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Update on 2008 Ozone Standard. Laura Boothe Attainment Planning Branch Supervisor January 11, 2012. Background Information. EPA promulgated a new 8-hour ozone standard in March 2008 75 parts per billion Initial boundary recommendation submitted March 2009 Based on 2006-2008 data
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Update on 2008 Ozone Standard Laura Boothe Attainment Planning Branch Supervisor January 11, 2012
Background Information • EPA promulgated a new 8-hour ozone standard in March 2008 • 75 parts per billion • Initial boundary recommendation submitted March 2009 • Based on 2006-2008 data • Many areas were violating the standard
Background Information • September 2009 EPA announced it was reconsidering the 2008 standard • This delayed the designation process • September 2011 it was announced that the reconsideration was being withdrawn • EPA started the implementation process
Current Situation • Submitted revised boundary recommendation October 28, 2011 • Based on 2009-2011 ambient data • Did not have sufficient time to consult with elected officials or general public • Reserved the right to amend the recommendation
EPA’s Response to Boundary Recommendation • EPA sent a letter to the Governor on December 8th • Agreed to designate the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point area as unclassifiable/attainment provided 2011 data is certified by February 29, 2012 • Intends to support NC’s recommendation for designating the Charlotte/Gastonia/Salisbury area as nonattainment • Will work with the State regarding the appropriate boundaries for this area • Any additional information needs to be submitted by February 29, 2012
Next Steps • DAQ is looking at data to determine if parts of Gaston, Lincoln, and/or Union Counties could be recommended as unclassifiable/attainment • DAQ has meetings scheduled for January 18th and 19th with elected officials and general public in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury region • By February 29, 2012, North Carolina submits any additional information to EPA regarding the nonattainment boundary for the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury area • EPA designates areas as nonattainment by no later than May 31, 2012 • Expect the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury area to be designated as Marginal