Richmond region air quality reaches historic level

The Richmond region experienced no days of poor air quality during the official ozone pollution forecasting season, which extended from April through Oct. 2. It's the first time since the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality began monitoring air quality in the early 1970s that the region achieved the mark. DEQ evaluates air quality using information from 40 stations throughout Virginia.

The estimated air quality index, or AQI, is used to describe how clean the air is and what health effects might be expected. At high levels, ground level ozone and particle pollution may raise health concerns. Unhealthy air quality days are characterized as days when sensitive people are advised to reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.

“To finally achieve zero days with poor air quality in Richmond is a major accomplishment,” said DEQ Director David Paylor. “In 1993, the worst year on record, Richmond experienced 76 days with poor air quality. Together we are making tangible progress through more stringent pollution limits, control technology, more efficient vehicles, cleaner fuels and of course, ridesharing and alternative transportation.”

“Despite an unusually hot and dry summer that seems to have no end in sight, pollution has continued to decrease because so many of us are taking action,” said RideFinders Executive Director Von Tisdale. “More than 9,000 registered commuters and 144 vanpools now participate in our programs – often due to local employers who help with these costs. Our efforts to increase ridesharing and transportation efficiency are clearly making a difference.”