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1104 Ozone Days Procedures
.01 Purpose
The Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1990 set guidelines for air quality throughout
the United States. Subsequently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
designated Tarrant, Denton and Dallas, and Collin counties as "serious" non-
attainment areas because the level of ozone in the region has exceeded the Clean
Air Act standard. Since the region failed to demonstrate in 1999 that emissions
levels from automobiles, trucks, planes, small gasoline powered engines, etc. are
not below the standard, the Federal government put the region under an intensive
regulatory requirement to bring the region into compliance no later than 2007. As
a result, the City Manager has requested all departments to join the TCEQ
voluntary alert program. For the first time in Texas, the D/FW area will not only be
promoting tips for ozone prevention, but the TCEQ, along with local partners, the
N.C.T.C.O.G. will publicize and issue Air Pollution warnings. The warnings will go
beyond the former Ozone Action Day notice. TCEQ will issue health warnings
when pollution levels are determined to meet the EPA’s criteria for possible health
risks. The process will use the terms Air Pollution Watch and Air Pollution Warning.
A watch will be issued for a day predicting to be a health risk. If air pollution reaches
(red) unhealthy level, based upon monitor readings a warning will be issued.
.02 PROCEDURE
Between May and October, The TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY will notify the City Fleet Services Division of a potential air quality
warning of Red ozone levels (125-149 ppb). Upon notification, the Fleet Services
Division will notify each department by fax and/or e-mail of the red alert.
Departments will be responsible for implementing appropriate operating
procedures on health alert days:
(1) All employees will be encouraged to use alternative means of transportation
such as ride sharing, mass transit, etc. to limit their driving before 10:00
a.m.
(2) All employees should reschedule meetings for 10:00 a.m. or later. Agenda
meetings shall be held at 10:00 a.m. or later.
(3) All mail runs, pickups and deliveries between City facilities shall be
conducted after 10:00 a.m.
(4) All City vehicles shall avoid excessive idling.
(5) City re-fueling facility will be closed until 10:00 a.m. except in a public safety
emergency.
(6) During the Health advisory, the City mowing crews shall limit usage until
10:00 a.m.
Revised 02/15/2005
Administrative Policy Manual Republished 02/01/2014