The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) addresses fine and coarse particle pollution, also known as particulate matter (PM). PM is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets in the air (i.e., dust, soot, and particles too small to see). The standards address two categories of particle pollution: fine particles and inhalable coarse particles. Fine particles are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller; inhalable coarse particles have diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers. According to EPA, exposure to particle pollution is linked to a variety of significant health problems ranging from aggravated asthma to premature death in people with heart and lung disease.
The final action significantly lowers EPA’s previous daily fine particle standard – by nearly 50 percent – from 65 micrograms of particles per cubic meter to 35 micrograms of particles per cubic meter of air. The agency believes this standard increases protection of the public from short-term exposure to fine particles. According to the agency, by revising the daily fine particle standard, it will yield additional estimated health benefits valued at between $9 billion and $75 billion a year.
EPA is also retaining the current annual standard for long-term exposure to fine particles at 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Based on recently updated EPA estimates, meeting this standard will result in benefits ranging from $20 billion to $160 billion a year.
Fine particulate matter is often associated with emissions from industrial sources such as food processing facilities. According to ASL Associates, lowering the fine particulate standard from its current 15/65 micrograms per cubic meter to 15/35 micrograms per cubic meter will add an additional 323 counties across the United States that are not attaining federal air quality standards. Ultimately, states will be required to further ratchet down on emissions of fine particulate matter to meet federal standards.
States must meet the revised standards by 2015, with a possible extension to 2020, depending on local conditions and the availability of controls. EPA plans to issue guidance on monitoring fine and coarse particle pollution.
EPA retained the existing daily PM10 standard of 150 micrograms per cubic meter. While PM10 is an issue for industry, a significant source of PM10 is agriculture. Retaining the current coarse standard was a significant relief to growers and ranchers. EPA will also revoke the annual coarse particle standard because the available evidence does not suggest an association between long-term exposure to coarse particles at current ambient levels and health effects.
EPA selected the levels for the final NAAQS after reviewing thousands of peer-reviewed scientific studies about the effects of particle pollution on public health and welfare. The agency’s science and policy review documents were examined by external scientific advisors and the public. The agency also carefully considered public comments on the proposed standards. EPA held three public hearings and received more than 120,000 written comments. For general information about particulate matter, log onto http://epa.gov/pm. For information on the final standards, log onto http://epa.gov/pm/naaqsrev2006.html.
Status and Action
In 2004, several areas in the United States were designated as not meeting the 1997 air quality standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). To see if a specific area was designated as not meeting the 1997 standards, log onto www.epa.gov/pmdesignations/statedesig.htm. States are obligated to enact and enforce measures to bring areas into compliance. EPA expects designations based on 2007-2009 air quality data to take effect in 2010, though monitoring methods, location, and funding are issues impacting how this will be done. There could be up to 508 non-attainment areas.
Agricultural industries including rendering could be targeted for additional controls. How states treat fugitive (non-point) dust and gasses will be important. Ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides could be considered precursors to PM2.5 and counted in the totals. Renderers should monitor state and local regulations.
EPA considers this to be the most restrictive and most expensive regulation ever promulgated in the United States, but is being criticized widely for being soft on industry, and environmental groups may sue EPA. Meanwhile agricultural coalitions are considering suing EPA to obtain agricultural exemptions. EPA seems well prepared to withstand any court challenges.
Newsline - December 2006 Render