DEQ: Lafayette should monitor air quality
LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality says Lafayette drivers could be forced to pay an extra fee when getting vehicle inspections and business could face stricter regulations if the area's air quality worsens or federal guidelines are tightened.
Michael Vince, a senior scientist for DEQ, told members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization on Thursday they should consider forming an "Ozone Action Coalition" to promote better air quality.
For the past several years, Lafayette's air quality has remained steady at 72 parts per billion of ozone, which is below the Environmental Protection Agency's 75 ppb threshold to be in compliance with federal law. If Lafayette's air quality worsens or the EPA lowers that threshold, Vince said the area would not be in compliance with federal standards.
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Information from: The Advertiser, http://www.theadvertiser.com
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