits
Sacramento, CA
Spare the Air
Attain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
Public Education
San Antonio, TX
Ozone Action Days
Public Education
Maintain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
San Francisco, CA
Spare the Air
Health Benefits
Attain AQ Standards
Public Education
San Joaquin, CA
Spare die Air
Public Education
Attain AQ standards
Health Benefits
South Bend, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Public Education
Health Benefits
Maintain AQ standards
Spokane, WA
Woodstove Curtailment
Public Education
Attain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
St Louis, MO
Clean Air Partnership
Public Education
Attain AQ Standards
Health Benefits
Toledo, OH
Ozone Action Days
Maintain AQ
Economic Benefits
Public Education
Tulsa, OK
Ozone Alert
Health Benefits
Maintain AQ Standards
Economic Benefits
Washington, D.C.
Ozone Action Days
Public Education
Health Benefits
Attain AQ standards
-------
Attain or Maintain Air Quality
Standards
Public Education
Health Benefits
Economic Benefits
Meet Emission Reduction Targets
Congestion Management
Other
0% 10% 20%
FIGURE 3-4. Distribution of top three program goals.
I
32%
30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Percent of Programs Ranking Goal in the Top 3
-------
26
by individual programs. While the top three goals mentioned above are the most comn on, several
areas also consider economic benefits and the reduction in congestion and pollutant emissions as
important objectives of their programs.
Episodic programs, by definition, are designed to increase public awareness and change public
behavior on days of poor air quality. To achieve this, many programs have enlisted the help of the
general public as well as employers and industry. A listing of the participants involved each
program is shown in Table 3-2. Many areas have found that enlisting the support of local
employers has added significantly to the programs' success. Employers have unique opportunities
and mechanisms to educate their employees about the benefits of the program and to notify them
on alert days. The following summary indicates which of these three groups participate in the
episodic control programs around the nation:
• All of the programs encourage public participation
• 100% (2 of the 2) programs targeting CO encourages employer participation
• 20% (1 of the S) programs targeting PMu> encourage employ participation
• 97% (30 of the 31) programs targeting O3 encourage employe participation
• 71% (22 of the 31) programs targeting O3 encourage stationary source participation
• None of the programs targeting PM10 or CO include a stationary source component
Funding
The funding required to operate an episodic program depends on the scope of the program.
Some basic advisory programs, designed only to forecast pollution episodes and notify the public
through the media, have been implemented with little or no funding at all. This has been possible
through the coordination of various organizations (universities, National Weather Service) to help
with the forecasting, the interest and cooperation of the news media, and the dedication of
enthusiastic volunteers. Programs which strive to increase forecasting accuracy and maximize
public awareness through targeted public outreach efforts and media advertising, however, require
significantly larger budgets. As can be seen in Figure 3-5, the 1996 budgets of the programs we
have reviewed range from completely voluntary (no funding) to SI million. The average cost of
the 31 programs which submitted budget data is $200,000 /yr, these data are presented in Table
3-3. The following is a summary of key findings regarding the levels of funding of episodic
control programs around the nation:
• Funding amounts for the different programs range from no funding to S1,000,000.
• The funding levelfor the only CO program for which-we received data (Phoenix, AZ) is
$3,500/yr.
• The average funding amounts received by the 26 ozone programs for which we have data
is $210,000/yr. This average does not include the two programs which receive no special
funding. The high and low funding values for ozone programs are $1,000,000 for the
Baltimore program and $15,000 for the Pittsburgh program. On the average, programs in
severe nonattainment areas spend more on implementation of their programs than those in
attainment (Figure 3-6).
• The average funding amounts received by the four programs targeting PM is $256,946.
This includes high and low funding values of $900,000 for the Puget Sound Woodsmoke
Curtailment program and $22,560 for the Northwest program. Note that if the Puget
-------
27
TABLE 3-2. Participation by program.
Participants
General Public
Companies
Area
Program
Pollutant
Targeted
Stationary
Sources
Albuquerque, NM
Winter Pollution Advisory
CO
V
V
Atlanta, GA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
V
V
Austin, TX
Clean AIR Force
Ozone
V
V
V
Baltimore, MD
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
V
V
V
Beaumont. TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
V
V
V
Charlotte, NC
Ozone Awareness
Ozone
V
Chicago, IL
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
V
V
V
Cincinnati, OH
Smog Alert
Ozone
V
V
V
Cleveland, OH
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
V
V
V
Corpus Christi, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
V
V
V
Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Ozone Alert
Ozone
V
V
V
Denver, CO
High Pollution Advisory
PM
V
V
Detroit, MI
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
V
V
Gary, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
V
V
V
Houston-Galv., TX
Clean Air Action
Ozone
V
V
Indianapolis, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
V
V
V
Longview, TX
Northeast Texas Air Care
Ozone
V
V
V
Louisville, KY
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
V
V
Milwaukee, WI
Ozone Action
Ozone
V
V
V
Northwest, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
Olympia, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
V
Philadelphia, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
V
V
Phoenix, AZ
Ozone High Air Pollution Advisory
Ozone
V
V
V
Phoenix, AZ
Residential Woodburning Restriction CO
V
Pittsburgh, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
V
V
Portland, OR
Clean Air Action Days
Ozone
V
V
V
Puget Sound, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
V
Puget Sound, WA
Smog Watch
Ozone
V
V
Richmond, VA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
V
V
V
Sacramento, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
V
V
San Antonio, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
V
V
V
San Francisco, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
V
V
San Joaquin, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
V
V
South Bend, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
V
V
Spokane, WA
Wood Stove Curtailment
PM
V
St. Louis, MO
Regional Clean Air Partnership
Ozone
V
V
V
Toledo, OH
Ozone Action Day
. Ozone
V
V
V
Tulsa, OK
Ozone Alert
Ozone
V
V
V
| Washington, D.C.
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
V
V
V
-------
Btluoofr MD
Sou&mm, IN
$w leeouw Valley, CA
bum Oft
UuMvUk* KV
nOnurfh. "A
Gary. IN
$1,000
~Targeting PM10
¦Targeting Ozone
10 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700
1996 Budget (Thousands of Dollars)
$800 $900 $1,000
FIGURE 3-5. Annual budget for episodic control programs.
-------
29
TABLE 3-3. Funding levels.
Area
Program
Pollutant
Targeted
1996
Budget (S) Funding Source
Budget
Adequate
Albuquerque, NM
Winter Pollution Advisory
CO
No fimding n/a
•
Atlanta, GA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
No fimding n/a
•
Austin, TX
Clean AIR Force
Ozone
$100,000 ISTEA (CMAQ), Local funds
no
Baltimore, MD
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
$1,000,000 State funds (Maryland DOT)
no
Beaumont, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
$40,000 ISTEA (CMAQ)
yes
Charlotte, NC
Ozone Awareness
Ozone
$17,000 General fund, industry
yes
Chicago, EL
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
* State funds, ISTEA (CMAQ), Permit
no
Cincinnati, OH
Smog Alert
Ozone
lees
$376,000 ISTcA (CMAQ)
yes
Cleveland, OH
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
$163,925 ISTEA (CMAQ)
yes
Corpus Christ:, IX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
No finding n/a
no
Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Ozone Alert
Ozone
$250,000 ISTEA (CMAQ), State Planning Funds
yes
Denver, CO
High Pollution Advisory
PM
$51,222 Fed funds, Collected fees
yes
Detroit, MI
Ozone Alert Day
Ozone
• •
•
Gary, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
$10,000 •
•
Houston-Gal v., TX
Clean Air Action
Ozone
$368,000 ISTEA (CMAQ)
yes
Indianapolis, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
$100,000 State funds, ISTEA (CMAQ)
no
Longview, TX
Northeast Texas Air Care
Ozone
$ 138,000 State grant, Contributions
no
Louisville, KY
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
$100,000 ISTEA (CMAQ)
•
Milwaukee, WI
Ozone Action
Ozone
$17,500 ISTEA (CMAQ), State funds
yes
Northwest, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
522,560 WA State Dept Ecology
yes
Philadelphia, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
$136,500 ISTEA (CMAQ), Donations
no
Phoenix, AZ
Woodsmoke Curtailment
CO
$3,500 Federal funds (CAA)
no
Phoenix, AZ
Ozone High Air Pollution
Ozone
No funding n/a
a
Advisory
Pittsburgh, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
$15,000 •
no
Portland, OR
Clean Air Action Days
Ozone
5100,000 EPA grants, ISTEA (CMAQ)
no
Puget Sound, WA
Smog Watch
Ozone
No fimding n/a
•
Puget Sound, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
"PM
$900,000 State finds
yes
Richmond, VA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
$150,000 ISTEA (CMAQ)
yes
Sacramento, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
$232400 ISTEA (CMAQ), DMV funds, Local
funds
no
San Antonio, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
¦» •
no
San Francisco, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
$390,000 State funds, industry
no
San Joaquin, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
$328,783 DMV funds
yes
South Bend, IN
Partners for Clean Air
< Ozone
$350,000 ISTEA (CMAQ)
•
Spokane, WA
Wood Stove Curtailment
PM
$54,000 State & Local funds
yes
St Louis, MO
Regional Clean Air
Ozone
• •
•
Partnership
Toledo, OH
Ozone Action Day
Ozone
$60,200 ISTEA (CMAQ), Local funds
no
Tulsa, OK
Ozone Alert
Ozone
$122,000 ISTEA (CMAQ), EPA
no
Washington, D.C.
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
$500,000 State & local funds. ISTEA (CMAO)
yes
• Data not available
• Sound program (which has the second highest funding level in the nation of any program) is
not included, the average for the three other PM programs is $42,594. All of the PM
programs expressed that their 1996 budget was adequate to fulfill the program's goals.
• Staffing varies widely, from all-volunteer staffs (as many as 9 volunteers) to 10 full-time
paid staff
It is interesting to note that 62% of the ozone program contacts felt that their 1996 budgets were
inadequate to fulfill the program's goals. Not surprisingly, most program directors responded
with specific items that they would include in the programs if an additional $100,000 or $200,000
would be available. Most areas responded that the additional funds would be used to improve
their forecasting and modeling capabilities, to develop additional outreach material, and to expand
their advertisement campaign.
-------
1450
$259
$160
$178
Severe Nonatlalnment
Serious Nonattainmenl
Moderate Nonattainmenl
Attainment
| B Programs Targeting O; ie gPrograms Targeting PM1Q |
FIGURE 3-6. Average budget by attainment status of the area implementing the program.
-------
31
Forecasting, public outreach, and advertising are the three costliest aspects of any episodic control
program. While basic weather parameters (temperature, wind speeds, humidity, etc.) are easily
obtainable.from public entities such as the
National Weather Service, in order to
accurately forecast pollution episodes,
pollutant concentration data, which is not so
readily available, should also be examined.
Establishing and maintaining a pollution
monitoring station and making the data
available on-line in real time can be very
costly. Programs with extensive networks
of monitoring sites spend as much as one-
third of their budget on pollution monitoring
(e.g. the Puget Sound PMio program
maintains nine monitoring sites at the cost of
approximately $300,000/yr). Furthermore,
understanding the relationships between episodic meteorological conditions, regional emission
levels, and the resulting ambient concentrations involves considerable technical expertise. Since
many of the programs are very new, they are just now beginning to develop these capabilities,
which can require extensive resources.
Figure 3-7 gives a general distribution of 1996 budget allocations for episodic programs. As
shown, public outreach and advertising are costly, particularly if mass media (TV, radio, and
newspaper advertisements) are used to educate the public about the program. While some areas
have received a considerable amount of support from the local media (TV press conferences
during the initial months of the ozone season and articles/editorials in the local newspapers), other
markets, especially those associated with large, diverse cities, do not get as much exposure in the
local media. Because the competition for the media in these markets may be intense, episodic
control programs are required to fynd much more extensive outreach campaigns on their own. In
addition, advertisement rates in these markets can be more expensive, so the resulting costs for
development and placement of TV, radio, and newspaper advertisements can be significant and
prohibitive.
COMPONENTS OF A PROGRAM
Many different specific activities are involved in the operation of an episodic emission control
program. The programs are typically developed and directed by a coalition of interested
government and business groups talcing into consideration local sources of emissions, local public
acceptance of episodic control measures, and levels of participation of local industry.
Partnerships are typically formed so that each agency involved can contribute resources in its area
of expertise. A local air pollution control agency, for example, may assist in air quality
Program Costs
In general, most areas are not considering the
full costs of implementing an episodic control
program. For example, the "costs" of the
program, when they are examined, are
generally considered to be the staff costs of the
implementing agencies and the costs of
education materials, surveys etc. Very little
effort has been made to quantify the in-kind
contributions on the part of implementing
agencies or industry. In addition, the social
costs of individuals making changes in their
lives have not been evaluated systematically .
-------
32
Polling/Surveys
1%
Other
Public Outreach
60%
Administrative
37%
FIGURE 3-7. Average annual budgets.
forecasting, while a media consultant (often under contract) develops public awareness and
education materials. Listed below are the main activities which need to be completed by the
coordinating agencies for an episodic control program to be successfully implemented.
• Establishment of program control measures
• Development of public outreach and education materials
• Establishment of accurate and responsive forecasting capabilities
• Development of a media/employer/source notification system
• Establishment of mechanisms to track program impact and effectiveness
The following paragraphs discuss various approaches taken by most episodic control programs to
implement these steps and highlight exceptional approaches taken in some areas. Complete
descriptions of the programs surveyed in the study are included in Appendix C. The individual
program profiles describe the design of each city's program including (1) control measures, (2)
public outreach and education methods, (3) forecasting techniques, (4) notification mechanisms,
and (5) program evaluation data and techniques.
Program Control Measures
At the core of every episodic control program are the specific actions that the general public and
other participating companies are encouraged to take on alert days. In the early stages of
program development, these control measures establish the focus of the program. The air quality
planners should initially decide what episodic control measures to include in the program so that
appropriate outreach materials can be developed. Apart from the few mandatory restrictions on
wood burning, most episodic control programs are voluntary and are initially focused on affecting
driving behavior. Many programs, however, expand to include measures aimed at reducing
emissions from nonroad sources such as small engines (i.e. landscaping equipment). Listed below
are examples of the types of control measures suggested in episodic control programs.
-------
33
• Reduce motor vehicle activity
Avoid rush hour commuting
Walk or ride a bike
Take lunch to school or work (avoid going out during lunch hour)
Combine multiple trips
Keep vehicle tuned up
Avoid jackrabbit starts and excessive idling
• Postpone refueling until later in the day (after 6,7 p.m.)
• Postpone use of lawn equipment
• Avoid use of charcoal lighter fluid
• Reschedule maintenance activities (painting, tank cleaning) or batch processing
• Postpone mowing, tractor, backhoe, bulldozer activity (two-cycle engines)
• Postpone fleet refueling until after 6 p.m.
• Use fleet vehicles to attend lunch and meetings
• Use conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings
Tables 3-4 to 3-7 list the specific control measures incorporated into episodic control programs
for the cities included in this study for use by the general public, companies, and stationary
sources. They contain data for each episodic
control program and indicate which control
measures are recommended by each program. The
largest number of measures are those contained in
Tables 3-4 and 3-5, which are aimed at the general
public. Many of these measures are included in
employer outreach materials; however, these
measures were not repeated in Table 3-6, which
focuses on measures that can only be taken by
businesses to encourage reduction in driving
activities or reduce business related driving. Table
3-7 lists measures that stationary sources can take
that reduce emissions without substantially
affecting operations. These activities are typically
associated with maintenance tasks which can easily be postponed to periods with more favorable
meteorological conditions.
Analysis of the control measure data in
Tables 3-4 to 3-7 reveals some of the main
differences between programs targeting
ozone, PMio and CO. All of the programs
targeting ozone and CO recommend that the
general public take specific travel-related
actions on pollution episode days. This
reflects the concern municipalities have
about auto use and the recognition that
mobile sources contribute significantly to regional CO and ozone emission levels.
Most Frequently Recommended
Travel- Related Measures
100% - Use alternative modes of trans-
portation instead of driving alone
83%- Combine multiple auto trips
throughout die day
77%- Avoid refueling until the evening
69%- Keep vehicle tuned up
69%- Work from home
66%- Avoid driving at lunch time
60%- Change work schedules to avoid the
commute
Recommended Area-Source Measures
82% - Avoid using gasoline powered equipment
74% - Avoid household maintenance activities that
produce emissions (painting, etc.)
71% - Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
29% - Other
18% - Avoid the use of wood stoves and fireplaces
-------
34
TABLE 3-4. Travel-related actions suggested to the general public.
Measure
Use alternative modes of transp. instead of driving alone
Change work schedule to avoid commute
Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
Keep travel speeds at the speed limit
Avoid driving at lunch time
Avoid refueling until the evening
Keei
? vehicle tuned up
Proa ram
Work from home
Pollutant
Other
Area
Name
Targeted
Albuquerque, NM
Winter Pollution Advisory
CO
•
•
•
•
Atlanta, GA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Minimize idling
Austin, TX
Clean AIR Force
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
Beaumont, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Baltimore, MD
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Minimize idling
Charlotte, NC
Ozone Awareness
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Minimize idling
Chicago, IL
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cincinnati, OH
Smog Alert
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cleveland, OH
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Avoid "topping off*
tank, tighten gas cap
Corpus Christi, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dallas/Ft Worth,
Ozone Alert
Ozone
Denver, CO
High Pollution Advisory
PM
•
•
•
•
Others not specified
Detroit, MI
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
Minimize idling avoid
"topping off*
Gary, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Houston-Galv, TX
Clean Air Action
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
Indianapolis, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Longview, TX
Northeast Texas Air Care
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
Louisville, ICY
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Milwaukee, WI
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
Northwest, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
No suggestions made
Olympia, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
No suggestions made
Philadelphia, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
•
•
' •
Phoenix, AZ
Ozone High Air Pollution
Advisory
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
Phoenix, AZ
Woodsmoke Curtailment
CO
•
•
•
•
Pittsburgh. PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Portland, OR
Clean Air Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
Keep tires inflated
Puget Sound, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
No suggestions made
Puget Sound, WA
Smog Watch
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
Richmond, VA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
•
•
•
•
MnnmizB idling, loocp
tires inflated
Sacramento, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
San Antonio, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
San Francisco, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
San Joaquin, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
•
•
South Bend, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Spokane, WA
Wood Stove Curtailment
PM
No suggestions made
St. Louis, MO
Clean Air Partnership
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Toledo, OH
Ozone Action Day
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tulsa, OK
Ozone Alert
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
Washington, D.C.
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
•
•
-------
TABLE 3-5, Area source actions suggested to the general public.
Measure
Avoid household activities that cause emissions
Avoid using gas*oowered garden equipment
Avoid the use of fireolaces
Avoid using lighter fluid
Program
No actions suggested
Other
Area
Name
Pollutant
Targeted
Albuquerque, NM
Winter Pollution Advisory
CO
•
Atlanta, GA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
•
•
•
Austin, TX
Clean AIR Force
Ozone
•
•
•
Baltimore, MD
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
Avoid using polluting
consumer produce
Beaumont, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
Turn off lighB and
appliances
Charlotte, NC
Ozone Awareness
Ozone
•
Chicago, 0.
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
Avoid using polluting
consumer produce
Cincinnati, OH
Smog Alert
Ozone
•
•
Cleveland, OH
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
Corpus Christi, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Ozone Alert
Ozone
•
•
•
Denver, CO
High Pollution Advisory
PM
•
Detroit, MI
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
Gary, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
Houston-Galv, TX
Clean Air Action
Ozone
•
•
•
Indianapolis, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
Longview, TX
Northeast Texas Air Care
Ozone
•
Louisville, K.Y
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
Milwaukee, Wl
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
•
•
Keep boats and lawn
Northwest, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
•
Bum only dry, dean-
burning w*»d
Olympia, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
PM
•
Philadelphia, PA
Ozone Actirai
Ozone
•
•
•
Phoenix, AZ
Woodsmoke Curtailment
CO
•
Phoenix, AZ
Ozone High Air Pollution
Advisory
Ozone
•
•
•
Pittsburgh, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
•
•
Reduce eieenm^y use
Portland, OR
Clem Air Action Dqrs
Ozone
•
•
•
Use taw-ntvcEt
pants, uMMerosoi
prod; limn boat use
Puget Sound, WA
Woodsmoke Curtailment
\ PM
•
No outdoor boning
Puget Sound, WA
Smog Watch
Ozone
•
•
Richmond VA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
•
•
•
A void anosot sprays
Sacramento, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
•
•
•
San Antonio, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
San Francisco, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
•
•
•
Limit use of aerosol
products
San Joaquin. CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
•
•
•
South Bend, IN
Partnen for Clem Air
Ozone
•
•
•
Spokane, WA
Wood Stove Curtailment
PM
•
Usewoodsajw
property
Regional Clean Air Partnenhip
Ozone
•
•
•
Toledo, OH
Ozone Action Day
Ozone
•
•
•
Tulsa. OK
Ozone Alert
Ozone
•
Washington, D.C.
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
-------
36
1 ABLE 3-6. Measures suggested to participating companies.
Measure
Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
Postpone maintenance activities which use small engines
Use fleet vehicles to attend lunch and meetings
Postpone fleet refueling until the evening
No actions suggested
Program*
Other
Pollutant
Area
Name
Targeted
Albuquerque, NM
Winter Pollution Advisory
CO
•
Atlanta, GA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
•
Austin, TX
Clean AIR Force
Ozone
•
•
•
Baltimore, MD
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
Beaumont, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
• _
•
Chicago, IL
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
Employee notes
Cincinnati, OH
Smog Alert
Ozone
•
Cleveland, OH
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
Corpus Christi, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Ozone Alert
Ozone
•
•
•
Denver, CO
High Pollution Advisory
PM
•
Detroit, MI
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
Gary, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
Houston-Galv, TX
Clean Air Action
Ozone
•
Indianapolis, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
Longview, TX
Northeast Texas Air Care
Ozone
•
•
Louisville, ICY
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
Milwaukee, WI
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
Philadelphia, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
Phoenix, AZ
Ozone High Air Pollution
Advisory
Ozone
•
Pittsburgh, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
Reduce electricity consumption
Portland, OR
Clean Air Action Days
Ozone
•
•
Puget Sound, WA
Smog Watch
Ozone
•
Richmond. VA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
•
Consider using higher octane diesel ftiel
Sacramento, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
•
San Antonio, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
San Francisco, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
Mxnmnatro^idlfflf
San Joaquin, CA
Spare the Air
Ozone
•
South Bend, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
St Louis, MO
Regional Clean Air
Partnership
Ozone
•
•
•
Toledo, OH
Ozone Action Day
Ozone
•
•
/
Tulsa, OK.
Ozone Alert
Ozone
•
•
Washington, D.C.
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
* Only programs which encourage company participation are included in the table.
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37
TABLE 3-7. Measures suggested to participating stationary sources.
Measure
Ret
luce high-emitting production activities
Avoid maintenance activities (i.e. painting, degreasing)
Postpone landscaping activities
Switch to cleaner burning fuels
Program*
No actions suggested
Other
Pollutant
Area
Home
Targeted
Austin, TX
Clean AIR Force
Ozone
•
•
•
Baltimore, MD
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
Beaumont, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
Chicago, EL
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
Cincinnati, OH
Smog Alert
Ozone
•
•
•
Cleveland, OH
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Corpus Christi, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Dallas/Ft Worth,
Ozone Alert
Ozone
•
•
•
•
TX
Gary, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
Indianapolis, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
Longview, TX
Northeast Texas Air Care
Ozone
•
•
•
Louisville-, KY
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
Milwaukee, W1
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
•
•
Phoenix, AZ
Ozone High Air Pollution
Advisory
Ozone
•
•
Pittsburgh, PA
Ozone Action
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Portland, OR
Clean Air Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Postpone gas barge loading activities
Richmond, VA
Ozone Advisory
Ozone
•
•
•
•
San Antonio, TX
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
South Bend, IN
Partners for Clean Air
Ozone
•
•
•
St Louis, MO
Regional Clean Air Partnership
Ozone
•
•
•
•
Toledo, OH
Ozone Action Day
Ozone
•
•
•
Tulsa, OK .
Ozone Alert
Ozone
•
•
•
Washington, D.C.
Ozone Action Days
Ozone
•
•
•
•
* Only programs which encourage participation by stationary sources are included in the table.
In contrast, only one of the five programs targeting PM10 make travel-related suggestions to the
public. Instead, the PMI0
programs focus on reducing
emissions from the main sources
of PM10 in these areas: wood
stoves and fireplaces. Other area
source measures; however, are
also applied in ozone and CO
episodic control programs. In
these areas, reduction of small
engine use and maintenance activities are targeted to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide and
Recommended Company Policy Measures
70% - Postpone fleet refueling until die evening
39% - Use conference technologies instead of face to face
meetings
15% - Postpone maintenance activities which use small
engines
15% - Use fleet vehicles to attend lunch and meeting
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38
engine use and maintenance activities are targeted to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide and
ozone precursors. Most programs are aiming these control measures at both the general public
and participating stationary sources.
Companies who have a significant employee work force are the third major participating party,
whose applicable control measures are listed in Table 3-6. The employees at these firms might
normally travel to meetings and the companies sometimes operate their own fleets or ground
crews.
Public Outreach and Education
Program goals and measures must be conveyed to the public before any potential episode days
occur so that public support for the program can be generated and so that participants understand
why measures should be undertaken during an alert day. Before the program can be effective, the
public must first become aware of the existence of the program, then must be educated regarding
what actions they can take during episode days. The message is typically transmitted via the local
media, employer outreach (educational packages and workshops), community outreach at local
events, and community newsletters. Examples of media outreach mechanisms and materials are
listed below.
• Press conferences
• Public service announcements
• Television advertisements
• Spots on local talk shows
• Radio advertisement
• Newspaper advertisements
• Newspaper articles and editorials
• Billboard or wall advertisements
Of these mechanisms, radio advertisements, which often reach listeners as they are driving their
vehicles, are the most commonly used mass m&iia advertising mechanism by episodic programs.
As seen in Table 3-8,71 percent of all programs use radio advertising. Other mass media
advertising mechanisms, such as television and newspapers are also commonly used. Since the
mass media mechanisms reach the largest segment of the population for most markets, many areas
have begun their outreach by making a focused effort at educating the media at the beginning of
each ozone season.
TABLE 3-8. Top mass media advertising mechanisms.
Advertising Mechanism
Programs Implementing
Radio Advertisements
71%
TV Advertisements
63%
Newspaper Advertisements
53%
Billboards Advertisements
34%
Many programs form partnerships with local employers and service organizations to educate the
public regarding episodic control programs. Employers can distribute information directly to
employees via company newsletters, bulletin boards, e-mail, and word of mouth. Many areas
mentioned that employer participation was a critical part of their episodic control programs.
Depending upon the resources committed by the company, more direct, face-to-face methods of
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39
communication can have a more significant impact on individual behavior than a message
broadcast to the general public.
Local companies, which desire to contribute to the local community, can also offer significant
funds and additional outreach mechanisms for communication. San Francisco, for example, has
partnerships with local firms that sponsor advertisements for the episodic control program. The
company's name is mentioned at the end of the commercial, or as part of the advertisement.
Several local service companies (local HMOs and Pacific Gas and Electric) also distribute
information about the San Francisco program via company newsletters distributed to customers.
The Albuquerque episodic control program has an agreement with the local water company to
include stickers with the call-in phone number with customers' water bills.
Since their original media and employer campaigns have been rather successful, some areas, such
as Dallas, are now making focused efforts at educating members of the community, such as
science teachers, who can effectively and accurately pass on the message to young people. As
shown in Table 3-9, 95 % of the programs surveyed distribute educational materials and 66%
conduct workshops for local schools and industry. The Dallas program gives one-day workshops
for science teachers and the heads of school districts and have occasionally sent speakers out to
classes. In addition to giving teachers packets of information, the North Central Texas Council of
Governments (NCTCOG) operates an extensive World Wide Web site which contains information
on the status of the alert day, basic information about the program and the health impacts of
ozone, and annual exceedance and alert day statistics to show the effectiveness of the program.
TABLE 3-9. Top public outreach mechanisms.
Programs
Outreach Mechanisms
Implementing
Creation and dissemination of public education materials
95%
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
89% •
Public education booths at community events
87%
Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
66%
Internet Web site
53 %
Since the media have been fairly active in promoting the Dallas program to the general public, the
NCTCOG is now hiring an advertising firm to develop and post simple messages with the
NCTCOG's phone number (with the day's status and directions for more information) on
billboards around the Dallas area: Keeping the general public, local governments and grassroots
organizations updated on the status of the program requires ongoing efforts. In Albuquerque, for
example, the staff changed the call-in phone number three times over the course of several years.
Each time the number was changed, new outreach material was developed and distributed. The
Internet is particularly appropriate for displaying changing information, and it is being embraced
by quite a few programs across the country. Twenty-five of the programs contacted stated that
they had or were developing an Internet web site. Of the sites examined, the web pages included
information on air quality, health impacts, suggested measures, data on alert days, and violations.
We include printouts of these web pages in the program profiles in Appendix C. Other
mechanisms frequently used to notify the general public include:
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40
• Distribution of pub1ic education
packages at local libraries
• Public workshops
• Coordination with local grassroots
community and business groups
• Public education booths at community
events and fairs
Forecasting Techniques
An accurate method of forecasting must be
established for an episodic control program
to be effective. Meteorological teams from
the National Weather Service (NWS), state
environmental agencies, and local air
pollution control agencies must evaluate
historical meteorological and ambient air
quality data to determine what
meteorological conditions are associated
with high pollutant concentrations. Inmost
areas, programs rely on a team of
meteorologists working together to
determine which conditions are associated
with episodic days and to predict when those
conditions will occur. Often, a variety of
techniques are used to forecast meteor-
ological conditions and air quality
concentrations. After each member of the
team has prepared a forecast, the team
assembles to compare results and make a
joint prediction. Some programs, such as
Atlanta's, keep statistics on the accuracy of
the team predictions and of each individual
on the team. While the techniques used by
the meteorologists vary from the use of
analytical, statistical or empirical models to
meteorological intuition, some of the
contacts reported that the most accurate
members of the team tended to be the
experienced meteorologists using the
intuitive approach.
Before any predictive forecasting can begin,
high pollution concentrations and their
associated meteorological conditions must
be identified. Since programs vaiy
Forecasting Techniques used in the Baltimore-
Washington Area
The University of Maryland (UM) and the Maryland
Department of the Environment (MDOE) have conduct-
ed the ozone forecasting for the Baltimore-Washington
area in recent years. The current day's surface meteoro-
logical data (surface wind speed, wind direction, temper-
ature, sky cover, relative humidity) for the Baltimore-
Washington International Airport are obtained. Upper
air observations at the Dulles International Airport for
temperature and wind speed at the 850 mb level are also
obtained for the first step. Next, information from the
raw model output of the Nested Grid Model, the
Medium Range Forecast Model, and the ETA Model for
other variables is obtained. The local National Weather
Service forecast is consulted, particularly to determine
maximum temperature. Information on the previous
day's maximum ozone concentration is also gathered.
The data are thai used in a regression model that pre-
dicts the daily maximum ozone concentration in ppbv.
The regression model was developed using ozone/
surface and upper-air meteorological data for the period
May-September for the years 1987-1993. It is impor-
tant to note that the regression model uses statistical
procedures to correlate meteorological parameters with
ozone parameters. It does not take into account annual
increases or decreases in emissions, nor the spatial or
temporal variations in emissions of ozone precursors.
The regression model requires the input of die daily
maximum and minimum surface temperatures, afternoon
sky cover, relative humidity (at 0900 UTC), surface
wind speed at 1000 and 1800 UTC, wind speed and
temperature at 850 mb, and the length of the day, to
make a forecast of the daily maximum ozone concen-
tration. The short-term regression forecast model
requires daily maximum and minimum temperatures,
morning and afternoon sky cover, relative humidity
(0900 UTC), surface wind speed at 1800 UTC,
inversion temperature; wind speed at 850 mb, length of
the day, and maximum ozone concentration on die
previous day. In addition to providing the input vari-
ables to the model, the forecaster also makes corrections
for any known deficiencies in the regression algorithm.
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41
somewhat in operation and intent (e.g. some programs aim to reduce the number of violations
while others desire to prevent violations4), the definition of "high pollutant concentrations" varies
from one area to another. Furthermore,
the implementing agency may consider the
changes in public response if 30 alert days
are called over the course of a summer
ozone season in contrast to 5 alert days.
Therefore, the implementing agency must
consider both the goals of the program
and the frequency of occurrence of high
pollutant concentrations in an area before
selecting concentrations at which to call
alert days.
Once a "high pollutant" level is selected,
meteorologists must examine historical
climatology, meteorological parameters,
and ambient concentrations to determine
relations between the meteorological
conditions and the pollutant
concentrations. In many areas statistical
regression models are used to determine
empirical relationships between pollutant
concentrations and meteorological
parameters such as wind speed, wind
direction, temperature, vertical
temperature gradients, stability and cloud cover. This method has the advantage of using param-
eters that are measured by the NWS or local APCO monitoring stations or are predicted by the
NWS and easily incorporated into a regression model. Use of the regression models is often
combined with a subjective analysis of the synoptic weather patterns and historical ozone values.
Values of other ambient parameters, such as ozone precursors, may also aid in predictions.
Most areas have tested their predictive techniques for at least one season before disseminating the
information to the public. Both false positive (Alert called/no exceedance measured) and false
negative (No Alert called/exceedance occurs) predictions can occur. If the episodic program is
very effective, false positives could occur if significant emission reductions result from the pro-
gram's control measures. False negatives could occur if certain activities resulting in higher than
normal emission levels (e.g. special events such as the Olympics) occur. Most programs,
especially those in attainment areas, would rather err in the positive direction than the negative
direction. Thus, as a result, many areas have issued alert day notices with pollutant
concentrations that are measured at levels below the standard.
Another factor which has influenced the forecasting methods developed by different areas is how
the information is transmitted to the public. Since the general public is not used to hearing about
and understanding pollutant concentrations levels which are usually measured in units such as
parts per billion or micrograms per cubic meter, many programs have developed different alert
Baltimore Forecasting Techniques (Cont.)
The forecast of the daily maximum ozone concentration
is actually done twice. One forecast, the long-range (24-
hour) forecast is issued at 1500 EDT. This is updated
the following morning by the short-range (12-hour) fore-
cast issued at 0900 (EDT). On weekdays, these fore-
casts are made independently by forecasters at the UM
and at the MDOE. The forecasts are discussed and a
consensus forecast is then issued. On weekends, fore-
casts are prepared at the University of Maryland only.
Once a daily maximum ozone concentration is predicted,
a "color coded forecast" is prepared for dissemination to
the public. This entails assigning a color to represent the
predicted ozone concentration. The Code Red forecast is
assigned when the predicted ozone concentration exceeds
125 ppb. This code is equivalent to the "Warning" level
in standard forecasts made by the National Weather
Service. The Code Orange forecast is assigned when the
predicted ozone concentration exceeds 110 ppb. This
code corresponds to the "Watch" level of the National
Weather Service. The Code Yellow forecast corresponds
to the 60-110 ppbv range, and the Code Green forecast
corresponds to less than 60 ppb.
4 Some areas, su$h as the San Francisco Bay Area, are also concerned about exceeding lower state standards.
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42
levels for public notification. The terminology for these alert levels is often associated with the
following colors:
Green—Good Air Quality
Yellow—Moderate Air Quality
Orange—Approaching Unhealthful
Red—Unhealthful
More traditional weather alert terminology such as "watch" and warning" are also used in some
areas. Often a "warning" or code yellow is automatically called when measured ozone
concentrations reach significant levels. The Maryland Department of the Environment developed a
tool called the Ozone Map which is used by Baltimore TV stations on alert days. The Map is a
program which displays measured ozone concentrations much the way color radar of precipitation
has been displayed on TV, illustrating expected ozone formation in an accessible manner for the
general public. This tool has generated increased public interest in ozone and the local episodic
control program.
Notification Mechanisms
During the ozone season, administration of the episodic control program involves staff support in
an intensive mode during alert days. After an episode day has been predicted, the program staff
must notify all participating groups and ensure that they understand the appropriate emission
control activities. The groups typically notified and the notification mechanisms are shown below.
Television stations fax
Radio stations fax
Newspapers fax
Employers fax
Stationary sources fax, phone
Local governments phone
Gas stations fax
General public Internet site, phone line
Notification of program participants, both employers and the media, typically involves fax trees
and broadcast faxes to many participants. The involvement of grassroot groups and business
coalitions to handle distribution of information is critical in larger cities. Some areas are using
Internet web pages to distribute real time information to participants. Other areas are also using
Internet E-mail3 to notify participants and to obtain feedback on impacts on behavior. Faxes,
press releases, and follow-up calls to television meteorologists and radio stations are used to pass
the message on to the media.
Once television stations are notified of the alert day status, they generally mention the alert day in
the news reports and the weather report. Many newspapers include special announcements and
articles and include notification with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) report. Several
programs have also developed a pollution episode symbol which clearly conveys the alert status to
the public. This symbol is then placed on the front page of the newspapers or displayed during
5 The Atlanta program has set up an E-mail distribution network, but no one has signed up for electronic
notification to date. The San Francisco Bay Area program also offers E-mail notification and requests that users
respond via Internet on their driving activities during the subsequent alert days.
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43
the weather forecast on TV for direct notification to the public. Radio stations broadcast public
service announcements and include alert notification in news stories.
Employers and other companies are exploring alternative methods of notifying the public.
Methods such as flying ozone alert flags and placing window stickers and placards are being tried.
As mentioned above, many areas, such as Dallas, have developed an alert symbol for the media to
use. Employers can also use the symbol when informing their employees about the program via
company newsletters. Local transportation agencies also get involved by announcing the alert on
local congestion management boards. Private businesses are also getting involved in public
notification (e.g., baseball stadium signs, gas station signs).
Quantification of Program Impacts and Effectiveness
Once an episodic program has been implemented, methods to evaluate the program's
effectiveness are needed. The most common methods used include: surveys, tracking increased
ridership or employer vouchers, examination of congestion and parking data, or review of air
quality and meteorological data. Each of these is discussed in detail below.
With the exception of the longer-running woodsmoke control programs, most programs surveyed
have not tried to quantitatively assess impacts. Since the goal of most programs is to reduce or
eliminate air quality violations, the ultimate measure of the program's success is improved air
quality. However, many factors besides those related to the episodic control program affect air
quality.6 Since episodic control programs rely on changing people's behavior in a way that
reduces pollutant emissions, analysis techniques for assessing program effectiveness must include
data on changes in individual activity, such as a reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). While
most program coordinators contacted for this study have been collecting survey data primarily to
examine the impacts of their public outreach and education programs, this information has not
generally included a significant amount of information on resulting changes in activity levels.
Most areas conduct surveys at the initiation of the episodic control program or at the beginning of
the ozone or woodsmoke season in order to assess the level of understanding of the problem by
the general public. These surveys can help provide insight into the kinds of educational materials
that need to be developed to help assure program success. For instance, surveys have shown that
the public is often confused about terminology that has previously appeared in the media in other
contexts. "Ozone" has proven to be particularly confusing since the media has reported the
negative impacts of depleting stratospheric ozone ("good" ozone). Being informed that ground-
level ozone is "bad" (e.g., unhealthy) often seems contradictory to those surveyed. Many regions
have also found that the public had little understanding of the impact they can have on air quality
concentrations with the exception of reducing driving.
A second survey is often distributed at the end of the ozone or woodsmoke season. Depending
upon how long a program has been in existence, this survey could be designed to assess (1) if the
public was aware that the episodic program was occurring, (2) if the public was aware of the
actions they could take to reduce emissions; and (3) if any changes in individual behavior resulted
from the influence of the episodic program. As with the initial surveys, most of the areas doing
follow-up studies have focused on assessing public awareness;7 only a few are looking into
6 Weather conditions, for example, vary from year to year and affect formation of pollutants such as ozone.
7For example, in rinrinnati, surveys were completed last year to estimate effectiveness of the program. Last year's
spring survey ipjifatwrf that -17% knew about the program; in the fall, that number had increased to 65%.
-------
44
quantifying changes in behavior. This is partially a result of the careful wording and timing
required for questions examining behavior changes. Many areas, however, did express the desire
to collect this type of information in the future. Personnel from the Sacramento program stated
that they would like to collect alert-day survey data during the 1996 ozone season, hoping that
this would provide new data to assess the effectiveness of that program.
Another type of data that many areas are currently tracking through existing mechanisms is transit
ridership. Most transit agencies, particularly in areas where fare-reduction measures have been
implemented by the episodic control program, are collecting transit ridership data. In many areas,
transit ridership increased, especially when reductions are offered. Some areas, such as
Cincinnati, found that transit ridership increased much more significantly when fare reduction
extended throughout the ozone season, rather than only on alert days. Another concern
expressed by an area in a particularly warm part of the country was that some increased ridership,
associated with free (rather than reduced fare) transit, was the result of riders without specific
destinations enjoying the air-conditioned buses.
Other areas are tracking data on changes in behavior in cooperation with participating employers.
San Francisco, for example, is implementing a pilot program with 11 companies in the Santa Clara
Valley this summer (1996) to quantify some of the transportation impacts of the Bay Area
program. Free transit (CALTRAIN, San Jose light rail, and buses) will be offered to the
employees of these companies on episode days. The RIDES program (Bay Area carpool
program) also notifies all employees of potential carpool partners well before episode days to help
them be more prepared when alerts are called. The employers have agreed to monitor facility
entrances to collect traffic count data to help determine changes in driver behavior. Other areas
are also considering using employers to collect participation data from their employees.
Another type of data being collected by episodic control programs to gauge program effectiveness
is data on forecast accuracy. Many areas are tracking data on the ability of the forecast team and
individual meteorologists (who often use different techniques) to identify alert days. While some
areas prefer to be conservative to prevent a violation, other areas are sensitive to the number of
alert days called over the course of a year. These areas are concerned that calling too many alerts
could cause the public to ignore the warnings over time. An additional concern, which should be
factored in when evaluating predictive forecasting accuracy over the course of a long-running
program, is the long-term impact of the program or any mandatory controls and other activities
(e.g., fleet turnover) that effectively reduce emissions over time. If program participants are
actually reducing levels of emissions on an annual as well as episodic basis, the empirical
relationships between the meteorological parameters and ambient concentrations should change
over time. Thus, the predictive techniques used by each program must be evaluated periodically
to ensure that the methods remain effective.
All areas are collecting and tracking ambient concentrations. Since some areas are only
concerned about "shaving the peaks" off of the high concentrations, comparison of historical
ambient air quality data, especially on alert days with similar meteorological conditions, could
prove insightful. To date, however, we have only collected data from areas that have been
examining data on alert and violations days. In San Francisco, for example, the following
statistics were reported in comparison with the state ozone standard:
1991 11 Alert days 8 potential exceedances avoided
1992 17 Alert days 10 potential exceedances avoided
-------
45
1993 19 AJert days 4 potential exceettences avoided
1994 12 Alert days 6 potential exceedrnces avoided
Twenty-one of the programs that we examined have collected data to evaluate their programs.
Table 3-10 summarizes the methods most frequently used collect data used. As mentioned
earlier, most programs are collecting survey and transit ridership data. Agencies that have been
collecting these data for a few years are now developing methods and collecting data from
employers and stationary sources. A few programs are also collecting traffic count Hatq
stationary source activity information, air quality monitoring data, Air Pollution Hotline "hits" and
complaints, and gasoline sales data.
TABLE 3-10. Methods most frequently used to collect episodic program participation Hata
Number of
Data Collection Method
Programs
Survey of general public
15
Communication with participating companies and stationary sources
13
Transit ridership data from transit agency
12
Survey of participating companies &/or stationary sources
10
Other
5
We were able to obtain actual data for 20 of the episodic control programs. The two main types
of data that we were able to obtain include: (1) the number of companies participating in the
program (13 programs provided data); and (2) public awareness levels estimated from survey data
(10 programs provided data). Figure 3-8 shows the variation in the number of companies
participating in various programs. Figure 3-9 shows the level of public awareness of the episodic
control programs. A number of different factors could be affecting both of these figures,
including: (1) the size of the metropolitan area, (2) the extent and success of the public outreach
program, (3) the age of the episodic program, (4) the level of cooperation the media has
extended, (5) the general complexity of issues vying for public attention in each area, and (6) the
methods used to collect the data. Figure 3-10 which contains plots of some of these parameters,
however, does not indicate any significant individual correlations evident in the data collected in
this study. Since the data were not originally collected to compare different programs, not
collected using similar fa** collection protocols, and are affected by many different parameters, it
is not surprising that significant correlations are not evident.
-------
Beaumont, TX 1t
Toledo, OH I ts
San Joaquin, CA
Chicago, IL
Austin, TX
Baltimore, MO
Sacramento, CA
Richmond, VA
Milwaukee, VM
Albuquerque, NM
Tulsa, OK
Detroit, Ml
San Francisco, CA
Cincinnati, OH
Phoenix, AZ
Dallas, TX
200
400
600 800 1,000
i of Companies Participating
1,200
1,400
1,600
FIGURE 3-8. Company participation levels of episodic control programs.
-------
San Joaquin. CA
Chicago, IL
Baltimore, MD
Cincinnati. OH
San Francisco. CA
Detroit, Ml
Sacramento, CA
Richmond, VA
Washington, D.C.
Spokane, WA
FIGURE 3-9. Public awareness of episodic control programs
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
4*.
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48
FIGURE 3-10. Comparison of episodic control program parameters
Age of Program vs Public Awareness
:
„ 100* -
g 80* -
! 60* T
1
:
~ !
< 40* I
£
2 20* +¦
* 0*T
~
~
0
1
2 3 4 5 3
Numbarof Ymis
7
8
9
i
. i
i
1500 j
1000 f
900 |
i
I
o$-
. 0
~
X
Ags of Pre gram vs Company Partlc ation
~
~
~
-t
~
~
4
fofYi
a !
I
o
w
1500 T
I
1000 }
I
500 ¦
0
Population vs Company Participation
~
~43
~ ~
1000000 2000000 3000000 4000000 5000000 6000000 7000000 8000000 9000000
i
e
!
o
a
s
a.
100* j
80* -
60* -
40* ¦
20* ¦
0* i-
Funding vs Public Awsraro
~
~
$200000 $400000
$600000
Funding
$800000 $1000000 $1200000
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49
4 PLANS FOR PHASE m
The next phase of this study (Phase HI) will involve a more in-depth, independent evaluation of
episodic emission control programs for four selected areas, and of the techniques used to evaluate
the effectiveness of the individual control measures included in the programs.
There are two basic goals of this task: (1) develop appropriate methods for evaluating varying
types of control programs and (2) apply these methods in evaluating and assessing the
effectiveness of the selected programs. The evaluation approach will vary based upon the degree
of information available, and our challenge will be to develop methods that can appropriately be
applied across all programs when evaluating programs that have different levels of data
availability. The exact approach to be taken will be strongly dependent upon the amount of
information available in each area. Continuing discussions with the EPA will be necessary as the
details of the methodologies are developed.
We are currently planning to evaluate the following programs:
San Francisco/Sacramento
Cincinnati
Dallas
Washington D.C / Baltimore
These areas operate episodic programs which are sufficiently different in scope and focus to
represent a wide variety of potential programs and geographic areas. Most of the programs have
been in existence for at least three years and have been collecting data on the program's
effectiveness. Furthermore, several of the programs (Baltimore, San Francisco, and Sacramento),
are currently developing techniques to quantify the impacts of their programs.
THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA AND SACRAMENTO PROGRAMS
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has been operating its "Spare the
Air" ozone episodic control program since 1991, which makes it one of the oldest ozone
programs in the country. The Bay Area was redesignated to attainment for ozone in 1995;
however multiple violations of the federal and state ozone standards have been measured during
the last two years. Since the largest emission source in the Bay Area is motor vehicles and since
measured exceedances are typically marginal, the episodic program is focused on "shaving off the
peaks" and maintaining the attainment status of the area.
The Bay Area has been trying to develop techniques to quantify the program's effectiveness.
Data which are being collected includes: (1) Public awareness data on local air pollution issues
(collected using public opinion survey); (2) transit ridership levels and traffic counts (obtained
from the transportation agency); (3) employee participation rates (collected using surveys
completed by participating employers. For example, a fall 1995 public awareness survey found
that 73 percent of the respondents knew of the program and that 28 percent said they changed
behavior because of the program. This summer (1996) the BAAQMD has begun a pilot project
-------
so
with 11 companies to collect data on changes in employee driving activity. Additional efforts that
the BAAQMD will be pursuing include three spot surveys and free transit in the city of
Livermore. We anticipate being able to incorporate some of these new data into a more
complete evaluation of the program.
Sacramento is a serious nonattainment area for ozone. This program, which is a fairly new one, is
modeled largely after the San Francisco program and is being coordinated with the new San
Joaquin Valley episodic program since they geographically share commuters from both areas. It
is also one of the few programs that has attempted to quantify the reductions in vehicle trips and
emissions as a result of the program. An intensive data collection effort has been undertaken in
the form of annual public opinion surveys and biannual mini-polls after episode days. These data
will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program.
THE CINCINNATI PROGRAM
The Cincinnati program has been in operation since July of 1994 and is managed by the Ohio-
Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Council of Regional Governments. Because this group is the MPO for
Cincinnati, it has been very successful in obtaining CMAQ funding to help support and grow their
program. It appears to be well organized and has creative partnerships to assist in meeting the
program goals. Of significant interest is that $986,000 is budgeted over three years for the
episodic control program and another $1,875 million is budgeted over three years to subsidize the
fare reduction program. This is one of the most well-funded programs examined in our analysis.
As such, we believe that further analysis of this program's organization, education campaign, data
collection efforts, measures of employer and public behavior changes, etc. will provide current
and fledgling programs with a wealth of information. We are aware that OKI has been sharing
artwork and outreach materials with other interested programs We expect to use the information
gained from the Cincinnati analysis to gauge whether lesser funded programs have been successful
and examine if the money Cincinnati spent has been effectively helping to support new programs
because of information sharing efforts..
As a major employer and emission source in the area, Cincinnati Gas and Electric contracted with
NERA (National Economic Research Association) to develop a report titled "Economic Impact of
VOC emission reductions beyond the 15% plan in Cincinnati CMSA." The report quantifies the
economic impact of going to "serious" status. We have not obtained a copy of this analysis but
plan to examine the report and assess its broader implications for other areas. There are also
transit ridership data that we hope to examine during Phase m.
THE DALLAS PROGRAM
The Dallas episodic control program has been operated by the North Central Texas Council of
Government (NCTCOG) with assistance from the Texas Natural Resources Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) since the summer of 1993. The Ozone Alert program has been developed
to assist in bringing the moderate nonattainment area into attainment The NCTOG publishes, on
the world wide web, statistics on the number of alert and exceedance days since 1993. In the last
three years, an average of 24 alert days have been called during each ozone season and an average
of 9 violations per year have been experienced. In 1996, two exceedances of the federal standard
have been measured at two of the Dallas monitoring sites. Historical data have shown that ozone
concentrations have been decreasing over the last 10 years to 3-4 violations per year, however,
15 exceedances were measured in Dallas in 1995.
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51
The Dallas program has one of the largest employer participation programs with 1500 'employers
currently receiving fax notifications on alert days. Many of the larger employers in the area have
committed to reduced lawn maintenance and other activities which can be put off on a short term
basis. Many have also pledged to educate their employees and offer incentives. Texas
Instruments, for example, offers $l/day/carpool and preferential parking for carpools. It has also
built storage lockers and installed showers as part of a bike program and also encourage
telecommuting.
The Dallas program has collected the following data on program effectiveness:
Surveys
Transit ridership
Traffic counts
Stationary source participation
Employee participation
We have begun to collect some of this information, which is particularly interesting since
NCTCOG and TNRCC have tried to collect data from a large variety of different participants
involved in the program. The TNRCC is currently working with NCTCOG to evaluate the
effectiveness of the program.. We would like to examine the data collected by NCTOG and the
techniques under development by TNRCC to evaluate this program.
THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON D.C. PROGRAM
The Washington D.C. and Baltimore episodic control programs (Ozone Action Days) have a
history dating back to 1993 when the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
conducted an internal pilot-forecasting program to test forecasting methodology. In 1994, MDE
launched the color-coded forecasting program in Baltimore, and in 199S, MDE and the
Washington Council of Governments expanded the forecasting program to include the D.C.
region. Currently, between 100 and 150 organizations and business are involved in Ozone Action
Days and it is estimated that 50,000 individuals have heard of the program. The Washington and
Baltimore programs have worked together extensively and, as a result, offer a unique glimpse into
both the positive and negative aspects of collaboration between episodic control programs and the
government agencies which implement them.
Originally, the intent was to conduct a detailed examination of the Philadelphia episodic control
program. This program, however, only began operation in May 1996 and is therefore still in its
infancy. As a result, partnerships and participation levels are predicted to be much lower than in
the Baltimore-D C. program. In addition, Philadelphia's program hires fewer personnel and has a
smaller budget than the Ozone Action Days program. For these reasons, Ozone Action Days was
deemed a more appropriate subject for further study and evaluation.
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5 A
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APPENDIX A
EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM CONTACTS
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5H
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Appendix A - Episodic Control Program Contacts
Location
Program
Contact
EPA
Region
Cilv
pollute
Name
Aeencv/Person
Phone it
Address
Region IQ
Baltimore, MD
Ozone
Ozone Alert
MD Department of Environment,
Caryn Coyle
(410)631-3260
2S00 Broening Hvvy
Baltimore. MD 21224
Washington DC
Ozone
Ozone Action Day
Washington COG, Stephanie
Bankovic/Dana Grabiner
(202)962-3336
(202)962-3360
777 N. Capitol St. NE Suite 300
Washington. DC 20002
Pittsburgh, PA
Ozone
Ozone Action
PA DEP, Southwest PA Ozone
Action Partnership, Betsy
Mallison
(412)392-4503
(412)442-4182
165 Cuny Hollow Road, Pittsburgh,
PA 15236-4604
Philadelphia, PA/
NJ/DE/MD
Ozone
Ozone Action
Delaware Valley Regional
Planning Commission, Ron
Roggenburk
(215)592-1800
Bourse Blvd 8th Floor
1IIS Independence Mall Hast
Philadelphia. PA 19106-5215
Richmond, VA
Ozone
Ozone Advisory
VA Department of Environmental
Quality. Jim Svdnor
(804)698-4424
P.O. Box 10009
Richmond. VA 23240-0009
Region IV
Atlanta, GA
Ozone
Ozone Alert
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce,
Aneli Nugtcren
(404)386-8468
235 International Blvd. NW
Atlanta. GA 30303-2718
Charlotte, NC
Ozone
Ozone Alert
Division of Environmental
Management. Anne Galamb
(919)715-0250
2728 Capital Boulevard
Raleigh. NC 27604
Region V
Chicago, IL
Ozone
Partners for Clean Air /
Ozone Action Days
Northeast Illinois Planning
Comm., Terry Scitzcr
1-800-451-5983
(815)219-6060 (IN)
222 S. Riverside Plaza Suite 1800
Chicago, II. 60605
Milwaukee, W1
Ozone
Wisconsin DNR, Bureau of Air
Management. Lance Green
(608)266-3725
Indianapolis, IN
Ozone
Partners for Clean Air
Indiana Dept of Environmental
Management, Joyce Newland
(317)233-5684
100 N. Senate, Rm 1001
P.O. Box 6015
Indianapolis. IN 46206-6015
Detroit, MI
Ozone
Ozone Action Days
Southeast Michigan COG & Clean
Air Coalition. Deborah Cohen
(313)961-4869
(313)961-4266
660 Plaza Dr. Suite 1900
Detroit Ml 48226
Cincinnati, OH
Ozone
Smog Alert / Do Your
Share for Cleaner Air
Regional Ozone Commission; OKI
Regional Council, Judi Craig
(513) 333 -4741
Regional Ozone Commission
801-B West Eighth St. Suite 400
Cincinnati. OH 45203
Region VI
Tulsa, OK
Ozone
Ozone Alert
Indian Nations Council of
Governments. Glen Travis
(918)584-7526
(918)583-1024 f
201 West 5lh St Suite 600
Tulsa. OK 74103
Texas (Statewide)
Ozone
Ozone Action Day ~
Forecasting
TNRCC (Met. forecasting),
Gregg Nudd. Nadia Springob
(512)239-1000 v
(512)239-1605 f
2124 Park 35 Circle
Austin TX 78711
Dallas / Ft. Worth
TX
Ozone
Ozone Action Day
North Central Texas COG, Troy
Sluckey
(817)695-9218 v
(817)640-7806 f
616 Six Flags Dr. P O. Box 5888,
Arlington, TX 76005-5888
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Location
Program
Contact
EPA
Reeion
Citv
Pollutant
Name
Aeencv/Person
Phone tt
Address
Austin, TX
Ozone
Ozone Action Day
Central Texas Clean Air Force,
Nancv Lockhoof, Faith George
(512)473-9606 v
(512) 473-9611 f
1600 B Smith Rd
Austin, TX 78721
Dcoumonl / Port
Arthur, TX
Ozone
Ozone Action Day
Southeast Texas Regional
Planning Commission, Bob
Dickinson
(409)724-1911
P.O. Box 1387
Nedcrland, TX 77627
Corpus Christi,
TX
Ozone
Ozone Action Day
Corpus Christi (Ozone Task
Force), Bill Heiuiings
(512)880-3222 v
(512) 880 -3839 f
P.O Box 9277
Corpus Christi. TX 78469
Houston /
Galveston. TX
Ozone
Ozone Action Day
City of Houston (Ozone Watch).
Lilibeth Andre
(713)640-4501 v
(713)658-4458 f
500 Jefferson Suite 1800
Houston. TX 77002
San Antonio, TX
Ozone
Ozone Action Day
Alamo Area Air Coalition, Shelley
Wliitworth
(210)225-5201 v
(210)225-5937 f
118 Broadway Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78205
Tyler / Longvicw /
Marshall. TX
Ozone
Ozone Action Day
Northeast Texas Air Care Group,
Pam Ramsey, Jerry Jarboc,
Eastman Chemical Company
(903)237-6080
(903)237-5838 v
(903)237-6318 f
Eastman Chemical Co.
P.O. Box 7444
Longvicw, TX 75607
Albuquerque, NM
PMu>&
CO
Clean Air Campaign
Albuquerque Department of
Environmental Health and Energy,
Alana Eager
(505) 768-2620 v
(505) 768-2617 f
P.O. Box 1293
Albuquerque, NM 87103
Region VO
St. Louis, Ml
Ozone
Spare the Air
St. Louis Regional Clean Air
Partnership; St Louis Regional
Commerce and Growth Assn;
Jay Turner
(314) 935-5480 v
(314)444-1122 f
SL RCGA
100 South Fourth St. Suite 500
St. Louis, MO 63102
Region VQI
Denver, CO
PMio
Clean Air Colorado
Colorado Department of
Transportation, Christopher Dann
(303)692-3281 v
(303)782-5493 f
4201 E. Arkansas Ave.
Denver. CO 80222
Region IX
Phoenix, AZ
Ozone &
CO
Ozone High Air
Pollution Advisory
(Ozone); Residential
Woodbuming
Restriction (CO)
Maricopa County Environmental
Services Department, Johanna
Kuspeit
(602) 506-6710 v
(602) 506-6179 f
2406South24thSt Suite 1- 111
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Sacramento, CA
Ozone,
PMio
Spare the Air
Sacramento Metropolitan Air
Quality Management District,
Kerry Shearer
(916) 386-6180 v
(916) 386-7040 f
8411 Jackson Rd.
Sacramento, CA 95826
San Francisco, CA
Ozone
Spare the Air
Day Area Air Quality Management
District, Teresa Lee
(415)749-4905
(415)956-1811
939 Ellis St
San Francisco, CA 94109
San Joaquin
Valley, CA
Ozone
Spare the Air
San Joaquin Unified Air Pollution
Control District, Josette Merced
Bcllo
(209)497-1075 v
(209)233-0140 f
1999 Toulunuic St.
Fresno, CA 93721
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Location __ .
Proeram
— Contact
EPA
Reeion
Citv
Pollutant
Name
Aeencv/Person
Phone tf
Address
Region X
Seattle, WA
FMto&
Ozone
Woodsniokc
Curtailment (PMio)
Smog Watch (Ozone)
Puget Sound Air Pollution Control
Agency,
Jim Nolan (PMw)
Alice Collingswood, (Ozone)
(206) 343-8800 v
(206) 343-7522 f
(2(16) 689-4043 v
(206) 343-7522 f
110 Union St. Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98101-2038
Northwest WA
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0$
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Appendix B
EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM FACT SHEET
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<*0
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM • FACT SHEET
EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM - FACT SHEET
GENERAL INFORMATION
Name of Respondent (Title):
Area of Expertise:
Agency Affiliation:
Phone #: E-mail:
Names of Additional Contacts: ¦
BASIC PROGRAM INFORMATION
1) Program Name:
2) Geographic Area of Coverage
Cities/State:
Counties:
Attainment Status (CO / PM10 / 03):
3) Implementing Agency/Agencies:
4) Program History
Start Date: ,
End Date:
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM ¦ FACT SHEET
Implementation Milestones (i.e., program phases or major changes in the
program):
5) If the program name includes the word "ozone" (i.e., Ozone Alert Program), has this
been a source of confusion for participants? (For example, participants may mistake
ambient ozone with the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere causing a misunderstanding
about the nature of the problem.)
D The program name does not include the word "ozone". (Skip to Question 7)
D The program name does include the word "ozone" but this has not been
confusing to participants. (Skip to Question 7)
D The program name does include the word "ozone" and this has been
confusing to participants.
6) If the word "ozone" in the program name has been a source of confusion, please specify
all actions being taken to solve this problem. (Check all that apply.)
G No actions are being taken. G Change program name
G Increase public outreach to educate the public about the difference between
ambient ozone (smog) and the ozone layer.
Q Other (Please specify):
PROGRAM SPECIFICS
7) Program Design
7a) Stated Program Goals (Please check all that apply and rank the three most important,
with 1 being the most important and 3 being the least):
G
Public education
rank:
G
To attain air quality standards (NAAQS)
rank:
a
To meet specific emission reduction targets
rank:
a
Congestion management
rank:
a
Economic benefits to the area of staying in
attainment
rank:
a
Health benefits
rank:
a
To maintain the attainment status of the area
rank:
a
Other CPlease specify):
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM • FACT SHEET
The following questions ask about specific actions that can be taken by program participants to
reduce emissions from mobile, area and stationary sources. While many of the choices provided
may be effective means to reduce emissions, please choose only those which are explicitly
recommended by the program.
7b) Specific Travel-Related Suggestions Made to the General Public on Pollution Episode
Days (Check all that apply.):
D No travel-related suggestions are being made
G Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
D Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of
driving alone
D Keep vehicle tuned-up
Q Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
D Work from home (telecommute)
D Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
G Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
G Change work schedules to avoid the commute
G Other {Please specify): '
7c) Specific Suggestions being Made to the Public on Pollution Episode Davs to Reduce Area
Source Emissions {Check all that apply)'.
G No suggestions are made to the public to reduce area source emissions
G Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
G Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
G Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting,
degreasing, etc)
G Other {Please specify):
7d) Does the program include a company participation element whereby local businesses notify
their employees when an air pollution episode occurs and inform them of actions they can
take to help?
G Yes 0 No (Skip to Question 7g)
3
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM • FACT SHEET
7e) Specific Travel-Related Suggestions that the Program Encourages Companies to Make to
Their Employees on Pollution Episode Davs (Check all that apply):
D No measures are suggested by the program
D Use alternative modes of transportation for the commute to and from work
(car/vanpools, transit, etc)
0 Avoid driving at lunch time (eat lunch at work)
D Keep vehicle tuned-up
D Work from home (telecommute)
0 Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
D Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
D Change work schedules to avoid the commute
D Other (Please specify):
7f) Temporary Policy Changes that the Program Encourages Companies to Make on Pollution
Episode Davs (Check all that apply):
D No measures are suggested by the program
D Postpone fleet refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.).
G Use fleet vehicles to attend lunch and meetings
Q Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
D Other (Please specify):
7g) Does the program include a stationary source element whereby participating industries
voluntarily take actions to reduce emissions on pollution episode days?
D Yes D No (Skip to Question 7i)
7h) Specific Suggestions made to Stationary Sources on Pollution Episode Davs (Check all
that apply) :
D Reduce high-emitting production activities
0 Avoid maintenance activities (painting, degreasing, tank cleaning, etc)
G Postpone landscaping activities (lawn mowing, tractor & backhow use, etc.)
G Switch to cleaner burning fuels
G Other (Please specify):'
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM - FACT SHEET
7i) Forecasting Pollution Episodes:
Agency or organization providing the weather forecasts:
Agency or organization forecasting the pollution episodes:
Standards/methodologies used for making pollution episode determinations:
Parameters examined to forecast episode day:
Method used to forecast episode day:
D Persistence D Meteorological Intuition
D Empirical Q Algorithm based
~ Other (Please specify)-.
Please discuss how the method was developed:
Please discuss how accurate the method is and whether data on accuracy are
available:
7j) Groups Notified of a Forecasted Pollution Episode (Check all that apply)'.
~
Television stations
Method of notification (fax, phone, etc):
~
Radio stations
Method of notification (fax, phone, etc):
~
Newspapers
Method of notification (fax, phone, etc):
~
Participating Stationary Sources
Method of notification (fax, phone, etc):
~
Participating Employers
Method of notification (fax, phone, etc):
~
Gas stations
Method of notification (fax, phone, etc):
~
Other (Please specify):
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM - FACT SHEET
After being notified of a pollution episode, how do the television stations report this
information to the public? Check all that apply, (skip this question if television
stations are not notified)
D Mentioned in the news report 0 Discussed in the weather forecast
D A public service announcement is broadcast
D Other (Please specify):
After being notified of a pollution episode, how do the newspapers report this
information to the public? Check all that apply, (skip this question if newspapers are
not notified)
Q Included with the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) report
D Mentioned in an article
D Space is allocated for an announcement
D Other (Please specify):
After being notified of a pollution episode, how do the radio stations report this
information to the public? Check all that apply, (skip this question if radio stations
are not notified)
Q. A public service announcement is broadcast
. D Radio hosts make announcements
D Mentioned in the news report
D Other (Please specify): •
After being notified of a pollution episode, how do the gas stations report this
information to the public? Check all that apply, (skip this question if gas stations are not
notified)
G Through the use of gas station flags
D Messages on gas pumps
D Other (Please specify):
Education/Outreach
Agency/organization in charge of public education & outreach:
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(c7
EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM - FACT SHEET
Methods used to inform the public about the program (Check all that apply):
D Television advertisements D Radio advertisements
0 Newspaper advertisements D Billboard advertisements
D Internet web site D Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
D Public education booths at community events
D Creation and dissemination of public education materials
D Provide information to participating employees through their employers
D Other (Please specify):
Was a survey conducted, or is one being planned, to establish a baseline of existing
knowledge about the program? D Yes D No (Skip to Question 71)
Was a follow up survey conducted, or is one being planned, to test the effectiveness
of the outreach program? D Yes D No
7n Lepal Authority
Are there any local or state laws/regulations that mandate the existence of the program?
~ No
D Yes (If Yes, please specify the law or regulation) :
lrn\ T«flfnrceahle Commitments
Is the program included in a State Implementation Plan (SIP) or maintenance plan or
do stationary sources include it in their permits?
~ Yes ~ No
8) Program Funding and Administration
8a) P.inriin? Sources for Each Agency Involved in the Program
In the spaces below please provide the funding source for each agency, and the
funding duration (i.e., year long or seasonal funding).
7
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM- FACT SHEET
Aeencv Funding Source Funding Duration
Example: APCD ISTE4. CAl-lO Seasonal (May • Sept)
8b) Budget
1998 Budget:
In the spaces provided below please provide a budget breakdown for each budget area (i.e.,
administration, public outreach, data collection etc):
Aeencv Budget Area Amount
Example: APCD Administration $75,000/ yr
APCD Public outreach 525,000/yr
ABC Consultant Analysis $25,000/yr
Is the program's current fiscal year (1998) budget an adequate amount of funding to fulfill the
programs goals? D Yes D No
How would the program use an additional $100,000?
How would the program use an additional $200,000? .
8c) In-Kind Contributions (Donations, Services Provided by Corporations/Agencies):
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROCFL-i\{ - FACT SHEET
8d) Staffing (.For each category below, please indicate the number of staff working on the
episodic control program)
Paid Volunteer Total
Number of full-time staff (or full-time
equivalents) at the main agency implementing
the program
Number of full-time staff (or full-time
equivalents) at other agencies affiliated
with the program
9) Program Participation
9a) Predicted Participation Levels:
Were estimates of participation levels made prior to the start of the program?
D Yes D No (Skip to the Question 9b)
If Yes, please indicate the predicted number of participants for each of the
following groups:
#
Stationary sources
Employers
Individual drivers
Users of non-road engines (garden equipment, etc)
Users of woodburning stoves
Other (,Please specify):
Qht Actual Participation Levels:
Are actual program participation levels being tracked?
D Yes D No (Skip to the Question 9c)
If Yes, please indicate the number ofparticipants for each of the following
groups:
#
Stationary sources
Employers
Individual drivers
Users of non-road engines (garden equipment, etc)
Users of woodburning stoves
Other (Please specify):
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM - FACT SHEET
9c) Incentives Offered to Encourage Employer Participation:
D Public recognition Li Flexibility on local permits
D Other (Please specify)-.
9d) Incentives Offered bv Employers to Encourage Participation bv their Employees:
D No incentives are being offered Q Free or discounted transit fares
D Allow flexible work schedules G Free or discounted lunches
D Preferential parking for car/vanpools
~ Guaranteed emergency rides home for employees who car/vanpool or take
transit
D Other (Please specify):
9e) Incentives-Offered to Encourage Participation bv the General Public (Check all
that apply):
D No incentives are being offered 0 Free transit
Q Transit discounts G Auto repair / tune-up discounts
G Monetary rewards
G Other (Please specify): .
9f) Data Collected to Estimate Participation Levels (Check all that apply):
0. No data is being collected G Transit ridership levels
G Gas sales data G Traffic counts
G Employee participation rates provided by participating employers
G Information provided by participating stationary sources
G Information provided by participating companies which use non-road engines
(i.e., landscaping companies reporting that they didn't use lawn mowers for the
day)
0 Other (Please specify):
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM - FACT SHEET
10) Program Evaluation
10a) What were the original expectations about the effectiveness of the program?
10b) How was the participation data collected in Question 9f? {Check all that apply):
D Surveys completed by the general public
D Surveys completed by participating stationary sources and companies/employers
0 Communication with participating stationary sources and companies/employers
via telephone, fax, e-mail, or in-person interview.
G Received gas sales data from oil companies & refineries
Q Received transit ridership level data from transit agency
D Other (Please specify):
10c) Are there other data that you would like to have collected that >ou did not?
~ No
D Yes (Please specify) :
lOd) Was a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of the program performed?
~ No
D Yes (.Please discuss) : '
lOe) Have any other organizations evaluated the program?
~ No
D Yes {Please discuss) : '
11
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EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM - FACT SHEET
lOf) In the space provided please discuss any problems or pitfalls that were encountered during
the implementation or evaluation of the program.
lOg) In the space provided please discuss what parts of the program have been most successful.
-------
Additional Questions for Phone Interview
• Is the program completely voluntary or are there circumstances (such as very bad air quality
days) where participation by certain groups is mandatory?
• Is your program modeled after another program? If Yes, which program?
• Is your program collaborating with another? If Yes, what is the nature of the collaboration?
• Follow-ups for Question 7k:
If surveys have been conducted to test the baseline knowledge of the program and the
effectiveness of the outreach efforts, can we get a copy of the survey and of the results?
When were the surveys conducted?
Number of people responding (% responding)?
• Follow-ups for Question 9f:
If no data is currently being collected are there future plans for doing so?
i
• Follow-ups for Question lOd:
If a quantitative analysis of the program was performed, can we get information about the
methodology used and a copy of the findings?
1
Were emissions reductions calculated (i.e. lbs/day of program operation)?
Was costs per unit emissions reduced calculated (annual costs per days of program operation)?
• Do you think the program has had an impact on air pollution levels?
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IS
-------
Appendix C
EPISODIC CONTROL PROGRAM PROFILES
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Atlanta, Georgia
Austin, Texas
Baltimore, Maryland
Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas
Charlotte, North Carolina
Chicago, Illinois
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Corpus Christi, Texas
Dallas-Ft Worth, Texas
Denver, Colorado
Detroit, Michigan
Houston-Galveston, Texas
Indiana Programs
Longview, Marshal, Tyler, Texas
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Northwest, Washington
Olympia, Washington
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phoenix, Arizona (CO)
Phoenix, Arizona (ozone)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Portland, Oregon
Richmond, Virginia
Sacramento, California
San Antonio, Texas
San Francisco, California
San Joaquin Valley, California
Seattle, Washington (ozone)
Seattle, Washington (PM1#)
Spokane, Washington
St Louis, Missouri
Toledo, Ohio
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Washington, D.C.
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7&
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PROGRAM PR0FJLE-AL3U0UER0UE. SM
Episodic Control Program Profile—Albuquerque, NM
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/O3):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: No Specific Budget
Paid Volunteer Total
§ Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 6-8 6-8
• Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 0 0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Billboard advertisements
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
• Citation/fines for burning
Describe the most effective part of public outreach program: The program tried to establish a
symbol to display on alert days; however, each TV station developed its own symbol to display
during the broadcast during episode days. The program has also developed phone stickers,
refrigerator magnets, and balloons that are given out with the programs hotline and have been
distributed to the public via mechanisms such as water bills. The phone line contains information
about the status of the day and program information. They also do targeted media blitzes during
different months, offering incentives such as free emission tests to promote the program.
Winter Pollution Advisory
Albuquerque, NM
CO
Attainment- CO (Previous NA)
Albuquerque APCD
October 1988
1. Maintain AQ status
2. Public Education / Health Benefits
3. Congestion Management/reduce SOV use, VMT
Yes (City No Burn Ordinances)
Yes (Included in SIP)
Funding Source(s): APCD
l
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IS
PROGRAM PROFILE-ALBUOUEROUE. SM
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned up
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using woodstoves and fireplaces
• Employees cannot obtain entrance/parking with valid certificate (AFB)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: All vehicles driven onto the
Kirkland Air Force Base must be certified as passing the state I/M test, even if registered outside
of the state (this is a federal law). The program is a two-phase program with yellow alerts (wlich
are like warnings) called when the day next is forecast to be an alert day. A red alert corresponds
to the mandatory wood burning restrictions. The yellow alert, which is called by 11:00, is focused
on reducing woodburning activities for that evening and reducing driving activities for the
morning commute.
Participation & Incentives
• 300 Employers
• General public
• 10-20 Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: Free Transit, citation/fine (woodburning)
Companies: Public recognition (through transit dept.)
Employees: All measures listed below are encouraged,
free or discounted transit
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedule
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Improvement of area visibility has been a secondary incentive of the program. Pinon wood has
been traditionally burned in the area; however, this type of wood is very smoky when burning.
Implementation of the program, with the ban on wood burning, has therefore resulted in much
visibly cleaner skies with the public can see and has responded favorably to. Notice of violations
(NO) are issued to the public if the initial warning notice, mailed to the house, is not followed.
Violations of the wood burning regulations (except for homes with a sole source, low income or
medical variance) are considered a misdemeanor and contain potential fee and jail time. A CNG
bus/trolley shuttle has been operated between two local shopping centers during the Christmas
shopping season. Demand for the shuttle service has grown every year.
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: NWS, Accuweather, Weather Net / APCD
Parameters Examined: Morning SKW Sounding, surface/upper air pressure & temp
CO concentrations, day of week, time of year
Criteria to setting forecast day: n/a
2
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"II
PROGRAM PROFILE—,ALBVOUEROUE, SM
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
ETA/NGM models, meteorological intuition, empirical tech.
Greater than 90% accuracy, All CO episodes for past 8
years have occurred during forecasted No-burn periods
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and in the weather report and
broadcast public service announcement. Radio hosts make announcements, broadcast public
service announcements, and mention the air quality status in news reports. The public is also
shown a "No burn" icon during the TV news. The newspapers display the special icon on the
front page. The Albuquerque APCD has a Winter Pollution Advisory phone system which plays a
recorded message concerning the status of an alert day (accessible 24 hours a day).
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Violations, field enforcement
Other Data Desired: Effectiveness of voluntary no-drive part of program
Analysis of Data: Reduced number of smoking chimneys
Emission Estimated: a/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Current ambient measurements indicate the carbon monoxide values are typically 3% of the values
measured previous to program implementation. They have found that the compliance rate of the
program, for the mandatory measures, is excellent. In addition, most new developments in the
area do not include traditional wood fireplaces, gas log stoves are now more common. They are
now beginning to examine transit ridership data and employee participation data.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: (1) Safety of
field personnel and staff during enforcement of no-burn events with property owners. While most
owners are apologetic, some are confrontational. Inspector now notify the violators via the U.S.
mail since most people currently have knowledge of the program. (2) Assessing the value of the
program has been difficult since it isn't the only control measure used to reduce CO
concentrations (e.g. I/M, oxy fuels).
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: Public awareness about air quality
issues and individual contributions has been a great ally. Limited calling on no-bum days only on
days when necessary has helped to build public confidence in program.
3
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PROGRAM PROFILE - A TLANTA. CA
Episodic Control Program Profile—Atlanta, GA
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PMIO/ 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Ozone Advisory Program
Metro Atlanta, GA
Ozone
Serious - 03
GA Department of Natural Resources - Air Protection
Branch, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power,
CDC, National Weather Service, Media
1994
1. Public Education
2. Health Benefits
3. Congestion Management
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: None
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
U Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Funding Source(s): None
Paid Volunteer Total
0 1 1
0 8 8
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Internet web site (in development)
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
• Press releases
Describe the most effective part ofpublic outreach program: n/a
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpoob, transit, etc.) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tunedup
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
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u
PROGRAM PROFILE — ATLANTA. GA
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
None
None
n/a
n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant:
Emission Reduction Ratio:
n/a
n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: Developing a
forecasting method was difficult. Because of this, it would have been helpful to have an approved
forecasting method to use. They have had difficulty finding other programs with proven
forecasting methodology. EPA might play a significant role in outlining forecasting methods and
facilitating contact between episodic control programs. Another difficulty encountered is that the
media occasionally reports the ozone forecasts incorrectly. They are currently working to assist
the media in reporting the correct forecast.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: the cooperative, volunteer attitudes of
all involved has been a very positive aspect of the program. They have spent no money in
implementing the program but have still been successful in generating significant media attention.
3
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Vt
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PROGJfMPROFILE—AUSTIN. TX
Episodic Control Program Profile—Austin, TX
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/O3):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Clean AIR Force
Central Texas (Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos)
03
Attainment for CO, PM10, and 03
Travis County Extension Service,
Austin Transportation Study
1993
1. Public education
2. To maintain the attainment status of the area
3. Health Benefits
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $100,000
Funding Source(s): ISTEA, Austin general fund, in-kind
contributions
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
0.5
2.0
Volunteer Total
0.5
2.0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program:
Radio advertisements
Internet web site
Workshops (for school, industry, the public)
Public education booths at community events
Creation and dissemination of public education materials
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe most effective part of public outreach program: n/a
l
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PROGRAM PROFILE-AUSTIN. TX
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools. transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tunedup
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid the used of wood stoves and fireplaces
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
• Use fleet vehicles to attend lunch/meetings (companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings (companies)
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• General public
• 115 Employers/agencies
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Transit discounts, Free transit, Auto repair/tune-up discounts
Companies: Public recognition
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
NWS. TNRCC / TNRCC
Temp, WS, WD, ozone (all forecast parameters)
7:00 am temp > 90F, WS < 7knots, 10am-4pm ave,
WS<7 knots, 6050 ppm
WS/WD critical parameters, use meteorological intuition,
empirical relationships and a statistical model based on
nested grid model
State meteorologists > 80 years experience, data is
maintained on accuracy, some years are better than others.
2
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Notification Mechanisms
n
PROGRAM PRO FILE-A I S77.V, TX
Television stations Method of notification: fax
Radio stations Method of notification: fax
Newspapers Method of notification: fax
Participating Stationary Sources Method of notification : fax
Employers Method of notification: fax
Stationary Sources Method of notification : fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and the weather report while
newspapers set asid space for a special announcements. Radio stations broadcast public service
announcements and mention it in news stories.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Transit ridership levels
Other Data Desired: More transit ridership data (ridership levels on Ozone Action Days),
carpool/vanpool ridership data
Analysis of Data: No
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program:
• Lack of funding to develop and implement a program evaluation strategy
Parts of the program that have been the most successful:
• Advance notification of employers of Ozone Action Days popular and well-received— 115
agencies/employers currently on the list
• Regional cooperation of educational/outreach efforts. State agency facilitation of teacher
training on air quality issues.
5
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Oh-oh, Ozone
http://earth.tac.or...at/may96/C!one.htr
*
May 199(5
Oh-oh, Ozone:
Why ozone is sometimes good, sometimes bad
by Nancy Lockhoff
Austin Clean Air Force
Ozone is a molecule having a split personality. In the upper stratosphere we have the good
ozone that protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. In the lower troposphere at
ground level, ozone, the main component of smog, is a toxic gas that aggravates lung
problems. It can make normal breathing more difficult and can contribute to the premature
death of people with heart and lung disease. Symptoms can be much worse for older
people, babies, asthmatics or anyone who doesn't have normal resistance to bacteria and
viruses. Scientific studies are also showing that air pollution can have long-term effects on
lung capacity and even the development of lung disease itself. Our lungs defend us against
air pollution, but air pollution places an additional stress on the body's defenses making us
more susceptible to disease.
The Clean AIR Force, a coalition of public and private entities committed to improving air
quality, encourages individuals to take action to help reduce air pollutants and thus keep
ground level ozone at healthy levels. One simple rule of thumb is to reduce the use of any
gasoline burning engine. That means driving less and using gasoline powered equipment
like lawnmowers, jet skis, power boats, etc. less.
Exceeding the federal standard of 120 parts of ozone per billion, four days within a three
year period could result in nonattainment status and economic sanctions. The 120 ppb
guideline is considered unhealthy by the federal government, but several studies cited by
the American Lung Association also show health problems at 80 ppb, and EPA is currently
studying the standard.
Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and nitrogen oxide emissions
react in sunlight Temperatures in the 90's, no clouds in the sky, and not a breath of wind
are conditions favorable to ozone formation.
One of the major man-controlled culprits of ozone is transportation. Since the early 70's
emissions from new vehicles have been going down, but the big problem is that we are
putting more and more vehicles on our roadways, and the overload is beginning to take its
toll. This coupled with the fact that older cars generally emit more pollutants is offsetting
1 nf 2
09/17/96 10:15:(
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Qh-ch, Ozam
http ://sart h. t ac. or,. .at/may96/ozona.htrr
technological gains. The new cars of today produce 60-80 percent less pollution than a car
Mass transit is definitely one solution as is carpooling, biking, walking, telecommuting.
Living close to work should be a major consideration. Purchasing vehicles that get better
gas mileage or that run on cleaner fuels like compressed natural gas is also part of the
solution. Over a car's life a car that gets 27.5 mpg will emit 37.71 tons of C02 whereas a
car that gets only 18 mpg will emit 57.75 tons.
Combine errands. More than half of auto emissions come from just starting up the car
therefore bicycling or walking short distances can make a major contribution toward
cleaner air. The emissions from one poorly maintained vehicle equals the emissions from
25 properly functioning maintained vehicles so that too can make a major contribution.
The same goes for lawnmower and boat motors.
Topping off the gas tank when you go past the first click should be a thing of the past.
Those excess vapors contribute to air pollution.
Dirty air is very expensive in terms of health costs and sick days from work and thus lost
productivity. The American Lung Association estimates that the health costs associated
with outdoor air pollution alone are 40 to 50 billion a year. So even the people who are not
presently experiencing lung problems pay the price. "If we cant breathe, nothing else
matters."
of the 60's.
GreeaSeat recommends Netscape 1.1. or a
compatible browser.
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Ozone Action Days
http:yyearth.t8c.or. ..may96/advisory.htrr
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Ozone Action Days
by Elizabeth Carmack
Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission
Ozone is the most prevalent air pollution problem in Texas and across the
nation. The Ozone Action Days Program supports communities that encourage
citizens to voluntarily take steps to reduce this air pollutant.
Through the program, meteorologists at the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission (TNRCC) forecast when conditions will be right to
produce high ozone concentrations in seven metropolitan areas. Forecasts are
issued by 2 p.m. the day before expected high levels. Community coalitions incorporate
this information into local campaigns that urge the public, businesses and industry to
reduce ozone pollution.
The ozone season in Texas is from April through October. During the 1996 season,
forecasts are being issued for Austin Beaumont-Port Arthur. Corpus Christi. Dallas-Fort
Worth. Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, and San Antonio . (TNRCC also keeps online data
for El Paso but does not make forecasts for the area at this ti me.)
To forecast an Ozone Action Day, TNRCC staff members compare an area's weather
forecast for the next day to area weather conditions found during previous high ozone
days. They rely on the National Weather Service's forecast of the next day's wind
direction, wind speed, temperature, cloud cover, and probability of precipitation. They also
consider whether the area's current ozone level is high, because it can indicate what the
next day's concentration will be.
Ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds combine in
sunlight. Sources of these pollutants include fuel-burning engines in cars and lawn mowers,
as well as some industry and power plants. Hot, sunny summer days with little wind are
perfect for ozone formation.
At the request of some communities, the TNRCC will re-evaluate the ozone and weather
conditions on the morning of an Ozone Action Day, and cancel the forecast if necessary.
If you live in one of the participating communities and want to check on Ozone Action
Day forecasts, call the TNRCC's toll free environmental hotline at 1-800-64TEXAS. It is
1 of 2
09/17/96 10:13:1
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Ozone Action Days http://aarth.tac.or..jnav96/advisory.htr
I
updated each morning and afternoon. Forecast information and ozone concentrations
measured by the TNRCC in Texas communities can be found on the Internet. This
information is updated daily.
The TNRCC provides web sites with general information about air quality in Texas.
Tibia of ContaM I Pollution A Health I Advuotv D»v» I flh-nh Cfmtm | Saredmi I The N«t I Mum I Arehiv
GrecnBcat recommends Netscape 1.1. or a
compatible browser.
Send comments to T.EX» ATlT
greenbeat@eaith.tec.org
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PROGRAM PROFILE—BALTIMORE. MD-WASHIKGTOS'. DC
Episodic Control Program Profile—Baltimore, MD
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutants) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PM10
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
plan
Is the program enforceable?
ENDZONE - Partners to End Ground Level Ozone
Ozone Action Days
Baltimore-Washington, DC
Ozone
/ 03):Baltimore-Severe Nonattainment for ozone,
DC - Serious Nonattainment for ozone
MD Department of die Environment (MDE), Baltimore
Metropolitan Council (BMC), Washington Council of
Governments (COG)
Spring 1994 (forecasting), Fall 1995 (Ozone Action Days)
1. Public Education
2. Health Benefits
3. To Attain Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Other: Conformity
Yes (included in the contingency plan for the post-96 ROP
for Baltimore)
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $1,500,000 from MD (for D.C. as well)
$15,000 from Amoco
Funding Source(s): Maryland
Department of Transportation,
Amoco Foundation
Paid Volunteer Total
• Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 4 (MDE) 4
• Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 4 (COG, BMC, UMD) 4
They are currently in die process of defining the roles of die participating agencies.
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
. internet web site (www. meto.umd.edu/~ryaa/ozone_fcsthtmi or
w-ww.mde.state.ind.us/arma/Airqulty/airqual.htmi)
• Public education booths at community events
• rr~»Hnn and Hiewmtnarion of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
1
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it
PROGRAM PROFILE-BALTIMORE, MD-WASHINGTON. DC
• TV Public Service Announcements
• Ozone map shown during TV weather report
Describe the most effective part of public outreach program: N/A
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tunedup
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Avoid excessive idling
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (Area Source)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid (Area Source)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (Area Source)
• Defer use of household consumer products that release fumes (Area Source)
• Change work schedule to avoid the commute (Employees)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (Companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings (Companies)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
• Act as a core leadership group by setting an example for citizens (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: N/A
Participation & Incentives
• 100-150 organizations and businesses participate
• As a result, at least 50,000 people have heard of ozone action days
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: Free Transit (Montgomery county)
Companies: Public Recognition and the prospect of avoiding future regulations
Employees: Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Some employers give out stickers, t-shirts, and totebags
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: University of Maryland, VADEQ, MDDEQ
Parameters Examined: Forecast algorithms based on historical climatology and
ozone monitoring site data. The algorithms are augmented
by real time data and forecaster expertise
Criteria to setting forecast day: A coding system is used to forecast ozone levels: Code
2
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<15
PROGRAM PROFILE-BALTIMORE. MD-WASHINGTON. DC
Green (good air quality) 0-62 ppb, Code Yellow (moderate
air quality) 63-109 ppb, Code Orange (approaching
unhealthful air quality) 110-124 ppb, and Code Red
(unhealthful air quality) 125 ppb or greater. MDE reports
air quality using the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI)
showing pollution concentrations as a number on a
scale of 0 to 100+. The PSI is posted under 'Today's
Weather' in the Baltimore Sun. The conversion of PSI to
the color coded forecast is as follows: Code Green - 0 to
50 PSI, Code Yellow - 51 to 88 PSI, Code Orange - 89 to
99 PSI, Code Red - 100+ PSI. An Ozone Alert is called if
there is a Code Red or Code Yellow reading in both
Baltimore and D.C. Ozone concentrations are reported in
ppb on the ozone map used to illustrate ozone levels
throughout the Maryland area. Forecasts, however, are
shown using the PSI.
Method us€d to forecast day: Once the University of Maryland forecast is received, a
decision is made concerning which code to use. Partners
and the media are then notified of the decision and are
encouraged to take appropriate actions.
Accuracy: Forecaster sends out the correct message 80-90% of the
time
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Employers
Stationary Sources
Gas stations
Method of notification :
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
Method of notification :
fax. phone, web site
fax, phone, web site
fax, phone, web site
fax, web site
fax, web site
Amoco and Crown Central Petroleum notify their gas
stations
Television stations mention the alert day in the news report and the weather report. A special
ozone map has been developed to show varying levels of ozone in different parts of the episode
area. Newspapers report air quality with the Pollutant Standard Index, mention it in articles, and
allot space for announcements. Radio hosts make announcements and mention the action day in
the news report Amoco gas stations fly flags and fliers and posters are given to all gas stations to
hand out.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Three surveys
Other Data Desired: N/A
Analysis of Data: Some
Fmiccinn Estimated: Preliminary analysis is being conducted
Emiss reduction per participant: N/A
3
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<\1o
PROGRAM PROFILE—BALTIMORE. S fD-WASHINCTON. DC
Cost per participant: N/A
Emission Reduction Ratio: N/A
Prior to beginning the program, three surveys were conducted by the Gallup Organization to
gather information on public perceptions regarding air quality. Survey one, the "General
Awareness" survey, was designed to gain an understanding of the level of public education and
commitment to air quality issues. The second survey, "Identifying Early Adopters" attempted to
ascertain the percentage of individuals who are knowledgeable of the air quality problems in the
Baltimore area and who are willing to take action on an individual basis. The third survey dealt
with area businesses and their level of awareness of air quality issues.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program:
The Endzone Steering Committee, chaired by members of the private sector, supposedly had
authority to spend money but in reality, did not. This caused considerable delays in producing
much needed educational materials. Various roles of agencies were never clearly defined. The
challenge was to build a program implemented by agencies with a history of strained relations.
They are currently working to insure that next summer is more successful.
MDE had been working on a voluntary ozone reduction program (project Blue Skies) since the
summer of 1995. Blue Skies had a significant number of partners (20-30) when MDE fused the
program with ENDZONE to create a regional program (Ozone Action Days). Because MDE is a
regulatory agency, it had a longstanding relationship with many of the businesses who participated
and, therefore, had a strong base of partners, many of whom submitted Ozone Action Day plans.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful:
The Ozone Action Day program has been deemed a success this year, despite the many
bureaucratic hurdles they had to address. Collaboration with participants has been the most
successful aspect of the program. A very positive kickoflf event included Governor Glendening,
Administrator Browner, Senator Sarbanes, Congressman Cardin, and a very large turnout from
partners. A great deal of success has been achieved by meeting with current and potential
partners on an individual baas, often more than once. Attempts to recruit new partners through
mass mailings have not been very successful They have found that recruiting partners requires
personal contact and guidance from the implementing agencies.
4
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Air Quality :orac«t For August 13. 1996
11
http"J/wwwjnwcoa.or...ogyd«pyairqualJ
Forecast Valid Through Sunset, Tuesday, August 13,1996
Air Quality Forecast
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
777 North Capitol Street, N.E., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20002
For Immediate Release Contacts: Dana Grabiner (202) 962-3360
The Air Quality On Monday, August 12 Was good
"Code Green" Ozone Forecast for Tuesday, August 13,1996
4:30 p.m., Washington, D.C.-The Council of Govemments(COG) has issued a "Code Green" ozone
forecast indicating that the air quality is expected to be good on August 13 in the Washington
metropolitan region. The air quality on August 12 was good with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37 for
ground-level ozone.
The Washington region's worst air quality problem is ozone, an odorless, colorless gas that poses health
problems at ground level. On a typical summer day, about 60 to 70 percent of the pollutants that cause
ozone are created from cars, lawnmowers, other garden equipment, and common household products.
For these reasons, COG recommends that residents make the extra effort to:
~ Carpool or use transit when possible.
~ Keep cars and boats tuned up.
~ Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.
Above certain concentrations, ground-level ozone can cause lungdamage, eye irritation, breathing
difficulties, coughing and chestpain. Children, the elderly, healthy individuals working or exercising out
doors, and those with respiratory and heart ailments are particularly affected when ozone levels are high.
COG provides daily air quality forecasts at approximately 4:45 p.m. during the summer ozone season. If
the forecast changes, an update will be issued by 10:30 a.m. the following day.
1 of 2 08/13/96 08:2-
Good Air Quality Expected
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Air Quality Forecast For August 13, 1996 http:V/v-ww.mwcog.or...og/dep/airquaJ.r
For Related University of Maryland Weather and Air Quality Forecast, Click here
For Maryland Air Quality Information, Click here
For South Coast Air Quality Management District Homepage, Click here
Links To Regional Weather Channels
The Weather Channel
WRC-TV Channel 4 Washington
Return To MWCOG Homepage
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Today's Air Quality
http ://www .mde .stat.. .rquity/airqual .ht
MARYLAND'S CURRENT AIR QUALITY IS
INDICATING GOOD AIR QUALITY!
MARYLAND'S AIR QUALITY FORECAST
Baltimore
Region
MJiiJJJSX-JJSWJJiX'X'H
Washington
Region
Today's Forecast
tss
Tomorrow's Forecast
TO BE UPDATED
(S 4:30 p.m.
TO BE UPDATED:
(& 4:30 p.m.
* Maryland's Air Quality Forecast is updated at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Look here for the Ozone Forecast Technical Discussion
Scroll down to see what you can do to help dean the air!
The Maryland Department of the Environment uses a color-coded scheme to forecast ground-level ozone
levels in the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. The color scheme used is listed below.
* ^
J **
i
CODE GREEN: good air quality-ozone levels to be less ttian 61 parts per billion (ppb)
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160
Today's Air Quality
http :JIwww .mde .st; it... rqutty/airquai .htr
CODE YELLOW, moderate air qualitv-ozone levels to be between 61 and 110 ppb
CODE ORANGE: approaching unhealthy -ozone levels to be between 111 and 124 ppb
C CODE RED: unhealthy air quality-ozone levels to be equal to or greater than 125 ppb
Throughout the ozone smog season (May through September) and
when air quality is CODE GREEN, residents are urged to:
~ Carpool, use transit, bike or walk when possible.
~ Keep cars and boats tuned-up.
~ Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.
When air quality is moderate and a CODE YELLOW is issued,
residents are urged to:
~ Consolidate trips and errands.
~ Limit vehicle idling when possible.
~ Conserve electricity and set air conditioners to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
When air quality approaches or is forecasted for unhealthful ozone
levels and a CODE ORANGE is issued, residents should:
~ Refuel cars after dusk to limit daytime pollution releases.
~ Avoid mowing lawns with gasoline-powered mowers.
~ Share a ride or drive only the best maintained vehicle.
When air quality reaches or is forecasted for unhealthful ozone
levels and a CODE RED is issued, residents are strongly urged to:
~ Limit driving and, when possible; combine errands.
~ Use area bus and rail lines, or share a ride to work.
~ Avoid mowing lawns with gasoline-powered mowers.
~ Refuel cars after dusk.
Also, the Maryland Department of the Environment reports air quality using the Pollutant Standard Index
(PSI). The PSI converts measured pollution concentrations to a number on a scale of 0 to 500. Today's
Pollution Standard Index can be found under Today's Weather in the Baltimore Sun and the Washington
Post, or by calling the Air Quality Hotline at (410) 631-3247. A conversion of PSI to the Color Coded
Forecast is found below.
Pollutant Standard Index
-------
Today's Air Quality
(01
http://wwwjTide.st at...rquivy/airqud.htn
Pollutant Standard Index
Pollutant
Standard
Index
Reading
(PSD
Corresponding
Color Coded
Forecast
Description j
0-50
Code Green
. Good Air Quality j
51-88
Code Yellow
Moden re Air Quality |
89-99
Code Orange
Approaching Unhealthfiil Levels)
| 100+
Code Red
Unhealthful Air Quality |
For more air quality information, call MDE's Air Quality
Hotline at (410) 631-3247
For additional air quality information, check out:
the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government's Air Quality Page
The University of Maryland's Ozone Forecasting Page
Ground-level ozone pollution is a serious problem in urban areas such as the Baltimore and Washington
regions. To find out more information on ground-level ozone visit the Ozone Information Page.
OI0N(
MOIVMATMN
PACf
H#MI Nil MDE
HOMI MCI
O A
-------
\ok
Today's Air Quality
http :llwww mda .stat.. .rqulty/atrqual .h
Today's Air Quality I ARMA Programs I Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
Ozone Information Page IARMA Home Page IMDE Home Page
For comments or more information _
Randy Mosier or Rob Sariscak at mdearmaw.charm.net
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MARYLAND OZONE FORECAST
¦03
http://www.meto .umd.. .yan/ozone fest .frun
1#
HL
¦
OZONE FORECAST J
OPERATIONS
CENTER
DEPARTMENT of
METEOROLOGY
University of Maryland
wwlevel ozone forecast
BALTIMORE
GOOD
WASHINGTON
GOOD
Forecast Issued: August 13,1996,1030 EDT
Forecast Valid: August 13,1996
FORECAST DETAILS BELOW
********** FOR BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Consensus Forecast (UM/MDE): 44 ppbv
University of Maryland Forecast: 40 ppbv
1996 Regression Forecast: 42 ppbv
1995 Regression Forecast: 49 ppbv
************* For WASHINGTON, DC ****
Consensus Forecast (UM/MDE): 44 ppbv
University of Maryland Forecast: 40 ppbv
1996 Regression Forecast: 33 ppbv
1995 Regression Forecast: 26 ppbv
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Forecast discussion:
i of 2
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IflH
MARYLAND OZONE FORECAST
http .7/www.meto .umd... yan/ozon«_f est .ht
The ozone forecast for Tuesday is unchangedfrom the previous day. In addition to the cooI
temperatures and maritime flow over the region, precipition is forecastedfor most of the day Tuesday.
Ozone will remain in the good range (Code Green) for the next 24 hours.
The surface low which has been bringing all the rain to the area is now in Southern Virginia as of I2Z
this morning. The rain will begin to tapper off at the end of the day. There is no reason at this time to
change the forecast from yesterday afternoon. Ozone will remain in the good range today.
Piety
************* HELPFUL WWW SITES *************
UM Meteorology Weather Page: METO
Additional Weather Forecast and Observation Links Rvan
t
OZONE FORECAST OPERATIONS CENTER:
Department of Meteorology
University of Maryland College Park
Comments: ryan(afuam.umd.edu
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PROGRAM PROFILE- BEAUMONT/PORT ARTHUR. TX
Episodic Control Program Profile - Beaumont/Port Arthur, TX
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name; Ozone Action Days
Area of Coverage: Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, TX
Main Pollutants) Targeted: Ozone
Attainment Status (CO / PM,0 / 03): CO & PM - attornment; 03 - Mod. nonattainment
Implementing Agency: South East Texas Regional Planning Commission
Start Date: 1996
Program Goals (Ranked) I. Public education
2. To attain the air quality standards
3. Economic benefits of becoming attainment
Program required by law? No
Is the program enforceable? No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $40,000 Funding Source(s): CMAQ
EiM Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 1 1
# Fuli-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 2 2
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe most effective part ofpublic outreach program:
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
Use alternative mocks of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
Keep vehicle tuned-up
Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 pjs.)
Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
rhango work schedules to avoid the commute
/
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lOto
PROGRAM PROFILE- BEAUMONT/PORT ARTHUR. TX
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
• Use fleet vehicles to attend lunch/meetings (companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program:
• Conserve energy - turn off lights and appliances when not in use
Participation & Incentives
• 5 Employers (1 private company and 4 local government agencies)
• General public
• 17 Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: None
Companies: Public recognition
Employees: Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Free gasoline for carpool participants
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
TX Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC)
Temp, WS, WD, ozone (all forecast parameters)
7:00 am temp > 90F, WS < 7knots, 10am-4pm ave,
WS<7 knots, 6050 ppm
WS/WD critical parameters, use met intuition, empirical
relationships and a statistical model based on nested grid
model
State meteorologists > 80 years experience, data is
maintained on accuracy, some years are better than others.
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations
• Newspapers
• Participating Stationary
• Employers
• Stationary Sources
Method of notification: fine
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
2
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107
PROGRAM F10FILE - BEAUMONT/PORT ARTHUR. TX
Television stations mention the alert day in the weather report 'vhile newspapers allocate space
on the weather page for an announcement.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: None
Other Data Desired: Yes, a baseline survey would be useful
Analysis of Data: n/a
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant* n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program:
Have not encountered any problems.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful'.
We received exceptional cooperation and participation from the 3 television stations and
newspapers. Each television station covered the kickoff ceremony at length and provided
follow-up footage about air quality issues. The newspapers run the Ozone Action Day logo on
the weather page on each Ozone Action Day to advise the public.
3
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lol
PROGRAM PROFILE —CHARLOTTE, AC
Episodic Control Program Profile—Charlotte, NC
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/O3):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Attainment
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $17,000 Funding Source(s): General funding, Duke Power, Chamber of
Commerce, Piedmont Natural Gas
Paid Volunteer Total
• Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 1/2 0 1/2
• Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 1/2 0 1/2
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Internet web site (in development)
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Media package
• Media brunch
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program. While still in the fledgling
stage, the program has generated a significant amount of media interest Participation was high at
an "ozone awareness brunch" from which several media stories were generated. Businesses such
as Duke Power have been particularly receptive and have developed suggestions as to how to
improve the program.
Ozone Awareness
Charlotte, NC
Ozone
Maintenance for CO and Ozone
NC Division of Air Quality
June 26, 1996
1. Public Education
2. Economic Benefits to the Area of Staying in
3. Health Benefits
No
No
l
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PROGRAM PROFILE-CHARLOTTE, SC
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpoois, transit, etc.) instead of driving alone
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Turn off the car if idling for more than 30 seconds
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: The suggestions listed above are
made for any day, not just episode days. The Charlotte program has not yet implemented
episodic control measures but plans to in the future. The current program is based on educating
the public about general measures which individuals can take to lower air pollution levels.
Participation & Incentives
• General Public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: None
Companies: None
Employees: None
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: Forecasting is not yet being conducted
Parameters Examined: n/a
Criteria to setting forecast episode day: n/a
Method used to forecast episode day: n/a
Accuracy: n/a
Notification Mechanisms
Since the program is not yet an episodic program, no notification mechanisms have been
developed.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: n/a
Other Data Desired: n/a
Analysis of Data: n/a
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emission reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
2
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(II
PROGRAM PROFILE —CHAP '.OJTE. .VC
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program -. Because of a
late start, the program was limited in scope. In addition, they do not have the ability to gauge the
increase in awareness among the general public.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful. Media attention has been significant and
is largely attributed to an ozone awareness brunch and media packages which were given out.
Duke Power and Piedmont Natural Gas assisted in financing the brunch and in the creation and
dissemination of educational materials. Both companies have also provided valuable input
concerning the development of the program.
3
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\l<$
PROGRAM PROFILE-CINCINNATI. OH
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
• Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
Describe the most effective part of public outreach program: They go to all area special events
(wearing identifying T shirts to give credibility to the volunteers) and do a lot of advertising.
They have tried to distinguish their public service announcements using techniques such as
wrapped up the tapes in cloud paper and labeling "open up for clean air". A lot of their youth
education information came from the state of Wisconsin where youth environmental education is
mandatory.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions
• Postpone fleet refueling until the evening (i.e. after 6 pm)
• Avoid maintenance activities such as painting, degreasing, tank cleaning (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities such as lawn mowing (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: Parallel programs operated in the
area include: (1) METRO : A fare reduction program (fiinded through CMAQ for $700K/year)
They noticed that ridership rates were much higher when they continued the fare reduction
throughout the entire summer (+18%) (not just during episodic days) and that ridership kept up
into the fall. Fare reduction program was down to 0.25 on smog days when the program was first
operated. Now the reduced fare is 0.50 on all days of the season, (normal fares could be as much
as $1.10 (2) CINERGY pays up to $60 per employee (per month) for commute costs associated
with transit or vanpool fees and takes advantage of the IRS tax incentive. They have challenged
other companies to do the same. In addition to stressing travel reductions for the employees,
they've asked business participants to reschedule fleet refueling and outdoor lawn maintenance
Participation & Incentives
• 900 Employers
• General public
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Reduced Transit
Companies: No incentives
Employees: Company products for ridesharing (county park passes)
Free or discounted transit
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedule
2
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U1
PROGRAM PROFILE-CINCINNATI. OH
Preferential parking for car/vanpoois
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Health benefits is the most appealing "hook" for the public to participate
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution;
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
Local TV meteorologists / Hamilton Co. Dept. Env. Serv
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Stationary Sources
Employers
Method of notification: fax, followed by phone
Method of notification: fax, followed by phone
Method of notification: fax, followed by phone
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Local Governments Method of notification: fax
\v
They have 900 local businesses participating in the program. They use a fax tree service out of
San Francisco who has the ability to simultaneously fax out to all 900 at the same time.
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and in the weather reports. Radio
hosts also mention the air quality status in news reports and make special announcements.
Newspapers include alert status information with the PSI and mention the status in articles. The
program believes that while the media relations aspect is intensive, it is clearly worthwhile.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Surveys, Transit ridership levels, employee participation rates,
stationary source participation data
Other Data Desired: None
Analysis of Data: Yes
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: a/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: 11/a
They have completed surveys (last year) to estimate effectiveness of the program. Last year's
spring survey indicated that -17% knew about the program, in the fall, that number had increased
to 65%.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: Spreading the
workload evenly among coalition members. The most difficult task has been identifying
appropriate business contacts and serving them.
3
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I3s0
PROGRAM PROFILE-CINCINNATI OH
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: No particular item has been more
successful than anything else. Media coverage has been excellent and business participation has
been high. The general public awareness and action have been impressive..
Note-worthy aspects of the program: The program is called 'Smog Alert' (Ozone proved to be
confusing, so they left ozone out of the name). The program is run as a collaborative effort of
several subcommittees on:
• Education and outreach
• Media Relations
• Youth Education
• Businesses
• Technical
The program is both an episodic and a seasonal program. INCOG is willing to share artwork and
outreach materials since much was developed in-house for free. Cincinnati Gas and Electric
spent money in April with NERA (National Economic Research Association) on the "Economic
Impact of VOC emission reductions beyond the 15% plan in Cincinnati CMS A". The report
quantifies the economic impact of going to serious.
4
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Cincinnati Area Ozone Action Day Information
Ica;
hrtp://vATw.epa.gov/ARD- R5/ozoneday/cincyo. .an
Cincinnati Area Ozone Action Day Information
OZONE TERMINOLOGY
SUMMER 1996
Smoff Alert A smog alert is issued between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. the day before an anticipated high-ozone
day by Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services if conditions are favorable for ozone to
exceed an air quality index of 100.
This is an emergency situation and businesses and individuals are asked to curtail all activities that
contribute to ozone formation during the smog alert (driving, using oil-based paints and stains, refueling
vehicles, using gas-powered lawn equipment, etc.).
During a smog alert, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce contact key businesses to ask for
their immediate cooperation in reducing ozone-producing activities.
Ozone Alert This is reserved for only the most extreme ozone emergencies and would be issued by the
OhioEPA for an air quality index over 200. Cincinnati has not had an ozone alert since the mid-1970's.
ii fi ff
tttfTr
CLEAN AIR TIPS TO REDUCE SMOG
Summer 1996
There are simple, effective things that individuals and businesses can do on Smog Alert Days:
Ride the bus (METRO 621-4455/TANK 331 -TANK)
Ride Share/van pool (241-RIDE)
Walk or ride a bike
Combine trips and limit unnecessary trips
Keep your vehicle tuned and maintained
Refuel after 6:00 p.m. and don't top-off
Use gas-powered lawn equipment after 6:00 p.m.
Use oil-based points and stains after 6:00 p.m.
Save electricity
Spread the word
It It ft
rrtttf
SMOG EXPERTS
Summer 19%
Ntoe: All numbers are in the 513 area code
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03/31/97 14:46:C
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Cincinnati Area Ozone Action Day Information
http://wvAv.epa.g0v/ARD-R5/ozoneday/cincyoz.L
Hamilton County Department of Environmental Service*
Jeff Blunt, Public Affairs Coordinator
Office 333-4741
Home 871-8557
Pager 343-4857
OKI Regional Council of Government!!
Judi Craig, Special Projects Coordinator
621-6300
Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce
John Williams, President
Gene Langswager, Director of Environmental Affairs
579-3116
The METRO
Sallie Hilvers, Public Information Officer
632-7681
TANK
Christy Fischer, Marketing Manager
341-8267
American Lung Association
Chuck Sikorski, Director of Public Relations and Special Events
985-3990
SMOG REDUCTION TIPS FOR
BUSINESSES
Summer 1996
The Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce has a comprehensive tipsheet of things that businesses
can do to reduce ozone pollution especially on "F nog Alert Days," including:
Transportation
Encourage or provide incentives for employees to take the bus, car-pool, bike or walk to work.
Plan meetings in the early morning, use conference calls, car-pool to meetings. Choose meeting
-------
Cincinnati Area Ozone Action Day Information http://wvw.epa.gov/ARD-R5/ozoneday/cji2cyoz.hon
locations that require the least total amount of driving.
Consider telecommuting, four-day work weeks and flex-time so employees avoid driving during
3:00-6:00 p.m. rush-hour.
Refuel fleet vehicles in the early morning or after 6:00 p.m. and don't top off or spill fuel.
Facility issyw
Minimize bulk loading and unloading of fuel, solvents, and volatile chemicals; do this work in the early
morning of after 6:00 p.m.
Mow corporate lawns after 6:00 p.m.
Use only water-based paints, cleaners, sealants, etc.
Conserve electricity by turning the A/C warmer, deferring copying, turning out lights, turning off copiers
and computers while not in use.
Raising awareness
Make sure employees know the potential negative impact of the smog problem on their company and the
region's economy.
Encourage employers to car-pool and rick the bus to work. Provide incentives if possible.
Allow employees to dress casually (maybe in shorts if the A/C will be warmer), cater lunch in or offer
brown-bag lunch seminars to avoid car use on Smog Alert Days.
Distribute Regional Ozone coalition materials to employees and encourage them to follow the tips for
Smog Alert Days.
n a u
mm
TIPS ON SAVING ELECTRICITY
FROMCG&E
Summer 19%
Turn thermostat warmer Set your theimostal at the highest comfortable setting for cooling. A setting
of 76-78 degrees is recommended. For greatest comfort, make the adjustments gradually. Raise the
setting a degree or two per week so your body adjusts to the new temperature levels.
* plngk thermostat Operate your air conditioning at a wanner setting when you're normally away.
Check with your dealer for the right model for your cooling system.
TTse fans to circulate the air Use fens during moderate weather and to boost air movement when the air
conditioner is running. This is much better than lowering the thermostat
ru»n and insnect A/C annually Have your central air unit cleaned and inspected annually by a
qualified heating/cooling contractor.
Keep filters clean Change or clean your furnace filter monthly.
hT^P rasters clear Make sure air supply registers are not blocked by furniture, draperies, or other
items.
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IVt
Cincinnati Area Ozone Action Day Information
http://wvAv.epa.gov/ARD-Ri/ozoneday/cincyc
Darken the house during the dav Keep shades down and draperies drawn on the side of the house that
gets the most sun exposure.
Don't waste energy in ttnused rooms Close air supply registers, keep the shades down and drapes
drawn, close the windows and doors.
Use an attic fan An attic fan is effective in exhausting hot air out of the attic, benefiting the living area
right below.
Use a whole-house fan A whole house fan mounted in the ceiling going into the attic will hot air out of
the house and draw in cooler air.
Dress for the weather Wear loose-fitting, open-weave clothing, open collars.
Turn off lights Lights create heat, so use them only wh :re needed at the lowest setting that will do the
job.
Cook smart on hot davs Use the appliances that heat your kitchen least
jf If
fnftf
CONSEQUENCES OF
NONATTAINMENT
Summer 1996
What happens if Cincinnati become* a "Serious" nonattainment area?
If the Cincinnati area become a "serious" nonattainment area under the Clean Air Act, additional
requirements would be placed on us by the U.S. EPA. Requirements for serious nonattainment area
include:
Businesses with more than 50 tons of emissions per year would be considered major sources and may be
required to use pollution control equipment Under "moderate" status, only businesses with 100 tons or
more per year are major sources.
Major sources would have to pay for every ton of pollutants they emit
For every ton of pollution emitted by the new industry, 12 tons would have to be eliminated somewhere
else, essentially restricting Cincinnati's ability to attract new businesses.
A 3% reduction in VOCs would be required each year until compliance.
Stage II vapor recovery technology would have to be in place at gas stations. This would already be done
in Hamilton, Clermont, Warren and Butler counties.
Clean Fleet programs would be implemented, affecting businesses and governmental agencies that have
fleet vehicles. These vehicles would have to run on cleaner fuels (natural gas, blended fuels,
reformulated gas, etc).
Transportation control measures would be put in place to reduce vehicle miles traveled. These could
include high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, mandatory employee commute programs or other mobile
source reduction programs.
What does that mean in simple terms?
Less freedom for individuals and more restrictions on economic development for the region. If
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Cincinnati Area Ozone Action Day Information http://www.epa.gov/ARD-Ri/ozor.eday/cincyo7 nr
Cincinnati is designated a serious nonattainment area, the cost to businesses and consumers would be in
the millions annually
What would the economic impact be on the region if we become a serious nonattainment
A study on the economic impact of more stringent emissions controls to prevent ozone pollution shows a
total impact of us to $112 million annually to area businesses and residents and a potential job loss of
more than 14,000 positions.
The study was conducted by the National Economic Research Associates and was commissioned by The
Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company in cooperation with the Regional Ozone Coalition. Its purpose was
to qualify the economic impact of the Greater Cincinnati area being reclassified as a "serious"
nonattainment area from its current "moderate" nonattainment status.
The additional emission controls required under the "serious" classification would cost businesses at
least $23 million more annually for increased operating and capital expenditures. Household would face
increased costs of $63 to $89 million primarily for higher priced lower polluting gasolines and other
auto-related measures.
The move to "serious" designation could also result in a strict limit on manufacturing expansion which,
if imposed in November 1996, could mean the loss of more than 12,700 jobs by the end of the century.
Total job loss for the region could exceed 14,000.
CLEAN AIR ACT REQUIREMENTS
Summer 1996
What is the Clean Air Act?
The Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 is a federal law that established air quality standards and places
requirements on metropolitan area not attaining those standards. It is administered by the United State
Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
The Clean Air Act sets standards for six different air pollutants: ozone, carbon monoxide, particulate
matter, lead, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
The seven-county Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area has been designated a "moderate" nonattainment
area for ozone only. We are in attainment for the other five pollutants.
WHAT IS A "MODERATE" NON-ATTAINMENT AREA?
The Clean Air Act sets levels of air quality for each of the six pollutants monitored. From best to worst
the levels are: attainment, marginal, moderate, serious, severe, and extreme.
A moderate nonattainment area must do certain things to try to become an attainment area within six
years (i.e. November 1996). This means that Cincinnati must be in attainment by the end of 1996 or it
will be bumpered to the next level, which is "serious."
Moderate nonattainment areas must:
Develop a plan to reduce VOCs by 15%
Identify major industrial sources that emit 100 tons or more of emissions per year and require that they
use pollution control equipment
Institute pollution offsets, so that for every ton of pollution emitted by a new industry, 1.15 tons are
eliminated somewhere else
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Cincinnati Area Ozone Action Day Information
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Implement Stage II vapor recovery systems at gas stations
Having a contingency plan in case these actions don't achieve the necessary 15% VOC reduction. This
plan must reduce VOCs an additional 3% per year until attainment is reached.
What is nur area doing to comply with the Clean Air Act?
Under the Clean Air Act, the Cincinnati area is required to reduce VOCs 15% by the end of 1996, which
equates to approximately 48 tons per day. Our area's plan to do this must be submitted to the OhioEPA
as part of a state implementation plan (SIP)
To achieve the necessary reductions, the following actions are being taken:
Enhance inspection and maintenance procedures for vehicles. This test will take the most polluting cars
off the road, reducing VOCs by almost 10 percent when fully implemented.
Stage II vapor recovery technology at gas pumps
Better industrial pollution controls, such as those installed on coke oven batteries by the steel industry
National rules are being developed to reduce VOCs in architectural coatings (paints or coating used for
residential, public, commercial and industrial building, bridges and other structures)
Several local industries are voluntarily ruling emission by regular requirements.
How can the Cincinnati area become an attainment area?
In November 1994, Greater Cincinnati petitioned the USEPA for reclassification as an attainment area
for ozone.
With the most recent three-year period (i.e., 1993/1994/1995), there can be no more than three ozone
exceedances a any one of the 10 ozone monitoring stations. Three at a station is okay, but it's critical not
to go over three. More than three "exceedances" is considered a violation of the National Standard.
The ozone monitor, at Lebanon, Ohio, recorded four exceedences in the last three year period. The Clean
Air Act does allow U.S. EPA to grant our area a one year extension in which to meet the healthy air
requirements. To qualify for this, there must be no more than one exceedance at anv single monitor fn
other words each monitor mav record only one exceedance this summer.
How many exceedances have there been so far?
In 1993, there was one exceedance at the Hamilton monitoring sation and one at the Middletovm
monitoring station in Ohio. There was also one exceedance at the Campbell County monitoring station
in Kentucky.
In 1994, there were two exceedances at the Lebanon monitoring station -nd one at the Batavia station.
As you can see, we are already getting close to three at Lebanon.
In 1995, there were two exceedance days a the Lebanon monitoring sation.
If the Lebanon monitor had four exceedances.
what now?
Clean air standards have been violated since Lebanon has had a total of four exceedances in the three
year period. If we can not qualify for an extension by the end of the summer, the region will "bumped
«•
nim /m i a,a£.i\
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Cincinr iti Area Ozone Action Day Information
I /
http ://www.epa. gov/ A RD- Ri/ozoneday/c incy oz.han
up" to serious non-attainment status.
OZONE BACKGROUND
What is ozone?
Ozone is a gas and the main component of smog. Ozone is formed by the reaction of sunlight and
carbon-based chemicals called "hydrocarbons" acting in combination with nitrogen oxides (Nox).
The "bad" ozone should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere
which protects the Earth from ultraviolet rays.
What do hydrocarbons come from?
Vehicle emissions create approximately 44% of all hydrocarbons. Industry sources like factories account
for only about 20%.
Surprisingly, gas powered lawn equipment, oil-based paints and stain,.dry cleaners, pleasure boating and
other everyday sources account for about 36% of hydrocarbons. In general, the term hydrocarbon is
interchangeable with volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Whv is ozone had?
Ozone can irritate mucous membranes and cause coughing, choking and impaired lung functions with
prolonged exposure. Children, the elderly and people with bronchial conditions are apparently at risk.
Ozone also injures vegetation and has adverse effects on materials (rubber and fabrics).
What contributes to the Cincinnati area's ozone problem?
Ozone is formed when pollution from cars, trucks, industry and other sources combines in sunlight The
sun "bakes" these pollutants, turning them into ozone, or smog.
When ia ozone monitored?
In the Cincinnati area, ozone monitoring occurs April through October. However, high levels of ozone
generally develop June through August The highest levels of ozone are generally recorded before 6:00
p.m.
Where are the monitoring stations?
There are 10 monitoring stations in our metropolitan area, located in downtown Cincinnati, Colerain
Township, Sycamore Township, Batavia, Lebanon, Middletown and Hamilton in Ohio and in Boone,
Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky.
In Ohio, monitoring is done by Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services. In Kentucky, it
is done by the Kentucky Environmental Protection Division of Air Quality.
How much nznne is ok?
The mari™"™ acceptable level for ozone is .120 part per million, which is equal to an air quality index
of 100.
Here is the national air quality index criteria:
0-50 Good
51-100 Moderate
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Cincinnati Area Ozone Action Day Information
http://www. epa. gov/ ARD- Rf /ozoneday/c incyoz..
101-200 Unhealthful
What does this mean in greater Cincinnati?
The Greater Cincinnati airshed is comprised of Hamilton, Clermont, Butler and Warren Counties in
Ohio and Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky.
The U.S. EPA has designated the seven-county Cincinnati metropolitan area as a "moderate"
nonattainment area for ozone under the Clean Air Act To be considered an attainment area, the region
must not exceed the air standard for ozone more than three times at any one of the 10 ozone monitoring
sites in our area in any three year period.
ff
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PROGRAM PROFILE - CLEVELAND. OH
Episodic Control Program Profile - Cleveland. OH
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutants) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PM10 / 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Northeast Ohio Ozone Action Day Program
Cleveland, Akron, Lorain, OH
Ozone
PM - nonattainment; 03 - maintenance; CO -
Cuyahoga County is maintenance
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
(NOACA)
1995
1. Public education
2. Health Benefits
3. Economic benefits to the area of staying in attainment
No
Yes, program is included in the SIP
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $163,925
Funding Source(s): CMAQ
U Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Eaid Volunteer Total
2 2
1 1
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
Radio advertisements
Workshops (for school, industry, the public)
Public education booths at community events
Creation and dissemination of public education materials
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe most effective part of public outreach program: n/a
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
1
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PROGRAM PROFILE-CLEVELAND. OH
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid the used of wood stoves and fireplaces
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
• Don't top off die tank
• Make certain gasoline caps are tightly sealed
Participation & Incentives
• Employers (140 employers + stationary sources)
• General public
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: None
Companies: Economic benefits to the area of staying in attainment
Employees: None
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
National Weather Service, Technical subcommittee of Task
Force
max & min temperature, wind speed, wind direction, cloud
cover, previous day max ozone concentration
~/a
Collaborative effort by the technical work group of the
Northeast Ohio Ozone Action Task Force which utilizes a
combination of the following methods: persistence,
empirical, algorithm-base, and meteorological intuition,
n/a
2
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PROQRAM PROFILE - CLEVELAND. OH
Notification [Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Participating Stationary Sources
Employers
Stationary Sources
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and the weather report while
newspapers include special announcements and articles. Radio stations mention the pollution
episode day during the morning and afternoon traffic reports.
Program Evaluation
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: n/a
Parts of the program that have been the most successful:
• The 1996 program resulted in more than 80 media placements, an increase of more than 30
over 1995.
• There were only 5 Ozone Action Days in 1996, compared to 16 in 1995.
• Participation rates have increased significantly from 1995 to 1996.
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Data Collected:
Employee participation rates provided by participating employers,
information provided by participating stationary sources.
Yes, ozone monitoring data from other cities
No
n/a
3
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i 33
PROGRAM PROFILE - CORPUS CHRISTI TX
Episodic Control Program Profile - Corpus Christi, TX
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutants) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PM10 / 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Ozone Public Education
Corpus Christi, TX
Ozone
CO & PM - attainment; 03 - near nonattainment
City of Corpus Christi
1995
1. To maintain the attainment status of die area
2. Public education
3. Economic benefits of staying in attainment
No
Yesv the program is included in the SIP
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: No funding received
Funding Source(s): n/a
£iid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 3 3
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 14 0 14
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Billboard advertisements
• Workshops (for school, industry, die public)
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe most effective part ofpublic outreach program: n/a
I
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PROGRAM PROFILE - CORPUS CHRJSTI. TX
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc.) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid the used of wood stoves and fireplaces
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc.)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc.)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• Employers
• General public
• 7 Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Transit discounts, Auto repair/tune-up discounts
Companies: Public recognition
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Free or discounted lunches
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
NWS. TNRCC / TNRCC
Temp, WS, WD, ozone (all forecast parameters)
7:00 am temp > 90F, WS < 7knoui, 10am-4pm ave,
WS<7 knots, 6050 ppm
WS/WD critical parameters, use met intuition, empirical
relationships and a statistical model based on nested grid
model
State meteorologists > 80 years experience, data is
maintained on accuracy, some years are better than others.
2
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•35
PROGRAM PROFILE - CORPUS CHRJSTt. TX
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Participating Stationary Sources
Employers
Stationary Sources
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the weather report and broadcast public service
announcements while newspapers allocate space for an announcement and occasionally include
articles on the topic. Radio stations mention the pollution episode day in new reports and radio
hosts make announcements.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: None
Other Data Desired: n/a
Analysis of Data: n/a
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program:
• Making people realize the real serious potential consequences of not cleaning the air.
• Developing specific targets and goals without a survey.
• The program currently has no budget
Parts of the program that have been the most successful'.
• Getting the media to buy in a consistently remind the public of Action Days and
responsibilities
• Mascot recognition
3
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PROGRAM PROFILE - DALLAS-FORT WORTH. TX
1
Episodic Control Program Profile - Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
-
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PM10 / 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Ozone Action or Ozone Alert
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Ozone
Moderate Nonattainment- ozone
North Central Texas Council of Government & North
Texas Clean Air Coalition
Summer 1993
1. Attain AQ standards
2. Public Education/Health Benefits
3. Congestion Management/Economic Benefits
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $250,000
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Funding Source(s): ISTEA/CMAQ
Paid Volunteer Total
4 4
4 4
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Billboard advertisements
• Internet web site (http://vvww.nctcog.dsttx.us/envir/aq/aqhome.html)
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe most effective part of public outreach program: While TV commercials have probably
reached out to the largest segment of the population, the Dallas program has also made focused
efforts at educating the both the media and science teachers so that both groups can effectively
and accurately pass on the message. They have been giving 1 day workshops for science
teachers and the heads of each school district and have occasionally sent speakers out to classes.
In addition to giving teachers packets of information, the NCTCOG also operates an extensive
internet web site which contains information of the status of the alert day, basic information
/
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\31>
PROGRAM PROFILE-DALLAS-FORT WORTH. TX
about the program and the health impacts of ozone, and annual exceedance and alert day
statistics to show the effectiveness of the program. Example of some of these pages are attached,
the main page can be accessed at http://www.nctcog.dsttx.us/envir/aq/aqhome.html.
Since the media has been fairly active at promoting the program, they are now hiring an
advertising fiim to develop and post simple messages with the NCTCOG's phone number on
billboards around Dallas. They have set up a phone number with a recorded message with the
status of the alert day and directions for further information.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
• Use Fleet vehicles to attend lunch/meetings (companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: Many of the large employers in
the area have committed to reducing lawn maintenance and other activities which can be put off
on a short term basis. Many employers have also pledged to educate their employees and offer
incentives. Texas-Instruments, for example, at their McKinney site, offers gift certificates
amounting to $ 1.00 a day for each person in a carpool and preferential parking for carpools. TI's
main site has three vanpools and shuttle buses to move employees between buildings on the
campus. The Lewisville site has a telecommuting pilot program and other sites have built-in
storage lockers and shower facilities to encourage biking. The TI goal is to find out what works
best and get 20% of the employees involved in voluntary trip reduction programs.
Participation & Incentives
• 1500 Employers
• General public
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: Transit Discounts
Companies: Public Recognition
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking & economic incentives for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpoo 1/transit
2
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PROGRAM PROFILE-DALLAS-FORT WORTH. TX
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
NWS. TNRCC / TNRCC
Temp, WS, WD, ozone (ail forecast parameters)
7:00 am temp > 90F, WS < 7knots, 10am-4pm ave,
WS<7 knots, 6050 ppm
WS/WD critical parameters, use met. intuition, empirical
relationships and a statistical model based on nested grid
model
State meteorologists > 80 years experience, data is
maintained on accuracy, some years are better than others.
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Employers
Stationary Sources
Gas stations
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and the weather report while
newspapers include special announcements and articles. Radio public service announcements
are broadcast and included in news stories and by DJ's. Employers and other companies are
exploring alternative methods of notifying the public. Methods such as flying ozone alert flags
and placing window stickers and placards are being tried. Dallas has developed a ozone alert
symbol for the media to use. Employers can also use the symbol when informing their
employees about the program via company newsletters.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Surveys, transit ridership, traffic counts, stationary source & employee
participation rates.
Other Data Desired: Still trying to identify - TNRCC responsible for analysis of program
Analysis of Data: No
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program'. Coordination
between different cities has been a problem.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful. Implementation of reduced transit fares,
the ozone alert fax network and material distribution have worked well.
3
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Air Quality
I H-l
http://www nctcog.d...nvir/aq/aqhoma.htr
--J* AIR QUALITY
In North Central Texas
/i
Air Quality planning in North Central Texas is the responsibility of the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCQGV through its
Air Quality Advisory Committee, provides policy and technical assistance on a range of air quality issues,
supports the Ozone Alert program, and is a co-founder of the North Texas Clean Air Coalition. Since a
four-county area including Dallas and Fort Worth is non-attainment for ozone, much attention is being
placed on reaching attainment by 1996. The Transportation Department of the NCTCOG is also the
designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation and mobile source/air quality planning
in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.
B Adobe Acrobat is required to view documents displaying this icon. Please download the software if
you do not already have it available.
1 of 2
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Air Quality
http://www.nctcog.ci...nvir/aq/aqhome.n.
Regional Aia Quality Information
1 I
• Ozone Information
> Ozone Alert Status
> Ozone Scorecard: 1993 to 1995
> Ozone Scorecard: 1996
» Ozone Alert & Exceedance Data
> 1990 Emissions Inventory
> Historic Air Oualitv
B Mao of Monitoring Sites 355K
> Educational Materials
" " ¦ 1 — — n \
• Air Quality Status Reports
© Summer 1996 (8 pages 1.02MB1
B Winter 1995-1996 (6 oages 289K1
ffl Fall 1995 f4Dages360K)
B Soring/Summer 1995 C5 pages 946K1
B Winter 1994-1995 (1 nages 1.3MB*
• Air Quality Advisory Committee
> MembershiD Roster
> Monthly Agenda and Meeting Summary
• Related Information
» B AERCO CAir Emissions Reduction
Credit Organization)
> Regional Weather Information
• SIP (State Implementation Plan)
Information
> TNRCC Air Oualitv
• TNRCC Smoking Vehicle Program
> TNRCC Reoort Form & Toll Free Number
> Smoking Vehicle Program
ffl TNRCC Current Status of SIP Programs
Examples Across the Nation and the World
• Air Quality
• Environmental Information
• Governmental Information
Back to Tod of This Page
scroop.
Ocp»runtai*| tnfannriBaTTwBffti^Jl
Send your common or wggeaiooj to: ^ITTi or all (817) 695-9150
Lut iipriitrri- July 26,1996 Web Ptgt httpV/wwwjxtoog.iiiLtxu*/envby«yaqlxxneJitinl
Copyright O 1993 North Ceatnl Texas Couaeil of Gevmanoia
616 Six Flags Dr. P.O. Bex 5888Arlington. Ttxai 76005*5888
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Ozone AJert Action Day Status
j
http://www.nctcog.d...c ji-bin/anvir/ojona
Ozone Alert Action Day Status
Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area
Access Time: 12:20:11 Tue Sep 17 1996
NO OZONE ALERT ACTION DAY IN EFFECT
The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
Will NOT Declare An Ozone Alert Action Day For:
Today
Tue Sep 17 1996
Weather conditions in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area are not expected to
be favorable for the accumulation and production of high levels of ozone.
List Previous Alerts Declared in 1996
Sep 1996
— —i—
| Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri | Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6 I 7
8
9
10
11
12
13 I 14
15
16
11
18
19
20 | 21
22
23
24
25
26
27 | 28
29
30
This page is maintained and updated daily by the
North Central Texas Council of Governments.
It has been accessed 1567 Times Since April 30,1996
InsideER || Air Quality || Alert and Exceedance Data || NCTCOG
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! h'5
PROGRAM PROFILE—DESVER. CO
Episodic Control Program Profile—Denver, CO
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name: High Pollution Advisory Program
Area of Coverage: Denver Metro Area, CO
Main Pollutant(s) T argeted: PM10
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/O3): Nonattainment for CO, PM10, and 03
Implementing Agency: Air Pollution Control District
Start Date: 1987
Program Goals (Ranked) 1. Attain air quality standards (NAAQS)
2. Public education
3. Health benefits
Program required by law? yes (Regulation No. 4)
Is the program enforceable? yes
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $51,222 Funding Source(s): Federal funds and
collected fees
Paid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency I 1
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
Free media exposure (TV, radio, newspaper)
Internet web site (http^Avww.state, co. us/gov_dir/cdphe_dir/aq. html)
Public education booths at community events
Creation and dissemination of public education materials
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Pollution advisory hotline
Describe the most effective part ofpublic outreach program : It is difficult to tell which methods
are most effective since there is little data on how people hear about the program. The pollution
advisory Hotline, however, appears to be very effective, receiving over 1,000,000 calls over the 5
month high pollution season. The web site, which contains a counter, has also received a lot of
use.
In 1991 a study was conducted examining the public perceptions of different notification systems.
The results suggested that notification systems using two announcements (3 pm day before and
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PROGRAM PROFILE-DENVER. CO
9 am day of) and three clear designations (clear, warning, and alert) would work better than the
existing system. The study also showed that the use of colors (blue, yellow, and red) and symbols
(circle, triangle, and octagon) also help to communicate the alert status to a wider audience
(including commuters, noncommuters, children, etc.). The results of this study helped to form the
existing program which calls a Red Advisory for mandatory woodburning and voluntary driving
restrictions and Blue Advisories for no restrictions.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc.) instead of driving alone
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid the used of wood stoves and fireplaces (mandatory)
• No open burning
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings (Companies)
Participation & Incentives
• General public
• Employers
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: None
Companies: None
Employees: None
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather & Pollution forecaster:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria used to set episode day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
CDPHE - APCD
surface inversion cycle, wind speed, synoptic patterns,
mesoscale circulations, snow cover, relative humidity, press.
PSI > 100 and VSI (Visual Standard Index) > 100, PMw >
85ug/m3 (24 hr).
3 forecast models used: inversion burn-off forecast,
synoptic/mesoscale pattern analysis using Nested Grid
Model (NGM) outputs, ETA, AVN, MMS and NMS model
output
70-75% accurate
It should be noted that the models used to forecast PMio exceedances in Aspen and Steamboat
Springs include information on both meteorological conditions and high emissions. The most
significant emissions in both of these areas result from road sanding material which has
accumulated on area roads and road surfaces. Reentrained dust occurs from these surfaces when
the road surfaces have dried. Since both of these towns have initiated programs to reduce the
amount of sand and gravel applied to roadways, the current versions of the forecast models may
have to be recalibrated to remain accurate. Since Denver's air quality is less dependent on this
2
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PROGRAM PROFILE-DENVER. CO
single source of emissions, the model will be less significantly impacted by reductions of these
emissions, but should also be recalibrated.
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations Method ofnotification: fax
• Radio stations Method of notification: fax
• Newspapers Method of notification: fax
• Employers Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the weather report while newspapers include alert day
information with the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) report. Also space is allocated in the paper
for a special announcement. Radio stations report this information to the public by mentioning it
in the news, weather and traffic reports.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant:
Cost per participant:
Emission Reduction Ratio:
Some public awareness data has been collected through the
use of public focus groups and enforcement data has been
collected (66% compliance rate).
No
No
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
A study of public perceptions of air quality in Colorado was conducted in May of 199S which
included two focus groups. Both groups stated that they were aware of the high pollution day
advisories, but neither group believed the driving restriction requests were followed or seen as
important as woodburning. Both groups mentioned that options for alternative transportation
were limited and did not perceive high enforcement of the woodburning bans. Both groups knew
about the program by radio and TV, but mentioned that the announcements did little to motivate
or describe the seriousness of the air quality problem. Recommendations to improve the
advisories included:
• Make the advisories more visible and motivational (stress personal impacts, i.e. health effects)
• Develop a chart to inform the public (like the pollen count chart)
• Provide incentives to participate
• Include industry, close drive-up windows and try driving tolls
• Expand public education (esp. on health effects of pollution and kids education)
The Colorado Department of Health estimates that emissions from wood burning fireplaces are
expected to be reduced by 60% due to burning bans during the winter and spring seasons. In
addition, emissions from uncertified wood stoves are expected to be reduced by 47.5% on high
pollution days. Further emission reductions can be attributed to a legislative ban on installation of
new fireplaces and conversion of fireplaces and wood stove to cleaner burning technology. An
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PROGRAM PROFILE—DENVER. CO
annual reduction of 146.7 tons of PMio has been attributed to control strategies related to the
High Pollution Advisory Program.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program : Enforcement
is left to the municipalities. Some aggressively enforce, some don't.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: Public information aspect of the
program is the most successful. The public outreach efforts have made the program highly visible
and accepted in the community.
Noteworthy aspects of the program:
• Participation in the woodbuming provisions of the program by the general public is
mandatory, required by Colorado regulation No. 4.
• They receive SIP credit for this program so periodic evaluations of the program are
performed.
• A field study of woodbuming compliance levels established a 67% compliance rate in 1993.
This compliance rate was established using infrared photography of smoke stacks on pollution
episode days. Administrators say the actual compliance rate is probably between 70-80%.
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I "f ^
Colorado APCD http://www.stata.co...r/cdphe dir/aq.ntr
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
Air Pollution Control Division (APCD)
Clean Air Colorado Air Quality Advisory
The 1995-1996 High Pollution Advisory Program has concluded. Thank you for your
interest and support in improving air quality in the Denver-metro area.
For current air quality information year round, please call 782-0211.
For information on the High Pollution Advisory Program, please call 692-3281.
Air quality advisories are issued daily from Oct. 31 through March 31 at 4 p.m.
RED advisories indicate that either current air quality is poor or conditions are expected to worsen later
in the day or the next day. Red advisories trigger mandatory woodbuming restrictions and voluntary
driving reductions in the six-county Denver-metro area (see Woodburnin|g belowY
BLUE advisories indicate that air quality is good or fair and no restrictions are in place while the
advisory is in effect.
The VISIBILITY STANDARD INDEX reports the air's visual quality in the Denver-metro area. The
visibility standard is 0.076 per kilometer of atmospheric extinction, which means that 7.6 percent of the
light in a kilometer of air is blocked. The level must exceed the standard based on a four-hour average for
a violation to occur. On the Visibility Standard Index Scale, a value of 101 equates to the 0.076/km
standard. Values between 0-50 are good, 51-100 fair, 101-200 poor and 201-plus extremely poor.
The POLLUTION STANDARD INDEX reports the daily level of air pollution on an hourly basis. The
index reports the highest level of either carbon monoxide, fine particulates or ozone depending on which
pollutant has the greatest hourly concentration. Values greater than 108 for carbon monoxide, 103 for
fine particulates and 106 for ozone indicate exceedances of the pollutant's state and federal standards
Pollutant Standard Index values between 0-50 are good, 51-100 fair, 101-200 poor and 201-plus
extremely poor.
WOODBURNING: During red advisories, mandatory woodbuming restrictions generally apply to
everyone in the entire six-county Denver metropolitan area below 7,000 feet The restrictions will be
enforced through local ordinances or a state regulation.
The state regulation applies to any community in the six-county Denver-metro area that did not have its
own mandatory woodbuming ordinance in effect on Jan. 1,1990. Under this regulation, the only
exceptions to the woodbuming restrictions are for people living above 7,000 feet; those who use
Colorado Phase DI (Phase II EPA) certified woodbuming stoves, Colorado approved pellet stoves,
approved masonry heaters or those whose stoves or fireplaces are their primary source of heat For more
information on woodbuming restrictions, call the Air Pollution Control Division at (303) 692-3100.
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PROGRAM PROFILE - DETROIT. Mi
Episodic Control Program Profile — Detroit, MI
Basic Information
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutants) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PMjo 103):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Ozone Action Program
Detroit Metropolitan Area: Wayne, Oakland, Macoim,
Livingston, Washtenaw, Monroe, St Clair Counties
Ozone
Ozone - parts of Wayne, Macoim, Oakland comities
Particulates - part of Wayne County
Clean Air Coalition of Southeast Michigan
Staffed by the South East Michigan Council of Governments
(SEMCOG)
June 1994
1. Attain Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
2. Public Education
3. Health Benefits
Program required by law?
is the program enforceable?
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget- -$150,000
No
No
Funding Sources): CMAQ/Private Contributors
# Full-time equivalent staff at the mam agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
EaM Volunteer Total
1 1
>2 >2
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program (Not ranked)
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Television advertisements
Public education booths at community events (2 available displays)
Creation and dissemination of public education materials
Radio advertisements
Workshop (for schools, industry, public)
Newspaper advertisements
Internet Website (http://www.semcog.org/ozoneaction/)
Cable TV shows/interviews
Writing articles/oped pieces (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, AAA, Detroiter magazine)
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: Detroit's program is firmly
based in its partnership and educating the public thai there is something that they can do to be
part of the solution. The coalition partners act as ambassadors for the program; Detroit Edison
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15*
PROGRAM PROFILE- DETROIT. Ml
asks its contractors to follow the suggested actions and adds program information to its billing
statements (as do the other utilities). Their program is preventative; the message is proactive - if
you do these things, the air will be cleaner. They believe that they are successful; one poll
showed that over 1 million people are doing something. The forecasting is consensus based and
uses scientists from Detroit Edison, Consumers Power, Michigan DEQ, and General Motors.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone - There is a special
rideshare program for ozone action days)
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Re-fuel the night before or day after an ozone alert day; wait at least until after 6 pm for re-fueling
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
• Postpone fleet refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.).
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Avoid engine idle and jackrabbit starts
• Keep the gas cap tight or, if lost, replace it
• For multi-car families, drive newer car on ozone alert days
These suggestions are highlighted as being applicable to boats also.
In the first year of the program, Marathon produced low RVP gas. Mobil provides program brochures at
300 stations in the area. Brochures are also available at the Secretary of State offices. Kelsey Hayes has
a 10 point list of actions that it suggests to its plants. Several companies have worked with suppliers and
contractors (especially groundskeeping crew and transportation fleet contractors) to reduce
environmental impacts on ozone alert days by postponing lawn care and truck re-fiieling.
Participation St Incentives
• 400 participating employers
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Free transit is available in Ann Arbor from the transit company
Companies: Public Recognition
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: At least two from a pool of meteorologists from General Motors,
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Detroit Edison,
Consumers Power
Criteria to setting forecast episode day: N/A
Method used to forecast episode day: They use a checklist (e.g., temperature, cloud cover, humidity,
weather the day before, etc.) but also rely on best judgement
practices.
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PROGRAM PROFILE - DETROIT. .W
The Council expect approximately 10-12 ozone action days each year (in 1995, it had 16 days due to unusually hot
weather).
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Participating Employers
General Public
Method of notification.
Method of notification.
Method of notification.
Method of notification:
Method of notification.
phone, fax, AP wire service, contract wire service
phone, fax, AP wire service, contract wire service
phone, fax, AP wire service, contract wire service
fax if on list
hotline, e-mail, website
One media company has donated air time for public service announcements. Many companies broadcast the press
release to their employees via phone-mail and E-mail.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Survey data
Other Data Desired: n/a
Analys is of Data: Yes.
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Some survey mechanisms have been used and will continue this year. The Council has done some "back-
of-the-envelope" calculations to determine the benefits of the program. Overall, the program is short on
funds to perform many of the desired analyses and the Council believes that publicity generated by ozone
action days helped the Detroit area to avoid non-attainment days "several" times last year. Its biggest
successes have been awareness and broad participation (by companies and citizens). Its biggest problem
is a lack of dedicated funds for continued implementation. Qualitatively, they increasingly receive
requests for educational materials and the list of participating employers increased from 200-400 in three
months.
Evaluation Opportunities: A retrospective look could be taken during the first summer when Marathon
sold low RVP gas in the area for any air quality trends.
Main problems or pitfhlls encountered during the implementation of the program: SEMCOG would like
to see a better overall description of the benefits of the activities proposed in an episodic control
program For example, compare lawn mower emissions to vehicles and not have the information conflict
with what another group is saying.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: Educating the public that the air could be
cleaner and there are many small things that can be done to be part of the solution.
Noteworthy aspects of the program The Clean Air Coalition consists of 20 - 25 organizations, including
auto companies, utilities, environmental groups, and governments. Coalition members and their
employees are expected to follow the recommendations of the Ozone Action Information Line, and
member organizations play a key role in creating awareness. The Coalition's current goal is to broaden
participation rates of current coalition members, rather than broaden the coalition in terms of number of
organizations. A Council-commissioned study found that 80 percent of area residents had heard of the
3
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PROGRAM PROFILE- DETROIT. MI
Ozone Action program, and one million households claimed that they followed at least one
recommendation of the program on high ozone pollution days.
Clean Air Coalition members have made the following significant contributions:
• A utility regularly includes information in bills regarding ozone pollution and actions that residents can take.
• One media company has donated air time for public service announcements.
• An oil company developed and marketed a low vapor-pressure gasoline that helps reduce ozone pollution.
• Several companies have worked with suppliers and contractors (especially groundskeeping crew and
transportation fleet contractors) to reduce environmental impacts on ozone alert days by postponing lawn care
and truck re-fueling.
4
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SEMCOG's Ozone Action Day We 5 Page!
I Z> i
nttp://wvAv.semcog.org/ozoneact3oa
ACTION!
1996 Ozone Season Ends: Region's Air Quality in
Good Shape
Southeast Michigan experienced only six Ozone Action! days this year,
well below last year's record-breaking season of 16 declared Action! days.
The region's air quality fared well due to a combination of mild weather,
low vapor pressure gasoline and an educated population reducing
emissions on Ozone Action! days.
No violations of the federal ozone standard were recorded this summer.
Two exceedances, however, were recorded this season at the Warren and
Port Huron monitors. This information is subject to validation by the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Southeast Michigan will enter the 1997 ozone season with no air
monitoring stations in violation status.
The Coalition is working with schools during the "off" season. The
Coalition provides classroom materials free of charge in the Southeast
Michigan region. Items include: Ozone Action! teacher resource packets
for grades K-5,6-8 or 9-12; a Windows-based computer software program
and study guide; and a classroom video on ground-level ozone. For
additional information about these educational materials, or if you have
any questions about this notice, please call 313-961-4266, or e-mail us at
nTnneflgtion@semcog.org.
For more information call toll-free: 1-80O-66-33-AIR
The Ozone Action! program is sponsored by the Clean Air Coalition of
Southeast Michigan. Ozone Action! is a program aimed at improving air quality
in Southeast Michigan through voluntary actions by citizens, businesses and
other organizations.
Please direct inquiries to:
Clean Air Coalition of Southeast Michigan
c/o SEMCOG
660 Plaza Drive, Suite 1900
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(313)961-4266
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SEMCOG's Ozone Action Day Web Page!
http://www.semcog.org/ozoneacTi
E-mail: ozoneaction@9emcog.org
More information about ozone monitoring (including hourly measurements on
Ozone Action! days) and meteorological forecasting is available by visiting the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Air (Quality Division's Ozone
Action! weh nave.
Additional information on air quality issues is available by accessing the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division's
homepage.
OZONE ACTIONS! At home! On the road!
There are a number of actions people can take on Ozone Action! days to reduce
hydrocarbon emissions and help prevent excessive ozone and related health
problems. Of course, taking these actions on a regular basis will mean cleaner
air all the time, r
Taking Ozone Actions on the Road
# Refuel carefully. Avoid spilling gasoline. Don't top off the tank. Make
certain your gas cap seals tightly. If it is missing, buy a new one. If you
must refuel, do so in cooler evening hours. Plan ahead so you don't need
# to refuel on Ozone Action! days.
Don't idle the engine unnecessarily. Idling for more than 30 seconds
produces more hydrocarbon emissions than turning off and re-starting the
# engine.
Minimise "cold starts" by combining trips so your catalytic converter
remains warm; most emissions occur when the converter is cold and
# inefficient
Limit your driving. On Ozone Action! days, consider telecommuting,
carpOoling or riding the bus. For short trips, consider walking or riding
your bicycle. Drive your lowest emission vehicle, usually your newest
m model.
Use public transportation. Call the following numbers for route and
scheduling information:
AATA (Ann Arbor) - 313-996-0400 (Free rides on Ozone Action! days
during summer 1996)
DDOT (Detroit) - 313-933-1300
# SMART (Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties) - 313-962-5515
Maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer's engine tune-up and
emission control standards.
Taking Ozone Actions at Home
# Don't mow your lawn with a gasoline-powered mower, nor use other
gasoline-powered maintenance equipment If you must wait until the
cooler evening hours.
Avoid using oil-based paint and other solvents on Ozone Action! days.
Apply paint with rollers and brushes instead of sprays, to cut down on
# fumes.
m Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid when barbecuing.
Work at home, if possible. If you must commute, use the bus or a
carpool. SEMCOG's RideShare program
mm/07 T
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SEMCOG's Ozone Action Day Web Page!
ib 1
nnp://wvrw.semcog.or^'ozoneacaoa
For further information about Ozone Action!,
contact ozoneaction@semcog.org.
For further information about SEMCOG,
contact thnma.s@semcotr.org.
For further information about this Web site,
contact wehmasterffisemcog.ory
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PROGRAM PROFILE-HOUSTON-GALVESTON. TX
Episodic Control Program Profile -Houston-Galveston, TX
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name: Clean Air Action
Area of Coverage: Houston - Galveston, TX
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted: Ozone
Attainment Status (CO / PMI0 / 03): Attainment- ozone
Implementing Agency: City of Houston, TNRCC
Start Date: 6/27/96
Program Goals (Ranked) 1. Public Education / Health Benefits
2. Attain AQ, Emiss. reductions, congestion
management, economic benefits
Program required by law? No
Is the program enforceable? No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $368,000 Funding Source(s): ISTEA, CMAQ
Eaid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 3 3
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 1 1
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
Television advertisements
Television call-in show
Radio advertisements
Newspaper advertisements
Internet site
Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
Public education booths at community events
Creation and dissemination of public education materials
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe the most effective part of public outreach program'. Initial efforts were focused on
establishing the program logo with the media and educating the media (esp. local weather
personalities) on the various aspects of the program. The program was developed using Dallas as
an example. Since these actions have been fairly successful, the program is now focusing on
developing workshops and education packets for local school districts and sensitive populations.
They are also currently establishing a call in phone line for status and program information.
/
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u°
PROGRAM PROFILE - HOUSTON-GALVESTON. TX
Important education questions include "what is ozone", "what are the health impacts" and "what
can individuals do''.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Avoid using gasoline powered garden equipmenruntil the evening (i.e. after 6 pm)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities (painting)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• Employers
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: Transit discounts
Companies: Public recognition
Employees: Will occur in next year's program, intangibles, savings, health
The program will be targeting transit riders in August of next year with discounted fares, and
increased media coverage on the impacts of transit ridership
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: TNRCC, NWS
Parameters Examined: n/a
Criteria to setting forecast day: n/a
Method used to forecast day: n/a
Accuracy: 80% (1995)
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Employers
Stationary Sources
Schools
Healthcare
Other Counties
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fkx
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification-, fax
Method of notification: fax
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PROGRAM PROFILE - HOUSTON-GALVESTON. TX
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports, in the weather report and in public
service announcements while newspapers include the iiiformation in articles and make space for
announcements. Radio hosts make special announcements and mention the air quality status in
news reports. Radio hosts also make public service announcements.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Base survey on education, attitudes and transit ridership
Other Data Desired: None
Analysis of Data: TNRCC maintains developing SIP modeling analysis.
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: Program
initiation delayed due to lack of consensus of goals, and need and design of program
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: Too early to designate successful
portion of program; however, high accuracy of practice predicted advisories of program was
critical to strength and weight of program in planning stages.
3
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Ozone Action Days Program
http://www.tnrcc.st...ps/ozoneaction.htrr.
Office of Air Quality
Address/Phone/Fax
moriops@snitDgate.tnrcc.state.txus
Hejfi
June 6,1996
Monitoring Operations
Ozone Action Days
The Program
The TNRCC has developed an ozone education/awareness campaign called the Ozone Action Days
Program. This voluntary campaign outlines reasonable actions each participating community can take,
from local industries to individuals, to reduce ozone pollution. Education and empowerment, not
regulation, are the key components of the Ozone Action Days Program. The program is designed to be in
effect during the ozone season, which is April through October. TNRCC staff have coordinated their
efforts to provide support to local area air care coalitions so that this program may be implemented in the
metropolitan areas of Texas.
Forecasting for Ozone Action Days
Since ozone is not directly emitted, but rather forms as a result of other pollutants "cooking" in hot
weather, weather conditions play a crucial role in ozone formation. An Ozone Action Day is called for a
metropolitan area participating in the program when TNRCC meteorologists predict that weather
conditions the following day will be favorable for the formation of high levels of ozone. TNRCC
meteorologists use a set of criteria developed through the urban airshed model and based on historic
meteorological data and pollutant background levels to make predictions.
Proper weather conditions (light winds, heat and sunshine) together with an adequate combination of
pollutants (nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds), fuel the chemical reaction that produces
ozone. If conditions are such that the formation of ozone is likely, TNRCC meteorologists contact the
National Weather Service (NWS) with the information. The NWS broadcasts this across its weather wire.
When the local coalitions that are participating in the program declare an Ozone Action Day, they notify
the news media and local government, business and industry. The goal is to notify the public a day in
advance when conditions are expected to be favorable for high levels of ozone so that individuals,
businesses and industry can make plans to take action.
For the 1995 ozone season, high ozone levels were measured on 73 percent of the TNRCC's forecast
high ozone days. The TNRCC forecasts correctly identified 72 percent of the days where ozone was
measured above the target levels set for each area in the program.
TMRrr disclaimer
rnmmfflft regarding Monitoring Operations: monops@smtpgate.tnrcc.state.tx.us
Technical questions regarding the TNRCC Web server webmaster@smtpgate.tnrcc.state.tx.us
httpVAvww.tnrcc.state.txus/air/monops/ozotieaction.iitml
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Ozona Information
http://wwr f.tru,cc.st...nops/ozoneinfo.htm
Office of Air Quality
Address/Phone/Fax
monoDS@smtpgate.tnrcc.state.tx. us
Help
June 6,1996
SB
S Monitoring Operations
Ground-Level Ozone
Good Ozone and Bad Ozone
The word "ozone" has prompted a lot of confusion over the past few years. The confusion persists
because there is in fact good and bad ozone. The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere is essentia) because
it filters harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, reducing the amount reaching the earth's surface. On
the other hand, high accumulations of ozone in the lower atmosphere near ground level can be harmful to
people, animals, crops and other materials. The ozone gas in both the upper and lower atmosphere is the
same; the difference is that one benefits and one harms. Ground-level ozone is the most pervasive
problem in Texas and the nation.
What is Ozone?
Ozone is a form of oxygen with three atoms, instead of the usual two atoms. It is a photochemical
oxidant and, at ground level, is the main component of smog. Ozone is not emitted directly into the air
but is formed through chemical reactions between natural and man-made emissions of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight. These gaseous compounds mix like a
thin soup in the ambient, or outdoor, air, and when they interact with sunlight, ozone is formed. Sources
of these pollutants include automobiles, gas-powered motors, refineries, chemical manufacturing plants,
solvents used in dry cleaners and paint shops, and wherever natural gas, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene
and oil are combusted.
Ozone pollution is the periodic increase in the concentration of ozone in the ambient air, the natural air
that surrounds us. It is mainly a daytime problem during summer months because warm temperatures play
a role in its formation. When temperatures are high, sunshine is strong, and winds are weak, ozone can
accumulate to unhealthful levels.
Ozone Is a Health Hazard
The biggest concern with high ozone concentration is the damage it causes to human health, vegetation
and to many common materials we use.
High concentrations of ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, eye
and throat irritation, and lung damage. People who suffer from lung diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia,
emphysema, asthma and colds have even more trouble breathing when the air is polluted. These effects
can be worse in anyone who spends significant periods of time exercising or working outdoors.
Children often play outside for long periods during the summer. Their lungs are still developing, and they
breathe more rapidly and inhale more air pollution per pound of body weight than adults. On days when
ozone levels are high, these factors put children at increased risk for respiratory problems.
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Ozone Information
http://www.tnrcc.st. ..nops/ozoneinfo.h
Adults breathe more than 10,000 times each day. During exercise or strenuous work, we breathe more
often and draw air more deeply into the lungs. When we exercise heavily, we may increase our intake of
air by as much as 10 times our level at rest. The interaction between air pollution and exercise is so strong
that health scientists typically use exercising volunteers in their research.
Materials damaged by ozone include rubber, nylon, plastics, dyes and paints. Also, many food crops are
damaged by low-lying ozone each year.
Ozone levels are considered by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be "unhealthful"
when they exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 120 parts pa* billion (ppb). When a
single monitoring site has exceeded this standard on more than three days in three years, the EPA
classifies the surrounding county or metropolitan area as not attaining the ozone standard, or
"nonattainment" for ozone.
Status of Texas Metropolitan Areas
P Houston/Galveston/Brazoria - Nonattainment
~ Dallas/Ft. Worth - Nonattainment
~ El Paso - Nonattainment
~ Beaumont/Port Arthur - Nonattainment
~ Austin - Aff^inmynt
~ San Antonio - Attainment
~ Corpus Christi - Attainment
~ Tyler/Longview/Marshall - Attainment (status pending due to recent exceedances)
What Can We Do About It?
TNRCC has developed the Ozone Action Dav Program to help the citizens ofTexas understand the
ozone problem and do their part in preventing ozone formation. The agency forecasts days when
conditions are likely to be favorable for ozone formation. The program asks people to take voluntary
action on those days to prevent exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone.
Since automobiles are the main culprit in ozone formation in Texas, we should try to limit our driving on
Ozone Action Days. Actions lite car pooling, riding the bus, consolidating errands, riding a bicycle and
avoiding rush hour add up to less pollution.
There are a number of voluntary steps that individuals, businesses and industry can take to limit their
pollutant emissions on Ozone Action Days.
Ozone Readings in Texas
TNRCC collects daily ozone measurements at several monitors across the state. Peak ozone
concentrations found yesterday in the state's major metropolitan areas are available as well as daily peaks
since Jan. 1,1996. These concentrations are used in determining if the National Ambient Air Quality
Standard has been exceeded.
The Pollution Standard Index (PSI) is derived from air pollutant measurements and is used to determine a
p?I rating of "Good," "Moderate" or "Unhealthful." Because ozone measurements are usually higher in
Texas than thosf of other air pollutants, the PSI is normally based on ozone levels.
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Ozone Information
Ife7
http://www.tnrcc.st...i ops/o*oneinfo.htrr
Historical Trend
Major metropolitan areas of Texas have experienced a steady decline in ozone levels over the past 20
years due to factors such as the production of reformulated gasoline and better automobile emission
controls. Levels in 1987 contradicted the overall downward trend as a result of a heat wave present
during that season. A similar heat wave in 1995 caused ozone levels to be higher than the trend would
suggest. This is evident from the number of exceedances of the standard in the Tyler/Longview/Marshall
last year.
TNRCC disclaimer
Comments regarding Monitoring Operations: monops@smtpgate.tnrcc.statc.tx.us
Technical questions regarding the TNRCC Web server wcbmastcr@smtpgate.tnrcc.statc.tx.us
http://www.tnrre.statc.tx.us/air/nranops/ozonCTiifo.html
3 of 3
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Ozone Query Form
l'-H
http://www.tnrcc.st...ops/query-forr .htm
Office of Air Quality Address/Phone/Fat
monoDs@smtpgate.tnrcc.state.tx.us
Monitoring Operations Mb.
September 17,1996
Peak Ozone Levels/Ozone Action Days
The TNRCC measures ozone in metropolitan areas throughout Texas. The table below lists yesterday's
(September 16, 1996) peak one-hour ozone concentration and the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) rating
for each of these areas. These ozone measurements are in parts per billion (ppb). Concentrations of 125
ppb or higher exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. Please note that this data has
not been verified by the TNRCC and may change. This is our most current data, but it is not official until
it has been certified by our technical staff. This table is updated by noon each weekday.
The table also provides information about whether an Ozone Action Day has been forecast for those
areas involved in the 1996 Ozone Action Davs Proeram. Brownsville, Laredo, El Paso and Victoria are
not involved in the program.
Metropolitan
Area
Houston-Galveston-Brazoria
Dallas-Fort Worth
Beaumont-Port Arthur
El Paso-Juarez-Las Cruces
Austin
Corpus Christi
Tyler
Longview-Marshall
Victoria
San Antonio
Brownsville
Laredo
Ozone Level
PSI
Ozone Action Day
(9/16/96)(ppb)
Ratin?
(9/18/96)
51
Good
No
73
Moderate
No
48
Good
No
29
Good
Not Applicable
59
Good
No
42
Good
No
59
Good
No
60
Good
No
42
Good
Not Applicable
70
Moderate
No
17
Good
Not Applicable
46
Good
Not Applicable
MA* Not Available
Ozone Query Form
You can use the form below to retrieve daily peak one-hour ozone concentrations, from yesterday back
to the beginning of the current year. Please note that this data has not been verified by the TNRCC and
may change. This is our most current data, but it is not official until it has been certified by our technical
staff. This information is updated by noon each weekday.
Which metropolitan area do you want data for?
City
What is the first day you want data for?
Month
Day
1 of 2
09/17/96 10:06:1
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10
Ozone Query Form
http://www tnrcc.st...ops/query-form.htx
What is the last day you want data for?
Month
Day
Would you like the output in a text or tabular format?
TNRCC disclaimer
Comments regarding Monitoring Operations: monops@smtpgate.tnrcc.state.tx.us
Technical questions regarding the TNRCC Web Server webmastcr@smtpgatc.tnrcc.state, tx.us
http://www.tiircc.state.tx.us/updated/air/iMiwps/query-fonn.html
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PROGRAM PROFILE - INDIANA PROGRAMS
Episodic Control Program Profile - Indiana Programs
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Counties:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PMjo / 03)
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Partners for Clean Air (Four areas; separated by "/")
Cities: Gary, Hammond, Valparaiso / SouthBend /
Indianapolis /Louisville
Lake, Porter, LaPorte/St Joseph, Elkhait/Marion/ Clark,
Floyd
Ozone
Severe Ozone/Maintenance Ozone/Maintenance
Ozone /Moderate Ozone
IDEM and Illinois EPA/MPO lead with IDEM providing
forecast/MPO, Chamber of Commerce, local air agency
with IDEM assistance with forecasting/MPO lead with
IDEM providing forecasting
May 1995 / May 1994 / May 1996 / June 1996
1. Public Education
2. Health Benefits
3. Maintain attainment status of the area
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget:
IDEM
SouthBend MPO
Indianapolis MPO
Louisville MPO
Funding Source(s):
@10,000 State S's/CAAA §105 $'s
350,000/yr for 2 yrs CMAQ
100,000 CMAQ
100,000/yr for 2 years CMAQ
# Full-time equivalent staff at die main agency (IDEM only)
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
JEaid Volunteer Total
1 full time
3 Ml time (May - Sept)
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Television advertisements
Public education booths at community events (2 available displays)
I
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PROGRAM PROFILE- INDIANA PROGRAMS
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Radio advertisements
• Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
• Newspaper advertisements
• Internet Website (http://www.epa.gov/ARD-R5/ozoneday/ozoneday.htm)
• Cable TV shows/interviews
• Writing articles/oped pieces (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, AAA, Detroiter magazine)
Describe most effective part of public outreach program: n/a
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone - There is a special
rideshare program for ozone action days)
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Re-fuel the night before or day after an ozone alert day; wait at least until after 6 pm for re-fueling
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
• Postpone fleet refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.).
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Avoid engine idle and jackrabbit starts
• Keep the gas cap tight or, if lost, replace it
• For multi-car families, drive newer car on ozone alert days
Participation & Incentives
• Employers
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Free transit is available in Ann Arbor from the transit company
Companies: Public Recognition
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: n/a
Parameters Examined: n/a
Criteria to setting forecast day: n/a
Method used to forecast day: n/a
Accuracy: n/a
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations Method of notification:
• Radio stations Method of notification:
2
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73
PROGRAM PROFILE - INDIANA PROGRAMS
Newspapers
Participating Employers
General Public
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Employers collecting survey data
Monitoring data, participation & awareness data would be nice, but
considered not cost-effective
None
n/a
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: N/A
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: N/A
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PROGRAM PROFILE - LONGVIEW. MARSHAL TYLER. TX
Episodic Control Program Profile - Longview, Marshal, Tyler, TX
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name: Northeast Texas Air Care (NETAC)
Area of Coverage: Longview, Marshal, Tyler, TX
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted: Ozone
Attainment Status (CO / PM,„ / 03):Attainment- ozone (4 exceed in '95...FAR)
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Volunteer effort by local gov., TNRCC
1994
1. Best & most effective practice for area (not accepted)
2. Economic Benefits
3. Public Education
Not yet
Stationary Sources may opt in.
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $55,000 (NETAC) Funding Source(s): Legislative Grant,Contributions
$83,000 (ETCOG)
The legislative grant is part of a 2 million dollar study funded by the Texas Legislature to study technical
issues for the four near nonattainment areas in Texas.
Paid Volunteer Total
• Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 0 25 25
• Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 1 I
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Television call-in show
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Internet site
• Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe the most effective part ofpublic outreach program: The program has been largely run
by NETAC which is a coalition of local stationary source and employers, consequently a large
portion of the effort has been focused at employer/employee education which has worked very
well. A considerable amount of support for the program has developed via word of mouth.
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PROGRAM PROFILE-LONGVIEW, MARSHAL TYLER. TX
LEDCO, which is a group of local governments has worked with TNRCC to develop public
education material to distribute.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Keep travel speeds at speed limit an steady
• Avoid using gasoline powered garden equipment until the evening (i.e. after 6 pm)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: The program was modeled after
Dallas and Tulsa, but differs from both programs because of the local distribution of emission
sources. VOC emissions in are area are heavily biogenic and a significant amount of Nox is
emitted from local stationary sources. The area is just over NAAQS levels, therefore the focus is
on getting addition voluntary participation to reduce emissions.
Participation & Incentives
• Employers
• General public
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: None
Companies: Public recognition
Employees: Free or Discounted lunches
Flexible work schedule
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
TNRCC
Max temp., pressure, WS, current ozone, precipitation
n/a
n/a
-50% (>100 ppb)
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Ill
PROGRAM PROFILE - LONGVIEW. MARSHAL TYLER. TX
Notification Mechanisms
Stationary Sources
Gas Stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Employers
Television stations
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and in the weather report while
newspapers include the information in articles. Radio hosts make special announcements and
mention the air quality status in news reports.
Program Evaluation
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
The area is now developing/negotiating a Flexible Attainment Region agreement with EPA. The
control measures included in the plan are currently classified into one of three areas: (1) tangible
and enforceable (impacts are calculated and included in the AQ plan), (2) tangible and voluntary
fugitive monitoring, alternative fuel vehicles), and (3) voluntary but positive (TCM, reduction of
maintenance activities).
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: Surveys are
not considered important since they do not lower emission. They only make officials feel good.
Ensuring that the media does not state that the 'sky is falling" is difficult Educating the public,
to be prepared for the media blowing it out of proportion, consequently, is also difficult
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: Volunteerism and home grown
attitudes prevail throughout the program implementation and have helped the public perception
of the program (as truthful rather than the 'party line from Washington'). The program has
managed to convince local industry and officials to open up resources with uncertain funding for
the program due to a lot of volunteer support
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Employers collecting survey H?ta
Monitoring data, participation & awareness data would be nice, but
considered not cost-effective
None
n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant* n/a
n/a
3
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ill
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Ozone Action Days Program
http://www.tnrcc.st...ps/ozoneaction.html
Office of Air Quality
Address/Phone/Fax
monoDs@smtpgate.tnrcc.state.tT.us
Help
June 6,1996
Monitoring Operations
Ozone Action Days
The Program
The TNRCC has developed an ozone education/awareness campaign called the Ozone Action Days
Program. This voluntary campaign outlines reasonable actions each participating community can tai^
from local industries to individuals, to reduce ozone pollution. Education and empowerment, not
regulation, are the key components of the Ozone Action Days Program. The program is designed to be in
effect during the ozone season, which is April through October. TNRCC staff have coordinated their
efforts to provide support to local area air care coalitions so that this program may be implemented in the
metropolitan areas of Texas.
Forecasting for Ozone Action Days
Since ozone is not directly emitted, but rather forms as a result of other pollutants "cooking" in hot
weather, weather conditions play a crucial role in ozone formation. An Ozone Action Day is called for a
metropolitan area participating in the program when TNRCC meteorologists predict that weather
conditions the following day will be favorable for the formation of high levels of ozone. TNRCC
meteorologists use a set of criteria developed through the urban airshed model and based on historic
meteorological data and pollutant background levels to make predictions.
Proper weather conditions (light winds, heat and sunshine) together with an adequate combination of
pollutants (nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds), fuel the chemical reaction that produces
ozone. If conditions are such that the formation of ozone is likely, TNRCC meteorologists contact the
National Weather Service (NWS) with the information. The NWS broadcasts this across its weather wire.
When the local coalitions that are participating in the program declare an Ozone Action Day, they notify
the news media and local government, business and industry. The goal is to notify the public a day in
advance when conditions are expected to be favorable for high levels of ozone so that individuals,
businesses and industry can make plans to take action.
For the 1995 ozone season, high ozone levels were measured on 73 percent of the TNRCCs forecast
high ozone days. The TNRCC forecasts correctly identified 72 percent of the days where ozone was
measured above the target levels set for each area in the program.
TNRCC disclaimer
Comments regarding Monitoring Operations: monons@smtpgate.tnrcc.state.txus
Technical questions regarding the TNRCC Web server. weftmasteT®.smtpgatc.tnrcc.state.tx.us
http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/monops/ozoneaction.htinl
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Ozons Query Form
http ://www. tnr cc .st.. .opsAjuery-forrniitrr
Address/Phone/Fat
monoDS@smtDeate.tnrcc.state.tr.us
Help
September 17,1996
Peak Ozone Levels/Ozone Action Days
The TNRCC measures ozone in metropolitan areas throughout Texas. The table below lists yesterday's
(September 16,1996) peak one-hour ozone concentration and the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) rating
for each of these areas. These ozone measurements are in parts per billion (ppb). Concentrations of 12S
ppb or higher exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. Please note that this data has
not been verified by the TNRCC and may change. This is our most current data, but it is not official until
it has been certified by our technical staff. This table is updated by noon each weekday.
The table also provides information about whether an Ozone Action Day has been forecast for those
areas involved in the 1996 Ozone Action Davs Program. Brownsville, Laredo, El Paso and Victoria are
not involved in the program.
Metropolitan
Ozone Level
PSI
Ozone Action Day
Area
(9/16/96)(ppb)
Rating
(9/18/96)
Houston-Galveston-Brazoria
51
Good
No
Dallas-Fort Worth
73
Moderate
No
Beaumont-Port Arthur
48
Good
No
El Paso-Juarez-Las Cruces
29
Good
Not Applicable
Austin
59
Good
No
Corpus Christi
42
Good
No
Tyler
59
Good
No
Longview-Marshall
60
Good
No
Victoria
42
Good
Not Applicable
San Antonio
70
Moderate
No
Brownsville
17
Good
Not Applicable
Laredo
46
Good
Not Applicable
NA- Not Available
Ozone Query Form
You can use the fonn below to retrieve daily peak one-hour ozone concentrations, from yesterday back
to the beginning of the current year. Please note that this data has not been verified by the TNRCC and
may change. This is our most current data, but it is not official until it has been certified by our technical
staff. This information is updated by noon each weekday.
Which metropolitan area do you want data for?
City
What is the first day you want data for?
Month
Day
Office of Air Quality
Monitoring Operations
1 of 2
09/17/96 10:06:
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Ozone Query Form
http://www.tnrcc.st...ops/querY-forrn.rv
What is the last day you want data for?
Month
Day
Would you like the output in a text or tabular format?
TNRCC disclaimer
Comments regarding Monitoring Operations: monoos@smtDgate.tnrec.state.tx.us
Technical questions regarding the TNRCC Web Server webmaster@smtpgate.tnrcc.state.tx.ns
http-7Avww.tnrcc.state.txus/updated/air/monops/query-fonn. html
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i%3
PROGRAM PROFILE -MILWAUKEE. W1
Episodic Control Program Profile - Milwaukee, WI
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutants) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PMi0 / 03);
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Lake Michigan Ozone Action! Program
Milwaykee, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, Ozaukee,
and Washington Counties
Ozone
Severe nonattainment (03)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
1995
1. To maintain the attainment status of the area
2. To attain air quality standards
3. Public education
No
Yes
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget $35,000 (for 1995 & 1996)
Funding Source(s): ISTEA (CMAQ)
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Eaid Volunteer Total
5 5
2 2
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
• TV and radio weather announcements
• Department of Transportation electronic highway signs
Describe most effective part of public outreach program n/a
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (teleeommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (Le., after 6 p,m.)
1
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itt
PROGRAM PROFILE -MILWAUKEE. Wl
• Keep boats and lawn equipment maintained
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• 330 Employers (including stationary sources)
• 80 Stationary Sources
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Transit discounts, Free transit
Companies: Public recognition
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpooJ/transit
'Dress casual days' for those who carpool or use transit
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO)
Temperatures, surface frontal positions, previous day's
ozone values
n/a
Meteorological intuition is used
No formal data on accuracy is kept
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations
• Radio stations
• Newspapers
• Participating Stationary
• Employers
• Stationary Sources
• State Agencies
• Governor's Office
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fox
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification; fax
Method of notification: phone
Method of notification: phone
2
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PROGRAM PROFILE -MILWAUKEE 07
Television stations occasionally mention the alert day. in the news reports and the weather report
while newspapers sometimes mention them in articles. Radio station DJ's sometimes mention
them during the weather forecasts or in regular discussion.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Employers, stationary source & companies which use non-road engines
provided participation information.
Other Data Desired: Yes, data we can quantify - recording and reporting participation data
may be seen as too burdensome.
Analysis of Data: No
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant* n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program:
• There was some initial bad press when the media "caught" local governments and school
districts mowing the lawn, for example on an Ozone Action Day. We needed to do more
education that these actions are voluntary, not required. It seems to have worked.
• We woulci like guidance from EPA on how to quantify. The surveys can give us
participation - it would help if EPA had numbers that could be used nationally to make some
valid reduction measures (i.e., lawn mowers, boat engines, cars/hr VOC emissions).
Parts of the program that have been the most successfid:
• Voluntary - companies and citizens have responded favorably to having choices.
• Public education - Its the first time we had tremendous recognition that individual actions
affect air quality.
• Employer response and communication has improved.
• More recognition of ozone as an air quality / economic / health issue for Southeast Wisconsin
• Excellent support from National Weather Service and TV meteorologists - confirmation of
our science-based information.
3
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Milwaukee Area Ozone Action Day Information i tp://www.epa.gov/ARD-Ri/ozoneday;wioadinr
Milwaukee Area Ozone Action Day Information
LAKE MICHIGAN OZONE ACTION! DAYS
The Problem.
Ozone high in the stratosphere protects us from dangerous sunlight. But ozone near the ground, where
we breathe, is a harmful pollutant which causes human health problems, especially for children, the
elderly and those who suffer from respiratory ailments. Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants
released from cars, factories, boats, lawn equipment and other products used at home "bake" in the hot,
summer sun.
Cooperating with our neighbors.
Currently, ozone pollution exceeds public health standards in the southern Lake Michigan region. Many
programs called for by the federal Clean Air Act are in place to improve the region's air quality. To
continue reducing ozone and to minimize the need for additional clean-air regulations, Wisconsin,
Illinois, Indiana and Michigan are joining together in a voluntary effort called Lake Michigan Ozone
Action! Days.
How it works.
When ozone is predicted to reach unhealthy levels, a Lake Michigan Ozone Action! Day will be declared
in the 4-state Lake Michigan area. On those days, businesses, motorists, homeowners and others are
being asked to cut back on the activities that cause ozone. Listen and watch for ozone announcements on
radio and television weather broadcasts throughout the summer.
What can you do?
Together we can make a difference if everyone fakes action on Lake Michigan Ozone Action! Days. Just
by delaying certain activities until evening, we can reduce the number of ozone-forming pollutants that
bake in the hot, daytime sun. Here are some steps you can take that will help.
* Postpone mowing your lawn.
* Fill your car's gas tank in the evening.
* Delay using your motor boat until late afternoon or evening.
* Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid to start your grill.
* Carpool, bus, walk or bike to work.
* Wisconsin Department of Transportation's RIDESHARE Program matches people interested in
joining a car or vanpool.
Call 1-800-455-POOL.
Everyday Actions
Here are some things you can do everyday to help keep ozone levels down.
* Don't top off your gas tank.
* Keep vehicles, boats, and lawn equipment well maintained.
1 of2
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Milwaukee Area Ozone Action Day Information http://www.epa.gov/ARD-RJ/ozoneday/wioadJ...
# Combine trips for business, errands and recreation whenever possible.
For Daily Air Quality Report:
1-800-242-4727
For More Information:
1-800-326-9472
Publication # PUBL-AM-160 95
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PROGRAM PROFILE - NORTHWEST WA
tp
Episodic Control Program Profile — Northwest WA
b
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name: Wood Smoke Curtailment Program
Area of Coverage: Island, Skagit and Whatcom Counties, WA
Main Pollutants) Targeted: PMI0
Attainment Status (CO / PM,0 / 03): Attainment for all
Implementing Agency: Northwest Air Pollution Control Authority
(NWAPA)
Start Date: 1992
Program Goals (Ranked) 1. Health benefits
2. Public education
3. Economic benefits to the area of staying in attainment
Program required by law? Yes (RCW 70.94.450, RCW 70.94.483)
Is the program enforceable? Yes
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget* $22,560 Funding Source(s): Washington State Dept of
Ecology
2M Volunteer Total
• Full-time equivalent staff at the mam agency 0.5 0.5
• Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• , Billboard advertisements
• Internet web site
• Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Violators are given written material and sent a video
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid the use of wood stoves and fireplaces
• Minimize smoke when burning wood (by burning dry clean wood, burning small hot fires,
and by giving the fire lots of air) - if wood heat is the sole source of heat
I
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Participation & Incentives
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Cleaner air
PROGRAM PROFILE - NORTHWEST WA
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
NOAA & WA Dept of Ecology; NWAPA
PM10 levels and weather forecast
PMt0 threshold values established by law
Weather forecasts from WA Dept. Ecology / NOAA
Not Available.
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations Method of notification: fax, phone
• Radio stations Method of notification: fax, phone
• Newspapers Method of notification: fax, phone
• Voicemail messages on bum ban hotlines
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and the weather report in addition to
broadcasting a public service announcement Newspapers print special announcements and
articles to notify the public of an episode day. Radio stations all air bum ban information at
regular times during wood heat season. Radio hosts make announcement on pollution episode
days and mention it in the news report
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant:
Cost per participant:
Emission Reduction Ratio:
Wood stove smoke complaint data and inspector
surveillance data.
How wood smoke impacts visibility
Yes
No
No
No
No
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: It is difficult
to interpret the meaning of the wood stove smoke complaint data that has been collected.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: The program is successfully educating
the public about cleaner burning practices and about where they call if they are having problems.
Also, the number of woodsmoke complaints have decreased.
2
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PROGRAM PROFILE—OL YMPIA. WA
Episodic Control Program Profile—Olympia, WA
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PMio/03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Impaired Air Quality Curtailment
Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, WA
PMio
Moderate - PMio
Olympia Air Pollution Control Authority
November, 1988
1. Attain AQ standards
2. Maintain AQ standards
3. Health Benefits
Yes (WAC 173-433)
Yes (in SIP for Thurston County)
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $30,000
Funding Source(s): WDOE, fee on sale of wood
stoves
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Paid Volunteer Total
1 0 1
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Internet web site (http7Avww.wln.com/~oapca)
• Workshops (for school, industry, the public)
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Supplemental education program
• Stove removal projects
Describe most effective part of public outreach program: The outreach program is constantly
evolving, but tends to be focused more at specific groups than at the general public. They have
gotten a lot of response from specific programs like the stove changeout program and seem to get
a bit more response/requests for information with newspaper articles and advertisements.
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PROGRAM PROFILE—OL YKfflA. WA
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Refrain from burning until ban is lifted
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: The burn bans are implemented in
two stages with a Stage I Alert allowing burning of certified and pellet stoves and exemptions
given for residences without an adequate heat source. During a Stage II, only residences with the
written inadequate heat source exemption can burn. A fine of SSO is given for a first time
violation with $25 of that fine in suspense until another ticket is given. The fine for a second
violation is $100-$ 150; however, no second violations have ever been given.
Participation & Incentives
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Interest free loans & cash incentives for replacement of non-EPA certified stoves
Companies: N/A
Employees: N/A
They did receive a lot of interest for the cash incentive program and replaced 143 stoves at $100
per stove. They received a special grant of $30,000 to implement this program and the interest
free loan program; however, the second program, which required much more significant funds per
household, had a much more limited impact.
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
]
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
NWS & WDOE
PMio concentration (TEOM or Hi-Vol) & air stagnation
conditions
State. I (75 ug/m3), State n (105 ug/m3)
Based on meteorological intuition
PMto monitoring data is accurate; however,
meteorological predictions can be somewhat poor due to
sudden changes in weather
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Local fire districts
PSAPCA
Method of notification: fax/phone
Method of notification: lax/phone
Method of notification: fax/phone
Method of notification: fax/phone
Method of notification: fax/phone
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PROGRAM PROFILE—0LYMPL4. WA
Television stations mention the alert day in the weather report; however, coverage is intermittent.
Newspapers have written articles about the program and radio public hosts have made
announcements and mentioned the alert status in the news report.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Woodstove compliance study ('92-93).
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data: No
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Originally estimated 70% reduction in emissions of PMi0 during impaired air episodes. A
compliance study was conducted in 1993 which used infrared viewing devices to determine
whether people were burning wood and surveys on sixteen separate evenings during both
curtailment and noncurtailment periods. Subareas were chosen to participate in the survey based
on (1) the variety of socioeconomic settings and ages of the homes, (2) high ratio of
stack/chimneys to homes, (3) proximity to predicted high PMto concentrations and (4)
accessibility for surveying. The surveys indicated that the compliance rate was 78% with a 34%
reduction in the number of hot stacks during ban periods. The results of this study have been
examined for use in estimating woodburning PMto emissions for the area.
OAPCA would now like to conduct additional surveys to determine (1) public knowledge about the
program, (2) the types of devices being used and the percentage of each, and (3) the economics of burning.
Mean problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program-.
• Coordination with newspapers has been difficult since their publishing deadlines do not allow
for timely notification.
?
• The agencies' low profile and public confusion/ignorance of the regulations have been ,
problems and have made it difficult to track/evaluate the public's compliance with the
regulations.
• Sudden changes in weather conditions have contributed to over or under prediction of ban
days.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: Aggressive enforcement and good
coverage/cooperation by local media have resulted in a high level of public awareness of the
program.
Noteworthy aspects of the program: Emissions from woodsmoke are the single largest
contributor to the PMio emissions in Thurston County, so the OAPCA has made a significant
effort to quantify, emissions and the impact of the program. The program is a mandatory
program; however, exceptions for homes with wood as the sole source of heating and low income
homes exist and monetary incentives to remove older stoves are available.
3
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http://www.wln.com/"oapca/john.h,.7iJ
'15
http://www.wln.com/" oapca/john.htm
B
OAPCA Woodstove Education and Enforcement Program
Approximately half the homes in the greater Olympic Peninsula and Coastal area of Washington have
some type of wood burning heating device, ranging from wood stoves to fireplaces. There is an
increasing body of scientific evidence that associates part iculate matter pollution from wood stoves with
a variety of health impacts. The very young, the elderly and people who suffer from circulatory and
respiratory illnesses are among those most severely impacted.
In 1987 the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater urban area was determined to be in violation of federal air
quality standards for particulate matter (PM10). Since that time a variety of State and Local Woodstove
Regulations have be en adopted to help minimize the impact of wood stove emissions on public health.
When Monitoring data indicate that pollution levels are rising, OAPCA may declare a Burn Ban which
restricts certain burning a ctivities in specific areas.
Those among us who rely on our wood stoves for heat, or otherwise enjoy the use of wood burning
appliances or fireplaces, can do several things to minimize the impact of our burning activities on our
neighbors.
EASY STEPS TO SMART WOOD HEATING
~ Burn only clean, untreated wood.
~ Use only dry, properly seasoned wood.
~ For complete combustion, give your fire plenty of air.
~ Check out your chimney - lots of smoke means your fire needs air.
~ Be aware of current burning conditions. During stagnant periods, a Burn Ban may be in effect.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
~ Contact John Kelly at 360-438-8768 ext 109 (in Washington State 1-800-422-5623 ext 109). You can
-Icn an F-Mail message at QAPCA@wln.com
~ Washington State Department of Ecology Wood Smoke Information Line (in Washington State)
1-800-523-4636
~ Washington State Energy Office Hotline 1-800-962-9731
Return to OAPCA's homepage
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http://www.wfn.coni/"oapca/ban.htmi
i i l
http://www.win.com/*oapca/ban.htm
Air Pollution
Control Authority
Current Burn Ban Information
INDOOR BURNING
During periods of stagnant air, when the measured level of pollution builds up, it may be necessary for
OAPCA or the Washington State Department of Ecology to declare burn bans in certain geographic
areas. During a burn ban, certa in indoor and outdoor burning activities are temporarily restricted.
Historically, OAPCA bum bans have been restricted to Thurston County.
OUTDOOR BURNING
There is a permanent outdoor burn ban in the cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. For Outdoor
burning information in other areas in OAPCA's jurisdiction contact your local Fire department.
For up to date burn ban information call OAPCA at:
(360)438-8768
1-800-422-5623 in Washington State
Or listen to one of the following radio stations in the Olympia-Shelton area:
~ WPBX AM 530
~ KAOS FM 89.3
~ KXXOFM96.1
~ KMAS AM 830
~ KGY AM 1240
FIRST STAGE BURN BAN
DURING A STAGE 1 BURN BAN YOU MAY NOT BURN WOOD IN YOUR WOODSTOVE,
INSERT OR FIREPLACE UNLESS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS IS TRUE:
~ You have a certified stove.
~ You have a pellet stove.
~ Wood is your only adequate source of heat
~ You have an economic or medical exemption from OAPCA.
If the ban is going to be lifted, this decision will be made at either 10:00 AM or 2:30 PM, depending on
conditions, and announced on our phone system's recorded messages and conveyed to the radio stations
listed above. To find out if your woodstove is certified, or to apply for an exemption to operate your
stove during a burn ban, call OAPCA at (360)438-8768, ext. 109.
SECOND STAGE BURN BAN
DURING A STAGE 2 BURN BAN, YOU MAY NOT BURN WOOD IN YOUR WOODSTOVE,
INSERT OR FIREPLACE, INCLUDING CERTIFIED STOVES AND PELLET STOVES, UNLESS
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS IS TRUE:
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http://www.wln. com/~oapca/ban..
~ Wood is your only adequate source of heat.
~ You have an economic or medical exemption from OAPCA.
Return to OAPCA's home page
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http://www.wln.com/"oapca/Ipw.htmi
m
http://www .wln.com/" oapca/jpw .htm
AiRF'OLLLITIOM
Qomtrol Authority
OAPCA AIR MONITORING PROGRAM
OAPCA works cooperatively with the Washington State Department Of Ecology (Ecology) and the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to measure criteria ambient air pollutants,
meteorological parameters, and other air related parameters. OAPCA is a member of the Washington
State Air Monitoring Network Advisory Committee which includes representatives of Ecology, EPA and
Washington State Local Air Pollution Control Agencies. The committee makes recommendations to
Ecology management regar ding air monitoring programs including ambient air monitoring site locations.
OAPCA currently operates and maintains air monitoring equipment for measurement of the following US
EPA criteria pollutants: PM10 Particulates (PM10X Sulfur Dioxide (S02), and Carbon Monoxide (CO).
OAPCA and Ecology operate and maintain meteorologic al sensors (wind speed, wind direction, and
temperature) and nephelometers (a device that continuously measures fine particulates and visibility).
Past and present ambient air monitoring equipment operated in OAPCA region:
~ Clallam County: Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) samplers, PM10 samplers, S02 monitors,
Ozone monitor, Nephelometers, and meteorological sensors.
~ Grays Harbor County: TSP samplers, PM10 samplers, S02 monitors, CO bag samplers and
meteorological sensors.
~ Jefferson County: TSP samplers, PM10 samplers, and a Nephelometer.
~ Mason County: TSP sampler, PM10 samplers, and a Nephelometer.
~ Pacific County: TSP samplers, and a PM10 sampler.
~ Thurston County: TSP samplers, PM10 samplers (including a Tapered Element Oscillating
Microbalance (TEOM) which measures PM10 directly and in real time), CO monitors,
Nephelometers, and meteorological sensors.
Most of the data generated from these moiiitors has been published by Ecology in their Air Quality
Program Annual Report which contains data for Washington State.
You can also leave an E-Mail message for Tim Werner, OAPCA's Monitoring Technician, at
nAPCA@wln.com
Return to OAPCA's homepage
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3vOi
PROGR/M PROFILE—PHILADELPHIA. PAMJ/DLMD
Episodic Control Program Profile—Philadelphia, PA/NJ/DE/MD
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main PolIutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Ozone Action
Philadelphia Nonattainment Area
Ozone
Severe Nonattainment -Ozone
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC)
May 20, 1996
1. Public Education
2. Health Benefits
3. To Attain Air Quality Standards
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $136,500
Funding Source(s): ISTEA/CMAQ/Private
Donation
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Paid
2.5
0
Volunteer
0
0
Total
2.5
0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Internet web site (www.libertynetorg:80/-dvtpc/ozone.html)
• Creation Hiwminafinn of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: n/a
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc.) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tunedup
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Avoid using gamine powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc.) (Area Sources)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid (Area Sources)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc.) (Area Sources)
• Postpone fleet refueling until the evening (Companies)
I
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PROGRAM PROFILE—PHILADELPHIA. PA/NJ/DEjMD
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: An additional element of the
Philadelphia program is TransitChek, a commuter voucher program whereby employers can give
employees money toward commuting via transit or vanpools. The subsidy is in the form of a
check, which employers can give monthly or quarterly, as a reward or an incentive. The program
is tax-deductible for the employer and exempt from most payroll taxes. Federal tax laws allow
employers to give up to $60 a month per employee tax-free. Checks may be purchased by
employer in amounts of $15, $30 and $60. Companies can call the TransitChek team via a 1-800
number and ask questions concerning the program.
Participation & Incentives
• Employers
• General Public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public:None
Companies: Public Recognition
Employees: Flexible work schedules
Free or Discounted Transit Fares (TransitChek)
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
University of MD Department of Meteorology
Forecast algorithms based on historical climatology and
ozone monitoring site data. The algorithms are augmented
by real time data and forecaster expertise.
A coding system is used to forecast ozone levels: Code
Green (gbod air quality) 0-62 ppb, Code Yellow (moderate
air quality) 63-109 ppb, Code Orange (approaching
unhealthfiil air quality) 110-124 ppb, and Code Red
(unhealthful air quality) 123 ppb or greater.
If the University of Maryland forecast is Code Orange or
Red, PA and NJ DEP forecasters are consulted and a
consensus forecast is made.
Forecasters predicted the correct range every day but
once in the first month of forecasting.
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations
• Radio stations
• Newspapers
• Employers
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Typically, television stations discuss the predicted episode during the weather forecast.
Newspapers report the information with the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) report and mention it
2
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PROGRAM PROFILE—PHILADELPHIA. PA/MDE/MD
in an article. Radio stations mention the alert in a news report. The firs: episode prediction was
the headline story on the all-news radio station.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: No
Other Data Desired: Baseline public knowledge
Analysis of Data: No
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
A survey was conducted in 1995 by the Gallup organization to determine public views regarding
air quality in the Philadelphia area. This survey, while interesting and relevant, is unrelated to the
Ozone Action Program.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: They have
had a great deal of difficulty getting the media interested and involved in the program. Two of the
local TV stations cany a daily ozone forecast but the other three networks only mention the
forecast briefly on ozone action days. They have also had problems getting the two major daily
newspapers to alter their weather page to include the ozone forecast. Lack of financial support,
particularly from business partners, has been somewhat of a disappointment. The lack of ozone
action days, while good for the region's air quality, has not done much for the program's profile.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful. Forecasting has been very successful
and participation from the business community has been a positive factor. Local TMAs have also
been cooperative and have assisted in dispersing information regarding the program to their
members.
Survey Summary
3 50 individuals were surveyed.
Q. On a scale from zero to ten, where a "10" means you feel it is a very big problem and "0"
means that you feel it is not at all a problem, how much of a problem do you feel air pollution is in
your city or area?
There is a problem (7-10 rating) 43%
In the middle (4-6 rating) 36%
Not a problem (0-3 rating) 21%
Q. Who do you feel is responsible for reducing air pollution and cleaning up Philadelphia's air?
Everyone/each of us 49%
State government 23%
Federal government 7%
Factories or industrial sites 3%
Automobile manufacturers 3%
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PROGRAM PROFILE-PHILADELPHIA. PA/XJ
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type_Docurr»ent_Titl®_here http://www.lib rtyn...0/"dvrpc/o2one.htr
The Ozone Action Program
Greater Philadelphia area residents and businesses are being asked to help efforts to reduce
ground-level ozone on announced "Ozone Action" days — when ozone is forecasted to be
high. Listed below are some "fast facts" about ozone and the effort to reduce emissions.
~ Ozone is a noxious form of oxygen. Unlike ozone in the stratosphere which protects
us from ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone can cause lung damage. Remember:
Ozone is good up high, but bad nearby! Elderly individuals, people with existing
respiratory ailments such as asthma and emphysema, and young children should avoid
p. yz-yvrp strenuous activity on Ozone Action Days. Even healthy adults exercising or working
UlUINE outddors mav exnerience lunc orohlems nn hioh r»ynn«» Hav«
ACTION
outddors may experience lung problems on high ozone days.
A Ground-level Ozone Forecast is available every day. The forecast is updated
Monday through Friday at 1500 EDT and Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at 1000
EDT. News media can receive a daily fax of the forecast by requesting one from
DVRPC. Click on the underlined words for a current forecast until September 10,
1996.
~ The objective of the Ozone Action program is to decrease the formation of
ground-level ozone during the summer. Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants
from vehicles, paints and solvents, unburned fuel, and industrial sources "bake" in hot,
sunny weather.
~ The program warns the public about forecasted high ozone days, and asks for
voluntary actions to reduce emissions of ozone-forming pollutants. (OZONE ACTION
DAYS) The Ozone Action program is entirely voluntary and depends on everyone to
share the responsibility. Ozone Action programs are cost-effective and do not require
new regulations or mandatory actions.
~ Fourteen counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland form the
Philadelphia ozone "nonattainment area" because they do not meet federal air quality
standards. In the past four years, high ozone days (when concentrations exceed the
standard) have ranged from 7 to a high of 21 in this region.
~ There are a variety of easy ways people can participate, such these:
• Limit daytime driving and combine • When you must drive, try to avoid congested
errands periods
• Ride public transportation or • Maintain your vehicle's emission control
carpool to work equipment
• Walk or ride a bicycle for short • Postpone the use of gasoline-powered
trips mowers until evening
• Refuel your car in the evening • Avoid lighting your barbeque with starter
— and don't top off your tank fluid
• Avoid prolonged idling and . Use latex rather than oil-based paints
jackrabbit starts
i nf 2
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^ type_Document_Tit)e_herB
http'J/www.libertvn...O/"(lvTpciozone
~ The program is sponsored by a variety of business, environmental and government
partners and is managed by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
DVRPC also provides assistance to companies and individuals through its Mobility
Alternatives Program (MAP). Call DVRPC at 215.592.1800 for more information.
~ Questions regarding the health effects of ozone and actions which can lead to fewer
emissions and less exposure can be answered by calling the program's HOTLINE:
1-800-290-9732.
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PHILADELPHIA OZONE FORECAST
<*0
http://www.m4to.umd...yan/ph ozona5.htn
GREEN
Ozone Action Partnership
Ground-Level
Ozone Forecast
Philadelphia Ozone Nonattainment Area
Forecast for period:
¦August 13, 1996
'August 12, 1996, 1400
Forecast issued: EDT
Forecast range: CODE GREEN
1 nt t
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^PHILADELPHIA OZONE FORECAST
http:< ww*w.meto.umd-..yanypW_ozon«5.
Forecast Discussion:
The ozone forecast for Tuesday is unchanged from the
previous day. In addition to the cool temperatures and
maritime flow over the region, precipation is forecasted for
most of the day Tuesday. Ozone will remain in the good range
(Code Green) for the next 24 hours.
\
Activity to the southland to the west are the focus areas for
the next few days. A surface low, which is supported aloft,
developed along the stationary front to our south. This low is
moving north forward .the atlantic states bringing with it
precipatation. The precipatation will V i during most the day
tommorow as the low .moves over Southeastern PA.. The
persistant rain is the result of copious amounts of moisture
availible from the prevailing east to southeast winds. There
will be little if any breaks in the clouds Tuesday, and the winds
will to be from the northeast - east. Therefore, there does not
appear to be any reason to raise ozone levels out of the good
range for the next 24 hours.
Long Range Outlook:
The next round of weather for the Philadelphia area will come
from the west in the form a surface front (trough) currently in
the midwest. As the surface low from the south moves away
from the forecast region, the area will dry considerable. This
means the surface front appraoching from the west will not
have as much avalible moisture as today; hence, there will not
be much precipatation in advance of it. However, we can
expect the winds to become more southwesterly by Thursday
as the front gets closer. This moist southwest flow should
allow for considerable precipatation associated with the arrival
of the from on Friday. With the brief period of drier conditions
in between the two above mentioned weather systems, may
see ozone concentrations back up the moderate range (Code
Yellow). By the end of the week ozone concentrations will be
in the good range (Code Green) once again.
Piety \
I CODE RED - UNHEALTHFUL
_J CODE ORANGE - APPROACHING
UNHEALTHFUL
Z] CODE YELLOW - MODERATE
~ CODE GREEN - GOOD
125 ppb or more
110 to 124 ppb
63 to 109 ppb
62 ppb or less
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PHILADELPHIA OZONE FORECAST
3M
http ://www .meto uimd.. .yan/phi_ozon«5. hti
Click on the logo at right to link to the home page of the
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and for
more information on the Ozone Action program.
@
Other Helpful WWW Sites:
Maryland EarthCastiECST
Weather Forecast and Observation Links:Rvan
This forecast was prepared by the Department of Meteorology at the
University of Maryland College Park, William Ryan, Chief
Forecaster. Comments to rvcmicvmam. umdL edu
m %
08/13/96 08:36:
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PHILADELPHIA OZONE FORECAST
*11
http://www.wam .umd...,yan/pN_ozon«5.f
YELLOW
Ozone Action Partnership
Ground-Level
Ozone Forecast
Philadelphia Ozone Nonattainment Area
Forecast for period:
-July 1, 1996
•June 30, 1996, 1330
Forecast issued: EDT
Forecast range: CODE YELLOW
1 nH
08/05/96 18:(
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PHILADELPHIA OZONE FORECAST
http:y/www.wam.umd....yan/3hl_
Forecast Discussion:
The last est weather sequence has certainly not worked out as
expected by either the numerical models or us human
forecasters. The marine layer that was expected to drift east
and allow strong heat to build Sunday (forecasted low 90's F)
stuck around and was joined by precipitation riding down the
thickness contours along the warm front associated with the
next frontal system. The net results was cloud, rain and low
temperatures.
The frontal zone will begin sliding ^toss the region Monday
but will not bring cooler temperatures like you might expect.
Instead, temperatures will (finally) rise to 90 F. We have gone
with slightly lower maximum temperature than the NWS and
more in line with MOS guidance as the warm upper air temps
should moderate slightly during the day.
For ozone, the main question is the strength of the low level
inversion. The NGM and (especially) Eta bring in a very
strong temperature band at 950 mb which will result in a
strong inversion. The frontal zone as it passes will be weak
and thus not kick off much in the way of convection. With
these factors in mind, have moved the ozone forecast to the
upper limit of the yellow range but would not be surprised if
the far downwind sites to the SE saw concentrations at 110
ppbv and above.
Long Range Outlook:
Cooler temperatures will lag the cool front but will be felt by
Tuesday and it looks like seasonal (mid-upper 80's F)
temperatures and moderate ozone levels through the 4th.
Ryan
I CODE RED - UNHEALTHFUL
_J CODE ORANGE - APPROACHING
UNHEALTHFUL
_J CODE YELLOW - MODERATE
ZI CODE GREEN - GOOD
12S ppb or more
110 to 124 ppb
63 to 109 ppb
62 ppb or less
Click on the logo at right to link to the home page of the
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and for
more information on the Ozone Action program.
Other Helpful WWW Sites:
Maryland EarthCast:ECST
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PHILADELPHIA OZONE FORECAST
*13
http :i/www. wamojmd.... ysn/pW_ozone5 .hr
Weather Forecast and Observation Links.Rvan
&
This forecast was prepared by the Department of Meteorology at the
University of Maryland College Park, William Ryan, Chief
Forecaster. Comments to rvan(wniam. umd edu
08/05/96 18:0
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PHILAE -LPH1A OZONE FORECAST
cn i 0
http://www.wam.umd....yan/pW_ozor>«5.h!
Ozone Action Partnership
Ground-Level
Ozone Forecast
YELLOW
Philadelphia Ozone Nonattainment Area
Forecast for period:
¦July 1,1996
June 30, 1996, 1330
Forecast issued: EDT
Forecast range: CODE YELLOW
1 of 3
08/05/96 17:45
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^PHILADELPHIA OZONE FORECAST
http-Jiwww.wam.umd—yan/pW_ozornS
Forecast Discussion:
The lastest weather sequence has certainly not worked out as
expected by either the numerical models or us human
forecasters. The marine layer that was expected to drift east
and allow strong heat to build Sunday (forecasted low 90's F)
stuck around and was joined by precipitation riding down the
thickness contours along the warm front associated with the
next frontal system. The net results was cloud, rain and low
temperatures.
The frontal zone will begin sliding across the region Monday
but will not bring cooler temperatures like you might expect.
Instead, temperatures will (finally) rise to 90 F. We have gone
with slightly lower maximum temperature than the NWS and
more in line with MOS guidance as the warm upper air temps
should moderate slightly during the day.
For ozone, the main question is the strength of the low level
inversion. The NGM and (especially) Eta bring in a very
strong temperature band at 950 mb which will result in a
strong inversion. The frontal zone as it passes will be weak
and thus not kick off much in the way of convection. With
these factors in mind, have moved the ozone forecast to the
upper limit of the yellow range but would not be surprised if
the far downwind sites to the SE saw concentrations at 110
ppbv and above.
Long Range Outlook:
Cooler temperatures will lag the cool front but will be felt by
Tuesday and it looks like seasonal (mid-upper 80's F)
temperatures and moderate ozone levels through the 4th.
Ryan
{¦ CODE RED - UNHEALTHFUL
_i CODE ORANGE - APPROACHING
UNHEALTHFUL
_1 CODE YELLOW - MODERATE
Z3 CODE GREEN - GOOD
125 ppb or more
110 to 124 ppb
63 to 109 ppb
62 ppb or less
Click on the logo at right to link to the home page of the
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and for
more information on the Ozone Action program.
Other Helpful WWW Sites:
Maryland EarthCast:ECST
2 of 3
08/05/96 17-AS-
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PHILADELPHIA 02101 E FORECAST http://www.wam .umd....y*n/pN_azon«5JTt
Weather Forecast and Observation Links :Rvan
S
This forecast was prepared by the Department of Meteorology at the
University of Maryland College Park, William Ryan, Chief
Forecaster. Comments to rvan(a)niam. umd. edu
3 of 3
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PROGRAM PROFILE-PHOENIX AZ (CO)
Episodic Control Program Profile—Phoenix, AZ (CO)
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PMIO / 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Residential Woodburning Restriction Ordinance
Program
Maricopa County, Arizona
CO
Nonattainment for CO (serious), PMIO (serious),
and 03 (moderate)
Maricopa County Environmental Services
Department
1994
1. Public education
2. To meet specific emission reduction targets
3. Health benefits
Yes (House Bill 2001)
Yes
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $3,500
Funding Source(s): Federal funds (Clean Air Act
Section 105)
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
§ Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Paid Volunteer Total
5 5
3 3
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
Describe most effective part of public outreach program: n/a
I
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PROGRAM PROFILE-PHOENIX AZ (CO)
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc.) instead of driving aione
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid the used of wood stoves and fireplaces
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: No incentives are being offered.
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations
• Radio stations
• Newspapers
NWS, AZ Dept. of Environmental Quality
history, day of the week, predicted traffic activities
> 80 PSI + stagnant meteorological conditions
empirical, algorithm based, meteorological intuition
Data on accuracy are not available.
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the weather report while newspapers include it with
the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) report. Radio stations make special announcements, included
it in news stories, and broadcast prerecorded public service announcements.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant*
Cost per participant:
Emission Reduction Ratio:
Wood and fireplace usage data
Location of complaints received during a CO high air pollution
advisory.
No
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
2
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(*¦^1
PROGRAM PROFILE—PHOENIX AZ (CO)
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program:
• Correctly timing the declaration of a CO High Air Pollution Advisory has been challenging.
• Coordinating conversations with the National Weather Service and AZ Dept. of
Environmental Quality regarding the weather forecasts.
• Making sure the message is consistent among all the media.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful:
• The Clean Air Hotline announces advisories and gives the public air pollution information.
The Hotline has won two local environmental awards.
• The Maricopa County phone line that is used to announce the advisories is also very effective.
• Local newspapers have reformatted their weather page to include pollution advisory
information.
3
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PROGRAM PROFILE—PHOENIX. AZ (0„
Episodic Control Program Profile—Phoenix, AZ (O3)
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/O3):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Ozone High Air Pollution Advisory Program
Maricopa County, Arizona
03
Nonattainment for CO (serious), PM10 (serious),
and 03 (moderate)
Maricopa County Environmental Services
Department
1995
1. Public education
2. To meet specific emission reduction targets
3. Health benefits
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: No special budget Funding Source(s): n/a
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is undertaking a summertime public
education effort called the "Ozone Lifestyles Campaign" on a budget of $250,000 (for fiscal year
1996). The Maricopa County program has no special budget but it does benefit from the DEQ
program by using the same educational materials.
Paid Volunteer Total
U Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 5 5
U Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 3 3
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Billboard advertisements
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
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PROGRAM PROFILE-PHOENIX. AZ (0,)
Describe most effective part ofpublic outreach program'. All methods have been effective. The
most important aspect of the public outreach program has been to maintain a consistent message
to the general public.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc.) instead of driving alone
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (teiecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e.. after 6 p.m.)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline*powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc.)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maint^nanr* activities that produce emissions (painting, etc.)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing etc.) (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• General public
• Over 1,000 Companies
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: Transit discounts
Companies: No incentives are being offered
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: NWS, AZ Dept. of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Parameters Examined: wind speed, humidity, temperature, expected change in
temperature
Criteria to setting forecast day: n/a
Method used to forecast day: empirical, algorithm based, meteorological intuition
Accuracy: Ozone is difficult to predict so the accuracy has been
variable.
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations Method ofnotification: fax
Radio stations Method of notification: fax
Newspapers Method of notification: fax
Participating Stationary Sources Method of notification: fax
Participating Employers Method of notification: fax
2
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PROGRAM PROFTLE—PHOEMX, .42 (0,)
Television stations mention the alert day in the weather report while newspapers include it with
the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) report. Radio stations make special announcements, included
it in news stories, and broadcast pre-recorded public service announcements.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Employee participation rai s (collected through communication
with participating companies)
Other Data Desired: No
Analysis of Data: No
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program -.
• Making sure the message is understandable, accurate, and consistent
• Coordinating activities among and with other agencies.
• Forecasting ozone has been difficult.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful.
• A stronger relationship has been established with ADEQ and the National Weather Service
• Air pollution advisories have been announced over the Maricopa County phone system all
year long.
• A "complaint phone line" has been established to make it easier for residents to file an air
pollution complaint.
• The agency has experienced a lot more exposure to the public; we are no longer a nebulous
government agency. The agency has shown itself to be a group of people who care about
improving the air quality.
3
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PROGRAM PROFILE - PITTSBURGH, PA
Episodic Control Program Profile - Pittsburgh, PA
Basic Information
Program Name: Ozone Action Program
Area of Coverage: Greater Pittsburgh Area
Main Pollutants) Targeted: Ozone
Attainment Status (CO / PM,0 / 03):Moderate nonattainment-ozone
Implementing Agency: PA Department of Environmental Protection, Petroleum
Retailers, Auto Repair Association
Start Date: Spring 1995
Program Goals (Ranked) 1. Public Education
2. To Attain Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
3. Economic Benefits to the Area of Staying in Attainment
Health Benefits
To Maintain the Attainment Status of the Area
Program required by law? No
Is the program enforceable? No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $15,000 (+ in-kind contributions) Funding Source(s): PA-DEP,
Partnership contributions
Paid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 2 0 2
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 0 0 0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
. Internet web site (www.dep^ate.pa.us/dep/
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PROGRAM PROFILE - PITTSBURGH. PA
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc) (Area Source)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid (Area Source)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, etc.) (Area Source)
• Postpone fleet refueling until the evening (Companies)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities - painting, degreasing, tank cleaning, etc. (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities - lawn mowing, tractor & backhoc use, etc. (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measured included in the program:
• Reduce electrical consumption through reduced air-conditioning and fully backed appliances (General public
and participating companies)
Participation & Incentives
• Employers (21 participants in the Ozone Action Partnership)
• General Public
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: None
Companies: Public Recognition
Employees: Allow flexible work schedules
Free or discounted transit fares
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency rides home for employees who car/vanpool or take
transit
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & pollution: PADEP
Parameters examined: Temperature, wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, percent
sunshine, wind speed change with respect to height Also look
at readings from 4 ozone monitoring stations in Pittsburgh.
Criteria to set episode day: An episode day is forecast if ozone levels are above 100 ppb.
Method used to forecast episode day: The PADEP makes a determination based on the above
parameters. If ozone levels for the next day are predicted to be
above 100 ppb, an episode day is called and notification is send
out via fax to the media and participants. No coding system is
used.
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations Method of notification: fax
• Radio stations Method of notification: fax
2
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PROGRAM PROFILE - tTTTSBL'RCH. PA
• Newspapers Method of notification .fax
• Participating stationary sources Method of notification: fax
• Participating Employers Method of notification: fax
Forecasted episodes are mentioned in the news report, discussed in the weather forecast, mentioned in a
news article, and mentioned in radio news reports. Space is also allocated for announcements in
newspapers.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: n/a
Analysis of Data: n/a
Emissions Estimated: n/a
Emission Reductions per Participant: n/a
Cost per Participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: Negative
perception and resistance from the general public on issues concerning air quality. This was
exacerbated by some negative media about air quality issues.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: There has been outstanding
participation by print and radio media. The program is slowly gaining new partners and is
growing in terms of recognition and acceptance.
3
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236
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Ozone Information Paga
http*J/www.dep.*tat..aona. Honoinfo.htn
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Ozone Information Page
~ 1996 Ozone Action Dav Ozone Summary
~ 1996 Ozone Action Program Launched
~ What is Ground-level Ozone?
~ Background on the Southwest PA Ozone Action Program
~ Facts about the Ozone Action Program
~ Questions and Answers about the Ozone Action Program
~ Ozone Action Tips for Individuals
~ Ozone Action Tips for Local Governments
~ Simple Steps to take to prevent ozone pollution
~ Current Partnership Members
~ A Public Forum on Ground-Level Ozone April 5 1996
~ Ozone Education
~ 199S Ozone Exceedances
PEP Home /Search/ Update /AskPEP / What's New/Hot Topics
Last Modified July 1 J, J 996
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Ozone Action Hp* for individuals
^ V
http://www.dep.ttat.. Jo*on«/indvtip$.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Ozone Action Tips for Individuals
As individuals, we actually have as much direct impact on ozone 'evels as does industry and business.
This is our chance to make a difference right here at home. These steps are easy - they're inexpensive -
and if we all do our share, they add up. Here are some things that can help on Ozone Action Days:
~ Limit your daytime driving. Consider a car pool or ride the bus to work. For short trips and errands,
think about riding your bike or walking.
~ When you drive, try to minimize "cold starts" by combining trips and errands so the catalytic
converter on your vehicle remains warm. Most vehicle emissions occur in the first few minutes of
engine operation, when the converter is cold and inefficient.
~ Avoid jack rabbit starts. They use more fuel than your engine can efficiently burn.
~ Reduce unnecessary engine idling by parking your automobile and walking into a building rather
than using the drive-through lane.
~ Refuel carefully. Avoid spilling gasoline, and stop when the pump shuts off automatically. Don't top
off the tank.
~ Maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer's engine tune-up and emission control
standards. The emissions from one poorly maintained car equal that from 25 properly-functioning
cars!
~ Keep tires properly inflated and change the oil on a regular basis. This can improve your vehicle's
mileage by as much as 1.5 percent.
~ Keep your gasoline-powered lawn equipment in top running condition. Since lawn mowers and
trimmers dont have catalytic conveners, they put out a lot more pollution than you might think. And
please postpone mowing your lawn on OZONE ACTION DAYS until evening.. Or better yet, relax
and mow another day!
~ Conserve electricity. Don't overcool your home, and turn off lights and appliances that arent in use.
Wash clothes and dishes with full loads. Energy conservation not only helps the environment, but
saves you money too.
~ Use latex rather than oil-base paints and solvents, and avoid using sprayers.
~ If you don't have an electric or natural gas grill, avoid using charcoal lighter fluids. Use a "charcoal
chimney" instead
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
PEP Home / Search / Update / Ask PEP / What's New / Hot Topics
Last Modified July 3, 1996
t of 1
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J3i
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The 1996 Southwest ... Program Fast Facts
*00
http://www.dep.st at.../sw/ozone/facts.i
PENNSYLVANIA DEPORTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The 1996 Southwest PA Ozone Action Program
Fast Facts
~ Ozone Action is a program to help prevent the formation of ground-level ozone during the summer.
~ The program forecasts potential "high-ozone" days, and asks for voluntary actions to reduce ozone
forming pollutants on those days.
~ Ground-level ozone is a highly concentrated form of oxygen. Unlike stratospheric ozone which
protects us from ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone can cause lung damage.
~ Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from vehicles, paints and solvents, unburned fuel, and
industrial sources "bake" in hot sunny weather.
~ Elderly individuals, people with existing respiratory ailments such as asthma and emphysema, and
young children should avoid strenuous exercise on Ozone Action Days.
~ Ozone Action is totally voluntary — the program's success depends on everyone doing their share for
cleaner air.
~ The program affects seven counties in Southwestern PA, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver,
Butler, Fayette, Westmoreland and Washington — these counties do not currently meet federal air
quality standards.
~ Four to 16 high-ozone days are estimated for the summer in the region.
~ This is the first voluntary ozone control program to be implemented in Pennsylvania.
~ Ozone Action is used in 20 other states and metropolitan areas to help achieve and maintain healthv
air
~ Ozone Action doesn't cost much and is an easy way to help reduce pollution. It doesn't require new
regulations or mandatory programs.
~ Ozone Action offers a variety of ways for residents and business to participate.
~ Call the Ozone Action Hotline at 1.800.333.7688 for more information.
PENNSVLVANM DEPARTMENT OF ENWRONMENTAL PROTECTION"
PEP Home / Search/ Update / Ask PEP/ What's New/ Hot Topics
Last Modified July 3, 1996
1 of 1
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWE.. aon« Action Program
http'J/www.dep.*tat..J*w/ozone/Qand~.
Lukens - Washington
HOW IT WORKS:
The program works by forecasting days when ground level ozone concentrations will potentially exceed
the health standard set by the EPA - and then asking the public and businesses to do simple, voluntary
things that will help reduce ozone pollution.
WHY IS OZONE BAD FOR US? MOST PEOPLE THINK OF OZONE AS GOOD.
Ozone is good for us - when it's high in the stratosphere. There it forms a protective layer above the
earth that filters sun's harmful ultra-violet rays.
When ozone forms near the ground ~ where we breathe the air — it's unhealthy. Called "ground level
ozone," it's a pollutant that causes respiratory distress in humans, and at high concentrations can lead to
lung damage.
One easy way to remember the difference between the two types of ozone is the saying: GOOD UP
HIGH, BAD NEARBY.
HOW IS GROUND-LEVEL OZONE FORMED?
Ground level ozone is formed when hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides bake in the sun on hot days. These
gases come from unbumed fuel, solvents, tailpipes and smokestacks.
PREDICTING OZONE:
Because the ground level ozone forms under certain weather conditions, if we can predict the weather,
we can predict days when the ground level ozone concentrations may be high. These are generally hot
(90 degrees and above), sunny days with little or no wind.
Meteorologists track the weather patterns this and predict days when the ozone may exceed health
standards. The Southwest PA Ozone Action Partnership calls for an Ozone Action Day. This
announcement is made by 4 p.m. the day before the predicted high ozone day. The media is asked to
broadcast this prediction, calling for an OZONE ACTION DAY - a day when everyone can help reduce
ozone pollution.
DO WE HAVE A GROUND-LEVEL OZONE PROBLEM IN PITTSBURGH?
Even though our air is cleaner than it was 30 years ago, Pittsburgh still occasionally exceeds the health
standards for ground level ozone. This type of pollution isnt readily apparent to people - ozone is a colorless
and odorless gas, so we cant always tell when ozone levels are high.
HOW BAD IS OUR OZONE PROBLEM?
The air quality standard for ground level ozone is 120 parts per billion. When ozone levels rise above that
standard, an area is said to have "an exceedance" — meaning we exceeded the ozone standard. When an
area has more than three exceedances at one air quality monitoring station in a three-year period, they are
said to have a "violation" of the standard. If an area has violations of the standard, the EPA classifies it
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QUE5" IONS AND ANSWE...zon« Action Program
httpi//www;dap.«tat..Jsw/ozon«yQsndAjl
as a "nonattainment area" meaning the air doesn't meet the health standard. These classifications range
from Extreme (Los Angeles) to Severe (Philadelphia) to Marginal (Somerset County, PA).
Seven counties in Southwest PA are classified by the EPA as a moderate nonattainment area for ground
level ozone. Because we didnt have had any violations of the air quality standard from 1990 to 1994, the
region applied to the EPA to be redesignated as in "attainment" of the standard. But last summer, we had
17 exceedances of the ozone standard. That means concentrations of ground-level ozone in our area
jumped above the health standard. Multiple exceedances occurred at several air quality monitoring
stations. This has prompted a move by the EPA to deny the region's redesignation request.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE STAY A NONATTAINMENT AREA?
First and foremost, that means our air is not always healthy — and no one wants to breathe unhealthy air.
It also means our residents and businesses will face more mandatory programs to clean the air and hurts
our ability to attract new businesses — and expand existing businesses. Result: less new jobs for the area
and more expense to residents and business.
WHAT COUNTIES ARE AFFECTED?
Although the Ozone Action Program offers benefits to most any areas, seven counties in Southwestern
PA are asked to participate in the program. These are: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette,
Westmoreland, and Washington.
HAS THIS PROGRAM WORKED IN OTHER CITIES?
A dozen cities across the U.S. have implemented Ozone Action Programs as a way to voluntarily — with
little or no cost to business and citizens — clean up the air. The most successful programs are in Tulsa and
Detroit, where Ozone Action Programs have helped these cities achieve attainment with the national air
quality standards. Philadelphia is beginning an ozone action program the summer of 1996.
IS rr SAFE TO GO OUTSIDE ON AN OZONE ACTION DAY?
It's perfectly safe to go outside on an Ozone Action Day. Certain people may wish to restrict strenuous
outdoor activities, however. Elderly people, and those individuals with existing respiratory ailments,
should avoid exercising outdoors for prolonged periods of time on high ozone days. Young children,
especially those with asthma, should also avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Healthy people can experience
reduced lung function on high ozone days, and should pace themselves when exercising on very hot,
sunny days.
HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP REDUCE OZONE?
Most everyone causes pollution — so if we all take small steps to reduce pollution, we can achieve our
goal: cleaner, healthy air — and a healthy economy.
We have a list of 12 simple things that people can do on Ozone Action Days to help reduce pollution.
These include car pooling or riding the bus, mowing lawns in the evening instead of during the day,
conserving energy by not overcooling our homes; combining trips and errands — or driving less during
the day and running errands in the evening. These steps are simple, they're inexpensive, and they help!
Less noxious gases put into the atmosphere during the day, means less ground level ozone.
3 of 4
08/13/96 09:01
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aw
QUESTIONS AND ANSWE—zone Action Pmyam
http-J/www.dep.*tst..Jsw/oion«/QandA,
We're looking for groups, organizations, and businesses to join our partnership. They can help by
distributing information to employees, and finding ways to voluntarily reduce emissions. For more
information about the program or ways to participate, call 1-800-333-7688.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
PEP Home/ Search/ Update / Ask PEP / What's New/ Hot Tonics
Last Modified July 3, J 996
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PROGRAM PROFILE - PORTLAND, OR
Episodic Control Program Profile - Portland, OR
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutants) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PM!0 / 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
is the program enforceable?
Clean Air Action Days
Portland Metro area, OR/ Vancouver, WA
Ozone
CO/03 - nonattainment (awaiting redesignation to
attainment); PM,0 - attainment
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ); Southwest Washington APCA (SWAPCA)
May 1991
1. To attain air quality standards fNAAQS)
2. Health Benefits
3. Public education
No (While the Clean Air Action Day program itself is not
mandated by law, Division 27-012 does require the
Department to issue an "Ozone advisory".)
Yes (program is included in the SIP)
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $100,000*
Funding Source(s): EPA grants, private sector
contributions, vehicle inspection funding, CMAQ
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other- affiliated agencies
Raid Volunteer Iolal
4 4
unknown
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Internet web site
• Workshops (for school, industry, the public)
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
• Presentations to groups
• Theater slides (planned for 1991)
• Signs in certain retail stores
• Chevron gas stations
1
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PROGRAM PROFILE - PORTLAND, OR
Describe most effective part ofpublic outreach program: n/a
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc.) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned-up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc.)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc.)
• Use fleet vehicles to attend lunch/meetings (Companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program:
• Use low-solvent paints
• Use non-aerosol products
• Limit motorboat activity
• Keep tires properly inflated
• Avoid driving during the day for business purposes
• Postpone or limit gasoline barge loading activities during the day
Participation & Incentives
• 130 Employers
• General public
¦ Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Free transit, In-store demonstration of low-VOC products (planned for 1997)
Companies: Public recognition, Advertisements in the Business Journal, Certificates from the
Governor's office, Letter from agency Director
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Allow casual attire to encourage walking and cycling to work
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
2
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I
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
DEQ
Service
mixing height,
speed, wind direction
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
experience
method
variables yields a
Accuracy:
PROGRAM PROFILE - PORTLAND. OR
National Weather Service PDX (weather forecasts), Oregon
DEQ (pollution forecasts)
previous day pollution levels, current day levels,
agency met.site data, intuition, NWS and Forest
meteorologist conversations concerning
inversion strength, high temp, wind
No specific criteria are used.
A continually evolving technique is utilizing past
and meteorological intuition is used. No formal
exists. The number and interaction of
complex decision tree.
Has not been quantified.
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Participating Stationary Sources
Employers
Stationary Sources
Retailers
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day through news reports, weather forecasts, and making
public service announcements. In the Oregonian newspaper, a Smog Watch Box - the symbol
used to alert the public about a pollution episode - is shown on either on the front page or on the
front of the Metro section. On occasion the program is also mentioned in articles. Radio
stations broadcast public service announcements, and included the pollution episode day in news
stories. Chevron gas stations have agreed to place signs throughout the ozone season suggesting
simple "clean air" actions to area residents - but they do not make any special outreach efforts on
Cleaii Air Action Days.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
the
currently in their
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Surveys of the general public, participating stationary sources and
companies; transit ridership data
Yes, they are awaiting quantification from paint companies regarding
amount of VOCs saved in reformulating certain products
inventory.
No
n/a
3
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b
PROGRAM PROFILE-RICHMOND. VA
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Avoid excessive idling
• Keep tires properly inflated
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc) (Area Source)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid (Area Source)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, etc) (Area Source)
• Avoid using aerosol sprays (Area Source)
• Postpone fleet refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.) (Companies)
• Postpone building and grounds maintenance activities which utilize small engines, paints, etc.
(Companies)
• Consider using a higher cetane diesel fuel (Companies)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities (painting, degreasing, tank cleaning, etc) (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (lawn mowing, tractor & backhoe use, etc.) (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (for diesel vehicles) (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: An important aspect of the
Richmond episodic control program is the significant role which Ridefinders plays in the program.
Ridefinders is a rideshare agency that provides travel demand management services to the
Richmond region.
Participation & Incentives
• 150 Employers
• 74,000 Drivers
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: None
Companies: Public recognition, prize for employee transportation coordinator
Employees: One company awards $5 lunch coupons and points toward the company
incentives program to employees who carpool.
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: VA-DEQ and Ridefinders
Parameters: Temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, synoptic weather
patterns, current ozone readings
Criteria to setting forecast day: DEQ issues an official Ozone Health Advisory when
ozone levels are forecast to exceed. 12 parts per million,
and faxiiotification to Ridefinders, major media, and other
interested parties by 2:00 p.m. the afternoon before the
2
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PROGRAM PROFILE—RICHMOND, VA
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: The establishment of Rideshares as a
visible and respected community organization has been a particularly successful aspect of the
Richmond program. Public education has resulted in citizens more willing to engage in individual
actions which help alleviate air pollution levels on episode days. The episodic controls program
has also established a firm foundation for the creation and implementation of more in-depth
alternative mode transportation initiatives. Most recently, Governor George Allen has drawn
significant attention to the program through frequent public radio announcements detailing air
quality in the area.
Survey Results
Survey 1.
Q. In general, how would you rate the quality of the air you breathe. Would you say it is very
good, good, fair, or poor?
VERY GOOD 10%
GOOD 34%
FAIR 44%
POOR 11%
Q. Do you think the overall quality of the air around Richmond is better or worse than it was ten
years ago?
BETTER 33%
WORSE 51%
STAYED THE SAME 9%
NO OPINION 7%
Q. When would you say was the last time the Richmond area experienced unhealthy levels of
carbon monoxide?
1996
12%
1995
25%
Approximately 5 years ago
24%
Approximately 10 years ago
13%
Approximately 15 years ago
3%
More than 15 years ago
4%
Don't know
19%
In fact, the Richmond area has not had a carbon monoxide problem registered at local air
pollution monitors in more than 15 years.
Q. In the next ten years, do you expect that the quality of the air around Richmond will get better
or worse?
BETTER 50%
WORSE 47%
4
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A V?
PROGRAM PROFILE—RICHMOND. VA
STAY THE SAME 2%
NO OPINION 1%
Q. When do you think the Richmond area will probably meet the clean air standards set by the
EPA? Would you say the area has already met the standards or that it will meet the standards...
Already meet standard 14%
Within 1 year 7%
Within 5 years 27%
Within 10 years 21%
Within 20 years 7%
More than 20 years from now 2%
Never 13%
Don't know 9%
Q. Have you ever heard of an "ozone alert" air quality forecast?
Yes 69%
No 30%
Not Sure 1%
Q. When an ozone alert is announced, what steps, if any, should individuals like yourself take in
response? What else? (List was NOT read to interviewees)
Stay indoors/keep children in
40%
Avoid or minimize driving
17%
Avoid mowing 13%
Carpooi
5%
Avoid painting 2%
Conserve electricity/air cond.
2%
Don't cook outdoors
2%
Refuel cars after dark
1%
Other
17%
None
4%
Don't know
7%
Q. I'd like to read you a few different activities, and for each one I read, please tell me if you
would be willing to do it today in order to help improve Richmond's air quality.
YES NO DON'T KNOW
Have your car tuned up regularly 96% 4% 0%
Have your car tested at an 86% 14% 0%
emissions testing center
Walk instead of drive to places 76% 23% 1%
in your local neighborhood
Exchange an older polluting car 62% 32% 6%
for several hundred dollars in cash
Car pool to work most of the time 62% 36% 2%
5
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3,50
PROGRAM PROFILE-RICHMOND. VA
Use public transportation regularly 46%
Buy an electric-powered car 36%
53%
59%
0%
5%
Survey 2.
• More than eight-in-ten (83% - 257 respondents) are aware of the summer Ozone Advisory
Report designed to alert residents when unhealthy levels of ozone pollution are in the air.
• Among respondents aware of the Ozone Advisory Report, an almost equal number took
action as those who did not. 46% reported they took action to minimize the pollutants as
a result of these advisories, while 50% stated they did not heed action of any kind. City
residents (North and South) were more likely to take action than other area residents.
• Not driving or driving less (37% - 44 respondents) was the most common action taken.
This was followed by carpooling (20% - 24 respondents), postponing mowing the lawn
(13% - 16 respondents) and stopping the use of aerosols and chloroflurocarbons (10% -
12 respondents). To a lesser degree, respondents walked/biked (8%), rode the bus (5%),
stayed home/indoors (5%), and kept car tuned/maintained emissions (5%).
6
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Virginia DEQ: Ozon» forecast 1 (Richmond)
http:>/www.deq.«tat..j'o2on«/r-ozoneJT
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
CONTACT: Dan Salkovitz, (804) 698-4404 or BUI Hayden, (804) 698-4447
August 12,1996
coop i nopnutfx
Ozone forecast for Richmond area: "Code
Green"
RICHMOND, VA. — The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality forecasts that ground-level
ozone levels will be Code Green, in the "good" range, tomorrow afternoon and evening in the
metropolitan Richmond area.
This means the amount of ozone formed in the air is expected to be low. Ground-level ozone, the main
ingredient of smog, is a colorless gas formed by the reaction of heat and sunlight with car exhaust,
gasoline fumes, solvent vapors and industrial emissions.
DEQ provides an ozone forecast for the Richmond metro area each weekday at 2 p.m. For more
information about the Ozone Advisory Program, please call Ridefinders at (804) 643-7433.
SI Virginia ozone forecasts
1 of 1
08/13/96 09:36
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PROGRsiMPROFILE—SACRAMESTO. CA
Episodic Control Program Profile - Sacramento, CA
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PM10 / 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
41014,
Is the program enforceable?
Spare the Air
Sacramento, CA Region
03
Severe nonattainment for 03
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management
District (SMAQMD)
May 1995
1. Attain air quality standards (NAAQS)
2. Health Benefits
3. Public Education
Yes (CA H&SC Section 40918(a)(b); Section
41065)
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $232,500
Funding Source(s): ISTEA (CMAQ) & DMV
Volunteer
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Pai^
2.75
0
Total
2.75
0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
Television advertisements
Radio advertisements
Newspaper advertisements
Billboard advertisements
Internet web site (http7Avww.sparetheair.com/)
Public education booths at community events
Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
Creation ami dissemination of public education materials
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
The SMOG SQUAD - grassroots neighborhood campaign
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: All public outreach methods
seem to be working well. Public opinion monitoring indicates that advertising has reached 80% of
drivers.
I
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3L 51
PROGRAM PROFILE-,SACRAUENTO, CA
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools. transit etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers. blowers, etc)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
Participation & Incentives
• General public
• 137 Employers representing 151.500 employees
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: "Spare the Air Bucks" incentive program administered through TMAs
Companies: Public recognition, promotional items & support in publicizing the program to
employees
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
Sonoma Technology (under contract to the SMAQMD)
03 cones, wind, temperature, satellite images, weather map
Persistence, Empirical, algorithm base, and meteorological
intuition
Has yet to be determined. This is the first year using
Sonoma Technology
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Employers
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in news reports and weather reports, as well as through
paid advertisements. Newspapers publish special announcements and articles discussing the
pollution episode, in addition to including it with the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) report.
Radio stations notify the public of pollution episode days by mentioning them in news reports,
2
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<255
PROGRAM PROFILE—SACHIMESTO. C4
having the radio host make announcements and by broadcasting paid advertisements on pollution
episode days.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Transit ridership data (obtained from transit agency) & participation rfata
(collected from annual surveys and two mini-polls conducted <»ach
summer following episode days).
Other Data Desired: More information from employers, and traffic count Hata
Analysis of Data: The Cleaner Air Partnership of Sacramento has conducted annual Air
Quality and Transportation public opinion surveys since 1989. From the
1995 survey data they have estimated awareness levels, participation
levels, and emission reductions from the Spare the Air program.
Emission Estimated: Preliminary analysis of data showed emission reductions of 6,156 kg of
ROG and NOx per weekday (Spare the Air day). This equates to 49 tons
of ozone precursors per year. Note that these values have come under
criticism by some agency representatives who have concerns on the
accuracy of the information provided by survey respondents. Currently,
the Cleaner Air Partnership is re-evaluating the data anH trying to identify
other sources of data (i.e. traffic counts) with which to corroborate their
findings.
Emiss reduction per participant: Not available, but the analysis does report emission reductions of 5.11
grains per trip end and 1.3 per mile. Average emissions reduced during
the weekday would be 16 grams per trip for ozone precursors.
Cost per participant: Not available
Emission Reduction Ratio: Not available
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: Documenting
emission reductions is the biggest challenge. Even though the Spare the Air minipolls, which use
industry-standard, scientific survey methods, have documented driving trip and emission
reductions, survey information is not always given the credence it deserves.
Parts of the program thai have been the most successful:
• Voluntary media news coverage and cooperation, over and above any paid advertising, has
been outstanding.
• Employer participation and enthusiasm has exceeded expectations.
• Public awareness of the program (80%) has exceeded expectations.
Noteworthy aspects of the program:
• An intensive data collection effort has been undertaken by this program (in the form of annual
public opinion surveys and bi-annual mini-polls after episode days). This data is used to
assess the effectiveness of the program.
• This is one of the only programs that has attempted to quantify the reductions in vehicle trips
and emission caused by the program.
3
-------
a 5(o
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SMAQMD Spars Th« Air Homa Pag*
53 /
httpi//www ipar«the«r.eo
Spare The Air
Spare TLe Air is a voluntary driving curtailment
program brought to yog by thi air district! of the
Saoraroento, California region
Sacramento Region Ozone Air Quality Forecast
Friday August 9,1996:138 - HEALTH ADVISORY
Saturday August 10,1996: 138 - HEALTH ADVISORY
Sunday August 11,1996:113 - UNHEALTHY
Monday August 12,1996: 83 - MARGINAL
!!!!!!!!!! "Spare The Air" !-!!!!!!!!!
ADVISORY
For:
Friday August 9,1996.
Saturday August 10,1996
Sunday August 11,1996
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08/12/96 10:55:
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<25*
SMAQMD Spars The Air Homa Paga
http^/wwwoparetheair.
Sacramento County Air Quality Data
State Ozone Exceedences (over 75 PSI):
1996-30; 1995-39
Federal Ozone Exceedences (over 100 PSI):
1996 - 4; 1995 - 10
Regional Federal Ozone Exceedences
1996 - 6
um iiui
BBS
How the Spare The Air program works
Things You Can Do To Snare The Air
urniuaq
Air Quality. Transit and Rideshare Agencies
Bav Area Air Quality Management District
Scare The Air Program
939 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
i*i^|
Down Load Library
Snbmit Questions ??? Comments-. To webster@ana.coin
-------
PROGRAM PROFILE—SAN ANTONIO. TX
Episodic Control Program Profile—San Antonio, TX
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name: Ozone Action Da> i
Area of Coverage: San Antonio, TX
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted: 03
Attainment Status (CO / PM10 / 03): Attainment for CO, PM10, and 03
Implementing Agency: Alamo Area Council of Governments, Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission
Stan Date: 1994
Program Goals (Ranked) 1. Public education
2. To maintain the attainment status of the area
3. Health benefits
Program required by law? No -
Is the program enforceable? No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: Data not available. Funding Source(s): Texas DOT, FHWA
Paid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency a/a
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies n/a
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
Television advertisements
Workshops (for school, industry, the public)
Public education booths at community events
Creation and dissemination of public education materials
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe most effective part of public outreach program-, n/a
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
Keep vehicle tuned-up
Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
Change work schedules to avoid the commute
I
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PROGRAM PROFILE- SAN ANTONIO. TX
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers. blowers, etc)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing. ere)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (Companies)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• Employers
• General public
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public :
Companies:
Employees:
Auto repair/tune-up discounts
Public recognition
Free or discounted transit feres
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
NWS. TNRCC / TNRCC
Temp, WS, WD, ozone (all forecast parameters)
7:00 am temp > 90F, WS < 71aiots, 10am-4pm ave,
WS<7 knots, 6050 ppm
WS/WD critical parameters, use meteorological intuition,
empirical relationships and a statistical model based on
nested grid model
State meteorologists > 80 years experience, data is
maintained on accuracy, some years are better than others.
2
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PROGRAM PROFILESAN ASTOS'lO. TX
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Participating Staionary Sources
Employers
Stationary Sources
Method of notification : fax. phone
Method of notification: fax. phone
Method of notification : fax phone
Method of notification \ fax, phone
Method of notification: fax phone
Method of notification : fax phone
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and the weather report while newspapers discuss it in
special announcements and articles. Radio public service announcements are broadcast in addition to it being
included in news stories and mentioned by DJ's.
Program Evaluation
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program:
• Lack of resources
• Lack of participation by small businesses
Parts of the program that have been the most successful.
• Good media coverage
• Ozone Action Day season kick-off lunch
• Contributions by Texas DOT
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant:
Cost per participant
Emission Reduction Ratio:
Transit ridership levels, employee participation rates
Survey of the general public
No
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
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PROGRAM PROFILE—SAN FRAb'CISCO. CA
Episodic Control Program Profile—San Francisco Bay Area, CA
BASIC INFORMATION
Spare the Air
San Francisco Bay Area
Ozone
Attainment - ozone
Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Summer 1991
1. Health benefits
2. Maintain AQ status
3. Public education
Yes
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $325,000 Funding Source(s): BAAQMD
'96 Pilot Program: $197,000 AB434
Summer Advertising: $6S,000 Industry
Paid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 3 3
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 1 1
# Part-time equivalent staff at employers 15 15
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
• Television advertisements
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Internet site (http://www.sparctheair.org/index.shl)
• Radio advertisements
• Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
• Newspaper advertisements
• Toll-free #: 1-800-HELP-AIR
• Transportation Fairs
• Partnerships that reach customers like PG&E Newsletters, milk carton ads
• Public speaking
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: They have 650 employer
participants and estimate that about half a million people are notified through employer outreach.
l
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PMIO/ 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
-------
PROGRAM PROFILE—SAN FRANCISCO. CA
Monthly workgroups were formed with business partners to evaluate and assist with development
of outreach materials. As a result of this effort, several "resource teams" have been formed
which have offered additional support to the program. Partnerships have formed such as PG&E
and Kaiser Permanente who both include information about the Spare the Air program in
newsletter they send out to their customers. The Kaiser partnership has been effective since, as a
health organization, they can discuss the health implications of the program. Other businesses
which are participating include Chevron (pump information) and Clover dairy (on milk cartons).
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools. transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady-
• Walk, bicycle to work
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers. blowers, etc)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
• Limit use of consumer products (hair sprays, perfumes, furniture polish) '
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources) — Planned for 1997 season
• Avoid maintenance activities (Stationary Sources) — Planned for 1997 season
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources) — Planned for 1997 season
Discuss cmy unique control measures included in the program: There is a significant effort
underway to curtail truck idling by 1997. This will also be included in the episodic control
program. Also targeting completion of certain activities, such as painting, during the spring and
fall periods; this will also be included in the 1997 campaign.
Participation .& Incentives
• 650 employers
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Transit discounts, Free transit, Auto repair/tune-up discounts. Monetary
rewards
Companies: Public recognition; Pilot program with 10 companies collaborating to offer
free transit, carpooling incentives, raffle, and special carpool matching
Employees: Free or discounted transit feres
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Telecommuting on Spare the Air days
Special carpool matching
Raffle
2
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(? 5
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters examined:
Criteria to setting forecast episode day:
Method used to forecast episode day:
Accuracy:
PROGRAM PROFILE-,SAN FRANCISCO. CA
BAAQMD Staff
surface winds, temp, ozone precursors, ozone,
horizontal temp, gradient, NGM, ETA MRF model
outputs, fog/pattern, weekday/weekend effort
PSI > 80
Correlation of meteorological parameters and high
ozone concentrations
12 hour forecasts are very good, 24 hr forecasts are
good
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Participating Employers
Stationary Sources
Method of notification :
Method of notification:
Method of notification :
Method of notification:
fax & phone
fax
fax
fax & phone
Method of notification : fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and the weather report. Some local newspapers
include it in with the PSI report, mention the Spare the Air day in articles, and display the Spare the Air Day logo
on the masthead Radio stations mention it in news stories and by OJ's.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant;
Cost per participant:.
Emission Reduction Ratio:
(1) Public awareness data on local air pollution issues (collected using
public opinion survey); (2) transit ridership levels and traffic counts
(obtained from the transportation agency); (3) employee participation
rates (collected using surveys completed by participating employers)
Still trying to identify
Yes, More complete transit data and bridge count data.
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: Severe lack of
funds and staff for an area as big as the Bay Area—nine counties and 6.5 million people. Could
do much more with more adequate resources
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: (1) The employer network (2)
partnerships with industry that reach customers, (3) Bay Area Clean Air Partnership (BAYCAP)
has added significant clout to the program, and may have further benefits.
Noteworthy aspects of the program -. This program has continues to collect data on the awareness
levels of the program and the behavior changes caused by the program. A fell 1995 public
awareness survey found that 73% of the respondents knew of the program and that 28% said they
changed behavior because of the program.
3
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Spar* tha Air hom« page
7A1
httpL//www.*par®thaajr.ory/ind«*j
Bay Area Air Quality Forecast
Monday - August 5,1996
ifui /4il'
HOMEPAGE .
NORTH COUNTIES 33 Good
Tomorrow: TBA
3rd day: —
COAST & CENTRAL BAY 17 Good
Tomorrow: TBA
3rd day: —
EASTERN DISTRICT 42 Good
Tomorrow: TBA
3rd day: —
SOUTH CENTRAL BAY 33 Good
Tomorrow: TBA
3rd day. —
SANTA rTAP^VATTiry .42 Good
Tomorrow: TBA
3rd day: —
If a Spare the Air day is predicted this page will announce it by 1:30 PM. The actual numbers will
be posted by 4:30 PM. This page is updated daily, except on those weekends when air quality is
predicted to remain healthful and a three-day forecast is made.
1 of 2
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Spara tha Air homa paga
http i//www. tparathaair .erg/inc.
~ What to do on a Spare the Air day
O The Pollutant Standards Index . What the numbers mean
° A dav in the life of ozone
° Air quality forecasting - How ifs done
~ 1996 Box Scores - Ozone Excesses
° Comprehensive links to Bav Area transit and commute alternatives
° Telecommuters: Register for e-mail notification on Spare the Air davs
o Sparc the Air in Sacramento.
This page is maintained by the Bay Area Air QuaHtyManagement District.
2480
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Bay Area Ozone Excms 0«y»
* bl
http Jlwww .«par»th«air .orgJ96bo juJt
1996 Ozone Excesses
Based on preliminary data, last updated July 30,1996
1996 State and National Excess Days
State
National
Max. concentration/ Date
North Counties |3
0
112 ppb/6-2-96
|Coast & Central Bay j|0
0
88 ppb/6-2-96
| Eastern District 114
5
137 ppb / 7-1-96
|South Central Bay |4
0
107 ppb/6-30-96
| Santa Clara Valley f 16
1
129 ppb / 7-1-96
| District-wide 120
5
137 ppb / 7-1-96
Bay Area Ozone Excess Days - Looking Back 10 Years
1995
1994
1993|1992
1991 11990
1989
1988
1987
1986
State
28
13
19 123
23 |14
22
41
45
39
Nafl.
11
2
3 |2
2 12
4
5
14
5
~ Return to Snare the Air home page
~ The Pollutant Standards Index - What the numbers mean
~ Air Quality Forecasting - How it's done
If boating is your sport, haul out the oars or unfurl the sails
on Spare the Air Days. But don't touch that outboard motor.
Outboard motors lack pollution control devices. It's
estimated that recreational motor boating contributes 111
tons of pollution to the Bay Area on a typical summer dayl
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A 71
http*J/www.*p«r«th««ir.or9/howtoJT
U/hat YOU cdh do
TO CURB SUMMERTIME OZONE
Drive Less | Ride Public Transit | Use a
Handmower | Telecommute | Rollerblade to the
Office | Replace your Car's Air Filter | Vanpool |
Trip-Link | Take a Bus | Use Non-Oil-Based
Paints | Ride your Bike to School | Obey Speed
Limits | Go by BART | Use Non-Polluting
Consumer Products | Carpool | Bring your
Lunch to Work | Keep you Car Well Tuned |
Turn on Fans not Air Conditioners | Commute
by Ferry | Encourage Friends & Neighbors to be
Clean Air Citzens Too!
~ Return to Snare the Air home oace
~ Comprehensive links to Bav Area transit and commute alternatives
1 of 1
08/05/96 17:21
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A Day in the Life of Ozona
••••
A 7 J
http://www.aparathaair.Org/o3day.h
A Day in the Life of Ozone
¦
OQa o oo
©
EARLY
MORNING
The formation of
ground-level ozone
jets started early
in the morning. As
we begin the day's
activities practi-
cally everything we
do, from plugging
in the toaster to
driving our cars
to work, generates
ozone-forming
air pollution. The
most significant
of these ozone
precursors" are
reactive hydro-
carbons and
nitrogen oxides.
Vehicular traffic
is by far their
largest source.
LATE
MORNING
Although the
morning commute
is over, continued
traffic emmissions
added to the
earlier pollution
begins to form
ozonie as the sun's
heat and light
intensifies. During
warm summer
months, an inver-
sion may develop
which traps the
pollutants close
to the ground (400
500 feet above
sea level). If there
is little wind, the
pollution disper-
sion may be
further restricted.
. MID-
AFTERNOON
By mid-afternoon,
the sun has
reached its apex
and temperatures
peak. The sun's
radiation will
cause a chemical
reaction between
the reactive hydro-
carbons and
nitrogen oxides
to form ozone.
Temperatures in
the 90's or above
are required for
maximum ozone
concentrations.
LATE
AFTERNOON
As the intensity
of the sunlight
decreases, the
photochemical
production
process also
decreases. By
late afternoon,
most of the ozone
formed during
the day breaks
down into other
compounds, and
by early evening
the ground-level
ozone is essen-
tially destroyed.
~ Return to the Snare the Air home page
~ Health effects of ozone
~ Air Quality Forecasting - How it's done
1 of 2 08/05/96 17:20
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21Y
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The Pollutant Standards Index
5L /;
http illwww .aparvttwau' .org/p si Jtt
Air Quality Reporting - What the numbers
mean.
The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) was developed by the EPA in the late 1970*s to
standardize air pollution reporting and to allow for air quality comparisons between different
geographical areas. The PSI converts air pollution concentrations to simple values ranging from
zero to S00. The PSI values are graded into levels, which are identified by descriptors relevant
to human health. The index value of 100 was selected to correspond to the short-term (24
hour or less) National Ambient Air Quality Standard set by EPA to represent the concentration
of a pollutant below which adverse health effects have not been observed.
Health research of the past two decades has challenged the National Standard for ozone. The
state of California places the health-based standard for ozone at PSI 75 which equates to 0.09
parts per million in the ambient air.
The Bay Area Air Quality Mangement District issues a Spare the Air advisory when ozone
concentrations are predicted to reach or exceed 0.1 parts per million, which corresponds to a
PSI of 83, the point at which the California health-based standard is violated.
PSI CONVERSION TABLE
Descriptor
PSI Range
Ozone
1 hr., ppm
Carbon Monoxide
8 hr., ppm
PMio
24 hr., ug/m3
Good
0-50 (.00 -.06
.00-4.5
0-50
Moderate
51-100 |.07-.12
4.6 - 9.0
51-150
Unhealthful
101-199 |.13 - .19
9.1 - 14.9
151-349
Very Unhlfl.
200-299 |.2 0-.39
115.0-29.9
350-419
Hazardous
300 & Above |.40 + |30.0 +
420 - 499
~ Return to Snare the Air home oage
~ Health effects of ozone
~ Air quality forecasting-How it's done
~ 1996 Box Scores - Ozone excesses
Yard work is a non-polluting activity provided you're not using
gas-powered gardening machines. Power mowers, shredders,
leaf-blower and similar tools are responsible for almost 48 tons of air
pollution in the Bay Area on a typical summer day. On a Spare the
Air Day the choice is clear: EITHER put the job offfor a day when
better air quality is predicted OR push the mower by hand.
1 of 1
08/05/96 17:17:
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d. It
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Air Quality Forecasting for the Bay Area
cL /'/-
http-J/www. iparatheair.org/met Ja
Air Quality Forecasting
Forecasting Ozone at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
The Meteorology and Data Analysis Section of Technical Services is responsible for all air pollution
forecasting done by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. We have over 30 years experience
with four meteorologists who are responsible for issuing air pollution forecasts twice a day and on special
requests. One of our products is the advisory Spare the Air when ozone is expected to reach or exceed a
warning level set by the District.
We gather weather information from several sources such as the National Weather Service, private
companies, and our own meteorology and air pollution measuring equipment. Our data include weather
observations of sky cover, rain, temperature, winds, and air pressure from airports, special weather
towers and private companies. We also receive satellite and weather radar pictures, computer weather
forecasts, and weather discussions from other forecasting places. Finally, we have prepared several
studies on the weather patterns most likely to happen in the Bay Area on any given day.
The first task for our forecasters is to take this data and make a forecast for the Bay Area. We prepare a
list of the most important observations, compare those against our studies, analyze the pictures, and,
finally, make a Bay Area forecast for the next three days. Then we collect and list the air pollution
readings for the day of the forecast and the past two or three days. We compare these reading against
other forecast aides and studies that we have developed for air pollutiou levels and especially ozone.
Using our extensive experience, we combine all the useful information that we have gathered or analyzed
over several hours and, then, forecast the ozone levels for the current day and the next few days. If ozone
levels are high enough, we will send out a Spare the Air Advisory and list those places in the Bay Area
that are most likely to be affected.
~ Return to Spare the Air home page
~ The Pollutant Standards Index - What the numbers mean
~ 1996 Box Scores - Ozone excesses
~ Current Satellite Weather Picture
|H»=1HHTRIPLINK! If you must use your car, try to plan your activities so that several
trips can be linked together. Automobiles pollute most during the first few miles
as the engine warms up. You can cut down on these polluting "cold
by trip linking.
1 of 1
08/05/96 17:16:
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Jl !*&
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Teiscommuts to Spar* the Air
httpv/Zwxvw jv<.orB/t :to«p«r*i
Telecommute to help
the fiiv
Spare the Air the Easy Way..,
Work from Home!
Register
Now!
Stay home
and
be counted!
f survey)
Help the Bay Area hang on to the honor of having the cleanest air of any metropolitan area
in the country. Pledge now to telecommute as often as possible on those days when smog
is expected to reach unhealthful levels.
Some 60% of air pollution comes from cars - most of that is emitted when we turn the
ignition key in the morning.
Telecommuting means never having to turn the key!
If enough of us participate, we can prevent tons of junk from getting into pur air.
Please register so we can advise you when a Spare the Air Day is predicted and so we can
provide data to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District on how many automobile
trips we telecommuters are eliminating.
~ Register Now!
~ Where do I find the survey I got email about?
~ More info on Telecommute to Spare the Air
~ Spare the Air —Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
Telecommuting Resources
~ BATS—Bav Area Transportation Source, comprehensive links to commute alternatives
in the Bay Area
~ AT&T On the Go
~ Pacific Bell Telecommuting Solutions
~ Bav Area Telecommuting Assistance Project
1 of 2
08/12796 11:01
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T#i«commuta to Spar* tha Air httU'J/www^vi.org/tctotparv.
~ On-line Telecommuting Resources from Smart Valley
This page was developed by Smart Vallev. Inc as part of Smart Valley's Telecommuting Initiative. Send
comments to webmaster@svi.ore.
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PROGR.IM PROFILE—SAN JOAOLTN V,ALLEY. CA
Episodic Control Program Profile—San Joaquin Valley, CA
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PMio/03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Spare the Air
San Joaquin Valley, Central CA
03
Nonattainment for 03, PM,0 & CO (City of Fresno
only)
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
1996
1. Public Education
2. To attain air quality standards (NAAQS)
3. Health Benefits
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $328,783 Funding Source(s): State DMV funds
Paid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 2.5 2.S
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 1.5 1.5
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Billboard advertisements
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: One method that has been
particularly effective is having the local television meteorologists mentioning the program during
the weather forecast.
The public education program is a two tiered approach, focused on (1) educating the public on
what needs to be done when a alert day is called and (2) ensuring that the public knows when
alert days have been called. To this end, billboard, radio and TV spots have been used.
1
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'dteL
PROGRAM PROFILE—SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY. CA
Employers have also been provided with posters, fliers and brochures for distribution to
employees.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools. transit, etc) instead of driving alone
Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
Discuss arty unique control measures included in the program:
• Reduce aerosol use
• Reduce recreational vehicle use
Participation & Incentives
• General public
• 65 Employers signed-up. Another 110 are interested but haven't committed yet
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public:
Companies:
Employees:
None
Public recognition; and awareness materials for employees: decals,
posters, brochures, note pads. Employers also receive a certificate that
states they are a "Founding Partner."
Pens, trip-linking notepads, post-it notes, mousepads, decals with the
program logo and "stop" stickers to place on pollution-causing products
(aerosols, paint, etc.) to remind people what not to do on Spare the Air
days. The stickers state "Don't forget to Spare the Air. Call 1-800-
SMOG-INFO". This is our air quality hotline with daily information
including the Spare the Air day status.
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
California Air Resources Board (ARB) & APCD
NOx, CO, and 03 cones; pressure gradient, inversion
strength, surface temperature
PSI > 113 + the appropriate meteorological conditions (high
temps, low winds, high pressure, etc)
An algorithm-based computer model is used to calculate the
PSI value. This factor plus meteorological intuition are
used.
Not very accurate due to changes in emission patterns.
Actual data on accuracy are not available.
2
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A ?3
PROGRAM PROFILE—SAN 'JOA0 C7.V V.ALLEY. C4
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations
• Radio stations
• Newspapers
• Employers
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
The program is entering its first season so they are not sure how the media will report the
information to the public. The program has produced a radio and TV spot in both Spanish and
English and provided it to all media outlets with a request to pla / it on Spare the Air days. We
are also working with the print media to find an appropriate place for a small announcement of
episode days.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: This is the first year of the program so data has not been collected yet.
The program is planning on conducting a random phone survey after the
first season (in the fall).
Other Data Desired: n/a
Analysis of Data: n/a
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered (hiring the implementation of the program: The northern
region of the district receives its television news from the Sacramento area, located in the air basin
to the north. We are currently working to solve this problem of overlap, and successfully educate
this community about the differences between our program and the Sacramento air district's
Spare the Air program.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful. They have been able to pick up the
contacts made through our now-repealed Trip Reduction Mandate. Many employers wanted us
to continue some type of commute alternative program, and this program "fits the shoe."
Noteworthy aspects of the program:
• This program is modeled after the San Francisco Bay Areas and Sacramento Spare the Air
programs. The Sacramento program borrowed materials and information extensively from
these two programs.
• This program coordinates with both the Sacramento and San Francisco programs by notifying
them when an ozone episode day is declared. Also each program has links on their Internet
web pages to the other two programs.
• Significant energy and resources will be spent to encourage participation of employers and
their employees.
• The program's materials (notification posters, educational posters, flyers and brochures) are
either in both Spanish or English or have a Spanish version.
3
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2 is
PROGRAM PROFILE - SEATTLE. WA (OZONE)
Episodic Control Program Profile - Seattle, WA (Ozone)
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Poilutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PM[0 / 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Smog Watch
Seattle, WA
03
Nonattainment for CO, PM10 and 03 (Petitioning
for CO & 03 re-designation)
Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency
(PSAPCA)
1996
1. To maintain the attainment status of the area
2. Economic benefits of staying in attainment
3. Public Education
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: No special budget
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Funding Source(s): n/a
Paid Volunteer Total
7 7
0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
t
• Radio advertisements
• Billboard advertisements (transit ads)
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: Employer network is the most
effective public outreach method.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools, transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers, blowers, etc)
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PROGRAM PROFILE - SEA TTLE WA (OZONE)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
Participation & Incentives
• General public
• Companies
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: No incentives are provided
Companies: No incentives are provided
Employees: Boeing offers free bus passes to employees on pollution episode days.
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution: National Weather Service, PSAPCD
Parameters Examined: Current meteorological conditions and forecasts, wind
patterns, inversions, monitoring network data
Criteria to setting forecast day: Measured 03 concentrations > 0.08 ppm (1 -hr max) +
inversion conditions + light offshore winds + temp > 87deg
+ no weather fronts expected over the next 48 hours.
Method used to forecast day: Based on meteorological intuition.
Accuracy: Too soon to tell. This is the first year of the program.
Notification Mechanisms
• Television stations Method of notification: fax
• Radio stations Method of notification: fax
• Participating employers Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the pollution episode day in the news and the weather reports. Radio
stations also included it in news stories.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant:
Cost per participant:
Emission Reduction Ratio:
Telephone surveys (in 1993 & 1995) have been conducted to
collect data on air pollution awareness and the effectiveness of the
public outreach program. No data on behavioral changes has been
collected.
Yes, data on whether or not people take actions based on Smog Watch
messages would be valuable
Yes, the survey data showed that awareness of air pollution issues is
increasing. This is being attributed, at least partially, to the public
education campaign.
No
n/a
n/a
n/a
2
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PROGRAM PROFILE - SEATTLE. WA (OZONE)
Public opinion surveys were conducted in 1993 and 1995; the surveys indicated that more
participants knew about PSAPCA in 1995 (12%) than in 1993 (2%) and most gave the agency a
positive rating. The phone survey results, which were stratified by age, sex and county of
residence, indicated that more residents expressed concern regarding the 'seriousness of air
pollution' in the Puget Sound area in 1995 (75%) than in 1993 (63%); however, most people
believe that their neighborhood air quality was good (46%) or excellent (27%). Nearly half of
the respondents recalled hearing air pollution advertisements. 15% recalled carpooling ads and
2% mentioned the "good neighbors don't smoke" campaign Another 60 respondents recalled
the good neighbors ad when prompted; only 16 recalled hearing Ce Heat=Smog radio ad.
Residents blamed automobile emissions as the main cause of air pollution, and consider hot, still
weather as more detrimental than cold, still conditions. Burning in woodstoves, fireplaces was
ranked fifth, after automobile emissions, emissions from diesel trucks and buses, emissions from
industry and business, and population growth. Respondents have also become less willing to see
government intervention to prevent air pollution, but more (87%) would voluntarily avoid
burning. In 1995, 22% suggested tighter emission standards for all woodstoves as compared to
13% in 1993. One third of the survey participants agreed that they would use their vehicles less
frequently if they knew that reductions could lead to significant air quality improvements;
however, this number was down from 37% in 1993.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program-. There
program has just started so no serious problems have been encountered yet
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: Too early to tell.
Noteworthy aspects of the program: Bi-annual surveys are planned to collect data on awareness
of local air pollution issues and on the Smog Watch program itself. Behavioral questions will be
included in the next survey (1997) to give the program an indication of how effective it is at
changing people's behavior on days of poor air quality._
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PROGRAM PROFILE-^-SEATTLE, WA
Episodic Control Program Profile—Seattle, WA (PM10)
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PMio/03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by iaw?
Is the program enforceable?
Woodsmoke Curtailment
Seattle, WA
PM
Nonattainment for CO, PM10 and 03
Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency
(PSAPCA)
1987
1, To attain air quality standards (NAAQS)
2, Health Benefits
3, Public Education
Yes (RCW 70.94.473)
Yes
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $900,000 (includes air monitoring)
§ Full-time equivalent staff at die main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Funding Source(s): State woodstove fees
Volunteer
Mi
10
0
Total
10
0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
Radio advertisements
Newspaper advertisements
Workshops (for school, industry, the public)
Public education booths at community events
Creation and dissemination of public education materials (direct mailings)
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: As a result of a public opinion
survey conducted in 1993, PSAPCA has developed a focused public education program in
Marysville, Snohomish County. A partnership has been formed with the American Lung
Association, Washington Natural Gas, Snohomish County P.U.D. and the Northwest Hearth
Products Association to increase awareness of the woodsmoke problem and the associated health
effects in Marysville. Many residents in this area use woodstoves as their primary source of heat,
have the highest electric rates in the state, and are in the fastest growing county in the state yet
consider themselves living in a rural community and are not convinced that urban problems, like
air pollution, are a result of their individual choices. The public education project included a
l
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PROGRAM PROFILE—SEATTLE. WA (PMl0)
direct-mailing to 13,500 homes, provisions for discounts on new natural gas, pellet or certified
woodstoves, participation in a community safety fair, presentations to local schools and
community groups and additional advertising in area newspapers and local radio stations.
Analysis of monitoring data has shown decreased ambient concentrations in the Marysville area in
comparison to other communities which is a reversal from previous years. Furthermore, the
direct mailing has generated 307 information requests which corresponds to a response rate
slightly over 2% (0.5% is considered a good response for direct mail marketing).
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid the used of wood stoves and fireplaces
• No outdoor burning
Participation & Incentives
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : Woodstove trade-ins for cleaner-burning gas stoves
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
National Weather Service, PSAPCD
PMio concentrations, meteorological stagnation
Combination of meteorological stagnation and PMio values
(24 hr) above 75 ug/m3.
Persistence and meteorological intuition are used. State law
requires that wood burning be curtailed when PMio
concentrations reach one-half of the federal 24-hour PMio
standard (150 ug/m3).
The program has not exceeded the PMio standard since it
was instituted.
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Fire Departments
National Weather Service
Method of notification: lax
Method of notification: fax.
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the pollution episode day in the news and the weather reports.
Newspapers inform the public by making mention of it in articles and by including it with the
Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) report. Radio stations included it in news stones and by DJ's.
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PROGRAM PROFILE—SEATTLE. WA tP.U:o)
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: (1) Ambient monitoring data (collected with a network of nine monitoring
sites that are maintained by PSAPCA); (2) Wood stove/ fireplace usage
data and general air pollution awareness data (collected bv telephone
surveys conducted on the general public in 1993 and in 1995); (3)
Woodsmoke complaint data
Other Data Desired: No
Analysis of Data: University of Washington performed statistical analysis of ambient
monitoring data.
Emission Estimated: The analysis showed that PMI0 emissions have reduced by 30%.
Emiss reduction per participant: Not calculated.
Cost per participant: Not calculated.
Emission Reduction Ratio: Not calculated.
Public opinion surveys were conducted in 1993 and 1995; the surveys indicated that more
participants knew about PSAPCA in 1995 (12%) than in 1993 (2%) and most gave the agency a
positive rating. The phone survey results, which were stratified by age, sex and county of
residence, indicated that more residents expressed concern regarding the "seriousness of air
pollution" in the Puget Sound area in 1995 (75%) than in 1993 (63%); however, most people
believe that their neighborhood air quality was good (46%) or excellent (27%). Nearly halJf of the
respondents recalled hearing air pollution advertisements. 15% recalled carpooling ads and 2%
mentioned the "good neighbors don't smoke" campaign Another 60 respondents recalled the
good neighbors ad when prompted; only 16 recalled hearing the Heat=Smog radio ad.
Residents blamed automobile emissions as the main cause of air pollution, and consider hot, still
weather as more detrimental than cold, still conditions. Burning in woodstoves, fireplaces was
ranked fifth, after automobile emissions, emissions from diesei trucks and buses, emissions from
industry and business, and population growth. Respondents have also become less willing to see
government intervention to prevent air pollution, but more (87%) would voluntarily avoid
burning. In 1995, 22% suggested tighter emission standards for all woodstoves as compared to
13% in 1993. One third of the survey participants agreed that they would use their vehicles less
frequently if they knew that reductions could lead to significant air quality improvements;
however, this number was down from 37% in 1993.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: There is no
political support for woodsmoke, but there is support for people who bum wood. Need to assure
that the public outreach does not depict people who bum wood for heat as the problem. This was
not clear initially in the program. Now we specifically discuss wood smoke as the issue and we
discuss several ways that wood smoke can be minimized.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful.
• The number of woodstoves in use have declined
• Fewer citizen complaints about woodsmoke
• The number of bum-ban days has declined
• Long-term PM air quality improvement has been realized
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IK
PROGRAM PROFILE—SEATTLE. WA (P\i,0>
Noteworthy aspects of the program:
• This program uses an advanced system of air monitoring and modeling to make its "No
Bum" day determinations. It coordinates with the National Weather Service and the
University of Washington on its monitoring and forecasting.
.. • The program has an extensive network of nine air monitoring sites which measure pollutant
concentrations. This network is costly to maintain (approximately $300,000/yr) but provides
the PSAPCA with the data necessary to make accurate "No Bum" day determinations.
• In addition to the public education efforts made throughout the whole district, the PS APCD
has made special efforts to target selected communities which aren't as responsive to wood
burning curtailment. The chosen communities received extra media exposure and were given
special incentives to participate (i.e. discounts on a new natural gas, pellet, or EPA-certified
wood stove). Significant emission reductions have been recorded at monitoring sites in these
communities since the start of the program.
• The PSAPCA woodsmoke curtailment program is one of the few to have performed analyses
to quantify the emissions benefits of the program.
4
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PROGRAM PROFILE —SPOK.A.\'E. WA
Episodic Control Program Profile—Spokane, WA
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name: Wood Stove Burning/Curtailment Program
Area of Coverage: Spokane County, WA
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted: PMio
Attainment Status (CO / PMio / 03): Nonattainment for PMio and CO
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority(SCAPCA)
1987
1. Public education
2. To attain air quality standards (NAAQS)
3. Health benefits
yes
yes
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $54,000 Funding Source(s): Sute and local funds
Paid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 1.0 1.0
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Radio advertisements
• Newspaper advertisements
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Violators are given written material
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: No one outreach method has
been mosi effective. The combination of approaches seems to work well.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid the use of wood stoves and fireplaces
Stage 1: Only EPA certified/approced devices can be operated unless exemption granted
Stage 2: No burning unless a written exemption has been granted
• Use wood stoves properly to avoid excessive smoke
/
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PROGRAM PROFILE—SPOKANE. WA
Participation & Incentives
• General public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public : No incentives are being offered
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
National Weather Service. SCAPCA
PMio concentrations (TEOM data), various weather
parameters
PMto trigger value established by state law
Reaching a PMt0 trigger value in conjunction with
persistent high pressure poor weather systems. If PMio
PSI > 63 is measured, then all noneertified wood stoves are
banned. If PMto PSI > 105, then all burning is banned.
Data not available.
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Telephone hot line
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Television stations broadcast a public service announcement about the alert day and mention it in
the weather reports. Newspapers include it with the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) report.
Radio station DJ's make announcements over the air waves.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected:
Other Data Desired:
Analysis of Data:
Emission Estimated:
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Wood stove and fireplace usage data (collected from telephone surveys);
air quality data, and the number of calls into the hotline.
Yes, more frequent surveys on wood stove and fireplace usage
Yes
n/a
Public opinion surveys and focus groups were conducted in 1993 to investigate the current
knowledge and attitudes prevalent in Spokane, to determine the willingness of residents to
participate in the program, and to determine what motivating factors would exist for local
residents. The studies found that environmental (64%) and air quality issues are important and air
quality was ranked the most important environmental program. While people (15%) were not
2
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3^5..;
PROGRAM PROFILE-SPOKASE. WA
familiar with SCAJPCA, most people (—90%) were familiar with the color (green, yellow, red)
wood burning restriction program and correctly identified the appropriate actions to take during
ban days. People noted that the TV was their best information source, but most (70%) also knew
of the phone hotline. Overall, people were not convinced that wood stoves were a significant
source of pollution in the area, ranking sources such as auto exhaust, industrial plants, diesel
exhaust, paved and unpaved roads and agricultural dust as more significant sources. However,
60% thought that people were following the wood burning restrictions. When asked what would
motivate the participant in the focus groups to reduce wood burning, they stated an education
approach based on factual information and a demonstration that individuals (esp. those using
wood burning stoves) were the largest source of emissions in Spokane would help to motivate
them to reduce wood burning.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program . Enforcement
is difficult considering that there are tens of thousands of woodstoves and a limited field staff.
Numerous exemptions are needed for people with an inadequate alternative source of heat.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: We are especially proud of our
education and outreach efforts. The news media have been very cooperative.
Noteworthy aspects of the program:
• Program started off as a voluntary program but became mandatory with the passage of the
state wood burning ban law.
• The program is a SIP requirement, so the state and EPA evaluate it periodically.
• Administrators of the program estimate a 70-80% compliance rate by the general public when
a no-burn day is declared.
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PROGRAM PROFILE—ST. LOUIS. MO
Episodic Control Program Profile—St. Louis, MO
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership
St. Louis, MO-DL Nonattainment Area
ozone
Moderate nonattainment - ozone
Coalition of business, government, nonprofits
Spring 1995
1. Public Education
2. Attain AQ standards
3. Health Benefits / Economic Benefits
No
No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: n/a
Funding Source(s): n/a
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies
Paid
6-8
0
Volunteer
Total
6-8
: 0
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television PSAs
• Radio interviews
• Newspaper articles
• Billboard advertisements
• Internet web site (http://wuche.wusti.edu/~turner/slrcap.htinl)
• Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
• Exhibits at public locations such as botamteal gardens & science center
• Highway message boards
• Movie theater spots
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: n/a
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PROGRAM PROFILE—ST. LOUIS. MO
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools. transit etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (after 6 pin) & don't top off
• Keep travel speeds at the speed limit and steady
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline powered garden equipment
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities (painting)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• Employers
• General public
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public
Companies:
Employees:
n/a
n/a
n/a
free or discounted transit
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedule
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
KMOV-TV & KMOV-TV Gateway Aircast
n/a
n/a
Algorithm based but with meteorological intuition for close
calls
n/a
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Stationary Sources
Employers
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
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PROGRAM PROFILE—ST. LOUIS. MO
Government Agencies
Transportation Management Agencies
State Highway Dept
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification : fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and in the weather report. Radio
hosts also make special announcements and mention the air quality status in news reports. The
newspapers include information with the Pollution Standards Index (PSI) and include information
in articles.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: n/a
Other Data Desired: n/a
Analysis of Data: n/a
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program: n/a
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: n/a
3
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3co
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YOUR NAME'S Home Pag«
30 (
http:J/wvicha.wu 41...." tumar/slrcap .htn
St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership
Welcome to the Home Page for the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership (SLRCAP).
*** The weather continues to provide relief from the extremely hot and humid conditions experienced in
late August. The week of September 3-9 featured no Ozone Action Days and no exceedances of the
federal ozone standard were recorded. The 1995 ozone season for St. Louis runs from April 1 - October
31; exceedances are rarely observed past mid-September. Through September 10, the St. Louis
nonattainment area experienced twenty ozone exceedances over ten days in 199S. No exceedances were
recorded in April or May. Two exceedances were recorded on one day in June while twelve
were recorded over five days in July. August brought six exceedances over four days and there have been
no exceedances in the first two weeks of September. The following graph summarizes the
month-by-month trends. *** (9 AM, 9/11/95)
St. LotM OzatM MawMlnwiaW Mm
iwtTraiMi
\r
—5
rj
Ik.
FlR-J
K
M,i j|!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT THE MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE. TO HELP CLEAR THE
AIR! THIS MESSAGE WILL BE UPDATED DAILY; PLEASE CHECK AGAIN SOON FOR
ADDITIONAL DETAILS •
SLRCAP Mission, Objectives, and Structure
MISSION
The St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership (SLRCAP) is a coalition of business, industry, legislative,
health, and community organizations in the St. Louis area formed for the purpose of developing and
implementing a plan to encourage voluntary volatile organic compound (VOC) emission reductions
particularly during periods conducive to high levels of ozone formation.
OBJECTIVES
SLRCAP promotes a variety of programs to encourage voluntary emission reductions particularly on
days which are conducive tq ozone levels which could exceed the Federal ozone standard. This effort
complements existing mandated emission reduction measures and seeks to "shave the peaks" off of high
ozone levels. Some SLRCAP programs are relatively long-range in scope (e.g., pollution prevention
workshops to affect industrial practices), while other programs target actions which should be taken
1 of 2
08/05/96 17:49:f
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YOUR NAME'S Home Page
http://wuche.wustl...."turnar/*ircap
during periods of high ozone levels. SLRCAP will declare Ozone Action Days based on air quality _
forecasts for the St. Louis region. The partnership will work with local business to develop tailored plan^^
to be implemented on Ozone Action Days . Several activities also being developed to reach out to the
public regarding the actions they can take to reduce emissions on Ozone Action Days .
STRUCTURE
Partnership activities are coordinated by six work groups. These groups are -
~ Business/Industry Deferrals
~ Employee/Public Education and Communication
~ Heet Emission reduction
~ Ozone Forecast
~ PollutionPrevention Workshops
~ Work Trip Reduction
MORE INFORMATION
~ Ozone Action Days
~ Members and Work Group Chairs
last modified on July JO, J995
email comments to jrturner@seas.wustl.edu
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¦ , 30'i
We cars about daan air http://wwYv.matl.8du3zorie.ht:
We care about clean air
OZONE
'ALERT
EH"
ALERT:
An Ozone Action Day has been declared till further notice.
THE PROBLEM:
Ozone high in the stratosphere protects us from dangerous sunlight. But near the ground, ozone is a
harmful pollutant and can cause health problems, especially for children, the elderly and people with
respiratory ailments. Ground level ozone forms when hydrocarbons mix with nitrogen oxide in sunlight
Susceptible individuals (those with allergies, repiratory problems etc.) should take precautions:
* avoid strenuous excercise \
* remain indoors
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
The are many things the Washington University community can do to reduce ozone production.
Suggestions include:
4 Avoid filling your car or fill up only in the evening, and dont top off your tank. Wait three
seconds after dispensing fuel before removing the nozzle.
4 Limit driving and combine trips whenever possible. Avoid excessive idling and abrupt
acceleration. Stay in for lunch, or walk rather than drive to a restaurant
J Conserve energy whenever possible to reduce demands on power plants. For example, raise your
office and home thermostat settings and postpone the use of major appliances.
^ Carpool, ride a bike or walk to work. For information about carpooling, call 935-5601 (Hilltop
Campus) or 747-0706 (Medical Campus).
4 Use a Bi-State bus or ride Metro Link. Special fares will be available on Ozone Action Days.
Write to them at 707 North First Street, St. Louis, 63102.
J Delay mowing the lawn until evening, or until the action period ends.
* Keep all internal combustion engines tuned up. Have emissions systems checked regularly.
* Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid.
+ Postpone chores that use oil-based paints, solvents or varnishes.
¦* Wear an alert button to help spread the word about the ozone action day.
* Wear a "We Care About Clean Air" button every day to support the effort.
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08/05/96 16:25:
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We-cara about clean air
http://www.wuatl.adu/oione..
Buttons can be obtained by calling 935-5230.
THE NEWS:
When an Ozone Action Day is declared, an alert flag will fly from the Brookings flagpole, from the
flagpole at the northeast corner of Francis Field on the Hilltop campus, and at the principal parking
facilities on the Medical School Campus.
* Prompts will appear on e-mail, FIS and PROFS.
* Posters and table tents will be distributed throughout both campuses.
* The hotline number, 935-0014, will be activated and the campus operators will be informed.
•* Key communicators will wear alert buttons.
* The Washington University Record and other employee communications will provide information.
•* Information will be broadcast on KMOV-TV, Channel 4 newscasts in segments called News 4
Gateway Aircasts."
* Ozone Action Days will be announced in the Weatherbird's box on the front page of the St. Louis
Post-Dispatch.
•* For additional information members of the Washington University community may contact the St.
Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership at (314) 444-1199.
Back Home
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OZONE ACTION! TIP SHEET
http^/sroundhOfl^A-EMCOG/JC-5/tipiJr
OZONE ACTION! TIP SHEET
Actions You and Your Family Can Take on Ozone Action! Days
o Become your family's Ozone Action! expert! Tune in to your favorite radio or
TV station or call the Ozone Action! Information Hotline after 3:30 pjn. to
find out if tomorrow is an Ozone Action! day (1-800-66-33-AIR). i.
d
~ Help your family make plans to reduce driving. , - J
~ Ask your mom or dad if ifs OK to ride your bicycle or walk with a friend to
nearby activities instead of being driven in a car. You'll get lots of exercise
and reduce air pollution at the same time!
~ When you need to go farther, arrange to carpool with friends and neighbors to
school activities, movies, sports events and other places. It will save gas and
help clean our air!
a Your mom or dad can even carpool to workl Tell them to call RideShare at
313-963-RID1 to find carpool partners.
~ Remind your mom or dad about Action! tips that will help keep your family's
car or truck from polluting too much. Here are some things they can do:
~ Get regular engine tune-ups.
~ Combine trips (to work, school, the grocery store, or other places)
because a warm engine doesn't pollute as much as a cold one.
o Try not to idle car (or boat) engines for too long. Idling motors pollute
the air and waste fuel.
~ Ask parents to be careful when filling the gas tank. Spilled gasoline
pollutes the air we breathe.
~ Buy low vapor pressure "clean" fuel where available.
~ Buy gasoline the day before an Ozone Action! day, or in the evening after
6 p.m., if possible.
~ Ask your parents to avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (like
lawnmowers and leafblowers) on Ozone Action! days - or to wait, if possible,
until after 6 p.m. when cooler temperatures won't cause ozone to form.
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(08/05/96 17:53
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PROGRAM PROFILE-TOLEDO. OH"
Episodic Control Program Profile—Toledo, OH
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO / PM10 / 03):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked):
attainment
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
Ozone Action Das
Toledo, OH (Lucas and Wood Counties)
Ozone
Attainment for all
Air Quality Task Force of Toledo and Wood
Counties, City of Toledo Division of Env Services
1994
1. To maintain the attainment status of the area
2. Economic benefits to the area of staying in
3. Public education
No
Yes
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $60,200 Funding Source(s):
Paid
• Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency .75
U Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 2
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Television advertisements
• Workshops (for school, industry, the public)
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Provide infonnation to participating employees through their employers
Describe most effective part of public outreach program: n/a
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools. transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
ISTEA (CMAQ), Local funds
Volunteer Total
.75
2
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302
PROGRAM PROFILE-TOLEDO. OH
-• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e.. after 6 p.m.)
: • Change work schedules to avoid the commute
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers. blowers, etc)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc)
• Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, degreasing, etc) (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• General public
• 15 Employers
• Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: Free transit
Companies: Public recognition
Employees: None
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accu-weather (private forecasting company)
max and min temp (current and next day), dew point, sky
cover, wind direction and speed
n/a
They use a checklist (e.g., temperature, cloud cover,
humidity, weather the day before, etc.) but also rely on best
judgment practices.
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Participating Stationary Sources
Employers
Stationary Sources
Gas stations
Municipalities participating
in mowing ban
Ohio Dept of Transportation
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification : fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification : fax. phone
Method of notification: fax
Method of notification: fax, phone
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports and the weather report but have not
been airing public service announcements. Newspapers mention the alert day in articles,
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PROGRAM PROFILE—TLZSA. OK
Episodic Control Program Profile - Tulsa, OK
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name: Ozone Alert
Area of Coverage: Tulsa, OK
Main PolJutant(s) Targeted: Ozone
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/O3): Attainment- ozone
Implementing Agency: Indian Nations Council of Governments
Start Date: June 1991
Program Goals (Ranked) 1. Health Benefits/Maintain AQ Status
2. Economic Benefits (A)
3, Public Education
Program required by law? No
Is the program enforceable? No
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $122,000 Funding Source(s): ISTEA, EPA (DEQ)
Paid Volunteer Total
# Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 1 1
# Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies 2 3
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
Radio advertisements
Public education booths at community events
Creation and dissemination of public education materials
Provide information to participating employees through their employers
School education program
# Partnership with other programs (Earth Day)
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: While the TV and radio media
efforts have been good, the employer outreach program has probably been more important.
Contacts in the human resources departments of companies or contacts at a fairly high
management level have proven to be more effective at distributing outreach information to
employers than a contact within the environmental department of companies since the HR and top
managementcohtacts have established mechanisms for distribution of information. In addition to
standard packets of educational information about the program, INCOG staff are currently
developing a video explaining how Tulsa's episodic control program works and what individual
can do to participate.
1
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PROGRAM PROFILE-TULSA. OK
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools. transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e.. after 6 p.m.)
• Change work schedules to avoid the commute
,/ Avoid using gasoline powered garden equipment until the evening (i.e. after 6 pm)
• : Postpone fleet refueling until evening (companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings
• Postpone landscaping activities (Stationary Sources)
• - Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities & contingency planning (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: As part of the Tulsa episodic
control program, some local stationary sources have developed their own plans for contingency
actions for episode days. Most of these plans include actions such as limits on VOC product
usage (spray painting) and small engine usage (lawn maintenance). Tulsa also has a voluntary
RVP reduction program which is in effect in a continuous basis when sources could to opt into
the program.
Participation & Incentives
• 300 Employers (~90,000 employees)
• General public
• 10-20 Stationary Sources
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: Free Transit, Seasonal Express Bus Routs & Jitney Service
Companies: Public Recognition (Mayor's Cup—trophy to largest promoter of program)
Employees: Free or discounted transit feres
Free or discounted lunches
Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
Guaranteed, emergency ride home for employees who car/vanpool/transit
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters Examined:
Criteria to setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
NWS / Department of Environmental Quality
Temp, WS, WD, Cloud Cover, Frontal Movement,
Humidity
n/a
Meteorological intuition andEmpirical relationships
Two exceedances on nonozone alert days in 5 years, one of
those was on a weekend when alert days are not called
INCOG is currently examining other methods used to forecast episode days and would eventually
like to be able to operate a predictive model.
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IK3
PROGRAM PROFILE— TULSA. OK
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations Method of notification: fax
Radio stations Method of notification: fax
Newspapers Method of notification: fax
Employers Method of notification : fax
Stationary Sources Method of notification: fax
Gas stations Method of notification: fax
Local Governments Method of notification: fax
Television stations mention the alert day in the news reports, in the weather report and in public
service announcements. Radio hosts also make public service announcements, include the air
quality status in news reports and make special announcements regarding episode days.
Newspapers display a speciaJ Alert logo in the weather box on the front page of the paper arid
allow space for farther announcements and articles. Gas stations also display messages regarding
episode status on their gas pumps and highway variable message signs are used to display episode
status information.
Program Evaluation
Data Collected: Transit ridership levels (from transit agency)
Other Data Desired: Car counts, carpool counts, occupancy rates
Analysis of Data: None
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emiss reduction per participant: n/a
Cost per participant: n/a v
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the implementation of the program(l) Convincing
the public that any and all actions to reduce emissions will make a difference, (2) public does not
agree with ozone standard, espec. 1 hour averaging, (3) program and media consistency.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful: Voluntary RVP Program, Employer
Notification/Education Program, Media Participation/Public Awareness, School Education
Program, Leadership by Public Officials, Strong Support from Corporate Citizens. The success
of sustaining and expanding the programs has helped in developing a legislative agenda.
Noteworthy aspects of the program: The Tulsa program is somewhat unique since Tulsa has been
the first area in the country to develop a Flexible Attainment Region (FAR) designation Tulsa
was originally classified as a nonattainment area for ozone in the 1980s; however, it was
redesignationed to attainment for ozone in 1990 after a three year period with no violations. In
June 1991, Tulsa experienced an exceedance of the ozone NAAQS and developed the Ozone
Alert program and the FAR agreement to help maintain the attainment status of the area. The
FAR allows Tulsa to incrementally implement control measures to reduce area emissions. This is
particularly important in Tulsa since the majority of the gas produced for Tulsa's use is developed
at local refineries, which, due to equipment limitations, cannot produce gas at RVP's below 8.2
RVP: In addition, since the majority of ozone precursors in the Tulsa metropolitan area are
emitted by mobile sources, the FAR agreement allows the area to devise a strategy aimed motor
vehicles rather than trying to develop stricter controls on a limited number of stationary sources.
Under incremental implementation, if Tulsa experiences a new violation of the ozone standard,
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31H
PROGRAM PR0F1LE-TULSA. OK
SIP response, such as a implementation of a fuel pressure test and Non-SIP responses, such as the
creation of a Smoking Vehicle Hotline go into effect. Thus the impact of these measures can be
evaluated over time without the additional regulatory impacts of the nonattainment designation.
4
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PROGRAM PROFILE-WASHISCTON DC
Episodic Control Program Profile-Washington DC
BASIC INFORMATION
Program Name:
Area of Coverage:
Main Pollutant(s) Targeted:
Attainment Status (CO/PM10/O3):
Implementing Agency:
Start Date:
Program Goals (Ranked)
Program required by law?
Is the program enforceable?
ENDZONE - Partners to ~nd Ground Level Ozone
Ozone Action Days
District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Maryland
suburbs of D C.
Ozone
Serious nonattainment for ozone
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
(WashCOG)
May 1995
1. Public Education
2. Health Benefits
3. Attain Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
No
Yes
Funding and Administration
1996 Budget: $499,000 Funding Source(s):
Maryland DOT - $180,000
VDRPT (CMAQ funds) - $ 180,000
D.C. Dept. of Public Works (CMAQ funds)
- $90,000
WashCOG-$49,000
Paid
• Full-time equivalent staff at the main agency 2
• Full-time equivalent staff at other affiliated agencies unknown
Public Outreach
Methods used to inform the public about the program
• Provide information to participating employees through their employers
• Television advertisements
• Public education booths at community events
• Creation and dissemination of public education materials
• Radio advertisements
• Workshops (for schools, industry, public)
• Internet web site (wvAv.mwcog.org/mwcog/dep/airqual.html)
Volunteer Total
0 2
unknown unknown
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31
PROGRAM PROFILE—WASHINGTON DC
Describe the most effective part of the public outreach program: Notification of an episode day
is faxed to participating employers who are responsible for spreading the work to their employees
This has been a particularly effective aspect of the program. MDE also reports ozone messages
on overhead highway signs throughout the state and maintains a toll-free number to answer the
public's questions regarding ozone levels.
Episode Day Actions Recommended by the Program
• Avoid driving at lunch time (take lunch to school or work)
• Use alternative modes of transportation (car/vanpools. transit, etc) instead of driving alone
• Keep vehicle tuned up
• Combine multiple auto trips throughout the day
• Work from home (telecommute)
• Avoid refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.)
• Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawnmowers. blowers, etc) (Area Source)
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid (Area Source)
• Avoid household maintenance activities that produce emissions (painting, etc.) (Area Source)
• Postpone fleet refueling until the evening (i.e., after 6 p.m.) (Companies)
• Use conferencing technologies instead of face to face meetings (Companies)
• Reduce high-emitting production activities (Stationary Sources)
• Avoid maintenance activities (painting, degreasing, etc) (Stationary Sources)
• Postpone landscaping activities (lawnmowing, tractor and backhoe use, etc.) (Stationary Sources)
• Switch to cleaner burning fuels (Stationary Sources)
Discuss any unique control measures included in the program: n/a
Participation & Incentives
• 20% of participants are Stationary sources
• 50% of participants are Employers
• 30% of participants are General Public
Incentives to Encourage Participation
General Public: Auto repair/tune-up discounts
Companies: Public Recognition
Employees: Free or discounted transit fares
Flexible work schedules
Preferential parking for car/vanpools
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3/7
PROGRAM PROFILE—WASHINGTON DC
Forecasting Pollution Episode Days
Weather forecaster & Pollution:
Parameters examined:
Criteria for setting forecast day:
Method used to forecast day:
Accuracy:
University of Maryland
Forecast algorithms based on historical climatology and ozone
monitoring site data. The algorithms are augmented by real time
data and forecaster expertise.
A coding system is used: Code Green (good air quality) 0-62
ppb, Code Yellow (moderate air quality) 63-109 ppb, Code
Orange (approaching unhealthfiil) 110-124 ppb, Code Red
(unhealthfiil air quality) greater than or equal to 125 ppb.
WashCOG reports air quality using the Pollutant Standard
Index (PSI), a number on a scale of 0 to 500. The PSI is then
reported under 'Today's Weather" in the Washington Post. The
conversion of PSI to the color coded forecast is as follows:
Code Green - 0 to 50 PSI, Code Yellow - 51 to 88 PSI, Code
Orange - 89 to 99 PSI, Code Red -100+ PSI Ozone
concentrations are reported in ppb on the ozone map used to
illustrate ozone levels throughout the DC area. Forecasts,
however, are shown using the PSI.
A team meets the previous afternoon between 2:30 and 3:00, via
conference call, to determine the next day's action. They meet
again die next morning before 9:30 to verify the forecast At
this time, they can alter die pollution episode forecast if needed.
Based on the forecast code, the public is asked to take measures
to both protect themselves from exposure and contribute to
reducing emissions
1995 - Predicted the correct code 81% of the time.
Notification Mechanisms
Television stations
Radio stations
Newspapers
Participating Stationary Sources
Participating Employers
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
Method of notification:
fax, phone
fax, phone
fax
fax, internet
fax, interna
Fax has been the most effective method of notification.
Program Evaluation
Data collected: Transit ridership levels, employee participation rates provided by
participating employers, public awareness survey
Other Data Desired: Noni
Analysis of Data: n/a
Emission Estimated: n/a
Emission reduction per participant:n/a
Cost per participant: n/a
Emission Reduction Ratio: n/a
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PROGRAM PROFILE—WASHINGTON DC
Prior to beginning the program, three surveys were conducted by the Gallup Organization to
gather information on public perceptions regarding air quality. Survey one, the "General
Awareness" survey, was designed to gain an understanding of the level of public education and
commitment to air quality issues. The second survey, "Identifying Early Adopters" attempted to
ascertain the percentage of individuals who are knowledgeable of the air quality problems in the
DC area and who are willing to take action on an individual basis. The third survey dealt with
area businesses and their level of awareness of air quality issues. WashCOG plans to conduct a
follow-up survey to determine if the program has increased awareness of air quality issues and the
air quality problems experienced by the DC area.
Main problems or pitfalls encountered during the, implementation of the program: The team has
found that it is difficult to quantify participation levels and air quality benefits.
Parts of the program that have been the most successful• The health message has been very
successful, largely because it is easily understood by the general public. Businesses are supportive
of the ENDZONE program due to its voluntary nature and the fact that they are able to choose
which actions to undertake. Also, program participants have been asked to join policy
subcommittees in order to shape the process and have more of a say in the development of the
program. It is hoped that this will result in positive feedback from participants and provide
WashCOG with suggestions to improve the program.
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program profile—Washington dg
Survey Results
(Surveys results were presented in April of 1995)
Survey 1 "General Awareness "
Number of Completed Surveys
Washington, DC 176
Northern Virginia 417
Southern Maryland 392
Total 985
Q. Which of the following do you feel is of most concern to Washington, DC?
Air pollution 38%
Water pollution 22%
Disposal of solid waste 24%
Toxic waste 6%
Noise pollution 3%
Accidents at nuclear plants 2%
Q. On a scale of zero to ten, where a " 10" means you feel it is a very big problem and a "0" means that
you feel it is not a problem, how much of a problem do you feel air pollution is in your city or area?
There is a problem (7-10 rating) 43%
In the middle (4-6-rating) 42%
Not a problem (0-3 rating) 16%
Q. Which of the following do you fed is die biggest contributor to air pollution in your area?
Automobiles 52%
Trucks 17%
Buses 13%
Mftg/Industry 7%
Small engine fumes 3%
Utility companies 3%
Small businesses 1%
Percent who have heard of ground level ozone 41%
Percent who believe that ozone high up in the sky keeps out harmful radiation and ozone at ground level is
a harmful invisible gas that we breathe 63%
Percent who have heard of the Air Quality Index 85%
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3 AO
Air pollution can have an impact on people's health
Air pollution affects the Chesapeake Bay
Air pollution negatively affects your quality of life
Air pollution is much more harmful to children than adults
PROGRAM PROFILE— WASHING 70S DC
% Who Strongly Agree
78%
47%
46%
42%
Q. What, if anything, do you think you, as an individual, do to contribute to air pollution? (multiple
responses allowed)
Drive car/vehicle 77%
Use small engines 6%
Cooking outdoors 3%
Use fireplace 6%
Use paints/soivents/etc. 4%
Using fossil fuels to heat 2%
Q. Who do you feel is responsible for reducing air pollution and cleaning up Washington's air?
Everyone/each of us 49%
State government 11 %
Federal government 13%
Factories or industrial sites 1%
Automobile manufacturers 5%
Cities/communities 6%
Businesses 1%
Other 8%
% of residents who strongly agree that they personally can make a difference in cleaning up the air
36%
Q. Would you be very willing, somewhat willing, not very willing, or not at all willing to personally take
actions that would reduce air pollution?
Very willing 39%
Somewhat willing 53%
Somewhat unwilling 4%
Very unwilling 2%
Don't know 1%
Of all persons interviewed, 39% have taken action or behaved differently based on hearing or reading about
the Air Quality Index.
Of those who are aware of die Index, 46% have taken action or behaved differently based on hearing or
reading about the Air Quality Index.
Q. Do you agree or disagree that it is appropriate for employers to share information with their employees
that would encourage them to take actions to reduce air pollution, particularly alerting employees of
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PROGRAM PROFILE—WASHINGTON' DC
upcoming "bad air" days - when air quality is expected to be unhealthy? Do you agree strongly, agree
somewhat, disagree somewhat or disagree strongly that this communication is appropriate for employers to
make?
Criteria for early adopters:
Early adopters are those residents who...
-Recognize the air pollution problem.
-Agree that air pollution has negative consequences
-Agree that they, as individuals, contribute to the problem
-Are willing to take action
% Residents who are early adopters
Overall 35%
Northern Virginia 37%
Southern Maryland 33%
District of Columbia 39%
Q. What would you say is the primary reason that you would be willing to take actions that would reduce
air pollution? (unaided)
Concern for health 23%
Concern for my health 16%
Concern for children's health 19%
Concern for future generations 19%
Can see poor air quality 6%
To improve the environment 4%
Agree strongly
Agree somewhat
Neither agree or disagree
Disagree somewhat
Disagree strongly
Don't know
43%
34%
9%
8%
5%
2%
Survey 2 "Identifying Early Adopters "
Number of Completed Surveys
350
Other
Don't know
10%
2%
Q. How willing or unwilling would you be to do each of the following? (Shown as % willing)
Yeariy auto tune-ups
Se& out environmentally friendly cleaners
Avoid oil based paints
Combine trips by car
Limit use of motor boat/jet ski
Cut grass less often
87%
77%
72%
70%
69%
65%
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Use alternative transit mode
Trade in gas powered lawn equipment
PROGRAM PROFILE.—WASHINGTON DC
40%
32%
Survey 3 "Business Awareness Survey "
Number of Completed Surveys 257
Q. Which of the following do you feel is of most concern to Washington DC?
Air pollution 42%
Water pollution 23%
Disposal of solid waste 24%
Toxic waste 4%
Noise pollution 2%
Accidents at nuclear plants 1 %
Q. Which of the following do you feel is the biggest contributor to air pollution in your area?
Automobiles
77%
Trucks
8%
Mftg/Industry
2%
Buses
8%
Small businesses
1%
Small engine femes
1%
Utility companies
0%
Who do you feel is responsible for reducing air pollution and cleaning up Washington's air?
Everyone/each of us 42%
. State government 10%
Federal government 11 %
Factories or industrial sites 2%
Automobile manufacturers 8%
Cities/communities 8%
Businesses 1%,
Other 16%
% Who strongly agree with the following statements
Air pollution cairhave an impact on people's health 75%
Air pollution negatively affects your quality ot life 41%
and that of employees
Your business is concerned about the quality of air 39%
in your area
Air pollution affects the Chesapeake Bay 46%
% Who strongly agree with the following statements
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PROGRAM PROFILE-WASHINGTON DC
Air pollution has a negative effect on economic 49%
development
Air pollution could limit new businesses in the.area 28%
You understand how the CAAA affects your business 24%
Your business can make a difference 21%
Poor air quality can affect bottom line 14C
Q. Considering all aspects of your business, how important to your business plans and considerations are
environmental concerns and their impact on your business?
Very important 30%
Somewhat important ' 44%
Not very important 16%
Not at ail important 9%
Percent who have heard of ground level ozone 34%
Percent who believe that ozone high up in the sky keeps out harmful radiation and ozone at ground level is
a harmful invisible gas that we breathe. 51%
Percent who have heard of the Air Quality Index 97%
Percent of businesses who have ever taken action or behaved differently based on hearing or reading about
the Air Quality Index 10%
Q. Would you say your business does a great deal, a fair amount, not very much at all to help reduce air
pollution or clean up the air?
A great deal 13%
A fair amount 37%
Not very much 28%
Nothing at all 20%
Q. Does your company offer or support the following programs?
Telecommuting options 25%
Ride matching services for car pools 16%
Metrochek/Transit plus 13%
Preferential parking 15%
Compresses work week 16%
Q. If you know that the following could help reduce air pollution in your area, how willing would your
company be to do each of the following on a voluntary basis?
Share info, with employees on bad air days 47%
Offer rideshare programs 15%
Be part of business partnership 18%
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PROGRAM PROFILE—WASHINGTON DC
Q. What is the primary reason that your business would be willing to take actions that wouid reduce air
pollution? (Open ended)
Q, Please tell me how much influence each of the following has on your business' decision to take pro
active steps to stop air pollution and clean up the air.
Q. How likely would your organization be to take actions that would reduce air pollution under each of the
following conditions? (% very likely)
Had more info, regarding negative health impacts 33%
If show poor air quality affects employee productivity 46%
If show poor air quality lead to higher health insurance 49%
If rideshare options would reduce traffic congestion 33%
Impact on health (unspecified)
Part of civic responsibility
Concern for future generations
Right thing to do
Worry about employees health
Mandate/Laws
Good for bottom line
11%
38%
22%
24%
17%
1%
3%
Concern how affects employee health
Avoid future regulations
Concern will affect bottom line
Concern how affects natural resources
Concern how affects economic development
Be visible role model
Gives competitive edge
49%
20%
18%
37%
29%
21%
16%
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Air Quality Forecast
JJZ 5
http ://www.mwcoj.or,. ,og/dep/airqual Jitr
Forecast Valid Through Sunset, September 16,1996
Air Quality Forecast
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
777 North Capitol Street, N.E., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20002
For Immediate Release Contacts: Qing Liu (202) 962-3239
The Air Quality On September IS Was Good
"Code Green" Ozone Forecast for Monday, September 9,1996
Good Air Quality Expected
4:30 p.m., Washington, D.C. -The Council of Governments(COG) has issued a "Code Green" ozone
forecast indicating that the air quality is expected to be good on September 16 in the Washington
metropolitan region. The air quality on September IS was good with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49
for ground-level ozone.
The Washington region's worst air quality problem is ozone, an odorless, colorless gas that poses health
problems at ground level. On a typical summer day, about 60 to 70 percent of the pollutants that cause
ozone are created from cars, lawnmowers, other garden equipment, and common household products.
For these reasons, COG recommends that residents make the extra effort to:
~ Carpool or use transit when possible.
~ Keep cais and boats tuned up.
~ Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.
Above certain concentrations, ground-level ozone can cause lung damage, eye irritation, breathing
difficulties, coughing and chestpain. Children, the elderly, healthy individuals working or exercising out
doors, and those with respiratory and heart ailments are particularly affected when ozone levels are high.
COG provides daily air quality forecasts at approximately 4:45 p.m. during the summer ozone season. If
1 of 2
09/17/96 09:55::
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Air Quality Forecast ht'cp://www.mwcog.or...og/dep/airqual.hti
the forecast changes, an update will be issued by 10:30 a.m. the following day.
For Related University of Maryland Weather and Air Quality Forecast. Click here
For Maryland Air Quality Information.Click here
For South Coast Air Quality Management District Homepage,CHckJierg
Links To Regional Weather Channels
The Weather Channel
V^QJV^hann^^^ashingtQB
Return To MWCOG Homepage
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