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The Air Quality Improvement Branch (AQIB) was created in November 2007.
The AQIB works closely with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). This Branch is currently carrying forward a number of projects to help improve air quality here in our community.
The Air Quality Improvement Branch has a number of on-going projects:
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Memphis Area Rideshare Program (MAR) |
In November 2007 the Memphis Area Rideshare Program became a part of the Air Pollution Control Department of the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department.
Model ride share programs throughout the United States were reviewed by this Branch to determine how it would make the program a success for the citizens in Memphis and Shelby County. The new vanpool rideshare program will utilize twelve-passenger vans and require the riders or employers to pay the majority of the costs for the operation of the van. MAR may pay an empty seat subsidy up to $485.00 per month towards the van rental for up to three years. A minimum of eight riders is required for a twelve-passenger van. The following examples of cost may vary:
| Twelve-passenger van |
$1,350.00 per monthly rental |
| MAR will pay |
$ 450.00 per month |
| Riders must split |
$ 900.00 per month divided by 8 equals |
| Each rider must pay |
$ 112.50 per month and share the gas |
MAR will pay 100% of the first two months rental for the vanpools joining the program as an "introductory" fee.
Employers or employees have a tax deduction of up to $115.00 per month for vanpooling expenses. See 132(f) of IRS Code Titled Commuter Tax Benefits. For more information contact your employer about this option.
MAR will provide up to 12 free taxi ride vouchers per year to registered commuters who carpool, vanpool or take transit to work. These free taxi rides are only for commuters to use to get from work to home. They can only be used when emergency or unforeseen circumstances have caused the commuter to miss their usual mode of transportation home.
For more information about the Rideshare Program and to complete the Rideshare application, please click here.
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Retrofit of Shelby County School Buses |
The Air Quality Improvement Branch is working with the Shelby County School System to retrofit 294 county school buses with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) and Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) Systems. On average this technology will reduce smog emission or each bus 10-50% or particulate matter (PM) and hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) by over 70%.
In addition, the indoor air quality that children breathe on board the school buses is an important health related issue that we are addressing with this project. The CCVs will prevent diesel exhaust emissions from returning on-board the school buses, thereby ensuring clean air on board the buses.
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Partnership with MATA to Improve Ozone |
AQIB is partnering with MATA for an ozone alert reduced fare transit day for the entire fleet. This Branch will facilitate the reduced ride fare day on the MATA system for all riders on ozone RED alert days. The cost for transportation on designated days will be twenty-five cents ($0.25), a reduction from the regular fare of $1.50. For more information about MATA programs and partnership, click here.
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Clean Air Education and Outreach Program |
This program is an effort to reach out to our community through our schools and other public venues to help focus attention on the importance of improving our air quality. Issues such as ozone, particulate levels and other important air pollution subjects previously have not had the full attention of the public. The goal of this initiative will raise the level of awareness and provide the information needed to motivate people to help change behavior and improve air quality. In order to change or improve the air quality of our community requires individuals and businesses working together toward improvement - the Health Department can not do it alone.
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Promotion for Hybrid Vehicles |
Air Quality Improvement Branch has undertaken an effort to convert as many of Shelby County’s fleet vehicles as possible to hybrids. The Pollution Control Section has two hybrid vehicles in its fleet with future purchases planned.
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Train Switchyard Idle Reduction Technology |
This Section provided grant information to every train yard in Memphis regarding the switchyard train engine idle reduction technology. This technology reduces fuel consumption by 80% and emissions by the same amount. For more information contact our office at (901) 544-7741.
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Riverview-Kansas Environmental
Enhancement Project |
The Air Quality Improvement Branch (AQIB) has been working with the Environmental Protection Agency and Valero to implement a community environmental enhancement by providing grants in the Riverview-Kansas Area. This project involved $150,000 in funds that was awarded in small and large grants to qualifying organizations within the Riverview-Kansas community. For more information regarding the guidelines of this project and application requires of this program, please click here.
The grant applicant winners are:
Community Development Council - $5,000
Memphis Challenge - $20,000
Creative Life, Inc. - $20,000
Mallory Heights - $10,000
Riverview Collaborative - $65,000
MANDCO - $15,000
35th Ward Civic Organization - $15,000
For more information regarding any of the Air Quality Improvement Branch programs or initative, contact our office at (901) 544-7741 during normal business hours.
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