June 22, 2006

Five additional Michigan counties are meeting federal ground-level ozone attainment requirements, and the Department of Environmental Quality has requested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency change their status from nonattainment to attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone. This latest request includes the counties of Genesee, Lapeer, Muskegon, Berrien, and Cass.

The DEQ has demonstrated that every ambient air quality monitor located in the five counties meets the federal standards and that continued attainment through the year 2018 can be expected. Pollutant emission reductions have resulted in less ozone formed on hot summer days.

“We are continuing to see tremendous improvements in air quality across the state,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “Our efforts to reduce air pollution throughout Michigan are creating new and innovative ways for our state to grow and prosper.”

In May the DEQ requested that EPA change the legal status of 11 other Michigan counties that meet the ozone standard. The EPA is currently reviewing support documents for redesignation to attainment.

Ground-level ozone is a gas formed when pollutants from vehicles, factories, and volatile consumer products such as paint and gasoline react with sunlight. High concentrations of ground-level ozone can cause health problems and damage crops.

The DEQ is committed to continuing reductions in air pollutants to ensure a healthier environment throughout Michigan. Staff will continue to monitor ozone levels and have identified contingency measures to address any future problems that may arise.

For more information on air quality where you live, visit the DEQ “AIR” Web page at www.michigan.gov/deqair.

Editor’s note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised June 22, 2006 by Pat Watson