U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air and Radiation
Final
Fiscal Year 2010
National Program & Grant Guidance
April 28, 2009
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Contents
Executive Summary 3
I. Program Office
II. Introduction/Context 3
A. Organization of the Technical Guidance
B. Organization of the Grant Guidance
III. Priorities for the Regions 3
IV. Implementation Strategies 4
V. Performance Measures 4
VI. Tracking Progress 5
VII. State and Tribal Assistance Grants 5
VIII. Program Contacts 5
Healthier Outdoor Air 6
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs 8
Federal Stationary Source Regulations 10
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certifications 11
Federal Support for Air Quality Management 12
Federal Support for Air Toxics Programs 19
State and Local Air Quality Management 23
Tribal Air Quality Management 28
Healthier Indoor Air 34
Asthma
Radon
Stratospheric Ozone 37
Domestic Programs
Multilateral Fund
Radiation Protection 39
Radiation Protection
Radiation Response Preparedness
Homeland Security Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Climate Change 43
Greenhouse Gas Registry Rule
Voluntary Climate Protection Programs
Appendix A Supplemental Information and Guidance for Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality
Programs Funded with FY 2010 STAG Funds
Appendix B FY 2010 Performance Measures
Appendix C State Grant Performance Measures
Appendix D Key Program Implementation Changes from 2009
Appendix E OAR ARRA Measures
Appendix F Responses to Comments
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009
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Executive Summary
I. Program Office - Office of Air and Radiation: This document describes air and radiation
program implementation priorities and milestones for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 and provides
information on the use and prospective allocation of FY 2010 state, local, and tribal assistance
grants (Appendix A).
II. Introduction/Context: The information in this document supports achievement of the
objectives, sub-objectives, and strategic measures in proposed in the 2009-2014 EPA Strategic
Plan Change Document (http: //epa. gov/ocfo/pl an/pi an. htm) and the performance goals in EPA's
FY 2010 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification.
A. Organization of the Technical Guidance: The main body of the guidance (not the
appendices) is organized into five chapters - Outdoor Air, Indoor Air, Stratospheric Ozone,
Radiation Protection, and Climate Change. These chapters correspond to the Objectives in
the Goal 1Clean Air and Global Climate Change section of the 2009-2014 EPA Strategic
Plan Change Document. Each chapter begins with the sub-objectives and strategic Measures
from the Strategic Plan and discusses the overall strategy for achieving the objective. This
information informs the reader of the longer-term outcomes and results being pursued, and
sets the stage for program subsections that present more detailed strategies and specific
implementation activities. For instance, the Outdoor Air chapter contains subsections that
reflect the different roles and responsibilities of the partners/co-regulators. One subsection
speaks to the federal role and another speaks to the roles of state, local, and tribal air quality
management agencies. In other chapters, the subsections are based on the type of activity
rather than who performs the activity. The Stratospheric Ozone chapter, for example, is
subdivided into domestic vs. international activities, whereas the Indoor Air chapter is
subdivided into environmental contaminants/asthma triggers and radon.
B. Organization of the Grant Guidance (Appendix A): As noted above the Outdoor Air
chapter includes a discussion of the key roles and responsibilities of state, tribal, and local
agencies in implementing ongoing and FY 2010-specific priorities. This activity is largely
supported by grant assistance from EPA with significant matching resources from the co-
implementors. Appendix A provides information and guidance on selected program areas
supported by grant assistance. It highlights the major changes impacting program grants in
FY 2010 both programmatically and administratively. Appendix A is divided into six
sections: an executive summary which highlights major developments affecting FY 2010
grant assistance, fundamental elements of sound grants management, areas of emphasis and
change in programs supported with grant assistance, a dedicated section on ambient air
monitoring programs, a preliminary FY 2010 air grant allocation, and information on the FY
2010 state indoor radon grant program and grant allocation.
III. Priorities for Regions: OAR's top priorities for the Regions in FY 2010 are:
A. Ozone, PM2.s, and Regional Haze. Act on State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions
and redesignation requests including regional haze control strategy plans; assist in
designating areas for the 2008 8-hr ozone standard and the lead standard; and after
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009
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designations are final including the PM2.5 designations in 2009, begin working with states on
their attainment plans.
B. Clean Air Interstate Rule. Assist states with CAIR emissions monitoring and reporting.
C. Ambient Monitoring. Work with state and local agencies to: ensure start-up of near-
source lead monitoring stations by January 1, 2010; plan design of required urban non
source-oriented monitors and include in annual monitoring network plan due by July 1, 2010;
plan for changes in ozone monitoring season for start in 2010, if required; communicate any
required changes to each state's ozone monitoring network for non-urban and lower
population areas for inclusion in annual monitoring network plans; ensure certification of
2009 data submitted to AQS database by May 1, 2010; and, ensure readiness of remaining
required NCore measurements such as PMio-2.5 mass, due to start on January 1, 2011.
D. Mobile Sources. Implement the National Clean Diesel Campaign, assist with and
comment on conformity determinations, process conformity-related SIP revisions, and make
determinations and act on mobile budgets at time of SIP processing.
E. Air Toxics. Delegate and provide assistance to co-regulators for section 111, section 112,
and section 129 standards; and, increase emphasis on implementing programs and activities
that contribute to reducing exposure to air toxics in areas that are experiencing
disproportionate impacts.
F. Title V Permits. Work on permitting the pollution sources that remain to be permitted,
and permit renewals.
G. Indoor Environments. In implementing programs that addresses indoor air quality
issues, increase emphasis on programs and activities that contribute to reducing asthma
attacks in areas that are experiencing disproportionate impacts.
H. State, Local, and Tribal Planning. Support multi-pollutant planning and efforts to
reduce emissions of all air pollutants, while addressing other considerations such as land use,
transportation, and energy.
IV. Implementation Strategies: The air and radiation toolbox includes statutory and regulatory
activities, market-based program activities, partnership and community-based activities, and
activities related to developing or implementing innovative approaches. Regions choose the mix
of strategies and activities most appropriate for their circumstances and prevailing environmental
issues while also addressing base program requirements. These strategies are described in more
detail in the technical sections of this document. Regions are also encouraged to work closely
with states to identify opportunities for enhanced work sharing, resource flexibility, and phased
implementation of program requirements. Performance Partnership Agreements and
Performance Partnership Grants are two examples of tools available to address workload issues.
V. Performance Measures: OAR and the Regions collaborated to develop and agree on the
performance measures listed in Appendix B. These were arrived at through discussions among
HQ and regional program experts and managers, and further refined though an EPA-wide
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 4
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measures review process advanced by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Goals of the
EPA-wide review process included: 1) improving measure quality, 2) establishing the fewest
number of measures needed for program and performance management, and, 3) achieving
maximum consistency among measures being used by different levels of management.
VI. Tracking Progress: OAR tracks progress through existing monitoring, data reporting, and
information systems used by OAR, Regions, and state, tribal, and local agencies, and through
Measures Central. We also track and discuss program progress via conference calls, face-to-face
meetings, and the exchange of written information.
VII. State and Tribal Assistance Grants: Priorities for the use of FY 2010 air grant resources
are outlined in the State and Local Air Quality Management subsection. Appendix A provides
more information on specific grant topics including new initiatives, areas of changing emphasis
such as monitoring, and associated program support. It also contains preliminary, national
Region-by-Region allocations for state and local air quality programs and for state indoor radon
grants. A tribal air grant allocation and the distribution of funds for certain competitive grant
programs will be provided at a later date.
VIII. Program Contacts:
Criteria Pollutants, Air Toxics, Multi-pollutant Planning, and Regional Haze: Jeff
Whitlow, phone 919-541-5523, email whitlow.jeff@epa.gov
Trading Programs: Doris Price, phone 202-343-9067, email price.doris@epa.gov or
Larry Kertcher, phone 202-343-9121, email kertcher.larrv@epa.gov
Mobile Sources: Mike Haley, phone 202-564-1708, email haley.mike@epa.gov
State and Local Air Grants: Bill Houck, phone 202-564-1349, email
houck.william@epa.gov unless a specific contact is listed in the grant guidance appendix.
Tribal: Barrel Harmon, phone 202-564-7416, email harmon.darrel@epa.gov
Indoor Air: Tom Kelly, phone 202-343-9444, email kellv.tom@epa.gov
Radiation: Bonnie Gitlin, phone 202-343-9371, email gitlin.bonnie@epa.gov
Stratospheric Ozone: Ross Brennan, phone 202-343-9226, email brennan.ross@epa.gov
Climate Change: Michael Zatz, 202-343-9152, email zatz.michael@epa.gov
General Questions: Mike Hadrick, phone 202-564-7414, email
hadrick.michael@epa.gov
++ End of Section ++
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009
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Healthier Outdoor Air
Objective 1.1 - Healthier Outdoor Air. Through 2011, working with partners, protect human
health and the environment by attaining and maintaining health-based air quality standards and
reducing the risk from toxic air pollutants.
Sub-objective 1.1.1: Reduce Criteria Pollutants & Regional Haze.
Strategic Measures:
By 2015, reduce the population-weighted ambient concentration of ozone in all
monitored counties by 14 percent from the 2003 baseline, compared to the eight percent
cumulative reduction expected by 2008.
By 2015, reduce the population-weighted ambient concentration of PM2.5 in all
monitored counties by six percent from the 2003 baseline, compared to the four percent
cumulative reduction expected by 2008.
By 2014, reduce emissions of fine particles from mobile sources by 51,000 tons from the
2009 level of 417,000 tons.
By 2014, reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from mobile sources by 2.1 million
tons from the 2009 level of 9.3 million tons.
By 2014, reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds from mobile sources by 1.1
million tons from the 2009 level of 5.9 million tons.
By 2018, visibility in eastern Class I areas will improve by 15% on the 20% worst
visibility days, as compared to visibility on the 20% worst days during the 2000-2004
baseline period.
By 2018, visibility in western Class I areas will improve by 5% on the 20% worst
visibility days, as compared to visibility on the 20% worst days during the 2000-2004
baseline period.
By 2014, with EPA support, 47 additional tribes will have completed air quality emission
inventories. (FY 2007 baseline: 37 tribal emission inventories.)
By 2014,12 additional tribes will possess the expertise and capability to implement the
Clean Air Act in Indian country (as demonstrated by successful completion of an
eligibility determination under the Tribal Authority Rule). (FY 2007 baseline: 10 tribes.)
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009
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Sub-objective 1.1.2: Reduce Air Toxics.
Strategic Measures:
By 2014, reduce toxicity-weighted (for cancer risk) emissions of air toxics to a
cumulative reduction of 34 percent from the 1993 non-weighted baseline of 7.24 million
tons, maintaining the 34% cumulative reduction expected by 2006.
By 2014, reduce toxicity-weighted (for non-cancer risk) emissions of air toxics to a
cumulative reduction of 59 percent from the 1993 non-weighted baseline of 7.24 million
tons, compared to the 58% cumulative reduction expected by 2006.
Sub-objective 1.1.3: Reduce the Adverse Effects of Acid Deposition.
Strategic Measures:
By 2014, due to progress in reducing acid deposition, the number of chronically-acidic water
bodies in acid-sensitive regions of the northern and eastern United States should be maintained at
or below the 2001 baseline of approximately 500 lakes and 5,000 kilometers of stream-length in
the population covered by the Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems/Long-Term
Monitoring Survey. The long-term target is a 20 percent reduction in the number of chronically-
acidic water bodies in acid-sensitive regions by 2030.
Through 2015, maintain the national annual emissions of sulfur dioxide (802) from
utility electric power generation sources at a level below 8.95 million annual tons,
compared to the 1980 level of 17.4 million tons per year.
By 2014, reduce total annual average sulfur deposition by 20 percent from 2001
monitored levels of up to 15 kilograms per hectare for total sulfur deposition.
By 2014, reduce total annual average nitrogen deposition by 30 percent from 2001
monitored levels of up to 9 kilograms per hectare for total nitrogen deposition.
EPA's strategy for achieving the results expressed above combines national and local
measures, reflecting different federal, state, tribal, and local government roles. States are
primarily responsible for maintaining and improving air quality and meeting national ambient air
quality standards (NAAQS) established by EPA. State programs develop emission inventories,
operate and maintain air monitoring networks, perform air quality modeling, and develop State
Implementation Plans (SIPs) that lay out control strategies for improving air quality and meeting
NAAQS.
EPA assists states by providing technical guidance and financial assistance, issuing
regulations, and implementing programs designed to reduce pollution from the most widespread
and significant sources of air pollution: mobile sources, such as cars, trucks, buses, and
construction equipment; and stationary sources, such as power plants, oil refineries, chemical
plants, and dry cleaning operations. Interstate transport of pollutantsa problem no state can
solve on its ownmakes a major contribution to air pollution problems in the eastern U.S. To
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 7
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address this issue, EPA requires control of upwind sources that contribute to downwind
problems in other states.
EPA has a trust responsibility to protect air quality in Indian country, but authorized tribes
may choose to develop and implement their own air quality programs. EPA and states are
working to increase the currently limited information on air quality on tribal lands, build tribal
capacity to administer air programs in Indian country, and establish EPA and state mechanisms
to work effectively with tribal governments on regulatory development and regional and national
policy issues.
To further reduce exposure to air toxics, EPA will develop and issue federal standards for
major stationary sources and area sources which, when implemented through state programs,
will reduce toxic emissions by 1.7 million tons. In addition, we will conduct national, regional,
and community-based efforts to reduce risks from hazardous air pollutants. Characterizing
emissions and the risks they pose on national and local scales, such as in Indian country, will
require significant effort. We will need to update the science and to keep the public informed
about these issues.
We will develop and refine tools, training, handbooks, and information to assist our partners
in characterizing risks from air toxics, and we will work with them on strategies for making local
decisions to reduce those risks. We will work with state, tribal, and local agencies to modestly
expand the national toxics monitoring network, and will compile and analyze information from
local assessments to better characterize risk and assess priorities.
Our strategies for achieving healthier outdoor air are implemented through the following
seven programs:
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certifications
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Federal Support for Air Toxics Management
State and Local Air Quality Management
Tribal Air Quality Management
The first five programs are federally-implemented programs and the latter two are grant
programs that support state, tribal, and local air program implementation. All these programs and
their priorities for FY 2010 are described below.
CLEAN AIR ALLOWANCE TRADING PROGRAMS
The program includes development, implementation, and evaluation of federally-administered
emission reduction programs that include the trading of emissions allowances. Trading programs
help implement the NAAQS and reduce acid deposition, toxics deposition, and regional haze.
Pollutants include SO2,NOx, and, as a co-benefit of SC>2 emission reductions, mercury. Current
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operating programs include the Acid Rain Program authorized under Title IV of the 1990 Clean
Air Act (CAA) Amendments and the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) seasonal and annual
programs for interstate control of ozone and fine particle (PM2 5) pollution. The CAIR seasonal
NOx control program includes not only the states and sources in the NOx Budget Program
(NBP), but also over 600 additional sources and six more states in Regions 4, 5, 6, and 7 that
were not subject to the NBP.
Strategy
Our strategy for using allowance trading programs to promote more cost-effective pollution
control and achievement of environmental objectives includes four components:
Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR): Continue implementation of this rule, promulgated in
May 2005, which uses the proven cap-and-trade approach to achieve substantial
reductions in 862 and NOx. CAIR is a powerful component of EPA's plan to help over
450 counties in the eastern U.S. meet the NAAQS for ozone or PM2.5. All affected states
are achieving the mandated reductions primarily by controlling power plant emissions
through an EPA-administered interstate cap-and-trade program. By FY 2010, states
should finalize all CAIR-related rulemakings and ensure that regulated sources are
monitoring their emissions. The initial compliance year for the CAIR SO2 control
program begins on January 1, 2010.
Existing Programs: Implement, operate, and assess existing allowance trading programs,
including the new programs and revisions to existing programs established under CAIR.
New Statutory Authority: If multi-pollutant program legislation is enacted, EPA will
work to develop implementing regulations. Modern statutory authority that applies
nationwide could be an efficient long-term mechanism for achieving large-scale multi-
pollutant emission reductions.
Program Accountability: Establish an integrated assessment program to include enhanced
ambient and deposition monitoring, efficiency measures, and indicators to track health
and environmental benefits, as called for in the recent report by the National Academy of
Sciences. Operate, maintain, and modernize the Clean Air Status and Trends Network
(CASTNET) monitoring network consistent with NAS recommendations, and evaluate
incorporating atmospheric mercury speciation and deposition monitoring capability.
Discussion
A high priority for FY 2010 is to continue implementation and operation of the CAIR annual
and seasonal programs, consistent with the decision by the D.C. Circuit Court in December 2008
to "allow CAIR to remain in effect until it is replaced by a rule consistent with [the Court's July
11, 2008] opinion" so as to "at least temporarily preserve the environmental values covered by
CAIR."1 During FY 2010, EPA will be proceeding expeditiously to finalize and publish its
1 U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, No. 05-1244, page 3 (decided December 23, 2008).
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009
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proposed rule for replacement of the original CAIR with a rule that addresses the Court's
concerns. Notice and comment rulemaking will proceed throughout the year.
In FY 2010, EPA will continue to assist states with CAIR implementation, especially
activities related to allowance trading, emissions monitoring, and end-of-season reconciliation of
emissions and allowances for affected sources. Affected units in the 20 former NBP states
include boilers, turbines, and combined cycle units from a diverse set of industries as well as
electric utility units. The initial compliance year for the SC>2 control program under CAIR-PM is
2010. Required SC>2 emissions monitoring and reporting for CAIR began on January 1, 2009.
FY 2010 Milestones: CAIR NOx and SOi Control Programs
EPA completes implementing software and guidance for CAIR. EPA works with states to
finalize rulemakings to establish the preferred allowance allocations, operate the trading
and emissions reporting programs, and certify source emissions monitors.
Regions assist states with emissions monitoring and reporting and EPA assists states and
sources in the initial compliance year for CAIR 862 control program.
FY 2010 Milestones: Acid Rain Program
Working with states, tribes, local agencies, Regional Planning Organizations, and other
partners in C ASTNET, develop and begin implementation of an operations plan that will
assure supportability over the next five years and will bring this network in-step with
integrated national monitoring strategies involving regionally-representative core sites.
Report progress in reducing sulfur and nitrogen deposition and in reducing the number of
chronically-acidic water bodies in acid-sensitive regions, and SC>2 emissions reduced.
FEDERAL STATIONARY SOURCE REGULATIONS
This program includes activities related to: maximum achievable control technology
(MACT), combustion, and Area Source Standard development; the Stationary Source Residual
Risk Program; New Source Performance Standards; and, associated national guidance and
outreach information. The strategy is to develop generally-available, control technology-based
standards for the highest priority area source categories.
FY 2010 Priorities
Propose and promulgate area source standards and residual risk standards according to
court ordered schedules.
Promulgate NESHAP for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines.
Promulgate NESHAP for Brick and Structural Clay.
Promulgate NESHAP for Plywood and Composite Wood Products.
Promulgate NESHAP: Reconsideration for Portland Cement.
Promulgate NESHAP for Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymers.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 10
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Promulgate NESHAP: Defense Land Systems and Miscellaneous Equipment (Military
MACT).
Promulgate additional amendments to prior NESHAP/MACT Standards.
Promulgate NESHAP for Industrial Boilers (major and area sources).
Promulgate Remand Response and Amendments for Commercial and Industrial Solid
Waste Incinerators (CISWI).
Promulgate Reconsideration of Stationary Combustion Turbines (Subpart KKKK).
Promulgate NESHAP for Gold Mining Production Processes.
Propose Response to Remand for Large Municipal Waste Combustion Units (MWCs).
Propose Response to Remand for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units (MWCs).
Propose revisions to NSPS for residential wood heaters.
FEDERAL VEHICLE AND FUELS STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
This program includes federal activities that support the development, implementation, and
evaluation of regulatory, market-based, and voluntary programs to reduce pollutant emissions
from mobile sources and fuels. Types of mobile sources addressed include: light-duty vehicles
and engines (cars, light-duty trucks, sport utility vehicles); heavy-duty engines (buses, large
trucks); nonroad vehicles/engines (construction, farm equipment, locomotives, marine); and
fuels (diesel, gasoline). The strategy for reducing emissions from mobile sources includes four
elements.
Clean Vehicles: Develop, implement and ensure compliance with stringent emission
standards for cars, light-duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, buses, large trucks, and
nonroad vehicles/engines.
Clean Fuels: Implement cleaner gasoline and diesel fuel regulations and develop
reformulated gasoline, diesel fuel, and non-petroleum alternatives.
Clean Transportation Alternatives: Develop strategies to encourage transportation
alternatives that minimize emissions and address continued growth in vehicle miles
travelled (VMT).
Clean Technology: Work with industry to certify low emission vehicles that use new
engine technologies, such as clean diesel, exhaust gas recirculation for diesel, new
catalyst technology, fuel cells, and hybrid-electric vehicles. Continue in-house
assessment and development of clean engine and fuel technologies and conduct
technology reviews to evaluate progress toward implementation of new vehicle and
engine standards.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 11
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FY 2010 Priorities
Promulgate final rule for renewable fuel standards requirements (RFS2).
Promulgate final rule reducing GHG emissions from light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.
Complete the EPAct Testing Program (multi-year testing program started in 2007-2008)
aimed at evaluating the fuel impacts of renewable fuels.
o Apply the results of the EPAct testing program to update the fuel effects model
used to support regulations.
o Develop new fuel and/or vehicle regulations to mitigate any adverse impacts on
air quality resulting from the renewable fuel volumes required under EISA.
Develop a proposal for a national Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
Promulgate final rule reducing emissions from large commercial ships and establish
standards for US Emissions Control Area (EGA).
Promulgate final rule establishing OBD requirements for nonroad diesel engines.
Continue to implement manufacturer-run in-use compliance program for highway heavy-
duty diesel engines and promulgate in-use compliance program for nonroad diesel
engines.
Propose new harmonized test cycle for highway motorcycles and light duty vehicles in
accordance with the international Group of Experts on Pollution and Energy (GRPE)
agreement.
Continue to implement the 2007-2010 heavy-duty standards, nonroad diesel standards,
low sulfur fuel requirements, fuel-related provisions in the mobile source air toxics rule,
and renewable fuel requirements.
Promulgate new jet aircraft engine emission standards that would align federal rules with
the International Civil Aviation Organization standards and propose other controls and
program upgrades under CAA authority.
Promulgate rule (in response to court remand) justifying or updating the 2012 model year
standards for snowmobiles.
Promulgate rule controlling lead in aviation gasoline and its use in piston engines.
Assess the need for stricter off-cycle standards for light-duty vehicles and evaluate if
similar action is needed for heavy-duty vehicles.
Evaluation of in-use fuel economy data; this assessment will ensure that the test methods
stay current with changes in vehicle technologies, driving behavior, and other factors.
Finalize initial on-road component and incorporate nonroad sources into new
transportation emission model Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES).
Regions assist nonattainment areas in preparing SIPs and assist with implementation of
federally-required control strategies such as vehicle inspection/maintenance (I/M) and
state fuel programs.
FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The federal support program includes Headquarters and Regional Office non-financial
support to state, tribal, and local air pollution control agencies for developing, implementing, and
evaluating programs to implement the NAAQS and reduce regional haze. It also includes regular
reviews of, revisions to, and establishing standards for the criteria pollutants; developing
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 12
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associated national guidance and outreach information for implementing these standards; and
developing emission limiting regulations for specific categories of stationary sources. The
federal support program also includes working with other federal agencies to ensure a
coordinated approach, and with international governments to address sources of air pollutants
that lie outside our borders but contribute to air quality degradation within the United States.
Federal financial support is addressed under "State and Local Air Quality Management" and
"Tribal Air Quality Management."
Over the next several years, we will continue to focus on implementing the current PM and
ozone NAAQS, including the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS, the 2006 revised 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the
1-hour ozone NAAQS (through anti-backsliding requirements) and the 1997 and 2008 8-hour
ozone NAAQS. EPA plans to place greater emphasis on integrating across OAR programs,
specifically as it relates to energy issues and air quality planning. EPA will provide opportunities
for greater collaboration with states, tribes and other federal agencies in addressing these air
quality problems and continued emphasis on innovative strategies to improve air quality, such as
the Sustainable Skylines Initiative which integrates air quality planning with energy,
transportation and land use. Through this process EPA will provide technical assistance to states
on emission reduction measures for PM2.5 and ozone nonattainment areas. We will also be
focusing on implementing the lead (Pb) NAAQS, which is of particular importance to areas with
potential environmental justice concerns.
EPA will undertake rulemaking to address the DC Circuit Court's concerns with CAIR.
During the rulemaking process, EPA will continue to implement the current CAIR. Through the
implementation process, EPA will ensure that CAIR is integrated with other NAAQS programs
and the regional haze program and will determine the degree those programs may still rely on the
emissions reductions from CAIR.
We will continue to work with states and local air quality and transportation agencies to
implement transportation conformity regulations and to ensure the technical integrity of mobile
source controls in SIPs. We will also assist states, tribes, and local governments in crafting
strategies that accommodate growth and economic development while minimizing adverse
effects on air quality and other quality-of-life factors. This may include strategies to integrate air
quality management into land use, transportation, energy use, and community development
plans.
We will continue to work with states, tribes, and local agencies to implement an integrated
ambient monitoring strategy to refocus the existing air monitoring resources toward current data
collection needs for ozone, PM, lead, regional haze, and air toxics.
We will continue to redesign our current emissions factor program for both criteria and air
toxics pollutants to: (1) make the development of emissions factors more self supporting and
open to fuller participation by external organizations; (2) increase the use of electronic means to
standardize the development process, quantify the quality components, and streamline all aspects
of emissions factors development and use; (3) make the emissions factors uncertainties and
emissions quantification methodologies more transparent to users; and, (4) provide direction on
the proper application of emissions factors consistent with non-inventory program goals
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 13
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including clearer guidance and direction on use of more direct quantification tools (e.g.,
emissions monitoring) in lieu of emissions factors.
NAAOS - Priorities for FY 2010
Headquarters
Provide annual air quality reports to Regions by June 1, 2009 and work with Regions to
develop appropriate actions to bring new violating attainment areas into compliance with
theNAAQS.
Work with Regions to determine if their 1997 PM2.5 nonattainment areas and the 1997
moderate 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas have attained by their April 5, 2010 and June
15, 2010 attainment dates respectively, and work with the Regions on a consistent
approach for making determinations that areas attained by their attainment date, for
making clean air determinations based on the Clean Data Policy, and for taking action to
approve attainment date extensions and making findings of failure to attain as necessary.
Work with Regions to encourage and support innovative and voluntary projects (e.g.,
wood stove changeouts) to protect the public from the harmful effects of air pollution.
Continue to encourage and implement voluntary and partnership programs for the
manufacture and labeling of cleaner and more efficient biomass fueled appliances, e.g.,
hydronic heaters and manufactured fireplaces.
Continue outreach to and education of public on ways to burn biomass more cleanly and
efficiently.
Continue to work with financial experts to identify and develop tools, resources and
programs for state, tribal, and regional authorities to implement innovative financial
programs (e.g., low interest loans and supplemental environmental projects) to deliver
financing options for wood stoves, wood hydronic heaters and other air emission sources.
Provide guidance, assistance and consultation throughout the designation process for the
revised lead and 2008 8-hr ozone NAAQS.
Continue to coordinate and provide technical and policy guidance to the Regions on the
ozone and PM2.5 implementation programs for the 1997 NAAQS and begin working with
Regions on implementation of 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
Work with federal and state partners to address fire emissions impact on attainment of the
NAAQS and the regional haze progress goals.
Expand air quality monitoring to additional areas with potential environmental justice
concerns.
Improve analytical tools to assess environmental justice impacts of rulemakings.
Provide technical and policy guidance to Regions on implementing the lead NAAQS.
Begin work on 1997 8-hr ozone §110 (a)(2) infrastructure FIPs required by March 17,
2010.
Begin work with regions to determine §110(a)(2) infrastructure SIP submittals for the
2008 8-hour ozone, 2006 24-hour PM2.5 and lead NAAQS.
Work with Regions to determine if the extreme 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas have
attained by their November 15, 2010 attainment date and work with them on a consistent
approach for making determinations that areas attained by their attainment date, or
making findings of failure to attain as necessary.
Review quarterly data, and monitor progress of CAFO monitoring study.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 14
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Review monitoring data and begin development of CAFO emission estimation
methodologies.
Coordinate best management practice (BMP) studies with USDA for CAFO minimizing
emissions.
Continue outreach and education of public and animal industry on CAFO air emission
issues.
Explore/evaluate potential tools to develop the CAFO process-based model for emission
estimates.
Provide technical direction to industry/academic groups conducting their own CAFO
studies so their quality assurance and monitoring protocols will be consistent with the
NAEMS.
Develop baselines for measuring air quality in areas with potential environmental justice
concerns.
Improve analytical tools to assess environmental justice impacts of rulemakings.
Provide support on integrated and multi-pollutant air pollution planning activities.
Begin work on the regional haze FIPs required by January 2011.
Work with Regions on development and review of §185 fee programs.
Finalize required reviews of NO2 and SO2 primary NAAQS for health effects
Issue Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for NO2 /SO2 secondary NAAQS for welfare
effects.
Regions
Review air quality reports and work with states to develop appropriate actions to bring
new violating attainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS.
Take final rulemaking action within 18 months of receipt of any redesignation request.
Work with states and tribes to encourage and support innovative and voluntary emission
reduction projects (e.g., wood stove changeout programs).
Track allowable and actual processing times for SIPs processed during the fiscal year and
submit midyear and end-of-year reports to the National SIP Processing Workgroup.
Manage the processing of SIP revisions to ensure final rulemaking actions on all ozone
and PM2.s SIPs are completed consistent with the annual SIP processing goal.
Process voluntary and mandatory reclassifications for 8-hour ozone areas.
Coordinate with states, tribes, and local governments on designating initial nonattainment
areas for revised 2008 8-hr ozone NAAQS and lead NAAQS.
Take final rulemaking actions on remaining 1997 PM2.s and 1997 8-hr ozone NAAQS
SIP submittals (e.g., RFP, attainment demonstrations).
Make attainment determinations for 1997 PM2.5 nonattainment areas with an April 5,
2010 attainment date and 1997 8-hr ozone areas with a June 15, 2010 attainment date.
Issue clean air determination actions and grant one-year extensions, as appropriate, for
1997 PM2.s nonattainment areas with an April 5, 2010 attainment date.
Issue attainment determination actions for 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas with a
June 15, 2010 attainment date including mandatory reclassifications, clean air data
findings, or one-year attainment extension date.
Coordinate with states and tribes on areas designated nonattainment for the 2006 PM2.s
NAAQS and begin assisting them to develop plans to attain the 2006 PM2.s NAAQS.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 15
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Support state monitoring network and tribal implementation of lead and rural ozone
monitors.
Assist states to develop and submit SIPs due for the 1997 8-hr ozone Subpart 1
nonattainment areas that were reclassified to Subpart 2
Assist states to develop and submit 1997 8-hr ozone 110 (a)(2) infrastructure SIPs for
regions to take final approval action before March 17, 2010 or begin work on required
FIP.
Assist states to develop timely § 110(a)(2) infrastructure SIP submittals for the 2008 8-
hour ozone, 2006 24-hour PM2.5, and 2008 lead NAAQS for submission in 2011.
Work with states to determine if the extreme 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas have
attained by their November 15, 2010 attainment date.
Encourage voluntary and partnership programs for manufacture and labeling of cleaner
and more efficient biomass fueled appliances.
Work with financial experts to identify and develop tools, resources and programs for
state, tribal, and regional authorities to implement innovative financing programs (e.g.,
low interest loans and supplemental environmental projects (SEPs)) to deliver financing
options for wood stoves, wood hydronic heaters and other air emission sources
Coordinate with states, tribes, and local governments on developing air quality
forecasting for ozone and PM2 5 and public reporting (Enviroflash.info).
Regional Haze - Priorities for FY 2010
Headquarters
Continue to coordinate with Federal Land Managers and Regional Planning
Organizations on regional haze issues.
Continue to coordinate with regions and provide technical and policy assistance on
regional haze SIPs.
Regions
Manage the processing of SIP revisions to ensure final rulemaking actions on all regional
haze SIPs are completed consistent with the annual SIP processing goal.
Ambient Monitoring - Priorities for FY 2010 (NAAQS)
Headquarters
Provide ambient air monitoring input to NO2 NAAQS final rulemaking, scheduled to be
completed by January 22, 2010.
Provide ambient air monitoring input for the SO2 primary NAAQS review. EPA is
planning a proposal by November 16, 2009, and a final by June 2, 2010.
Provide ambient air monitoring input to the NO2 and SO2 secondary standards NAAQS
reviews. An ANPR for the SO2/NO2 secondary NAAQS is expected by August 2009,
with a proposal by February 12, 2010, and a final by October 19, 2010.
Provide ambient air monitoring input to the carbon monoxide NAAQS review. EPA is
planning for an ANPR by June 2010 and a proposal by October 28, 2010.
Provide ambient air monitoring input for the PM NAAQS review. EPA is planning for an
ANPR by August 2010.
Provide implementation support for lead NAAQS monitoring.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 16
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Manage the national contracts for filter purchases.
Monitor timeliness and completeness on the national scale for EPA-supported monitoring
and flag still-unresolved issues for regional office resolution.
Review data certification documentation and set certification flags on AQS data where
certification/QA requirements have been met.
Complete Management System Reviews of at least two regional monitoring programs.
Publish/Prepare National report on precision and bias performance by 9/30/2010.
Coordinate with regions to ensure the independent QA of NAAQS monitoring sites.
Publish/prepare National report on 2009 and 2010 Performance Evaluation Program
(PEP) and National Performance Audit Program (NPAP) findings within two months of
each audit and overall by July 1, 2010.
Review and approve NCore monitoring stations.
Manage the national contract for laboratory analysis of filters for speciation including
providing data to review by states and submitting data to AQS.
Complete Phase III of the carbon sampler changeover. This includes providing equipment
and installation/training support at any remaining PM2.5 chemical speciation network
(CSN) stations, via national contractor/vendor.
Award/manage interagency agreement with National Park Service for operation of
IMPROVE monitors for regional visibility. Allow states and tribes to use this mechanism
for IMPROVE-protocol sampling at other locations.
Review and approve/ disapprove requests for Federal Equivalent Methods (FEM) for
continuous PM2.5 methods within 120 days of completed application, and similarly act on
each first request for each Approved Regional Method (ARM).
Encourage, review and approve/disapprove requests for Federal Equivalent Methods for
PMio-2.5 within 120 days of completed application.
Develop ambient monitoring portion of the FY2011 national program and grant guidance
consistent with the national strategy, in collaboration with state, tribal, and local
leadership and Regions, by April 2010.
Provide training support for NCore-needed precursor gas monitoring through workshops
held at HQ in RTF and/or national conferences.
Propose and finalize (as appropriate) monitoring rule changes needed to support potential
revisions to the NAAQS according to the 5-year review timeline.
Host next national ambient monitoring conference in partnership with the National
Association of Clean Air Agencies. The conference expected to be held early in FY 2010
(i.e., late calendar year 2009).
Regions
Identify and resolve completeness and timeliness issues with regard to quarterly data
submission by monitoring agencies.
Evaluate submitters' annual data certification requests and documentation and forward to
HQ when adequate.
Review the evidence that state/local monitoring programs meet 40 CFR Part 58
appendices A, C, D, and E as applicable (evidence is a required element in annual
monitoring plans due July 1) and seek corrective action by monitoring agencies where
needed.
Review requests for changes in state monitoring plans and act on them within 120 days.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 17
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Manage contracts for independent performance audits of state/local monitor networks
(PEP and NPAP), for those states choosing that approach to independent audits (some
regions only).
Perform Technical Systems Audits on 1/3 of reporting organizations, or as required to
achieve an audit of each agency within a 3-year period.
Transfer State and Tribal Air Grant (STAG) funds to OAQPS for any additional
state/tribal IMPROVE-protocol sites requested by state, tribal, or local agencies by May
2010 for monitoring to begin/continue in July 2010.
Title V and NSR - Priorities for FY 2010
Headquarters
Continue to address Title V Task Force recommendations.
Support Regions in issuing permits and evaluating Title V and NSR permit programs.
Support and maintain Title V permit activity database (TOPS).
Support tribal efforts in developing Title V and NSR permitting programs and delegation
requests.
Continue to assist Regions on NSR regulatory revisions and proposed regulations.
Continue to assist Regions in implementing the final regulations for permitting new and
modified sources in Indian country.
Continue to modify existing NSR permit regulations, as necessary, to be consistent with
the Agency's "Clean Air" initiatives, and the ozone and PM NAAQS.
Prepare and issue final orders on citizen petitions based on drafts from Regions.
Provide training and technical guidance to Regions on final new regulations, as
necessary.
Regions
Review proposed initial, significant modifications and renewal operating permits, as
necessary, to ensure consistent implementation of the Title V program.
Report active Title V permits via TOPS and update all applicable TOPS data.
For purposes of updating TOPs, report outstanding renewals of Title V permits (permits
older than 5 years that have not been renewed).
Issue Title V permits to respond to objections when permitting authority refuses to act.
Continue working on completing, per agreed upon schedules, remaining first-round Title
V program evaluations pursuant to March 2002 OIG report.
Prepare draft orders to citizen (public) petitions based upon OAQPS' petition handling
process.
Perform 1/4 of follow-up Title V program evaluations for programs with at least 20
permits pursuant to February 2005 OIG report and set target to issue evaluation report
within the fiscal year.
Issue PSD and Part 71 permits in Indian country.
Continue to assist permitting authorities on NSR regulatory revisions and proposed
regulations.
Evaluate NSR permit programs, as warranted and set target to issue reports within 120
days of evaluation.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 18
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Provide training and technical guidance and support to permitting authorities and the
public, as necessary.
Take action on all NSR SIPs/TIPs submitted in FY 2007 and FY 2008.
Continue issuance of Title V permits on tribal and other federal lands, as necessary.
Review major NSR/PSD permits for new and modified sources, as necessary, to ensure
consistent implementation of the NSR program.
Provide End of Year Regional Progress Report for status of EPA review of NSR permits.
Mobile Sources - Priorities for FY 2010
Headquarters
Work with Regions to assist states in developing, implementing, and transitioning I/M,
OBD, and fuel programs.
As necessary, assist Regions in processing conformity determinations made by
metropolitan planning organizations or state agencies. As necessary, assist Regions in
making adequacy determinations for identified mobile source budgets in control strategy
SIPs and maintenance plans submitted by states.
Regions
Assist states in developing, implementing, and transitioning mobile source control
strategies such as I/M, OBD, and state fuel programs.
Assist state and local agencies in evaluating and promoting public comprehension of the
need to maintain vehicles when OBD light is illuminated.
Assist states and local air quality and transportation agencies in future conformity
determinations as needed.
Review and comment on transportation conformity determinations made by metropolitan
planning organizations or state agencies.
Complete processing of transportation conformity SIPs submitted by states in FY 2009 as
necessary.
Make adequacy/inadequacy determinations, as necessary, for identified mobile source
budgets included in control strategy SIPs and maintenance plans submitted by states
and/or approve/disapprove such budgets at the time of SIP processing.
Work with OTAQ to provide training in the use of the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator
(MOVES) model, and review modeling results for state and local agencies.
Work with states to develop creditable mobile source programs.
FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR AIR TOXICS PROGRAMS
The federal support program includes Headquarters and Regional Office non-financial
support to state, tribal, and local air pollution control agencies for: modeling, inventories,
monitoring, assessments, strategy and program development; community-based toxics programs;
voluntary programs including those that reduce inhalation risk and those that reduce deposition
to water bodies and ecosystems; voluntary efforts to address emissions from the 11 million
existing diesel engines that are not subject to the new, more stringent emission standards that
took effect in 2007 and later; international cooperation to reduce transboundary and
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 19
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intercontinental air toxic pollution; National Emissions Inventory (NEI) development and
updates; and, Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxics (PBT) activities. It also includes training for air
pollution professionals. In addition, it includes activities for implementation of MACT, Residual
Risk, and Area Source standards and the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) and the
National Air Pollutant Assessment (NAPA). Our strategy has five components:
Work with partners to improve the technical specifications and procedures for the
National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS) ambient monitoring network, to support
short-duration local-scale (also known as community-scale) monitoring studies, and to
develop improved emission factors. (Federal funding support for the NATTS network
and local-scale monitoring studies is addressed under the State and Local Air Quality
Management section below.)
Implement a residual risk program and support community assessment and risk reduction
projects, and compile and analyze the information collected from them to better
characterize risk and assess priorities for further action.
Provide technical expertise and support to state, tribal, and local air toxics programs in
assessing and reducing major stationary source, area source, and mobile source air toxics.
Continue to develop and improve risk assessments and management methodologies.
Innovative approaches in addition to regulatory efforts that will achieve emission
reductions. These approaches include, but are not limited to, wood smoke education and
woodstove changeout programs that reduce indoor and ambient exposure to air toxics,
emission reductions from the existing diesel fleet not subject to new emission standards,
a collision repair campaign to reduce air toxics emissions from the auto body repair
industry, the Sustainable Skylines Initiative, and partnership programs for the
manufacture and labeling of cleaner biomass-fueled appliances.
Work with communities through EPA's Communities for a Renewed Environment
(CARE) program and other local efforts to address environmental justice issues that are
associated with disproportionate exposure to air toxics.
EPA activities that assist in the toxics reduction strategy include the NEI, NATA, NAP A, air
quality modeling, the National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC), and data analysis programs. In
addition, the Air Toxics Monitoring Program indirectly and in some cases directly supports all
the technical tools as well as the programs noted above.
Air Toxics Implementation - Priorities for FY 2010
Headquarters
Finalize development of new NEI process and Emission Inventory System (EIS) in
preparation for 2008 NEI.
Collaborate with Regions, states, tribes, and local governments on the development of the
new NEI process and the EIS.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 20
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Work with Regions to determine the focus for community air toxics programs in support
of the Urban Air Toxics Strategy (UATS) and CARE.
Continue development of tools and guidance for communities.
Work with Regions to assist states, tribes, and local governments to develop and
implement voluntary air toxics programs that address outdoor, indoor, and mobile
sources, including areas near schools and areas with potential environmental justice
concerns.
Work with Regions to encourage and support innovative and voluntary projects to assess
and address sources of air toxics, including areas near schools and areas with potential
environmental justice concerns.
Develop baselines for measuring air quality in areas with potential environmental justice
concerns.
Undertake biannual assessments of the environmental benefits being achieved in
environmental justice areas as a result of diesel emission reduction programs.
Continue to oversee and approve qualification of Phase 2 for OWHH.
Continue to implement the Sustainable Skylines Initiative by working with existing cities
as well as adding additional cities to the initiative.
Continue to implement partnership programs for biomass fueled appliances, e.g.,
hydronic heaters, low-mass fireplaces.
Continue to work with financial experts to identify and develop tools, resources and
programs for states, tribal, and regional authorities to implement innovative financing
programs (e.g., low interest loans and SEPs) to deliver financing options for wood stoves,
wood hydronic heaters and other air emission sources.
Continue to redesign our emission factors program as described under "Federal Support
for Air Quality Management."
Regions
Review new NEI process and EIS components and assist states, tribes, and local
governments with similar reviews.
Provide feedback to headquarters on new NEI process and EIS components.
As appropriate, work with headquarters in developing flexible and risk-based programs.
Assist states, tribes, and local governments where appropriate in conducting data analysis
and assessment for air quality management implications in general. (Applicable to states
conducting air toxics monitoring regardless of funding source.)
* Work with states and local and tribal governments to develop and implement area source
programs.
Delegate and provide implementation assistance to states, tribes, and local governments
for section 111, 112, and 129 standards, as needed.
Implement section 111, 112 and 129 standards, including Federal 11 l(d)/129 plans, in
areas where states do not.
As appropriate, provide assistance, data, and information to HQ in order to help facilitate
revisions/amendments to section 111,11 l(d), 112 and 129 rules and associated Federal
Plans.
As appropriate, assist HQ in development of area source standards.
Assist HQ in determining the focus for community air toxics programs in support of the
UATS and CARE, where appropriate.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 21
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As appropriate, participate in residual risk analyses for MACT and/or GACT standard
source categories, and standard setting process.
Work with states, tribes, and local governments on establishing infrastructure to
implement a risk based air toxics program that focuses on sensitive populations (e.g.,
near schools and areas with potential environmental justice concerns).
Work with communities (e.g., CARE communities/projects) to assess and address
sources of air toxics, including the use of voluntary air toxic reduction programs in their
communities, particularly those areas with potential environmental justice concerns.
Provide training to states, tribes, and local governments on air toxics program
requirements.
Work with states, tribes, and local governments to implement their risk-based air toxics
program. Specifically, assist states, tribes, and local governments to: 1) implement a
residual risk program, and 2) assess and address the combined impact of multiple sources
of air toxics, encouraging voluntary reductions of air toxics from indoor and outdoor
sources, as appropriate.
Continue to oversee the state effort to adopt state rules for hydronic heaters and support
voluntary programs for biomass appliances.
Work with financial experts to identify and develop tools, resources and programs for
states, tribes, and regional authorities to implement innovative financing programs (e.g.,
low interest loans and SEPs) to deliver financing options for wood stoves, wood hydronic
heaters and other air emission sources.
Work with HQ to implement the Sustainable Skylines Initiative by providing support to
cities under the initiative.
Air Toxic Monitoring - FY 2010 Priorities
Headquarters
Transfer 103 funds for NATTS grants to affected regional offices.
Manage national contract for NATTS lab analysis.
Conduct Proficiency Testing and Technical System Audits for national contract lab and
state/local labs servicing NATTS, and report results within 60 days of audit after
opportunity for state/local lab review of draft audit report.
Provide national/regional-scale analysis of currently available air toxics data by
September 2010, with conclusions relevant to air quality management and to establishing
future goals for the NATTS program and other monitoring initiatives.
Hold National Air Toxics Data Analysis Workshop by end of 2010.
Monitor NATTS data submissions for completeness and timeliness.
Conduct a grant competition for community scale air toxics ambient monitoring projects;
upon completion, transfer the STAG 103 funds for selected projects to affected regions.
Provide guidance to Regions for negotiation of individual grants to ensure that data meets
risk screening, risk characterization, and/or risk assessment requirements where
appropriate given study objectives that were material in selecting the project for funding.
Provide mechanism for optional participation in Proficiency Testing and Technical
System Audits by labs which are not direct NATTS participants. (Cost would be borne by
the state/local lab.)
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 22
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Provide tools and guidance for analyzing local air toxics data for air quality management
implications.
Review Technical Assistance Document and update if appropriate.
Regions
Ensure NATTS work plans are consistent with program office template guidance.
Ensure NATTS QAPP is adequate to provide quality data for submission to AQS.
Participate in at least 50% of NATTS TSA lab and field site audits.
Track status and coordinate needed follow-up actions between the program office and
states, tribes, and local agencies in support of the NATTS QA program (e.g., TSA and PT
activities).
Identify and resolve completeness and timeliness issues with regard to quarterly data
submission by monitoring agencies.
Award the community scale air toxics ambient monitoring grants, as applicable.
Assist states, tribes, and local governments in siting, installing, and operating new and
upgraded toxic monitoring equipment for community scale grant projects.
Review Q A programs and ensure compatibility of community scale air toxics
measurements across projects and with NATTS, where appropriate.
Ensure community scale QAPP is adequate to provide quality data for submission to
AQS and/or ensure that the project results meet the requirements of the approved QAPP.
Assess and review existing air toxics networks, and assist states, tribes, and local
agencies in siting, installing, and operating new and upgraded toxic monitoring
equipment.
Ensure QAPP is adequate to provide quality data for submission to AQS.
STATE AND LOCAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The state and local air quality management program includes funding to assist state and local
air pollution control agencies in developing and implementing programs to attain and maintain
the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and to assess, prevent and control air
pollution such as hazardous air pollutants. The program also provides funding to interstate
transport commissions, and other multi-jurisdictional organizations (composed of state and local
representation) to help coordinate air quality improvement efforts. Funding is also provided on a
competitive basis to reduce diesel emissions from the existing diesel fleet and from school buses
through the National Clean Diesel Campaign through a separate appropriation under the Energy
Policy Act of 2005. State and local agencies also maintain Title V operating permit programs for
major stationary and other sources, but Title V activities are funded through permit fees and are
not grant-eligible. Conversely, Title V permit fees should not be used to fund grant-eligible
activities.
State, tribal, and local grant assistance is appropriated by Congress under the Agency's State
and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) appropriation. State and local air programs are funded
under §105 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) with recipient agencies providing matching resources at
no less than 40% of the total approved §105 program costs. Section 103 of the Act provides
100% federal funding to state, multi-jurisdictional, and local entities, including universities and
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 23
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other non-profits, to conduct studies, investigations, experiments, demonstrations, surveys,
training, and certain forms of research, on the nature, prevention, causes and effects of air
pollution. Eligibility for some grants awarded under §103 authority may be limited to certain
types of applicants pursuant to specific conditions outlined in EPA's enacted budget and/or as
directed by Congressional appropriation. Interstate air pollution control agencies, including
interstate transport commissions, receive funds under §106 which also requires a recipient
match. Additional information on the use of STAG resources is contained in Appendix A.
Strategy
EPA's strategy for achieving clean outdoor air includes a comprehensive, multi-pollutant
approach that combines national, regional, and local measures with responsibilities for
implementation carried out by the most appropriate and effective level of government. Problems
with broad national or global impact are best handled at the federal level. State, tribal, and local
agencies can best address regional and local problems that remain after federal measures are
applied. In implementing the state and local air quality management component of this strategy
EPA will:
Work with state, local, and other governmental partners to target available STAG
resources to those air pollution problems which pose the greatest risk to public health
(e.g., fine particles, ozone, and hazardous air pollutants);
Allocate resources to address not only the attainment of PM2.5 and 8-hour ozone
NAAQS, but also support ongoing state and local air program operations and delegated
programs which help maintain healthy air quality;
Encourage support for regional and community-scale strategies that complement the
impacts of federal measures (e.g., action day programs, air quality reporting, early ozone
reductions, wood smoke reduction programs, diesel retrofits and other mobile source
initiatives, integrated air toxics risk assessment and reduction projects);
Provide support to assist states, tribes, and local agencies to develop air quality
forecasting programs, especially the addition of forecasting particle pollution.
Encourage the use of Enviroflash to communicate air quality alerts to the public;
Target significant resources to recipients to develop, refine, and maintain monitoring
systems and emission inventories which help provide a clear picture of the nature and
sources of air pollution and help gauge the impacts of preventive and mitigative measures
employed;
Support the efforts of states and multi-jurisdictional organizations (MJOs) to develop
information and strategies for use by states and tribes in reducing haze and improving
visibility across the country, including formerly pristine areas;
Provide resources that focus on transboundary or binational, geographically-specific
environmental issues involving a multi-pollutant, multi-state, and sometimes a multi-
media approach;
Provide support for training and other associated program support to assist state, local,
multi-state, and other agencies in addressing their air pollution problems;
Provide training and technical support to assist states, tribes, and local agencies in
developing and conducting wood boiler and wood stove changeout programs to reduce
particle pollution; to implement a clean burning education campaign; and,
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 24
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Provide resources to eligible entities to support diesel engine retrofits, rebuilds and
replacements, and idling reduction technologies that target reductions from the existing
diesel fleet.
Inherent in these efforts is EPA's policy to ensure that collaborative and timely consultation
occurs with its partners in the areas of planning, priority-setting, and budgeting. It is the policy
of OAR and the Regions to seek prior consultation with partners on the allocation and use of
grant resources. EPA will continue to work with the Environmental Council of States (ECOS),
the National Tribal Operations Committee (NTOC), the National Tribal Air Association
(NTAA), and the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) to identify and resolve
issues associated with the purposes, distribution and use of grant resources.
EPA continues to place high priority on effective grants management including proper use of
authorities for award, effective use of competition where appropriate, articulation and reporting
of programmatic and environmental results, and effective oversight of agreements including
compliance with programmatic terms and conditions. More information on specific grant
priorities and critical grant management topics is contained in Appendix A.
NAAOS - Priorities for FY 2010
States should:
Review air quality reports and take appropriate actions to eliminate future violations in
attainment areas that violate any of the NAAQS.
As appropriate, submit redesignation requests including maintenance plans for areas with
clean air quality data.
Work with local area stakeholders to support innovative, voluntary, early action
initiatives such wood smoke reduction programs.
All state/local primary quality assurance organizations submit NAAQS pollutant data,
PAMS, and QA data to AQS directly or indirectly through another organization
according to schedule in 40 CFR Part 58.
Continue to implement SIPs for 1997 PM2 5 and ozone NAAQS.
Submit any outstanding PM2.5 and ozone SIP elements.
Consult with EPA as necessary to finalize area designations on revised 2008 ozone and
lead NAAQS.
Implement NOx and SO2 Requirements under CAIR.
Begin planning for 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS SIPs due no later than 2013.
Work with local agencies to implement woodstove changeout/hydronic heater programs
and wood smoke education campaigns in areas where changeouts could significantly
reduce ambient particle concentrations.
Explore feasibility of changing out existing outdoor wood-fired boilers to significantly
reduce PM2.5 concentrations.
Begin to integrate nontraditional planning (e.g. land use, transportation, and energy) into
air quality management.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 25
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Regional Haze - Priorities for FY 2010
States should:
Continue to work with Regions on issues related to submitted regional haze SIPs.
Implement BART requirements.
Submit any outstanding regional haze SIP elements.
NAAOS Ambient Monitoring - Priorities for FY 2010
Regions should work with states to ensure that state monitoring networks for NAAQS,
PM2.5speciation and PAMS meet applicable regulatory and guidance requirements. This includes
the following specific actions:
Implement lead monitoring at near-source locations, where required by January 1, 2010.
Plan to implement lead monitoring at non near-source locations as part of each state's
annual monitoring network plan due to EPA by July 1, 2010.
Revise the ozone monitoring season in each state's network, if required, in time for the
start of the 2010 ozone monitoring season.
Submit 2011 annual network plan required by 40 CFR § 58.10, by July 1, 2010 unless
another schedule has been approved (state/local only, unless tribal work plan
requirement). The plan should provide for the movement or start-up of additional ozone
monitoring stations associated with smaller urban areas and non-urban areas, if required.
Operate monitors for other NAAQS pollutants, PM2 5 speciation, and PAMS according to
40 CFR Part 58, approved monitoring plans, and/or grant agreements including QMPs
and QAPPs.
Submit NAAQS pollutant data, PAMS, NCore and QA data to AQS according to
schedule in 40 CFR Part 58.
Certify 2009 NAAQS pollutant data in AQS and provide supporting documentation by
July 1, 2010 (state/local only, unless tribal work plan requirement).
Ensure adequate, independent QA audits of NAAQS monitors, including PEP and NPAP
or equivalent (state/local only, unless tribal work plan requirement).
Conduct monthly QA checks for flow rates of PM2.5 speciation monitors and submit data
quarterly to AQS. Target is for 75% completeness, (state/local only, unless tribal work
plan requirement).
Complete the changeover to IMPROVE-style carbon samplers at PM2.5 speciation trends
and supplemental site (state/local only).
Report real time ozone and PM2.s data to AirNOW for cities required to report the AQI
(state/local only).
Complete the first 5-year-cycle network assessment required by July 1, 2010 (state/local
only, unless tribal work plan requirement).
Implement remaining measurements associated with NCore so that each station is ready
for full operation by January 1, 2011.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 26
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Toxics Ambient Monitoring - Priorities for FY 2010
Regions should work with states to ensure NATTS sites are operated according to EPA's
technical guidance and the QAPP and QMP. This includes the following specific actions:
Operate NATTS sites according to national technical guidance and the QAPP and QMP.
Participate in inter-laboratory Proficiency Testing and Technical System Audit programs
according to national guidance and the approved QAPP and QMP (state/local only).
Submit NATTS data to AQS quarterly, within 120 days of end of each quarter. The data
objective for completeness rate is 85% of the potential concentration values for each
quarter (state/local only).
Conduct federally-funded community assessment projects consistent with grant terms
(including schedule), technical guidance, and QAPP and QMP (state/local/tribal).
Submit data from federally-funded community monitoring projects to AQS quarterly,
within 120 days of end of each quarter. The data objective for completeness rate is 85%
of the potential concentration values for the study period (state/local/tribal).
Perform and publish/post local-scale monitoring data analyses in federally-funded
community scale project plans (state/local/tribal).
Recipients of the Community Scale Air Toxic Ambient Monitoring grants shall present
their findings at the National Air Toxics Data Analysis Workshop (state/local/tribal).
Operate study sites based on the terms of QAPP and QMP (state/local/tribal).
Submit data to AQS quarterly. The target data completeness rate is 85% of the potential
concentration values submitted within 120 days of end of each quarter (state/local/tribal).
Title V and NSR - Priorities for FY 2010
Ensure sources submit Title V applications for renewal.
Provide timeliness data on new title V permits and significant permit modifications to
EPA Regional Offices for entry into TOPS.
Continue to issue initial permits, significant modifications, and renewal Title V permits
and reduce backlog of renewal permits.
Cooperate with EPA in Title V permit program evaluations, set target to respond within
90 days to EPA's evaluation report and implement recommendations as warranted.
Issue new Title V permits and significant permit modifications within 18 months of
application completeness determined by permitting authority.
Issue 78 % of maj or NSR permits within one year of receiving a complete permit
application.
Issue NSR permits consistent with CAA requirements and enter BACT/LAER
determinations in the RBLC.
Provide timeliness data on NSR permits issued for new major sources and major
modifications by entering data including "the application accepted date" and "the permit
issuance date" in to the RBLC national database.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 27
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Air Toxics - Priorities for FY 2010
Quality assure, validate, and revise NEI facility data using EIS components.
Collect data for the integrated 2008 HAP emissions inventory.
Implement delegated or approved section 112, 11 l(d) and 129 standards, as appropriate,
for major sources and area sources.
Implement delegated residual risk standards.
Work with communities to develop and implement voluntary air toxics programs that
address outdoor, indoor, and mobile sources with emphasis on areas with potential
environmental justice concerns.
TRIBAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The national Tribal Air Quality Management Program includes funding for Indian tribes and
Tribal Air Pollution Control Agencies, as well as providing training and support for tribes with
typically small staffs and limited resources. Through CAA §103 grants, tribal air pollution
control agencies, among others, may conduct and promote research, investigations, experiments,
demonstrations, surveys, studies and training related to air pollution. Tribes typically use this
funding source to research and investigate the air quality within, and emissions sources affecting,
lands within their jurisdiction. Through CAA §105 grants, tribes may develop and implement
programs for the prevention and control of air pollution or for the implementation of national
primary and secondary ambient air quality standards, permit programs, and delegated federal
programs like Part 71 and MACT standards. Tribes have the authority to set standards and
develop additional programs to meet their unique needs. This authority is grounded in the CAA
and the Tribal Authority Rule, as well as their inherent sovereign authority. For detailed grant
guidance see Appendix A.
Strategy
EPA is committed to work with the tribes, our regulatory partners, to assist them in
understanding their air quality, completing air quality assessments setting appropriate air quality
goals, and developing air quality management programs where appropriate to meet those goals.
The completion of air quality assessments in Indian country is achieved through a combination
of training and technical support of tribal staff in areas such as conducting assessments, source
characterizations, emission inventories, monitoring programs, modeling, and other analyses, as
appropriate. At the same time, work continues to improve and facilitate tribal participation in the
policy and programmatic aspects of the national air quality management program. As tribes gain
experience, they are then better able to address their air quality concerns, and enhance their
overall program development and participation. EPA is committed to supporting the National
Tribal Air Association (NTAA) as a leadership and coordination organization, working to
promote relationships between and amongst tribes and EPA. NTAA serves an important role in
facilitating tribal involvement in EPA policy and regulatory development.
EPA is also committed to building tribal capacity, where appropriate, to implementeither
directly through tribal regulations and Tribal Implementation Plans (TIPs), Title V programs, or
as partners in implementation of applicable Federal Implementation Plans (FIPs)CAA
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 28
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protections for human health and the environment for federally-recognized tribes. A primary
mechanism for this priority is to fund the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)
in its role as a leader in tribal air quality training and technical support. The ITEP program
provides an internationally-recognized curriculum, developed especially for the unique needs of
Indian country. This program has been instrumental in assisting tribes in developing the
necessary skills to start and implement air quality management programs for their reservations.
ITEP and EPA together implement the Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center.
Tribal STAG funds are allocated to tribes through each regional office (except Region 3
which has no federally-recognized tribes) based on a formula that includes a number of factors
such as tribal population, number of tribes, nonattainment areas, and number of Title V sources.
Regional offices then allocate funds to tribes based on additional factors related to risk,
environmental goals, and tribal capacity. EPA STAG funding in recent years has been unable to
provide grants to every tribe requesting support, so this methodology allows funding decisions to
be made in a nationally-consistent manner while seeking to maximize the local environmental
benefit.
OAR supports many tribal efforts to understand and address air quality, and many tribes
include monitoring and emission inventory programs in their activities. OAR provides funding to
approximately 80 tribes to monitor a variety of pollutants of concern to them, and many tribes
have provided an exemplary level of reliability and data capture in operating monitors of every
type. In addition, 36 tribes have completed emissions inventories to help determine potential air
quality and programmatic concerns for their tribe. To continue the effectiveness and relevancy of
these tribal programs, OAR expects the regional offices and tribes to jointly determine where
and why monitoring or emissions inventory development is necessary, while OAR provides
technical assistance through the Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center.
EPA's strategy is to provide flexibility for tribes and regional offices to address the many
different air quality situations on tribal lands on a case-by-case basis, rather than setting goals for
tribes at the national level. Ambient air monitoring often, but not always, will be an appropriate
one-time or continuing element of a tribal air quality assessment and management program.
Section II of Appendix A of this document provides revised interim guidance to help tribal and
regional office staff achieve clarity on the objectives of monitoring efforts.
Many (but not all) tribes regularly upload their monitoring data to AQS, where the data can
be used by EPA to verify accomplishment of grant work plans and by interested parties to
understand the air quality situation of the particular tribe. While recognizing the sensitivity of
tribes to the use of their data, OAR expects tribal grants awarded in FY 2009 to include a
commitment for quality-assured monitoring data to be submitted (directly by the tribe or other
agreed arrangement) on a timely basis to AQS or other national database (e.g., AQS is not able
to directly receive the data from the CASTNET or IMPROVE networks at this time). OAQPS is
available to join the regional offices in pre-award consultations with any tribes where issues of
data ownership and submission of data are of concern. EPA also encourages tribal participation
in AirNow, but this should not be a condition required in the grants.
In FY 2010, attention should continue to be paid to the quality aspects of tribal air monitoring
programs. Every new or renewed grant supporting ambient monitoring on tribal lands should
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 29
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require preparation and regional office approval of Quality Management Plans (QMPs) and
Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) that clearly identify the purposes to be served by the
monitoring. OAR has worked with the regions and monitoring organizations to develop a graded
approach for the development of these documents. The QAPP should provide that tribal
monitoring include regular precision and accuracy checks, using Appendix A of 40 CFR Part 58
as general guidance, unless other quality assurance procedures are justified as more appropriate
to the monitoring objectives. Data reporting to AQS should include reporting of the precision
and accuracy check results. The TAMS Center provides training on these QA aspects of
monitoring programs and has developed Turbo-QAPP software approved for use by OAQPS.
Tribal QAPPs developed using this software should be generally approvable.
Many tribes are very concerned about climate change and its impact on federally-recognized
tribes. Tribes often are the first to experience the impact of climate change and are generally less
able to address it than state, local agencies or the private sector, which have more resources. In
FY 2010, attention should be given to help tribes participate in the development of climate
change legislation, policy, or regulation. Attention should be paid, not only to mitigation issues,
but also the special needs of tribes in adaptation. EPA will provide pilot project grants called
Sustainability for the Seventh Generation to help tribes address air quality, climate change, and
sustainability by encouraging the integration of land use, energy, transportation, and air quality
planning activities.
Our strategy includes specific funding to support tribal interest in air toxics. Tribes have
started to increase their participation in air toxics issues, but are limited by availability of
funding and resources to assess the level of impact and risk. However, tribes continue to be
concerned about toxics, and often have disproportional impacts due to subsistence activities and
lifestyles. This is particularly true where local problems may be caused by local and regional
sources such as residential wood smoke, industrial facilities, and mobile sources. This also
applies to toxic deposition and bioaccumulation of persistent bioaccumulative toxins, such as
mercury, dioxin and PCBs. The 229 Alaska Native Villages, many of whom rely on traditional
subsistence lifestyles, have expressed particular concern over local and international toxics, and
Arctic peoples are known to suffer disproportionately high exposures to these toxic and
persistent compounds.
Finally, to enhance the visibility of the OAR Tribal Program and to further integrate tribal
issues and concerns into EPA's daily programmatic activities, regions should, where appropriate,
provide the tribes with the funding assistance necessary for reasonable participation in national
level conferences, meetings, and planning activities. For example, there are several national
conferences on topics such as monitoring, emission inventories, quality assurance, and data
analysis. There are also a number of strategic planning efforts underway under the auspices of
the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee that could benefit from consistent and meaningful tribal
participation. Such provisions should be added, as appropriate, to the tribal grant workplans.
FY 2010 Priorities
Headquarters
Provide support to tribes and Regions for completion of emissions inventories and their
submission to the Emissions Inventory database.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 30
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Provide training and technical support to tribes for air quality assessment and monitoring,
including submission of quality assured data into the AQS system.
Work with Regions to provide air quality outreach and training events to tribal staff, as
appropriate.
Provide grant and staff support to national tribal organizations to support effective tribal
participation in policy development.
Provide grant and staff support for training on national CAA policy issues.
Invite tribes to participate in policy development and implementation workgroups.
Support training for tribes on the SIP process.
Provide meaningful notice and access to tribes for participation in rule or program
development.
Support training for tribes on the TAS and TIP processes.
Support Regional Office FIP efforts.
Promulgate the tribal NSR rule.
Provide support for toxics training and outreach events to tribes and other opportunities
for tribes to participate in air toxics reduction efforts.
Provide support for training to tribes on voluntary programs.
Provide support for tribal efforts to understand, assess, and respond to indoor air
concerns on reservations.
Work with Regions to assist interested tribes in implementing voluntary emission control
retrofit programs for existing heavy-duty diesel engines/school buses and wood
stove/hydronic heater changeout programs.
Continue to support tribes and Regions with information and training to address wood
smoke emissions, both indoors and out.
Continue to maintain and support the tribal database.
Continue to provide guidance to tribes on planning and implementing air monitoring
programs.
Continue to support tribal participation in assessment and monitoring activities related to
the atmospheric deposition of mercury on tribal lands.
Continue to facilitate distribution of information to tribes by maintaining the EPA Tribal
website and the Tribal Newsletter.
Support and encourage early and frequent consultation with tribal governments on OAR
actions that may affect them.
Support tribal efforts to understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Work with Regions to implement voluntary programs to integrate nontraditional planning
(e.g. land use, transportation, and energy) into air quality management.
Regions
Provide grant and technical support to interested federally-recognized tribes for the
purpose of conducting air quality management activities.
Provide support to tribal air quality assessment activities such as emissions inventories,
monitoring, and submission of monitoring data into national databases as appropriate.
Work with HQ to provide air quality outreach and training events to tribal staff, as
appropriate.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 31
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Provide grant resources and staff support for tribes to participate in regional and national
level activities.
Provide support for tribes on the SIP process.
Provide grant resources and support to tribes for participation in rule or program
development.
Provide support for tribes on the TAS and TIP processes and act on TAS and TIP
submittals.
Use Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative Agreement (DITCA) authority to directly
implement federal responsibilities as appropriate.
If necessary, identify areas requiring FIP and implement FIP development and
implementation process.
Issue Part 71 and pre-construction (PSD) permits.
Implement and enforce federal standards (NSPS NESHAP, etc.).
Work with tribes to implement tribal, CAA, and voluntary emission control programs.
Support RPO-related funding and technical activities.
Support tribal capacity building with regard to understanding and addressing air toxics
issues impacting reservations, as needed or appropriate.
Provide support for outreach events to tribes and other opportunities for tribes to
participate in air toxics reduction efforts.
Make outreach and training on voluntary programs available to tribes.
Provide support and technical assistance to reservation and tribal communities to
understand and address indoor air quality concerns.
Work with HQ and interested tribes in implementing voluntary emission control retrofit
programs for existing heavy-duty diesel engines impacting reservation and tribal
communities.
Work with HQ to conduct formal consultations with tribal leaders when appropriate.
Support OTS Tribal Database by regularly inputting appropriate data and ensuring tribal
accomplishments and activities are accurately described.
Provide support and technical assistance to tribes to address residential wood and coal
burning.
Tribes
Attend air quality outreach events; participate in ozone or PM policy development,
and/or regulatory response, as appropriate.
Provide air quality monitoring or assessment data to EPA and/or AQS.
Complete and submit emissions inventories to the EIS.
Participate in regional and national level meetings, conferences, and teleconferences on
CAA policy development and seek training and support to build capability for effective
participation.
Participate in CAA rules and policy development that impact federally-recognized tribes.
Submit eligibility determinations under the TAR.
Submit TIPs to address air quality conditions for lands within the tribes' jurisdiction.
Assist in FIP development and implementation process, as appropriate.
Review and test new Emissions Inventory process and EIS components. Provide
feedback to regions.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 32
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Provide outreach to tribal communities on both indoor and outdoor air toxics issues.
Participate in training on voluntary programs to address air quality concerns.
Attend indoor air quality training.
Participate in indoor air quality assessment and outreach to reservation and tribal
communities.
Implement voluntary emission control retrofit programs for existing heavy-duty diesel
engines and wood stove and hydronic heather changeout campaigns.
Participate in and develop climate change activities.
Participate and develop multi-pollutant air quality planning activities such as the
Sustainability for the Seventh Generation Initiative.
++ End of Section ++
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 33
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Indoor Air
Objective 1.2 - Healthier Indoor Air. Through 2014, working with partners, reduce human
health risks by reducing exposure to indoor air contaminants through the promotion of voluntary
actions by the public.
Sub-objective 1.2.1: Reduce Radon Risk. By 2014, the number of future premature lung cancer
deaths prevented annually through lowered radon exposure will increase to 1,267 from the 2006
baseline of 644 future premature lung cancer deaths prevented.
Sub-objective 1.2.2: Reduce Exposure to Asthma Triggers. By 2014, the number of people
taking all essential actions to reduce exposure to indoor environmental asthma triggers will
increase to 7.2 million from the 2003 baseline of 3 million. EPA will place special emphasis on
children and other disproportionately impacted populations.
Sub-objective 1.2.3: Reduce Exposure to Indoor Air Contaminants in Schools. By 2014, the
number of schools implementing an effective indoor air quality management plan will increase
to 48,000 from the 2002 baseline of 25,000.
EPA addresses indoor air quality issues by developing and implementing voluntary outreach
and partnership programs that inform and educate the public about indoor air quality and actions
that can reduce potential risks in homes, schools, and workplaces. EPA also supports states and
communities in developing and implementing comprehensive multi-stakeholder air toxics
reduction efforts.
Through these voluntary programs, EPA disseminates information and works with national,
international, state, tribal, and local governments; industry and professional groups; and the
public to promote actions to reduce exposures to potentially harmful levels of indoor air
pollutants including radon, asthma triggers including environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and
mold contamination in homes. EPA also transfers technology by providing detailed guidance on
indoor air-related building design, operation, and maintenance practices to building owners,
building managers, and school facility managers and easy-to-use tools to educators and school
facility managers. A key focus area is on the environmental management of asthma triggers
through outreach to schools, child care centers, health care providers, and the general public.
EPA also provides tribes with appropriate tools and assistance to address mold contamination
as well indoor air toxics, such as radon, ETS, and particulate matter. EPA works with other
federal agencies to provide guidance and assistance on how to reduce the exposure levels of
these contaminants in all tribal communities.
Through the State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program, EPA helps states that have not yet
established the basic elements of an effective radon assessment and mitigation program, and will
support innovation and expansion in states that already have programs.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 34
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Our strategies for improving indoor air quality and increasing the number of people breathing
healthier indoor air are implemented through two priority areas: 1) indoor environmental
pollutants and triggers which cause or exacerbate respiratory-related illnesses, and 2) radon.
REDUCE RISKS FROM INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS AND ASTHMA
TRIGGERS
This program area takes both a pollutant-focused and a place-based approach to reduce the
risk at the locations where people are exposed to indoor contaminants. As its top priorities, EPA
and its partners design and implement voluntary guidance, education, outreach, training, and
incentive programs and activities to reduce exposure to environmental triggers of asthma (i.e.,
ETS, dust mites, pests, molds, nitrogen dioxide, and pet dander), help communities deliver
effective comprehensive asthma care, and effectively manage indoor air quality in homes,
schools and office buildings.
Our strategy includes: implementing a national, multi-faceted asthma education and outreach
program to improve and expand the delivery of comprehensive asthma care; an ETS program
primarily focused on protecting young children from ETS exposure by collaborating with
federal, state, and local organizations on promoting smoke-free homes and cars; and a national
education and outreach program to inform the public, schools, school districts, educators, and
building professionals about the importance of creating and maintaining healthy indoor
environments in homes, schools, and workplaces. EPA has identified the reduction of asthma
attacks as a National Environmental Justice Priority. Our strategy is targeted to improve the
environmental health outcomes of people including segments of the population that are socio-
economically disadvantaged or disproportionately impacted such as children and low-income
individuals.
Our program relies on several key implementation/educational tools:
National public awareness and media campaigns;
Community-based outreach and education, (e.g., educating caregivers of children on
environmental triggers of asthma and exposure to ETS);
Sound, user-friendly guidance tailored to the program's varied constituencies;
Enhancement and application of programmatic support data; and
Knowledge and technology transfer.
FY 2010 Priorities for the Regions
Continue to serve as the local, community-based point of contact to disseminate
information and foster implementation of the indoor air programs;
Work with national partner state/field affiliates, state, tribal, and local partners, and
coalitions to reduce risks from indoor pollutants and asthma triggers;
Oversee grants to reduce risks from indoor pollutants and asthma triggers, particularly in
homes, schools and day care centers;
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 35
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Work with school districts and other school organizations to promote adoption of
effective indoor air quality management programs in schools; and
Work with state, tribal, and local community partners to reduce exposure to indoor
asthma triggers including through state, tribal, and local asthma plans.
RADON
The voluntary radon program aims to significantly reduce the number of radon-induced lung
cancer deaths in the U.S. The national goal is to approximately double number of lives saved
through radon risk reduction within the next five years.
The program's primary focus is on radon risk reduction in homes. EPA uses information
dissemination, social marketing techniques, and partnerships with influential public health and
environmental organizations to drive action at the national level. The SIRG program is a primary
vehicle to drive action at the state, tribal and local level.
The two primary methods to achieve our risk reduction goals are:
Building healthier green homes with radon-resistant new construction; and
Reducing radon in existing homes.
A third method is to reduce the risk to children and adults in schools:
Reducing radon in schools and building new schools with radon-reducing features.
The principal mechanisms to achieve these results are:
Builders voluntarily building radon-resistant new homes;
State and local governments adopting building codes that include radon reduction;
Homeowners voluntarily fixing their homes with high radon levels;
Sellers/buyers fixing homes within real estate transactions; and
Schools reducing radon through "IAQ Tools for Schools" or other program.
FY 2010 Priorities for the Regions
Use the SIRG results measures template and approve work plans that reflect EPA's radon
priorities;
Administer/monitor programmatic and SIRG grant recipient performance for results and
encourage the timely expenditure of grant funds (older funds first);
Participate in national and regional radon meetings;
Support the Radon Leaders Saving Lives campaign; and
Use Radon Action Month as a way to drive action throughout the year.
++ End of Section ++
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 36
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Stratospheric Ozone
Objective 1.3 - Protect the Ozone Layer. Through 2014, continue efforts to restore the earth's
stratospheric ozone layer and protect the public from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Strategic Measures:
Heal the Ozone Layer: By 2014, total effective equivalent stratospheric chlorine will
have reached its peak and begun its gradual decline to a value less than 3.4 parts per
billion of air by volume.
Reduce Emissions of Ozone-Depleting Substances: By 2015, reduce U.S. consumption of
Class II ozone-depleting substances to less than 1,520 tons per year of ozone depleting
potential from the 2009 baseline of 9,900 tons per year.
Reduce Exposure to Excess UV Radiation: By 2165, reduce the incidence of melanoma
skin cancer to 14 new skin cancer cases per 100,000 people from the 2005 baseline of
21.5 cases per 100,000 people.
As a signatory to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
(Montreal Protocol), the U.S. is obligated to regulate and enforce its terms domestically. In
accordance with this international treaty and related Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements, EPA
will continue to implement the domestic rulemaking agenda for the reduction and control of
ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl bromide, and enforce rules controlling their
production, import, and emission. Implementation involves a combination of market-based
regulatory approaches and development and commercialization of alternatives to ozone-
depleting substances. We will strengthen outreach efforts to ensure efficient and effective
compliance, and continue to identify and promote safer alternatives to curtail stratospheric ozone
depletion. To help reduce international emissions, particularly in light of the more aggressive
phasedown requirements adopted by Montreal Protocol signatories in September 2007, we will
assist developing countries through transfer of technology and U.S. expertise in the development
and implementation of cap-and-trade licensing systems.
Because the ozone layer is not expected to recover until the middle of this century at the
earliest, the public will continue to be exposed to higher levels of UV radiation than existed prior
to the use and emission of ODS. Recognizing this fact and the public's current sun-exposure
practices, EPA will continue education and outreach efforts to encourage behavioral changes as
the primary means of reducing UV-related health risks.
DOMESTIC PROGRAMS
EPA leads regulatory and voluntary programs to restore the ozone layer and reduce public
health risk. For 2010, EPA's domestic strategy for stratospheric ozone protection will focus on:
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 37
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Undertaking measures to ensure successful transition of industries to non-ozone depleting
alternatives to class II substances (HCFCs), which beginning in 2010 are subject to
further consumption, production, and use controls under the Montreal Protocol and CAA.
Limiting production of class I substances such as CFC-11, CFC-12, and methyl bromide
to uses identified as critical or essential under the Montreal Protocol.
FY 2010 Milestones and Priorities
EPA administers the critical use exemption for production of methyl bromide as allowed
under the Montreal Protocol.
EPA allocates production and consumption allowances for HCFCs to ensure U.S.
compliance with caps under the Montreal Protocol.
EPA expands and refines its electronic reporting and tracking capabilities to improve the
efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of reporting by regulated entities and improve the
protection of confidential information.
EPA continues the combination of regulatory and voluntary activities to ensure safe
handling, recovery, and disposal of ozone-depleting refrigerants, including
implementation of the GreenChill and Responsible Appliance Disposal voluntary
programs.
EPA continues implementing the Significant New Alternatives Program (SNAP) to foster
the transition to ozone-safe alternatives.
Regions carry out enforcement actions related to programs under Title VI of the CAA,
including servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners, recycling of ODS, and emissions of
phased-out substances. For additional information see the National Program Guidance
issued by the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
MULTILATERAL FUND
This program includes the Multilateral Fund, which promotes international compliance with
the Montreal Protocol by financing the incremental cost of converting existing industries in
developing countries to cost-effective, ozone-friendly technology. Our strategy is to continue to
support the Ozone Secretariat's Multilateral Fund, which provides resources to developing
nations to facilitate their transition to ozone-safe alternatives. In 2010 we will focus on:
Maximizing developing country reductions in ODS production by moving aggressively
from a project-by-project approach to a national phase-out strategy approach.
Accelerating the shift to CFC alternatives by accelerating the closure of CFC
manufacturers in developing countries.
Increasing support to developing country institutions to enable effective implementation
of policy measures.
++ End of Section ++
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 38
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Radiation Protection
Objective 1.4 - Radiation. Through 2014, working with partners, minimize unnecessary
releases of radiation and be prepared to minimize impacts to human health and the environment
should unwanted releases occur.
Strategic Measures:
Monitor the Environment for Radiation: By 2014, 51 percent of the U.S. population will
be in proximity to an ambient radiation monitoring system that provides scientifically
sound data for assessing public exposure resulting from radiological emergencies. (2001
baseline is 22 percent of U.S. population.)
Prepare for and Respond to Radiological Emergencies: By 2014, the radiation program
will maintain a 90 percent level of readiness of radiation program personnel and assets to
support federal radiological emergency response and recovery operations. (2007 baseline
is an 83 percent level of readiness.)
EPA works with federal, state, tribal, and local agencies to prevent public exposure to
harmful levels of radiation in the environment. The Agency assesses exposure risks, manages
radioactive releases and exposures, ensures proper management of radioactive materials, and
provides the public with information about radiation and its hazards. EPA also maintains a high
level of preparedness to respond to radiological emergencies and potential acts of terrorism.
EPA's strategies for radiation include:
Radiation Protection;
Radiation Emergency Response Preparedness; and
Homeland Security and Emergency Response and Recovery
EPA continues to improve radioactive waste management through guidance, technical tools,
assessment, and regulatory amendments as necessary and radiation-specific analytical and
technical support. EPA also is increasing its commitment to Emergency Response/Homeland
Security.
EPA's Radiation Program continues to integrate radiation data into the Agency's information
systems and make radiation information more accessible to the public. The program is enhancing
the national environmental radiation monitoring system (RadNet) to better respond to radiation
emergencies and prepare for potential terrorist threats and continues programs to provide
guidance and tools to other federal agencies, as well as state, tribal, and local governments, our
stakeholders, and partners. We also are continuing efforts to create and enhance voluntary
programs to better track radioactive materials, find alternatives to radiation sources in industry,
and improve disposal options for radioactive sources in commerce.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 39
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RADIATION PROTECTION
This program includes activities for radiation clean up, federal guidance, risk modeling, Clean
Materials, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), radiation air toxics, or National Emissions for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), technologically-enhanced naturally-occurring radioactive
material (TENORM), radiation waste management, radioactive and mixed-waste operations, and
laboratory analyses.
Using a collaborative strategy, EPA works with the public, industry, states, tribes, and other
governmental agencies to inform and educate people about radiation risks and promote actions
that reduce human exposure. EPA also provides radiation guidance and tools and develops
regulations as appropriate, to control radiation releases. Key programmatic activities include:
Promoting the safety of the U.S. and international metal supply by preventing future
losses of radioactive materials including sealed sources;
Ensuring continued compliance with EPA regulations and EPA oversight for DOE waste
disposal activities at the WIPP;
Promoting the reduction and management of radiation risks in a consistent and safe
manner at Superfund, DOE, DOD, state, local, and other federal sites;
Maintaining appropriate methods to manage radioactive releases and exposures including
evaluating remediation technologies for radioactively contaminated sites;
Assessing exposure risks and providing information about radiation and its hazards;
Evaluating the human health and environmental risks from radiation exposure and
mitigating impacts to the public;
Providing national-level guidance on the risks posed by radioactive materials in the
environment;
Enhancing voluntary programs to track radioactive materials more effectively, find
alternatives to radiation sources in industry, and improve disposal options for radioactive
sources in commerce;
Providing a national monitoring program for environmental radioactivity;
Improving EPA, state, and commercial radioanalytical capacity and capabilities;
o Providing analytical capability to evaluate radioactive and mixed waste
concentrations in all environmental media;
o Providing improved methods and practices for sampling and assessing radioactive
material in the environment; and
o Providing reference laboratory support to review new methods and confirm other
laboratory analyses.
FY 2010 Priorities
Additional quantities of radioactive waste certified by EPA as properly disposed will be
deposited at the WIPP in 2010;
EPA radiation laboratories will improve analytical capacity through updated technology
and methods;
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 40
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EPA will improve state radiation laboratory capabilities and capacity through training
and evaluation;
EPA will respond to issues related to the resurgence of nuclear power, including the
development of new nuclear power plants;
Laboratories will support regional remediation projects;
Regions will continue to serve as the local, community-based point of contact to
disseminate information on EPA's radiation protection program;
Regions will continue to coordinate regional radiation issues among regional offices;
Regions will continue to implement regulatory programs (e.g., radiological NESHAPs);
Regions will continue as requested, to provide technical support to state radiation, solid
waste, environmental and health programs and headquarters radiation regulatory, policy
and technical workgroups;
Regions will work with states on issues involving TENORM that include issues
associated with mining legacy waste disposal and water treatment residuals.
RADIATION EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREPAREDNESS
This program includes federal preparedness activities, ORIA programmatic readiness,
Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT) personnel and equipment readiness,
development and participation in exercises, training and outreach, radiological emergency
response guidance, extensive laboratory capability for radioactive and mixed waste analyses, and
RadNet, EPA's national environmental radiation monitoring system.
Using a collaborative strategy, EPA works with tribes, federal, state and local agencies to
ensure that the appropriate parties are fully informed and prepared to respond should an incident
involving radiation occur. EPA's key activities supporting radiation response preparedness
include:
Preparing to respond to incidents involving radioactive materials through training,
infrastructure development, regular exercises, and field experience;
Issuing Protective Action Guides;
Coordinating with other organizations to ensure thorough response and preparedness
planning;
Providing radioanalytical laboratory capabilities to assess radioactive contamination
during all phases of an incident;
Providing national, near-real time data on airborne radioactive material concentrations;
Supporting nationwide development of increased laboratory capacity and capability; and
Providing waste disposal options for wastes resulting from a radioactive dispersal device
(ROD).
FY 2010 Priorities
The (RERT) will maintain its high level of team readiness;
Laboratories will support urgent regional removal operations;
RERT staff will support regions with training and at exercises;
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 41
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Regions will continue to serve as the local, community-based point of contact to
disseminate information on EPA's radiation response and preparedness program,
activities, and capabilities. As appropriate, regions should:
o Provide technical support to state radiation control programs;
o Support EPA's radiation emergency response operations, including the
assignment of personnel to serve as Regional radiation advisor and an RERT
liaison;
o Participate in radiological response exercises; and
o Support radiological response training, including the Radiation Task Force Leader
course, to increase the capacity of the Agency's Response Support Corps.
HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND
RECOVERY
EPA will coordinate homeland security activities across the Agency, with the Department of
Homeland Security and other federal agencies to ensure consistency with the National Response
Framework.
Strategy
EPA's strategy for Homeland Security Preparedness, Response, and Recovery builds upon
the efforts discussed under Radiation Response Preparedness. In addition to overall coordination
activities, EPA is significantly upgrading its environmental monitoring network for radiation
(RadNet) by expanding its ambient radiation monitoring capabilities. RadNet provides EPA data
on ambient levels of radiation in the environment, with data for radiological emergency response
assessments, and data for public officials and the general public.
FY 2010 Milestones and Priorities
EPA will purchase and deploy additional state-of-the-art radiation monitoring units;
Regions will provide leadership in coordinating the installation of RadNet monitors,
specifically assist with identifying station operators and sites, and serve as the local,
community-based point of contact to disseminate information on EPA's national
radiation monitoring system.
++ End of Section ++
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 42
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Climate Change
Objective 1.5 - Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. By 2012, 160 million metric tons of
carbon equivalent (MMTCE) of emissions will be reduced through EPA's voluntary climate
protection programs.
Strategic Measures:
By 2014, 53 MMTCE will be reduced in the buildings sector (compared to 30 MMTCE
reduced in 2006) through EPA's voluntary climate protection programs.
By 2014, 112 MMTCE will be reduced in the industry sector (compared to 69 MMTCE
reduced in 2006) through EPA's voluntary climate protection programs.
By 2014, 20 MMTCE will be reduced in the transportation sector (compared to 0.6
MMTCE reduced in 2006) through EPA's voluntary climate protection programs.
GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING RULE
On March 10, 2009, EPA issued a proposed rule for mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG)
reporting from large GHG emissions sources. The proposed rule can be found at
www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html. In developing the reporting
requirements, EPA considered the substantial amount of work already completed and underway
in many states, regions and voluntary programs. The new reporting requirements would apply to
suppliers of fossil fuel and industrial chemicals, manufacturers of motor vehicles and engines, as
well as large direct emitters of GHGs. The first annual report would be submitted to EPA in
2011 for the calendar year 2010, except for vehicle and engine manufacturers, which would
begin reporting for model year 2011.
RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARDS
In response to the congressional mandate in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), EPA
completed the RFS1 regulations in May 2007 and implemented them beginning September 1,
2007. The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), passed in December 2007, required
EPA to revise RFS1 and implement new RFS2 standards. For FY 2010, EPA expects to increase
implementation activities related to Section 1501 of EPAct for annual state-by-state surveys of
renewable fuel use. The initial survey effort is being pilotedfull survey implementation is
planned in FY 2010 and will continue annually as Congress directed.
Full implementation of the RFS2 program is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2010.
Priorities related to RFS2 include: establishing annual standards for four renewable fuel
categories, processing and responding to expected waiver requests, and developing regulations to
mitigate any adverse impacts on air quality resulting for the renewable fuel volumes required.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 43
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EPA will also be developing a reporting system, and providing technical assistance and
registration and reporting guidance to impacted parties on the new provisions of RFS program.
VOLUNTARY CLIMATE PROTECTION PROGRAMS
This program includes voluntary domestic and international programs that address GHG and
climate change issues. Efforts are aimed at reducing emissions of GHGs and mitigating the
effects of global climate change on the environment and human health while growing the
economy. EPA's strategy is to:
Continue the successful Energy Star partnerships in the residential and commercial
buildings sector by adding new products to the Energy Star family;
Raise awareness of the Energy Star label for products, buildings, and homes, and
promoting superior energy management to public and private sector organizations of all
sizes in all regions of the country.
Continue building on the success of voluntary programs in the industrial sector by:
o enhancing the rate of energy and resource efficiency improvements through the
Energy Star and WasteWise programs;
o promoting the Energy Star label for industrial plants and expanding opportunities
to provide energy benchmarking tools to industry;
o cost-effectively keeping emissions of methane at 1990 levels or below through
2010; and,
o cost-effectively limiting emissions of the more potent greenhouse gases (HFCs,
PFCs, SF6); and facilitating the use of clean energy technologies and purchases of
renewable energy.
Reduce international GHGs through the Methane to Markets Partnership by promoting
and deploying cost-effective methane recovery technologies among other countries and
the U.S. private sector.
Increase the use of renewable energy throughout the public and private sector by
promoting membership in the Green Power Partnership, in particular for larger
organizations.
Ensure that climate change issues are considered in the business operations of major
American corporations through participation in Climate Leaders.
Promote energy efficiency and the generation of increased amounts of renewable energy
through a variety of utility-focused programs.
Continue the SmartWay Transport Partnership to increase energy efficiency and lower
emissions of freight transportation by: increasing the market penetration of advanced
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 44
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heavy-duty diesel tractor and trailer technologies; implementing innovative financing
strategies; developing a supply chain system to allow freight companies to select,
measure, and certify their environmental performance; and, by enhancing existing
SmartWay GHG measurement tools so they can be used to certify emission reductions
from fleet-level projects.
Help consumers and businesses more easily identify light and heavy duty vehicles that
deliver superior fuel economy and emissions by identifying vehicles that meet the
SmartWay criteria for superior environmental performance.
Work with financial experts to identify and develop tools, resources, and programs for
states and regional authorities to implement innovative financing programs to deliver
lower cost financing to diesel truck and nonroad equipment buyers (many of who are
low-income and minority owner operations and businesses) for the purpose of upgrading
the environmental performance of their diesel trucks or equipment.
Continue to develop and demonstrate innovative fuel-efficient and clean vehicle and
engine technologies, including ongoing work with auto industry partners to transfer
EPA's engineering expertise and advanced technologies to commercial application.
FY 2010 Priorities for Regions: Lead by example in the area of energy efficiency and clean
energy and promote making the cleaner energy choice to stakeholders. This includes:
Make commitments to procure Energy Star-qualified products and encourage other
organizations to do the same.
Encourage tribal governments and communities to be partners in GHG activities and
participate in and benefit from ongoing coordinated efforts and outreach programs.
Ensure that the power management feature of Energy Star-qualified computer monitors is
enabled and encourage other organizations to do the same.
Rate the energy performance of buildings using EPA's national energy performance
rating system, apply for the Energy Star label for the qualifying buildings, and determine
improvement plans for those that do not currently qualify; and encourage other
organizations to do the same.
Join the Energy Star Buildings Challenge and promote a 10% or more reduction in
energy use in buildings, encourage local governments to do the same, and assist local
governments in their implementation of the Challenge.
Ensure that new building designs are "Designed to Earn the Energy Star" where
applicable, and encourage others to do the same.
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 45
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Promote the use of the ENERGY STAR@Home, ENERGY STAR Yard Stick, and Home
Energy Advisor web-tools to help homeowners make informed decisions about energy
efficiency for their homes.
Educate trucking companies and shippers about the SmartWay Partnership program and
encourage them to join the program.
Encourage major companies and organizations headquartered in the Region to join
Climate Leaders and the Green Power Partnership.
Make or encourage energy efficiency improvements and clean energy choices by
promoting a range of innovative financial and policy mechanisms, including:
o purchasing green power, integrating energy efficiency and clean energy into air
quality plans (i.e., SIPs), and state supplemental environmental projects (SEPs);
o promoting the recovery and use of methane as a clean energy source through EPA's
methane partnership programs (e.g., landfills, agricultural waste, coal mines, and
oil/gas operations);
o creating pilot programs to use commercially-available advanced technology in fleets
(such as state/municipal vehicles, school buses, or refuse vehicles) to produce cost-
effective emissions and fuel consumption reductions; and,
o working with HQ on RFPs for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program which may
include requests for projects that include working with financial experts to implement
innovative financing programs to deliver lower cost financing to diesel truck and
nonroad equipment buyers, many of whom are low-income and minority-owner
operations and businesses operating in environmental justice areas.
++ End of Section ++
Final FY 2010 Technical Guidance April 28, 2009 46
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
ORGANIZATION
This grant appendix is divided into six sections: an executive summary that highlights
significant developments, a summary key administrative and programmatic requirements and
discussions of specific air program areas. Preliminary allocations of grants for state and local air
pollution control agencies and for state indoor radon grants have been reserved in this draft.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
Organization
Executive Summary
Effective Grant Management and Results
Information on Specific Program Areas
Ambient Monitoring
Preliminary State/Local Air Grant Allocation (Reserved)
State Indoor Radon Grant Program and Allocation (Reserved)
age
A-l
A-l
A-3
A-5
A-13
A-47
A-47
Section I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The technical portion of the national program
guidance describes the FY 2010 implementation
priorities, activities and milestones that are necessary to
make progress towards the Clean Air goal and achieve
the annual performance goals in the Agency's Annual
Performance Plan and Congressional Budget
Justification. State, local and Tribal governments (and
key multi-state organizations) as co-implementors, are
essential to this effort.
The roles and responsibilities of co-implementors
are described in the State/ Local Air Quality
Management, the Tribal Air Quality Management, and the Radon sections of the technical
program guidance. Related measures of performance are contained in the appendices covering
the annual program commitments (appendix B) and the related subset of state grant performance
measures (appendix C).
This grant appendix complements the technical guidance by providing additional
information on selected program areas supported by grant assistance to co-implementor entities.
Major programmatic and administrative considerations impacting program grants in FY 2010 are
highlighted. The draft guidance typically includes a preliminary distribution1 of state/local air
Highlights
Announcement of FY 2010 budget details
were still pending at press time.
Guidance assumes prior enacted year
funding level with a modest increase for
planning purposes.
Implementation of the DERA program
including the ARRA stimulus provisions
continues in FY 2010.
Continued monitoring resources for Pb and
Air Toxics hotspots proposed.
Continued importance of measuring and
expressing grant performance and results.
1 A preliminary allocation has not been included in the draft guidance pending further definition on FY 2009 and FY 2010
funding. Once this definition is received OAR will release a preliminary allocation and consult with stakeholders before issuing
A-1
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
grants. However, at the time of release of this guidance, a final detailed FY 2010 budget
submission for the Agency had not yet been released. EPA will issue supplemental
documentation that will include a more detailed, proposed FY 2010 grant allocation as soon as
the President's detailed budget has been submitted to Congress. Placeholder information is
shown in table A-l. This table will be updated when more definitive information on funding
becomes available.
Table A-l. Comparison of STAG Assistance: FY 2008 through the FY 2010 Request
(in $ Millions)
Program
Continuing Air Program *
PM 2.5 Air Monitoring (§103)
Air Toxics Monitoring (including
schools)
Regional Haze Planning (§103)
Diesel Emission Reduction Program **
Tribal Air Program
State Indoor Radon
Total
FY 2008
Enacted Level
$165.7
$41.8
$6.8
$2.5
$49.1
$10.8
$7.9
$284.6
FY 2009
Estimated Level
$174.7
$41.9
$7.5
$60.0
$13.3
$8.1
$305.4
FY2010
President's Budget
Reserved
* Includes continuing § 105 program and NE OTC under § 106.
** Funds for California Emission Reduction projects are not included in FY 2008 and FY 2009 levels. Funds for State
and Local Climate Change Initiatives are not included in the FY 2009 total. Also note that the President signed a FY
2009 economic stimulus bill that provided an additional $300 million for DERA implementation, approximately $88
million of which was targeted by formula for state and local air quality agencies.
Notwithstanding questions on funding, there are several significant developments that
will impact state and local operations in FY 2010: continued refinements in air monitoring
programs including a continued focus of air toxics monitoring funds on potential high risk areas
near schools, supporting monitoring to identify and assess risks from elevated lead (Pb) levels;
and increases in associated program support for monitoring. Associated program support for
multi-state trading programs to reduce the impacts of criteria pollutants will continue but EPA
will be working with state, local and tribal partners to reassess the cost and focus of this
program.. The region-by-region allocation formula and distribution of state indoor air grant
resources will also be updated in CY 2009 and any revisions will impact the final distribution of
FY 2010 grant resources. Minor refinements in performance and accountability measures have
also been included in the FY 2010 guidance. Note that while the Agency will no longer be
expressing selected aspects of state grant performance via a state grant template approach,
performance measures for state and local air and radon grants will not be changing.
The guidance does not purport to cover provisions applicable to the full range of air and
radiation grants such as OAKproject or discretionary grants that may be available during FY
2010. This appendix focuses on continuing program grants to state and local air agencies. Also,
additional, separate guidance pertaining to Tribal and Indoor Radon grants 2 is available from
its final allocation. Please note that the allocation may still be subject to change because: (a) revisions may be necessary based
upon a final appropriation and enacted operating plan, and (b) funds targeted to certain categories such as associated program
support are subject to revision based on updated information from the affected state/local agencies.
2 Additional administrative guidance for the State Indoor Radon program may be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/radon/sirgprogram.html. Additional information for Tribal air programs can be found at:
A-2
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
OAR's Tribal Coordinator and additional information and details on implementation of grant
programs under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act is available from the Office of
Transportation and Air Quality.3 More detailed guidance on competitive and discretionary grants
is provided via their respective solicitations or applicable information documents.4 Agencies
should contact the EPA program contact listed for those programs for more information.
Section II. EFFECTIVE GRANTS MANAGEMENT and RESULTS
Administrative and programmatic provisions that help govern the effective oversight and
utilization of continuing program and project-specific grants awarded to state, local, tribal and
multi-jurisdictional entities are highlighted in this section. The list of provisions is not
exhaustive but key areas covered are: proper use of authorities for award of assistance, adherence
to specific grant program requirements, effective post-award oversight, identification of
performance measures and results, the funding of co-regulator organizations, and the promotion
of competition. Links to Agency internet and intranet sites where additional information,
including the full text of available guidance, are provided.
Using Proper Authorities for Award
OAR has issued updated guidance for use by Program and Regional Offices that clarifies
who is eligible for grant assistance given the purpose, appropriation and grant authority
associated with the funds. The guidance applies to FY 2009 but OAR plans to periodically
update the guidance - typically within six weeks of the enactment of a new appropriations bill.
EPA staff can access the guidance at: http://intranet.epa.gov/ogd/state/Guid Office of OAR.pdf
The program contact is Courtney Hyde (202-564-1227).
Administrative Guidance for OAR Grant Programs
OAR has developed a consolidated reference document covering the various statutory,
regulatory and policy provisions that govern the overall administration of the Section 105
outdoor air grant program. This guidance is intended as a resource for HQ and regional staff.
The program contact, William Houck, can be reached at 202-564-1349. The guidance may be
accessed at: http://intranet.epa.gov/ogd/state/Consolidated Quid AdmS 105 Air Grant Program.pdf. OAR
plans to soon make this and other key grant guidance documents, such as the Assistance
Authorities document, available via an internet link
For the tribal air program, additional guidance and links to Tribal air program
information may be found at: http://www.epa.gov/oar/tribal/pdfs/menuofoptions.pdf. The
program contact, Barrel Harmon, may be reached at: 202-564-7416. See Section 3 of this
guidance for information on Diesel Emissions Reduction Assistance grants. Contact Jennifer
Keller at 202-343-9121. Additional information and links to guidance on the State Indoor Radon
Grant program may be found in Section 6 of this appendix. Contract Phil Jalbert at 202-343-
9431.
http://www.epa.gov/oar/tribal/pdfs/menuofoptions.pdf. The program contact, Barrel Harmon, may be reached at: 202-564-7416.
3 Updated information will be provided at: www.epa. gov/cleandiesel (and see also www.recovery. go v) as it becomes available.
4 More information on OAR and other Agency discretionary grant opportunities, as it becomes available, can be found at:
http://epa.gov/air/grants_funding.html andhttp://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/funding_opportunities.htm .
A-3
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Ensuring Effective Oversight of Assistance Agreements
Updated EPA Order 5700.2A2 streamlines the post-award management of grants and
cooperative agreements. It became effective 1/1/08. The Order requires EPA offices to monitor
recipient compliance with programmatic terms and conditions, the correlation of the work plan
and application with actual grant progress, equipment use, and compliance with all statutory and
regulatory requirements. Offices must submit oversight plans and document their execution.
The Order may be found at: http://intranet.epa.gOv/ogd/policy/4.0-PostAward-Topics.htm .
Improving Performance Measures for State/Local Grants
States seeking single media categorical and Performance Partnership grant awards should
submit work plans that enable EPA to identify clear linkages to EPA's Strategic Plan. There
should be consistent and regular performance reporting that enables meaningful comparison of a
state's past and planned activities and performance. OAR issues complementary guidance for
Regions on state grant performance measures as part of the NPM guidance process. Information
on FY 2010 measures and commitments contained in the annual NPM guidance is contained in
appendices B and C). Additional information may be found at:
http://intranet.epa.gov/ogd/state/Final%20FY09%20State%20Grant%20Template%20Guidance
%20%20Julv%202008.pdf (See also - http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/npmguidance/index.htm).
OAR and the Regional Offices are also working with recipients and the rest of the
Agency in a continuing process to assess, reduce, refine or affirm existing reporting
requirements. OAR is always open to comment from state, local and tribal agencies on ways to
reduce reporting burdens as well as ways to improve performance reporting and performance
measures. This includes discussion of improved short-term environmental indicators and
performance measures and their incorporation in annual and multi-year assistance agreements.
Achieving Programmatic and Environmental Results
Sound measures of performance should yield insightful and useful results data. EPA
Order 5700.7 applies to all Agency grants not just grants to States and covers all phases of the
grants process from solicitation to application to reporting to evaluation. The Order requires EPA
project officers to assure that each grant: (a) can be linked to the Agency's strategic architecture,
(b) articulates measurable outputs and outcomes, and (c) reports the programmatic and, where
possible, environmental results achieved. For more information see:
http://intranet.epa.gOv/ogd/policv/order/5700.7.pdf, and
http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/npmguidance/oar/2007/oar_2007_environ_results.pdf.
Approval Process for STAG Awards to Co-Regulator Organizations
A co-regulator organization is defined by EPA as a national or regional (i.e., multi-
jurisdictional) organization that represents the interests of co-regulators/co-implementors (state,
tribal or local governments) in the execution of national or regional environmental programs.5
5 The definition of co-regulator/co-implementor may be found in the Agency's Order (5700.5A1) - Revised Competition Policy.
http://intranet.epa.gov/ogd/policv/order/5700_5.pdf. In various regions of the country state and local agencies have formed
multi-jurisdictional organizations (MJO) to help coordinate their geographically-specific air quality interests. These agencies
have directed their Regional Offices to target portion of their grant allotment to their MJO. For OAR, the only co-regulator grant
A-4
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
EPA issued a policy on December 1, 2006 that clarified that the head of the affected State agency
or department (e.g., the State environmental commissioner or head of the State public health or
agricultural agency) be involved in the funding process and that EPA request and obtain the prior
consent of this official before taking funds off the top of a state grant allotment for direct award
to a state/local co-regulator organization. The policy can be accessed at:
http://intranet.epa.gov/ogd/competition/piexemptions/approval_process for_STAG_awards.htm.
Promotion of Competition
Agency policy is to promote competition in the award of grants and cooperative
agreements where practical. EPA Order 5700.5Al presents the Agency's competition policy.
The Order exempts grants for continuing environmental programs, such as those funded under
§105 as well as §103 grants for fine particulate monitoring, §103 national air toxics monitoring
trends network grants, regional haze planning organization grants, federally-recognized tribes
and inter-tribal consortia under OAR's tribal grant program; and TSCA §306 grants for state
indoor radon programs. Radon grants to tribes and intertribal consortia under TSCA §10 grants
must be competed. EPA is not precluded from allocating grant funds for a portion of these
programs through competition, if the Agency determines it is in the best interest of the public.
Program contact is Courtney Hyde at 202-564-1227.
Also, effective October 1, 2007, the Agency's Competition Policy states that co-regulator
status is no longer available as an exception to compete for a grant for a multi-jurisdictional
organization. However, other exceptions to competition under the policy - including the 'public
interest' exception - remain available to a co-regulator organization. The Order may be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/ogd/competition/5700_5 Al .pdf.
Efficient Exchange of Environmental Information
States, tribes and territories exchanging both regulatory and non-regulatory environmental
data with one another, or with EPA, should make the Exchange Network and EPA's connection
to it, the Central Data Exchange (CDX), where available, the standard way to exchange data.
Other legacy methods should be phased out. More information can be obtained at:
http://www.exchangenetwork.net/index.htm.
Section III. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on SPECIFIC AIR PROGRAM AREAS
Diesel Emission Reduction Program
Program Purpose: The budget request for FY 2010 includes funds to support the Diesel
Emission Reduction provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This includes funding for
competitive federal grants to reduce diesel emissions from the existing fleet. Sections 791-797
of the Energy policy Act authorize these grant funds which will support implementation of the
National Clean Diesel Campaign.
awarded at the national level with STAG resources has been to the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (formerly
STAPPA-ALAPCO).
A-5
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
In FY 2008, the Agency began implementation of Sections 791-797 of the Energy Policy Act
of 2005 after appropriation of nearly $50 million for those provisions. Both the National Grant
and Loan program and the State Grant and Loan program were funded. OTAQ expects to fund
at least 100 new grants deploying technology in various sectors using diesel engines through
these two programs. In addition, OTAQ expects to fund approximately 200 more DERA grants
through the 'America's Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).'
Through the Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA), OAR will continue its focus on
reducing particulate matter by up to 95 percent from existing diesel engines, including both on-
highway and non-road equipment. Existing diesel engines are not subject to the new, more
stringent emission standards that took effect in 2007 and later. These engines often remain in
service for 20 or more years, and this program will help provide immediate reductions by
retrofitting these engines with emission control technologies sooner than would otherwise occur
through normal turnover of the fleet. Implementation of the program also will produce criteria
air pollutant and air toxics benefits.
Program Design: In FY 2010, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ)
expects to fund at least 125 new grants deploying technology in various sectors using diesel
engines. This program will support grants and loans for diesel engine retrofits, rebuilds,
replacements, cleaner fuels, idling reduction measures and low-cost revolving loans. Up to 30
percent of the funds for diesel emissions reduction grants may again be appropriated to provide
formula grants to states to establish and support state clean diesel grant or loan programs.
The Agency's strategy to implement this program and disseminate its associated clean diesel
funding is dependent on the actual appropriation levels and any accompanying language
regarding implementation. In addition, the timing of the actual appropriation will dictate when
EPA will publish its national announcement of funding availability. DERA, as authorized,
contains the following key provisions:
- At least 70% of the funding is dedicated to provide grants and low-cost revolving loans to
support the National Clean Diesel Initiative charged with achieving significant reductions in
diesel emissions. This will include the Clean School Bus USA program. Note that at least 50%
of these funds are directed to benefit public fleets.
- If the state program provision is funded, as it was in 2008 and 2009, no more than 30% of the
total funding will be distributed directly to state programs which are designed to achieve
significant reductions in diesel emissions. The Agency will provide guidance to states for
applying for these funds if this provision is funded. This would include information on the cost-
effectiveness of various emission reduction technologies, and permissible uses of the grant funds
as directed by the 2005 Energy Policy Act's Diesel Emissions Reduction provisions.
In regard to the first 70% of the funding, the Agency will request proposals from eligible
entities for projects that will reduce emissions from the existing fleet of diesel engines. EPA will
give priority to projects that:
o maximize public health benefits,
o are in areas with poor air quality and/or with air toxic concerns,
o pursue the most cost effective strategies,
A-6
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
including certified engine configurations, verified technologies, emerging
technologies, early use of ULSD,
promoting alternative fuels where appropriate,
o serve highest population centers,
o serve communities with environmental justice concerns,
those that receive disproportionate air pollution from diesel fleets.
EPA will publish Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and notify Congress, states, and other
interested or eligible entities, of both this funding competition and of the direct state allocations
through their respective associations (e.g., NACAA, AAPA, EMA, DTP), announcements on
EPA's website, announcements on EPA's ten regional websites, press advisories, and other
means for any FY 09 appropriation that is not ARRA of 2009 funding. For 2009-related ARRA
funds, RFPs will be posted for 30 days with funds awarded in 90 days
- The regular DERA RFAs will provide a 60 to 90-day window for eligible entities to apply to
EPA for this funding assistance. Once that window expires and within the subsequent 120-day
period, EPA will:
o Review every proposal received to ensure each one meets the required funding
eligibility and other criteria set forth in the RFA.
o Disregard proposals that do not meet the criteria.
o Rank each remaining proposal on its merits according to the criteria set forth in
the RFP (see "priorities" above.).
o Notify Congress of the grantee selections.
o Award the highest ranked proposals.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Keller in OTAQ at 202-343-9541.
Information, including award information, will also be updated at the following website:
www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.
National Geographic Priorities: U.S.-Mexico Border Air Program
The proximity of states and localities in EPA's Regions 6 and 9 to the U.S-Mexico border
presents a number of trans-boundary air quality challenges. Many border area residents,
especially those in heavily urbanized areas, are exposed to health-threatening levels of air
pollutants such as ozone, PM, CO SO2, and air toxics. Visibility impairment exists in most of
the Class I areas along and near the border. Accurate evaluation of air quality in the border will
allow both countries to successfully target controls and reduce air pollutants. Capacity-building
via such evaluation, training, and pilot projects that can be expanded by Mexico will further
reduce air emissions along the border.
The Border 2012: U.S. -Mexico Environmental Program agreement, signed by both
countries on April 3, 2003, was created to promote regional as well as border-wide strategies to
improve air quality through coordinated air quality planning and management activities, such as
the development of emissions inventories; the deployment, operation, and maintenance of air
monitoring networks; the development of alternative fuels and energy sources; the development
of innovative and progressive air quality management approaches; the design of air quality plans
for the reduction and control of air pollution; pilot emissions reductions projects; and training
A-7
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
and workshops aimed at building capacity and the development of public awareness and
participation.
Milestones for demonstrating progress towards clean air in the border region are outlined
by the Border 2012 Program and in EPA's long and short term strategies goals and objectives.
Grant assistance plays a key role in helping achieve them. Early efforts focused on developing
an organizational infrastructure, raising awareness, gathering information and establishing
baseline information. Recent assistance has increasingly been focusing on critical analysis and
mitigation measures such as retrofitting diesel engines aimed at attaining clean air goals and
building capacity for Mexico to take over management of these and similar programs. In
FY2008 the Border 2012 Program Objectives for the Air Program were refined to include
building border greenhouse gas (GHG) information capacity and expanding existing voluntary
cost-effective programs for reducing GHGs in the border region.
In addition to supporting the efforts of affected state, local and multi-jurisdictional
agencies, the Border 2012 Program uses regional workgroups, task forces, and policy forums to
develop and implement air pollution emission reduction strategies. Many of these rely heavily
on grass-roots input and actions. For example, OAR and its Mexican counterpart lead the Border
2012 Air Policy Forum, established to employ a bottom-up collaborative approach to develop
strategies for cooperative emissions reduction efforts along the border. EPA's activities are
designed to encourage, develop and implement cooperative projects with various levels of
federal, state, and local government, tribes, academics, non-governmental organizations and
others, so that sustained, comprehensive pollution abatement can occur in the common air sheds
of border sister cities, as well as in remote areas where trans-border air pollution occurs. Air
Policy Forum members additionally advise EPA and Mexico's SEMARNAT on potential
strategic funding needs and opportunities.
EPA Region 6 and 9 use a combination of direct grants and competitive solicitation to
support state, local, and tribal initiatives. In encouraging local and grass-roots strategies, the
Agency is committed to full and open competition for many grants and contracts. This
empowers a larger number of state, local, tribal entities (also working with academics and
NGOs) to become active participants in border air quality improvements. The combination of
these grant funds with directed, specific projects facilitated by contracts has yielded very positive
results. For example, Mexico has assumed increased ambient monitoring responsibility along
portions of the border region. In FY 2009, approximately $2.7 million was available for Border
work in Regions 6 and 9. The funding level for FY 2010 is still pending but funded activity will
likely focus on three major areas: public outreach and involvement, the enhancement of
scientific knowledge, and the support of projects that deliver tangible emission reductions. The
Regions will work with OAR to assure that the activities funded are appropriate to the entities
eligible and the appropriate authority for award. For more information on the program please
contact: Ruben Casso in Region 6 (214-665-6763); and in Region 9, Christine Vineyard (415-
947-4125) or Andrew Steckel (415-947-4115).
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Multi-State Programs
Regional Haze Planning Organizations
Dedicated funding for Regional Haze Planning Organizations (RPOs) was provided as
part of EPA's FY 2009 budget. Regional Haze State Implementation Plans (SIPs) were due to
EPA by December 17, 2007. The RPOs were instrumental in providing the States with the
needed materials to complete final preparation of their Regional Haze SIPs. EPA believes that if
States choose to fund RPOs to assist with late SIP submittals or with developing their
Reasonable Progress Plans, that decision is best made by the individual States and funds can be
withheld from the State's STAG allotment in consultation with the EPA regional offices. For
additional information contact Jeff Whitlow at 919-541-5523.
Northeast Ozone Transport Commission (OTC)
The OTC was created pursuant to sections 176 A and 184 of the CAA. The OTC
represents Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states in the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) in: (a)
assessing interstate transport of ozone and its precursors; and (b) determining the need for, and
appropriateness of, additional control measures within the OTR, or areas affecting the OTR. The
OTC is supported by a small executive staff that functions largely to coordinate OTC activities,
facilitate communication among members, and serve as the point of contact for organizations
external to the OTC, including EPA. The OTC Executive Director also serves on the CAAAC, a
senior-level Federal Advisory Committee established in 1990 to advise EPA on issues related to
implementing the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. The OTC also serves as the regional
haze planning organization for the OTR, in concert with the Northeast States for Coordinated Air
Use Management and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association.
For FY 2010, the OTC's work continues to focus on six areas: general analytical support to
member states; analysis of mobile, stationary, and area source measures, particularly new clean
air technologies; member communications; solicitation of non-governmental stakeholder input;
coordination with other organizations; and consensus building. The focus areas are supported by
OTC committees that develop and recommend specific action items for the Commission and the
member states. The OTC implements its policy recommendations through consensus resolutions
and draft model rules that provide guidance to member states. For more information contact Pat
Childers in OPMO at 202-564-1082.
National Association of Clean Air Agencies
The National Association of Clean Air Agencies or NACAA is the national association of
state, territorial, and local air pollution control agencies in the United States. NACAA is
supported with a small staff located in Washington, D.C. The objective of NACAA is to
coordinate the air quality activities of state and local air pollution control officials at the national
level and to engage in activities that enhance the effectiveness of their agencies. NACAA
disseminates information through a variety of means (e.g., electronic newsletter, website, email,
technical committees), plans and sponsors conferences and technical workshops (e.g., mobile
source air quality, air pollution awareness, membership meetings) serves as a state/local liaison
to EPA, coordinates member participation on EPA and joint State-EPA technical committees,
produces technical assistance for members such as model rules and implementation strategies,
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
and addresses air pollution control issues in concert with other public and private interests.
Funding for NACAA has been identified as part of the national allocation at the
request of the member state and local air pollution control agencies for numerous years. A
jurisdiction not participating in NACAA does not provide any of its allotted funds for support
of the Secretariat. Traditionally, the NACAA executive board (comprised of state and local
air pollution control officials) acts on a staff request for a two-year period and requests that
EPA set aside funds from the participating state and local agencies' grant funds on a
proportional (i.e., population) basis.
Since NACAA is forward-funded, fiscal year funds go to support operations for the
ensuing fiscal year. Following state and local membership approval, EPA did approve a
two-year request for NACAA for the period of FY 2008-2009. NACAA is currently
receiving just over $1.58 million in FY 2008 STAG funds respectively for its FY 2009 grant
year. These funds were requested by member state and local agencies to be set-aside by EPA
from what would have been their grant allotment. Six states alternatively request that
NACAA direct bill them for their contributions as their preferred payment approach. Since
NACAA has not yet prepared a FY 2010 budget, the amount of federal FY 2009 funds to be
requested has not been finalized.
As noted earlier, the Deputy Administrator has determined that before EPA can take
funds off the top of a continuing state program allotment funded under 40 CFR 35 Subpart A
to fund an eligible co-regulator organization like NACAA, EPA must first receive an
assurance of prior concurrence from the head of any State environmental agency or
department affected. While EPA is not prescribing an approach for doing this, OAR is
advising that this assurance be obtained as part of the annual grant negotiation process for
both state and direct-funded local air pollution control agencies.6 The concurrence should be
documented by EPA in the recipient's grant file. Actual award is still dependent on EPA's
review and formal approval of the application package.
EPA will provide a state-by-state breakout of share contributions once the all
concurrences are received. For more information, contact William Houck at 202-564-1349
or via email at - houck.william(a),epa.£ov.
6 Since NACAA membership is composed of both state and local direct-funded grant recipients, direct funded local
agencies are also affected and should assure this prior concurrence. Pass-through local agencies do not have a direct grant
relationship with EPA and would need to consult with their state.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Highlights
NOx Budget program (NBP)
phased out.
All NBP states plus 6 new non-
NBP states participating in CAIR
seasonal NOx trading program.
Initial compliance season for
CAIR seasonal NOx program (May
1 - Sep 30, 2009).
Program Support for States/Locals
CAIR Seasonal NOX Trading Program
NOX emissions from electric power generation and
other major stationary sources contribute significantly to the
formation of ground-level ozone, a serious public health and
environmental problem. Long-range transport of ozone and
precursor pollutants means that problem analysis and
mitigation must involve all of the jurisdictions with sources
contributing to, and populations affected by, these pollutants.
Experience has demonstrated that one of the most effective
ways to achieve this is through a multi-jurisdictional, market-
based approach using a well-designed, centrally-administered
NOX emissions budget and trading system. States affected by
the NOX SIP Call adopted this approach as part of their NOX State Implementation Plans.
For FY 2008 and FY 2009 respectively, support of the NOX Budget Program (NBP)
for states affected under the NOx SIP Call and for transition of these states and additional
non-NBP states into the CAIR seasonal NOX program has been provided in part from Sec 105
grant funds of the affected states. (Jurisdictions not affected or not participating in the trading
programs have not had to contribute their grant resources to support them.) There were
2,594 affected, non-exempt units under the NBP in 2007. Through a wide range of pollution
control strategies and an active NOX allowance trading market in 2007, emissions from
affected sources continued to decrease in 2007. Emissions during the ozone season were
60% percent below 2000 levels and 74% below 1990 levels. The volume of emissions data
processed by EPA has increased almost 300% over the program in 2000, as has the number
of end-of-season reconciliations of unit emissions against allowances held. In FY 2009, units
in six additional states, which were not subject to NBP, participated in the EPA-administered
regional allowance trading program and reported emissions data for the CAIR seasonal NOX
program. The initial compliance season for the CAIR seasonal NOX program is May 1 -
September 30, 2009.
In FY 2009, EPA continued development and testing of the Emissions Collection and
Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS) which will provide users with a single client tool for
checking and submitting data, direct access to EPA's database via this tool, and the ability to
quality assure data prior to submission in FY 2010 and beyond. Several software
development activities to contain or lower program operating costs are nearing completion
and, as a result, the processing costs per source are lower than they would have been
otherwise. EPA administers the allowance trading program; quality assures and processes
reported emissions data, monitor certifications, and unit operating data; performs end-of-
season reconciliation of unit emissions with allowances held; and performs other
administrative functions on behalf of the states through a national contract and associated
program support. Support for operating the CAIR seasonal NOX trading program comes from
the grant funds of participating states. As shown Table A-2, state shares are based on the
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Table A-2. Contribution to CAIR Seasonal NOX Trading Program by Region and State
Region/ State
Region 1
Connecticut
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Region 2
New Jersey
New York
Region 3
Delaware
District of Columbia
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Virginia
West Virginia
Region 4
Alabama
Florida
Kentucky
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Region 5
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Ohio
Wisconsin
Region 6
Arkansas
Louisana
Region 7
Iowa
Missouri
Total Annual $
Units in CAIR
Seasonal Program
(as of FY2007)
173
62
90
10
11
541
178
363
523
40
5
50
211
137
80
1,001
126
299
109
103
159
100
105
924
280
187
158
193
106
156
49
107
189
68
121
3,507
CAIR Seasonal
Program Cost*
FY2008- FY2010
$115,045
$41,230
$59,850
$6,650
$7,315
$359,765
$118,370
$241,395
$347,795
$26,600
$3,325
$33,250
$140,315
$91,105
$53,200
$665,665
$83,790
$198,835
$72,485
$68,495
$105,735
$66,500
$69,825
$609,856
$181,596
$124,355
$105,070
$128,345
$70,490
$103,740
$32,585
$71,155
$125,685
$45,220
$80,465
$2,327,551
* Processing cost per source calculated as $665 by OAP/CAMD.
number of affected sources per state times a unit cost per source. Jurisdictions not affected
or not participating in this EPA-administered centralized allowance trading program are not
required to contribute grant resources.
EPA issues a yearly report on program compliance and environmental results (see
http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/progress/nbp07.html and US EPA, 2007 NOX Budget
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Trading Program: Compliance and Environmental Results^ EPA-430-R-08-008, December
2008). For more information contact Larry Kertcher at 202-343-9121 or Doris Price at 202-
343-9067 in the Clean Air Markets Division of GAP.
Clean Air Act Training
Section 103(b) of the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA to provide training for air
pollution control personnel and agencies and to make training grants to air pollution control
agencies and other qualified entities related to the causes, effects, extent, prevention and
control of air pollution. In addition to the Agency resources that EPA targets, EPA is
targeting approximately $2 million in STAG funds for the support of Clean Air Act training
provided by multi-jurisdictional organizations and other state training programs in FY 2010.
These funds are subject to consultation and concurrence with participating state and local air
pollution control agencies. For more information contact Debbie Stackhouse in the Office of
Air Quality Planning and Standards at 919-541-5281.
Section IV. AMBIENT MONITORING
EPA and its partners at
state, local, and tribal agencies,
manage and operate ambient air
monitoring networks across the
country with three primary
objectives: to ensure the public has
access to clean air by comparing
data and implementation of the
National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS), to provide
the public with reports and
forecasts of the Air Quality Index,
and to provide information to
health and atmospheric scientists
to better inform future reviews of
the NAAQS.
EPA works with state,
local, and tribal air monitoring
agencies to continuously improve
the ambient air monitoring
networks for current and future
needs. This work includes
milestones that have resulted from
planning the ambient air
monitoring network though a
stakeholder driven process known
Monitoring Highlights
Ambient Air Monitoring implications for revised NAAQS
> Lead (Pb) NAAQS strengthened, includes new network requirements
- published on November 12,2008.
> Ozone (O3) NAAQS strengthened. Planned proposal for revised
ozone monitoring network requirements in 2009 or early 2010.
> NO2 NAAQS proposal by June 2009 with a final completed by
January 2010;
> SO2 and CO NAAQS reviews with final rules completed by May of
2011.
' Continued improvement of the ambient air monitoring program:
> Annual monitoring network plans for 2010 to include candidate
NCore stations (plan due by July 1, 2009).
> The first 5-year assessment of each States Air Quality Monitoring
Network is due to EPA by July 1, 2010.
> Date of data certification for ambient air monitoring data submitted
to EPA moves up to May 1 starting in 2010.
> Further work on PAMS assessment
> Daily speciation through a combination of filter-based and
continuous methods in a small number of cities to support multiple
objectives including accelerating the pace of health studies
> Emphasis on air toxics "hot-spots" such as schools as part of next
community-scale monitoring projects
> Characterization of Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) metals in the
coarse particle fraction as part of air toxics method development.
' Budget transition issues
> Reassessment plans for section 105 funds and monitoring input
> Transition of PM2 5 monitoring funds to section 105
> Comment sought on (a) utilizing '/2 the available community-scale
funds for implementation of the lead network; (b) transition of
community-scale funds to section 105 authority; and (c) use of
PAMS funds for National and Regional scale data analysis and
equipment replacement
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
as the Ambient Air Monitoring Strategy7 (monitoring strategy) as well as through NAAQS
reviews that include both public and scientific input.
The major purpose of the monitoring strategy is to optimize the networks to be more
responsive to current and future needs (e.g., assess air quality trends, better characterize the
multi-pollutant nature of air pollution, provide for more timely information through
continuous monitoring, better support development of improved air quality simulation
models, etc.). EPA finalized revisions to the ambient air monitoring regulations in 20068 to
align the ambient air monitoring requirements with the themes and objectives of the
monitoring strategy. The new monitoring regulations: remove network minimums for some
pollutants, lower minimum requirements for others, eliminate the National Air Monitoring
Station (NAMS) designation, and reduce the requirements for photochemical assessment
monitoring stations (PAMS). The new regulations also add some new monitoring
requirements with implementation dates ranging from January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2011.
As part of its commitment to review each NAAQS within five years, EPA has recently
reviewed and revised NAAQS for particulate matter (PM), ozone, and lead (Pb). The final
rule for PM was published on October 17, 2006, for ozone on March 27, 2008, and for lead
on November 12, 2008. EPA has begun the process of reviewing the NAAQS for NO2, CO,
and SO2 with final rules expected in 2010 (NO2, and SO2) and 2011 (CO). Also, EPA has
begun the process of the next reviews for PM and ozone so that they are completed within
five years from the previous review. All of these reviews have either resulted in necessary
changes to the monitoring networks to better support the NAAQS, or in the case of ozone, a
commitment by EPA to propose changes to the monitoring requirements in the coming
months. EPA is working closely with its partners through forums such as the Ambient Air
Monitoring Committee of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) and the
Ambient Air Monitoring Steering Committee (co-chaired by the NACAA State and local
Monitoring Co-chairs and the Director of EPA's Air Quality Assessment Division within the
Office of Air and Radiation's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards) to ensure
monitoring agencies and EPA are working together to improve the ambient air monitoring
networks for current and future needs.
This document provides guidance for the use of PM, other criteria pollutants, PAMS, and
air toxics monitoring resources, and reflects the emerging direction provided for in the
Ambient Air Monitoring Strategy for State, Local, and Tribal Air Agencies while also
considering the need for changes to the network in support of revised NAAQS. The
guidance has been prepared consistent with the revisions to the ambient air monitoring
regulations for applicable monitoring of PM, PM speciation, ozone, lead (Pb), PAMS, and
NCore multi-pollutant stations. Guidance associated with NAAQS pollutants that have not
had a recent review (i.e., nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide) is limited
since the existing regulations only require retaining these monitors for a small number of
areas; however, EPA is now encouraging retaining existing monitoring stations until network
assessments are complete - due July 1, 2010 - and the NAAQS reviews are completed over
the next three years.
Available at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/monstratdoc.html
8 40 CFR Part 53 and Part 58, October 17, 2006.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Highlights of Changes in Monitoring Funding for FY 2009 and 2010
At the time of release of this guidance, the President's detailed FY 2010 funding
request covering state and tribal grant programs had not yet been made public. In FY 2010,
EPA expects to provide support for PM2 5 and air toxics monitoring funding through §103
authority. Federal funding for PAMS is expected to be provided at the same level as
previous years ($14M) within §105 to those regions with PAMS areas. All other monitoring
operations are funded with §105 funds and state or local funding as part of the minimally
required match to §105 funding. Specific details of EPA's plans for monitoring funding in
2009 and 2010 follow.
In this guidance, for planning purposes, OAR is operating under a budget scenario
reflecting the most recently enacted budget year - FY 2009. In negotiating grants using FY
2010 funds, EPA's priority will be that essential monitoring for protection of public health
from PM exposure above the NAAQS will not be compromised. It is EPA's intention to
negotiate grant work plans and accountability measures that ensure that PM2.5 monitoring
activities required by regulation, needed for the development of SIPs, or needed for
informing the public of days with unhealthy air quality are continued.
In developing the FY 2010 PM2.5 monitoring allocation, OAR will employ the same
region-by-region funding approach used in prior years - e.g., determination of per month
costs of operating the existing network. This cost per month is based on examining prior
year grants in detail and determining a cost per month for each grantee. For FY 2009, all
PM2.5 monitoring grants are to be scheduled to end on March 31, 2010. Therefore, funding
for FY 2010 will be for a 12 month period beginning April 1, 2010. Nominal replacement of
existing PM2.5 monitoring equipment (e.g., FRMs) is to be funded out of each agencies
regular PM2.5 monitoring grant.
For the PM2.5 network, EPA considers the overall size of the existing Federal Reference
Method (FRM)/Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) network adequate for implementing the
revised NAAQS. Regional offices and the states should consider: (a) whether the current
network of FRM/FEM and supplemental PM2.5 speciation sites is optimal for supporting
implementation of the revised PM2.5 NAAQS, and (b) how samplers among stations and even
funds among states would need to be shifted to provide equitable access to the speciation
data needed to understand the causes of 24-hour NAAQS nonattainment for each prospective
nonattainment area. Also, changes in population exposure and emissions patterns may mean
that a small number of sites each year may need to be re-located. Any possible changes to
the PM^5 network are to be identified in the respective agencies annual monitoring network
plan due to the applicable EPA Region by July 1 of each year according to §58.10 - Annual
Monitoring Network Plan and Periodic Network Assessment.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
There will be changes in the unit cost of PM2 5 filters and speciation laboratory services
provided as associated program support due to pre-negotiated contract increases in unit
prices. As a placeholder until monitoring agencies inform EPA of their planned use of filters
and laboratory services in 2010, EPA will initially reserve funds as associated program
support based on an assumption that the number of filters and the number of monitoring sites
requiring laboratory services will be the same in 2010 as in 2009.
EPA recently issued a new five-year contract for chemical analysis and reporting of the
Speciation Trends Network (STN) and supplemental stations that make up a large portion of
the Chemical Speciation Network (CSN). The other major component of the CSN is the
IMPROVE protocol stations run by state, local, and tribal agencies; however, laboratory and
reporting services for IMPROVE protocol stations are provided as part of an interagency
agreement with the National Park Service. The Speciation Trends Network (STN) operates
every third day and the supplemental stations nominally operate every sixth day. Under the
new contract, all STN and supplemental stations are now supported with Teflon and nylon
filter modules for the Met One SASS or Met One SuperSASS samplers.
EPA is continuing to work with the National Park Service and state, local, and tribal
agencies on a new carbon sampling platform for the STN and supplemental chemical
speciation network stations. On April 1, 2009, monitoring stations at 63 locations were
scheduled to begin sampling using the URG 3000N sampling platform. This sampler is
being implemented to align carbon sampling and analysis methods with the IMPROVE
program. The April 1, 2009 start date represented the second of three phases of the carbon
sampler conversion. The first phase included implementation of 56 stations utilizing a
combination of single and collocated samplers (3 stations are collocated); while the third
phase is expected to include 77 stations, with implementation expected in late 2009. The
costs associated with implementation of the carbon sampler conversion have been paid for
with §103 PM2.5 monitoring funds from FY 2008 and earlier. No FY 2009 or FY 2010 funds
are expected to be needed to complete the remainder of this project. Details on the carbon
sampler conversion can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/specurg3OOP.html.
Funding for the portion of the IMPROVE program that addresses progress in improving
visibility in Class I areas will remain the same as in previous years. This includes funding
for the 110 IMPROVE stations needed to meet the regional haze rule requirements of states
monitoring Class I areas for long-term trends through and beyond the 10-year SIP period
(2008 to 2018), as well as being useful in the required periodic assessments of progress
towards the national visibility goal.
The level of funds for the nationally administered, independent Performance Evaluation
Program (PEP) provided as associated program support for PM2.5 monitoring is expected to
be approximately $1.5 million. Monitoring agencies with an adequate level of independence
between quality assurance and monitoring groups may conduct the PEP themselves. In these
cases monitoring agencies that conduct the PEP will receive the refundable portion of the
EPA program costs that would otherwise have been used to pay for EPA regional lab
contract staff.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
EPA is developing a lead (Pb) Performance Evaluation Program (Pb-PEP). This
program will operate similar to the PM2.5 PEP with a call letter for participation to be sent at
the same time as the call for participation in other federally implemented performance
evaluation programs. Where federally implemented, EPA Regional ESAT contract staff are
expected to leverage audits for multiple programs when visiting an area. The cost of
participation in this program is being developed and will depend on the number of
participating agencies, the number of stations to audit each year, and the number of audits
that can be leveraged with other activities during a visit to an area.
The level of funds for the nationally administered, independent National Performance
Audit Program (NPAP) is expected to be approximately $454,000. Similar to the PEP, in the
NPAP, monitoring agencies with an adequate level of independence between quality
assurance and monitoring groups may conduct the NPAP themselves and receive the §105
funds that otherwise would have supported their participation in the national program.
The 24-hour PMio standard protects the public from effects of short-term exposure to
inhalable coarse particles, and PMio monitoring should continue in areas at risk of violating
that standard. In other areas, reductions in PMio monitoring may be appropriate. Agencies
are encouraged to migrate to low-volume PMio sampling as aged PMio samplers are
replaced, especially at stations with existing PM2.5 FRMs, to allow for measurement of PMio-
2.5-
As one of the NCore multi-pollutant monitoring requirements, EPA is requiring PMi0-2.5
mass (using the new federal reference method or a future equivalent method) and PMi0-2.5
speciation (no method yet specified) at between 62 and 71 locations. Since NCore is not
required to be operational until January 1, 2011, the FY 2010 allocation does not specifically
target funds for the creation of PMi0-2.5 mass or speciation measurements. However, PMi0-2.5
mass measurements can be easily obtained using co-located low-volume PMio and PM2.5
samplers and many agencies are already performing or planning to perform these
measurements soon. For PMio-2.5 speciation, EPA will be engaging the Clean Air Scientific
Advisory Committee's Ambient Air Monitoring and Methods Subcommittee this year. Since
PMio-2.5 speciation is not fully developed, EPA is only encouraging this measurement as part
of special projects and studies designed to address specific issues and not part of any routine
monitoring operation. For 2010, EPA encourages the mass measurement of PMio-2.5 at
NCore and other important sites as determined within monitoring agencies.
In FY 2011, EPA also anticipates that there may be shifts in PM2.5 monitoring funds
among regions to reflect further transition to continuous PM2.5 instruments, addition of
precursor gas monitoring capability at NCore multi-pollutant sites, and discontinuation of
additional PM2.s speciation sites.
For FY 2010, EPA is still seeking comment on utilizing $150,000 each year, prorated
from each PAMS recipient, to perform regional and national scale assessments of the data.
This is planned to be follow-up to the existing assessments to enhance the usefulness and
utility of the PAMS data. Assessments will be performed to address a number of questions
A-17
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
on the wealth of data collected by agencies operating PAMS. As in the past, EPA will solicit
input among PAMS data users, including State and local agencies, on priorities for national
and regional assessments.
For FY 2010, EPA is still seeking comment on a reserve of 5% of the PAMS funds
($700K) for the expressed purpose of purchasing new capital equipment (e.g., gas
chromatographs and upper air meteorology equipment) for participating agencies. The
proposal has been made since several PAMS agencies have reported they are unable to
purchase new equipment and much of their existing inventory of PAMS monitoring
equipment is outdated.
In FY 2010, EPA anticipates funding air toxics monitoring at the existing 27 National
Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS).
For the 2010 community-scale air toxics funds, EPA plans to continue support for
monitoring projects involving "hot-spots" such as locations where schools may be impacted
from a local source or sources with elevated levels of air toxics emissions. EPA is planning
to continue the development of the lead (Pb) monitoring network over the two-year period
from 2010 and 2011. The need and requirement for the network was identified as part of the
recent NAAQS review. Lead is unique among all air pollutants in that it is both a criteria
pollutant and a hazardous air pollutant (HAP).
Fine Particulate (PMi.s) Monitoring Network
On October 17, 2006 EPA revised the PM2.5 NAAQS by lowering the 24-hour (or
daily) standard from 65|ig/m3 to 35|ig/m3. EPA also retained the existing annual fine particle
standard at 15 |ig/m3. In the monitoring rules supporting the PM2.5 NAAQS, EPA requires
monitoring agencies to locate at least one PM2.5 monitoring site for each Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA) in a population-oriented area of expected maximum concentration.
Under the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS, the design values for almost all non-attainment areas were
driven by the annual NAAQS. With the new lower PM2.5 daily NAAQS, a majority of areas
will be driven by the daily NAAQS. However, in most cases the area of expected maximum
concentration will be the same.
In planning a PM2.5 monitoring network for 2010, agencies will need to consider how
their networks are addressing the network design requirements as part of their annual
network reviews due each summer. Agencies are to review their PM2.5 design values for
2006-2008 and determine if they are required to continue or start operating daily sampling
according to §58.12 - Operating Schedules. For a small number of cases, a new monitoring
site may need to start up; in other cases, sites may need to move. EPA envisions that
state/local agencies will continue to maintain a large robust network of PM2.s monitors to
support several monitoring objectives including protection of public health through the
NAAQS.
The PM2.5 monitoring network includes three well-established components: the
network of filter-based FRM/FEMs used for comparison to the NAAQS; continuous mass
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
monitors used in public reporting of the Air Quality Index; and speciation program samplers
and monitors including the Speciation Trends Network, supplemental speciation sites, and
the IMPROVE program used to characterize the chemical composition that makes up fine
particulate matter. Smaller dynamic components of the PM2 5 monitoring program include a
small network of continuous speciation monitors and the measurement of precursors to PM2.5
at NCore multi-pollutant stations. Areas of interest to enhance PM monitoring include
reinvesting monitoring resources into high sensitivity monitoring of CO, SO2, and NO2/NOy
to better characterize precursor gases that lead to particle formation, expanding the network
of PM2.5 continuous monitors, and planning for daily speciation sampling in a small number
of the most populated cites in the country where this information can support data needs in a
state and for use in helping expedite health studies.
Overall Direction
FY 2010 continues a multi-year transition of the ambient air monitoring conducted by
state and local air monitoring agencies along the path set by the Monitoring Strategy. For
PM2.s this means continued operation of high value federal reference method (FRM) and
speciation sites; PM2 5 continuous monitoring and associated data management systems for
timely reporting of high quality data; and precursor gas analyzers, data analyses and quality
assurance activities that will support better understanding of particle formation.
The restructured networks will continue operation of high value sites, with
investments and divestments. To provide a clearer understanding of the expected outcomes
of the ambient air monitoring objectives, the following goals for the fine parti culate
monitoring network have been developed:
Appropriate spatial characterization of PM2 5 NAAQS;
Public Reporting of PM2 5 in the AQI;
Characterization of PM2 5 chemical speciation data for long term trends,
development and accountability of emission control programs, tracking of
regional haze, and for use in health studies;
Implementation of NCore trace-level CO, SO2, NO2/NOy and NFL? monitoring to
support characterization of PM precursors;
Assessment of PM2 5 data quality;
Procurement and testing of PM2 5 filters.
Divestments
In the revisions to the ambient air monitoring regulations, EPA finalized reductions to
the required number of FRM/FEM in larger cities and eliminated FRM/FEM requirements
for some rural areas. For some areas, especially large cities well below the revised NAAQS,
this may provide an opportunity to divest of one or more redundant monitoring sites. For
other areas it may provide an opportunity to move one or more sites, which are not the design
value sites, to get a better spatial characterization of PM2.5 or seek locations that are a
concern with the more protective daily PM2 5 NAAQS.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Chemical speciation data from the Speciation Trends Network, IMPROVE, and the
remaining supplemental speciation sites will continue to be utilized to track progress over
time as the national and local control programs are implemented. There are some areas that
are expected to be in residual nonattainment for PM2 5 even after the national control
strategies are implemented that may have attainment deadlines beyond 2009, or that may be
designated nonattainment with the revised 24-hour PM2 5 NAAQS. In these cases the
regional office and the state, and where appropriate, local agencies, should work out an
appropriate network design for the chemical speciation component of their PM2.5 monitoring
network within the available allocation, as part of their annual network review. States and
local agencies may consider divesting of low-value supplemental speciation stations in areas
that are not expected to be in violation of the PM2 5 NAAQS.
In the revisions to the ambient air monitoring regulations, EPA finalized new
requirements for the number of required Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) audits that
result in an overall national reduction in the required number of site audit days. For FY 2010
the cost of the PEP will be about $1.5 million. Costs for the PEP to a monitoring
organization are determined by the number of sites within a monitoring organization. States
with multiple monitoring agencies not already organized under one Primary Quality
Assurance Organization should consider doing so to save minimize the number of required
audits.
As in 2009, monitoring organizations will again be asked to determine whether they
plan on implementing the PM2 5 Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) or allow for
continued Federal implementation of this program. Monitoring organizations must meet the
minimum requirements of adequate and independent in order to implement the PEP. OAQPS
has provided guidance to regional offices on how to assess adequacy and independence of
proposed audit programs.9 Information on this decision process will be provided in a
memorandum from the EPA regional office to the monitoring organizations each year in
order to make decisions that will affect the next calendar year audit activities. OAQPS
anticipates that a FY 2010 guidance memorandum covering details on participation in the
PM2.5 PEP will be issued to the EPA regional offices in June 2009.
Investments
The revisions to the Ambient Air Monitoring Regulations published in the Federal
Register on October 17, 2006 include new performance based criteria for approval of
continuous PMg_5 methods as equivalent to the filter-based FRM. On March 12th, 2008,
EPA's Office of Research and Development approved the first continuous PM2 5 FEM10.
This method is now available and its data can be compared to the NAAQS as well as for
public reporting of the Air Quality Index (AQI). However, at the time of this writing no
other instruments have been approved. With just one approved continuous PM2.5 FEM, but
possibly more on the way, it may make sense to modify the start date for any newly required
9 January 8, 2007 memorandum from Phil Lorang (Ambient Air Monitoring Group Leader) to Regional Office
ambient monitoring managers.
10
Met-One BAM1020 - PM2 5 configuration, Automated Equivalent Method - EQPM - 0308 -170
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
continuous monitor stations11 until multiple vendors are offering continuous instruments that
have been approved as federal equivalent methods (FEM) or monitoring organizations
themselves have applied for and received approval for continuous approved regional methods
(ARM). Monitoring agencies that are comfortable with the approved method could benefit
by discontinuing operation of some or all (with the exception of required FRMs for QA
purposes) of their FRMs, which tend to be costly to operate due to pre- and post- sampling
laboratory analysis. These savings could be used to pay for some of the cost of the new
monitors; however, capital acquisition funds would need to be provided up-front for the new
monitors. Therefore, EPA regions will work closely with state and local agencies within the
existing funding allocations on whether new monitors should be purchased. Technical
direction on implementing and reporting data from continuous PM2.5 FEM and ARM
monitors is available on EPA's AMTIC web site12.
Gas monitoring with high sensitivity measurements of CO, SC>2, and NO/NOy will
continue as part of the PM2.5 monitoring network to support characterization of PM
precursors in FY 2009 and FY 2010. Planning over the last few years has resulted in funding
being available for all required NCore multi-pollutant sites for these pollutants using
carryover funds from prior years and planned funds from fiscal years 2005 through 2007.
EPA will also be working with state and local agencies to pilot a small number of PM2 5
continuous mass monitors and ammonia samplers where funds are available. For daily
speciation EPA expects to work with a small number of monitoring agencies to pilot daily
characterization of fine particle chemical speciation using a combination of continuous and
filter-based technologies. One solution might include post-sampling laboratory analysis of
elements on Teflon filters with semi-continuous operation of sulfate and carbon monitors.
Monitoring agencies may also find it useful to use a portion of their direct awards to
implement additional meteorology equipment that supports forecasting of the AQI. Of
specific interest may be recently commercialized, high quality, and lower priced instruments
that characterize the vertical thermal structure of the boundary layer.
For FY 2009 and FY 2010, PM2.5 monitoring grant funds allocated to states can be
directed towards improvements in data management systems to support timely reporting of
high quality data from PM continuous mass monitors, PM continuous speciation monitors,
and precursor gas monitors. Resources dedicated to this area will support processing,
validating, and reporting or data that supports the PM monitoring program.
In late 2009, EPA expects to host a comprehensive National Ambient Air Monitoring
Conference. This conference was last held in November of 2006 shortly after the Revisions
to the Ambient Air monitoring Regulations were published. EPA and state and local
agencies will both benefit by strong participation in this conference to manage and enhance
11 The October 17, 2006 Revisions to the Ambient Air Monitoring Rule provide that for every required
FRM/FEM in a MSA at least 1A that many stations must operate a PM2 5 continuous method. These required
PM2 5 Continuous methods were to be operational by January 1, 2008.
12 http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/datamang.html
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
the ambient air monitoring program. EPA regions are encouraged to make participation in
the conference a condition of each agencies PM2 5 monitoring grant.
Distribution of Funds13
The draft FY 2010 guidance does not yet include an allocation of PM2 5 monitoring
funds among regional offices for use in direct awards.14 EPA must still consult with
stakeholders about how to allocate PM2 5 monitoring funding in light remaining
implementation issues associated with NCore. A final allocation will include tables that will
provide more detailed information on the region-by-region allocation including cost
estimates for associated program support. Cost estimates will be based on an assumption that
monitoring organizations will not reduce their networks (and the services/ materials needed
to support them) in 2010 compared to previous years. The estimates should help inform how
the program costs may change this coming year and are subject to change based on
monitoring organizations' actual plans for the numbers of sites that will need these services
in FY 2010.15 These numbers may decline if states choose not to maintain their existing
PM2 5 monitoring networks.
For more information on PM2 5 monitoring, contact Tim Hanley at 919-541-4417 or via
mail at hanley.tim@epa.gov.
Monitoring Networks for Other NAAQS Pollutants (and PMi0-2.s)
Support of Established NAAQS Networks
This section covers monitoring networks for the other pollutants covered by a NAAQS
ozone, lead (Pb), CO, SO2, NO2, PMi0, - and PMi0-2.5.16 Of these pollutants ozone has the
13 In FY 2006 and earlier years, EPA's national guidance set aside PM2 5 monitoring funds for use in funding several
categories of associated program support, allocated the remaining funds among the regional offices for use in direct grants,
and provided targets or suggestions for how the regions might negotiate funding levels for specific categories of state/local
monitoring activities; for example operation of filter-based monitors versus continuous monitors. For FY 2007, EPA
restructured the targeted categories of program support and state/local monitoring operations to focus more on activities that
are of current special interest, for example new monitoring sites required as a result of the revised 24-hour PM2 5 NAAQS.
In FY 2007, EPA worked with grant recipients to develop work plans that were intended to utilize available FY 2007 and
earlier funding by a common date of March 31, 2008, at which time FY 2008 funding would begin. For some recipients,
this meant a grant period different than 12 months. The savings in shorter grant periods for these recipients have been
reapplied to meet the listed types of new monitoring needs wherever they exist. In FY 2008 PM2 5 monitoring grants were
negotiated between EPA regional offices and state and local agencies for the period April 1, 2008 thru March 31, 2009.
These grants utilized §103 authority as directed in EPA's appropriation.
16 Once the president's detailed budget has been announced, a final allocation will be provided.
15 State and local agencies have costs associated with many activities within each monitoring program area. Not all types
of operating expenses may be accounted for. Some of these costs are fairly well understood such as capital infrastructure,
salaries of staff and management working on the program, and costs of expendable items used in the program. Less
obvious, but important to include in planning operation of a network, are costs of participating in conferences and
workshops that support training and building further expertise in agencies operating the network.
16 On October 17, 2006 EPA revoked the annual PM10 NAAQS everywhere. 71 FR 61144. The 24-hour PM10 NAAQS was
retained everywhere. No NAAQS was established for PM10.2.5. On the same day, EPA also promulgated a Federal
Reference Method for PM10_2.5 and certain monitoring requirements for PM10_2.5 as part of the new NCore network with an
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
most robust network with over 1200 stations across the country. Networks for CO, 862,
NC>2, and PMi0 are still maintained in most agencies with minor divestments over the last
several years (see figure below); however, for lead there has been a substantially larger
divestment due to almost all monitoring stations being substantially below the previous lead
(Pb) NAAQS. Additional information on each network is summarized below.
In March of 2008, EPA strengthened the ozone NAAQS by revising the 8-hour
standard to a level of 0.075 ppm. Despite having a large and robust ozone monitoring
network already operating in most urban areas across the country, EPA stated its intention17
to propose a separate rule to address changes to the ozone monitoring requirements. Changes
to the ozone monitoring requirements are necessary to implement the revised ozone NAAQS.
These changes may affect the required ozone season, requirements for minimum monitors in
smaller urban areas - where monitoring are not currently required, and requirements for
Table A-2
Number of Monitoring Stations by Pollutant 1998 - 2007
1.600
1,400
1,200
1,000
300
SOO
400
200
1993
1999 2000
2001
2002 2003
Year
2004 2005 2006 2007
Carbon Monoxide
Lead Tsp Stp
Nitrogen Dioxide
Ozone
Pm10 Total 0-10um
~Stp
Pm2.5 - Local
Conditions
Sulfur Dioxide
non-urban areas such as sensitive ecosystems. The proposed rule may occur in 2009 or early
2010 and finalized in time for implementation of some or more requirements in 2010.
Funding needs associated with any changes to the ozone monitoring requirements are not
established at this point since the proposal has not yet been published.
In October of 2008, EPA significantly strengthened the lead NAAQS from 1.5 |ig/m3 to
0.15 |ig/m3 as measured by total suspended particulate. For lead, the existing lead
monitoring network was considered inadequate to implement the revised lead NAAQS and
therefore, changes to the lead monitoring requirements were included along with the revised
lead NAAQS. With a substantially stronger NAAQS, regional offices and state and local
monitoring agencies should work closely together to ensure that any sources of lead exposure
implementation date of January 1, 2011. 71 FR61236. A plan for PM]0-2.5 monitoring atNCore is due by July 1, 2009. FY
2009 grant funds should be used to begin development of this plan. EPA is not requiring that any FY 2009 or FY 2010
grant funds be used to implement PM10.2.5 monitoring, although that is an eligible use of grant funds where negotiated
between a Regional Office and a recipient.
17 http://www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/pdfs/2008_03_factsheet.pdf
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
have been identified and appropriate steps are taken (ensuring the adequacy of the emission
inventory and modeling impacts) to determine if ambient air monitoring is warranted. EPA
is requiring near-source monitoring to begin operation by January 1, 2010 and non-source
monitoring by January 1, 2011. Annual monitoring network plans corresponding to the near-
source and non-source monitoring are due by July 1, 2009 and July 1, 2010. EPA has
proposed the a total of $2.5 million in FY 2009 funding under §105 authority for this
monitoring and this effort will continue under the President's FY 2010 budget request. EPA
will work with state and local agencies to begin planning their lead network starting during
CY 2009.
Over the next three years, EPA expects to complete reviews of the remaining NAAQS
that have not had a recent review (i.e., NO2, SO2, and CO). The NO2 review is scheduled to
be completed by January 22, 2010; the SO2 primary standard review by June 2, 2010; the
NO2 and SO2 secondary standards are being reviewed together and are to be completed by
October 19, 2010; and the CO standard - both primary and secondary - is to be completed by
May 13, 2011. Each of these reviews may result in necessary changes to the monitoring
requirements to implement each NAAQS.
With possible changes to each of the NAAQS that have not had a recent review and
the requirement for each state - and where delegated - applicable local agencies to perform a
comprehensive assessment of their ambient air monitoring network every five years18, EPA
is now asking agencies to hold off on substantial changes to their ambient air monitoring
network until each of these activities are complete. EPA acknowledges that ambient air
monitoring agencies will not have the benefit of all NAAQS having recent reviews prior to
submitting their comprehensive assessments by July 1, of 2010; however, to the extent that
existing monitoring stations can be maintained, especially when multiple measurements are
leveraged and data are being utilized, agencies may find that existing stations are useful for
one or more of the revised NAAQS. EPA is developing network assessment tools and will
be sharing these tools on upcoming conference calls and workshops that state and local
agencies attend. Ultimately, these tools will be available on EPA's web site; likely on the
Air Quality Analyses web site19.
FY 2010 STAG grant funds for the aforementioned ambient monitoring programs
should be utilized to provide:
National and local spatial characterization of ozone (Os) relative to the NAAQS;
National and local public reporting of Os in the AQI;
Local public reporting of CO, SO2, NO2, and PMio in the AQI for areas where
these pollutants are of concern;
Local characterization of the CO, SO2, NO2, and PMio NAAQS in the few areas
with NAAQS non-attainment and maintenance issues;
Implementing newly required near-source lead (Pb) monitoring stations by
January 1, 2010, where required or there is the potential to exceed the Pb
1840CFR§58.10
19 http://www.epa.gov/ttn/analysis/
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
NAAQS;
Planning non-source Pb monitoring stations in MSAs over 500,000 people that
are to begin operation by January 1, 2011;
In addition to the monitoring provided for above, limited characterization of 63,
CO, SC>2, NC>2, Pb, and PMio data in all other areas for long term trends, support
for long-term health and scientific assessments, and development and
accountability of emission control programs as part of a multi-pollutant approach
to air quality management;
Assessment of 63, CO, 862, NC>2, Pb, and PMio data quality;
Analysis and interpretation of the O3, PAMS, CO, SO2, NO2, Pb, and PMio
monitoring data and development of data assessment tools;
Procurement and testing of PMio filters, including 46.2 mm Teflon filters used in
low-volume PMio samplers;
Independent and adequate assessment of these pollutants' data quality, which is
required in 40 CFR Part 58. This assessment is based on audit data generated
under the National Performance Audit Program (NPAP). State and local agencies
will choose either to obtain audit services through EPA-managed contracts funded
with STAG funds, or may operate equivalent state-managed programs using
independent staff, equipment, and standards. In some regions, EPA staff may
perform or assist in audits with no charge to STAG funds, depending on staff and
travel funds availability.
Reporting and certification of ambient air monitoring data required20 to be
submitted to the Air Quality System (AQS) database. In 2010 the date of
certification moves up from July 1 to May 1.
Ambient Air Performance Evaluation Programs
A performance evaluation is a type of audit where quantitative data is collected
independently in order to evaluate the proficiency of an analyst, laboratory, or some or all of
the component parts of a data collection activity. EPA implements a number of performance
evaluation programs on behalf of the monitoring agencies. Two major federally implemented
performance evaluation efforts include the National Performance Audit Program (NPAP) for
the gaseous pollutants and the Pb-Performance Evaluation Program
National Performance Audit Program (NPAP)
The NPAP is a cooperative effort among OAQPS, the EPA regional offices, the
monitoring organizations that operate EPA-funded air pollution monitors, and the other
organizations that operate air monitors for example at PSD sites. The implementation goals
of the NPAP are to audit approximately 20 percent of the monitoring sites in the Ambient Air
Quality Monitoring Network each year.
Although it is a goal to visit every monitoring site generating data that has
significance to the air quality program within a 5-year period, among these sites there is an
'§58.15- Annual air monitoring data certification, and §58.16- Data submittal and archiving requirements.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
emphasis on auditing higher priority monitors (e.g., sites prioritized for health risk reasons)
more frequently. In 2008, the requirement for adequate independent audits applies to sites
with monitoring types not designated as "non-regulatory. The NPAP program uses a through-
the-probe (TIP) audit system, where appropriate for the monitoring situation given a site's
physical layout. This system has the advantage of testing the performance of the entire
monitoring sampling train including inlets and manifolds, and provides station operators
immediate feedback on the audit results.
Each year, monitoring organizations are asked whether they plan on implementing the
NPAP or would prefer continued Federal implementation of this program using STAG funds.
Any non-EPA audits arranged by monitoring organizations must meet the minimum
requirements of being adequate and independent. Additional guidance on demonstrating that
a state-implemented program meets these minimums will be provided in a memorandum
early in the calendar year. Under this approach EPA reserves a portion of appropriated
STAG funds to cover potential Federal implementation of the NPAP, based on the number of
geographically separate monitoring sites (not the number of distinct monitors) within each
EPA Region.
The initial reserve of FY 2010 funds is estimated to be approximately $454,000. This
is based on EPA's current understanding of monitoring organizations' intentions for how
NPAP audits will be implemented in 2010. If the number of sites in a Region to be audited
by EPA staffer EPA-managed contractors is reduced because more monitoring organizations
plan on implementing a program of adequate and independent NPAP audits without reliance
on EPA contractors, and those organizations are assessed by the EPA regions as capable to
perform the NPAP by September 2009, a corresponding amount of STAG funds will be
made available to the regional office for allocation as direct awards. The amount of funds
held by EPA to perform the NPAP includes both a fixed cost associated with programs tools
and equipment such as standard operating procedures and hardware and variable costs such
as the operator time and travel costs associated with the number of audits conducted. The
September 2009 cutoff date gives EPA time to make necessary contracting and other
arrangements for the audits it will manage in 2010.
Lead Performance Evaluation Program (Pb-PEP)
The implementation of a Pb-PEP is a new requirement starting in calendar year 2010
and it provides an assessment of overall bias at the primary quality assurance organization
(PQAO) level. PQAO is defined in 40 CFR Part 58 Appendix A. The program will be a mix
of one or two PM2.5 PEP like audits with additional collocated sampling. The program will
require the same number of audit samples as required for PM2.5 meaning:
o PQAOs with < 5 sites require 5 audits (1 PEP, 4 collocated)
o PQAOs with > 5 sites require 8 audits (2 PEP, 6 collocated)
The Pb-PEP audits consist of the implementation of a separate portable TSP Pb
audit sampler that is placed within 2-4 meters of the routine Pb sampler, is operated by an
independent auditor and the sample is shipped to an independent Pb-PEP laboratory for
analysis. For the collocated samples, each quarter the monitoring organization field operator
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
will take one additional collocated sample and send this sample to the independent Pb-PEP
laboratory for analysis.
Similar to the PM2 5 PEP and the NPAP, implementation decisions for Pb-PEP are
made by the monitoring organizations on an annual basis. EPA will draft a memo to the
monitoring organizations to determine whether they plan to self implement the Pb-PEP or
utilize the federally implemented program using STAG funds. Any non-EPA audits arranged
by monitoring organizations must meet the minimum requirements of being adequate and
independent. The definition for adequate and independent for Pb-PEP will be very similar to
PM2 5 PEP and the actual requirements will be developed by June, 2009. The decision memo
will be distributed in July 2009 and take the form of previous PM2.5 PEP decision memos. It
is very likely that the Pb-PEP information will be incorporated into PM2 5 memo so all
decisions are made at the same time. An example of one of these decision memos can be
found at: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/npepqa.html. The EPA regions will collect this
information from the monitoring organizations and provide the information to OAQPS in
time to redirect the appropriate STAG funds for the federally implemented program.
Under this approach EPA reserves a portion of appropriated STAG funds to cover
potential Federal implementation of the Pb-PEP, based on the number of monitoring sites
(not the number of distinct monitors) within each PQAO within a Region.
Another QA activity being developed as part of supporting the revised lead (Pb)
monitoring network is making available Pb quality control strips for laboratories that provide
analytical support. EPA envisions a program where a third party laboratory develops lead
strips with known concentrations that are sent to participating Pb analytical laboratories.
Data from participating laboratories would be reported similar to current lead strip reporting
requirements, and assessments would be available for determining laboratory bias. Funds to
support the third party contractor are still being determined and are proposed to be reserved
from §105 funds.
The amount of funds held by EPA to perform the Pb-PEP includes both a fixed cost
associated with programs tools and equipment such as standard operating procedures and
hardware and consumables and variable costs such as the operator time and travel costs
associated with the number of audits conducted.
Photochemical Assessment Monitoring System (PAMS)
Required by section 182(c)(l) of the Clean Air Act, the PAMS program collects
ambient air measurements in areas classified as serious, severe, or extreme ozone
nonattainment. Each PAMS area collects data for a target list of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), NOX, NOy, and ozone, as well as surface and upper air meteorological
measurements.
Monitoring rule amendments published on October 17, 2006 greatly reduced the
minimum PAMS requirements. The revisions were intended to require the retention of the
minimum common PAMS network elements necessary to meet the objectives of every
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
PAMS program, while freeing up resources for states to tailor other features of their own
PAMS networks to suit their specific data needs. Overall, the changes significantly reduced
the costs of the minimum PAMS monitoring requirements, but it was not EPA's intention to
require or encourage a reduction in the overall level of PAMS monitoring. The following
summarizes the changes to the PAMS requirements:
The number of required PAMS sites has been reduced. Only one Type 2 site is
required per area regardless of population, and Type 4 sites are no longer required.
Only one Type 1 or one Type 3 site is required per area.
The requirements for speciated VOC measurements have been reduced. Speciated
VOC measurements are only required at Type 2 sites and one other site (either Type 1
or Type 3) per PAMS area.
Carbonyl sampling is no longer required.
NO2/NOX monitors are required only at Type 2 sites.
Trace level NO2/NOy are required at one site per PAMS area (either Type 1 or Type
3).
Trace level CO is required only at Type 2 sites.
Consistent with recent years, FY 2010 STAG funds will support four types of PAMS
activities: monitoring system implementation and operation including replacement of aging
equipment, data reporting to AQS, data analysis, and quality assurance. Also, regions are to
plan and as appropriate approve the use of some of these funds to replace or upgrade aging or
obsolete equipment. For FY 2010, about $14 million is targeted for operation of the PAMS
network. Of this, $10.5 million has nominally been allocated for program implementation
and operation, data reporting, and QA. $3.5 million has been nominally allocated for data
analysis by state and local agencies. However, Regional Offices have had the flexibility to
allow states to adjust this split and even to use a portion of their designated PAMS funds for
other purposes. Table A-3 shows the FY 2009 allocation of PAMS funds within the regional
allotments.. These PAMS funds are included in the ozone category of the national region-by-
region allocation.
The §105 reallocation study process now underway also provides EPA and its state
and local partners an opportunity to critically re-examine the purposes, funding level, and
basis for distribution of funds targeted for PAMS support. A variety of considerations could
be involved including accounting for those areas subject to the changing PAMS rule
requirements, relative ozone air quality, the robustness of the networks, dollar needs over
time, etc. EPA would like to discuss the future of PAMS with the state and local agencies as
part of the analysis process.
In addition to the reallocation study, EPA is also working with its state and local
partners that are involved in PAMS in an assessment of the program. This PAMS assessment
includes a workgroup of representatives from EPA, state, local, and multi-state. The
assessment is scheduled to be completed during FY 2009. Outcomes of the assessment have
identified many insightful interpretations of the data, but also the need for additional follow-
up work. EPA seeks comment on follow-up assessment work by utilizing a prorated amount
from each PAMS Region in the amount of $150,000 during both FY 2009 and FY 2010.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
The PAMS program has been operational since the mid 1990's and as such for a
number of agencies the monitoring equipment is becoming significantly aged. Some
agencies have been able to upgrade or buy new equipment from within their exiting,
allocation; however, due to the high initial capital cost, many other agencies have reported
they are not able to set aside enough funds from within one year to purchase these large
capital cost items. For FY 2010, EPA solicits comment on a hold-back of 5% of the PAMS
Table A-3. Distribution of FY 2009 Funds for PAMS Support
Total with proposed
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
National Data
Analysis
Equipment
Replacement
Totals
Number
of
PAMS
Areas
5
1
3
1
21
5
0
0
82
0
24
Local
Data
Analysis
$726,297
$232,415
$348,623
$145,259
$290,519
$617,603
$0
$0
$1,162,075
$0
$3,522,791
Implementation
and Operation
$2,125,815
$571,060
$1,087,907
$366,848
$959,749
$2,061,029
$0
$0
$3,307,303
$0
$10,479,711
Total
$2,852,112
$803,475
$1,436,530
$512,107
$1,250,268
$2,678,632
$0
$0
$4,469,378
$0
$14,002,502
$150K set aside for
national data analysis
and $700K set aside
for equipment
replacement
$2,678,979
$754,701
$1,349,328
$481,020
$1,174,372
$2,516,030
$0
$0
$4,198,071
$0
$150,000
$700,000
$14,002,502
1 Chicago and Milwaukee have a combined network.
2 So. Coast & Mojave Desert AQMDs have a combined network
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
funds ($700K) for the expressed purpose of purchasing new capital equipment (e.g., gas
chromatographs and upper air meteorology equipment) for participating PAMS agencies. If
successful, EPA would work with all PAMS agencies to set up a equipment replacement plan
over a multi-year period.
Notwithstanding a re-allocation, and in light of the recent changes in PAMS
requirements, regional offices should still re-examine the current split between data analysis
and implementation and operations with their recipients rather than strictly adhere to the
splits shown in Table A-3. Regional offices may also consider other departures from
historical funding practices, for example providing more funds to a particular state in FY
2010 to support a needed one-time intensive study, with temporarily reduced funding for
routine PAMS monitoring in other states. In CY 2009 or 2010, resources permitting, EPA
will issue a new technical guidance document to assist regional offices and states in
evaluating the utility of the data collected by current PAMS networks and in identifying new
types of PAMS monitoring that can provide useful missing data for ozone attainment
planning.
EPA recognizes that the PAMS sites are a major source of data on air toxics including
some of the toxics that contribute significantly to the total risk from air toxics in some of the
largest cities. The regions, state and local monitoring agencies should keep this dual purpose
in mind as the plan network changes in FY 2010 and beyond. For example, as speciated
VOC sampling is reduced at type 4 sites, consideration should be given to moving to auto-
GC sampling at the remaining PAMS sites.
FY 2010 PAMS Activities for State and Local Agencies
The allocated PAMS funds should be used to meet the following objectives:
(1) Continue System Implementation
Reduce number of monitoring sites and monitoring at remaining sites, while
remaining in compliance with revised PAMS regulations or approved alternative
plans developed as part of reconfiguration efforts.
Operate remaining existing sites, including replacement of aging equipment.
Continue to improve NOX monitoring, replacing NOX instruments with NOy/NO
instrumentation and/or more sensitive NO2/NOX monitors at select PAMS sites.
Install and operate trace level CO monitors at Type II sites.
Develop and conduct area specific ozone precursor studies based on area specific
needs.
Continue making surface measurements of wind direction, wind speed, temperature,
and humidity at all PAMS sites and additional measurements of solar radiation,
ultraviolet radiation, pressure, and precipitation at one site in each PAMS area.
Continue making upper-air measurements of wind direction, wind speed, and
temperature at a representative location in each PAMS area. The upper-air monitoring
program will depend upon region-specific factors such that the optimum design for a
given PAMS region is expected to be some combination of remote sensing and
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
conventional atmospheric soundings.
For PAMS sites collocated with NCore multi-pollutant precursor gas sites, the
meteorological monitoring data for ambient temperature, wind speed, wind direction,
relative humidity, barometric pressure, and solar radiation are to be submitted to the
AirNow program.
(2) Data Analysis
Continue to develop and implement PAMS data analysis plans at the state and local
levels that demonstrate use of data, provide analyses demonstrating data analysis
products and results commensurate with allocated resources targeted for data analysis
in grant work plans and the minimum set of PAMS data analyses specified in EPA
guidance.
Use PAMS data to develop and optimize control strategies in State Implementation
Plan for ozone.
Develop trends in ozone precursors, based on PAMS data that may serve to
corroborate "rate-of-progress" and accountability demonstrations.
Use PAMS data to corroborate ozone precursor emissions inventories and to address
transport concerns.
(3) Data Reporting
All PAMS data, including meteorological data, shall be submitted into AQS
consistent with 40 CFR Part 58.
All PAMS data shall be identified in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) as monitor
type 'PAMS' or 'Unofficial PAMS'.
Adequate procedures must be developed and followed to ensure proper validation of
data prior to submission to AQS.
(4) Quality Assurance
All sites must have and operate according to a Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP) approved by an EPA regional office.
Ensure that adequate and independent audits are conducted for FRM and FEM
SLAMS monitors at PAMS sites. These audits are discussed above under 'National
Performance Audit Program (NPAP).'
Air Toxics Monitoring
For FY 2010, the President's request includes resources for the support of national air
toxics monitoring and characterization activities. Funds are awarded under §105 authority to
continue support for ongoing air toxics monitoring activities initiated and conducted by state
and local air quality agencies. In addition, the Agency is proposing dedicated funds under
CAA §103 for the support of: (1) operation and maintenance of the multi-year National Air
Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS), and (2) local air toxics monitoring projects (see Table A-
4). Funding for NATTS and local projects is being planned with §103 authority which
enables 100% federal funding.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Included in the NATTS program total are three supplemental program components:
quality assurance, methods development, and an analysis initiative using all available
ambient air quality data for toxics with special emphasis on observations from the NATTS
and community-scale monitoring programs. These three components are associated program
support for all grants that support air toxics monitoring or management activities. FY 2010
will be the eight overall year of NATTS data collection, the sixth complete year of NATTS
data collection, and the fourth local-scale grant cycle in seven years. The desired program
objectives are:
Establish trends and evaluate the effectiveness of air toxics emissions reduction
strategies.
Characterize the local-scale ambient concentrations that result when air toxics
originating from local sources concentrate in relatively small geographical areas,
producing the greatest risks to human health.
Provide data to support, evaluate, and improve emission inventories and air quality
models used to develop emission control strategies, perform exposure assessments,
and assess program effectiveness.
Provide data to support scientific studies to better understand the relationship between
ambient air toxics concentrations, human exposure, and health effects from these
exposures.
In FY 2009, EPA expects approximately $4.1 million in §103 STAG funds will be used
to fund operation of the National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) Network during the
period July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010. About $0.8 million is proposed to be used for quality
assurance, data analysis, and methods and instrumentation associated with the NATTS
program.
The NATTS program component will continue to build on the established quality
assurance and methods protocols. Laboratory and field staff continue to work with EPA to
ascertain the optimum methods for capturing and analyzing core pollutants associated with
risk, develop performance based quality indicators to prove valid data results that will
contribute to our understanding of risks, and stabilize the measurements for all NATTS sites
so that comparisons across the nation can be made. Efforts to further improve methods for
hexavalent chromium and acrolein are anticipated to continue through at least 2010, and
additional methods development work may include how to best measure coarse particles
(PMio-2.s) for HAP metals and other speciation components to complement the existing
measurement of metals in PMio at NATTS. The analytical community will continue to
assess trends in air toxics concentration levels, relate those data to associated risk levels, and
explore relationships between these ambient and risk levels to emission sources and changes
in these levels to emission reduction efforts.
The community-scale projects are intended to better characterize air toxics problems
at the local level and to address those problems through local actions which complement
national regulatory requirements. Such monitoring has the potential to elucidate the scope of
local air toxic problems, measure what reductions have been achieved through actions taken,
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
and provide information needed for local policy development on reducing emissions from
particular sources.
While aimed at meeting local data needs, EPA expects that data, results, and findings
from all community-scale projects will also be valuable to other areas and to the national air
toxics programs. Hence, a portion of the air toxics STAG funds are used to organize,
summarize, and analyze the air toxics data from the community-scale studies and the NATTS
sites (and data from other monitoring efforts) and to communicate the findings to all states
involved in air toxics management. This includes a data analysis workshop.
While EPA anticipates that monitoring of air toxics hotspots at the community level,
particularly around schools, will continue into FY 2010, EPA intends to further consult with
stakeholders on the nature and approach for local scale air toxics monitoring for FY 2010.
The Agency will produce supplementary information and guidance for FY 2010. For further
information regarding prior year community-scale air toxics monitoring projects, including
previous solicitations, successful project proposals and final reports, may be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/local.html. For more information contact Michael Jones in
OAQPS' Ambient Air Monitoring Group at 1-919-541-0528, orjones.mike@epa.gov.
The FY 2010 allocation categories and amounts are provided in Table A-4. The
funding allocation for operation of NATTS sites will be sub-allocated to the regions with
state and local agencies hosting those sites. The split of funding among the other listed line
items may be adjusted prior to the start of FY 2010 based on consultations with state and
local air agency representatives. Funds for other line items listed are anticipated to be used
in nationally administered support contracts or competitively awarded to eligible recipients
for specific activities.
Table A-4
Proposed FY 2010 Funding for Lead, National Air Toxics Trends
and Community-Scale Monitoring
$4,195,000
$320,000
$300,000
$180,000
Pending
TBD
Operation and maintenance of existing and new NATTS sites.
NATTS Quality Assurance: includes periodic Proficiency Testing, targeted Technical
Systems Audits, and annual data quality assessment via centrally (OAQPS) managed
contracts.
Data Analysis: delineate and assess trends, data and network assessment to include
exploration / demonstration of monitoring data utility in providing local scale findings that
are useful in S/L/T air quality program management, and Annual Data Analysis Workshop
for EPA and S/L/T 's to share results; synthesize into annual report.
Methods and Instrumentation: support for improved air toxics monitoring methodology,
especially for priority HAPs for which methods either do not exist, or existing methods have
been deemed insufficient to meet end user needs; acquire new, upgrade, or replacement
sampling or analytical equipment on a limited, case-by-case, as needed basis in direct
support of NATTS.
Community-scale monitoring projects: EPA is seeking comment on supporting monitoring
projects involving "hot-spots" such as locations where schools may be impacted from a
local source or sources with elevated levels of air toxics emissions. .
Total Funding
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
IMPROVE Visibility Monitoring Network
The IMPROVE monitoring program supports the national goal of reducing haze to
near natural levels in National Parks and wilderness areas. IMPROVE monitoring sites
collect data on visibility, including optical, photographic, and speciated particulate data,
though EPA resources are only used for the particle speciation monitoring. EPA works with
the Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs) to help states prepare their SIPs for regional
haze rule (these were due 12/07). Data from IMPROVE sites are needed to meet the regional
haze rule requirements of states for monitoring Class I area long-term trends through and
beyond the 10-year SIP period (2008 to 2018), as well as being useful in the required
periodic assessments of progress towards the national visibility goal. States also use data
from the IMPROVE network to characterize upwind and background PMio and PM2.5
conditions and to assess source attribution for the PM2.5 and PMioNAAQS in nonattainment
areas.
The IMPROVE network was started in 1987 as part of a federally-promulgated
visibility plan and operated by the Department of the Interior (DOI) under the direction of a
multi-agency federal/state steering committee. EPA expanded the original network in FY
1999 and FY 2000 from approximately 30 sites to 110 sites. The expanded network covers
all of the Clean Air Act Class I areas where visibility is important (except the Bering Sea
area which is impractical to monitor). EPA provides state/local air quality management
STAG funds to the DOI to help maintain the IMPROVE network because of the importance
of IMPROVE data to development of SIPs for both regional visibility and PM NAAQS
attainment. The DOI and the other participant organizations contribute in excess of $3
million of their own funds or in-kind resources per year to support field operations and other
monitoring at IMPROVE sites.
For reasons of convenience and/or consistency of data, a number of state, local, and
tribal monitoring organizations have historically chosen to ask the IMPROVE program to
provide field technical support and laboratory services for additional sampling stations at
locations under their control, using the IMPROVE protocols for sampler design, sampler
operation, and laboratory analysis. Data from these additional "state/local IMPROVE
protocol sites" (currently about 60) are managed and made public along with the data from
the 110 sites in protected class I areas. These additional sites are provided as associated
program support. This arrangement will continue in FY2010. In addition, some federal
agencies provide full funding for additional IMPROVE protocol sites to meet various
program or research objectives.
Tribal, state, local, and federal monitoring organizations may continue, discontinue,
or add sites for the monitoring period which runs from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.
Once a monitoring organization has identified its source of funds for such sites, it may
contact Marc Pitchford (see below) to request monitoring support services and to begin
arranging for the necessary funds transfer. Requests should be made as early in calendar year
2010 as possible, but no later than April 30, 2010. Tables A-3 and A-4 are based on a
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
placeholder assumption that monitoring organizations will retain all current state/local
IMPROVE protocol sites in 2010.
After extensive testing to ensure data comparability, the IMPROVE steering
committee approved a change in carbon analysis methodology (both analyzer and protocol)
to replace their 18-year old analyzer systems with new system for all samples collected
starting in 2005. The IMPROVE steering committee also mandated the development and
approved for use a revised algorithm for estimating light extinction from IMPROVE PM
speciation data, that is expected to be used by most (perhaps all) states in their Regional Haze
Rule SIPs. A revised (incorporating the latest data flags and edits) IMPROVE dataset
required by the Regional Haze Rule for the 5-year baseline period (2000 to 2004) was
disseminated through the IMPROVE and VIEWS (http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/views/). The
Visibility Information Exchange Web System (VIEWS) is a database system and set of
online tools originally designed to support the Regional Haze Rule. VIEWS provides easy
online access to a wide variety of air quality data and provides online tools for exploring and
analyzing these data. It also is used to facilitate the research and understanding of global air
quality issues.
For FY 2009, about $2.6 million of PM2.5 monitoring funds appropriated under §103
authority and about $1.2 million of state/local STAG funds appropriated under §105
authority were proposed to be targeted to support visibility monitoring at 110 IMPROVE
sites and 7 sites collocated with CASTNET. For more information on the IMPROVE
program, contact Tim Hanley (919-541-4417) or Lew Weinstock (919-541-3661) in OAQPS.
Planning Information for Ambient Monitoring on Tribal Lands
EPA respects each tribe's sovereign ability to identify its air quality goals and to
make monitoring decisions it deems appropriate for its needs. This section addresses issues
for consideration when conducting ambient air quality monitoring in the particular context of
an EPA grant work plan. There are no Clean Air Act requirements for ambient monitoring
on tribal lands, so tribes have flexibility in customizing ambient monitoring to address the
many different situations they face in terms of air quality and other environmental concerns.
Whatever the local situation, the purpose of any ambient monitoring should be to inform the
public living in Indian country about the quality of the air where that quality is in doubt, to
assist the tribe in managing its air quality, to help the tribe make the case that other
governments or private parties need to control emissions due to their effect on air quality on
tribal land, and/or to help track the effects of control actions to verify that they have
addressed a problem.
For some tribes ambient monitoring may or may not be a priority for funding
compared to other air quality program or environmental program activities. If monitoring is
conducted, a tribe's interests can be best served when the type of monitoring is appropriate
for the specific situation. For a given tribe, some types of monitoring may be useful, while
others may not be relevant. With limited resources available, strategic planning based on
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
thoughtful priorities is needed. The EPA regional offices will be the principal EPA partners
with tribes in this case-by-case planning.
Over the last few years, EPA has emphasized that data from EPA-funded monitors on
tribal lands should be available to both EPA and the general public through the AQS or other
relevant national data system, once start-up issues are worked out and the data are reliable.
EPA will continue to work with tribes on workable alternatives for data preparation and
submission. In awarding grants to tribes with FY 2010 funds, regional offices are expected
to make sure that tribes will have a way to get data submitted, including QA-related data.
EPA has developed an Ambient Air Monitoring Strategy for State, Tribal and local
Air Agencies that re-examines how the national ambient monitoring programs can be more
thoughtfully directed towards their multiple purposes
(http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/monstratdoc.html)21. For the most part, this strategy addresses
situations and considerations relevant to states, rather than the special situations and
considerations relevant to tribes. In FY 2008, EPA developed a document titled: Technical
Guidance for the Development of Tribal Air Monitoring Programs
(http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/tl/memoranda/techguidancetribalattch.pdf) with the intent of
providing tribes a better understanding of the ambient air monitoring process and to provide
information on resources and tools to help build and sustain and air quality monitoring
program. For 2009 and beyond, EPA may provide additional guidance specifically related to
tribal air monitoring. Any new guidance will continue to provide flexibility for tribes and
regional offices to address the many different air quality situations on tribal lands on a case-
by-case prioritized basis. See: http://www.epa.gov/oar/tribal/tam.html for information on
the progress in developing new guidance for tribal monitoring.
Technical assistance in conducting ambient monitoring is provided to tribes through
the Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center (http://www4.nau.edu/tams/ ). TAMS
staff can provide more specific information on any of the types of monitoring described here.
The remainder of this section provides general information that may assist tribes in
clarifying their objectives for ambient monitoring and getting started on planning monitoring
to meet those objectives.
Air Toxics Monitoring: This may be the type of ambient monitoring of most interest to
many tribes, because local sources potentially subject to tribal management can dominate
exposures and because public perceptions of air toxic risks can be strong. As with all
monitoring, the purpose of monitoring air toxics is to identify problems that merit action,
plan what action will be effective, and track the effects of the action to verify it has addressed
the problem. Of the 187 officially listed air toxic compounds under the Clean Air Act, a
subset of 18 have historically been monitored at EPA-funded non-tribal sites.22 In 2008,
21 The Ambient Air Monitoring Strategy was last updated in December of 2008.
22These monitored compounds are: benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,3-butadiene,
1,2-dichloropropane, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, arsenic and
compounds, beryllium and compounds, cadmium and compounds, Hexavalent chromium, lead and compounds,
manganese and compounds, nickel and compounds, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acrolein.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
EPA expanded the list to cover a number of Poly cyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Tribal monitoring likely should not aim beyond this list or its revision without specific local
reasons, and should not necessarily attempt to measure all of these. While many other
compounds will be collected on the same filter or cartridge, or in the same canister, there is
extra cost at the laboratory for each compound that is measured and reported. Some of the
compounds on this list, for example carbon tetrachloride, are not emitted (or not supposed to
be emitted) from any current source and/or have about the same concentration everywhere in
the U.S. so there is little to be gained from measuring them on any particular reservation.
For many air toxics (except some gases), samples need to be collected in the field (or
indoors) and shipped to specialized laboratories for analysis. EPA has contracts with
qualified labs which make it relatively easy to have this done.
Interpreting air toxics monitoring data is not a simple task, since there are no bright legal
lines between "acceptable" and "unacceptable" air quality, as there are for NAAQS
pollutants. Interpretation can be more difficult or impossible if the monitoring location or the
monitoring schedule is not appropriate for estimating risk to residents. Each regional office
has specialists in risk assessment that can assist tribes in planning air toxics monitoring so
that it is useful.
See http://www.epa.gov/air/tribal/airtoxics.htm for more information on air toxics from a
tribal perspective. See http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/airtoxpg.html for information on
monitoring of air toxics. See http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nata for the 1999 National Scale
OQ
National Air Toxics Assessment website ; the information and links on this website may be
useful background when considering whether and what air toxics to monitor on a reservation,
even if no 1999 assessment was possible for that reservation due to lack of an emissions
inventory.
Monitoring for NAAQS Pollutants using Federal Reference Methods (FRM) or Federal
Equivalent Methods (FEM): This type of monitoring is primarily useful for determining on
a formal basis whether air quality in a given location meets or does not meet a national
ambient air quality standard (NAAQS), for example ozone, PM2.5, PMio, CO, 862, NO2 or
lead. It takes three years of data collection to make this determination for most NAAQS of
interest. Establishing attainment status via FRM/FEM monitoring data can be important as it
can affect the legal requirements that apply to sources at and around that location. It can also
affect whether a tribe can pursue action to seek emission reductions from upwind sources
beyond the tribal boundary.
Monitoring for certain NAAQS pollutants may indicate a need to reduce emissions within
the tribal boundary in order to protect public health of the residents, but in many cases it will
be obvious from an understanding of emission-generating activities that local sources do not
cause or contribute to concentrations near or above the NAAQS. Judging from experiences
23 The 1999 NATA is the latest available as of January 2009.
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
in many non-tribal situations around the country, CO nonattainment is very unlikely on
reservations, even where traffic is attracted by entertainment centers.
On October 17, 2006, EPA promulgated a rule which lowered the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS
from 65 to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. This change should be considered when planning
tribal monitoring, because the more stringent standard is more likely to be violated as a result
of local sources such as seasonal wood burning, wild fires, and prescribed burning than is the
annual PM2 5 NAAQS. EPA also revoked the annual PMi0 NAAQS everywhere (not the 24
hour PMio NAAQS). This change is expected to have no impact on tribes, as the annual
standard was rarely violated anyway. PMio and PM2 5 sources on reservations (wood
burning, fires, road and agricultural dust, etc.) could be a problem by themselves or on top of
concentrations coming from upwind areas.
In March 2008, EPA strengthened the ozone NAAQS by revising the 8-hour standard to a
level of 0.075 ppm. At the time of finalizing the ozone NAAQS, EPA stated its intention to
propose a separate rule to address changes to the ozone monitoring requirements that would
be necessary to implement the revised ozone NAAQS. These may include proposed changes
to the required ozone season, requirements for minimum monitors in smaller urban areas -
where monitoring are not currently required, and requirements for non-urban areas such as
sensitive ecosystems. The proposed rule may occur in 2009 and finalized in time for
implementation of some or more requirements in 2010. However, as explained earlier no
such requirements would exist for tribal nations. Despite monitoring regulations not being
required of tribal nations, the potential for these changes are mentioned here so that they can
be considered for implementation in tribal monitoring programs in 2010, if available at that
time. The potential for ozone nonattainment, if it exists, is most likely due to upwind off-
reservation sources. Tribal monitoring programs may have an interest in characterizing both
ozone exposure of their population as well as characterizing sensitive ecosystems on their
lands.
In October 2008, EPA significantly strengthened the lead NAAQS from 1.5 |ig/m3 to
0.15 |ig/m3 as measured by total suspended particulate. With a substantially stronger
NAAQS, regional offices and tribal monitoring agencies should work closely together to
ensure that any sources of lead exposure on or immediately impacting tribal lands have been
identified and appropriate steps are taken (ensuring the adequacy of the emission inventory
and modeling impacts) to determine if ambient air monitoring is warranted.
Before beginning any NAAQS monitoring, the regional office and tribe should consider:
(1) whether attainment status can be determined with reasonable confidence in other ways
(including passive monitors and other methods that do not qualify as Federal Reference
methods but can be sufficient for unofficially showing that concentrations are well below the
NAAQS), (2) how information on the attainment/nonattainment status once available could
affect management of the tribal air program, and (3) how long the monitoring should
continue if it does or does not show a NAAQS violation.
The EPA regional offices should work with the tribes to review the status and continued
utility of any FRM monitors which have been operating long enough to have to have
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
reasonably complete data for at least 3 to 5 years. If attainment with a comfortable margin
has been found and if there is no on-reservation or nearby development that is likely to
change the situation substantially, it may be good to discontinue this type of monitoring in
favor of other environmental management efforts.
Continuous PM2.s Monitoring - There are several types and brands of monitors that
provide estimates of PM2.5 concentrations on a continuous basis, without need for filters to be
sent to a laboratory for weighing. These are both less expensive to operate than a filter-based
monitor and can give information on air quality that tribal officials and the public can use in
real time to manage emission sources and personal activities. The first continuous PM2 5
Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) was approved by EPA's Office of Research and
Development on March 12, 2008 and others may be approved in the coming year. For a
complete list of approved methods, see: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html.
Continuous PM2 5 monitors with official status as a Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) can be
used for purposes of comparing to the NAAQS.
Passive Monitoring and Other Types of Screening Monitoring: A passive monitor is one
which "soaks up" pollution rather than actively collecting it on a filter or pumping it through
an on-site measurement device. This means they can be used where there is no electricity
supply. Also, the monitoring unit is usually inexpensive, so it is possible to place them more
closely together or over a much larger area than conventional powered monitors could
possibly be placed. Passive monitors are not suitable for formal designation of an area as
attainment or nonattainment but they can help a tribe understand the air quality situation on
its reservation, for example, what part of a reservation has the worst air quality and whether
any part has concentrations that approach health benchmarks. There are passive monitors
available for a number of pollutants including several volatile organic air toxics including
benzene, ozone, CO, and SO2. Time periods for exposing the monitor to the ambient (or
indoor) air vary. The monitors must be collected each sampling period and sent to a
laboratory for chemical analysis, so costs are not insignificant. Passive monitoring programs
are usually of short duration because of the field labor and laboratory costs, compared to
automated continuous analyzers. They have the advantage of requiring little up-front
investment, however. EPA Region 6 has been in the forefront of applying passive
monitoring to a variety of situations on and off reservations. See
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/passive.html for more information.
Photochemical Assessment Monitoring: This is a very specialized type of monitoring
related to the ozone NAAQS, in which air samples collected in the morning are taken to a
laboratory for measurement of the concentrations of many individual hydrocarbon species
including some toxic gases. This monitoring is only done during the ozone season. The
purpose is to help identify the chemicals and sources contributing to ozone and the most
efficient controls for reducing ozone concentrations. It is unlikely that this type of
monitoring meets any distinct tribal need. See http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/pamsmain.html
for more information.
PM2.s Speciation Monitoring: This is a very specialized and expensive type of monitoring
related to the PM2.5 NAAQS, in which filters collected over a 24-hour period are shipped by
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
overnight express to a laboratory for measurement of various components of PM2.5 such as
sulfate, nitrate, elemental carbon, organic carbon, and individual metals. This type of
monitoring is done every third or every sixth day, year round. The purpose is to help identify
the direct and precursor pollutants and sources contributing to PM2.5 and the most efficient
controls for reducing PM2.5 concentrations. Most STN sites are in urban areas. This type of
monitoring may meet a tribal need, if a PM2 5 nonattainment (or near nonattainment) situation
is confirmed through simpler monitoring and its causes are not apparent, if high numbers of
diesel engines operate in or upwind of the reservation, or if sources of toxics metals in PM2.5
form are known or suspected to be a health risk. However, if metals are a concern, it may be
more appropriate to sample for metals in PMi0 form in order to capture all the PM that enters
the human thorax and may affect health. Most air toxics monitoring programs sampling for
toxic metals do so in PMi0 form. See http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/speciepg.html for more
information.
IMPROVE Protocol Monitoring: IMPROVE stands for Interagency Monitoring of
Protected Visual Environments. The IMPROVE program is described elsewhere in this
Appendix. See http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/ for more information. Each site has
several monitors, all aimed at collecting information to understand what pollutants and
sources contribute to haze and to track changes in visibility over many years. Among these
monitors are a PMi0 sampler and samplers to provide speciation details for PM2.5. These data
allow calculation of an index of visibility. The IMPROVE program can be convenient for
the monitoring organization providing the site, because the IMPROVE program contractors
provide equipment installation, training, periodic field support, laboratory analysis, and data
management and publication.
Over the last several years, about 10 tribes have applied for and received grant assistance
from their EPA regional office to allow them to request the IMPROVE program to establish
and provide technical services for an IMPROVE protocol sampling station on tribal land.
Some tribal sites have operated for a period and then been discontinued. The grant funds
needed to pay for this are awarded to the tribe by the EPA regional office, but transferred to
the IMPROVE program through OAQPS. Tribal monitoring organizations may ask for FY
2009 funding from their EPA regional office to continue, discontinue, or add sites for the
monitoring period which runs from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. FY 2010 funding
would be used for the July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 period. Once a tribal monitoring
organization has been awarded funds for such sites, the tribe and/or the regional office may
contact EPA to request monitoring support services and to begin arranging for the necessary
funds transfer. Requests should be made as early in calendar year 2010 as possible, but no
later than March 31 in order to start or continue monitoring on July 1.
In some cases in the past, a Regional Planning Organization or other multi-state
organization has funded a tribe's operation of an IMPROVE protocol site because of its
advantageous location. In the future, EPA plans on streamlining this process by talking to
the regions and Tribes at the early stages of the planning process so IMPROVE funds for
tribal sites (that decide to operate for the next fiscal year) can be forwarded directly to
OAQPS without being distributed to the regions and then being transferred to OAQPS. This
should save time and provide for greater efficiencies.
A-40
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
IMPROVE protocol monitoring is the generally accepted approach to quantifying
visibility, and is the right approach if a tribe has a need for such quantification. EPA regional
office staff can assist a tribe in understanding how such data could be used for official and
unofficial purposes. Because the protocol quantifies carbonaceous material in PM2.5,
IMPROVE protocol sampling may also be of interest if high numbers of diesel engines
operate in or upwind of the reservation. IMPROVE monitors are not Federal
Reference/Equivalent monitors, however, and cannot be used for designation purposes or to
officially trigger a requirement for off-reservation sources to reduce their adverse impact on
attainment within a reservation or other tribal land area.
CASTNET Monitoring: CASTNET is a long-term monitoring network of more than 80
sites located primarily in rural areas. This network is designed to measure status and trends
in deposition of particles, ozone, and other pollution emitted from facilities with tall stacks
(generally power plants), mixed in the atmosphere, and transported over long distances.
Ambient monitoring at CASTNET sites is supposed to reflect the overall effect of emissions
from many sources, rather than any individual plant. While there is likely to be no direct use
of such monitoring data in a tribe's own air quality program, a tribe may wish to host a
CASTNET site in order to help advance the national air quality program. Tribes presently
operate three sites. CASTNET is seeking to expand the number of sites in the western U.S.
CASTNET sites are supposed to remain in operation for a long time. See:
http://www.epa.gov/castnet for further information.
National Atmospheric Deposition Program: The NADP program is run by the U.S.
Geological Survey, and collects data on the chemistry of precipitation. NADP wet
deposition sites are usually located such that there are no dominant nearby sources, which
means that a site may not be of direct use of such monitoring data in a tribe's own air quality
control program for sources on tribal land. However, a tribe may wish to host a NADP site
in order to understand its air and water quality as impacted by near and distant sources,
and/or to help advance the national air quality and water quality programs. A number of
tribes currently are partners in this program and have sampling sites on their lands. See
http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/ for more information.
Mercury Monitoring: The NADP and several federal agencies including EPA are
collaborating on a technical framework for a nationally coordinated network of speciated
ambient mercury monitoring stations including both gas and particulate forms of mercury.
Data of this sort eventually will be useful for calculating dry deposition and possibly for
identifying the emission sources of mercury. Once technical, administrative, and data
handling procedures are developed, tribes may wish to join this network. Tribes may also
wish to participate in this development. It is anticipated that a high level of on-site expertise
will be needed to successfully operate a mercury monitoring stations, even with centralized
technical and QA support. At this time, no new source of funding exists to support tribal
mercury monitoring sites. More information is available at http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/mtn/ .
Smoke Monitoring: Tribes who use controlled or prescribed burning to manage forest or
range land, or whose populations are frequently affected by fires may be interested in
A-41
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
monitoring smoke concentrations either to help make decisions on when it is safe to burn, or
to advise residents of when to take action to avoid smoke exposure. There are no formal
procedures or standard techniques for such monitoring at this time, but portable monitors and
satellite data communication devices have been tested and found to be practical by EPA and
several governmental partners.
NCore Multi-pollutant Monitoring: The NCore multi-pollutant monitoring network is a
concept that will be turned into reality over the next few years. Network plans for required
NCore stations (there are no requirements for tribal NCore stations) are to be submitted by
July 1, 2009 with stations fully operational by January 1, 2011. The plan is to have a
network of about 75 sites which simultaneously measure a variety of gas and particle
pollutants, using continuous methods to follow changes during a single day, across the
seasons, and over many years. Most of these sites will be in urban areas and will be operated
by state or local governments. However, about 20 sites need to be in rural areas. While there
is likely to be a direct use for only some of the monitoring data collected at an NCore station
in a tribe's own air quality program, a tribe may wish to host a rural site in order to
understand its air quality and to help advance the national air quality program. EPA OAQPS
and regional offices will be planning the location of sites over the next couple of years, and
regional office staff will contact a tribe if there appears to be an advantage in placing a site
on a reservation. Alternatively, tribal monitoring programs are encouraged to contact their
applicable regional office if they have an interest in hosting an NCore station. EPA has not
yet identified exactly how a rural site on tribal land would be funded, given that the benefit of
the data from such a tribal site would accrue too many other parties. EPA will be exploring
this question with tribal and state/local officials over the next year or two. These sites are
supposed to operate for many years without being moved, once initiated. See
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/ncore/index.html for more information.
Program Support for Monitoring (National/Regional Monitoring Procurement
Contracts)
EPA makes procurement services available to state and local agencies, via national or
regional contracts or interagency agreements, for a variety of support services and materials.
These services can be conducted as either associated program support or as in-kind
assistance. In providing associated program support, EPA works with regions, tribes, and
state and local agencies in advance to identify needs on a national basis and targets funds for
the support before determining the final Region-by-Region allocation of grant funds (i.e.,
pre-allotment). In contrast, in-kind assistance is agency-specific and the value of the service
is included in the grant agreement of a state, tribe, or local agency after final agency-by-
agency allotments are determined. This approach requires the recipient provide an
appropriate amount of matching funds and meet other grant administrative obligations
relative to the in-kind assistance. This occurs when contract support is requested by a grant
recipient after its grant is awarded. Most support to monitoring programs is provided as
associated program support, with the in-kind support being used to increase the level of
support above planned levels if unexpected needs arise.
A-42
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Traditionally, OAQPS works with regions to determine the level of funds that each state
or Tribe wants to allocate for the national procurement contracts. The services offered in
past years included assistance in monitoring site set-up and laboratory sample analysis for
nonmethane organic compounds, urban air toxics, carbonyls, PAMS, and hazardous air
pollutants; performance evaluation (PE) sample support for agencies participating in
NATTS; filters for PMi0 and Pb in the form of total suspended particulates; PM2 5 filters;
laboratory services for PM2.5 speciation; IMPROVE monitoring services; and independent
audits under the NPAP and PEP programs. Audits are usually provided via contracts
managed by regional offices. Other services and materials are provided via contracts or
interagency agreements managed by OAQPS.
A new opportunity EPA wishes to make available to monitoring organizations is to
obtain NADP technical support for speciated ambient mercury monitoring stations via EPA's
interagency agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey, as associated program support or in-
kind service. Organizations interested in this should contact Gary Lear of EPA's Clean Air
Markets Division (lear.gary@epa.gov).
Table A-5 lists categories and funding amounts for associated program support not
previously identified under specific monitoring topics: site support and laboratory analysis
for air toxics and PAMS monitoring and filters for PMi0. Typically final amounts to be set
aside on a pre-allotment basis for the forthcoming fiscal year are identified after EPA and
states conclude their grant negotiations in the preceding spring and summer. The amounts
shown in Table A-5 are current best estimates. Final FY 2010 amounts will be based upon
confirmed needs received from the regions and their state and local agencies by early in FY
2010.
Table A-5. Preliminary FY 2010 National Procurement Contract Amounts
(For Certain Categories of Associated Program Support)
Preliminary FY 2010 Section 105 Contracts in Ambient Air Monitoring and Quality Assurance
Program
S/NMOC
Sampling
Sites (O3)
UATMP Sites
(Air Toxics)
PAMS QA
Support (O3)
Carbonyl
Monitoring
(03)
HAP Support
(Air Toxics)
AIIPMIOand
Pb Filters1
Sub-total
Reg
1
$0
$0
$12,268
$0
$0
$10,643
$22,911
2
$0
$139,341
$9,201
$34,866
$0
$6,533
$189,941
3
$0
$0
$12,268
$0
$0
$57,304
$69,572
4
$0
$87,063
$35,696
$0
$0
$42,872
$165,631
5
$0
$49,303
$64,480
$0
$0
$46,719
$160,502
ion
6
$0
$0
$9,201
$0
$0
$20,664
$29,865
7
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$37,052
$37,052
8
$0
$128,894
$0
$0
$0
$29,617
$158,511
9
$0
$0
$24,538
$0
$0
$64,140
$88,678
10
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$16,189
$16,189
Totals
$0
$404,601
$167,652
$34,866
$0
$331 ,733
$938,852
Note: Funds for PM10 and Pb filters are calculated based on fall 2008 request for filters. See separate spreadsheet for details.
(These STAG amounts are considered to be initial placeholders for FY 2010. The final level will depend upon
a more definite indication of needs from recipients and will be adjusted accordingly. Adjustments will
A-43
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
necessarily cause changes in the level of direct grant awards. Residual funds are always returned to regional
offices for use in direct awards to recipients.)
In general, funding that would otherwise go to specific agencies in the form of a direct
award at the regional office level can be identified in advance for associated program
support. In essence this reduces the direct award level to that agency. If associated program
support costs identified for a specific agency are not used or are less than anticipated then
these resources would ostensibly be returned to that agency's allotment. However, for some
associated program support common to all recipients, there is a fixed EPA cost which does
not depend on the number of individual recipients. An example would be the PEP or NPAP
programs for auditing monitoring stations, which have fixed costs to pay contractors to
maintain measurement standards and keep standard operating procedures current. There may
also be variable costs for the contractor labor and supplies to make monitoring station visits.
For audits, therefore, changes in the number of audits within a Region will result in a refund
of only the variable portion of the cost of the station visits (i.e., the associated program
support).
Another exception is that EPA considers the IMPROVE sites representing the Class I
visibility protection areas to have benefits for all state air grant recipients because of
interstate transport impacts and the responsibility of each state to protect visibility in every
Class I area it impacts. Individual states (or regions) therefore cannot "unorder" these
monitoring sites and receive back their operating costs. In contrast, the cost of supporting
state/local IMPROVE protocol sites is "refundable" to a regional office.
Centralized Site Support and Laboratory Analytical Services - The EPA will continue
coordinating centralized laboratory analytical services to support air toxics, organic
compound, and PAMS programs in FY 2010 with those regional, state, and local agencies
wishing to participate. Examples of services available via this national contract include those
listed below.
Speciated and Total Nonmethane Organic Compound Program (SNMOC/NMOC): The
SNMOC/NMOC program has been operating since 1984. The EPA continues to support a
centralized program for assistance to state and local agencies in the collection of NMOC,
SNMOC, selected toxic compounds, and carbonyl compounds. This program was initiated to
provide data for use in development of control strategies for ozone. As part of the SNMOC
/NMOC program, participating sites are provided with all necessary sampling equipment,
which they may co-locate with NOX monitors. The SNMOC/NMOC program consists of the
following base components:
Base Site support for sampling equipment preparation, installation and training,
problem solving, and final reporting; and
Canister sample analysis for 78 speciated NMOC or total NMOC.
Options include:
Analysis for 60 toxic and polar compounds;
Cartridge sample analysis for 15 carbonyl compounds; and
A-44
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Concurrent analysis for both toxic and polar compounds and speciated NMOC at
a cost significantly reduced compared to performing the two analyses separately.
States collect the samples in canisters and/or cartridges and air freight them to Research
Triangle Park, NC, for analysis. The samples are collected each week day from 6:00 to
9:00a.m. during the summer (typically June 1-September 30). In general, 96 samples are
collected at each site over the study period. However, additional samples may be purchased.
Urban Air Toxics Monitoring: To support emerging needs for information on levels of
organic toxic species in ambient air, OAQPS initiated the Urban Air Toxics Monitoring
Program (UATMP) in 1988. This program serves as an analytical/technical support program
similar to the SNMOC/NMOC program. The major purpose of this program is to support
state and local agency efforts to assess the nature and magnitude of various air toxics
problems via collection of 24-hour integrated ambient air samples at six or twelve day
sampling intervals, sample analysis in a central laboratory, data reporting to EPA's Air
Quality System, and site-specific data analyses. This program continues to be highly
successful, with excellent overall data capture and data quality that meets well-designed
program goals. The UATMP consists of the following base components:
Base site support for sampling equipment preparation, installation and training,
problem solving, and final reporting;
Canister sample analysis for 60 toxic and polar compounds; and
Cartridge sample analysis for 15 carbonyl compounds.
Options include:
Canister sample analysis for 78 speciated NMOC; and
Concurrent analysis for both toxic and polar compounds and speciated NMOC at
a cost that is significantly reduced compared to performing the two analyses
separately.
Carbonyl Monitoring: Carbonyl sampling and analysis has been part of the monitoring
support options that the Agency has provided since 1990. While carbonyl monitoring
support can still be performed simultaneously with other program elements, the independent
carbonyl option provides more flexibility for special studies and saturation monitoring
programs. The Carbonyl Monitoring Program support consists of the following base
components:
Base site support for sampling equipment preparation, installation and training,
problem solving, and final reporting; and
Cartridge sample analysis for 15 carbonyl compounds.
PAMS and Toxics: PAMS support items will be available to include technical off-site and
on-site support (initial equipment set-up, on-site technical assistance, consultation, problem
solving, etc.); quality control (QC); and quality assurance (QA) program support (data
validation, standards acquisition, and data management support). VOC canister, carbonyl
A-45
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
compounds sample and concurrent toxics and speciated hydrocarbon analysis are also
available.
The PAMS and toxics technical support program consists of the following base
components:
Technical site support;
QA/QC support;
Canister analysis support for PAMS compounds;
Cartridge sample analysis for 15 carbonyl compounds; and
Concurrent analysis for both toxic and polar compounds and speciated NMOC at
a cost that is significantly reduced compared to performing the two analyses
separately.
The PAMS automated analysis systems and/or multiple canister collection system
purchase and installation are the responsibility of the participant. The amount of support an
agency can order for the PAMS technical site support and QA/QC components of the
program have been divided into smaller increments so that state, and local agencies can order
the exact amount of support they require.
Other Hazardous Air Pollutant Analysis: The national monitoring support programs have
been expanded to provide for the measurement of additional HAPs to support the effective
implementation of the CAA and address the needs of other special studies. Analytical
services support is provided for samples containing specific HAPs, which are a subset of the
188 compounds listed in the CAA. Participants are responsible for providing all necessary
sampling equipment. The analysis among categories is based upon the specific needs of the
state or local agency. This support also will assist the states in implementing the new
national ambient monitoring network. Some of the available options under this category
include:
Canister sample analysis for 60 toxic and polar compounds;
Cartridge sample analysis for 15 carbonyl compounds;
Metals, hexavalent chromium, semivolatiles, PAHs, dioxin, etc.
Air Toxics Performance Evaluation Sample Support: Agencies that are participating in the
NATTS can receive PE samples on an annual basis. These can include VOCs, Carbonyls,
SVOCs and metals on quartz filters. The PE samples shall be generated and analyzed by the
national contractor and sent as "blind" samples to the participating agency. If an agency uses
the national contractor for analysis, the agency will not be able to use the contractor for PE
sample support.
For more information on Centralized Site Support and Laboratory Analytical Services,
contact Margaret Dougherty at 919-541-2344 (dougherty.margaret@epa.gov) or Michael
Jones at 919-541-0528 (jones.mike@epa.gov).
A-46
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Particulate Matter Filters - OAQPS has historically purchased participate matter filters (for
PMio monitoring, total suspended particulate sampling used for Pb and other metals
monitoring and PM2.5 monitoring) through national contracts and distributed these to state
and local agencies across the nation. The economies of scale from this type of centralized
purchasing, centralized acceptance testing, and distribution of filters has produced lower
costs than if state and local agencies each purchased these filters through their individual
agencies. State and local agencies are responsible for providing information to the regions
each year on the numbers and types of filters required prior to shipment. For PMio filters,
monitoring agencies will need to specify whether the filters requested are to be used to
support high-volume samplers (i.e., 8 in X 10 in quartz filters) or low-volume samplers (i.e.,
46.2 mm Teflon filters).
For information on filter purchases, contact David Lutz at 919-541-5476
(lutz.david@epa.gov).
Section V. PRELIMINARY STATE/LOCAL AIR GRANT ALLOCATION (Table
A-6 - Reserved)
Section VI. STATE INDOOR RADON PROGRAM
The State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program distributes grants authorized under
section 306 and 10(a) of TSCA. The SIRG program's objectives are outlined in EPA's State
and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants Program Guidance and Handbook located at:
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pdfs/guidance and handbook.pdf. See also:
http://www.epa.gov/radon/sirgprogram.html .
Recipients of FY 2010 SIRG funds should emphasize radon risk reduction through
increased action by consumers, homeowners, real estate professionals, homebuilders, and
state-local governments. Funded projects should clearly result in the following outcomes:
Building homes with radon-resistant new construction;
Reducing radon in existing homes;
Reducing radon in existing schools and building new schools with radon-reducing
features; and
Other projects and activities that clearly contribute to achieving the three preceding
outcomes.
EPA will revise the grant allocation methodology for the SIRG program during
calendar year 2009 and will implement a new methodology in FY 2010. As a result of an
updated allocation methodology and expected changes in the FY 2010 appropriation amount,
a new regional distribution will be developed. The Regional Offices will still have discretion
in determining the actual amounts of the State or Tribal awards. EPA and SIRG recipients
are expected to continue implementation of the SIRG measures template, checklist and
guidance. SIRG workplans should reflect radon program priorities and measurable results.
A-47
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Appendix A - Grant Guidance
Supplemental information will be provided by the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
including a final FY 2010 allocation (in Table A-7 - not yet available ). The SIRG program
contact is Phil Jalbert (202-343-9431. jalbert.philip@epa.gov).
A-48
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Appendix B - FY 2010 Regional Performance Measures
Office of Air & Radiation
ACS
Code
OAQPS
N001
OAQPS
N002
OAQPS
N003
OAQPS
N004
OAQPS
N005
OAQPS
N07
OAQPS
N08
OAQPS
N09
OAQPS
N10
OAQPS
Nil
OAQPS
N12a
(NEW)
OAQPS
N29
Measure Text
Percentage reduction in population- weighted ambient concentration of ozone in all monitored counties from 2003 baseline. [HQ reports
this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Percentage reduction in population-weighted ambient concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in all monitored counties from 2003
baseline. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in the number of days with Air Quality Index (AQI) values over 100 since 2003, weighted by population
and AQI value. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in the average number of days during the ozone season that the ozone standard is exceeded in baseline
nonattainment areas, weighted by population. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Percentage improvement in the number of days to process State Implementation Plan revisions weighted by complexity. [HQ reports this
measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Number of final rulemaking actions on PM2.5 SIPs (due April 2008) consistent with the annual SIP processing goal.
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on regional haze SIPs consistent with the annual SIP processing goal.
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on redesignation requests for CO, SO2, PM10, and lead areas, consistent with the annual SIP
processing goal.
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on redesignation requests for 8-hour ozone, consistent with the annual SIP processing goal.
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on redesignation requests for PM2. 5, consistent with the annual SIP processing goal.
Number of clean air determinations issued and one-year extensions granted for 1997 PM2.5 nonattainment areas with an April 5, 2010
attainment date.
Number of completed voluntary reclassifications for 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
X
X
X
X
X
State
Grant
X
X
X
X
Ntnl
Trgt
10%
5%
29%
23%
-2.40%
58 actions
(39
areas)
53 states &
territories
Sum of Bids
Sum of Bids
Sum of Bids
Sum of Bids
Sum of Bids
Final ACS Measures - April 28, 2009
Appendix B - Page 1 of 7
-------
ACS
Code
OAQPS
N30
OAQPS
N31
OAQPS
N32
(NEW)
OAQPS
N33
(NEW)
OAQPS
N34
(NEW)
OAQPS
M06
OAQPS
MOV
OAQPS
M08
OAQPS
M09
OAQPS
M10
OAQPS
Mil
OAQPS
M12
Measure Text
Percentage of newly violating areas/counties that region is targeting for developing appropriate actions to bring designated attainment
areas into compliance with the NAAQS.
Number of states or local agencies developing and/or commencing implementation of innovative and voluntary emission reduction
projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for
regional purposes.]
Number of completed attainment determination actions for 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas including mandatory reclassifications, clean
air data requests or one-year extension requests.
Number of final rulemaking actions taken on SIPs for 0.08 ppm 8-hour ozone for moderate areas that were formerly subpart 1 or subpart 2
marginal areas reclassified to moderate.
Number of S/L/T agencies reporting criteria air pollutant (CAP) emissions data as required under the Air Emissions Reporting
Requirements (AERR) rule. (Note: The new 12-month timeline for data reporting under the AERR will begin with the 2009 inventory
year. CAP emissions from Type A point sources for the 2009 inventory year will be due by December 31, 2010.)
Percentage of state and local monitoring agency certification requests region evaluates and forwards to HQ when deemed adequate. [Note:
CY 2009 annual data certifications are due May 1, 2010.]
Percentage of required Technical Systems Audits conducted to achieve an audit of each organization within a 3-year period.
Percentage of state and local annual monitoring plans reviewed and approved within 120 days when network changes are proposed.
Percentage of 2nd and later Approved Regional Method (ARM) requests acted on by the region in accordance with HQ guidance.
Percentage of affected entities that operate monitors in accordance with Part 58, grant terms, and QAPP.
Percentage of affected entities who submit data to AQS in accordance with Part 58. Note: Because this is a state grant template measure,
the actual number of entities that are reported on by regions should not exceed the number of applicable grant recipients.
Percentage of AQS quarterly data reviews completed and resolved for timeliness and completeness.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
X
State
Grant
X
Ntnl
Trgt
100%
None
Sum of Bids
Sum of Bids
Sum of Bids
100%
All regions
meet once in
3-year goal
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Final ACS Measures - April 28, 2009
Appendix B - Page 2 of 7
-------
ACS
Code
OAQPS
M18
OAQPS
M19
OAQPS
M20
OAQPS
M21
(NEW)
OAQPS
M22
(NEW)
OAQPS
M23
(NEW)
OAQPS
P001
OAQPS
P06
OAQPS
P07a
(NEW)
OAQPS
P08a
OAQPS
P08b
OAQPS
P09
Measure Text
Percentage of NATTS Technical Systems Audits the region participates in over a 3-year period.
Percentage of community scale air toxics ambient monitoring programs for which region will review QA requirements and ensure
measurement consistency with NATTS when appropriate.
Percentage of affected entities that operate NATTS in accordance with National Guidance and QAPPs.
Percentage of state and local monitoring agencies with which region will coordinate to get required Pb NAAQS sites installed and
operational by January 1, 2010.
Percentage of 2010 Annual Monitoring Plans reviewed for required new and/or modification to existing population- and source-oriented
lead monitoring sites.
Percentage of state/local agencies 5-Year Assessment Plan Assessments submitted in accordance with 40 CFR Part 58. 5- Year
Assessment Plan is due by July 1, 2010.
Percent of major NSR permits issued within one year of receiving a complete permit application. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do
not bid or report.]
Percentage of Title V program evaluations conducted and reports completed within the fiscal year.
Part 70 renewals: Percentage reduction of total Part 70 extended permits.
Percentage of Title V (Part 70) significant modifications issued within 18 months of receiving a complete permit application.
Percentage of Title V (Part 70) initial permits issued within 18 months of receiving a complete permit application.
Percentage of state/local major NSR/PSD permits reviewed by region for new and modified sources to ensure consistent implementation
of the NSR program.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
State
Grant
X
X
Ntnl
Trgt
All regions
meet 50%
goal
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
78%
25% of state
programs
10%
annual
reduction
100%
94%
75%
Final ACS Measures - April 28, 2009
Appendix B - Page 3 of 7
-------
ACS
Code
OAQPS
Pll
OAQPS
P12
OAQPS
P13
OAQPS
P14a
(NEW)
OAQPS
P19
OAQPS
T001
OAQPS
T002
OAQPS
T05
OAQPS
T06
OAQPS
T07
OAQPS
TR01
OAQPS
TR02
OAQPS
TR03
Measure Text
Percentage of permitting authorities reporting complete Part 70 TOPs data.
Percentage of Part 7 1 significant modifications issued by EPA within 1 8 months of receiving a complete permit application.
Percentage of Part 71 initial permits issued by EPA within 18 months of receiving a complete permit application.
Part 71 renewals: Percentage reduction of total Part 71 extended permits.
Percentage of PSD permits issued by region within one year of receiving a complete permit application.
Cumulative percentage reduction in tons of toxicity -weighted (for cancer risk) emissions of air toxics, compared to 1993 baseline. [HQ
reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in tons of toxicity -weighted (for noncancer risk) emissions of air toxics, compared to 1993 baseline.
[HQ reports this measure. Neither Region do not bid nor report.]
Number of communities (e.g. CARE communities/projects) the region is working with to assess and address sources of air toxics,
including the use of voluntary air toxic reduction programs in their communities. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting.
The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Percentage of requests from S/L/Ts for delegation of section 112 standards processed within 180 days of receipt.
Number of S/L/T agencies collecting data for the 2008 HAP emissions inventory. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting.
The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Cumulative number of tribes with approved eligibility determinations under the Tribal Authority Rule. [This is a non-commitment
indicator with bidding & reporting. Initial bid values are set at zero.]
Cumulative number of tribes with delegation of federal programs to address air quality conditions on tribal lands. [This is a non-
commitment indicator with bidding & reporting. Initial bid values are set at zero.]
Cumulative number of tribes with approved TIPs to address air quality conditions on tribal lands. [This is a non-commitment indicator
with bidding & reporting. Initial bid values are set at zero.]
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
State
Grant
X
X
X
Ntnl
Trgt
100%
100%
94%
10%
80%
36%
59%
None
100%
Sum of Bids
11
3
6
Final ACS Measures - April 28, 2009
Appendix B - Page 4 of 7
-------
ACS
Code
OAQPS
TR04
OAQPS
TR06
OAQPS
TR08
(NEW)
OTAQ
Ola
OTAQ
Olb
OTAQ
Olcl
OTAQ
Olc2
OTAQ
Olc3
OTAQ
Olc4
OTAQ
Olc5
OTAQ
Olc6
OTAQ
Olc7
OTAQ
Olc8
Measure Text
Number of tribes conducting air quality monitoring activities. [This is a non-commitment indicator with bidding & reporting. Initial bid
values are set at zero.]
Number of tribes implementing voluntary or other non-regulatory programs. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting only.
The initial bid value is set at zero and regions are expected to bid zero but at their option. Regions may bid otherwise for their purposes.]
Number of reservations who completed or updated an emission inventory during FY2010.
Number of projects implemented that promote diesel emissions reductions. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of existing heavy duty diesel engines (including school bus engines) that have been retrofitted, replaced, or retired. [This is a
non-commitment indicator with reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Annual reductions of NOx emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Annual reductions of PM emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Annual reductions of HC emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Annual reductions of CO emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Annual reductions of CO2 emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Lifetime reductions of NOX emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Lifetime reductions of PM emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Lifetime reductions of HC emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
State
Grant
Ntnl
Trgt
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
Final ACS Measures - April 28, 2009
Appendix B - Page 5 of 7
-------
ACS
Code
OTAQ
Olc9
OTAQ
OlclO
OTAQ
02a
OTAQ
02b
OTAQ
03a
OTAQ
03b
OTAQ
04
OTAQ
06
OTAQ
08
SIRG1
SIRG2
SIRG3
SIRG4
Measure Text
Lifetime reductions of CO emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Lifetime reductions of CO2 emissions from NCDC and SmartWay projects. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Percentage of timely adequacy /inadequacy determinations made by the region for identified mobile source budgets included in control
strategy SIPs or maintenance plans for transportation-related criteria pollutants (e.g. Ozone, CO, PM2.5, PM10) submitted by states.
Percentage of approval/disapproval rulemaking actions taken on mobile budgets included in control strategy SIPs or maintenance plans for
transportation-related criteria pollutants (e.g. Ozone, CO, PM2.5, PM10) at the time of final rulemaking on such SIPs.
Percentage of transportation conformity determinations submitted by US DOT or an MPO that the region reviewed and commented on for
8-hour ozone, PM2 5, PM10, and CO nonattainment and maintenance areas.
Number of final rulemaking actions taken by the region on Transportation Conformity -related SIP revisions consistent with the annual SIP
processing goal.
Number of outreach activities conducted by the region to support SmartWay programs.
Percentage of I/M reports submitted by states for existing I/M programs (including OBD) reviewed by the region.
Number of CMAQ funded clean diesel projects implemented by state and local governments. [This is a non-commitment indicator with
reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of additional homes with operating mitigation systems. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The expected bid
value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of additional homes built with radon-resistant new construction. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of additional schools mitigated and/or built with radon-resistant new construction. [This is a non-commitment indicator with
reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
States report the performance measures they use that have clear linkages to those of EPA (homes mitigated, new radon resistant homes
built, schools mitigated or new radon resistant). [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero
but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
State
Grant
X
X
X
X
Ntnl
Trgt
None
None
100%
100%
100%
Sum of Bids
100
100%
None
None
None
None
None
Final ACS Measures - April 28, 2009
Appendix B - Page 6 of 7
-------
ACS
Code
ORIA
IAQ3
ORIA
IAQ5
ORIA
IAQ6
ORIA
RAD1
ORIA
RAD2a
(NEW)
ORIA
RAD 3
OAP1
OAP2
OAP4
OAP5
OAP6
(NEW)
Measure Text
Number of schools newly using organized indoor air quality management practices consistent with EPA TFS. [This is a non-commitment
indicator with regional bidding and reporting. Initial bid values are set at zero.]
Aggregate number of people with asthma and/or their caregivers educated about environmental management of asthma and childhood
exposure to ETS. [This is a non-commitment indicator with regional bidding and reporting. Initial bid values are set at zero.]
Aggregate number of health care professionals trained about environmental management of asthma and childhood exposure to ETS. [This
is a non-commitment indicator with regional bidding and reporting. Initial bid values are set at zero.]
Number of radiation exercises the region participates in.
Number of individuals identified and trained to fill RERT liaison and radiation advisor positions.
Number of total operating and approved RadNet sites for monitor installation.
Percentage increase in total square footage benchmarked compared to the total square footage benchmarked in FY 2008. [This is a non-
commitment indicator with reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of articles appearing in consumer publications such as newspapers and/or number of State energy offices or utilities hosting
ENERGY STAR homeowner web tools. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but
regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of ENERGY STAR products events and/or press releases issued. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of pledges or pledge renewals generated by the region in its role as a Pledge Driver in the "Change the World, Start with
ENERGY STAR" campaign. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may
bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of outreach activities conducted by the region to support climate partnership programs other than SmartWay and Energy Star,
including Climate Leaders, Green Power Partnership, Combined Heat and Power, and methane programs.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
State
Grant
Ntnl
Trgt
1,100
None
2,000
None
TBD
TBD
15%
20 articles or
50 orgs
20
4000
50
End
Final ACS Measures - April 28, 2009
Appendix B - Page 7 of 7
-------
Appendix C - Draft FY 2010 State Grant Performance Measures
Office of Air & Radiation
ACS
Code
OAQPS
N001
OAQPS
N002
OAQPS
N003
OAQPS
N004
OAQPS
M11
OAQPS
M20
OAQPS
P001
OAQPS
T001
OAQPS
T002
OAQPS
T07
SIRG1
SIRG2
Measure Text
Percentage reduction in population-weighted ambient concentration of ozone in all monitored counties from 2003 baseline.
[HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Percentage reduction in population-weighted ambient concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) in all monitored counties
from 2003 baseline. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in the number of days with Air Quality Index (AQI) values over 1 00 since 2003, weighted by
population and AQI value. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in the average number of days during the ozone season that the ozone standard is exceeded
in baseline nonattainment areas, weighted by population. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Percentage of affected entities who submit data to AQS in accordance with Part 58. Note: Because this is a state grant
template measure, the actual number of entities that are reported on by regions should not exceed the number of applicable
grant recipients.
Percentage of affected entities who operate NATTS in accordance with National Guidance and QAPPs.
Percent of major NSR permits issued within one year of receiving a complete permit application. [HQ reports this measure.
Regions do not bid or report.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in tons of toxicity-weighted (for cancer risk) emissions of air toxics, compared to 1 993
baseline. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid or report.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in tons of toxicity-weighted (for noncancer risk) emissions of air toxics, compared to 1993
baseline. [HQ reports this measure. Regions do not bid nor report.]
Number of S/L/T agencies collecting data for the 2008 HAP emissions inventory. [This is a non-commitment indicator with
reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of additional homes with operating mitigation systems. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Number of additional homes built with radon-resistant new construction. [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting.
The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
State
Grant
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ntnl
Trgt
10%
5%
29%
23%
100%
100%
78%
36%
59%
Sum of
Bids
None
None
4/28/2009
Appendix C - Page 1 of 2
-------
ACS
Code
SIRG 3
SIRG4
Measure Text
Number of additional schools mitigated and/or built with radon-resistant new construction. [This is a non-commitment indicator
with reporting. The expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
States report the performance measures they use that have clear linkages to those of EPA (homes mitigated, new radon
resistant homes built, schools mitigated or new radon resistant). [This is a non-commitment indicator with reporting. The
expected bid value is set at zero but regions may bid otherwise for regional purposes.]
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
x
X
State
Grant
x
X
Ntnl
Trgt
[\lone
None
++ End ++
4/28/2009
Appendix C - Page 2 of 2
-------
Appendix D - Explanation of Major Changes from FY 2009 to FY 2010
Office of Air & Radiation
Change from FY 2009 Guidance Document
Priorities
Funding
Strategies
Annual
Commitment
Measures
Tracking
Process
Contacts
New work related to designating areas for the revised
ozone and lead NAAQS promulgated in 2008.
Final FY 2010 budget request has not yet been
determined. Continued restructuring in ambient
monitoring technical areas anticipated including proposals
for support of lead monitoring and high-risk air toxic areas.
None
Approximately 15 measures (mostly those related to
outdoor air) were substantively changed (either added,
deleted, or rewritten).
None
None
Reason for Change
The NAAQS for ozone and lead were both revised in
2008.
Changes due to factors such as revised air monitoring
regulations, revised NAAQS for PM, and changes in how
monitoring is funded.
None
Outdoor air measures were changed to keep pace with
changed program implementation requirements
stemming from Clean Air Act-driven timelines. Three
non-commitment indicators were added to capture
important activities not previously tracked tribal
emissions inventories, and voluntary greenhouse gas
reduction activities other than Energy Star.
None
None
Effected Pages and Sections
Technical Guidance.
Appendix A.
None
Appendix B.
None
None
Appendix D
-------
Appendix E
OAR ARRA Measures
Program
DERA
DERA
DERA
DERA
DERA
Measure Text
Number of projects implemented that promote diesel emissions reductions
Number of existing heavy duty diesel engines (including school bus engines)
that have been retrofitted, replaced or retired
Lifetime reductions of Nox, PM, HC, CO, CO2 (by pollutant) from the ARRA
DERA projects
Status of reqests for applications, procurements, bids, loans, subgrants,
contracts or subcontracts as applicable for each ARRA award
Amount (in dollars and %) of EPA ARRA funds drawn on each clean diesel
award
**These measures are subject to change
-------
Appendix F
Comments and Responses to Comments on Draft FY 2010 NPM Guidance
Office of Air & Radiation
Comment
Commenter
Text
Location
Response
Change
Y,N,NA
Modification
NAAQS and Criteria Air Pollutants including Transport and CAIR
We urge EPA to fully embrace its role in addressing
the interstate transport of pollutants that frustrate our
region's efforts to attain and maintain the ozone and
PM NAAQS, minimize haze, and reduce mercury in
our waters. A top priority for EPA should be to
revise the CAIR rule and take other action as needed
to fully address interstate transport in a manner
consistent with Section 1 10(a)(2)(D) of the CAA.
States need timely and clear guidance, and rules as
appropriate, from EPA on how SIPs should be
developed in light of the legal uncertainty of the
CAIR cap-and-trade program.
EPA, in partnership with the regions and the states,
should commit to update RACT to ensure that this is
a viable and cost-effective program for addressing
transported pollution and attaining the NAAQS.
EPA should adopt national rules for area and
industrial sources for which NESCAUM and OTC
have been advocating (e.g., industrial boilers,
peaking units, consumer products).
New England
Commissioners,
NESCAUM,
NACAA
NESCAUM
NESCAUM
NESCAUM
Technical
Guidance,
Exec.
Summary,
Priorities for
Regional
Offices
Not Specified
Not Specified
Not Specified
EPA has an understanding of how interstate
pollution transport affects the ability of
downwind areas to attain the NAAQS and
achieve regional haze goals. In response to the
court's recent remand of the CAIR, we are
updating our technical knowledge of pollution
transport, and further evaluating how the CAIR
helps areas satisfy their requirements under
CAA section 110(a)(2)(D).
EPA is further evaluating how a replacement to
the CAIR will assist states in developing
appro vable attainment and maintenance plans.
We are seeking input from the new EPA
administration on appropriate rules and
guidance to address air quality management
challenges presented by recent litigation
outcomes.
We can not speak at this time to whether EPA
intends to update specific guidance until we
receive future direction from the new EPA
administration. We note that while additional
RACT guidance may be helpful, states are
independently required to adopt reasonably
available control measures, including RACT, to
attain applicable standards.
We have rulemaking activities underway for
these categories.
N
N
N
N
No modification required.
No modification required.
No modification required.
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 1 of 15
-------
Comment
It is imperative that EPA issue timely guidance and
regulations needed by states to implement the 2006
PM2.5 and 2008 ozone NAAQS revisions. This
includes guidance related to modeling,
implementation, and inventories that will enable
development of appro vable SIPs. As state resources
get tighter, we will need better and more efficient
tools and even swifter responses from EPA. EPA
should include in the draft guidance plans to address
the recent B.C. Circuit Court remand of the PM-fine
annual and secondary NAAQS in a timely manner,
In the past, EPA has issued guidance for the
preparation of SIPs well after it is useful to state and
local agencies, if at all. For example, guidance for
the implementation of the 1997 ozone and
particulate matter NAAQS is still not implemented
for New Source Review and modeling, yet these
SIPs were due over the past few years.
EPA should provide clear guidance on how to
account for peak day emissions in attainment
planning.
EPA Region Offices should commit to process SIPs
in a timely manner.
The draft document does not recognize the
attainment deadlines EPA has set (or that the goal is
attainment) or the fact that reasonable progress goals
for regional haze must be met by 20 1 8 (under
Objective 1.1 -Healthy Outdoor Air, page 6). We
believe these goals are important and should be
articulated.
Commenter
NESCAUM
NESCAUM
NESCAUM
NACAA
Text
Location
Not Specified
Not Specified
Not Specified
Not Specified
Response
EPA realizes the importance of timely
implementation guidance to our state, tribal, and
local partners. However, we can not speak at
this time to whether EPA intends to issue
specific rules or guidance until we receive
future direction from the new EPA
administration.
In general, we recommend that states take any
factors relevant to planning for and
demonstrating attainment into account to the
best of their ability. However, we can not speak
at this time to whether EPA intends to issue
specific guidance until we receive future
direction from the new EPA administration.
EPA regions are processing SIPs in accordance
with the SIP Processing PART Goal. SIPs that
present unique policy determinations or vary
from previous practices take longer to process in
order to ensure national consistency. At present,
we can not speak to whether EPA intends to
make specific program revisions until we
receive future direction from the new EPA
administration.
EPA believes the NAAQS attainment deadlines
and the first regional haze progress period
deadline are important milestones, and our goal
is to help states manage air quality consistent
with these goals.
Change
Y,N,NA
N/A
N/A
N/A
N
Modification
No modification required.
No modification required.
No modification required.
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 2 of 15
-------
Comment
EPA should foster and promote collaborative air
quality planning & multi-pollutant solutions to
address criteria pollutants, GHGs, regional haze, and
other air quality goals, including opportunities for
energy efficiency and renewable energy.
EPA should commit to adopt strong national rules to
support states' NAAQS attainment and maintenance
efforts. This should include national ozone rules for
area sources consistent with those adopted by OTC
and California, and emission standards for new and
existing industrial, commercial and institutional
(ICI) boilers through RACT and New Source
Performance Standards.
Commenter
New England
Commissioners,
NESCAUM
NESCAUM
Text
Location
Technical
Guidance,
Federal
Support for
Air Quality
Mgmt
Not Specified
Response
EPA has several multi-pollutant planning pilots
underway that will help future efforts to link air
quality and energy goals. The results of these
efforts will help inform future decision making.
EPA is implementing the most protective
NAAQS in history and continues to implement
these standards in accordance with statutes and
court decisions. We are currently developing a
replacement rule for the recently remanded
CAIR. Emission reductions resulting from this
rule will continue to help downwind
nonattainment areas to attain the standards.
However, we can not speak at this time to
whether EPA intends to issue specific rules until
we receive future direction from the new EPA
administration.
Change
Y,N,NA
Y
N/A
Modification
(Insert- in 2nd para on p 1 3 .,
after the sentence that reads:
"Over the next several years,
we will continue to", etc) EPA
plans to place greater emphasis
on integrating across OAR
programs, specifically as it
relates to energy issues and air
quality planning. EPA will
provide opportunities for
greater collaboration with
states, tribes and other federal
agencies in addressing these air
quality problems and continued
emphasis on innovative
strategies to improve air
quality, such as the Sustainable
Skylines Initiative which
integrates air quality planning
with energy, transportation and
land use.
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 3 of 15
-------
Comment
EPA should foster improved coordination between
energy and air quality planning, including exploring
how EPA can engage in the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission's process to further air
quality objectives.
EPA should ensure timely submission and
processing of regional haze plans
Commenter
NESCAUM
NESCAUM
Text
Location
Not Specified
Not Specified
Response
EPA is placing greater emphasis on program
coordination and integration, specifically as it
relates to energy issues and air quality planning.
EPA has worked with states to promote timely
submission of the regional haze plans through
coordination efforts, and funding of Regional
Planning Organizations (RPOs). On January 15,
2009, EPA issued 'findings of failure to submit'
notices for 37 states that failed to meet the Dec.
17, 2008 deadline for submitting regional haze
plans. FIPs will be issued for those states by
Jan. 15, 201 1 unless EPA has approved a SIP by
that time. The recent remand of the CAIR has
created uncertainty in evaluating submitted
regional haze SIPs. We expect to resolve the
delays after the new EPA administration
provides future direction.
Change
Y,N,NA
Y
N
Modification
(Insert- in 2nd para on p 1 3 .,
after the sentence that reads:
"Over the next several years,
we will continue to", etc) EPA
plans to place greater emphasis
on integrating across OAR
programs, specifically as it
relates to energy issues and air
quality planning. EPA will
provide opportunities for
greater collaboration with
states, tribes and other federal
agencies in addressing these air
quality problems and continued
emphasis on innovative
strategies to improve air
quality, such as the Sustainable
Skylines Initiative which
integrates air quality planning
with energy, transportation and
land use.
No modification required.
Air Toxics
Establish MACT standards to control mercury from
existing & new coal- fired power plants under § 1 12
of the CAA, in accordance with our 2008 petition
under §319 (g) of the CWA.
New England
Commissioners
Technical
Guidance,
Federal
Stationary
Source Regs
Utility MACT (formerly CAMR) is underway
and we are currently under litigation for
deadline dates.
N
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 4 of 15
-------
Comment
NACAA recommends that EPA identify the
measures that will achieve the goals stated in the
plan (under Subobjective 1.1.2- Reduce Air Toxics,
page 7). These should include completing the
statutory and court-ordered mandates under the
NESHAP program (e.g., Portland Cement and
Utility Boiler MACT).
It is critical that EPA take swift action to regulate
mercury under section 1 12 of the CAA. The
NESCAUM states have previously urged EPA to
establish MACT standards to control mercury from
existing and new coal-fired power plants. Such an
effort should be reflected in the program guidance.
In addition, the New England states and New York
have petitioned EPA under section 319(g) of the
Clean Water Act for a management conference to
address out-of-region mercury sources contributing
to mercury impairment in water bodies within the
region. We encourage EPA's air and water staff to
provide a coordinated and appropriate response to
the petition.
Commenter
NACAA
NESCAUM
Text
Location
Not Specified
Not Specified
Response
EPA intends to complete statutory and court
ordered mandates.
To address mercury emissions, we have several
activities underway including:
Mercury limits for the NESHAP for Portland
Cement, NESHAP for Mercury Cell Chlor-
alkali, and NESHAP for Gold Mines.
Change
Y,N,NA
N
N
Modification
No modification required.
No modification required.
Mobile Sources
Complete the response to the Supreme Court
decision with respect to an endangerment finding.
Complete the agency's reconsideration of
California's waiver request
NESCAUM
NESCAUM
Not Specified
Not Specified
On Friday, April 17, 2009, EPA issued a
proposed finding that GHGs contribute to air
pollution that may endanger public health or
welfare.
The reconsideration process is underway; EPA
will confirm or reverse the decision to deny the
request of the State of California to regulate
greenhouse gas emissions from new motor
vehicles by June 30, 2009.
N
N
No modification required.
No modification required.
Climate Change
We ask EPA to work closely with the states in the
development and implementation of any federally-
mandated economy -wide GHG reduction program.
New England
Commissioners
Technical
Guidance,
Climate
Change
chapter
Agree. Per Administrator's April 2 letter to
Commissioner Burack, EPA will be
coordinating with the states as we work on
economy -wide GHG programs.
N
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 5 of 15
-------
Comment
Commenter
Text
Location
Response
Change
Y,N,NA
Modification
We believe it is important that EPA collaborate with
The Climate Registry (TCR) in developing any
federal mandatory GHG reporting system to ensure
consistency with TCR protocols and complementary
state and federal roles.
New England
Commissioners,
NESCAUM
Technical
Guidance,
Climate
Change
chapter
Agree. Per Administrator's April 2 letter to
Commissioner Burack, EPA will work closely
with the states on the rollout of the GHG
reporting rule.
N
No modification required.
We urge EPA to engage with states to foster
dialogue and information exchange as federal
programs are planned, developed, and implemented,
with the goal of ensuring real environmental benefits
as expeditiously as possible.
NESCAUM
Not Specified
EPA agrees and intends to work closely with the
states as new programs are planned and
developed. We welcome ideas the states may
have.
N
No modification required.
We seek collaboration with EPA to move beyond
traditional program and agency silos in order to
implement complementary climate change,
transportation and energy strategies that improve air
quality and increase energy efficiency and use of
renewables.
(4) exploring existing and planned programs to
reduce GHG emissions, including economy-wide
approaches; and
(5) supporting the nexus between climate, air
quality, and non-EPA jurisdictional areas in
addressing the challenges of climate change.
New England
Commissioners
Technical
Guidance
pages 13-26:
Federal
Support for
Air Quality
Mgmt, &
State & Local
Air Quality
Mgmt
EPA welcomes the opportunity to collaborate
and engage in additional dialogue in these areas.
Currently, EPA is working with interested U.S.
areas on an initiative to integrate transportation,
energy, land use and air quality planning
through its Sustainable Skylines Initiative. In
addition, EPA is piloting a new way to approach
air quality management planning with three
geographic areas that encourages
comprehensive, multi-pollutant planning.
Y
See the change proposed for
the 2nd paragraph on p 14.
Funding Issues: Ambient Monitoring, RPOs, Training, Diesel Grants
NACAA is very concerned that EPA is proposing to
eliminate funding for the RPOs. We believe this will
deprive the RPOs - and state and local agencies - of
necessary tools and resources to help them carry out
technical activities related to regional haze. The
need for the services that the RPOs provide is
ongoing. While it is difficult to discuss precise
amounts for the RPO funding without knowing what
the total Section 103/105 budget request will be,
NACAA urges EPA to provide at least $2.5 million
in FY 2010 for the RPOs. Additional
recommendations will be forthcoming when the
total Section 105/103 request is known.
NACAA,
NESCAUM,
NTAA
Grant
Guidance,
Appendix A
Limited funding and new mandates within
STAG dictate that choices have to be made
about how the resources are best used. The
RPOs have received more than $66 million to
assist states in developing their regional haze
SIPs, and yet 37 states have failed to submit the
required SIPs due in December 2007. We will
review the RPO budget request with the new
EPA leadership in the coming months. We note
that if individual states have a regional haze
need that can be filled by the RPOs, they may
request EPA to withhold part of their grant
allocation to fund the RPOs.
N
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 6 of 15
-------
Comment
Commenter
Text
Location
Response
Change
Y,N,NA
Modification
Numerous small towns - particularly in the western
states - have expanded beyond the 50,000
population level and are now subject to minimum
federal PM2.5 monitoring requirements. EPA
should address this problem and provide funding as
appropriate.
NACAA
Grant
Guidance
Appendix A
States should identify growing population
centers, including smaller areas (e.g., 50,000
population towns) as part of the 5 year
assessments due to EPA on July 1, 2010. In
subsequent annual monitoring network plans
States should work with the EPA Regional
Offices to transition their networks to meet new
needs, including those in small towns.
N
No modification required.
EPA is soliciting comments on a proposal to shift
grants for the PM2.5 monitoring program from
Section 103 authority to SectionlOS authority. In
previous years, this proposal has been accompanied
by a recommendation to also cut those funds by the
amount of the 40% match. NACAA is strongly
opposed to such an approach. To keep the program
whole and to accept the monitoring grants, state and
local agencies would need to supply additional
matching funds. However, many agencies are
currently overmatched and would not be required or
able to increase their contributions and, therefore,
may not target additional funds to PM2.5
monitoring. Furthermore, other agencies that do not
have additional resources for the match could not
make up the difference and may possibly be forced
to turn away much-needed grant funds. Shifting the
monitoring program to Section 105 authority could
result in significant cuts to this important program.
NACAA
Grant
Guidance
Appendix A
While EPA and States continue to make
important improvements to the PM2 5
monitoring network (e.g., implementation of
new carbon samples), most of the network is in
a mature phase. EPA would prefer to implement
new monitoring networks with section 103
funds so that networks can be deployed
relatively quickly and consistently. Once
implemented, EPA would prefer to have the
States maintain monitoring networks with
section 105 funds. The section 105 program
provides a more efficient funding mechanism to
maintain the networks since funding is shared
by both EPA and the States. However, EPA
expects that Congress will continue to provide
funding for PM2.5 monitoring in FY 2010 via
CAA section 103 authority.
N
No modification required.
The draft calls for Section 105 funds to be set aside
for the NOx/CAIR Budget system. Several years
ago, the states participating in the NOx SIP call
agreed to off-the-top funding for this program
because it was a state initiative used as a SIP
strategy that was more efficiently funded that way.
Now that EPA has adopted the CAIR program, we
believe EPA should take responsibility for
administering the program in the same way that the
agency administers the Acid Rain program. The cost
for administering CAIR should be absorbed by
EPA's budget, not from Section 105 grants.
NACAA
Grant
Guidance,
Appendix A
The NOx/CAIR Trading program includes
resources from the affected States to assist in
the effective implementation of their NOx SIPs
as well as funds from states that elected to
participate in the CAIR seasonal trading
program. EPA agrees that is appropriate to
reassess the cost of the program and the relative
contributions from the section 105 program
when the new CAIR rule is completed.
N
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 7 of 15
-------
Comment
Commenter
Text
Location
Response
Change
Y,N,NA
Modification
EPA indicates that the annual PM2.5 standard was
not changed. However, on 2/24/09 the US Court of
Appeals remanded the annual standard to EPA. It is
possible (likely) that there will be revisions of that
standard and a need for additional monitors in new
areas. Therefore, additional funding would be
needed.
NACAA
Grant
Guidance
Appendix A
EPA and the States work together through the
Annual Monitoring Network Plans, due to each
Regional office each July 1, and the 5-year
assessments, with the first one due by July 1,
2010 to review and assess the ambient air
monitoring networks. For PM2 5, monitoring
network minimum requirements are based on
population and design value. If a decision is
made by EPA to further strengthen the PM2 5
NAAQS, this information will automatically be
factored into the existing monitoring
requirements, which can then be included in
assessments of the networks. However, with
operation of over 900 FRM/FEMs already, EPA
is not expecting a large number of new
monitoring stations needed to support any
further strengthening of the PM2.5 NAAQS.
N
No modification required.
For many years NACAA has recommended that
EPA fund training from its own budget, and we have
agreed to match EPA's expenditures for training
from the Section 105 grant during the transition to
full EPA funding. Reductions in training funds will
result in a loss of training infrastructure that will be
very difficult to replace later. Further, elimination of
training is not a wise funding choice as it will reduce
the effectiveness of federal, state and local programs
in the long run. As in the past, NACAA
recommends that EPA hold $1,995,000 off the top
for training and urges the agency to at least match
the Section 105 grant funding for training from
EPA's own budget. Further, NACAA recommends
that adequate staffing support be allocated within
EPA to provide necessary training services to state
and local agencies. NACAA's Training Committee
will convene on March 23-25, 2009 and, as a part of
that meeting, will define the critical tasks that EPA
should assume to provide a strong national training
program to meet future air pollution control needs.
NACAA
Grant
Guidance,
Appendix A
EPA has allocated contract funds, staffing, and
material to support training development and
delivery. EPA is working closely with the
NACAA training committee to ensure we meet
the training needs of states, tribes, and local
agencies as cost effectively and thoroughly as
possible.
N
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 8 of 15
-------
Comment
The draft discusses the new lead standard and
related new monitoring requirements and requests
comment on the use of community-scale monitoring
funds to support the lead monitoring network. The
draft also states that state and local agencies should
begin network planning now, using Section 105
funds. NACAA has previously expressed concern
about the financial obligations placed on agencies by
new federal mandates. While we understand the
budgetary difficulties at the federal level, state and
local agencies face even more severe budget
constraints. Community-scale project funds have
been useful to state and local efforts to identify
health risks from air toxics emissions and NACAA
would prefer that those funds continue to be made
available for their original purpose, rather than
expanding them to cover lead as well. However, if
no other source of lead monitoring funds is
available, NACAA suggests that EPA provide the
regions with maximum flexibility to utilize
community-scale funding and other funding sources
to assist the state and local agencies to develop and
operate lead monitoring networks. All funds made
available for lead monitoring should be awarded
under Section 103 to avoid the requirement to
provide matching funds.
NACAA recommends that the funds to support the
Diesel Emission Reduction (DERA) provisions of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 not be part of the
STAG account, since many of the funds are not
provided to state and local governments. We
recommend that the funds be provided through one
of EPA's other accounts.
With respect to the distribution of the diesel funds,
NACAA hopes that EPA will continue to keep the
program open to both attainment and nonattainment
areas. Many state and local agencies have active
diesel emission reduction programs that apply
outside of nonattainment areas to reduce air toxics,
GHGs, and haze.
Commenter
NACAA
NACAA
Text
Location
Grant
Guidance
Appendix A
Grant
Guidance,
Appendix A
Response
EPA is committed to provide flexibility for
States to work with the Regional Offices on
how to best put monitoring resources to use.
Deployment of the lead (Pb) network is to take
place over two years (i.e., 2010 and 201 1).
Therefore, EPA both in the national program
office and in Regional Offices will work closely
with monitoring agencies to ensure
implementation of a revised Pb network over
this two year period.
Congress, not EPA, determines which funds are
put in what accounts.
EPA intends to keep the DERA program open
to distributing funds to all areas of the U.S.
Change
Y,N,NA
N
N
Modification
No modification required.
No modification required.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 9 of 15
-------
Comment
With respect to grant competition, EPA notes that
co-regulator status is no longer available as an
exception to competition for grants for MJOs. As we
have indicated in previous comments, we disagree
with this view and believe that co-regulator
organizations such as NACAA and other MJOs
should continue to be treated under an exception to
competition requirements. It would be very
inefficient for EPA and those organizations to go
through a competitive process when those entities
are each uniquely qualified to perform their missions
and were established by their members for this
express purpose. There are no other organizations
that directly represent their members and are able to
carry out the national and regional environmental
and public health objectives of their members.
Commenter
NACAA
Text
Location
Grant
Guidance,
Appendix A
Response
While co-regulator status as an exception to
competition has been removed, there are other
exceptions which can account for the unique
working relationship that many multi-
jurisdictional organizations have with their
member state and local agencies - in particular,
the 'in the public interest' exception.
Change
Y,N,NA
N
Modification
No modification required.
Tribal Air Program
EPA states that "[b]y 2014, 12 additional tribes will
possess the expertise and capability to implement
the Clean Air Act in Indian country (as
demonstrated by successful completion of an
eligibility determination under the Tribal Authority
Rule)." This priority ignores the fact that Indian
tribes can achieve similar expertise and capability by
entering into Direct Implementation Tribal
Cooperative Agreements (DITCAs) to administer
EPA programs or federal implementation plans on
their reservations. As such, the NTAA recommends
that EPA expand its priority to include DITCAs as
another means for measuring a tribe's success in
possessing the expertise and capability to implement
the Clean Air Act in Indian country.
Tribes should be included in the priority on page 14:
"continue to work with financial experts to identify
and develop tools, resources and programs for states
and regional authorities to implement innovative
financial programs. ..."
NTAA
NTAA
Technical
Guidance
Technical
Guidance
This comment is on the EPA Strategic Plan
section of the guidance, and needs to be
addressed as part of that process. We do agree
however, to add a 2010 priority to use DITCA
authority where appropriate.
Agreed this language should be changed to
reflect the comment.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 10 of 15
-------
Comment
NTAA is concerned about what came out of a 2005
GAO report that called out the TAS process for its
shortcomings. Equally alarming is EPA's response
to GAO. NTAA remains unconvinced that the
criticisms and subsequent recommendations made
by the GAO have been adequately addressed by
EPA. Most notably, the EPA strategy fails to include
specific deadlines by which EPA must adhere to
with respect to future TAS applications. NTAA
recommends that EPA develop a strategy that
specifically responds to and meets the
recommendations made by the GAO concerning the
TAS process.
To better understand the number of tribes that are
expected to obtain TAS approval by 2014, the
NTAA also recommends that the EPA provide our
organization with a clear rationale as to how the
number was arrived at.
As a result of federal law, most Indian tribes in
Oklahoma have been unable to receive TAS and
only one Alaska Native village is currently eligible
for TAS. Perhaps the next best option available to
them to address issues and concerns is through the
use of Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative
Agreements (DITCAs). The NTAA therefore
recommends, as it did for the FY 2008 and 2009
OAR Guidance, that EPA regions (specifically
Regions 6 and 10), provide specific resource and
technical assistance to Alaska Native villages and
Oklahoma tribes in the form of DITCAs.
Commenter
NTAA
NTAA
NTAA
Text
Location
Technical
Guidance
Technical
Guidance
Technical
Guidance
Response
OAR is committed to working with the Regions
Offices to process TAS applications in a timely
manner. OAR will also continue to participate
in Agency activities to ensure full
implementation of actions to address the
findings of the GAO.
EPA Regional Offices nationwide were asked to
prepare an estimate based on their close
working relationships with tribal governments
and the knowledge that development of a TAS
application generally requires the prior
development of expertise in air quality on the
part of the applicant. Each Regional Office
subsequently submitted an estimate of which
tribes in that Region were expected to be
prepared to submit a TAS application in each of
the applicable years. The results were compiled
at HQ to develop the estimate.
EPA's DITCA authority is available in every
Region (including 6 and 10) and has been
supported by OAR and AIEO for activities
implemented by federally recognized tribes.
Change
Y,N,NA
Modification
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 11 of 15
-------
Comment
EPA states that it will "continue to provide guidance
to tribes on planning and implementing air
monitoring programs" and "continue to provide
guidance on implementing air monitoring
programs." Generally speaking, the NTAA
recommends that these two priorities be
consolidated into one priority so as to avoid any
redundancy.
Additionally, NTAA recommends that EPA conduct
a representative analysis of the existing tribal and
non- tribal air monitoring networks to identify those
Indian tribes that do not currently have a source of
air monitoring data relevant to their lands.
Include Indian tribes in the priority on page 1 5 that
reads: "support state monitoring network
implementation of lead and rural ozone monitors."
Indian tribe diets have not been adequately
considered by EPA in the process of addressing
emissions standards for mercury. For example, in
developing the former Clean Air Mercury Rule, the
Agency considered two segments of the population
to be relevant to its analysis - i.e., recreational
anglers, and "high level" consumers such as some
Native American and other ethnic populations. In
calculating the risk to these groups, the EPA used
maximum fish consumption levels of 25 g/day for
anglers and 170 g/day for high consumers. These
levels, however, are far from adequate for some
tribal populations. For example, a survey of Great
Lakes area tribes produced a range of 189.6 to 393.8
g/day, and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe has
adopted 227 g/day as its treaty-protected subsistence
quantity.
Commenter
NTAA
NTAA
NTAA
Text
Location
Technical
Guidance
Technical
Guidance
Technical
Guidance
Response
Agree. The language will be changed to avoid
redundancy.
OAQPS is initiating a representative analysis
that will generate GIS maps of emissions
sources, monitoring location and tribal
boundaries to help look at the potential for air
quality concerns in Indian country and
determine if monitoring is adequate.
Agree the language should be changed to
include tribes.
We will work to ensure tribal outreach and
consultation on our rulemaking is conducted as
we move forward on these rules to ensure tribal
issues are considered.
EPA welcomes and encourages tribes to provide
input to this process to help us ensure these
concerns are addressed.
Change
Y,N,NA
Modification
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 12 of 15
-------
Comment
Commenter
Text
Location
Response
Change
Y,N,NA
Modification
The NTAA acknowledges the possibility that RPOs
may continue to exist even in the absence of EPA
funding. If this should become the case, the NTAA
alternatively recommends that OAR establish a
tribal set-aside fund, be it through EPA discretionary
funds or some other means, to allow tribes to
continue their involvement in RPOs, and to help
advance tribal issues and concerns. Establishment of
the tribal set-aside fund in no way diminishes the
need to continue to fund the RPOs in general so that
tribes may continue to work together with states,
federal agencies, environmental organizations and
industry to protect and preserve the nation's air
quality which knows no boundaries.
NTAA
Technical
Guidance
OAR also encourages NTAA to provide this
recommendation in the budget planning process
conducted annually.
The guidance refers to a tribal database on pages 31
without explaining what this database is or its
intended purpose. The NTAA would appreciate
additional information regarding the database so we,
as an organization, can provide specific input about
it if necessary.
NTAA
Technical
Guidance
OAR has developed a management database to
help track activities in the OAR Tribal Program
called OAR Tribal Database. It is an internal
database that tracks activities such as the
number of TIPs, TAS, Els, Permits, the goal of
the database is to better understand the activities
in tribal air programs across the country and to
effectively communicate that to EPA
management.
NTAA recommends that the TEISS and Turbo-
QAPP (see page 30) software packages continue to
be funded by EPA during FY 2010. These software
packages continue to provide Indian tribes with the
resources necessary to collect and package valuable
information for the Agency at a limited cost.
Updates are also needed to the software packages to
reflect changes in federal emissions inventory and
QAPP requirements and to include GHG.
NTAA
Technical
Guidance
OAR has provided funding for continued work
with both TEISS and Turbo-QAPP.
EPA's use of the term "in Indian country" in several
places throughout the documents excludes other
tribes, namely those from Alaska Native villages
and Oklahoma. The language should be changed to
"in Indian country, and on the lands of Alaska
Native villages and tribes in Oklahoma."
NTAA
Technical
Guidance
OAR proposes changing the references to
"Indian country" to "federally recognized
tribes" to assure NTAA of OAR's commitment
to working with all federally recognized tribal
governments in keeping with federal trust
responsibilities and policies. Indian country is a
legal term that includes all lands within
reservations, as well as all Indian allotments,
which do continue to exist in Oklahoma and
Alaska.
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 13 of 15
-------
Comment
There is a marked absence of mercury deposition
data in the western U.S., where the majority of the
tribal land base exists. Because the dry deposition
monitoring technique is not as developed as its wet
deposition counterparts, data is particularly lacking
in the Southwest where dry deposition
predominates. Acquiring more deposition and health
effects data is a priority for tribes in the years to
come. The NTAA therefore recommends that the
EPA list as one of its priorities, the provision of
tribes with the necessary resources to conduct
monitoring for mercury emissions based on their
respective needs (e.g., dry versus wet deposition
monitoring techniques).
In all parts of the guidance where governmental
jurisdictions (tribes, states, locals) are cited, "tribes"
should be placed in front of "locals," and ideally,
tribes, as sovereign nations, should be listed first.
Commenter
NTAA
NTAA
Text
Location
Technical
Guidance
Throughout
Response
The National Atmospheric Deposition Program
(NADP) administers the Mercury Deposition
Network (MDN) to monitor mercury in
precipitation at sites across North America.
Operating since 1996, MDN has grown to over
100 monitoring sites that provide valuable
information on mercury wet deposition in
locations nationwide. While scientists have a
good handle on quantifying mercury in rainfall,
the measurement of dry deposition remains a
challenge.
Lacking dry deposition measurements, EPA has
worked with NADP and launched a new
network that monitors the concentrations of
ambient mercury fractions that contribute to dry
deposition. NADP initiated this network to
serve a number of objectives: estimating
mercury dry deposition; understanding the
impact of mercury emitting sources; providing
data for evaluating models; and analyzing status
and trends in atmospheric mercury. As part of
this initiative, EPA is collaborating with the
Cherokee Nation to establish a new atmospheric
mercury monitoring site in Stillwell, OK.
NADP and EPA continue to seek tribal
collaborators to help address network
monitoring gaps and build monitoring capacity
on tribal lands and in other locations.
Resource issues should be discussed in the
annual budget process, and NTAA is
encouraged to participate in that process. OAR
is committed to supporting assessment of
mercury deposition in Indian country based on
national and tribal priorities and resources. We
will continue to support tribal participation in
activities related to the deposition of mercury.
There is no accepted convention for order-of-
importance when referring to partner
governmental entities, and any order used
should not be interpreted as hierarchical.
Change
Y,N,NA
Modification
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 14 of 15
-------
Comment
EPA should establish a priority specific to
international issues. A number of tribes, specifically
those on the border of neighboring countries and
those along coastal waters, are impacted by air
pollutants from both near and far away lands. As
such, some effort on the part of OAR to address
these emissions would subsequently help to address
tribal issues and concerns regarding the air quality
over their respective lands. At the very least, the
NTAA recommends that the EPA expand its
research on international transport and atmospheric
deposition, including research on the effects of
atmospheric deposition on the food chain of tribal
subsistence foods and treaty-reserved lands.
With respect to EPA's regional priorities in the
name of reducing GHG emissions and mitigating
climate change impacts on human health and the
environment, the Agency plans to "ensure tribal
governments and communities are included as
partners in GHG activities and participate in and
benefit from ongoing coordinated efforts and
outreach programs" (see page 45). To be full
partners, however, tribes need to know their carbon
footprint from which they can begin to reduce GHG
emissions and contribute to the nation's overall
effort to reduce the adverse impacts of climate
change. The NTAA therefore recommends that EPA
regions work with tribes to provide them with the
necessary resources to develop GHG emissions
inventories.
Commenter
NTAA
NTAA
Text
M. CA.I.
Location
Technical
Guidance
Technical
Guidance
Response
OAR works closely with EPA's Office of
International Affairs, and affirms that tribal
issues are included in activities related to
international transport, atmospheric deposition
and other border and international issues.
EPA has developed or supported the
development of guidelines and tools for state,
regional, and local governments, as well as
parks and schools, to conduct GHG inventories.
These tools are freely available and can also be
used by tribes. It may be necessary for tribes to
pick and choose elements from the different
protocols that best fit their unique circumstances
(eg, a city -based protocol may miss out on land
management, the state-based tools rely on data
that may not be readily available to a tribe).
Descriptions of these tools as well as free online
trainings on Inventory Development are
available on EPA's Climate Change website at:
http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/state gu
idance.html. EPA is available to help individual
tribes assess their options for inventory
development and looks forward to expanding
the material on our website to include clearer
guidance for tribal governments on GHG
Inventories.
Chim w
\-^ 11 Mil gC
Y,N,NA
Modification
End
April 28, 2009
Appendix F - Page 15 of 15
-------
June 23, 2009
ADDENDUM NO. 1
Office of Air and Radiation
Fiscal Year 2010 National Program & Grant Guidance
The following information is an update to Appendix A (Grant Guidance and Preliminary
Allocation) of the Office of Air and Radiation Final Fiscal Year 2010 National Program &
Grant Guidance, dated April 28, 2009:
Summary
A preliminary distribution of state and local air grants that reflects the President's FY
2010 budget submission has been included (see Table A-6). A total of $226.6 million is
being requested for state and local air programs.
Tribal funding remains at $13.1 million, and includes approximately $2.1 million to assist
Tribes in analyzing and addressing the impacts of increased energy development
facilities. Funds may be awarded using either §103 or §105 authority, depending upon
the nature of the work and the eligibility of the recipient.
State Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) continue at just under $8.1 million. The Office of
Radiation and Indoor Air is continuing to work with states on updating the distribution of
these funds. Once determined, an updated narrative and distribution of SIRG funds
(Table A-7) will be provided.
The President's FY 2010 request level for Diesel Emission Reduction programs (DERA)
is $60 million, not $49.2 million.
Funding for fine particulate monitoring is being requested for award under §105
authority, as is funding for lead (Pb) monitoring. However, initial language in
appropriations bills for EPA would continue the §103 authority for particulate
monitoring. Additional information on the use of funds for photochemical assessment
monitoring has been included.
A total of $2.5 million in funding for air toxics monitoring around schools has been
requested, equaling the FY 2009 level. The manner and authority for award for these
funds is still to be determined pending an assessment of the FY 2009 results.
The funding level for U. S.-Mexico Border air quality work is again set at just over $2.5
million. A total of over $1.2 million has been targeted for Great Lakes air pollution
deposition analysis and remediation work. Updated narratives are included in this
addendum.
-------
June 23, 2009
Updated funding tables are included that cover: the comparison of recent STAG levels
and the President's request (Table A-l), the distribution and targeting of funds for
photochemical assessment monitoring (PAMS) support (Table A-3), and an overall
preliminary FY 2010 state/local air grant allocation (Table A-6).
Updated Table A-l. Comparison of STAG Assistance:
FY 2008 through FY 2010 Request (in $ Millions)
Program
Continuing Air Program *
PM 2.5 Air Monitoring (§103)
Air Toxics Monitoring (incl. schools)
Regional Haze Planning (§103)
Diesel Emission Reduction Program **
Tribal Air Program
State Indoor Radon
Total
FY 2008
Enacted Level
$165.7
$41.8
$6.8
$2.5
$49.1
$10.8
$7.9
$284.6
FY 2009
Estimated Level
$174.7
$41.9
$7.5
$60.0
$13.3
$8.1
$305.4
FY2010
President's Budget
$216.6
$10.0
$60.0
$13.3
$8.1
$308.0
* Includes continuing § 105 program and NE OTC under § 106. In FY 2010 this amount would also include grants for
PM2.5 monitoring, unless changed by the Congress.
** Funds for California Emission Reduction projects are not included in FY 2008 and FY 2009 levels. Funds for State and
Local Climate Change Initiatives are not included in the FY 2009 total. Also note that the President signed a FY 2009
economic stimulus bill that provided an additional $300 million for DERA implementation, approximately $88 million of
which was targeted by formula for state and local air quality agencies.
U.S.-Mexico Border Air Program
The proximity of states and localities in EPA's Regions 6 and 9 to the U.S-Mexico border
presents a number of trans-boundary air quality challenges. Many border area residents,
especially those in heavily urbanized areas, are exposed to health-threatening levels of air
pollutants such as ozone, PM, and air toxics. Visibility impairment exists in most of the Class I
areas along and near the border. Accurate evaluation of air quality in the border region will
allow both countries to successfully target controls and reduce air pollutants. Capacity-building
through such evaluation, training, and pilot projects that can be expanded by Mexico will further
reduce air emissions along the border.
The Border 2012: U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program agreement, signed by both
countries on April 3, 2003, was created to promote regional as well as border-wide strategies to
improve air quality through coordinated air quality planning and management activities, such as
the development of emissions inventories; the deployment, operation, and maintenance of air
monitoring networks; the development of alternative fuels and energy sources; the development
of innovative and progressive air quality management approaches; the design of air quality plans
for the reduction and control of air pollution; pilot emissions reductions projects; and training
and workshops aimed at building capacity and the development of public awareness and
participation.
Milestones for demonstrating progress towards clean air in the border region are outlined
by the Border 2012 Program and in EPA's long and short term strategies goals and objectives.
-------
June 23, 2009
Grant assistance plays a key role in helping achieve them. Early efforts focused on developing an
organizational infrastructure, raising awareness, gathering information and establishing baseline
information. Recent assistance has increasingly been focusing on critical analysis and mitigation
measures such as retrofitting diesel engines aimed at attaining clean air goals and building
capacity for Mexico to manage these and similar programs. In FY 2008, the Border 2012
Program Objectives for the Air Program were amended to include building border greenhouse
gas (GHG) information capacity and expanding existing voluntary cost-effective programs for
reducing GHGs in the border region.
In addition to supporting the efforts of affected state, local and multi-jurisdictional
agencies, the Border 2012 Program uses regional workgroups, task forces, and policy forums to
develop and implement air pollution emission reduction strategies. Many of these rely heavily on
grass-roots input and actions. For example, OAR and its Mexican counterpart lead the Border
2012 Air Policy Forum, established to employ a bottom-up collaborative approach to develop
strategies for cooperative emissions reduction efforts along the border. EPA's activities are
designed to encourage, develop and implement cooperative projects with various levels of
federal, state, and local government, tribes, academics, non-governmental organizations and
others, so that sustained, comprehensive pollution abatement can occur in the common air sheds
of border sister cities, as well as in remote areas where trans-border air pollution occurs. Air
Policy Forum members additionally advise EPA and Mexico's SEMARNAT on potential
strategic funding needs and opportunities.
EPA Region 6 and 9 use a combination of direct grants and competitive solicitation to
support state, local, and tribal initiatives. In encouraging local and grass-roots strategies, the
Agency is committed to full and open competition for many grants and contracts. This empowers
a larger number of state, local, tribal entities (also working with academics and NGOs) to
become active participants in border air quality improvements. The combination of these STAG
funds with directed, specific projects facilitated by contracts has yielded very positive results.
For example, Mexico has assumed increased ambient monitoring responsibility along portions of
the border region. In FY 2010, approximately $2.5 million will be divided between Regions 6
and 9 to continue a focus on three major areas: public outreach and involvement, the
enhancement of scientific knowledge, and the support of projects that deliver tangible emission
reductions. The Regions will work with OAR to assure that the activities funded are appropriate
to the entities eligible and the appropriate authority for award. For more information on the
program please contact: Ruben Casso in Region 6 (214-665-6763); and in Region 9, Christine
Vineyard (415-947-4125) or Andrew Steckel (415-947-4115).
Great Lakes Air Quality Initiative
Atmospheric deposition of persistent bioaccumulative toxics (PBTs) and other pollutants
poses a serious human health and environmental risk in the Great Lakes freshwater ecosystem.
Numerous PBT risks already identified in the Great Lakes Region, and emerging chemicals such
as polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), siloxanes, and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are
now widely found in water, fish or sediment samples in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes
Initiative supports improvements to, and applications of, multi-media strategy development and
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June 23, 2009
assessment tools needed to identify the contribution and effects of toxic air deposition to the
Great Lakes region.
EPA Region 5 coordinates with EPA Regions 2 and 3 and the Great Lakes National
Program office to support the Great Lakes states deposition-related activities. In prior funding
years, EPA Region 5 has used a combination of direct grants and competitive solicitation to
support state and tribal initiatives PBT research and reduction.
Priority activities of the program include: identification of air toxics sources,
development of accurate and comprehensive air toxics emission inventories, monitoring of air
toxics deposition, modeling of atmospheric dispersion and deposition of toxic pollutants,
assessment of long-range atmospheric transport of toxic pollutants to the Great Lakes region, and
assessment of the effects of atmospheric toxic pollutants on fish and wildlife. These activities
are consistent with the goals of the CAA, the Great Lakes Bi-national Toxics Strategy, the Great
Waters Program, and the Office of Water's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program.
Development of this information is critical in establishing the basis to create further regulations
and strategies to minimize atmospheric loadings to the Great Lakes and other inland water
bodies. The results of this work are used to guide federal, state, and local policy for the Great
Lakes and other fresh water ecosystems.
EPA will continue to work closely with the Great Lakes states to see continued
improvement and application of multi-media strategies to address air deposition. EPA will
highlight priority projects based on the regulatory and scientific needs of the Great Lakes states.
To support the Great Lakes activities in FY 2010, the Agency has allocated just over $1.2 million
in STAG resources. For more information, including guidance on those entities eligible for
receipt of funds, contact Erin Newman at 312-886-4587 or Shari Holloway at 312-886-6778.
Section IV. AMBIENT MONITORING
EPA is providing this addendum to Appendix A of the 2010 National Program & Grant
Guidance Section IV - Ambient Monitoring, to either help clarify the Agency's position or to
share additional information.
Funding for PM^ Monitoring
During the development of the FY 2010 grant guidance, EPA wrote that we expected
". . .to provide funding for PM2.5 and air toxics monitoring funding through §103 authority."
Since this time, EPA's budget has been submitted to Congress. In this budget request for FY
2010, the Administration did not request section 103 authority for this purpose. However, initial
versions of the appropriations bills for EPA include the section 103 authority.
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June 23, 2009
Funding for Air Toxics Monitoring
As described in the 2010 National Program & Grant Guidance of April 28, 2009, EPA
expects to continue support for the National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS) and associated
data analyses, methods, and quality assurance using §103 authority.
Also at that time, the Agency noted that it was "... seeking comment on supporting
monitoring projects involving "hot-spots," such as locations where schools may be impacted
from a local source or sources with elevated levels of air toxics emissions," as part of its overall
community-scale air toxics monitoring program. EPA is again committing $2.5M in FY 2010
funds to support additional monitoring and assessment activities of air toxics at high priority
schools nationwide.
Funding for the Photochemcial Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS)
In the 2010 grant guidance OAR asked for input on the merits of utilizing $700K and
$150K of the approximate $14M of PAMS STAG funds to provide upgrades of expensive
monitoring equipment used in PAMS and continued work on assessment of the PAMS data,
respectively. Since that time EPA staff has met with the ambient air monitoring experts of state
and local agencies, and they have strongly endorsed this approach.
The intent of the equipment funds is to target approximately two Regions each year for
upgrades of major measurement systems in the PAMS monitoring program. An example of the
approach would be to: (a) upgrade gas chromatographs or vertical profilers in PAMS monitoring
networks where the state is unable to budget adequate funds in within the one year upgrade
period, (b) in subsequent years, rotate the upgrades to additional PAMS networks in other
Regions. The targeted equipment funds are not intended to replace routine monitoring equipment
such as ozone analyzers. Upgrade of this equipment should be included in the normal budget of
each agency's program.
Unless directed otherwise, EPA will target $700K and $150K of the available PAMS
funds for equipment upgrades and assessment of PAMS data respectively. These funds will be
targeted for equipment funds for the initially targeted two Regions. EPA will work closely with
affected recipients to determine if it would be best for the monitoring agency to purchase the
equipment or, if the recipient prefers, to have EPA perform the purchasing and provide the
equipment as in-kind assistance.
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June 23, 2009
The following Table provides the anticipated funding breakdown for PAMS in FY 2010.
Revised Table A-3. Distribution of Funds for PAMS Support
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
National Data
Analysis/Equipment
Replacement
Totals
Number
of
PAMS
Areas
5
1
3
1
21
5
0
0
82
0
24
Data
Analysis
$695,371
$222,519
$333,779
$139,074
$278,149
$591,306
$0
$0
$1,112,594
$0
$150,000
$3,522,791
Implementation
and Operation
$1,983,820
$532,916
$1,015,239
$342,344
$895,642
$1,923,361
$0
$0
$3,086,389
$0
$700,000
$10,479,711
Total
$2,678,979
$754,701
$1,349,328
$481,020
$1,174,372
$2,516,030
$0
$0
$4,198,071
$0
$850,000
$14,002,502
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June 23, 2009
Table A-6 Preliminary FY 2010 State/Local Air Grant Allocation
As of June 19, 2009
Program Area
Ozone
PM
PM (US-Mexico Border in ROs 6/9)
PM (WRAP in R9)
Visibility
NO2
Lead
CO
SO2
Air Toxics Implementation
Air Toxics Characterization
Air Toxics - Great Lakes
Acid Rain
Subtotal
NOx Trading
NACAA
NPAP
National Procurement
NEOTC
Energy Facility AQ Analysis
U.S.-Mexico Border Inventory
IMPROVE
PM2.5 Monitoring Direct to ROs
PM2.5 Monitoring APS Recipients
PM2.5 Monitoring APS - HQ
NATTS Monitoring Direct to ROs
NATTS Monitoring APS Recipients
NATTS Monitoring APS - HQ
School Air Toxics Monitoring
Lead (Pb) Monitoring
Lead (Pb) Monitoring APS - HQ
Community-Scale Air Toxics Monitoring
CAA Training
Sub-total
1
7,953,506
1,780,574
0
0
38,798
26,970
0
665,350
231,695
2,242,585
982,483
0
0
13,921,961
195,000
1,818,000
614,961
233,674
231,326
30,513
2
6,818,425
2,876,493
0
0
438,554
336,654
0
123,907
317,172
1,660,017
1,876,975
0
326,269
14,774,466
303,333
1,898,263
743,531
181,856
128,144
91,536
3
5,708,968
4,811,776
0
0
786,472
478,316
117,666
446,748
844,707
1,349,913
2,858,295
0
242,173
17,645,034
195,000
3,024,069
1,015,633
208,868
101,132
257,075
4
7,258,477
4,575,958
0
0
2,008,186
0
101,120
303,359
404,479
1 ,807,368
2,409,825
0
393,825
19,262,597
41 1 ,667
5,822,751
1 ,526,087
470,902
282,098
329,451
Region
5
1 1 ,608,654
4,892,859
0
0
558,878
91,122
108,208
486,934
875,627
3,691 ,982
2,125,847
1,218,550
1,059,119
26,717,780
195,000
4,952,042
1 ,533,280
229,362
235,638
451,318
6
9,297,405
1 ,260,072
1 ,247,869
0
747,815
291 ,736
41 ,677
83,353
125,030
1,163,268
1,661,812
0
0
15,920,037
520,000
3,236,628
579,417
310,000
0
275,331
7
1,622,569
2,059,450
0
0
545,790
34,757
92,685
14,482
26,068
666,439
522,810
0
0
5,585,050
411,667
1,627,619
812,325
29,176
125,824
375,581
8
1,460,596
2,935,643
0
0
1,717,071
139,882
26,624
289,061
328,786
371,478
459,625
0
223,019
7,951,785
845,000
1,814,900
548,644
82,974
227,026
61,024
9
13,601,103
7,847,714
1,245,896
152,484
68,361
108,008
12,001
450,034
276,021
3,560,703
1,197,799
0
178,193
28,698,317
520,000
3,396,070
1,103,628
286,328
243,672
168,178
10
1,541,113
3,266,524
0
0
669,056
39,066
0
215,090
41,312
1,878,674
907,435
0
0
8,558,269
303,333
1,917,639
412,281
356,600
108,400
61,024
Total
$66,870,817
$36,307,062
$2,493,765
$152,484
$7,578,980
$1,546,511
$499,981
$3,078,318
$3,470,897
$18,392,428
$15,002,905
$1,218,550
$2,422,598
$159,035,296
$2,327,550
$1 ,558,820
$454,080
$818,454
$639,000
$3,900,000
$275,000
$1 ,228,800
$29,507,981
$8,889,787
$3,477,232
$2,389,740
$1 ,683,260
$900,000
$2,500,000
$2,101,031
$398,970
$2,500,000
$1 ,995,000
$67,544,704
Total
$226,580,000
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