Air Quality Overview

In May 1999, the Catawba Air Quality Committee (CAQC) was formed and began meeting on a monthly basis. Catawba County and the City of Hickory took the lead in the area to educate the citizens about air quality. The CAQC was a very active group dedicated to the importance of air quality issues in the county. The CAQC evolved into the Unifour Air Quality Committee (UAQC) after ten local governments (representing a larger geographical area) in the region signed the Early Action Compact in December 2002. The stakeholders represent organizations that include four counties (known as the Unifour Area). The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) has served as the lead agency for the CAQC and the Unifour Air Quality Committee (UAQC), working together to address air quality issues and to achieve clean air sooner.

Each local government has either begun working on the air quality plan for their area, or they have completed the plan. Catawba County, Caldwell County and the City of Hickory have taken the lead in preparing their air quality plans, and are offering examples to the other local governments. The WPCOG is assisting in plan development, and other aspects of air quality planning as needed. The air quality plans are an important part of our strategies for developing methods to reduce ozone production. The plans will be geared towards what employers, employees and citizens can do individually to help reduce the ozone levels in the air.

The stakeholders are serious about the goal of reducing ozone in the Unifour Area. The members recognize that the health concerns are a top priority. The members plan to continue to provide education and follow guidelines that can help reduce the levels of ozone in the air. The members are actively involved in attendance of the meetings, as well as taking action steps by making commitments to education, and assisting citizens in working together to make our air cleaner to breathe. Another reason for reduction in ozone values can be contributed to loss of manufacturing and textiles in the Unifour Area. The economy in the Unifour Area has suffered dramatically from the loss of jobs, which has been another topic of discussion. The committee fears the negative impacts of penalties that could be placed on the area if labeled “Non-attainment”.

A list of 14 control measures were adopted by the UAQC group to be used as a guide for all Early Action participants as ways to help reduce the production of ozone. The list consists of the strategies that have been adopted by the participating members to do to help guarantee our serious dedication to cleaning the air that we breathe. The committee also distributes “Color Guides” that the NC Division of Air Quality (NC DAQ) has provided for individuals to give guidance (education) on things that everyone can do to help by doing their share. All stakeholders are committed to reducing ozone in the Unifour Area. The Ultimate goal is to achieve cleaner air sooner, and that is what the Unifour Area plans to do.

 

North Carolina Division of Air Quality

The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is responsible for protecting and improving outdoor, or ambient, air quality in North Carolina. To carry out this mission, the DAQ has programs for monitoring air quality, permitting and inspecting air emissions sources, and educating and informing the public about air quality issues.

The DAQ, which is part of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), also enforces state and federal air pollution regulations. In North Carolina, the General Assembly enacts state air pollution laws, and the Environmental Management Commission adopts most regulations dealing with air quality. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated the DAQ as the lead agency for enforcing federal laws and regulations dealing with air pollution in North Carolina. The DAQ does not deal with indoor air pollution issues such as workplace safety, second-hand smoke, asbestos contamination, and radon and radiation problems.

http://daq.state.nc.us/

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