RTA News

From the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)

May 30, 2006

Today is an �Ozone Action Day�, ride RTA

CLEVELAND � Today has been declared an Ozone Action Day.

Temperatures are expected in the mid to upper 80s, combined with bright sunlight and limited air movement - these are the perfect conditions for ozone formation. Ozone levels are expected to rise into the unhealthy range. These levels are especially dangerous for sensitive populations - the elderly, children and those individuals with respiratory conditions.

Ground-level ozone acts as a lung irritant, which can worsen pre-existing conditions or cause shortness of breath during outdoor activities.� Read more about smog formation at USEPA's AirNOW Web site:

Using RTA is one of the best ways to help alleviate the high levels of ozone.

To use RTA�s automated trip planner, click here.

You can "Check Today's Air Quality", or sign-up to receive free e-mail or fax notifications, click here.

Why Should You Care?

On April 15, 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) designated the counties of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit as in non-attainment for the new 8-hour ozone standard.� Northeast Ohio has until 2010 to achieve clean air. For more information on this designation and plans to reach attainment, click here.

What Can You Do?

Businesses, individuals, and local governments are urged to take voluntary actions to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, which contribute to excessive ground-level ozone creation on these days.

In hot weather, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions react with each other in the presence of the sunlight to form ground-level ozone. By taking the following actions, people and businesses can help to reduce ozone pollution and its health impacts.

� Decrease Single Occupancy Vehicle Trips. Walk rather than drive to local stores. Bicycle to further destinations. Take a bus, carpool, or vanpool to work and recreational activities. Reducing vehicles and congestion will minimize the contribution of the automobile to the ozone problem.

� Combine Trips. Combining errands into a single trip (trip chaining) will reduce the number of miles you travel in your car, and also reduce air pollution.

� Take the Bus / Ride the Train. This summer's focus is to encourage people to take alternate transportation as a means to reduce automobile emissions. Taking the bus or riding the train will also save you GAS money.

� Don't Refuel Vehicles or Equipment. If you absolutely have to, do it after 7 p.m., avoid spilling or dripping gasoline, and don't top off the tank. Always make sure that gas caps are tightly sealed.

� Avoid Lawn-Care Activities Involving Gasoline-Powered Equipment. Lawn equipment engines are generally inefficient and can be a considerable source of pollution.

� Limit Solvent Use. This includes charcoal lighter fluid, dry cleaning fluids, and oil based paints. Generally speaking, if a match would ignite it, a liquid will contribute to ozone formation as it evaporates.

� Reduce Power Demand. The demand for electricity is generally at a peak on Ozone Action Days. Cutting back on air conditioning, turning fans and lights off when not home or in the room, and minimizing trips to the refrigerator will decrease demand on and emissions from electric power generation plants.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:

Pamela Davis, Senior Environmental Planner, NOACA

216.241.2414 Ext. 284

216.228.3119