Ozone classification area

TABLE 25-7 Ozone Nonattainment Area Classifications and Associated Requirements... 

Classification and Attainment Dates for Ozone Nonattainment Areas... 

Choose a specific metropolitan area and determine its classification as an ozone nonattainment area. Find the alternative deadline and allowable emissions of NO and VOC com-... 

Ozone Classifications. The CAA sets a new classification structure for ozone nonattainment areas based on the severity of the nonattainment problem. For each area classified under this section, the attainment date is as expeditious as practicable but no later than the date in the following table. The classification scheme is as follows ... 

The NSR and RACT requirements apply to major stationary sources. The CAA s definition of major stationary source varies with the classification of the ozone nonattainment area. For marginal and moderate nonattainment areas a major stationary source for NOx is any stationary source that emits or has the potential to emit 100 tons per year or more of NOx. In the case of serious, severe, or extreme ozone nonattainment areas within the transport region, lower threshold definitions of major stationary source apply to NOx sources (50, 25 and 10 tons per year, respectively). 

NO, NSR Requirements. The CAA NO, provisions for NSR apply to all ozone nonattainment areas with a classification of marginal or higher. Previously these NO, NSR requirements applied only in areas designated nonattainment for the nitrogen dioxide NAAQS (i.e., only in the Los Angeles, CA area). 

Nonattainment area classification One-hour ozone concentration design value, ppm Attainment date Major source threshold level, tons VOGs/yr Offset ratio for new/modified sources... 

Title I allows the EPA to define the boundaries of "nonattainment" areas for ozone, CO, and PMjg. Emission standards for these areas will be based on a new set of "nonattainment categories." EPA has established a classification system for ozone design values (goals) and attainment deadlines. Table 24-2 lists these parameters. 

If a nonattainment area is classified as serious, based on ambient ozone measurements, then the state must modify its SIP to bring the area into compliance in 9 years. The CAAA90 also specify the size and, therefore, the number of sources subject to regulatory control as a function of nonattainment classification. Table 24-3 illustrates these requirements for ozone nonattainment classifications of extreme and severe the state must include... 

As mentioned, nonattainment areas will have to implement different control measures, depending on their classification. Marginal areas, for example, are the closest to meeting the standard. They will be required to conduct an inventory of their ozone-causing emissions and institute a permit program. Nonattainment areas with more serious air quality problems must implement various control measures. The worse the air quality, the more controls areas will have to implement. 

Informed debate and decisions on such important matters as the depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain and the quality of waterways all depend on the data provided by analytical chemists. Forensic evidence also often depends on chemical measurements. National and international trade are critically dependent on analytical results. Chemical composition is often the basis for the definition of the nature of goods and tariff classification. In all of these areas not only is it important to get the right answer but it is essential that the user of the results is confident and assured that the data are truly representative of the sample and that the results are defendable, traceable and mutually acceptable by all laboratories. 

Area classification 8-h ozone concentration, ppm Attainment date ... 

These classifications and attainment dates apply to areas previously designated nonattainment under the 1-h ozone NAAQS. 

The designation/classification process for ozone was described in the Federal Register (4). For areas classified marginal to extreme, virtually all requirements are additive (e.g., a moderate area has to meet all marginal and moderate requirements, unless otherwise specified). The requirements reduce emissions of VOC and NO, which are precursors to ozone. This paper focuses on the NO,i requirements for major stationary sources. 

Ozone non-attainment areas are classified according to the severity of the pollution problem (see Figure 19.2). These areas also have to achieve VOC reduction as determined by the non-attainment classification. A 15 percent VOC reduction in non-attainment areas, classified as moderate and above, was required by 1996. Also, Section 182(c)(2)(B) requires that non-attainment areas classified as serious and above follow with a 3 percent VOC reduction per year. ... 

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