May 8, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized its approval of the DEQ's request to redesignate 16 Michigan counties to attainment of federal health-based standards for ozone air pollution.

"This accomplishment is the result of a real partnership between government, businesses, and the people of Michigan to reduce air pollution," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "We will continue these efforts to ensure we are protecting Michigan's environment and the health of our citizens."

The EPA's action certifies that these counties are meeting the eight-hour outdoor air quality standards for ozone, commonly referred to as smog. 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 redesignation covers Huron, Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Kent, Ottawa, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Berrien, Cass, Muskegon, Mason, Benzie, Genesee, and Lapeer counties and will take effect immediately.

Redesignation to attainment status more accurately reflects air quality conditions in the 16 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.

For more information on air quality where you live, visit the DEQ "AIR" Web page at www.michigan.gov/deqair. Select the MIair icon for current air data.

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 May 8, 2007 by Pat Watson