The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially approved the State of Washington's request to redesignate a part of Whatcom County from a "nonattainment" area to an "attainment" area for sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚) air quality standards. This redesignation follows the closure of the Intalco Aluminum LLC smelter, which previously caused high SOâ‚‚ levels. Alongside the redesignation, EPA has approved Washington's maintenance plan to ensure the area continues to meet air quality standards, which includes monitoring strategies for future potential pollution sources. This decision was finalized on December 11, 2024, and becomes effective on January 16, 2025.
Simple Explanation
The EPA said yes to Washington's request to fix air pollution by changing a part of Whatcom County to be healthy again after a dirty factory closed, and they'll keep checking the air to make sure it stays clean.