This report was prepared by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on behalf of the State Air Pollution Control Board (SAPCB) for the Governor and General Assembly pursuant to § 10.1-1307 G of the Code of Virginia. This report details the status of Virginia's air quality, provides an overview of the air division programs, and briefly summarizes federal and state air quality programs.

1.1. Air Quality in the Commonwealth

Air quality in Virginia continues to improve. Ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) in Virginia met United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2016. All areas except Northern Virginia met federal standards for ozone. EPA finalized the 2015 ozone NAAQS on October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65292) and set this new standard at 0.070 parts per million (ppm). EPA expects to designate areas based on this new standard on October 1, 2017.

1.2. Air Quality Policies in the Commonwealth

After many years of litigation, the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) became effective in Virginia on January 1, 2015. This rule addresses interstate transport requirements for the 1997 ozone NAAQS. EPA is updating the supporting analyses to address the 2008 ozone NAAQS, the conclusions of which may result in additional mandates for Virginia facilities. A number of outstanding issues may also affect Virginia, including updates to the PM2.5 NAAQS, new Regional Haze regulations, implementation of 2008 ozone NAAQS control technology requirements, and changes to monitoring network requirements.

1.3. Summary of Annual Air Division Activities

Monitoring Locations: 40
Monitoring Instruments: 113
Minor Source Permits Issued: 142
PSD Permits Issued: 1
General Permits Issued: 70
State Operating Permits Issued: 6
Federal Operating Permits Issued: 27
Compliance Evaluations (all): 4883
On Site Inspections: 794
Enforcement Actions: 264
Vehicles Inspected: 843,525
Vehicles Failed: 23,828
Inspection Station Overt Audits: 500
Inspection Station Covert Audits: 151
Consent Orders Issued: 31
Civil Charges Collected: $802,182