Tinker to provide status on area ozone Published July 31, 2009 By Brion Ockenfels Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Changes to air quality standards could cost those who live and travel in the Oklahoma City metropolitan and surrounding areas if ozone pollution is not minimized. "Earlier this summer state and regional clean air stakeholders attended the Clean Air Forum to discuss ways to remain compliant," said Keith Buehler, chief, environmental compliance who also attended. As a result, base air quality personnel added a new interactive alert button on Tinker's home page, which changes from green to red when the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality issues a notification for an ozone alert day. Keeping people informed with accurate, timely information so they can make informed decisions about how to best maintain EPA clean air standards is key to meeting the regional challenges we face said Mr. Buehler. Central Oklahoma emissions statistics reveal a majority of harmful ground level ozone [smog] causing emissions come from mobile sources such as vehicles. "Reducing vehicle emissions would go a long way towards increasing the area's chances for meeting new clean air standards. Steve Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality said, "The air quality in the Oklahoma City and surrounding areas is improving, but more stringent air quality standards set by EPA March 2008 are challenging our ability to meet new EPA standards." There is the possibility that Oklahoma will meet the new standards, depending on this year's ozone season. If the Oklahoma City region becomes non-compliant for ozone standards, corrective actions could include: mandatory annual vehicle emission testing, costly vapor recovery upgrades to fuel stations, and switching to more expensive reformulated fuel. Making small changes in individual daily activities can make a huge difference said, Mr. Buehler. He recommends people take steps to reduce Tinker's contribution to ground-level ozone formation on alert days. What is Ozone? Most of the earth's ozone is found in the stratosphere providing a critical protective layer around the earth, shielding us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. But at ground level, ozone is a health and environmental concern. Ground level ozone is created when chemical reactions occur between volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide emissions reacting on sunny, warm summer days. In Oklahoma, ground-level ozone is a primary concern from May to September. According to the EPA ground-level ozone is harmful to breathe and damages crops, trees, and other vegetation. Little or no wind can further add to situations when high amounts of ozone can be created. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality monitors the ozone levels and issues ozone alert days when ozone concentrations could reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups. On ozone alert days, also known as Clean Air Alert days, environmental management officials encourage everyone to take action and reduce ozone levels in the Oklahoma City area. Things you can do to help "clear the air:" Drive the speed limit on highways. Motor vehicles emit fewer pollutants when driven at a consistent speed at or below 65 mph. Gas up the vehicle in the evening. Ozone needs sunlight in order to form. Avoid lawn mowing on ozone alert days. Some older two-cycle gasoline-powered mowers emit as much pollution as a long car drive. If you have to gas up, avoid "topping off" the tank. Avoid unnecessary vehicle trips, or try to combine as many trips into one outing. Carpooling takes one car off of the road for every rider. Riding the bus on Ozone Alert Days in Oklahoma City and Norman is FREE. Call 235-RIDE, or 325-CART for route information. METRO Transit and Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) provides these services.