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Air Quality Update
Ozone Non-Attainment Designations
On April 15, 2004 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed thirty-one governors that areas of their state did not meet National Ambient Standards for ground-level ozone.
EPA also issued designations on attainment and nonattainment, issued a new rule classifying areas by the severity of their ozone conditions, and established the deadline state and local government must meet to reduce ozone levels. Once designations and classifications take effect on June 15, 2004, states must prepare an attainment plan to reduce ground-level ozone.
One issue of concern to North Carolina and some other States is that EPA designated entire counties even though the governors in some cases had requested designation of only partial counties. North Carolina, and other affected states, are expected to challenge EPA’s designation of full counties in areas where partial county designation was indicated by the state.
The 8-hour ozone standard, 0.08 parts per million (ppm), averaged over eight hours, replaces the 1-hour standard that has been in place since 1979. The 8-hour standard was issued in 1997. Implementation of the new standard has been delayed by legal challenges.
Deadlines for meeting the 8-hour ozone standard range from 2007 to 2021, depending on the severity of an area’s ozone problem. For example, areas with more significant ozone problems, such as Los Angeles, may have to apply more rigorous controlmeasures, but will have a longer time to meet the ozone standards.
Thirty areas voluntarily entered into Early Action Compacts (EACs) in 2002, agreeing to have a plan in place to reduce air pollution about two years sooner than required by the Clean Air Act. These communities have had their nonattainment status deferred as a result. These areas must attain the new ozone standard no later than December 31, 2007. Areas must submit satisfactory progress reports to retain their EAC status. Three of the original 33 EAC areas did not meet their requirements (Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, Tennessee)
and are no longer included in the EAC program.
Ground level ozone, a primary ingredient in smog, is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NOx react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Car, trucks, power plants and industrial facilities are primary sources of NOx emissions. Ozone pollution is a concern during the summer months when the weather conditions needed to form ground level ozone – lots of sun and hot temperatures – normally occur.
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