New Ozone Standard
On March 12, 2008, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) changed the National Ambient Air Quality
Standard (NAAQS) for the pollutant
ozone (O3), the principle component of smog. The primary
(health-protective) standard was changed from 0.08 parts per million (ppm)
to 0.075 ppm. The secondary (public welfare-protective) standard was
also set at 0.075 ppm. Both standards are evaluated over an eight-hour
time period. Compliance with the standards is based on the three-year
average of the annual fourth highest maximum daily 8-hour concentration.
Question: Do any areas of Florida have ozone values
greater than the new standard?
Yes. Current data (2005-2007) show ten counties in the state with ozone compliance values greater than 0.075 ppm. The map below indicates which counties exceed the new standard with the values expressed in parts per billion (ppb). (e.g., 0.075 ppm = 75 ppb)
Question: What does this mean for Florida?
Air quality
improvements will not have to await completion of the planning process
related to the new standard. Programs currently in place will continue
bringing ozone levels down.
Implementation of the new standard requires the state to develop a plan
(State Implementation Plan) to reduce ozone concentrations to levels in
compliance with the standard. This process begins by determining which
areas of the state should be designated “nonattainment”. A nonattainment
area includes the counties with monitors showing ozone concentration
greater than the standard, and possibly nearby counties that have
significant influence on those ozone levels. The state will have one
year (by March 12, 2009) to make its recommendation of nonattainment
areas to the EPA. The EPA has one year (by March 12, 2010) to make the
final decision on nonattainment areas. The final decision will be based
on the most recent data, so the number of counties not in compliance
could change from the map shown above.
After final designations are made, the state has up to three years (by
March 12, 2013) to submit a plan to the EPA showing how it would bring
these areas into compliance. In developing the plan the department would
evaluate the adequacy of currents regulations and programs, and
determine if any new regulations or programs are necessary. The entire
process will be open to public review and comment, and will necessarily
involve the assistance of local air pollution programs and metropolitan
planning organizations.
Question: What programs are already in place to further
reduce ozone levels in Florida?
The Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) will produce substantial reductions
in the ozone precursor pollutant nitrogen oxides (NOx) from power plants
throughout Florida and the eastern U.S. NOx control equipment is
currently being planned at all major coal-fired power plants in the
state and will be in operation by 2010 at most facilities.
A new state rule will require control of gasoline vapor emissions (i.e.,
volatile organic compounds (VOC) – another precursor to ozone formation)
from gas stations in all counties by 2010. This requirement is currently
applicable in only 7 counties in the state.
EPA emission control rules for new passenger cars, diesel trucks and
buses are currently being phased in and will produce significant
additional NOx reductions over the next several years.
Myths about being a nonattainment area for ozone.
- Myth: Air pollution is getting worse. Fact: Ozone levels in Florida
have come down over past 20 years—the revised standard just means that
further improvement is needed in some areas.
- Myth: It’s dangerous to go outside and breathe. Fact: High ozone levels occur only a limited number of days per year—the Air Quality Index forecast alerts sensitive persons to limit prolonged, moderate exertion outdoors on those days.
- Myth: Nonattainment will hurt the local economy. Fact: Some industries may have to reduce emissions, but several Florida cities have been designated nonattainment in the past and have continued to thrive (e.g., Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale from the late 1970’s through mid 1990’s).
- Myth: Nonattainment means return of vehicle inspections. Fact: No, given today’s cleaner cars.
Where can I get further information? The project managers
for this project are Tom Rogers (850) 921-9554, and Kelly Stevens (850)
921-9550. General correspondence can be addressed to: Division of Air
Resource Management
Office of Policy Analysis and Program Management
MS5500
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400 External Links
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Air
Resource Management
