OHIO Mild temperatures affect ozone levels

There is still pollution in Ohio from power plants.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- Air-quality experts say cooler weather has kept ozone levels at bay for much of the state this summer, making breathing easier for residents.
Ozone, a key ingredient in smog, is created when hot weather and sunlight bake chemicals produced by cars, factories and power plants. It's been noticeably absent from the state's air this summer, experts said.
"I don't think we've ever had a summer like this where the levels are so low," said Bruno Mayer, supervisor of monitoring for the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency in Dayton.
Heidi Griesmer, a spokeswoman for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, said she can't remember a summer this mild. There have been 11 days where monitors measured ozone levels higher than the minimum safety standard set by the Air Quality Index, according to the EPA. The minimum level is considered unsafe for people sensitive to bad air, such as children, asthmatics and the elderly.
"Even if it gets hot next month, the season isn't going to be as bad as it has been in previous years," Griesmer said.
In 2002 there were 47 days during the April to October smog season that exceeded the standard while last year had 19 days, Griesmer said.
Temperature
She said this year's low smog levels were due to lower temperatures and breezy and rainy days, which disperse ozone. Ozone breeds on hot, sunny days with no wind.
Bill Randel, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Cleveland, said there haven't been abnormally low temperatures, but things just weren't heating up as they usually do.
"We just haven't had the higher temperatures," he said.
Pamela Davis, a senior environmental planner with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, which compiles data from ozone monitors in that region, agreed that air quality has been unusually good this season.
But she added that the wetter, cooler weather has been bad for water quality.
Rain falling on impermeable surfaces such as paved roads runs off into streams, carrying pollutants with it. Many water treatment plants are connected to storm drains, and overflow means raw sewage can contaminate lakes and rivers.
Davis said that while residents may be able to breathe easier, they should avoid lakes and streams after it's been raining.
Pollution still exists
The southern part of the state near Cincinnati is seeing its second consecutive summer with low ozone levels due to lower temperatures, said Sarah Dowers, a spokeswoman for the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services. The department measures air quality for Butler, Clarmont, Hamilton and Warren counties, along with three counties in Kentucky.
The lower temperatures don't mean people can ignore the pollution problem, said Molly Fontana, executive director of the American Lung Association for Ohio's central region.
"We still have an incredible amount of pollution in the state of Ohio, from power plants and diesel power," she said.
The state's EPA has committed to developing a plan by spring 2007 for reducing pollution in 33 counties under order by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to meet tougher federal clean-air standards.
Griesmer said solutions the agency will consider include additional controls on polluters and cleaner burning fuels for all vehicles.
"Power plants and vehicles have to be part of the solution," she said.