may not be exceeded more than once per year. Special considerations are applied to some pollutants on how pollutants are to be averaged. 8.4.3 Air Quality Control Regions The concept of a regional approach to air pollution control was first introduced in the Air Quality Act of 1967. This approach recognized that air pollution was a regional problem that did not respect political boundaries. Initially
the regional concept was only applied to interstate problems. With enactment of the 1970 CAA Amendments
Congress mandated that both interstate and intrastate AQCRs be established for the purpose of achieving NAAQSs. 8.4.4 State Implementation Plans After promulgation of NAAQSs by the USEPA
individual states are required to develop and submit plans for their implementation
enforcement
and maintenance. These SIPs can be approved by the USEPA in whole or in part. If a portion of an SIP is disapproved
the state must revise it and seek approval for revisions. If the plan
in whole or in part
is not acceptable
the USEPA is empowered to develop an SIP for the state
which the state must then enforce. In developing implementation plans
states formulate policies for each air pollutant for which NAAQSs have been promulgated. In this process they are required to determine and report on the nature and quantity of emissions from existing sources and require
at a minimum
RACT to limit emissions. They negotiate compliance schedules with major sources and indicate effects emission reductions will have on air quality. Implementation plans are directed to pollutants in AQCRs where levels are above the NAAQSs. 8.4.4.1 Episode Plans State plans must include control strategies for air pollution episodes or emergencies. Episodes occur as a result of stable atmospheric conditions associated with stagnating
migratory
or semipermanent high-pressure systems. The poor dispersion associated with these atmospheric conditions may result in ambient pollutant levels that pose increasingly greater health risks. States are required to develop response criteria and plans similar to those in Table 8.2. Note that each stage reflects a higher degree of pollution severity. Control actions at each stage are to be sufficient to prevent the next stage from occurring. Episode plans must provide for a reduction of emissions on a prearranged schedule and should therefore
in theory
protect public health. 8.4.4.2 Legal Authority To gain approval for its SIP
a state must have adequate legal authority to (1) adopt and enforce emission regulations; (2) implement episode control plans; (3) regulate new or modified sources; (4) require stationary sources to provide emission data; and (5) gather Regulation and public policy 287
Menu
