Ozone Action Day Declared: Tuesday, August 2 and Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 and Wednesday, August 3, 2005, have been declared Ozone Action Days. Sunny skies, temperatures in the lower 90s and slight winds from the west and southwest will create ozone-forming conditions. These weather conditions will result in unhealthy levels of ozone across much of the Northeast Ohio region. Stay tuned to find out if Thursday will also be declared. And remember to always “Check Today’s Air Quality”.

During these weeks at the heart of the summer, please consider RideShare or any other carpooling, taking the bus, taking the train, biking, walking, or taking any other means of alternate transportation to help our region reduce ozone formation.

Heading to the Indian’s Games this Week?

Consider taking the bus or riding the train. The Greater Cleveland Rapid Transit Authority (GCRTA) offers extra convenient, affordable rail service before and after every Cleveland Indians home game. With more than 7,000 free parking spots at Rapid Transit stations, you can simply leave your car behind, and avoid the traffic and expensive parking downtown…all the while saving the air! Rail Service You can ride the Red Line , the Blue Line , or the Green Line to Tower City. From there, RTA's 1,050-foot Walkway protects fans from traffic and the her. The Walkway begins at the Tower City food court and ends in the Gund Arena lobby, just a short walk from Jacobs Field. The Walkway opens at least two hours before each game, and remains open for 90 minutes after the game.

Rail service is especially valuable for weekday evening games. Many downtown parking lots are fairly full by the end of morning rush hour. Remember, many bus routes also serve Public Square and the Jacobs Field area.

NOACA’s website provides the public with access to real-time data on current ozone levels. You can “Check Today’s Air Quality” .

You can also Sign-Up Online to receive free email or fax notifications of declared ozone action days.

Why Should You Care?

Northeast Ohio has been designated in nonattainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) health standards for ozone. The NAAQS are health-based standards created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, designed to protect the public.

On April 15, 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) designated the counties of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit as in nonattainment for the new 8-hour ozone standard. Northeast Ohio has until 2010 to achieve clean air. More information on this designation and plans to reach attainment can be found here.

What Can You Do?

Businesses, individuals, and local governments are urged to take voluntary actions to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, which contribute to excessive ground-level ozone creation on these days. In hot weather, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions react with each other in the presence of the sunlight to form ground-level ozone. By taking the following actions, people and businesses can help to reduce ozone pollution and its health impacts.

• Decrease Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) Trips. Walk rather than drive to local stores. Bicycle to further destinations. Take a bus, carpool, or vanpool to work and recreational activities. Reducing vehicles and congestion will minimize the contribution of the automobile to the ozone problem.


• Combine Trips. Combining errands into a single trip (trip chaining) will reduce the number of miles you travel in your car, and also reduce air pollution.


• Take the Bus / Ride the Train. This summer’s focus is to encourage people to take alternate transportation as a means to reduce automobile emissions. Taking the bus or riding the train will also save you GAS money.


• Don't Refuel Vehicles or Equipment. If you absolutely have to, do it after 7:00 P.M., avoid spilling or dripping gasoline, and don't top off the tank. Always make sure that gas caps are tightly sealed.
• Avoid Lawn Care Activities Involving Gasoline-Powered Equipment. Lawn equipment engines are generally inefficient and can be a considerable source of pollution.


• Limit Solvent Use. This includes charcoal lighter fluid, dry cleaning fluids, and oil based paints. Generally speaking, if a match would ignite it, a liquid will contribute to ozone formation as it evaporates.


• Reduce Power Demand. The demand for electricity is generally at a peak on Ozone Action Days. Cutting back on air conditioning, turning fans and lights off when not home or in the room, and minimizing trips to the refrigerator will decrease demand on and emissions from electric power generation plants.