These resources, such as waterways, wetlands, floodplains, soils and aquifers have development implications. The following maps , located on the left side of this page below the contents, will provide an overview of the County's natural resources. Specific sites should be analyzed in greater detail before making development decisions. While the city of Indianapolis provides a high quality of life, that quality continues to be threatened by the dangers of air pollution. In 1970 Congress passed the Clean Air Act with the intent on making the preservation of air quality a national priority.
Air pollution can result from many various sources.
Emissions from automobiles, refineries, and factories rise up into the ozone layer and eventually lead to the creation of smog. At the same time, fine particles from trucks, buses, and power plants that are released into the air enhance the mass and density of the smog. As the city of Indianapolis experiences new development, the factors that contribute to air pollution increase as well. In the year 2000 EPA will officially determine areas of the country which do not meet the new 8-hour standards. This determination will be based on data collected between 1997 and 1999.