FROM STAFF REPORTS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Jan. 9 that Shelby and Jefferson counties, along with part of Walker County, have attained the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter.

According to an Alabama Department of Environmental Management press release, particulate matter is a pollutant that contributes to a range of health problems, especially in young children with asthma and seniors with respiratory problems.

Monitoring data from the Birmingham area shows that the area began meeting the standards in 2009-2010.

EPA Regional Administrator Gwen Keyes-Fleming signed an announcement Jan. 9 certifying that the Birmingham area has been designated as meeting the air quality standards, according to the press release.