On July 8, U.S. EPA announced a $50 million increase in funding to improve air quality monitoring in communities across the nation. EPA’s press release stated that their primary objective in issuing these grants is to provide better air quality information in underserved communities. The agency indicated that the funds are designed to support monitoring in and near communities with environmental justice concerns who face disproportionate exposure to pollutants and health risks, and which are also associated with increased vulnerability to COVID-19.

Will this effect existing air permits?

Cornerstone’s Director of Environmental Services, Kurt Gilliam, reviewed the announcement to determine its potential impact on our clients, stating, “This action should not have an immediate impact on existing air permits.  However, depending on the results of the monitoring, more areas in the U.S. may eventually be designated as being in Non-Attainment with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) or a target area for air toxics reduction.  This could then lead to more stringent permit requirements concerning the emission of target pollutants for facilities in those areas. This process will likely take a few years.”

What are the details and timeline?

The major components of the plan to enhance air community monitoring include:

1. 1. 1. 1. a grants competition that will seek proposals from community groups and state, Tribal and local government air agencies;
         2. direct awards to air agencies for continuous monitoring of small particles (known as PM_2.5 or soot) and other Clean Air Act pollutants;
         3. enhanced capacity for short-term community monitoring; and
         4. support to administer the funding.

These funds will be used to replace existing filter-based monitors or otherwise enhance existing monitors in and near those communities to provide 24/7, real-time reporting of air quality concentrations.  Automation of PM_2.5 monitors will provide fine particulate data of the same quality and allow communities to compare continuous data streams in nearby areas. “Monitoring also may be performed in rural areas where elevated air toxics from pesticides could impact the enforcement of pollution rules in those areas,” added Gilliam. EPA is beginning the coordination process on the grant competition with communities and state, Tribal, and local agencies and plans to issue the calls for proposals in fall 2021.

Further Information

Cornerstone’s air regulation experts are available to discuss your facility’s air permits and the effect that any new regulations could have, contact us at info@corner-enviro.com or on our website https://www.cornerstone-ehs.com/contact-us/.