These counties have been targeted because air quality there exceeds state and federal standards for ozone.
Ozone is the main contributor to urban smog.
It is harmful to lungs, especially for the elderly, children, and people with respiratory illnesses. Staff from the Compliance and Technical Assistance Programs located in northwestern and southern Indiana visit those collision repair and auto refinishing shops requesting assistance with general or specific questions and concerns. The on-site visit is free of charge and completely confidential. An integrated education program has recently been approved for collision repair and auto refinishing shops and will include a compliance assistance manual, compliance workshops, and a 5-Star Environmental Recognition Program. IDEM has begun research on this project and will be working toward completing a manual first.