Overview
Title
Finding of Failure To Attain by the Attainment Date for the 2010 1-Hour Primary Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard; Guam; Piti-Cabras Nonattainment Area
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA says that the air in a place called Piti-Cabras, Guam, still has too much bad stuff called sulfur dioxide, which can be harmful. They need to make a better plan to clean the air in the next five years.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded that the Piti-Cabras area in Guam did not meet the required sulfur dioxide air quality standards by the deadline of April 9, 2023. This decision is based on the analysis of available data, showing emissions were too high, and necessary emission controls were not implemented on time. As a result, Guam must now submit a revised plan to achieve air quality standards within the next five years, according to the Clean Air Act requirements. This measure ensures continued efforts to protect public health from pollution.
Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is determining that the Piti-Cabras, Guam, sulfur dioxide (SO<INF>2</INF>) nonattainment area (NAA) failed to attain the 2010 1-hour SO<INF>2</INF> primary national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS, "standard," or "2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS") by the applicable statutory attainment date of April 9, 2023. This determination is based on an analysis of available modeling, emissions data, and information concerning control strategy implementation. This action addresses the EPA's obligation under Clean Air Act (CAA) section 179(c) to determine whether the Piti-Cabras SO<INF>2</INF> NAA ("Piti-Cabras area") attained the 2010 SO<INF>2</INF> NAAQS by the April 9, 2023 attainment date.
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AnalysisAI
The document outlines the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision regarding air quality standards in the Piti-Cabras nonattainment area of Guam, focusing specifically on sulfur dioxide (SO₂) levels. The EPA has determined that this area did not meet the national ambient air quality standards set for SO₂ by the deadline of April 9, 2023. This failure is attributed to high emissions and delays in implementing crucial control strategies.
General Summary
The core purpose of this EPA notice is to communicate that the Piti-Cabras area in Guam did not achieve the required sulfur dioxide air quality standards by the specified deadline. The EPA's findings are based on data analysis, including emission levels and control strategy implementation, which were insufficient to meet the standards. As a result of this determination, Guam is required to submit a revised state implementation plan to address these deficiencies and achieve compliance within the next five years.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Complex Language: One of the primary issues with this document is its complex, technical language. For the general public, understanding the technical jargon and regulatory details can be challenging. A simplified version or summary would be beneficial to aid comprehension.
Economic and Implementation Details: The document lacks transparency regarding the economic impact of the noncompliance finding. It mentions that there will not be significant effects on small entities but provides no detailed explanation. Furthermore, there is insufficient clarity on how emissions will be reduced moving forward, including enforcement strategies, exact timelines, and potential costs associated with implementing control measures.
Incomplete Data: Another significant concern is the absence of specific emissions data from 2021 and 2022, which raises questions about the completeness of the EPA’s assessment. More recent and complete data should be part of the evaluation to ensure an accurate and comprehensive approach.
Broad Public Impact
The document implies a need for continued focus on improving air quality standards in Guam, especially concerning public health protection. The failure to meet standards can lead to health risks due to increased exposure to sulfur dioxide, which adversely affects respiratory health. Thus, the general public in Guam should expect efforts to improve air quality, which in turn promises broader health benefits.
Impact on Stakeholders
Residents and Public Health: For residents, particularly those with respiratory issues, tighter controls and subsequent improvements in air quality could lead to better health outcomes. The focus on reducing SO₂ emissions is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as children and people with asthma.
Regulatory and Economic Impacts: For local businesses and industrial entities, particularly those responsible for emissions, this determination could lead to increased regulation and potentially the imposition of new technologies or processes to control emissions. However, without clarity on costs or strategies, these stakeholders may face uncertainty and additional financial burdens.
Government and Implementation Bodies: The requirement for Guam to submit a revised plan places a responsibility on governmental bodies to develop and enforce robust emissions reduction strategies. Success in these efforts will depend heavily on collaboration between local agencies, the government, and industries.
In conclusion, while the EPA’s determination may eventually result in improved air quality and public health outcomes, the document leaves numerous questions unresolved regarding implementation, economic impacts, and communications strategy, highlighting a need for more transparency and engagement with the affected communities and stakeholders.
Issues
• The document contains very complex and technical language which may be difficult for a layperson to understand. Simplifying language and providing a summary could aid comprehension.
• There is a lack of transparency regarding the economic impact assessment; the document states that there will not be a significant impact on small entities, but more clarification on how this conclusion was reached could enhance understanding.
• The document does not provide a clear plan or timeline for how the necessary emissions reductions will be enforced or achieved in the Piti-Cabras area after failure to attain standards by the statutory date.
• Information about the potential costs or funding required for implementing the necessary control strategies to meet the air quality standards is not detailed.
• The absence of specific emissions data from 2021 and 2022 raises questions about the completeness of the EPA's assessment, suggesting that more recent data should be considered.