BREATHE EASY. WE’RE ON THE JOB.
Sustainable Sandhills and our partners are striving to ensure the health of our air – today, tomorrow and forever.
In partnership with the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) and Omega Air NC, Sustainable Sandhills monitors air quality in our region, collects and reports data, facilitates an air quality education program and manages a supplementary air sensor project.
WHY IS AIR QUALITY IMPORTANT?
Air quality impacts our health – especially for people who have respiratory illnesses such as asthma, allergies and emphysema. Air quality can also affect vulnerable populations including children and the elderly.
At one point, the Sandhills did not meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The region was “out of attainment.” But, through various initiatives by Sustainable Sandhills and our many partners at the local, state and federal levels, the Sandhills now enjoys generally healthy air quality — and we want this trend to continue well into the future.
By staying “air aware,” you can protect your health and breathe easy.
WHAT CAN IMPACT AIR QUALITY?
A lot of factors can impact air quality. Carbon emissions, industrial pollutants and fires can all contribute to degraded air quality. Even the weather and variables such as pollen levels can impact air quality, too.
HOW IS AIR QUALITY MEASURED?
In simple terms, the Air Quality Index is calculated on a scale that measures five key pollutants: Particulate Matter 2.5 (microscopic particulates) and Particulate Matter 10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The AQI assigns a color and a number to air quality. The lower the number, the better the air quality.
KNOW THE CODE:THE AIR QUALITY INDEX
11 SIMPLE STEPS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
CARBON BANKS
Sustainable Sandhills manages three carbon banks at Cumberland County Schools facilities. These living learning laboratories have sequestered 976 tons of carbon dioxide – and counting!
LEARN MORE HERE
SANDHILLS C.L.E.A.R PROGRAM
The Sandhills Community-Level Environmental Air Review (CLEAR) Program is our new program in partnership with Omega Air NC.
Currently, there are only three regulatory air sensors for the entire 11 county Sandhills region. We’re installing additional sensors throughout the area to create a more comprehensive, complete and accurate picture of air quality in our communities; to develop improved action plans for air quality alert days; and to protect public health.
We have installed our first sensor, and we’re already crunching the numbers!
More information is coming soon!
If you’re interested in hosting a sensor in your community, CONTACT US.
OUR AIR QUALITY PARTNERS