This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenters Katya Drake and Janna Thomas, who covered the January Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting. 📝Read more about what happened.
At the January Indianapolis City-County Council Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting, Mo McReynolds, the interim director of the Office of Sustainability, gave an overview of the Knozone program.
Knozone is an air quality initiative for the Central Indiana region, not just Indianapolis. It aims to educate the public on the air quality index, ozone and PM2.5.
Ozone is a reactive gas at ground level caused by vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, and even natural sources such as vegetation.
PM2.5 is particulate matter like mold, pollen, or chemicals that can reduce visibility and worsen air quality.
Knozone action days happen when ozone and PM2.5 reach high levels and have negative health impacts, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
“Indianapolis is particularly fraught with asthma,” said McReynolds, “We do not have particularly good air quality. This is resulting from a number of sources, but we especially understand this with children under the age of six, adults over the age of 60, and anyone that has cardiac or pulmonary disorders.”
McReynolds said filling up gas tanks after 6 p.m., putting off cutting the grass, and trying to walk and bike more are all ways we can help improve air quality on Knozone action days.
The Department of Public Works also adjusts its mowing schedule. McReynolds said on Knozone action days, DPW uses hand tools and electric mowers instead of diesel-powered equipment.
What’s next?
The next Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Feb. 24 at 200 East Washington St. in the Public Assembly Room.
Want to help us cover future meetings?
Indy Documenters trains and pays neighbors to attend local, public government meetings and take notes or live tweet. We’re creating a new public record in Indianapolis, and we want you to be a part of it.
Questions? Email documenters@mirrorindy.org.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
