AIR QUALITY AND EMISSIONS Fort Worth’s air quality reflects both its natural environment and the impacts of urbanization and industrial activities. As part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metropolitan area, the city has long grap- pled with air quality issues, particularly concerning ozone pollution. On hot summer days, when temperatures soar and sunlight intensifies, ground-level ozone levels often rise to levels that pose risks to public health. The area has been classified as a non-attainment zone for ozone by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While Fort Worth often meets federal air quality standards on an annual basis, it exceeds the standard often enough—based on the three-year average of the fourth- highest daily maximum 8-hour concentration—to be designated as nonattainment. Figure 01-10 illustrates the spatial distribution of ozone and PM2.5 concentrations across Fort Worth. These pollutants, which are primarily associated with vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and other urban sources, contribute to air quality challenges in the region. The darker shaded areas indicate higher relative concentrations of ozone and fine particulate matter, which can have significant health impacts, particu - larly for vulnerable populations. Understanding the geographic distribu- tion of these pollutants helps identify areas where air quality concerns may be more pronounced and informs strategies for mitigation and public health protection. The city’s expanding road network, reliance on vehicular transportation, and ongoing construction contribute to these particulate levels, complicating efforts to maintain clean air.
Figure 01-10: Distribution of Ozone and PM2.5 Concentrations- 2023
Mound Flower
Lake Grapevine
Briar
Southlake
Grapevine
Keller
Airport International Worth Dallas-Fort
Azle
Colleyville
Saginaw
Haltom City
Settlement White
Willow Park
Arlington
Aledo
Benbrook
Forest Hill
Air Quality
Ozone EJ Index Particulate Matter 2.5 EJ Index
High
Mansfield
Low
High Low Data Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS)
Burleson
As Fort Worth continues to grow, so do the pressures on its air quality.
MOVING A MILLION | STATE OF THE SYSTEM REPORT
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