Ozone Boundaries

DHEC Update regarding EPA's Stay of the 2008 Ozone Standard Designation Process

On March 12, 2009, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), on behalf of Governor Mark Sanford, submitted South Carolina’s boundary recommendations for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (Ozone NAAQS). On September 16, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would reconsider the 2008 national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone. EPA will propose any needed revisions to the ozone standards by December 2009 and issue a final decision by August 2010.

As a result of EPA’s reconsideration announcement, DHEC will not continue efforts on the boundary recommendations for the 2008 ozone standard as EPA will not designate areas in March 2010 for that standard. However, DHEC’s goal is to stay ahead of the standards so we will continue efforts to reduce emissions that contribute to ozone pollution.

DHEC has worked with local multi-pollutant Clean Air Coalitions for the past several years on efforts to meet national air quality standards sooner than required. These coalitions continue to pursue actions that improve air quality in general - focusing on multi-pollutant efforts that reduce emissions that contribute to ozone and particulate matter, and that also reduce air toxics and greenhouse gas emissions. Local stakeholders are more engaged than ever in air quality issues and understanding how the decisions made locally impact air quality.

DHEC believes that the continuing success of these local air quality coalitions is key to the State improving air quality and will be critical to meeting EPA’s "new" ozone standard. These local, sustained efforts offer the best opportunity to get things done in the most efficient way possible especially with the various and unique air quality challenges facing our State. Any local emission reductions that can reduce ozone levels in 2010 may be the difference between nonattainment and attainment for many areas. Reductions can also make a difference to the "classification" EPA assigns a nonattainment area (ie: the closer an area is to meeting the standard, the fewer federal mandates an area is required to meet).

DHEC is ready to continue to work both with EPA and with these local coalitions to implement the best course of actions to bring cleaner air sooner to the South Carolina. Current examples being implemented or under consideration by local areas include: strengthening county open burning ordinances, reducing unnecessary idling for both school buses and fleet vehicles, developing efficient energy plans for existing buildings, pursuing park and ride sites to encourage carpooling and developing plans to reduce traffic congestion and stimulating the economy through more efficient commuter options to provide better access to jobs.

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