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County Notes - June 2009

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By Beth Wade and Patrick Brendel Friday, 19 June 2009

“Big Push” clean air initiative

Williamson County has joined with Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays and Travis counties for the region’s “Big Push” initiative to remain in compliance with federal health-based standards for ground-level ozone. The initiative also includes the San Antonio region.

The “Big Push” is an educational initiative designed to increase the public’s awareness of ground-level ozone and its causes, said Gary Boyd, Williamson County environmental program coordinator.

In December, Williamson County was on the list of counties that was to be designated nonattainment by the Environmental Protection Agency.

County commissioners testified that the county was in attainment and was doing everything in its power to remain that way, Boyd said. Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality sent a letter to the EPA in March recommending the county be designated in attainment.

According to new EPA attainment standards, ground-level ozone must average below 75 parts per billion for a three-year period, said Bill Gill, Capital Area Council of Governments air quality program coordinator.

The EPA’s final decision on nonattainment and attainment status is expected to be announced by March 12, 2010, but Gill said a preliminary announcement could come as early as this fall.

Air quality will be measured during the 2009 Ozone Season from April 1 through Oct. 31. Nonattainment status could mean increased health risks and increased federal requirements for industrial businesses and transportation projects.

CLEAN Air Tips

In the yard

Avoid spilling gasoline
Maintain equipment
Consider cleaner options, like newer or electric equipment
Wait until after 6 p.m. to do yard work with gas equipment
Use manual tools
Reduce mowing time by planting low-maintenance grasses
Recycle old equipment
Plant trees to provide shade

In the house

Use compact fluorescent lights
Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
Use microwaves for smaller meals
Recycle
Reuse materials such as paper bags and boxes
Properly dispose of household hazardous waste
Paint with brushes, not sprayers
Check air-conditioning filters monthly

In the car

Share a ride to work or school
Avoid rush-hour traffic and driving on hot days
Take your lunch to work or school
Use public transit, walk or ride a bicycle
Combine errands into one trip
Avoid drive-through lanes
Postpone refueling until after 6 p.m.
Do not top off your tank while refueling
Keep vehicles tuned and tires properly inflated
Do not ignore “check engine” lights
Avoid revving or idling engine more than 30 seconds

On the Web

Learn about Energy Star products, certified for energy efficiency, www.energystar.gov
Find out how “green” your car is with the Vehicle Emissions Guide, www.epa.gov/autoemissions
Find information on disposing of toxic solid waste, www.epa.gov/epawaste
Keep track of the Clean Air Coalition, www.capcog.org/divisions/regional-planning/clean-air-coalition
Become part of the “Big Push” initiative, www.ozoneheroes.com