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Welcome to the Columbus Consolidated Government's Planning Department Web Page -- Also the home page for the Columbus-Phenix City Metropolitan Planning Organization (CPCMPO)
:: Transportation Planning
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Link to Air Quality Sign-up Form


LINKS

Georgia's Ambient Ozone & Fine Particulate Matter

EPA's Air Quality Index

A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health

Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)

Fall Line Air Quality Study

Listing of Air Quality Acronyms (EPA site)

Georgia Conservancy's Air Quality & Mothers and Others Program

Information:

Click on the graphics for more information about present air quality status. To return to this page, click the Back button on your internet browser.

BROCHURE - “An Introduction to Particulate Matter for Transportation Officials,” which has been jointly developed by the Office of Natural and Human Environment and the Resource Center Air Quality Technical Service Team


Most of our downloadable documents require Adobe Reader, which is a free program. If you do not have this program, you may download it by clicking the box below.

Air Quality

Air Quality in the Columbus-Phenix City
Metropolitan Area


As the Columbus region experiences unprecedented economic growth and development, we also are facing issues with our regional air quality. Specifically, particulate matter, one of six criteria pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act, is of
increasing concern here in the Columbus-Phenix City area. Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small solids and liquid droplets suspended in air. PM may be composed of soil and dust particles, smoke, organic chemicals, metals, and acids (such as nitrates and sulfates). PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) refers to microscopic particles having a diameter equal to or smaller than 2.5 micrometers, or about one-thirtieth the size of a human hair. Fine particulate matter poses a greater risk to human health than coarse particulates because it more easily enters the lungs. PM is known to aggravate heart and lung diseases, and is associated with heart attacks, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. 

The US EPA has established national air quality standards for both 24-hour and annual PM levels, as well as for other pollutants; areas that meet those standards are designated as being in attainment, areas not meeting the standards are called non-attainment areas.  Based on the most recent monitor data, the Columbus-Phenix City area has been identified as exceeding the 24-hour PM2.5 standard. EPA is scheduled to make final designations in December 2009, therefore we have an opportunity to take actions to reduce PM2.5 and prevent being designated as non-attainment for the 24-hour standard. In addition to the health risks of PM mentioned above, there are economic disadvantages as well. Areas designated as non-attainment are subject to general and transportation conformity requirements for at least twenty years, and are also subject to more restrictive requirements for new construction or modification of major air pollution sources.
 
 

Air Quality Forecasting to Begin in January 2008


Beginning in January 2008, citizens of Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley will be better able to protect themselves from the effects of air pollution.  Each day, air quality forecasters with the Ambient Monitoring Program at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) review weather patterns, pollutant levels, and other environmental factors to prepare the next day’s air quality forecast.  The air quality forecast will then be forwarded to the Clean Air Campaign to be distributed in the form of an Air Quality Index to the CPCMPO and other interested individuals and organizations.

The air quality forecasts can help inform citizens about the health effects associated with different levels of air pollution and offer guidelines for making decisions about outdoor activities on days when air pollution may be a concern. If air quality is projected to be poor, a “Smog Alert” will be issued and citizens will be asked to take steps ranging from carpooling and teleworking that day to curtailing driving, daytime refueling, and yard work in order to limit pollution.

Public awareness and outreach will be key elements of our efforts to remain in attainment. We will continue to keep our community informed as our efforts progress, and encourage questions and participation.  For more information about the Clean Air Act and air pollution, go to:  http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/peg_caa/pegcaain.html