2009 best year on record for smog in Virginia

Virginians enjoyed air so clean in 2009 that it set a record.

With the season for ozone -- the main pollutant in smog -- virtually over, the state has suffered just three high-ozone days.

All three smoggy days occurred in Northern Virginia, which has a long reputation for cars and air pollution. In the Richmond area, ozone never exceeded the federal limit.

"2009 was the best year on record," said Bill Hayden, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Quality.

The number of smoggy days in Virginia has plunged 96 percent from 76 days in 1999, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said in a news release.

"We've made incredible strides in the last decade to improve our air quality through deliberate pollution reduction initiatives," Kaine said.

State and federal pollution crackdowns have clearly contributed to the decline in smoggy days. But weather also had a big effect. Experts said this summer failed to produce the waves of extra-hot, stagnant days that are perfect for making ozone.

The number of high-ozone days can vary considerably from year to year. For example, the Richmond region had 17 last year -- 14 by July 28. There were 25 smoggy days in 2007, but just eight in 2004.

While there is no way to tell how much this summer's clean air is due to pollution controls and how much is due to weather, the overall trend is definitely positive, Hayden said.

On the other hand, don't be surprised if smog creeps back for a few days next year.

Contact Rex Springston at (804) 649-6453 or .