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Air Pollution Control (Ozone)

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Regulations: VOC's are a class of pollutants that lead to the formation of ozone. They are generated by a wide variety of industrial sources including: Painting operations, petroleum refineries, solvent cleaning, fuel storage and loading operations, and printing operations. To reduce VOC emissions, States in Region 6 have adopted regulations. In ozone nonattainment areas these controls have at least meet a level of stringency termed Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT). This is defined as the lowest level emissions that can be achieved considering technical and economic considerations. Guidance on RACT is contained in documents called Control Technique Guidelines and Alternate Control Technique Guidelines. The EPA reviews proposed State revisions and determines if they meet Federal requirements for RACT and will achieve the emission reductions projected.

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Regulations: NOx can also be a contributor to the formation of ozone. NOx arise from any combustion process including power plants, furnaces, cement kilns, and turbines. In some areas, reductions of NOx do not contribute to reductions of ozone. In these areas, a waiver can be obtained from the requirement to control NOx. These areas must demonstrate through photochemical modeling that these reductions will not be beneficial to reducing ozone. In Region 6, of the ozone nonattainment areas, only Baton Rouge has a waiver from NOx control. If new information in the future indicates that NOx reductions will be beneficial, these areas will have to implement controls on NOx sources.

Responsible staff members are:

Section Chief - Guy Donaldson (214) 665-7242;
E-Mail: Donaldson.guy@epa.gov

EPA Headquarters Home pages

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
2. EPA Office of Air and Radiation (OAR)
3. EPA Office of Air Quality Planing and Standards (OAQPS)
4. EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality
5. EPA Ozone transport assessment group (OTAG)
6. Technical Transfer Network

State Web Sites Exit EPA

1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/

2. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ): http://www.deq.state.la.us

3. Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ): http://www.deq.state.ok.us

4. New Mexico Environment Department (NMED): http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us

5. Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ): http://www.adeq.state.ar.us

6. City of Albuquerque, New Mexico: http://www.cabq.gov

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