Chattahoochee Valley

Helping Chattahoochee Valley breathe easier.

Chattahoochee Valley Resources

Traffic and air quality issues exist throughout Georgia. That’s why The Clean Air Campaign is working with employers and commuters in areas across the state, including the Chattahoochee Valley, to provide resources that can help us open up our roadways and clear up our skies.

Population Growth Means More Areas Have Air Pollution Challenges

Ground-level ozone has become an issue in the Chattahoochee Valley, as the region experiences more growth in population and cars on the roads. Few people may know that vehicle exhaust accounts for 67% of the air pollution that forms ground-level ozone in the region. Commuter traffic contributes to a large part of this smog problem.

Although air quality has improved over the last few decades, scientists are continually learning more about the harmful effects of air pollution, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responding with an ozone standard designed to better protect human health. A tighter ozone standard may be established in mid-2012. The goal is to ensure that the area complies with federal standards for air quality.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has recommended in the past that Muscogee County implement measures to proactively address ozone pollution, and the possibility of a tighter standard makes the need even more timely, considering that a nonattainment designation could bring with it some long-term challenges to quality of life, including:

Stigma of poor air quality and smog
Health risks for children and the elderly
Economic development challenges
More stringent permitting requirements
Additional requirements for transportation projects

Learn more about how smog hurts Georgia.

We’re Ready to Help

The Clean Air Campaign is now working with government agencies, employers and commuters in the Chattahoochee Valley by:

Educating these groups about Georgia’s air pollution problems
Promoting alternatives to driving alone – like riding Metra Transit System, carpooling, vanpooling, teleworking, bicycling and walking

Commuters

Less than 10% of Columbus-area commuters share the ride, use transit, walk or cycle to work, but when you change your commute, you’re helping improve air quality in the Chattahoochee Valley. Plus, you can earn cash and win prizes!

Be part of The Clean Air Campaign and you can earn $3 a day, up to $100, when you make the switch from driving alone. You can win prizes and earn gas cards, too! Learn more.

You can also sign up for Smog Alerts. The alerts, e-mailed directly to you, let you know when the air quality is predicted to be poor in Columbus -- so that you can protect your health and the health of your family.

Employers

Partner with us to improve employee productivity and your bottom line.

The Clean Air Campaign works with employers to build commute options programs specifically around your needs. These services are provided at no cost to you.

Schools

Air pollution affects everyone, especially children. With their lungs still developing, children are more vulnerable to the impact of vehicle exhaust and poor air quality.

The Clean Air Schools program is free and open to all elementary, middle and high schools around the state. It includes air quality lesson plans, no-idling zones and creative ideas to encourage riding the bus and carpooling to school.