RD48 - Air Pollution Control Policies of the Commonwealth


Executive Summary:
Status of Air Quality

• Although overall air quality is gradually improving, certain areas do not comply with the new 8-hour ozone standard (see list on page 3).

• Northern Virginia region is still in violation of the 1-hour standard for ozone.

• Preliminary data shows that the Bristol and Roanoke/Salem are not meeting the new standard for PM2.5 (particulate matter).

Planning for the 1-hour Ozone Standard

• The Northern Virginia area has been "bumped up" from a serious classification to a severe classification for ozone. A new plan was submitted to EPA on August 19, 2003, to demonstrate attainment by 2005.

• Violations based on 1996-1998 data triggered new air quality contingency measures for the Richmond maintenance area. A new maintenance plan with revised contingency measures was submitted to EPA; proposed approval was issued on October 7, 2002.

• Violations based on 1999-2001 data triggered new air quality contingency measures for the Hampton Roads maintenance area. A new maintenance plan with revised contingency measures is being developed.

• Development of a maintenance plan for the White Top Mountain nonattainment area is on-hold due to a lack of recent air quality data. The original designation was based on air quality data from a federal monitoring station that is now removed. Virginia and EPA are exploring ways to re-designate to attainment.