February 27, 2018
On February 8, 2016 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its approval of Arkansas’ State Implementation Plan for administering programs related to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Pollutants regulated under these standards include carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
“EPA believes states are best suited to run their air-quality programs,” said Regional Administrator Anne Idsal. “Arkansas has demonstrated its monitoring, enforcement, and public notification programs are protective of the public’s health and the environment.”
“The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality appreciates EPA’s cooperative action in approving these essential components of our state air quality plan,” said Director Becky Keogh. “Arkansas continues to benefit from the support of our federal partners.”
This type of state-implementation plan (SIP) is commonly referred to as an infrastructure SIP, because it deals with the basic requirements of state air-quality management programs, such as air quality monitoring and enforcement. By meeting EPA’s guidelines for these programs, states help protect public health through air quality management.
States are required to submit a SIP within three years after a new or revised NAAQS to ensure the state meets its responsibilities under the federal Clean Air Act.
EPA is approving Arkansas’ entire infrastructure SIP except for certain portions relating to interstate transport of air pollutants. These parts of the SIP will be addressed in future, separate actions. EPA proposed approval of the Arkansas state plan on November 20, 2017, and held a 30-day public comment period. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register.
What this means to you
EPA has announced it has approved Arkansas’ infrastructure state plan for criteria air pollutants NAAQS except for portions relating to interstate transport of air pollutants.
MIRATECH can help
Contact MIRATECH for help bringing stationary engines into first-time emissions compliance.