What is the Town doing to reduce smog?
The Town of Oakville Public Sector Smog Alert Response Plan outlines smog reduction strategies that the Town departments will take on Smog Alert days. Some strategies can be implemented year round, while others are recommended during the smog season, typically May1-September 15, or on specific "Smog Alert Days." These include:
Year Round
- Implement an anti-idling policy for all public sector vehicles
- At schools and day care centres ensure that drop/off pickup zones are anti-idling areas
- Conduct routine inspections of all vehicles to ensure that they are well tuned, operating efficiently and meet the provincial "Drive Clean" standards
May 1 - September 15
- Increase the temperature settings in offices with air conditioning
- Refuel equipment before 9:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m.
- Minimize the use of non essential lighting and electrical equipment
- Allow for employees to adopt a flexible dress code- this will ensure the increased temperature settings requirement.
- Delay or postpone the discretionary use of work related vehicle trips
- Investigate the potential for alternate work arrangements.
During "Smog Alert Days" minimize where possible
- The use of gas powered equipment, such as lawnmowers between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- The spraying of pesticides during the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Street sweeping operations between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- The use of oil-based paints and other compounds which emit volatile organic compounds (V.O.C)
- Road and roof resurfacing activities during the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- The use of vehicles between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
