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EPA APPROVES GEORGIA'S STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE ATLANTA ONE-HOUR OZONE NON-ATTAINMENT AREA

Release Date: 05/07/2002
Contact Information: Carl Terry (404) 562-8325

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today in the Federal Register that it has granted approval of Georgia's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to bring the Atlanta area into compliance with the health-based 1-hour air standard for ozone under the Clean Air Act. The Atlanta area consists of the following counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale. The approval becomes effective on June 6, 2002. Additionally, EPA has extended the attainment date for the Atlanta 1-hour ozone standard to November 15, 2004. The basis for the extension of the attainment date is the belief that smog is transported from upward areas and affects the ability of the Atlanta area to comply with the ozone standard. The SIP will be used by the local planning and transportation authorities to assure that programs and projects are consistent with, and conform to, the long-term maintenance of the standards in the Atlanta area. EPA will continue to work in partnership with the State of Georgia to ensure the greatest possible protection of public health from air pollution for Georgians and their environment. Ground-level ozone (ozone) is a primary component of smog. It is formed when a mixture of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combine in the presence of sunlight. These pollutants are released from cars and factories. Ozone can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Asthmatics, children and the elderly are especially at risk.