| 316 W. Commerce St. | Hernando, Mississippi | 38632 | 662-429-4414 | fax 429-0952 |  |
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DeSoto air quality addressed
Air Quality has become a buzzword on everyone’s lips lately, and it could have an effect on DeSoto County’s future.
In 2005, DeSoto County was separated from Shelby County, Tenn., and Crittendon County, Ark., for purposes of measuring air quality. Since then, DeSoto County has remained in compliance with the ozone standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has therefore been able to keep its designation as an attainment zone. However, the EPA is expected to raise those standards in the future, and DeSoto County could be in danger of losing its attainment status.
The DeSoto Council’s Infrastructure Committee held a meeting with Trudy Fisher, 
Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), to address this issue. At the meeting, Fisher addressed measures that citizens of DeSoto County can take to help keep the air quality in DeSoto County within acceptable ozone levels. Fisher suggested carpooling, mowing lawns in the evening when most atmospheric gases are dissipating , and not allowing cars to idle.
In addition, MDEQ and the DeSoto County Planning Commission held a workshop to address these issues. Several people signed up at the workshop to be a part of the DeSoto County Ozone Action Group, coordinated by Dan Callahan, assistant planner/special projects for the county planning commission.
“As DeSoto County grows, it is imperative that air quality receive the same attention from our leaders that other programs enjoy, such as roads and utilities. In addition, the citizens of DeSoto County benefit the most from clean air and thus, they must show the way and do the little things, that when added up, can greatly enhance our air quality,” Callahan said.
The DeSoto County Ozone Action Group had its first meetings on 9 and 11 July. An enthusiastic group of citizens began the process of becoming the leading organization in the County’s efforts to have clean air and to meet EPA standards. Our Mission Statement was adopted and it states:
“The mission of the DeSoto County Ozone Action Group is to encourage and promote activities and practices by government, business, and citizens that will maintain and improve our air quality and enhance our quality of life.”
Discussions occurred that explored various methods and activities to educate the public on the need for clean air and how to help, and ways to make the public aware that conditions on a specific day or group of days is conducive to a high ozone reading and how to minimize human generated ozone particles. Specific ideas included creating a speakers bureau, partnering with EPA, involving the media, encourage use of environmentally safe products, and posting reminders at gas stations on how to minimize emissions from automobiles. The next meeting is scheduled for 13 & 15 August, however, these dates are likely to change. Contact the DeSoto County Planning Commission by calling 662.429.1303 for current meeting information.
For more information on air quality, visit MDEQ’s website at www.deq.state.ms.us.