| AIR QUALITY |
| Shelby County has a long history of poor air quality. Despite recent improvements in almost every measured pollutant, strict new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) will once again challenge our community to reduce several types of air pollution. Perhaps the most common pollutant in our region is summer OZONE. This pollutant is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds and other pollutants are exposed to heat and sunlight. These pollutants come from many sources including fuel combustion sources such as automobiles and trucks. |
The MPO is required to work closely with local and agencies in addition to the state and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make sure our transportation plans and projects do not adversely effect progress toward meeting and maintaining healthy air quality in the Memphis Metropolitan Area. The Memphis MPO has been involved in the effort, as a forum for discussion to the regional coordinating body. It is the organization that sets priorities for transportation projects which improve air quality by reducing congestion and/or providing cleaner transportation alternatives. Such projects, funded by Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality, or CMAQ funds, are the public's contribution to the air quality problem that must be addressed.
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|