Ozone in the Heart of Texas

The air monitor in Waco, which measures ozone and other chemicals, is one important piece of equipment - and it's especially important right now.

The Environmental Protection Agency issues a standard that describes how much ozone, an air pollutant, is healthy for people to breathe for extended periods. That standard will be lowered in October.

The readings on the Waco monitor will determine whether parts of the Heart of Texas Region gain a new and negative distinction: designation of "Nonattainment" of the ozone standard. When announced, the new standard will look back over the past three-year period. The month of September is historically a high-ozone period in the Heart of Texas, so the next few weeks will largely determine whether the Waco monitor's readings land the area in the "Nonattainment" range.

In addition to health and safety concerns, a "Nonattainment" designation carries heavy regulation as well - regulation that could place limits on some kinds of development and could impact existing residents and businesses. Some group of "control strategies" would have to be adopted, and those control strategies could include a wide variety of measures. Control strategies that have been adopted in other areas include emissions testing for motor vehicles, the requirement of vapor-capturing apparatus at fuel stations, and enhanced pollution-prevention measures at industrial and other facilities.

There is much that is unknown for now. Not only the exact number of the new standard (which could fall anywhere between 70 and 60 parts per billion,) but also which counties, if any, besides McLennan would be judged to be part of a "Nonattainment" area, are still in doubt.

For more information about what individuals can do to help, or to learn more about the Heart of Texas air quality planning process, please visit www.BreatheEasyWaco.org.