Though we in the Roanoke and New River Valleys are spared many of the traffic congestion problems that plague areas like Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, we suffer many of the same problems with air quality. Particularly in Roanoke, traffic within the valley and that passing through the valley on I-81 and 220 releases emissions into the air that, due to our unique geography, tend to remain trapped in the valley. These emissions contribute to high ground-level ozone levels in the summer, and high particulate matter pollution in the colder months. RIDE Solutions is working to improve regional air quality by working with individuals and employers to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads and encouraging people to use alternative transportation as a way to reduce harmful emissions.

Ground-level ozone is the main ingredient in smog and is formed by the reaction of sunlight with gasoline fumes, vehicle and industrial emissions, and solvent vapors, among others. Its formation is most likely in hot, dry weather. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality calls Air Quality Action Days any time the Air Quality Index (AQI) indicates unhealthy levels of ozone, with classifications ranging from Green, little to no health risk, to Purple, very unhealthy.

Particle pollution is made up of particles found in soot, dust, smoke and fumes. They are produced by the burning of coal, oil, diesel and other fuels, with the primary sources of such emissions coming from vehicles and coal-burning power plants. The particles are small enough to enter deep into the lungs and cause health problems.

Over the past five years, the Roanoke area has done a remarkable job of overcoming the challenges faces by ground-level ozone, but particulate matter remains a problem. And unlike ozone, which can be addressed on a day-by-day basis through strategies that be implemented over a 24-hour period, particle pollution requires a sustained, long-term effort. Changing our transportation behavior to reduce vehicle emissions is one way to effect long-term change.