The Cincinnati Enquirer
After an ozone reading almost went over the federal limit, Hamilton County officials extended the weekend smog alert through today. Monday, Sarah Brugger at Hamilton County's Department of Environmental Services said officials were reacting to a forecast for more hot, still weather.
Although Monday afternoon was breezy, authorities are unsure when a stiff wind or rain would clear the air, she added.
Friday, the high was 103 parts per billion (ppb) of ozone at Lebanon and Middletown.
Saturday, it was 122 at Lebanon.
Sunday, the high was 114 at Batavia.
Monday, it was 99 ppb at 4 p.m. in Lebanon.
Anything over 124 ppb exceeds the federal ozone limit.
Harry St. Clair, supervisor for air monitoring and analysis at the county environmental services department, said the stagnant Tristate weather probably wouldn't move out of the area until Hurricane Bonnie came ashore.
That would be the best hope for a break in the ozone threat, he said.
Meanwhile, he said winds of 7-8 mph held down ozone readings early Monday afternoon at the region's 10 monitors.
"It's a little more than they figured on," Mr. St. Clair said. Ozone -- the irritating ingredient in smog -- is created when the summer sun bakes emissions from vegetation, vehicles and industry. Residents can reduce those emissions by driving less and delaying vehicle refueling and lawn care with gas-powered equipment until after 6 p.m.
