By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – Federal environmental officials say Jefferson and Shelby counties are no longer in violation of the U-S Clean Air Act's ozone requirements. The two counties have been in violation of ozone requirements for the past 26 years, and that was put a damper on industrial development in the area.
State environmental officials say air monitor information from the metro-Birmingham has passed all EPA reviews. Compliance was reached just before higher standards take effect next month. But an EPA spokesperson says the Birmingham area is very close to the new standard and meets the standard at nine out of 10 area ozone monitors.
Environmental Management Commissioner Pat Byington says reaching compliance with the old standard is an important step but planning needs to be done to form a long-term solution to air quality problems.