November 27, 2006

Statewide efforts to improve Michigan's air quality have resulted in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approving a request by the Department of Environmental Quality to redesignate eleven counties as in attainment with the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The proposed redesignation includes the counties of Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Kent, Ottawa, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Benzie, Mason, and Huron.

"We are continuing to make significant progress in improving the air quality across Michigan," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "These efforts are protecting the health of Michigan's families and ensuring the quality of Michigan's environment."

Elevated ozone concentrations can cause breathing problems, especially for children, people with lung disease, and those who work or exercise outdoors for prolonged periods. The DEQ demonstrated that every ground-level ozone monitor located in the 11 counties meets the federal standards and that continued attainment through the year 2018 can be expected.

Redesignation to attainment status more accurately reflects air quality conditions in the 11 counties and will remove a disincentive for economic growth. Federal guidelines make it more difficult to open a new manufacturing facility, or expand an existing one, in a nonattainment county because of restrictions on air permitting in those counties.

"We are demonstrating that Michigan can have both a healthy environment and a healthy economy," added Director Chester. "The DEQ will continue to pursue air pollution reductions throughout Michigan, and do so in a way that allows our state to grow and prosper."

The EPA's action will be officially proposed in the Federal Register, and the public will have 30 days to comment on the proposed action after it is published.

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 November 27, 2007 by Linda Crawford for Pat Watson