Air Quality Advisories

When there is too much ozone in the air it can cause respiratory problems. Since 1996, the N.C. Air Awareness Program has issued advisories about ground-level ozone.

The City of Morganton monitors the N.C. Air Awareness advisories and then informs residents through CoMPAS Ch. 2 and by alerting local media.

During Air Quality Action Days, City staff will be proactive in keeping Morganton's air clean and healthy by taking extra measures to reduce air pollution produced by City vehicles and equipment. Residents can also sign up to receive e-mail alerts at http://daq.state.nc.us/airaware/.

The Unifour has two ozone air monitors; one near Lenoir and the other in Taylorsville. Currently, the three-year average of ozone concentrations is under the 1997 8-hour air standard for both monitors. However, previous three-year averages indicated ozone levels above the acceptable federal level. Therefore, the EPA designated the Unifour as a "non-attainment" area in April 2004. The designation leads to penalties involving the loss of federal and state grant funds for road and transportation improvements as well as, additional requirements for locating new industry/business in the area.