U.S. E.P.A. determines Phoenix dust storms not solely responsible for poor air quality
Category:Air Type: News Source: EPA Date: Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO - The E.P.A. (EPA) today announced that it rejected Arizona's
claim that dust storms caused the high pollution readings in Phoenix in 2008, a decision which
could have significant implications for the State.
Under the Clean Air Act, states must submit projects showing the E.P.A. how the State will meet air
quality requirements for certain pollutants. Arizona is currently not meeting the national standard
for particulate matter, PM- ten (one-seventh the width of a human hair). Major concerns for
human health from exposure to PM- ten include: effects on breathing and respiratory systems,
damage to lung tissue, cancer, and premature death. The elderly, children, and people with
chronic lung disease, influenza, or asthma, are especially sensitive to the effects of particulate
matter.
The State had asserted that dust storms were responsible for 10 of the 11 unacceptably high
pollution spikes in Phoenix during 2008.
"After thoroughly reviewing the State's data, E.P.A. air-quality scientists determined that a legally
significant number of pollution spikes were not the result of regional dust storms," said Jared
Blumenfeld, E.P.A. Regional Administrator. "Therefore, the "exceptional events" were not
supported by the science," added Blumenfeld.
This finding will require E.P.A. to initiate disapproval of the State's air quality control project (PM-
10) for Phoenix. If a final disapproval is rendered, federal transportation funds to the state could
be frozen. In such a scenario, transportation funds would be withheld until the State submits an
adequate air quality project (PM- 10) to EPA. The freeze would not affect current, approved
transportation projects and projects.
"I want to acknowledge the collaborative work that ADEQ, the Maricopa Association of
Governments, Maricopa County, and the City of Phoenix have done to address existing sources
of PM- 10," said Blumenfeld. E.P.A. is committed to continuing to provide the State, regional and
local agencies technical expertise, monitoring equipment and backing to bring the State into
compliance. The federal government already provides $30 million annually to Arizona, through
the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program. These funds are accessible to be used to
reduce PM- ten emissions.
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