The Restoration of Clean Air in Georgia

Each state has its own cross to bear. These problems can range from economic problems to safety concerns. But one challenge that is common among all the states across the country is the problem of air quality. The state of Georgia is not an exception.

In Georgia, their air pollution is caused by the different factors. While some are more apparent than others, all of them are considered threats to the environment. The smog is classified into two: ground-level ozone and particle pollution.

Ground-level pollution in Georgia is the result of two other environmental hazards. It is what results from the combination of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which come from the smoke produced by industrial plants and vehicles. When these materials are exposed to heat, the nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds form a layer of ozone. Unlike the thin layer protecting the planet, ozone found on the ground level is considered as a pollutant is a major player in the formation of smog.

The other kind of major pollutant in Georgia is known as particle pollution. It is also a principal component of smog. Particle pollution, like ground level pollution, begins from the smoke emitted by factories and motor vehicles. However, the difference between particle pollution and ground level pollution is that the former does not need heat in order to be detrimental. Meaning, this kind of pollution can happen all year round in Georgia.

One of the ways that the restoration of the air in Georgia is done is through the establishment of the Air Quality Branch. Its purpose is to facilitate the restoration of quality air in the state. This particular kind of restoration is done through the project assistance and funding of several projects.

The restoration is done with the help of the Environmental Protection Agency, which is the governing body that sets the air quality standards of the country. Once an area has been found to have violated these standards, federal funding to transportation construction is limited as a sanction.

Georgia has 24 counties which are unable to meet the requirements for ozone levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Worse, there are 27 counties which failed when it comes to particle pollution. Such a situation is the reason why the restoration of the air quality is integral to the state.

Not only does the failure to clean up the air result in health risks for the residents, but the inability for restoration to take place can have an economic impact on the state. The inability to have access to federal transportation funding means that constructions within the state are limited as well. This translates to a direct result in economic opportunities.

It is with this sense of urgency that the Air Quality Branch works with other state and local agencies to ensure that the quality of air is restored to its full potential. Given enough time and resources, residents should expect improvement in the air.

James Farkenfur reports on weather and other problems that damages homes. See:
http://www.localrestorations.com/Georgia