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From Sue Stetler, SEMCOG Communications Director • e-mail • 313-961-4266

Heat wave, but no Ozone Action days;
SEMCOG explains why

Although Southeast Michigan is in the midst of the summer's first intense heat wave, no Ozone Action days have been called in Southeast Michigan. Why?

According to SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, the good news is that the air in Southeast Michigan is cleaner! Even though it's been hot, favorable winds have been mixing with clean air from the U.S. and Canadian border region, not allowing the air to become stagnant and produce the high levels of harmful ozone.

Historically, this time of year is the worst for ozone. In previous years, projected 90-degree temperatures, especially during this time of the summer, was a nearly certain call for an Ozone Action day. However, as pollution levels have been dropping over the past few years and changing the atmospheric chemistry, Ozone Action days are less of a "given."
State meteorologists expect a cold front making its way through the state will keep pollution levels in the "good" range the rest of the week. No Ozone Action days will be called through Friday, July 13.

Air monitors in Southeast Michigan show that we're in compliance with the national ozone standard. Last year marked the third straight year in which we've had no ozone violations. We need to continue our good habits.

Beginning this year, all gasoline sold in Southeast Michigan from June 1-September 15 will be lower vapor pressure. This fuel is less volatile than conventional gasoline and reduces evaporative emissions. It will help keep the air cleaner.

Southeast Michigan residents can also help keep the air cleaner by doing the following:

• Try not to refuel on Ozone Action days. On other days when you need to refuel, fill up in the evening when the weather is cooler, and don't "top off" the tank.
• Keep your vehicle well maintained. It will use less gas (and save you money!) and emit fewer emissions. Be sure your tires are properly inflated too.
• Reduce automobile use whenever possible. Plan to carpool, use public transit, bike, walk, or work at home.
• Choose the lawn chair over the lawn mower. Relax on Ozone Action days. On other days, plan to mow your lawn in the evening when the weather is cooler.

Ozone Action days are announced in area media and other outlets, such as electronic freeway message signs. The region has had one Ozone Action day so far this summer on June 18. Last summer, two Ozone Action days were called. The average number of Ozone Action days per season is 10. In 2004, just one Ozone Action day was called; the highest was 25 in 1999.

Additional information on Ozone Action days is available on SEMCOG's Web site at www.semcog.org, accessible via the Ozone Action logo on the home page. Residents can also sign up to be added to SEMCOG's Ozone Action notification list (via e-mail)..

SEMCOG is a regional planning partnership of governmental units serving 4.9 million people in the seven-county region of Southeast Michigan striving to enhance the region's quality of life.

Local Governments Advancing Southeast Michigan

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Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
535 Griswold Street, Suite 300 Detroit, MI 48226-3602
313-961-4266 - Fax 313-961-4869
www.semcog.org