On December 17, 2004, the USEPA designated Ashtabula (partial), Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties as in nonattainment for the new fine particulate (PM2.5) standard. You can read the following documents available in PDF format:
Fine particle pollution, also called PM2.5 , is made up of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. PM2.5 is a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets suspended in air. It can be emitted directly (such as smoke from a fire) or formed in the atmosphere from power plant, industrial and mobile source emissions of gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Health studies have shown a significant association between exposure to fine particles and premature death from heart or lung disease. Fine particles can aggravate heart and lung diseases and have been linked to effects such as: cardiovascular symptoms; cardiac arrhythmias; heart attacks; respiratory symptoms; asthma attacks; and bronchitis. These effects can result in increased hospital admissions, emergency room visits, absences from school or work, and restricted activity days. Individuals that may be particularly sensitive to fine particle exposure include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children.
The NOACA PM2.5 Air Quality Public Advisory Task Force formed Work Groups that meet reqularly to begin to address fine particle pollution (PM2.5) attainment.
You can view the memorandum prepared for the Governing Board in November 2007 or the PowerPoint presentation made on November 9, 2007 to the board.
NOACA’s Air Quality Subcommittee, having assessed the work of the NOACA Air Quality Public Advisory Task Force, adopted its recommendation for the PM2.5 State Implementation Plan (SIP), and published its report on September 12, 2007:
The NOACA Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) reviewed the Mobile Source emission reduction strategies, as recommended by the Air Quality Subcommittee, on September 21, 2007. The Powerpoint presentation, a descriptive memo, and a Nonattainment Fact Sheet can be viewed or downloaded below. The TAC will vote on the recommendations in October, followed by review by the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) and the NOACA Governing Board.
Powerpoint Presentation
Memorandum to TAC Members
Nonattainment Fact Sheet
The NOACA PM2.5 Air Quality Public Advisory Task Force met throughout 2006-2007 to address fine particle pollution (PM2.5) attainment. At their June 12, 2007 meeting the Air Quality Public Advisory Task Force took final action on the following reports (available in pdf):
The following powerpoint presentations were made to the Task Force on June 12, 2007:
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NOACA's Fleet Manager's Resource page
Background Links
USEPA's PM Final NAAQS Rule
USEPA Particle Pollution AirNOW
Particle Pollution and Your Health brochure
NOACA's Fine Particle Pollution Program
Map of Today's Air Quality
USEPA: PM Emission Inventories presentation
Potential Emission Control Strategies
Controlling Fine Particulate Matter Under the Clean Air Act: A Menu of Options (STAPPA/ALAPCO)
Learn more about the PM2.5 Air Quality Task Force process or contact us for more information.
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