Director's Column

From the Source - Winter 1999

by G. Robert Kerr

An environmental issue which is appearing quite frequently in the headlines here in Georgia is air quality. Transportation programs, nitrogen oxide emissions, ozone levels, non-attainment--this edition of From the Source is designed to inform our readers on these and other topics, and to describe P²AD's role in assisting businesses with air quality issues.

Confused about the basics of ozone? Many people are, but the box on page seven will explain exactly what is ground-level ozone. Companies interested in addressing how their transportation and operations affect air quality should read the companion articles on page one. These describe the state's Partnership for a Smog-Free Georgia (PSG), and specifically how P²AD is serving as a technical resource to the PSG program. Also included in this issue are feature articles on reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and on cleaning alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and emit less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in use.

Although many of the air quality issues in the news lately pertain to the metro Atlanta non-attainment area, air quality is also important statewide. Upcoming changes in both the federal ozone and particulate (PM_2.5) standards may eventually result in other metropolitan areas of the state being classified as non-attainment areas. Usage of low-VOC cleaning products is of benefit to any company, both in terms of decreased emissions and increased worker safety.

I invite you to take advantage of the Division's free, non-regulatory technical assistance services, not only for air quality improvements, but also for reduction of other waste streams. We welcome the opportunity to assist you - let us know how we can help.