The Breeze: Winter 2017
Ozone Season Begins Early

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has extended ozone season for 2017 and beyond. Ozone season will begin one month earlier, on March 1. The Southwest Ohio Air Quality maintains a network of seven ozone monitors throughout Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties, providing hourly data. 

There are several online resources that provide real-time air quality data for residents of Southwest Ohio. The Agency's air quality map allows individuals to see hourly data by simply clicking on the colored dot that represents their closest monitoring site. The U.S. EPA's AirNow website provides current air quality data and forecasts for cities and regions throughout the United States.

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency issues an Air Quality Advisory when air pollutants are anticipated to be at unhealthy levels. Here's how you can help! 
Be Idle Free!

The easiest way you can help protect our local air is to refrain from idling your car. Newer cars do not need to be "warmed up" in the winter, as this article explains.

Take it one step further by installing our complimentary  Idle-Free Zone signs at your school, day care center, or business to remind parents, employees, and visitors to be idle-free. To participate in this free program, contact Joy Landry at 513-946-7754 or via email. 
Cleaner Air School Buses

Congratulations to Southwest Local School District and Forest Hills School District for receiving Diesel Emission Reduction Grants (DERG) from Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Transportation. Forest Hills will be able to purchase 11 propane-powered school buses and Southwest Local will purchase four diesel-powered school buses. Combined, the districts will replace 15 older school buses with cleaner buses which emit less air pollutants.

The next DERG grant application cycle will take place in the fall of 2017.  
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