Office of Transportation EPA420-F-06-022 United States and Air Quality February 2006 Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Announcement Transportation Conformity Final Rule: PM25and PM10 Hot-Spot Analyses in Project-Level Transportation Conformity Determinations for the PM25and PM10 National Ambient Air Quality Standards EPA is finalizing the criteria for determining which transportation projects must undergo a local air quality analysis (i.e., a "hot-spot analysis") as part of conformity determinations in areas not meeting PM2 5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) air quality standards. This final rule also streamlines existing hot-spot requirements in PM10 areas. A "hot-spot analysis" is an estimation of pollutant concentrations in a localized area resulting from the use or operation of a transportation project, and a comparison of those concentrations to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Key Elements of the Final Rule • This rule requires that PM2 5 hot-spot analyses be performed only for new transportation projects with significant diesel traffic. Examples of such "projects of air quality concern" include intermodal freight or bus terminals, and major highway projects and congested intersections involving significant diesel traffic. No hot-spot analyses will be required for most projects in PM ------- areas, because most projects are not an air quality concern. This final rule also streamlines existing PM10 hot-spot requirements in a similar way. The streamlined approach in this final rule will ensure that transportation and air quality agencies in PM, 5 and PMK) areas use their resources efficiently, while achieving clean air goals. In both PM,,5 and PM10 areas, a quantitative hot-spot analysis is not required until EPA issues a new motor vehicle emissions model capable of estimating local emissions as well as future hot-spot modeling guidance. Qualitative analyses will apply in the interim. This rule extends an existing flexibility by allowing the U.S. Department of Transportation to make "categorical hot-spot findings," which would waive PM2S and PM10 hot-spot reviews for categories of projects where modeling shows that there is no air quality concern. Background Transportation conformity is a Clean Air Act requirement that ensures that federally supported highway and transit projects are consistent with ("conform to") the purpose of a state air quality implementation plan (SIP). Conformity ensures that public health is protected by early consid- eration of transportation decisions in cities with air quality challenges. This final rule is part of EPA's implementation of the current PM, 5 stan- dards. The final rule is a result of two proposed rulemakings in Novem- ber 2003 and December 2004. EPA received comments from state and local transportation and air quality agencies, environmental and transpor- tation interest groups, and private citizens. EPA has worked closely with DOT in the development of this final rule. By focusing requirements on transportation projects of air quality con- cern, this rule ensures that conformity is practicably implemented and that conformity will help achieve the Clean Air Act's public health and environmental goals. ------- For More information You can access the final rule and related documents on EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality web site at: wwwj^mj£QY/Qtac[/tnins]3/ ^ For further information about the final rule, please contact: Meg Patulski U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Transportation and Regional Programs Division 2000 Traverwood Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48 105 (734)214-4842 E-mail: patulski.meg@epa.gov or Rudy Kapichak U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Transportation and Regional Programs Division 2000 Traverwood Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734)214-4574 E-mail: k^richaJ^^ ------- |