http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x1842807482/Stark-air-quality-is-improving
Summary:
In Stark County, Ohio, has been considered an area with air pollution since 2007. The pollution came from diesel vehicles where the particles are so tiny that they are able to get deep inside the lungs causing a multitude of health issues. Now the air seems to be a lot fresher. The county wants to show that their air is cleaner. To prove that it is though they need to pass a few inspections given by the EPA. 1) the air quality levels have to be lower than it was in 2007. 2) The difference happens because of permanent solutions. And 3) they have to maintain the air quality for 10 years. Luckily Heidi Greismer, works for the EPA, states that there are going to be more changes regarding coal-burning power plants and diesel vehicles which will help with lowering the amount of air pollution. She also released a statement that said instead of just checking if the air is recovering but also if it is worsening.
Reaction:
I'm glad that Stark County was able to realize that the environment that they were living in was very unhealthy and make some changes. I believe that with them keeping cutting some of these pollution sources that the air quality would be back to normal in no time. I also like the idea that they are going to keep an eye out if the quality is either improving or worsening. I think more cities in the US should follow in there footsteps to create a healthy atmosphere.
Questions:
1) What else could the residents do to reduce air pollution?
2) How long do you think it will take for the air to return to normal? why?
3) Do you think that Hatboro- Horsham would be in the same position if it isn't already?
Reaction: I think it is interesting that an area cared enough to make changes to clean up their air and also take steps to prove it has improved. It is also interesting to hear what has to pass the EPA inspection to prove the air quality has improved. If every county in the United States took the same steps to test their air and do things to improve air quality, then there would be less overall problems with pollution.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What were the exact things Stark County, Ohio did to successfully decrease their air pollution?
Opinion: That is awesome that they would take action to clean up their air. And to hear that they got a test and passed, other places in the US should take this as motivation and take action.
ReplyDelete2. I'm not sure I think it could go back to safe pretty quickly with these measures and wind currents and rain.
Reaction: I love reading stories like this because most of time we hear about a place having the worst air pollution, or about a country that has major health problems because of thier air. But this story shows us the positives and that people are working to make a difference out there. Stark County, Ohio was in a very scary situation with their air problems, which could have harmed many people. However, because of their perserverance and changing some of thier normal habits, they were able to make a great turn around.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: 1) Residents could do many things to reduce air pollution. They could walk, ride bikes, and carpool with others to reduce car emissions let into the air.
I also wanted to ask, Do you think Stark County, Ohio will maintain thier air quality for 10 years for the EPA?