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EPA: Indiana county meets ozone standard

Release Date: 01/04/2007
Contact Information: Phillippa Cannon, (312) 353-6218, cannon.phillippa@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 07-OPA002

(CHICAGO - January 4, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 announced today that the Ft. Wayne, Ind., metropolitan area is meeting the health-based eight-hour outdoor air quality standard for ozone (smog). As a result, EPA has approved Indiana's request to redesignate Allen County to attainment of the national ambient air quality standard.

"EPA commends Indiana for its effectiveness in reducing smog in the Fort Wayne area," said Mary A. Gade, EPA Regional Administrator. "The result is both healthier air and an improved business climate for the residents of Allen County."

EPA's approval is based on three years of complete, quality-assured, outdoor air monitoring data for 2003, 2004 and 2005. Quality-assured monitoring data for 2006 show that Allen County continues to meet the eight-hour ozone standard.

EPA also proposed to approve a state plan to maintain the eight-hour standard through 2020 and approve motor vehicle emissions budgets.

EPA's action will soon be published in the Federal Register. This redesignation becomes effective 30 days after publication. For additional information, contact Steve Rosenthal at (312) 886-6052.

Ground-level ozone, commonly referred to as 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.

For more information on eight-hour ground-level ozone designations, go to www.epa.gov/ozonedesignations/