Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0090-0152
Agency: epa
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2004-03-31T05:00Z

MOUNTAIN
AREA
EARLY
ACTION
COMPACT
For
the
City
of
Asheville,
North
Carolina
And
The
Counties
of
Buncombe,
Haywood
and
Madison,
North
Carolina
March
31st
Submittal
Letter
of
Transmittal
Since
learning
that
the
Mountain
Area
will
achieve
the
current
Federal
Air
Quality
Standard
for
ozone,
the
member
governments
of
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
have
understood
that
we
may
continue
participation
in
the
EAC
process
as
a
voluntary
effort.
This
will
add
local
initiative
to
the
state
and
federal
work
promoting
public
health
and
environmental
stewardship.
We
are
happy
to
continue
our
efforts
both
to
serve
local
constituents
and
to
extend
this
unique
partnership
among
governments
at
all
levels.

Unfortunately
two
of
the
original
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
member
counties,
Henderson
and
Transylvania,
have
chosen
to
leave
the
Compact,
but
still
intend
to
work
voluntarily
with
the
group
in
some
capacity.

Our
previous
submittals
have
dealt
with
documentation
of
stakeholder
involvement
in
EAC
plans
and
have
discussed
the
initiatives
planned
by
each
member
government.
This
document
will
complete
the
planning
phase
of
the
Early
Action
Compact.
We
look
forward
to
a
continued
partnership
to
improve
air
quality.

On
behalf
of
the
Compact
membership
I
wish
to
thank
Kay
Prince
and
other
US
Environmental
Protection
Agency
staff
for
assistance
with
the
EAC.
Shelia
Holman
and
the
NCDAQ
staff
have
been
diligent
and
responsive
to
calls
for
assistance
and
we
are
grateful
for
their
work.
Finally,
we
extend
a
special
thank
you
to
Paul
Muller
of
the
Asheville
office
of
DAQ
for
being
a
counselor,
advocate
and
trusted
advisor
to
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact.

Sincerely,

Jon
Creighton
Buncombe
County
Planning
Department
For
member
governments
of
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
Air
Quality
Improvement
Initiative
2004
CITY
OF
ASHEVILLE
March
2004
Ozone
is
a
molecule
found
in
the
atmosphere
containing
three
oxygen
atoms
(
O3),
while
the
oxygen
we
breathe
has
two
oxygen
atoms
(
O2).
Ozone
occurs
naturally
in
both
the
lower
and
upper
atmosphere.
Stratospheric
ozone
is
a
substance
that
absorbs
the
sun's
harmful
ultraviolet
rays
and
protects
the
environment.
Ground
level
ozone
is
the
main
ingredient
in
smog.

Ground
level
ozone
occurs
when
nitrogen
oxides
(
NOx)
and
volatile
organic
compounds
(
VOCs)
react
together
on
warm
sunny
days.
Ozone
concentrations
can
increase
to
unhealthy
levels
during
the
warmer
months.
From
April
through
October,
hot
weather
and
high
total
nitrogen
oxide
emissions
from
cars,
coal­
fired
power
plants,
lawnmowers
and
other
diesel­
or
gasoline­
powered
devices
can
create
elevated
concentrations
of
ground
level
ozone.
Morning
rush
hour
traffic
is
a
major
source
of
precursor
chemicals
to
ground­
level
ozone
formation.
Ozone
levels
are
normally
highest
during
the
hottest
part
of
the
afternoon
and
lowest
in
the
early
morning
and
night.
Actions
taken
in
the
early
hours
of
the
day
have
a
great
effect
on
ozone
levels
the
rest
of
the
day.

The
federal
120
parts
per
billion
(
ppb)
one­
hour
standard
was
recently
replaced
with
an
80­
ppb
eight­
hour
standard
to
protect
human
health.
The
Bent
Creek
air
quality
monitor
violated
the
eight­
hour
ozone
standard
for
2000­
2002.
Thus
part
or
all
of
Buncombe,
Haywood,
Henderson,
Madison,
and
Transylvania
counties
may
be
designated
"
nonattainment"
or
not
attaining
the
Federal
Clean
Air
ozone
standard.
The
Early
Action
Compact
allows
local
government
to
delay
or
avoid
"
nonattainment"
designation
by
proposing
a
plan
to
meet
and
maintain
air
quality
standards.
The
following
recommendations
outline
actions
the
public,
businesses,
and
government
agencies
can
take
to
reduce
unhealthy
levels
of
ozone.
The
actions
will
cut
the
amount
of
nitrogen
oxides
in
the
atmosphere
by
reducing
the
amount
of
fossil
fuels
burned
on
warm
sunny
days.

These
are
recommended
actions
for
the
City
of
Asheville
and
are
based
on
work
of
the
Asheville­
Buncombe
Stakeholders
Group
along
with
input
from
the
public.
Actions
the
public
can
take
on
an
ongoing
basis
to
reduce
ozone
PA
1
Keep
your
car
tuned
up.
A
car
does
not
always
have
visible
smoke
from
its
tailpipe
when
it
is
producing
excessive
NOx.
An
auto
shop
can
often
make
minor
repairs
resulting
in
better
gas
mileage
and
less
pollution
from
your
tailpipe.

PA
2
Keep
tires
properly
inflated.
Proper
tire
inflation
increases
gas
mileage
and
lowers
the
contribution
to
pollution.

PA
3
Carpool
or
vanpool.
Join
a
carpool
or
vanpool
for
the
trip
to
and
from
work.
Local
businesses,
non­
profit
agencies
and
government
agencies
should
seek
sources
of
transportation
for
carpoolers
in
case
of
an
emergency.

PA
4
Ride
your
bike.
Bike
on
at
least
one
errand
a
week.
It's
great
exercise
and
a
stress
reliever.

PA
5
Take
a
walk.
Walk
to
lunch
with
a
friend
instead
of
starting
up
the
car.
Walk
to
the
next
meeting
or
on
an
errand
near
home.

PA
6
Take
the
bus.
Ride
the
bus
to
work
or
on
an
errand.

PA
7
Use
an
electric
powered
mower
or
a
push
mower.
A
two­
stroke
gas­
powered
lawnmower
pollutes
the
equivalent
of
40
late­
model
cars
in
just
an
hour.
Use
a
rake
on
your
leaves
instead
of
a
leaf
blower.
Reduce
the
need
to
mow
by
installing
water­
wise
landscaping.

PA
8
Conserve
energy
and
reduce
pollution
at
home.
Much
of
the
region's
electricity
still
comes
from
coal­
fired
generators.
Turn
off
lights
when
not
in
use
and
reduce
the
use
of
the
air
conditioning
with
ceiling
fans,
good
insulation,
and
a
programmable
thermostat.
Replace
paints
and
cleaning
products
with
more
environmentally
friendly
alternatives.
Choose
a
gas
fireplace
and
barbeque
grill
over
wood
or
charcoal.

PA
9
Practice
appropriate
vehicle
operating
tips,
such
as
shutting
off
the
engine
when
parked.
Avoid
excessive
idling
at
drive­
throughs
by
parking
and
walking
in.
Operate
the
vehicle
only
on
an
as­
needed
basis
to
reduce
emissions.
Avoid
travel
through
known
congested
areas
whenever
possible.

PA
10
Purchase
products
that
meet
the
EPA
Energy
Star
Program.
Learn
how
much
energy
is
used
by
the
products
you
purchase.
Ozone
Action
Days
(
Air
Quality
Index
is
predicted
to
be
orange,
red,
or
purple)
for
the
public
and
businesses
OAD
1
Tell
your
friends!
Spread
the
word
about
Ozone
Action
Days
and
air
quality
issues.
There
are
about
eight
to
ten
Ozone
Action
Days
each
year
in
our
area.
They
can
occur
from
late
spring
to
early
fall.
These
are
days
when
our
individual
actions
can
make
the
most
difference
in
comfort
and
health
for
everyone,
especially
those
with
asthma
and
chronic
respiratory
disorders.

The
NC
Division
of
Air
Quality
issues
ozone
forecasts
during
ozone
season
at
3pm
each
day
for
the
following
day.
Forecasts
for
Buncombe
and
surrounding
counties
are
available
from
WLOS
TV
and
The
Asheville
Citizen­
Times.
Ozone
forecasts
are
also
available
at
1­
888­
RU4NCAIR.
The
Division
of
Air
Quality
will
e­
mail
or
fax
the
forecast
to
you.
Those
features
can
be
accessed
at
http://
daq.
state.
nc.
us/
airaware/
ozone.

OAD
2
Delay
errands
until
late
in
the
day.
Cars
driven
in
the
morning
hours
produce
NOx
and
VOCs
that
become
ground­
level
ozone
in
the
heat
of
the
afternoon.
The
more
one
can
avoid
driving,
the
better
for
air
quality.

OAD
3
Don't
mow
your
lawn
until
late
in
the
day.
Small
engines
like
lawnmowers,
weed
whackers
and
leaf
blowers
lack
pollution
controls.
The
average
lawnmower
produces
as
much
pollution
in
one
hour
as
40
late­
model
cars!

OAD
4
Bring
your
lunch
or
walk
to
lunch.
Reduce
your
contribution
to
air
pollution
by
not
starting
up
your
car
at
lunchtime.

OAD
5
Bus,
Bike
or
Walk.
If
you
find
you're
not
affected
by
ozone
on
Ozone
Action
Days,
take
the
bus,
walk,
or
bike
to
work,
to
lunch,
or
on
an
errand.

OAD
6
Practice
appropriate
vehicle
operating
tips.
Shut
off
the
engine
when
parked.
Operate
the
vehicle
only
on
an
as­
needed
basis
to
reduce
emissions.
Idling
for
30
seconds
to
1
minute
emits
more
pollution
than
restarting
your
vehicle.

OAD
7
Do
not
use
drive­
through
services.
Avoid
excessive
idling
at
bank
or
fast
food
drive­
throughs.
Instead,
park
your
vehicle
and
walk
into
the
business.
Businesses
could
voluntarily
close
their
drive­
through
services
until
11:
00
a.
m.

OAD
8
Telecommute.
Businesses
could
allow
employees
with
appropriate
jobs
to
work
at
home
when
it
is
possible.
Telecommunication
from
the
home
will
reduce
the
number
of
vehicles
emitting
nitrogen
oxides.
OAD
9
Participate
in
OAD
program.
Large
and
medium
sized
businesses
are
encouraged
to
participate
in
the
NC
Division
of
Air
Quality
Ozone
Action
Day
(
OAD)
program.

Ozone
Action
Days
(
Air
Quality
Index
is
predicted
to
be
orange,
red,
or
purple)
for
local,
state
and
federal
government
G
1
Local
government
will
seek
participation
of
state
and
federal
agencies
in
the
following
measures:

G
2
Limit
morning
meetings.
Minimize
scheduling
of
morning
meetings
involving
auto
travel
between
the
hours
of
8:
00AM
and
9:
00AM
when
possible.
Because
OADs
are
declared
with
only
one­
day
notice,
the
practice
of
delaying
all
meetings
requiring
auto
travel
should
be
encouraged
during
ozone
season.

G
3
Practice
appropriate
vehicle
operating
tips.
Shut
off
the
engine
when
parked.
Avoid
excessive
idling
such
as
sitting
at
drive­
throughs
instead
of
walking
in.
Operate
the
vehicle
only
on
an
as­
needed
basis
to
reduce
emissions.
Avoid
travel
through
known
congested
areas
whenever
possible.

G
4
Work
schedules.
Limit
vehicle/
equipment
use.
Encourage
multiple
crew
transports
using
higher
occupancy
vehicles.

G
5
Nonessential
operations.
Reschedule
operations
under
direct
control
of
the
city
such
as
driving,
lawn
maintenance,
tree
trimming,
and
use
of
power
saws,
generators
and
similar
gasoline
or
diesel­
powered
equipment.
Bid
similar
contracted
work
with
an
alternate
to
halt
operations
on
ozone
action
days.

G
6
Paving.
Reschedule
nonessential
paving
activities,
including
pothole
repairs.
Bid
similar
contracted
work
with
an
alternate
to
halt
operations
on
ozone
action
days.

G
7
Alternative
Transportation/
Alternative
Fuels.
Explore
the
use
of
alternative
fuels,
including
diesel
and
off­
road
diesel
fuels,
to
reduce
NOx
emissions,
subject
to
availability
of
reliable
sources
of
supply.
Consider
purchase
of
commercially
available
hybrid
vehicles
for
use
in
nonemergency
fleet.

G
8
Cleaner
Burning
Gasoline,
Diesel
Fuel
and
off­
road
Diesel
Fuel.
Track
statewide
initiatives
to
bring
cleaner
burning
fuels
to
area
retailers
during
ozone
season
or
year
round.
G
10
Smoking
Vehicles.
Smoking
vehicles
are
heavy
polluters.
Local
law
enforcement
agencies
will
be
educated
on
the
state
statute
concerning
smoking
vehicles
and
encouraged
to
increase
enforcement.
Local
government
will
publicize
programs
for
citizen
reporting
of
smoking
vehicles.

G
11
Tree
Planting
Program.
Ozone
formation
is
exacerbated
by
high
temperatures.
Because
of
the
urban
heat­
island
effect,
temperatures
in
cities
can
average
up
to
15
degrees
higher
than
nearby
rural
areas.
Trees
clean
and
cool
the
air.
They
shield
from
the
sun
hard
surfaces
that
would
otherwise
store
and
radiate
heat,
and
they
release
cooling
moisture.
Mature
trees
increase
property
values.
The
City
of
Asheville,
through
its
proposed
2025
plan,
will
continue
to
require
tree
planting.

G
12
Hybrid­
Electric
Technology.
The
City
of
Asheville
will
explore
the
possibility
of
using
hybridelectric
technology
whenever
possible.

G
13
Retrofit
Technology.
Purchase
of
applicable
fuel
line
and
electric
spark
controller
retrofit
technologies
are
being
explored.
Successful
devices
have
proven
to
reduce
Hydrocarbon,
Carbon
Monoxide,
and
Nitrogen
Oxides,
while
improving
engine
performance
and
fuel
consumption.
Some
retrofits
have
already
occurred
to
Asheville
Transit
Services
vehicles.

G
14
Service
Contracts.
Departmental
requirements
specific
to
OADs
will
be
incorporated
into
service
contracts.
Purchase
and
service
contracts
will
specify
energy­
efficient
equipment
and
maintenance
practices.

G
15
Annual
In­
House
Training.
An
annual
training
program
to
increase
awareness
of
OAD
responsibilities
of
Departments
and
employees
will
be
developed.
OAD
orientation
packets
for
new
employees
will
be
developed.

G
16
OAD
Coordinators.
The
City
will
appoint
one
or
more
Ozone
Action
Day
Coordinators
to
manage
OAD
initiatives.
The
Coordinator
will
participate
in
the
state
OAD
program.

G
17
Telecommute.
Local
government
could
allow
employees
with
appropriate
jobs
to
work
at
home
when
it
is
possible.
Telecommuting
from
the
home
will
reduce
the
number
of
vehicles
emitting
nitrogen
oxides.
Ongoing
Actions
to
Reduce
Ozone
OA
1
Clean
burning
fuels.
Local
government
will
collaborate
with
area
fuel
suppliers
to
accelerate
availability
of
clean
gasoline/
diesel
fuels.

OA
2
Western
North
Carolina
Regional
Air
Quality
Agency.
The
City
has
supported
this
agency
and
its
programs
for
more
than
thirty
years
and
will
continue
to
do
so.

OA
3
Public
Education
Campaigns.
Develop
educational
brochures
and
related
materials
for
children
about
air
quality.
Provide
for
a
public
relations
component
within
the
WNCRAQA
to
assist
in
media
relations
and
public
education
efforts.

OA
4
Outreach.
Work
with
area
governmental
entities
and
local
media
to
develop
educational
outreach
programs.

OA
5
Themes.
Develop
air
quality
themes
for
use
in
advertising
on
busses
and
other
public
venues.
Tie
themes
to
air
quality
summits
to
provide
businesses,
institutions
and
government
with
information
on
what
each
sector
can
do
to
improve
air
quality.

OA
6
Cultural
Outreach.
A
bilingual
and
multicultural
educational
outreach
program
for
air
quality
will
be
developed
that
expands
current
public
outreach
efforts
to
all
citizens.

OA
7
Community
Outreach.
Provide
air
quality
tips
to
neighborhood
associations
who
can
pass
out
the
information
to
individual
households.

OA
8
Business
Involvement.
Local
governments
will
encourage
involvement
of
area
businesses
in
OAD
programs.

OA
9
Conserve
energy
and
reduce
pollution
at
work.
Much
of
the
region's
electricity
still
comes
from
coal.
Turn
off
lights
when
not
in
use.
Reduce
the
use
of
air
conditioning
with
good
insulation
and
window
blinds.
Use
programmable
thermostats
to
reduce
energy
use
for
heating
and
cooling.
Replace
paints
and
cleaning
products
with
more
environmentally
friendly
alternatives.

OA
10
Land
Use.
Mixed­
use
neighborhoods
in
which
residents
can
access
both
commercial
and
residential
destinations
using
a
variety
of
transportation
modes
are
conducive
to
less
driving
by
residents.
In
accordance
with
the
proposed
2025
Plan,
the
City
is
working
to
adopt
measures
to
encourage
construction
on
vacant
or
underused
land
in
the
City
and
to
increase
density
along
designated
transit
corridors.
City
officials
will
continue
to
support
such
planning.
OA
11
Conversion
to
Alternative
Fuels.
The
City,
through
Land­
of­
Sky
Regional
Council,
will
seek
DOE
Clean
Cities
designation
in
order
to
promote
greater
availability
of
clean
gasoline,
diesel
and
alternative
fuels.
Clean
Cities
designation
will
also
facilitate
the
creation
of
infrastructure
necessary
for
the
utilization
of
these
fuels.

OA
12
Low
sulfur
fuels.
Develop
community
support
in
order
to
encourage
the
petroleum
industries
to
make
low
sulfur
gas
and
diesel
fuels
available
in
the
Compact
area
by
April
2005.

OA
13
Ride
the
bus.
In
order
to
encourage
bus
ridership,
the
Asheville
Transit
System
will
explore
options
such
as
business
sponsorships
to
provide
free
bus
service
and
promote
bus
ridership
on
OADs.

OA
14
Energy
Star.
Purchase
products
that
meet
the
EPA
Energy
Star
Program.
Government
agencies
should
consider
the
energy
efficiency
of
the
products
they
buy.

OA
15
AQ
Group.
The
City
of
Asheville
should
collaborate
to
form
a
permanent
advisory
group
to
address
air
quality
and
other
environmental
issues.

Asheville­
Buncombe
Council
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
Recommendations
to
Buncombe
County
Board
of
Commissioners
Ozone
is
a
molecule
found
in
the
atmosphere
containing
three
oxygen
atoms
(
O3),
while
the
oxygen
we
breathe
has
two
oxygen
atoms
(
O2).
Ozone
occurs
naturally
in
both
the
lower
and
upper
atmosphere.
Stratospheric
ozone
is
a
substance
that
absorbs
the
sun's
harmful
ultraviolet
rays
and
protects
the
environment.
Ground
level
ozone
is
the
main
ingredient
in
smog.

Ground
level
ozone
occurs
when
nitrogen
oxides
(
NOx)
and
volatile
organic
compounds
(
VOCs)
react
together
on
warm
sunny
days.
Ozone
concentrations
can
increase
to
unhealthy
levels
during
the
warmer
months.
From
April
through
October,
hot
weather
and
high
total
nitrogen
oxide
emissions
from
cars,
coal­
fired
power
plants,
lawnmowers
and
other
diesel­
or
gasoline­
powered
devices
can
create
elevated
concentrations
of
ground
level
ozone.
Morning
rush
hour
traffic
is
a
major
source
of
precursor
chemicals
to
ground­
level
ozone
formation.
Ozone
levels
are
normally
highest
during
the
hottest
part
of
the
afternoon
and
lowest
in
the
early
morning
and
night.
Actions
taken
in
the
early
hours
of
the
day
have
a
great
effect
on
ozone
levels
the
rest
of
the
day.
The
federal
120
parts
per
billion
(
ppb)
one­
hour
standard
was
recently
replaced
with
an
80­
ppb
eight­
hour
standard
to
protect
human
health.
The
Bent
Creek
air
quality
monitor
violated
the
eight­
hour
ozone
standard
for
2000­
2002.
Thus
part
or
all
of
Buncombe,
Haywood,
Henderson,
Madison,
and
Transylvania
counties
may
be
designated
"
nonattainment"
or
not
attaining
the
Federal
Clean
Air
ozone
standard.
The
Early
Action
Compact
allows
local
government
to
delay
or
avoid
"
nonattainment"
designation
by
proposing
a
plan
to
meet
and
maintain
air
quality
standards.
The
following
recommendations
outline
actions
the
public,
businesses,
and
government
agencies
can
take
to
reduce
unhealthy
levels
of
ozone.
The
actions
will
cut
the
amount
of
nitrogen
oxides
in
the
atmosphere
by
reducing
the
amount
of
fossil
fuels
burned
on
warm
sunny
days.

These
are
recommended
actions
for
Buncombe
County
and
the
City
of
Asheville
and
are
based
on
work
of
the
Asheville­
Buncombe
Council
of
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact.
Our
goal
was
to
develop
proposed
strategies
to
be
included
in
a
required
report
to
the
Environmental
Protection
Agency
and
due
on
March
31,
2004.

Since
beginning
the
planning,
it
has
become
apparent
that
our
area
will
achieve
the
standards
for
the
year
2003.
This
is
due
in
large
part
to
a
cool
and
wet
summer,
which
inhibits
the
formation
of
ozone.
Since
we
are
in
compliance,
our
participation
in
the
Compact
is
voluntary,
however;
we
recommend
continued
participation
in
the
program
to
improve
air
quality
and
to
guard
against
future
non­
attainment
of
standards.

Actions
the
public
can
take
on
an
ongoing
basis
to
reduce
ozone
PA
1
Keep
your
car
tuned
up.
A
car
does
not
always
have
visible
smoke
from
its
tailpipe
when
it
is
producing
excessive
NOx.
An
auto
shop
can
often
make
minor
repairs
resulting
in
better
gas
mileage
and
less
pollution
from
your
tailpipe.

PA
2
Keep
tires
properly
inflated.
Proper
tire
inflation
increases
gas
mileage
and
lowers
the
contribution
to
pollution.

PA
3
Carpool
or
vanpool
Join
a
carpool
or
vanpool
for
the
trip
to
and
from
work.
Local
businesses,
non­
profit
agencies
and
government
agencies
should
seek
sources
of
transportation
for
carpoolers
in
case
of
an
emergency.

PA
4
Ride
your
bike.
Bike
on
at
least
one
errand
a
week.
It's
great
exercise
and
a
stress
reliever.

PA
5
Take
a
walk.
Walk
to
lunch
with
a
friend
instead
of
starting
up
the
car.
Walk
to
the
next
meeting
or
on
an
errand
near
home.
PA
6
Take
the
bus.
Ride
the
bus
to
work
or
on
an
errand.

PA
7
Use
an
electric
powered
mower
or
a
push
mower.
A
two­
stroke
gas­
powered
lawnmower
pollutes
the
equivalent
of
40
late­
model
cars
in
just
an
hour.
Use
a
rake
on
your
leaves
instead
of
a
leaf
blower.
Reduce
the
need
to
mow
by
installing
water­
wise
landscaping.

PA
8
Conserve
energy
and
reduce
pollution
at
home.
Much
of
the
region's
electricity
still
comes
from
coal­
fired
generators.
Turn
off
lights
when
not
in
use
and
reduce
the
use
of
the
air
conditioning
with
ceiling
fans,
good
insulation,
and
a
programmable
thermostat.
Replace
paints
and
cleaning
products
with
more
environmentally
friendly
alternatives.
Choose
a
gas
fireplace
and
barbeque
grill
over
wood
or
charcoal.

PA
9
Practice
appropriate
vehicle
operating
tips,
such
as
shutting
off
the
engine
when
parked.
Avoid
excessive
idling
at
drive­
throughs
by
parking
and
walking
in.
Operate
the
vehicle
only
on
an
as­
needed
basis
to
reduce
emissions.
Avoid
travel
through
known
congested
areas
whenever
possible.

PA
10
Purchase
products
that
meet
the
EPA
Energy
Star
Program.
Learn
how
much
energy
the
products
you
purchase
use.

Ozone
Action
Days
(
Air
Quality
Index
is
predicted
to
be
orange,
red,
or
purple)
for
the
public
and
businesses
OAD
1
Tell
your
friends!
Spread
the
word
about
Ozone
Action
Days
and
air
quality
issues.
There
are
about
eight
to
ten
Ozone
Action
Days
each
year
in
our
area.
They
can
occur
from
late
spring
to
early
fall.
These
are
days
when
our
individual
actions
can
make
the
most
difference
in
comfort
and
health
for
everyone,
especially
those
with
asthma
and
chronic
respiratory
disorders.

The
NC
Division
of
Air
Quality
issues
ozone
forecasts
during
ozone
season
at
3pm
each
day
for
the
following
day.
Forecasts
for
Buncombe
and
surrounding
counties
are
available
from
WLOS
TV
and
The
Asheville
Citizen­
Times.
Ozone
forecasts
are
also
available
at
1­
888­
RU4NCAIR.
The
Division
of
Air
Quality
will
e­
mail
or
fax
the
forecast
to
you.
Those
features
can
be
accessed
at
http://
daq.
state.
nc.
us/
airaware/
ozone.

OAD
2
Delay
errands
until
late
in
the
day.
Cars
driven
in
the
morning
hours
produce
NOx
and
VOCs
that
become
ground­
level
ozone
in
the
heat
of
the
afternoon.
The
more
one
can
avoid
driving,
the
better
for
air
quality.
OAD
3
Don't
mow
your
lawn
until
late
in
the
day.
Small
engines
like
lawnmowers,
weed
whackers
and
leaf
blowers
lack
pollution
controls.
The
average
lawnmower
produces
as
much
pollution
in
one
hour
as
40
late­
model
cars!

OAD
4
Bring
your
lunch
or
walk
to
lunch.
Reduce
your
contribution
to
air
pollution
by
not
starting
up
your
car
at
lunchtime.

OAD
5
Bus,
Bike
or
Walk.
If
you
find
you're
not
affected
by
ozone
on
Ozone
Action
Days,
take
the
bus,
walk,
or
bike
to
work,
to
lunch,
or
on
an
errand.

OAD
6
Practice
appropriate
vehicle
operating
tips.
Shut
off
the
engine
when
parked.
Operate
the
vehicle
only
on
an
as­
needed
basis
to
reduce
emissions.
Idling
for
30
seconds
to
1
minute
emits
more
pollution
than
restarting
your
vehicle.

OAD
7
Do
not
use
drive­
through
services.
Avoid
excessive
idling
at
bank
or
fast
food
drive­
throughs.
Instead,
park
your
vehicle
and
walk
into
the
business.
Businesses
could
voluntarily
close
their
drive­
through
services
until
11:
00
a.
m.

OAD
8
Telecommute.
Businesses
could
allow
employees
with
appropriate
jobs
to
work
at
home
when
it
is
possible.
Telecommunication
from
the
home
will
reduce
the
number
of
vehicles
emitting
nitrogen
oxides.

OAD
9
Participate
in
OAD
program.
Large
and
medium
sized
businesses
are
encouraged
to
participate
in
the
NC
Division
of
Air
Quality
Ozone
Action
Day
(
OAD)
program.

Ozone
Action
Days
(
Air
Quality
Index
is
predicted
to
be
orange,
red,
or
purple)
for
local,
state
and
federal
government
G
1
Local
government
will
seek
participation
of
state
and
federal
agencies
in
the
following
measures:

G
2
Limit
morning
meetings.
Minimize
scheduling
of
morning
meetings
involving
auto
travel
between
the
hours
of
8:
00AM
and
9:
00AM
when
possible.
Because
OADs
are
declared
with
only
one­
day
notice,
the
practice
of
delaying
all
meetings
requiring
auto
travel
should
be
encouraged
during
ozone
season.

G
3
Practice
appropriate
vehicle
operating
tips.
Shut
off
the
engine
when
parked.
Avoid
excessive
idling
such
as
sitting
at
drive­
throughs
instead
of
walking
in.
Operate
the
vehicle
only
on
an
as­
needed
basis
to
reduce
emissions.
Avoid
travel
through
known
congested
areas
whenever
possible.

G
4
Work
schedules.
Limit
vehicle/
equipment
use.
Encourage
multiple
crew
transports
using
higher
occupancy
vehicles.

G
5
Nonessential
operations.
Reschedule
operations
under
direct
control
of
the
city
or
county
such
as
driving,
lawn
maintenance,
tree
trimming,
and
use
of
power
saws,
generators
and
similar
gasoline
or
diesel­
powered
equipment.
Bid
similar
contracted
work
with
an
alternate
to
halt
operations
on
ozone
action
days.

G
6
Paving.
Reschedule
nonessential
paving
activities,
including
pothole
repairs.
Bid
similar
contracted
work
with
an
alternate
to
halt
operations
on
ozone
action
days.

G
7
Alternative
Transportation/
Alternative
Fuels.
Explore
the
use
of
alternative
fuels,
including
diesel
and
off­
road
diesel
fuels,
to
reduce
NOx
emissions,
subject
to
availability
of
reliable
sources
of
supply.
Consider
purchase
of
commercially
available
hybrid
vehicles
for
use
in
nonemergency
fleet.

G
8
Cleaner
Burning
Gasoline,
Diesel
Fuel
and
off­
road
Diesel
Fuel.
Track
statewide
initiatives
to
bring
cleaner
burning
fuels
to
area
retailers
during
ozone
season
or
year
round.

G
10
Smoking
Vehicles.
Smoking
vehicles
are
heavy
polluters.
Local
law
enforcement
agencies
will
be
educated
on
the
state
statute
concerning
smoking
vehicles
and
encouraged
to
increase
enforcement.
Local
government
will
publicize
programs
for
citizen
reporting
of
smoking
vehicles.

G
11
Tree
Planting
Program.
High
temperatures
exacerbate
ozone
formation.
Because
of
the
urban
heat­
island
effect,
temperatures
in
cities
can
average
up
to
15
degrees
higher
than
nearby
rural
areas.
Trees
clean
and
cool
the
air.
They
shield
from
the
sun
hard
surfaces
that
would
otherwise
store
and
radiate
heat
and
they
release
cooling
moisture.
Mature
trees
increase
property
values.
The
City
of
Asheville,
through
its
proposed
2025
plan,
will
continue
to
require
tree
planting.
This
initiative
applies
to
the
City
of
Asheville
only.

G
12
Hybrid­
Electric
Car
Pilot
Project.
The
County
of
Buncombe
is
evaluating
the
cost
effectiveness
and
performance
of
hybrid­
electric
technology.
The
Western
North
Carolina
Regional
Air
Quality
Agency
(
WNCRAQA)
has
procured
two
Toyota
Prius
Hybrid­
Electric
vehicles.
If
this
pilot
project
is
successful,
the
County
intends
to
specify
that
all
new
car
purchases
for
non­
emergency
use
be
hybrid­
electric.
G
13
Retrofit
Technology.
Purchase
of
applicable
fuel
line
and
electric
spark
controller
retrofit
technologies
are
being
explored.
Successful
devices
have
proven
to
reduce
Hydrocarbon,
Carbon
Monoxide,
and
Nitrogen
Oxides,
while
improving
engine
performance
and
fuel
consumption.
Some
retrofits
have
already
occurred
to
County
school
busses
and
Asheville
Transit
Services
vehicles.

G
14
Service
Contracts.
Departmental
requirements
specific
to
OADs
will
be
incorporated
into
service
contracts.
Purchase
and
service
contracts
will
specify
energy­
efficient
equipment
and
maintenance
practices.

G
15
Annual
In­
House
Training
An
annual
training
program
to
increase
awareness
of
OAD
responsibilities
of
Departments
and
employees
will
be
developed.
OAD
orientation
packets
for
new
employees
will
be
developed.

G
16
OAD
Coordinators.
The
City
and
County
will
appoint
one
or
more
Ozone
Action
Day
Coordinators
to
manage
OAD
initiatives.
Coordinators
will
participate
in
the
state
OAD
program.

G
17
Telecommute.
Local
government
could
allow
employees
with
appropriate
jobs
to
work
at
home
when
it
is
possible.
Telecommuting
from
the
home
will
reduce
the
number
of
vehicles
emitting
nitrogen
oxides.

Ongoing
Actions
to
Reduce
Ozone
OA
1
Clean
burning
fuels.
Local
government
will
collaborate
with
area
fuel
suppliers
to
accelerate
availability
of
clean
gasoline/
diesel
fuels.

OA
2
Western
North
Carolina
Regional
Air
Quality
Agency.
The
City
and
County
have
supported
this
agency
and
its
programs
for
more
than
thirty
years
and
will
continue
to
do
so.

OA
3
Public
Education
Campaigns.
Develop
educational
brochures
and
related
materials
for
children
about
air
quality.
Provide
for
a
public
relations
component
within
the
WNCRAQA
to
assist
in
media
relations
and
public
education
efforts.

OA
4
Outreach.
Work
with
area
governmental
entities
and
local
media
to
develop
educational
outreach
programs.
OA
5
Themes.
Develop
air
quality
themes
for
use
in
advertising
on
busses
and
other
public
venues.
Tie
themes
to
air
quality
summits
to
provide
businesses,
institutions
and
government
with
information
on
what
each
sector
can
do
to
improve
air
quality.

OA
6
Cultural
Outreach.
A
bilingual
and
multicultural
educational
outreach
program
for
air
quality
will
be
developed
that
expands
current
public
outreach
efforts
to
all
citizens.

OA
7
Community
Outreach.
Provide
air
quality
tips
to
neighborhood
associations
who
can
pass
out
the
information
to
individual
households.

OA
8
Business
Involvement.
Local
governments
will
encourage
involvement
of
area
businesses
in
OAD
programs.

OA
9
Conserve
energy
and
reduce
pollution
at
work.
Much
of
the
region's
electricity
still
comes
from
coal.
Turn
off
lights
when
not
in
use.
Reduce
the
use
of
air
conditioning
with
good
insulation
and
window
blinds.
Use
programmable
thermostats
to
reduce
energy
use
for
heating
and
cooling.
Replace
paints
and
cleaning
products
with
more
environmentally
friendly
alternatives.

OA
10
Land
Use.
Mixed­
use
neighborhoods
in
which
residents
can
access
both
commercial
and
residential
destinations
using
a
variety
of
transportation
modes
are
conducive
to
less
driving
by
residents.
In
accordance
with
the
proposed
2025
Plan,
the
City
is
working
to
adopt
measures
to
encourage
construction
on
vacant
or
underused
land
in
the
City
and
to
increase
density
along
designated
transit
corridors.
City
officials
will
continue
to
support
such
planning.
This
initiative
applies
to
the
City
of
Asheville
only.

OA
11
Conversion
to
Alternative
Fuels.
The
City
and
County,
through
Land­
of­
Sky
Regional
Council,
will
seek
DOE
Clean
Cities
designation
in
order
to
promote
greater
availability
of
clean
gasoline,
diesel
and
alternative
fuels.
Clean
Cities
designation
will
also
facilitate
the
creation
of
infrastructure
necessary
for
the
utilization
of
these
fuels.

OA
12
Low
sulfur
fuels.
Develop
community
support
in
order
to
encourage
the
petroleum
industries
to
make
low
sulfur
gas
and
diesel
fuels
available
in
the
Compact
area
by
April
2005.

OA
13
Ride
the
bus.
In
order
to
encourage
bus
ridership,
the
Asheville
Transit
System
will
explore
options
such
as
business
sponsorships
to
provide
free
bus
service
and
promote
bus
ridership
on
OADs.
This
initiative
applies
to
the
City
of
Asheville
only.

OA
14
Energy
Star.
Purchase
products
that
meet
the
EPA
Energy
Star
Program.
Government
agencies
should
consider
the
energy
efficiency
of
the
products
they
buy.
OA
15
AQ
Group.
Buncombe
County
and
the
City
of
Asheville
should
collaborate
to
form
a
permanent
advisory
group
to
address
air
quality
and
other
environmental
issues.

HAYWOOD
COUNTY
EARLY
ACTION
COMPACT
STAKEHOLDERS
A.
Primary
organization
responsible
for
EAC
activities:
Haywood
County
B.
Lead
Contact:
Richard
Honeycutt
C.
Organization
Chart­
Attached
list
of
Stakeholders
D.
Meetings
Held
1.
Haywood
County
Council
of
Governments
met
on
December
11,
2002
to
approve
initiating
Early
Action
Compact.

2.
The
Board
of
Commissioners
approved
for
Haywood
County
to
be
a
part
of
the
Early
Action
Compact
on
December
16,
2002.

2.
Meetings
of
the
Stakeholders
were
held
on
March
19,
2003,
April
2,
2003
and
April
30,
2003
with
good
participation.
Meetings
were
held
in
the
Commissioners'
Board
Room
and
the
Agricultural
Services
Center.

E.
Proposed
Local
Control
Measures
1.
Local
Government
will
encourage
the
following
public
actions
for
normal
days:

 
Keep
your
car
tuned
up.
A
car
does
not
always
have
visible
smoke
from
its
tailpipe
when
it
is
producing
excessive
NOx.
An
auto
shop
can
often
make
minor
repairs
resulting
in
better
gas
mileage
and
less
pollution
from
your
tailpipe.
Keep
tires
properly
inflated
and
maintain
regular
tune­
ups
to
lower
the
contribution
to
pollution.

 
Carpool
or
vanpool.
Join
a
carpool
or
vanpool
for
the
trip
to
and
from
work.

 
Ride
your
bike.
Bike
on
at
least
one
errand
a
week.
It's
great
exercise
and
a
stress
reliever.

 
Take
a
walk.
Walk
to
lunch
with
a
friend
instead
of
starting
up
the
car.
Walk
to
the
next
meeting
or
on
an
errand
near
home.

 
Take
the
shuttle
when
possible.

 
Purchase
energy
efficient
appliances.
 
Build
energy
efficient
houses
or
improve
energy
efficiency
in
existing
houses.

 
Use
an
electric
powered
mower
or
a
push
mower.
A
two­
stroke
gaspowered
lawnmower
pollutes
the
equivalent
of
40
late­
model
cars.
Use
a
rake
on
your
leaves
instead
of
a
leaf
blower.
Reduce
your
need
for
mowing
by
installing
water­
wise
landscaping.

 
Conserve
energy
and
reduce
pollution
at
home.
Much
of
the
region's
electricity
still
comes
from
coal.
Turn
off
lights
when
not
in
use
and
reduce
the
use
of
the
air
conditioner
with
ceiling
fans,
good
insulation,
and
a
programmable
thermostat.
Replace
paints
and
cleaning
products
with
more
environmentally­
friendly
alternatives.
Choose
a
gas
fireplace
and
barbeque
grill
over
wood
or
charcoal.

2.
Ozone
Action
Days
for
Public.
The
County
Government
Access
Channel
may
be
used
to
deliver
information
on
Ozone
Action
Days.

 
Delay
errands
until
late
in
the
day.
Cars
driven
in
the
morning
hours
produce
NOx
and
VOCs
that
become
ground­
level
ozone
in
the
heat
of
the
afternoon.
The
more
one
can
avoid
driving,
the
better
for
air
quality.

 
Don't
mow
your
lawn
until
late
in
the
day.
Small
engines
like
lawnmowers,
weed
whackers
and
leaf
blowers
lack
pollution
controls.

 
Bring
your
lunch
or
walk
to
lunch.
Reduce
your
contribution
to
air
pollution
by
not
starting
up
your
car
at
lunchtime.

 
Take
the
shuttle.
Take
the
shuttle
to
work,
to
lunch,
or
on
an
errand.

 
Take
a
walk.
If
you
have
an
errand
to
run
that's
a
short
distance
away,
try
walking
instead
of
driving.

 
Ride
your
bike.
Ride
your
bike
on
morning
errands.
If
you
find
that
you're
not
affected
by
ozone
on
Ozone
Action
Days,
try
biking
to
work
or
school.

 
Tell
your
friends!
Spread
the
word
about
Ozone
Action
Days
and
air
quality
issues.

3.
Ozone
Action
Days
for
Local
Government
 
Minimize
movement
in
vehicles.
Use
of
fleet
vehicles
will
be
used
for
essential
use
only.
Meetings
requiring
traveling
by
fleet
vehicles
are
to
be
canceled
when
possible,
or
implement
the
use
of
e­
mail
and
conference
calls.

 
Minimize
scheduling
of
morning
meetings
between
the
hours
of
8:
00AM
and
9:
00AM
when
possible
or
teleconference.
Because
OADs
are
declared
with
only
one­
day
notice,
the
practice
of
delaying
meetings
should
be
encouraged
year­
round.
 
Practice
appropriate
vehicle
operating
tips,
such
as
shutting
off
the
engine
when
parked,
avoiding
excessive
idling
such
as
sitting
at
drive­
thru's,
and
leaving
the
vehicle
running
while
parked.
Operate
the
vehicle
only
on
an
asneeded
basis
to
reduce
emissions.
Avoid
travel
through
known
congested
areas
whenever
possible.

 
Work
schedules
should
reflect
limited
vehicle/
equipment
use
and
should
encourage
multiple
crew
transports
using
higher
occupancy
rate
vehicles.

 
Reschedule
nonessential
operations
such
as
lawn
maintenance,
tree
trimming,
and
use
of
power
saws,
generators,
etc.,
which
include
other
gasoline­
powered
equipment.

4.
Long­
term
Local
Government
actions
to
reduce
ozone
 
Investigate
the
supply
of
alternative
fuels
to
the
County.

 
Develop
network
of
coordinators
throughout
the
County
for
ozone
notifications
and
other
information.

 
Commute
Solutions:
Encourage
ride
sharing
for
regional
trips.

 
Land
Use:
Encourage
the
continued
development
of
greenways,
and
mixeduse
neighborhoods
in
which
residents
can
access
both
commercial
and
residential
destinations
using
a
variety
of
transportation
modes.
Encourage
smart
growth
by
utilizing
vacant
or
underused
land.
Town
officials
are
actively
supporting
increased
housing
in
the
downtown
area.

 
Downtown
Guide:
The
towns
are
encouraging
walkable
communities.
Some
have
developed
a
walking
guide
to
the
Town.

 
Smoking
Vehicles:
It
is
estimated
that
10%
of
vehicles
produce
90%
of
vehicular
pollution.
Encourage
citizens
to
report
smoking
vehicles
on
form
to
the
State
of
North
Carolina.
(
Form
available
on
web
site
daq.
state.
nc.
us/
smoking.
shtml.

 
Tree
Planting
Program:
Ozone
formation
is
exacerbated
by
high
temperatures.
Because
of
the
urban
heat­
island
effect,
temperatures
in
cities
can
average
up
to
15
degrees
higher
than
nearby
rural
areas.
Trees
clean
and
cool
the
air.
They
shield
from
the
sun
hard
surfaces
that
would
otherwise
store
and
radiate
heat,
and
they
release
cooling
moisture.
Mature
trees
increase
property
values.
Encourage
tree­
planting
programs
with
agencies.

 
Hybrid­
Electric
Car
Pilot
Program:
Local
Governments
will
evaluate
the
cost
effectiveness
and
performance
of
hybrid­
electric
technology.

 
Retrofit
Technology:
Purchasing
of
applicable
fuel
line
and
electric
spark
controllers
retrofit
technologies
are
being
explored.
Successful
devices
have
proven
to
reduce
Hydrocarbon,
Carbon
Monoxide,
and
Nitrogen
Oxides,
while
improving
engine
performance
and
fuel
consumption.
Seek
grants
for
retrofitting
diesel
engines.
 
Service
Contracts:
Department
specific
OAD
requirements
will
be
incorporated
into
purchase
and
service
contracts.

 
In­
House
Training:
Development
of
an
annual
training
program
to
increase
awareness
of
OAD
responsibilities
of
Departments
and
employees.
Placement
of
the
OAD
into
orientation
packets
for
new
employees.

5.
Department
Specific
Plans
for
Ozone
Action
Days.
On
OADs,
the
following
practices
will
be
implemented:

 
Reschedule
nonessential
operations
using
gasoline­
powered
equipment,
such
as
lawnmowers,
edgers,
blowers,
power
saws,
tree
trimmers,
and
generators.

 
Reschedule
nonessential
construction,
when
possible.

 
Operation
of
construction
and
heavy
equipment
will
be
restricted
to
essential
use,
when
possible.

 
Personnel
shall
be
encouraged
to
limit
travel
on
ozone
action
days.

 
Reschedule
controlled
burning
permits.

 
Reschedule
nonessential
inspections
on
commercial
establishments.

6.
Public
Education
 
Obtain
and
distribute
flyers
and
information
on
air
quality.

 
Use
the
County
Government
Access
Channel
to
show
video
and
other
information
on
air
quality.

 
Provide
a
speakers
bureau
on
air
quality
for
civic
club
meetings
and
other
resources.

 
Use
the
County
Information
line
and
County
Web
site
to
disseminate
information.

 
Participate
in
training
programs
and
invite
business
and
industry
to
participate.
Madison
County
Air
Quality
Council
Recommendations
to
the
Madison
County
Board
of
Commissioners
Regarding
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
March
8,
2004
Madison
County
is
part
of
a
five
county
area
that
has
been
at
risk
to
be
designated
by
state
and
federal
officials
as
not
attaining
the
Federal
Clean
Air
Standards
for
Ozone.
In
December
of
2002,
County
Boards
of
Commissioners
in
all
five
of
those
counties
voted
to
form
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
(
EAC)
as
a
vehicle
to
work
jointly
to
improve
air
quality
in
the
region.

The
Compact
is
a
contract
among
local
governments,
the
NC
Division
of
Air
Quality
and
the
US
Environmental
Protection
Agency.
Local
governments
have
agreed
to
seek
methods
to
accelerate
compliance
with
air
quality
standards.
In
return,
regulatory
agencies
agree
to
defer
nonattainment
status
so
long
as
certain
dated
milestones
are
met.

Non­
attainment
of
standards
poses
several
risks
to
Madison
County
and
to
the
region.
Acute
respiratory
disorders
are
exacerbated
by
ozone.
Cumulative
exposure
can
negatively
affect
general
public
health.
Transportation
improvements
throughout
the
region
may
be
delayed
by
non­
attainment
status.
Restrictions
on
some
types
of
industrial
recruitment
and
expansion
will
be
imposed.
Businesses
dependent
on
travel
and
tourism
may
experience
a
downturn.
The
commercial
and
residential
real
estate
market
may
be
depressed.

In
order
to
protect
the
physical
health
and
economic
well
being
of
county
residents
and
the
citizens
of
our
region,
the
Madison
County
Board
of
Commissioners
joined
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
and
appointed
the
Madison
County
Air
Quality
Council.
The
purpose
of
the
Council
is
to
advise
the
Board
of
Commissioners
of
emissions
reduction
strategies
that
will
aid
achievement
of
health
and
economic
goals
and
comply
with
requirements
of
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact.

The
Council
offered
a
list
of
proposed
emissions
reduction
strategies
to
the
County
Manager
in
June
2003.
Those
proposals
were
reviewed
locally
and
a
list
of
proposed
strategies
was
forwarded
to
the
US
Environmental
Protection
Agency
and
the
NC
Division
of
Air
Quality
on
June
16,
2003.
During
the
fall
of
2003,
it
was
found
that
air
quality
in
the
region
had
improved
to
the
point
that
member
counties
of
the
EAC
were
no
longer
at
risk
of
the
non­
attainment
designation.
This
news
mitigated
the
immediate
need
to
continue
participation
in
the
EAC
for
economic
stability
and
development;
however,
concerns
for
public
health
and
long­
term
economic
development
remain.

It
should
be
noted
that
compliance
with
ozone
standards
is
measured
on
a
three
year
rolling
average
and
that
improved
air
quality
in
2003
was
in
large
part
due
to
prevailing
cool
and
wet
summer
weather.
Such
weather
retards
atmospheric
chemical
reactions
that
lead
to
formation
of
ground
level
ozone.
Thus
our
attainment
status
is
at
best
tenuous.

The
Madison
County
Air
Quality
Council
recommends
that
the
Madison
County
Board
of
Commissioners
continue
to
participate
in
the
EAC
voluntarily
both
as
a
means
of
improving
air
quality
and
to
reflect
good
faith
with
our
sister
local,
state
and
federal
governments
participating
in
the
EAC.
Since
the
area
is
presently
attaining
ozone
air
quality
standards,
the
measures
and
actions
proposed
in
this
document
are
voluntary
and
will
not
become
a
part
of
any
enforceable
state
or
federal
plan
or
proposal.
By
taking
such
action,
Madison
County
will
remain
in
a
position
to
continue
to
use
the
Early
Action
Compact
or
similar
legal
devices
to
address
nonattainment
in
the
future.

Following
is
a
restatement
of
the
emissions
reduction
strategies
submitted
on
June
30,
2003.
A
series
of
recommended
action
steps
has
been
added
to
the
document
to
guide
implementation.

Recommended
Emissions
Reduction
Strategies
and
Action
Plan
1
Strategy
The
Madison
County
Board
of
Commissioners
should
initiate
an
ongoing
public
education
campaign
to
inform
residents
specifically
about
non­
attainment
of
Federal
Clean
Air
Act
Ozone
Standards
and
generally
about
the
risks
of
air
pollution.
Educational
programs
should
enable
citizens
to
understand
the
negative
effects
of
air
pollution
on
public
health
and
economic
progress.
Education
should
also
equip
the
public
with
tools
to
make
informed
decisions
regarding
behaviors
and
choices
that
are
consistent
with
improving
air
quality.

The
county
should
explore
opportunities
to
collaborate
with
state
and
local
governments
in
educating
the
public.
This
will
assure
regional
uniformity
of
message
and
may
result
in
a
better
product
at
less
expense
than
a
singular
effort.

The
County
should
seek
cooperation
of
local
schools,
businesses,
news
media
and
non­
profit
organizations
to
deliver
educational
messages
to
the
citizens
of
Madison
County.

Action
step
Madison
County
should
continue
to
participate
in
ongoing
EAC
wide
plans
for
a
joint
educational
effort
to
inform
citizens
of
the
problems
associated
with
ozone
and
other
air
pollutants.
Such
education
should
target
two
goals:
first
to
inform
citizen
discourse
on
matters
of
public
policy
related
to
air
quality
and
second
to
equip
citizens
to
make
personal
choices
that
will
have
a
positive
impact
on
air
quality.

At
a
minimum,
the
county
should
develop
and
distribute
printed
informational
materials
through
the
Health
Department,
Building
Permits
office
and
other
appropriate
agencies.
French
Broad
Electric
Membership
Corporation
has
agreed
to
make
space
available
periodically
in
its
monthly
newsletter
for
air
quality
education.
The
Board
of
Commissioners
should
appoint
an
appropriate
staff
member
to
coordinate
educational
activities.

2
Strategy
The
Madison
County
Board
of
Commissioners
should
encourage
carpooling
by
working
to
establish
the
infrastructure
necessary
to
facilitate
communication
among
potential
car­
poolers.
This
should
be
done
as
a
cooperative
effort
including
nearby
businesses
and
institutions,
especially
those
that
employ
large
workforces.
Principles
to
guide
the
recommendation
include:

A
The
purchase
of
property
for
parking
is,
in
our
judgment,
not
feasible
given
current
budget
restraints.

B
A
considerable
amount
of
informal
carpooling
already
exists
among
residents
who
work
out­
of­
county.
These
individuals
should
be
encouraged
to
participate
in
planning.

C
County
evaluation
of
transportation
projects
should
include
advocacy
of
public
parking
facilities
similar
to
the
existing
facility
at
the
Mars
Hill
exit
on
Interstate
26.

D
The
primary
county
responsibility
should
be
to
facilitate
communication.
The
Council
believes
this
can
be
accomplished
substantially
by
use
of
existing
resources.
For
example,
the
Mountain
Area
Information
Network
may
be
able
to
host
a
website
to
disseminate
information
on
carpooling
and
facilitate
user
communication.

E
As
carpooling
grows,
a
secondary
county
responsibility
should
be
to
negotiate
the
use
of
private
parking
properties
for
daytime
commuters.
Liability
will
be
an
important
issue
in
those
negotiations.

F
As
resources
permit,
the
county
should
explore
guaranteed­
ride­
home
programs
and
emergency
transportation
for
carpoolers.
Action
Step
The
Board
of
Commissioners
should
appoint
and
provide
staff
to
a
citizen
task
force
to
implement
the
strategies
discussed
above.
The
task
force
should
have
broad
citizen
representation
and
should
target
members
that
have
familiarity
with
work
place
and
employment
issues.

3
Strategy
Madison
County
should
appoint
an
Ozone
Action
Day
Coordinator
by
adding
that
duty
to
a
current
staff
member's
responsibility.
The
main
duties
would
include:

A
Informing
citizens
by
web,
recording
or
otherwise
of
Ozone
Action
Days.
The
state
issues
each
day
at
3PM
during
ozone
season
a
forecast
for
the
next
day's
ozone
status.
When
ozone
reaches
elevated
levels,
an
Ozone
Action
Day
is
declared
to
advise
citizens
of
increased
risk.
There
are
about
eight
to
ten
Ozone
Action
Days
annually.

B
The
OAD
Coordinator
should
serve
as
a
point
of
contact
for
citizens
requesting
information
regarding
ozone
and
other
air
pollution
concerns.

C
The
OAD
Coordinator
should
participate
in
state
sponsored
activities
to
learn
about
ozone
and
to
coordinate
local
programs
with
statewide
activities.

Action
Step
It
is
suggested
that
the
Board
of
Commissioners
appoint
a
staff
member,
possibly
within
the
Emergency
Services
Department
or
Health
Department,
to
implement
the
above
strategies.
This
position
would
become
a
major
component
of
ongoing
education
and
would
alert
residents
to
episodes
of
poor
air
quality.
The
OAD
would
be
primarily
responsible
for
the
second
educational
goal
mentioned
above,
namely,
to
help
citizens
understand
the
personal
choices
they
can
make
to
reduce
pollution
and
cope
with
health
problems
associated
with
occurrences
of
poor
air
quality.

4
Strategy
Madison
County
should
seek
cooperation
in
emissions
reduction
and
air
pollution
education
from
state
and
federal
offices
located
in
the
county.
Local
business
should
also
be
encouraged
to
join.

Action
Step
Assign
this
task
to
OAD
Coordinator.
5
Strategy
Madison
County
should
enact
an
ordinance
banning
open
burning
on
Ozone
Action
Days.
The
Council
realizes
that
burning
bans
can
be
controversial;
however,
this
proposal
would
only
apply
for
about
eight
to
ten
days
each
year.
The
days
on
which
burning
would
be
banned
are
those
on
which
sensitive
persons
are
most
at
risk.
We
believe
that
citizens
will
cooperate
with
a
burning
ban
on
days
when
it
can
have
such
a
great
effect
on
their
neighbors.

Action
Step
Assign
study
of
an
ordinance
to
the
task
force
proposed
above
or
to
an
already
existing
planning
body.

These
recommendations
are
respectfully
submitted
to
the
Madison
County
Board
of
Commissioners
on
March
8,
2004.

Members
of
the
Madison
County
Air
Quality
Council
Anita
Davie,
former
County
Manager
David
Allen,
Community
and
Economic
Development
Manager
Gary
Proffitt,
Transportation
Director,
Madison
County
Board
of
Education
John
Graeter,
Director,
Hot
Springs
health
Program
Buck
Wilson,
Health
Director,
Madison
County
Health
Department
Tony
Webb,
NC
Forest
Service
Phyllis
Styles,
Director
of
Corporate
and
Foundation
Relations,
Mars
Hill
College
Charles
Tolley,
General
Manager,
French
Broad
Electric
Membership
Corporation
Darhyl
Boone,
Town
Manager,
Mars
Hill,
NC
Jim
Brown,
Manager,
Madison
County
Solid
Waste
Services
R.
J.
Plemmons,
OA
Gregory
Oil
Company
Debbie
Ponder,
Mayor,
Hot
Springs,
NC
RESOLUTION
NO.
________

RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING
THE
ADOPTION
OF
THE
AIR
QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT
INITIATIVE
2004
AS
A
TOOL
TO
IMPROVE
AIR
QUALITY
IN
THE
CITY
OF
ASHEVILLE.

WHEREAS,
the
City
of
Asheville
wishes
to
have
good
air
quality;
and
WHEREAS,
the
City
of
Asheville
wishes
to
educate
the
public
on
ways
to
improve
air
quality;
and
WHEREAS,
the
City
of
Asheville
wishes
to
continue
to
be
a
desination
for
residents
and
visitors
to
enjoy
the
environment
today
and
in
years
to
come.

NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE
IT
RESOLVED
BY
THE
CITY
COUNCIL
OF
THE
CITY
OF
ASHEVILLE
THAT:

City
Council
approves
the
Air
Quality
Improvement
Initiative
2004.

Read,
approved
and
adopted
this
23th
day
of
March
2004.

__________________________
____________________________
City
Clerk
Mayor
Approved
as
to
form:

_______________________________________
City
Attorney
RESOLUTION
#__
04­
03­
09_________

RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING
IMPLEMENTATION
OF
THE
ASHEVILLEBUNCOMBE
COUNCIL
OF
THE
MOUNTAIN
AREA
EARLY
ACTION
COMPACT
RECOMMENDATIONS
­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­
­­­­­­­
Whereas,
the
County
of
Buncombe
realizes
that
air
quality
has
a
direct
effect
on
the
health
and
economic
well
being
of
citizens,
and
Whereas,
the
County
of
Buncombe
entered
into
an
agreement
with
six
nearby
local
governments
on
December
17,
2002
to
form
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
to
improve
air
quality,
and
Whereas,
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
governments
have
entered
into
an
agreement
with
the
NC
Division
of
Air
Quality
and
the
US
Environmental
Protection
Agency
to
improve
air
quality
and
avoid
non­
attainment
of
state
and
federal
standards,
and
Whereas,
the
Compact
agreement
requires
that
participating
local
governments
develop
pollution
reduction
strategies
and
report
those
strategies
to
state
and
federal
authorities
by
March
31,
2004,
and
Whereas,
the
Buncombe
County
Board
of
Commissioners
and
the
City
of
Asheville
Council
have
duly
appointed
the
Asheville­
Buncombe
Council
of
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact
as
a
citizens
group
to
advise
the
governing
boards,
and
Whereas,
the
Board
of
Commissioners
has
received
and
reviewed
the
Council's
recommendations.

NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE
IT
RESOLVED
by
the
Board
of
Commissioners
for
the
County
of
Buncombe
as
follows:

1
That
this
Board
does
hereby
endorse
and
approve
of
the
recommendations
offered
by
the
Asheville­
Buncombe
Council
of
the
Mountain
Area
Early
Action
Compact.

2
That
this
Board
directs
the
County
Manager
to
implement
the
recommendations
applicable
to
the
County
as
soon
as
possible.

3
That
this
resolution
be
effective
upon
its
adoption.

ADOPTED
this
the
16th
day
of
March,
2004
ATTEST
BOARD
OF
COMMISSIONERS
FOR
THE
COUNTY
OF
BUNCOMBE
Kathy
Hughes
Nathan
Ramsey
_______________________________
______________________________________
KATHY
HUGHES,
CLERK
NATHAN
RAMSEY,
CHAIRMAN
APPROVED
AS
TO
FORM
Joe
Connolly
____________________________________
JOE
CONNOLLY,
COUNTY
ATTORNEY
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS,
the
Haywood
County
Board
of
Commissioners
approved
on
December
16,
2002
being
a
member
government
of
the
Early
Action
Compact
comprised
of
Buncombe,
Henderson,
Madison,
Transylvania,
and
Haywood
Counties;
and
WHEREAS,
the
Early
Action
Compact
was
established
to
enable
the
five
counties
to
work
together
to
improve
air
quality
and
possibly
delay
any
determination
that
these
counties
are
in
non­
attainment
of
EPA
Ozone
Air
Quality
guidelines;
and
WHEREAS,
Haywood
County
stakeholders
developed
a
list
of
advisory
local
control
measures
for
citizens,
businesses
and
governmental
units;
and
WHEREAS,
the
Mountain
Area
Compact
region
has
been
determined
by
EPA
to
be
in
attainment
for
air
quality
at
this
time;
and
WHEREAS,
participation
in
the
Early
Action
Compact
is
voluntary
since
the
area
is
in
attainment
for
ozone;
and
WHEREAS,
areas
above
4,000
feet
and
the
Great
Smoky
Mountains
Park
are
considered
in
non­
attainment
due
to
transient
air
flow.

NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE
IT
RESOLVED
by
the
Haywood
County
Board
of
Commissioners
that
Haywood
County
will
voluntarily
continue
to
participate
in
the
Early
Action
Compact
to
improve
air
quality
and
to
reflect
good
faith
with
our
sister
local,
state,
and
federal
governments
participating
in
the
Early
Action
Compact.

BE
IT
FURTHER
RESOLVED
by
the
Haywood
County
Board
of
Commissioners
that
the
County
Manager
is
hereby
directed
to
carry
out
the
strategies
in
the
attached
document.

THIS
THE
15TH
DAY
OF
MARCH,
2004.

/
s/
Bill
D.
Noland
Bill
D.
Noland,
Chairman
Haywood
County
Board
of
Commissioners
Attest:

/
s/
C.
Jack
Horton
C.
Jack
Horton,
Clerk
to
the
Board
STATE
OF
NORTH
CAROLINA
Resolution
COUNTY
OF
MADISON
WHEREAS,
the
County
of
Madison
has
been
a
participant
in
the
Mountain
Early
Action
Compact
consisting
of
Buncombe,
Haywood,
Henderson
and
Transylvania
Counties;
and
WHEREAS,
Henderson
County
has
chosen
to
withdraw
from
the
Compact;
and
WHEREAS,
Madison
County
wishes
to
continue
to
participate
in
such
a
regional
concept;
and
WHEREAS,
the
local
air
quality
council
appointed
by
this
Board
has
recommended
that:

1.
The
County
continue
to
participate
in
joint
educational
efforts
to
inform
citizens
of
the
problems
associated
with
ozone
and
other
air
pollutants;

2.
The
County
encourage
car
pooling;

3.
That
an
ozone
action
day
coordinator
be
appointed
by
adding
that
title
and
responsibility
to
someone
already
on
the
Board
as
a
County
employee;
and
4.
The
County
enact
an
ordinance
banning
open
burning
on
ozone
action
days.

WHEREAS,
the
County
Commissioners
believe
wholeheartedly
in
concepts
1,
2,
and
3,
but
believe
that
concept
4
needs
further
evaluation;

WHEREFORE,
the
Madison
County
Board
of
Commissioners
does
hereby
resolve:

1
To
continue
to
participate
in
the
Mountain
Early
Action
Compact
with
the
counties
of
Buncombe,
Haywood
and
Transylvania.

2.
That
the
County
continue
to
participate
in
joint
educational
efforts
to
inform
citizens
of
the
problems
associated
with
ozone
and
other
air
pollutants;

3.
That
the
County
encourage
carpooling
4.
That
an
ozone
action
day
coordinator
be
appointed
by
adding
that
title
and
responsibility
to
someone
already
on
the
Board
as
an
employee.
This
the
8th
day
of
March,
2004
MADISON
COUNTY
By:
__________________
Vernon
Ponder
ATTEST:

Larry
Leake,
Clerk
APPENDIX
A
STAFF
REPORT
TO:
Mayor
and
City
Council
DATE:
March
16,
2004
(
worksession)
March
23,
2004
(
formal)

VIA:
Jim
Westbrook,
City
Manager
FROM:
Cathy
Ball,
P.
E.,
City
Engineer
SUBJECT:
Air
Quality
Improvement
Initiative
2004
SUMMARY
STATEMENT:
The
purpose
of
this
report
is
to
request
City
Council's
approval
on
the
Air
Quality
Improvement
Initiative
2004
for
the
City
of
Asheville
originally
developed
as
the
Early
Action
Compact.

REVIEW:
In
December
2002,
City
Council
adopted
a
resolution
to
enter
into
an
Early
Action
Compact
(
EAC)
along
with
Buncombe
County
and
other
local
governments.
The
first
step
in
the
process
was
to
develop
a
list
of
measures
that
can
be
taken
by
each
of
the
local
governments
to
reduce
air
pollution.
In
an
effort
to
develop
this
list,
EPA
recommended
that
a
group
of
stakeholders
be
created
to
make
recommendations
to
local
governments.
City
Council
reviewed
and
approved
the
list
of
stakeholders
in
March
2003.

Due
to
the
differences
in
size
and
economic
base,
it
was
agreed
that
each
county
would
identify
local
control
measures
individually.
This
process
allows
greater
stakeholder
participation
and
allows
each
jurisdiction
to
evaluate
local
resources
and
determine
if
county­
specific
control
measures
can
reasonably
be
implemented.

This
group
of
stakeholders
representing
the
City
of
Asheville
and
Buncombe
County
developed
the
attached
list.
This
list
was
presented
to
City
Council
in
June
2003.
Since
that
time,
no
major
changes
in
the
measures
has
been
made
by
the
stakeholders.

Since
the
June
2003
update
to
City
Council,
the
City
has
received
information
that
indicates
that
our
area
will
not
be
considered
for
non­
attainment
status
in
the
next
review
largely
due
to
the
wet
summer
and
fall
we
experienced
in
2003
as
well
as
some
major
changes
that
Progress
Energy
is
making
in
their
process
at
the
Lake
Julian
site.

The
stakeholders
met
to
discuss
this
issue
and
recommend
that
the
City
approve
this
plan
as
an
effort
to
improve
air
quality
regardless
of
the
threat
of
becoming
non­
attainment.
The
stakeholders
indicated
that
they
would
like
to
see
a
more
aggressive
approach
to
improving
air
quality
particularly
in
the
area
of
educating
the
public
of
measures
they
can
take
to
reduce
pollutants.

Buncombe
County
along
with
the
City
of
Asheville
held
a
public
meeting
on
January
8,
2004
to
solicite
input
on
the
plan.
The
comments
were
good
but
many
participants
requested
that
the
measures
in
the
plan
be
mandatory
as
opposed
to
optional.

CHALLENGES
AND
BENEFITS
The
Southern
Environmental
Law
Center
has
indicated,
as
described
in
the
attached
letter,
they
will
file
suit
against
EPA
if
they
allow
communities
to
use
the
Early
Action
Compact
as
a
method
of
avoiding
nonattainment
status.
EPA
has
indicated
they
will
not
challenge
this
suit.
This
means
that
adopting
an
Early
Action
Compact
may
not
allow
communities
to
avoid
the
non­
attainment
designation.
This
area
is
not
affected
by
this
challenge
because
we
would
not
be
considered
for
non­
attainment
status
for
the
reasons
described
above.
For
that
reason
many
of
the
counties
in
the
surrounding
area
have
chosen
not
to
adopt
an
air
quality
improvement
plan.
Rather
than
passing
this
plan
as
an
"
Early
Action
Compact"
Plan,
staff
recommends
that
we
refer
to
it
as
an
"
Air
Quality
Improvement
Initiative
2004"
to
avoid
any
possibility
of
being
involved
in
the
possible
law
suit
mentioned
above.

Most
of
the
measures
in
the
imitative
do
not
cost
money,
they
simply
state
that
we
will
try
to
take
measures
that
have
been
proven
to
reduce
pollutants.
The
only
initiative
that
cost
money
is
developing
and
implementing
an
educational/
public
relations
plan.
The
Engineering
Department
has
requested
$
15,000
in
the
FY
2004­
05
Budget
to
cover
these
expenses.

RECOMMENDATION:
Staff
recommends
that
City
Council
adopt
the
attached
Plan
under
the
title
of
Air
Quality
Improvement
Initiative
2004
to
improve
air
quality
in
the
City.

Attachments:
(
1)
Resolution
(
2)
Air
Quality
Improvement
Initiative
2004
(
3)
Letter
to
EPA
from
the
Southern
Environmental
Law
Center
APPENDIX
B
Signed
copies
of
resolutions
are
available
on
request,
in
some
cases
official
copies
are
not
published
until
minutes
are
approved
at
a
subsequent
meeting.
Resolutions
are
in
effect
as
of
the
dates
in
March,
2004
indicated.

Appendix
C
Portions
of
this
document
were
produced
by
the
NC
Division
of
Air
Quality.
Those
comments
are
attached
separately.
File
compatibility
problems
precluded
linking
into
a
master
document.