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The EPA announced on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, that it is
proposing to expand the lead air quality monitoring network.
The agency is proposing to require air quality monitoring around sources that emit a half ton or more of lead a year, lowering the current threshold from one ton a year to include more sources. The proposal also modifies the current requirement for monitoring in larger urban areas. Monitors would be placed at each of the multi-pollutant monitoring stations being established in urban and rural areas, the agency said in a press release.
This proposal is in response to a petition for reconsideration requesting the agency reevaluate the air monitoring requirements finalized in 2008 along with the tightened national air quality standards for lead. The EPA said it is not reconsidering, nor is it delaying the implementation of, the 2008 lead standards. States still need to deploy lead monitors around sources emitting at least one ton of lead a year, as of Jan. 1, 2010.
The EPA will accept comments on the proposal for through Monday, Feb. 15.
The agency is proposing to require air quality monitoring around sources that emit a half ton or more of lead a year, lowering the current threshold from one ton a year to include more sources. The proposal also modifies the current requirement for monitoring in larger urban areas. Monitors would be placed at each of the multi-pollutant monitoring stations being established in urban and rural areas, the agency said in a press release.
This proposal is in response to a petition for reconsideration requesting the agency reevaluate the air monitoring requirements finalized in 2008 along with the tightened national air quality standards for lead. The EPA said it is not reconsidering, nor is it delaying the implementation of, the 2008 lead standards. States still need to deploy lead monitors around sources emitting at least one ton of lead a year, as of Jan. 1, 2010.
The EPA will accept comments on the proposal for through Monday, Feb. 15.
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