AIR QUALITY

The Dover/Kent MPO planning area is classified as non-attainment for ozone under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA). This means that ground level ozone in our area sometimes reaches levels that can harm healthy adults, but more often reaches levels that harm children and older citizens who are more vulnerable to ozone.  Consequently, all of the MPO's transportation plans and programs must demonstrate that the transportation system they create will not worsen the region's air quality. 

You can help, too.  Take the Summer Ozone Quiz and check out the 10 simple steps for improving air quality in Kent County. Summer Ozone Quiz

It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air
Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sunlight and high temperatures combine. High levels of ozone can harm the respiratory system as well as affect crops and vegetation. By reducing VOCs and NOx, ozone formation is reduced. 

Right now, about one-third of Delaware's VOCs and NOx emissions come from on-road mobile sources, mainly passenger vehicles. In fact, the total number of cars in Delaware can pollute as much as, or more, than Delaware's combined industries. The level of motor vehicles emissions, or pollution, is directly affected by how we drive and maintain our vehicles. Driving smarter and choosing other forms of transportation can decrease pollution. 

Keeping vehicles well-maintained can make them burn fuel more efficiently, producing less pollution. It also lowers repair and fuel costs, and helps vehicles last longer. The Dover/Kent MPO's mission is to help ensure our air is clean and our community continues to be a great place to live and do business. 

The MPO works with community leaders, businesses, residents, transportation organizations, health advocacy groups and local governments. The goals are to: 
  • Educate our friends and neighbors about local transportation and air pollution issues and how they are related; and
  • Encourage individual choices that can help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion

On the national level, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the EPA's Office of Mobile Sources have identified this issue as a priority. They are addressing it in a number of ways, from building a national coalition and partnering with local community organizations, to developing materials that support positive, voluntary actions related to transportation and air quality.
  1. Share a ride. It saves gas and reduces pollution by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
  2. Combine trips. Plan routes and consolidate errands. Saves time, stress and reduces pollution. Starting it up after a vehicle has cooled causes it to emit pollution equal to a 30 mile drive.
  3. Don't top off the gas tank. Gas vapors get released into the air and the gas pump's calibration is affected, making it ineffective for the next four cars that get fuel.
  4. Care for your car. Regular tune-ups, changing oil and spark plugs, and checking tire inflation can improve performance and reduce emissions by up to 10%.
  1. Fuel up at night during ozone season. Refueling during cooler periods of the day can prevent gas fumes from heating up and creating ozone.
  2. Telecommute. Work from home. Save time & money. Reduce congestion, emissions.
  3. Walk. It's easy to do and easy on the air
  4. Bicycle, skate. Keep yourself and our air quality in good condition.
  5. Take mass transit. When possible, do it to reduce pollution and congestion.
  6. Spread the word. Let others know how simple, easy steps can make a difference. 

 

 

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Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization
P.O. Box 383, Dover, Delaware 19903
Phone: 302-760-2713  I  Fax: 302-739-6340

Read Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization
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