Georgia Smog Alerts

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Georgia Smog Alerts
Georgia 2008 Climate Change Summit
Pamela Earl May 7, 2008

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Smog Alerts

• Their evolution (Howd we get here?)
• Lessons learned (What worked and what didnt?)
• Next steps (Where do we go from here?)

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Evolution

• EPD monitoring since early 80s
• Technology not as good
• No continuous monitors
• Data retrieved manually once a day
• Staff issues Pollution Standard Index based on
  previous days measurement
• Faxed to recipients on list, and anyone else who
  wanted it.

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Evolution

• 1990 Under CAA, 13-county metro Atlanta area
  designated as serious nonattainment
• 1991 ISTEA and CMAQ came along provided
  funding for education/outreach for transportation
  and air quality
• 1994 Several orgs started talking about need
  for public education Clean Air Campaign was
  formed

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Evolution

• 1996 Olympics!
• Concerns about traffic and air quality impacts to
  games and athletes
• Official launch of Clean Air Campaign
• Stakeholders recognized need for timely air
  quality information
• Ozone Advisory Board was developed

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Evolution

• Ozone Advisory Board
• Recognized need to be proactive, not reactive
• Issued advisories when air quality was expected
  to be bad
• Better technology continuous data retrieved
• May 1- September 30
• Clean Air Campaign would provide distribution of
  alerts
• News media targeted

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Evolution

• 1996 Not much attention on Ozone Alerts during
  Olympics, due to better air quality
• 68 accuracy of forecasting team in predictions
  of next day ozone levels
• Clean Air Campaign launched mass advertising
  campaign
• 1997 Governor issues Executive Order to state
  agencies asking for 20 reduction in SOV trips
• EPD creates Voluntary Ozone Action Program
• Program issues Ozone Action Day alerts and
  urges public to take action on those days, such
  as carpooling, putting off lawn mowing, etc.
• GDOT highway signs help get the word out

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Evolution

• 1998 VOAP evolves to become Partnership for a
  Smog-Free Georgia
• 1998-1999 PSG issues Smog Alerts
• 2000 to Present
• Public gets used to AQI colors
• No longer episodic but year-round
• Addition of PM2.5 forecasting, tweaks in messages
• Variety of ways to get alerts out to the public
• Alerts issued in Atlanta, Macon, Columbus,
  Augusta (SC handles) and Chattanooga area (TN
  handles)

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Lessons Learned

• Get the rights folks together from the beginning
• Transportation agency, environmental regulators,
  academia, PR firm, health community, research
  experts, Chambers of Commerce, MPOs,
  environmental community
• Know your audience and their needs
• Raw data for athletes, schools
• Forecasters need tools and TIME
• News media need graphics, personal meetings and
  experts to talk to
• Public needs to understand language (ozone vs.
  smog)

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Lessons Learned

• Know your limitations
• Provide guidance individuals must take
  responsibility and know their own sensitivities
  to air quality
• You cant predict the future be wary of
  speculating on weather, predicting number of smog
  alerts this summer, etc.
• Be flexible
• - messages may need to change
• - Sept 11 (Homeland Security-Color coded alerts)
• - Forest fires, environmental emergencies

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Next Steps..

• New 8-hour ozone standard - .075 ppm
• -more alerts issued
• -will this cause desensitization with public or
  give us a shot in the arm?
• Continue to build relationship with health
  community and DCH
• Reach out more to schools, day care facilities,
  nursing homes, senior centers
• Continue to focus on balancing messages regarding
  exercise and avoiding poor air quality
• EPD working on Air Pollution Episode plan

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Questions?
Pamela Earl Pam_earl_at_dnr.state.ga.us (404)
363-7028