BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Regional Ozone Coalition in conjunction with BP Oil Company and NAPA Auto Parts is offering a free program to replace leaking gas caps in order to improve Greater Cincinnati's smog problem.
The "Putting a Cap on Smog" program, which runs through Labor Day, attempts to reduce the amount of gasoline fumes released into the air. The Greater Cincinnati region, already in violation of federal air quality standards, has until Nov. 15 to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, or risk sanctions.
Judi Craig, special projects manager for the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI), said the more stringent controls that will be required by the EPA could cost the local economy $112 million annually in potential employers and layoffs.
"By replacing 30,000 leaking caps, we can remove 7 1/2 tons of air pollution each day. It provides an opportunity for the general public to do their share for cleaner air in an easy, and yet significant, way," Ms. Craig said.
Steve Stevens, chairman of the Regional Ozone Coalition, cited two reasons why motorists should get their caps checked.
"The No. 1 reason is public health. The second issue is economic impact to this region if we do not meet the standard," Mr. Stevens said.
The coalition estimates that 72,000 cars in the region have leaking caps. Fuel vapors from leaking gas caps cost motorists between $30 and $40 annually.
The seven-county Greater Cincinnati region, which consists of Boone, Butler, Campbell, Clermont, Hamilton, Kenton and Warren counties, is classified as "moderate" non-attainment. This means the region doesn't meet EPA air quality standards.
The region's air quality is monitored at 10 locations for ozone pollution, including sites in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. Vehicles contribute to 45 percent of the region's smog, Ms. Craig said.
In addition to the gas cap program, the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet has set new regulations for Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties to control open burning in the state.
