City’s Air Can Get A Clean Bill Of Health

It’s embarrassing. Spokane may soon join Los Angeles on a list of cities with the worst carbon monoxide problems in the country.

Spokane flunked the federal Clean Air Act standards four times in the last year; only one carbon monoxide violation is allowed. Spokane’s air doesn’t look as bad as the smoggy air in Los Angeles because it isn’t. Los Angeles violated the standards many more times than Spokane. Still, the stigma is embarrassing.

Even more worrisome, carbon monoxide poses a health concern. It interferes with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen; headaches and drowsiness can result. It is especially dangerous for those suffering from heart disease or respiratory problems.

But some blue sky is peeking through the haze. First, Spokane’s air is much cleaner than it once was. In 1974, Spokane flunked EPA carbon monoxide standards 231 out of 365 days. Tougher environmental laws, and Spokane’s determination for cleaner air, helped lessen the pollution.

Second, multiple efforts are under way already to make the air cleaner. Spokane’s motor vehicle inspection program is improving to better identify problem cars, and long-term plans will redesign freeway off-ramps and adjust stoplights for better traffic flow through the city. Most importantly, government and businesses are working together to encourage car-pooling and use of Spokane’s efficient mass transportation system.

But more needs to be done. The Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce wants the monitor that measured the violations to be moved to a different location. The Third and Washington location biases the sample, chamber officials say, because it is next to a car dealership’s vehicle drop-off zone. The monitor dispute should be looked at more closely, but also settled quickly. Time is running out. And the chamber should recognize this as an opportunity to show prospective business interests that Spokane is committed to solving the tough environmental problems that accompany growth.

Individuals must also get involved. Take a look at your own driving patterns. Can you take the bus more often? Ride to work with friends? You can also let the EPA know what you think of its plans to designate Spokane a serious violator. Until July 31, the agency will accept written, public comments on the problem. Write: Montel Livingston, Office of Air Quality, M/S OAQ-107, EPA Region 10, Docket 54-7127, 1200 Sixth Ave., Seattle Wa. 98101.

If the community works together, embarrassment can turn to triumph. And we’ll all breathe a cleaner sigh of relief.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Rebecca Nappi/For the editorial board