Nov. 19--The Kansas City area has violated the federal Clean Air Act after exceeding the air quality standard for ozone eight times this summer, state officials said today.

The violation occurred because the area has exceeded the federal standard several times every summer for the last three years.

As a habitual violator, the Kansas City area is likely to be classified as "non-attainment," which means more stringent controls will be put in place, said Renee Bungart, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

One of those controls could be vehicle emission testing, but Bungart did not believe that would be an immediate fix.

Bungart said people should know they can help solve the air quality problem.

"In general, there is a huge list of what individuals can do from don't fill up your tanks in the heat of the day, don't pop off your gas tanks, and try to car pool," Bungart said. "Citizens can make a difference one person at a time."

Ozone season generally begins April 1 and ends Oct. 31.

------

Tips from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources:

Everyone can help reduce the amount of pollutants that are emitted into the air and contribute a huge benefit to the environment. Here are some steps everyone can take to improve Missouri's air.

1. Decrease the use of solvents (potentially harmful chemicals found in paint thinners, glue, detergents, etc.) by using water-based paints and biodegradable cleaning products.

2. When mowing the lawn, avoid gasoline spills. It is best to mow in the evening, when heat will not evaporate fuel spills and cause pollutants to be released into the air.

3. Do not burn leaves. Compost yard clippings. Use the compost as natural fertilizer in the yard.

4. Landscape the yard with shrubs and evergreen ground covers. This reduces the amount of lawn that must be maintained which, in turn, decreases the amount of fuel that must be used to mow.

5. Carpool, walk, ride a bike and use public transportation to reduce auto emissions.

6. It is best to avoid speeding, rapid acceleration and excessive braking and idling when driving.

7. Keep car engines properly tuned and your tires inflated.

8. Use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. This increases gas mileage significantly.

9. Shop for a vehicle that has high mileage per gallon of gas. To find a car with good gas mileage, visit. www.fueleconomy.gov.

10. Do not top off the gas tank. It will emit gasoline fumes into the air.

11.