EPA Proposes Measures to Address Direct Emissions of Fine Particulates

EPA is proposing options for calculating key program elements for implementing the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program for fine particle pollution in areas that meet clean air standards. Fine particle pollution can aggravate heart and lung diseases and has been associated with premature death and a variety of serious health problems including heart attacks, chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.

When an industrial facility applies for a permit to emit a regulated pollutant in an area that meets clean air standards, the state and EPA must determine if emissions of that pollutant will harm air quality. The PSD program uses three key measures to make this determination: increments, significant impact level (SIL), and significant monitoring concentration (SMC). The proposal presents options for how to calculate each of these measures for PM2.5. EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. For further information and to download a copy of the proposal: epa.gov/nsr/