To determine which pollutants were in Hamilton County's air, EPA and the Bureau conducted the Chattanooga Air Toxics Study (CATS).  From 1998-99, six monitors were set up around Hamilton County to collect air samples.  These samples tested for 148 compounds, from chemicals to metals.

The EPA also worked with the Bureau and community stakeholders (neighborhoods, businesses and local government) to conduct a Risk Assessment and create a Risk Management Plan.

The study determined that Chattanooga's air quality is on par with other cities of its size and makeup.

For more information on CATS, please contact the Bureau's Engineering Manager, Errol Reksten, at (423) 643-5986 or via email.