Laura Boothe Attainment Planning Branch Supervisor January 11, 2012
EPA promulgated a new 8-hour ozone standard in March 2008 75 parts per billion Initial boundary recommendation submitted March 2009 Based on data Many areas were violating the standard
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2008 standard This delayed the designation process September 2011 it was announced that the reconsideration was being withdrawn EPA started the implementation process
Submitted revised boundary recommendation October 28, 2011 Based on ambient data Did not have sufficient time to consult with elected officials or general public Reserved the right to amend the recommendation
EPA sent a letter to the Governor on December 8 th 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
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 18 th and 19 th 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