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Georgia Smog Alerts

Georgia 2008 Climate Change Summit. Georgia Smog Alerts. Pamela Earl May 7, 2008. Smog Alerts:. Their evolution (How’d we get here?) Lessons learned (What worked and what didn’t?) Next steps (Where do we go from here?). Evolution. EPD monitoring since early 80s Technology not as good

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Georgia Smog Alerts

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

  2. Smog Alerts: • Their evolution (How’d we get here?) • Lessons learned (What worked and what didn’t?) • Next steps (Where do we go from here?)

  3. 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 day’s measurement • Faxed to recipients on list, and anyone else who wanted it….

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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)

  9. 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)

  10. Lessons Learned: • Know your limitations • Provide guidance; individuals must take responsibilityand know their own sensitivities to air quality • You can’t 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

  11. 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

  12. Questions? Pamela Earl Pam_earl@dnr.state.ga.us (404) 363-7028

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