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Maine’s 2012 Ozone, PM 2.5 and PM 10. Martha Webster Senior Meteorologist Maine DEP-BAQ 17 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0017 Tel: 207-287-8093 E-mail: martha.e.webster@maine.gov. Acadia Sunset Photo Courtesy of HAZECAM Network.
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Maine’s 2012 Ozone, PM2.5and PM10 Martha Webster Senior Meteorologist Maine DEP-BAQ 17 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0017 Tel: 207-287-8093 E-mail: martha.e.webster@maine.gov Acadia Sunset Photo Courtesy of HAZECAM Network
Map for Forecast Website showing continuous monitors for Ozone and Particle Pollution along with the forecast regions
Ozone NAAQS • 8 hr. average set at 75 ppb (0.075ppm) • Maine has been monitoring attainment for the current Ozone NAAQS for the last three design value periods. • EPA currently in 5 year review period for ozone. Most likely to propose in 2014.
Forecasting Issues • Spring ozone continues to be difficult to pin down. For sites away from the coast these are usually the highest values of the year. • Summer ozone is a little easier to predict because regional events are usually the driving factor so we can see it building and heading our way.
PM2.5 NAAQS • Primary 24 hr. average set at 35 µg/m3 • Primary annual average was recently promulgated at 12 µg/m3 • Maine’s 24 hr. DV has always been below the current NAAQS • Maine’s Annual DV has not exceeded 12 since 2003 – 2005 period.
Insert Design value chart New Annual PM2.5 NAAQS
Forecasting Issues • Continue to work to correctly forecast winter particle pollution: it seems that each winter is different than the one before. • This winter it has been complicated by the new, lower Good/Moderate AQI breakpoint as well as the staggered switch to BAMS monitors. • Summer is dominated by regional events.
Winter Spring Summer Autumn Winter = Dec - March