Data in Table 10 indicate that short term particle pollution exposure is problematic for all four counties, and ozone exposure, as already noted, is problematic for Spartanburg and Richland Counties. Only Greenville County failed annual exposure for particle pollution (2008).

Subject matter experts indicate that the Upstate won’t meet new federal Clean Air Standards to be determined in March 2010 based on 2007-2009 data. Preliminary ozone monitor data show an average 8-hour ground level ozone reading at Spartanburg monitor of 0.084 ppm and at a Clemson monitor at 0.080 ppm over a three-year period. The new standard is 0.075 ppm. If the area fails to meet these standards, more stringent air-quality emissions rules would result, making recruiting industry more difficult. Further, federal highway funding could be cut if more complex transportation planning requirements for air pollution abatement are not met. Air quality is an ongoing issue as standards are revised every five years, and are usually tightened.