Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 3, 1993 TAG: 9311030080
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Even so, EPA's annual air quality assessment showed 72 cities and counties continued to have dirty air, failing to meet either federal smog or carbon monoxide standards.
But that number is 13 fewer than the previous year, and four cities came into full compliance with federal air-pollution control laws under the 1990 Clean Air Act during 1992.
To come into full compliance - or "attainment" - a city or county must meet standards for two or more years and assure it will continue to do so for at least a decade.
"We are making progress and seem to be on track for reaching our goals" for reduced urban air pollution, said Robert Brenner, the acting deputy assistant EPA administrator for air-pollution issues.
The agency reported that in 1992 carbon monoxide, smog and sulfur dioxide levels were reduced an average 7 percent; and lead, particulate and nitrogen dioxide level declined by 9 percent on average.
Twenty-two urban areas continued to have air pollution in the extreme, serious or severe categories and likely will be years from compliance with federal standards. These areas included the Los Angeles basin, which faces the country's worst air pollution. It is the only area in the "extreme" category. Nine urban centers continued to have "severe" air pollution and a dozen have "serious" air quality problems.
However, for the first time, a number of large urban centers came within federal standards for smog, including Detroit; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Charlotte, N.C.; and Scranton, Pa.
Air quality improved enough in Greensboro, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Kansas City, Mo.; and Cherokee County, S.C., to get these communities off the federal "nonattainment" list for smog.
by CNB