About Four States Clean Air Alliance (FSCAA)
Air quality issues, while for years considered a problem for large metropolitan areas, have more recently been identified as a potential issue in mid-sized or smaller communities such as the Joplin Metro area. This is especially true for the air quality factors relating to ozone, as federal ozone regulations have become more rigorous in recent years due to the growing awareness of adverse health and environmental effects it can cause.
With this increased regulation, acceptable ground-level ozone levels have been reduced to the point that the Joplin Metro area could be considered in violation of these standards in the near future. To proactively address this issue, the Four States Clean Air Alliance (FSCAA) was formed through a joint agreement of the Joplin Area Transportation Study Organization (JATSO) and the Environmental Task Force of Jasper and Newton Counties (ETF).
The purpose of FSCAA is to develop and implement a voluntary Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) to achieve the following:
- Monitor the results of designated air quality monitoring stations
- Increase awareness of the local public, governments and businesses regarding air
- Inform the local public, governments and businesses on the environmental and health
- Educate community members about existing and proposed legislation concerning air quality issues, consequences of poor air quality, and quality as it affects our area
- Promote voluntary participation in the implementation of the CAAP
The initial area of the FSCAA includes Jasper and Newton Counties in Missouri. In the future, invitations to join FSCAA may be extended to other relevant government entities adjacent to the Joplin Metro area, including McDonald County, Missouri; Cherokee County, Kansas; Ottawa County, Oklahoma; the Inter-Tribal Council (Miami, Oklahoma); and Benton County, Arkansas. These entities are likely to encompass contributors to ozone air quality levels in the Joplin Metro area of Jasper and Newton Counties.
The Governing Board of FSCAA is charged with the primary responsibility for development and implementation of the CAAP. The JATSO has final approval of all aspects of this plan before it may be considered final. While this plan initially deals solely with ground-level ozone, it may be amended in the future to address other air quality parameters as relevant to the area.