Central Nova News

The City of Alexandria's Transportation & Environmental Services Department is launching its "Air Quality Action Days" program today, May 1. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the health and environmental risks associated with ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter, commonly referred to as smog.

From May through September, residents can access regional air quality forecasts for the next day. The air quality will be classified into categories: maroon, purple, red, orange, yellow, or green. Notifications for "Air Quality Action Day" will be available on the City of Alexandria’s Air Quality website or the City homepage when forecasts reach orange or above. Residents can also subscribe to daily notices via the Clean Air Partners EnviroFlash program.

The City urges residents to voluntarily take actions to improve and protect air quality when a Code Orange Day or higher is forecasted. Suggested measures include replacing driving with walking, biking, or using mass transit; avoiding mowing lawns with gas-powered mowers; postponing painting until cooler weather; refraining from using aerosol products; avoiding unnecessary idling and refueling cars after 7:00 pm; and spreading the word about air quality warnings to neighbors and community members.

For inquiries regarding the Air Quality Action Days program, residents can contact the T&ES Office of Environmental Quality at 703-746-4065. More information about notifications is available at https://www.alexandriava.gov/AirQuality.