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Announcements
August 21, 2008
EPA Seeks Public Comment on its Proposed Modifications to the State and Tribal Recommendations for PM2.5 Designations
August 19, 2008
In response to recommendations from state and tribal representatives, EPA has sent letters outlining the areas it is considering designating as “attainment” or “nonattainment” for the 24-hour fine particle standards.
This Web site provides information on the process EPA, the states and the tribes engage in to designate areas as "attainment" (meeting) or "nonattainment" (not meeting) the 24-hour PM2.5 standards established in 2006.
A designation is the term EPA uses to describe the air quality in a given area for any of six common pollutants known as criteria pollutants. Those pollutants include fine particles, which are unhealthy to breathe and have been associated with premature mortality and other serious health effects. Fine particles are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller and are also referred to as PM2.5.
Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments have three years to develop implementation plans outlining how areas will attain and maintain the standards by reducing air pollutant emissions contributing to fine particle concentrations.
EPA strengthened the air quality standards for particle pollution in 2006. The Agency expects designations based on 2005-2007 air quality data will take effect in 2009. Learn more
This Web site contains the following information:
State Designations: EPA is in the process of determining compliance with the 24-hour fine particle (PM2.5) standard. The status of this effort is summarized here.
Tribal Designations: EPA is in the process of determining compliance with the 24-hour fine particle (PM2.5) standard. The status of this effort is summarized here.
Frequent Questions: Answers to common questions regarding fine particles and the designations process.
Technical Information: Data and tools for States and Tribes that may be useful in the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS designation process..
PM2.5 Conditions: Links to the AirNOW Web site with real-time information on PM2.5 conditions and web cameras around the country.
Air Quality Forecast: Links to the Air NOW Web site with PM2.5 air quality forecasts for dozens of cities around the country.
Basic Information: Background on PM2.5 attainment issues and EPA actions to address PM2.5 emission concerns.
Fine Particles & Health: Information about the health effects of fine particles.
Related Links: Related sites offering further information and assistance.
Glossary: Explanations of the technical terms and acronyms used throughout the site.
A similar set of Web Pages exists for EPA's designated 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas designated in April 2004. Visit the 8-hour ground-level ozone designations page to learn more about the ozone designations.