Colorado officials are struggling for a solution to a pollution problem that exposes the Denver area and Front Range residents to more than the maximum allowable levels of ozone.
In 2007 Denver fell out of compliance with a federal ozone standard set in 1997 — 80 parts per billion. Air-quality overseers now are striving to meet the 75 ppb standard set in 2008.
Denver-area ozone levels typically range from 69 to 82 ppb, according to recent data from the Regional Air Quality Council.
Now federal Environmental Protection Agency officials are poised to set an even tougher ozone standard — between 60 and 70 ppb.
Ground-level ozone forms when nitrogen-oxide gases and volatile organic compounds, such as gasoline vapors from vehicles and factories, react in the sunlight and heat. Breathing ozone can irritate lungs, causing wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks.
EPA officials can punish failure by withholding federal highway funds and imposing limits on new industry, but the agency rarely has done so. Denver air-quality officials say they’ll present a plan to the EPA by 2013.
The EPA also set standards for an array of pollutants, including carbon monoxide and fine particulates.
On Tuesday, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced a tougher standard of 75 ppb for sulfur dioxide — emitted primarily by power plants and other industrial facilities.
Like ozone, sulfur dioxide can aggravate asthma and cause other respiratory problems, especially for children and the elderly.
Air Quality Council officials said sulfur dioxide levels in Denver currently fall below the limit.
Bruce Finley: 303-954-1700 or bfinley@denverpost.com
