Air we can breathe
There are no comments for this page [ Add Comment ]Tuesday, March 25, 2008
When Utahns complain about pollution in urban Wasatch Front cities, they usually refer to the temperature inversions that plague our winter months. But summertime pollution is just as harmful -- even when it doesn't appear as thick to the naked eye.
The problem is ground-level ozone. Mostly, it comes from industrial emissions, auto exhaust and vapors released when people fill their vehicles with fuel at the gas station. These airborne chemicals "cook" in the daytime sun, creating ozone that the Environmental Protection Agency says causes avoidable deaths and health problems in thousands of people each year.
Because of those increased health risks, the EPA announced it is lowering the allowable "eight-hour ozone standard" from the current 80 parts per billion to 75 parts per billion over the next five years, nationwide. Utah officials expect, if nothing is done in response, that six Utah counties -- including Davis, Weber and Box Elder -- will find themselves in steady violation of the 75 ppb rule, which could mean the loss of millions of dollars in federal money for roads.
But those same state officials are on record as saying they are confident the new ozone limits can be achieved. The solutions will range from simple recommendations -- fueling vehicles in the evening on hot summer days -- to perhaps requiring gas stations to equip dispenser nozzles with rubber gaskets, common in other states like California, to trap gasoline fumes before they escape, etc.
The 75 ppb standard was a compromise level. Industry is complaining that it will increase costs, while environmental groups have been calling for a reduction in the eight-hour ozone standard to 60 or 65 ppb.
Indeed, it sounds as if the 75 ppb level is a baby step along the way toward cleaner air. But at least it's a step in the right direction. If Utah meets its obligation as easily as Utah Division of Air Quality officials seem to think it can, then it's worth considering whether the EPA should take the next step sooner than anticipated. After all, what's at stake is the health of all Utahns living along the Wasatch Front.
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