Air Alliance Houston Reports
Whiners Matter! Citizen complaints lead to improved regional air quality control
The complaint process often begins with a nose. In 2004, area residents called local agencies on more than 2,000 occasions to complain about offensive odors or other indications of air pollution problems. Although less than 10% of these complaints led directly to enforcement, the data from these citizen alerts is invaluable in identifying trends and problem areas.
Exceeding the Limit - Industry Violation of New Rule Almost Slid Under State’s Radar
Houston-area industrial facilities have regularly violated a key air pollution regulation during the first two months it has been in effect. Their failure to comply with the new rule – which sets an hourly limit on specific emissions – places the region’s strategy for reducing ozone smog at risk. Yet the state’s environmental agency has only recently begun investigating the incidents.
Houston Ozone Air Pollution Season Off to Record Start
People in the Houston region have been exposed to more days with high ozone levels in 2005 than in any first six month period in at least nine years. As of June 29, the eight-hour ozone standard has been exceeded on 28 days.
Mercury in Galveston and Houston Fish
Contamination by Neurotoxin Places Children at Risk
Many fish commonly caught or consumed in the Houston area are contaminated by mercury from air pollution. The US Environmental Protection Agency should adopt stronger air pollution regulations to protect the public from mercury contamination. Until air pollution is reduced, education and health advisories are the best way to reduce the harm to people caused by mercury. The state should establish a voluntary or mandatory health advisory program for to reach people in restaurants, at seafood markets, and when purchasing fishing licenses.
