New smog standard may mean expensive changes for Tampa Bay area

Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties could face expensive steps to reduce smog to meet new air pollution standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency this week.

Reducing pollution may require expensive changes to the gasoline sold in this area, Hillsborough County officials say. It is also likely to mean tougher restrictions on the power plants and incinerators that still have smoke stacks spewing nitrogen oxide, a key component in smog. However, the changes are likely to improve the respiratory health of the bay area's youngest and oldest residents, county officials said.

Currently, the standard for average concentrations of ozone at ground level over an eight-hour period is 84 parts per billion (ppb). The EPA's expert panel recommended a new level of 60 to 70 parts per billion. The EPA decided to lower it to 75.

Hillsborough and Pasco counties are among 10 Florida counties that do not currently meet the new EPA air pollution standard. While Pinellas does meet the standard, air pollution does not stop at the county line and any pollution control measures required in Pasco and Hillsborough are likely to be applied to Pinellas as well, said Jerry Campbell of Hillsborough County’s Environmental Protection Commission.

Hillsborough's level is 81 ppb, while Pasco's is 76. Just south of the Tampa Bay area, Manatee and Sarasota counties both are at 76 ppb as well.

--Craig Pittman and Asjylyn Loder

[John Pendygraft, Times archives]

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