Victoria Air Quality Research Plan
Transportation Chapter of the 2020
Comprehensive Plan
4.8 Air Quality
Air pollution is a problem facing most urban areas. Ozone is a
colorless,odorless gas that occurs both in the upper atmosphere
and at ground level.The ozone that occurs in the upper atmosphere
(stratosphere) protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Ground level ozone is formed when pollutants react chemically with
sunlight.
Ground-level ozone forms readily in the atmosphere during hot summer
weather, but it is not emitted directly into the air. It is formed
by the reaction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) and Nitrogen
Oxides (NOX) in the presence of sunlight. VOC's come from things
that evaporate like
gasoline, paint fumes, lighter fluid and consumer products. NOX
is emitted from motor vehicles, power plants and other sources of
combustion like gas-powered lawn equipment. High accumulations of
ground level ozone can be harmful to health in a number of ways,
including irritation of the respiratory system, aggravation of asthma,
and can cause headaches, nausea
and eye irritation.
In 1990 Victoria County was classified as a non-attainment area
for ozone under the Federal Clean Air Act. However, after three
years of clean monitoring data, Victoria was reclassified as a near
non-attainment area on March 7, 1995. This means that Victoria is
close to exceeding the federal
air quality limit for ozone. In order to qualify as an ozone attainment
area, a region may not exceed maximum air pollution levels on more
than three days during any three-year monitoring period. Failure
to comply with air quality standards could result in the loss of
federal transportation
funds and restrictions on the growth of businesses in the region.
The city and county have taken a proactive approach by developing
air quality strategies that will continue to ensure the area's air
quality. These efforts include continued monitoring, planning and
public education efforts.
4.10 Summary
Much like the various support systems of the human body, a well-maintained
and balanced transportation system can provide for a healthy, stable
and strong Victoria. A good transportation system should support
the vital functions of a city by circulating people and goods around
the community with minimal delays, a choice of travel modes, and
without degrading the air quality or the environment. By maintaining
and by providing timely upgrades to the existing roadway network,
Victoria can continue to benefit from a safe and efficient means
of transportation. Much like an athlete that goes through rigorous
training to perform better, Victoria must work at bringing
the various modes of transportation together. By providing better
connectivity to the barge canal, rail, the airport and public transportation,
Victoria can make itself stronger and more competitive
economically. Without that connectivity and without providing alternatives
modes of transportation such as public transportation, hike/bike
facilities and sidewalks, Victoria can lose the vitality and accessibility
that contributes to its quality of life and end up competing in
the consolation bracket instead of forging to the front. A coordinated
circulation system that provides several transportation alternatives
can work better, cost less and improve the city's environment as
well as its attractiveness to businesses. A well-maintained and
thought out transportation system is not only needed to attract
business, it is also needed to provide a safe and pleasing experience
for the citizens of Victoria and for those that travel through our
city.
4.11 Goals and Objectives
Goal 4: Develop transportation strategies that will reduce dependence
on the automobile and continue to ensure the city's clean air quality.
Objective 4.1: Increase awareness of and encourage the use of alternative
transportation options.
Victoria County Near Non-Attainment
Strategy 2002-2003
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