Helping North Carolina Breathe Easier: Pollution Solutions

North Carolina's air quality is impacted by ground-level ozone and particle pollution, which are caused by emissions from cars, trucks, and coal-burning power plants. The state also faces stormwater pollution, with sediment being the primary pollutant found in surface waters. To address these issues, individuals can make simple changes to their daily activities, such as ensuring their yards do not have bare areas to prevent sediment runoff into waterways. Additionally, organisations can get involved with community projects and educational initiatives like NC Air Awareness to raise awareness and take action against air pollution.

Reducing ground-level ozone and particle pollution caused by emissions from cars and trucks

North Carolina's two biggest air quality problems are ground-level ozone and particle pollution, which are caused by emissions from cars and trucks, as well as coal-burning power plants. Here are some ways you can help reduce ground-level ozone and particle pollution caused by vehicle emissions:

Reduce your car usage

One of the most effective ways to reduce vehicle emissions is to simply drive less. Consider walking, biking, or taking public transportation whenever possible. Carpooling and ride-sharing services can also help reduce the number of cars on the road.

Maintain your vehicle

Keeping your car or truck well-maintained can help reduce emissions. Regular tune-ups, oil changes, and ensuring your tires are properly inflated can all improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution.

Consider an electric or hybrid vehicle

If you're in the market for a new car, consider choosing an electric or hybrid model. These vehicles produce fewer emissions than traditional gas-powered cars, especially when charged with renewable energy sources.

Support clean energy initiatives

Advocate for and support initiatives that promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This includes supporting the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and pushing for stricter emissions standards for vehicles and power plants.

Educate yourself and others

Understanding the sources and impacts of air pollution is crucial to making a difference. Stay informed about air quality issues in your community and share this knowledge with others. You can also get involved with local organisations, such as NC Air Awareness, to learn more about specific actions you can take to improve air quality in North Carolina.

Reducing sediment in surface waters by ensuring yards do not have bare areas

North Carolina's air quality is primarily affected by ground-level ozone and particle pollution, which are caused by emissions from cars, trucks and coal-burning power plants. However, sediment is the number one pollutant found in the state's surface waters. Sediment enters waterways when bare areas of ground erode and wash away with the rain. This can be caused by construction activities, bare areas in your yard, or when large rain events wash away previously stable ground.

You can help to reduce sediment in surface waters by ensuring your yard does not have bare areas. This will prevent the ground from eroding and washing away into nearby waterways. You can also channel your downspouts into landscaped or grassy areas. Excessive sediment blocks sunlight needed by aquatic plants and animals, increases water temperature and impairs their feeding, vision and breathing capabilities.

By taking these simple steps, you can help to improve the health of North Carolina's lakes, rivers and streams, and protect the wildlife that depend on them.

Reducing air pollution caused by energy and industrial facilities

North Carolina's two biggest air quality problems are ground-level ozone and particle pollution, which are caused by emissions from cars, trucks, and coal-burning power plants. To reduce air pollution, you can contact air.awareness@ncdenr.gov to learn about things you can do to improve air quality. You can also get involved with community projects or connect your organization with N.C. Air Awareness.

To reduce stormwater pollution, you can make sure your yard does not have bare areas and channel your downspouts into landscaped or grassy areas. This will help prevent sediment from entering waterways and endangering aquatic life.

Reducing air pollution caused by construction

North Carolina's air quality is mainly affected by ground-level ozone and particle pollution, which are caused by emissions from cars and trucks, as well as coal-burning power plants. Construction is also a major contributor to air pollution in the state.

Construction activities can cause air pollution through the release of dust and other particulate matter into the atmosphere. To reduce the impact of construction on air quality, several measures can be implemented. Firstly, construction companies should ensure that all equipment is well-maintained and operating efficiently to minimise emissions. This includes regular servicing of engines and the use of emission control technologies, such as diesel particulate filters.

Secondly, dust control measures should be implemented on construction sites. This can include wetting down surfaces to prevent dust from becoming airborne, using dust suppression agents, and employing dust collection systems to capture and remove dust from the air.

Another way to reduce air pollution from construction is by carefully planning and scheduling construction activities. For example, by avoiding or minimising construction during peak hours, when traffic and congestion are higher, emissions can be reduced. Additionally, construction companies can prioritise the use of cleaner and more efficient equipment and vehicles, such as those powered by electricity or alternative fuels.

Furthermore, construction companies can implement sustainable practices, such as recycling and reusing construction materials, to reduce the need for new material production, which often involves the burning of fossil fuels. They can also explore off-site construction methods, such as prefabrication, which can reduce the overall time spent on-site and, consequently, lower emissions.

By implementing these measures, construction companies can play a significant role in improving North Carolina's air quality and creating a healthier environment for its residents.

Getting involved with community projects and education to raise awareness about air pollution

North Carolina's two biggest air quality problems are ground-level ozone and particle pollution, which are caused by emissions from cars, trucks and coal-burning power plants. To help improve air quality, you can get involved with community projects and education to raise awareness about air pollution.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) suggests that individuals and organisations can make a few simple changes to their daily activities to reduce air pollution. You can contact DEQ at air.awareness@ncdenr.gov to learn about NC Air Awareness projects. The website also offers information on K-12 education materials, speakers and partnership opportunities.

You can also help reduce stormwater pollution by ensuring your yard does not have bare areas and by channelling your downspouts into landscaped or grassy areas. This will prevent sediment from entering waterways and endangering aquatic life.

Additionally, you can consider ways to reduce your use of fossil fuels, as they are commonly burned in power plants and manufacturing facilities across North Carolina, contributing to air pollution.

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