EPA: Nine Indiana counties now meet the health standard for smog

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 today announced it has approved the state of Indiana’s request to redesignate Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Shelby counties in central Indiana to attainment of the national health-based, eight-hour outdoor air quality standard for ozone (smog).

EPA said complete, quality-assured outdoor air monitoring data for 2004-2006 shows the area meets the ozone standard.

“This victory for public health and the environment is the result of an effective collaboration between local officials and state and federal partners,” said EPA Regional Administrator Mary A. Gade. “The people of central Indiana will benefit from improved air quality which will lead to better respiratory health.”

“After years of good effort, the air is measurably cleaner and the path of future jobs and economic growth is easier and more straightforward,” said Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.

The Agency also approved the state plan to continue meeting the eight-hour, health-based ozone standard through 2020 and the state’s motor vehicle emission budgets included in the plan.

The action will soon be published in the Federal Register. The action becomes effective upon publication.

Ground-level ozone is commonly referred to as smog. Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. The pollutants are released from cars, factories and a wide variety of other sources. Smog can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain.