There has been an average decrease of more than 70 percent in the levels of sulfur dioxide in Ohio in the past 20 years. Annual average levels of sulfur dioxide have been reduced by 73 percent. The entire State of Ohio is technically within limits regarding production of nitrogen dioxide, lead, and carbon monoxide. The E-Check program is a vehicle emissions testing program designed to identify motor vehicles emitting excessive levels of pollutants into the air. The test, required in 14 counties every two years, applies to gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles up to 25 years old and weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
Agricultural vehicles are exempt.
Drivers in Athens County do not have to test their vehicles for emissions. Brownfield properties located in economically disadvantaged areas are eligible for a greater tax credit from the state than properties outside these areas. Properties located outside economically disadvantaged areas are eligible for a lesser tax credit. These sites may be operating or abandoned industrial facilities, contaminated or potentially contaminated public water supplies with the source or contamination undiscovered, or other locations where the environmental media is contaminated through a variety of waste management activities. Water Resources Water use for each of Athens County's public water supply systems is listed in Table 2.