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SUGGESTIONS ARE APPRECIATED
If you have any recommendations on improving our service or this site, please don't hesitate in contacting us. E-mail or call (636) 949-7415.
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in St. Charles County
Do you know what’s in the air you breathe? The air’s quality has a great impact on our health. Air pollutants, indoor and out, can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. Using energy–efficient vehicles, carpooling, and combining errands are just a few ways you can collectively make a difference in air quality.
Air Quality
Did you know that there are two air quality monitoring sites in St. Charles County? These sites, near Orchard Farm and West Alton, monitor ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and inhalable particulates.
Other Air Quality Links
The EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards limits several air pollutants that have documented effects on public health:
Carbon Monoxide
Lead
Nitrogen Dioxide
Ozone
Sulfur Dioxide
Inhalable Particulates
Fine Inhalable Particulates
Open Burning
The St. Louis area has the most restrictive open burning regulations because of unhealthful levels of ground-level ozone pollution. In the St. Louis Ozone Non-attainment area, open burning is banned in the during the hot summer months. The by-products of open burning are hydrocarbons, which can form ozone (smog) in certain climatic conditions. Some hydrocarbons are also known carcinogens. A permit may not be necessary for the type and volume of open burning you plan, depending on the location. For information, permits, or complaints, call your local fire protection district or the MO Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis Regional Office at (314) 416-2960.
Ground-level ozone, or smog, is harmful to human health and regulated by the Federal Clean Air Act. Missouri has ozone levels above the national health based standards, and are required to implement vehicle emissions inspection programs.
A clean air program was first implemented in the St. Louis metro in 2000 as part of the state’s overall strategy to reduce ground-level ozone in the area. Click on the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program (Gateway VIP) logo to learn more, or contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-361-4827.
Ride Finders
By sharing a ride to work or school, you can improve the quality of our air. Check out the new wave of transportation and learn how to save 7500 miles of wear and tear on your car and about $900 a year on gas and operating costs.
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