Our Programs

The Eastern Panhandle's Air Quality Program was started in 2004 after the EPA designated the region to be a non-attainment area for ozone pollution.  Basically, the quality of the air in the Eastern Panhandle received a failing grade.  Since then, the Air Quality Program has been working to improve the air quality.

Plan ahead, trip chaining can save you time, money and creates less pollution.  Combine many errands into one trip.

When the program started, there were seven control measures to work on.  One of these, retro-fitting school buses in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties with air pollution devices is completed.  The six remaining control measures are all on-going in nature.  These include:

- an ozone action day program

- a public awareness program

- bicycle/pedestrian measures

- reduce engine idling

- ground freight

- open burning compliance

The program addresses these by making presentations to various groups and organizations.  If you are a member of a group or know of a group that would like to receive a presentation on ozone pollution, please contact us. 

Once people are aware of the issue, they can start to help clean the air.