EPA Finalizes New 8-Hour Ozone Standard
The EPA has finalized a new ambient air quality standard for ozone. The new primary 8-hour standard is 0.075 parts per million (ppm), and the new secondary standard is set at a form and level identical to the primary standard. The previous primary and secondary standards were identical 8-hour standards, set at 0.08 ppm. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) at 40 CFR Part 50 set the maximum allowable amount of ozone and five other “criteria pollutants” in the atmosphere. The ambient air levels of criteria pollutants are impacted by emissions of these pollutants or precursors from both mobile and stationary sources. The EPA is required to review the limits every five years and revise as necessary.
Under the new standards, states will have to reevaluate the levels of ozone in their jurisdiction and reclassify their areas as being in attainment or non-attainment with the new standard. States must complete this reclassification by March 2009. The EPA will make the final designations by March 2010. States will have to revise their State Implementation Plans (40 CFR Parts 51 and 52) within three years of the EPA's final determinations. One program impacted by any reclassifications will be on the New Source Review requirements for new and modified major stationary sources of criteriapollutant emissions.
Ozone can harm people's lungs. The EPA is particularly concerned about individuals with asthma or other lung diseases, as well as those who spend a lot of time outside, such as children. Ozone exposure can aggravate asthma, resulting in increased medication use and emergency room visits, and it can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but forms when emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) undergo a photo-chemical reaction. Stationary sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities, as well as motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are the major human-made sources of these emissions.
The final rule has not been published in the Federal Register as of yet. However, a pre-publication version is available at the EPA's web site: Strengthened National Standards for Ground-Level Ozone
For more information on the new ambient air quality standards as well as other pending Clean Air Act changes, attend one of Lion Technology Inc.'s Complete Environmental Regulations Workshops.
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