vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Air and Radiation
Washington DC
OAR
Final FY 2013
Program and Grant Guidance
April 27, 2012
Publication Number 402-B-12-001
-------
Contents
Executive Summary 1
1. Program Office 1
2. About this Document 1
3. State/EPAWorkgroup on Prioritization 2
4. Priorities for OAR and Regions in FY 2013 2
5. Implementation Strategies 4
6. Performance Measures 4
7. Tracking Progress 4
8. Commenting on the Guidance 4
9. Points of Contact for Questions or More Information 4
Chapter 1 - Outdoor Air Quality 5
Criteria Pollutants, Regional Haze, Title V, NSR, and Ambient Monitoring 5
Air Toxics and Air Toxics Monitoring 14
Allowance Trading Programs 16
Mobile Source Programs 19
Tribal Air Quality Management 21
Chapter 2 - Climate Protection Programs 25
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program 25
Public-Private Partnership Programs 26
Chapter 3 - Stratospheric Ozone 31
Chapter 4 - Indoor Environments 33
Healthy Indoor Environments/Healthy Buildings 33
Addressing Asthma, Radon, and Other Indoor Air Pollutants in Homes, Schools, and 34
Other Building Types
Chapter 5 - Radiation Protection 39
Radiation Protection 39
Radiation Emergency Response Preparedness 41
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 41
Chapter 6 - Cross-Cutting Programs, Priorities, and Requirements 43
Chapter 7 - Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds 51
Appendix A Performance Measures
Appendix B Quick Look at EPA's Major Expectations of State/Local Agencies
Appendix C Ambient Air Monitoring
Appendix D Explanation of Changes between FY 2012 and FY 2013
-------
Executive Summary
1. Program Office Office of Air and Radiation (OAR).
2. About this Document
OAR's program and grant guidance provides information on priorities, highlights the
expected work of Headquarters, Regions, state/local agencies, and tribes in fiscal year 2013, and
provides information on the State and Tribal Grant program (STAG). It provides the basis for
negotiations between HQ and Regions and between Regions and states/locals/tribes as to
resource allocation and expected performance. The guidance consists of:
Executive Summary
Chapters 1-5, which address OAR's main program areas (Outdoor Air, Climate
Protection, Stratospheric Ozone, Indoor Environments, Radiation Protection)
Chapter 6, which provides information on a number of agency programs and issues that
cut across organization lines.
Chapter 7, which provides information on State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG),
including developments and changes in program emphasis and associated program
support.
An appendix on Ambient Air Monitoring and several other appendices
Important Clarifications
This document provides a general identification of the types of activities that are the
responsibility of HQ, Regions, and states/locals/tribes, and identifies certain specific activities
expected to be major tasks in FY 2013. Specific expectations and deliverables will be as
negotiated in grant agreements between Regions and states/locals/tribes. EPA does not expect
all states/locals to undertake all activities listed in this document, and there may be activities not
listed herein that will be appropriate in specific grant agreements.
The guidance is a guide and not a comprehensive compendium of activities and
requirementsother requirements exist through laws, regulations, court orders,
delegation agreements, etc. Additionally, Regions might have other or additional
priorities and business practices.
OAR recognizes that there will not be enough resources to do everything and that not all
programs and requirements apply in the same way everywhere. Regions can tailor work
expectations and resource allocation to meet localized circumstances, and work with
states/locals to do the same, as long as priority work continues. The highest priority work
is that related to meeting statutory, regulatory, and court-ordered requirements, followed
by work that remains to address existing issues, followed by voluntary actions. If there
are not adequate resources to carry out all of the necessary work, Regions will work with
states/local/s/tribes to prioritize activities and agree on the level of effort for each relative
to its environmental benefit.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
OAR recognizes that things may change during the course of a year due to court
decisions, state or federal legislative action, or other events.
Some activities in this guidance might not apply in FY 2013 but apply to years beyond
FY 2013. These "out-year" activities are included to inform states/locals/tribes of
upcoming activities so they may prepare if desired or applicable. States/locals/tribes
should work closely with the Regions to determine which activities apply in FY 2013.
3. State/EPAWorkgroup on Prioritization.
A small workgroup of representatives from EPA, several state/local agencies, the
Environmental Council of States (ECOS), and the National Association of Clean Air Agencies
(NACAA) met over the summer and fall of 2011 on the topic of better aligning air program
priorities and expectations with resources. After the group agreed on a set of guiding principles,
the state/local representatives identified 10 pressing programmatic concerns. EPA is working to
address these concerns, by itself and with existing state/EPA workgroups, and regularly
discusses status with state/local agencies. EPA intends this document to reflect those priorities.
To aid in locating them in this document, they are notated as "(on of the 10)."
The state/local representatives also commented that OAR's guidance needed to be clearer as
to priorities and expectations, and less cumbersome to read. In response, we have:
Compiled, in one list, the "expectations for state/local agencies" listed in the Outdoor Air
Quality chapter. This quick look list is Appendix B.
In the Outdoor Air Quality chapter, grouped the activities of HQ, Regions, and
states/locals together rather than several pages apart.
Added the Important Clarifications under heading 2 above.
Eliminated about 20 pages of text from the main document through combination of
formatting and stylistic changes and by removing text deemed unnecessary or redundant.
4. Priorities for OAR and Regions in FY 2013
Outdoor Air. Develop, adopt, implement, and assist states/locals/tribes with implementing
standards and monitoring requirements to achieve the public health protections of the Clean Air
Act, including the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, and
major sector-based air toxics and criteria pollutant standards for utilities, boilers, polymer and
resin production, and refineries.
GHGs. Implement the GHG Reporting Program, and work with states/locals/tribes to build their
capacity to implement the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V programs
for GHGs. Promote and expand awareness and encourage participation in non-regulatory GHG
reduction programs and activities. The CAA requires EPA to set New Source Performance
Standards (NSPS) for industrial categories that cause, or significantly contribute to, air pollution
that may endanger public health or welfare. In 2013, EPA will continue work to develop NSPS
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
for sources of GHGs for refineries and power plants. CAA §111 requires EPA, at least every
eight years, to review and, if appropriate, revise NSPS for each source category for which such
standards are established under §11 l(b). Concurrently with this ongoing review for listed source
categories, the EPA will perform analyses and make determinations to address whether
regulation of GHG emissions from such listed source categories is warranted. Using emission
inventory data, EPA will determine feasible emission control within a reasonable timeframe and
where significant emission reductions could be achieved cost-effectively. The regulatory
development will include developing emission estimates, evaluating costs of control, and to the
extent possible, quantifying economic, environmental, and energy impacts.
Mobile Sources. Adopt and implement standards to address fuel economy, GHG emissions, and
criteria pollutants from mobile sources. Implement the renewable fuel standard program,
manage prior years' clean diesel grants and loans and award FY 2013 funding, assist with and
comment on conformity determinations, process adequacy findings, and assist Regions on
conformity-related SIP revisions.
Air Toxics. In addition to national rules, delegate and assist co-regulators with §111, §112, and
§129 standards; increase emphasis on implementing programs and activities that contribute to
reducing exposure to air toxics in areas that are experiencing disproportionate impacts. Support
the ongoing OAR/Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) effort to reduce
toxic air pollution through standards, permitting, compliance monitoring and assistance
activities, and enforcement, especially in communities that are disproportionately affected by
pollution.
Air Pollution Permits. Provide oversight of state permitting activities, issue new source review
(NSR) and Part 71 operating permits in Indian Country and on the Outer Continental Shelf in
some states, permit unaddressed pollution sources, and complete permit renewals. Improve
public involvement opportunities in the permitting process, including promoting the use of the
Enhanced Public Participation Guidance (currently in development) by facilities applying for air
permits to further the goal of enhancing the ability of overburdened communities to participate
fully and meaningfully in the permitting process of Plan EJ 2014. OAR will track whether the
guidance was used in Title V, PSD, non-attainment major NSR, and minor NSR permits issued
by EPA and consult with Regions and states/locals/tribes to gather lessons learned. EPA will
also engage in outreach related to rulemaking activities, including permitting, that have EJ
issues. This outreach includes summarizing EJ issues, developing plain language materials,
conducting webinars, assisting with community meetings, and other outreach as needed.
Indoor Environments. Improve indoor air quality and increase the number of people breathing
healthier indoor air by working with states/locals/tribes, and other stakeholders to build
community capacity to reduce harmful exposures, including to asthma triggers and radon, in
homes, schools, offices, and other indoor spaces.
Radiation. Maintain readiness to respond to radiological emergencies by participating in
national and regional exercises and training, enhancing the national environmental monitoring
system (RadNet), and improving the quality of lab services. Revise older regulations and
guidance to reflect scientific and technological advances.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
5. Implementation Strategies. EPA's tools to facilitate CAA implementation include statutory
and regulatory activities, market-based program activities, partnership and community-based
activities, and activities related to developing or implementing innovative approaches. EPA
works with co-implementers to assemble the mix of strategies and activities most appropriate for
their circumstances and prevailing environmental issues while also addressing base program
requirements. These strategies and activities are discussed in chapters 2-6t. The Regions work
closely with states/locals/tribes to identify opportunities for enhanced work sharing, resource
flexibility, and phased implementation of program requirements. For example, Performance
Partnership Grants and Performance Partnership Agreements are two examples of the tools
available to address workload issues.
6. Performance Measures. OAR and the Regions have collaborated to develop and agree on
the performance measures in Appendix A. These were determined through discussions among
HQ and regional program experts and managers. OAR plans to seek additional comment on how
better to express the annual grant-related performance of states/local/tribes.
7. Tracking Progress. Progress is tracked through monitoring, data reporting, and information
systems used by OAR, Regions, and states/locals/tribes, and through EPA's performance
measure database. We also track and discuss program progress via conference calls, face-to-face
meetings, the exchange of written information, and workplans and grant reporting activities.
8. Points of Contact for Questions or More Information.
Criteria Pollutants, Air Toxics, Multi-pollutant Planning, and Regional Haze: Jeff Whitlow,
phone 919-541-5523, email whitlow.j eff@epa.gov
Trading Programs: Doris Price, phone 202-343-9067, email price.doris@epa.gov or Larry
Kertcher, phone 202-343-9121, email kertcher.larry@epa.gov
Mobile Sources: Courtney McCubbin, phone 202-564-2436, email mccubin.courtney@epa.gov
State/Local Air Grants: Bill Houck, phone 202-564-1349, email houck.william@epa.gov unless
a specific contact is named in the guidance document.
Tribal: Barrel Harmon, phone 202-564-7416, email harmon.darrel@epa.gov
Indoor Environments: David Rowson, phone 202-343-9449, email rowson.david@epa.gov
Radiation: Jonathan Edwards, phone 202-343-9437, email edwards.jonathan@epa.gov
Stratospheric Ozone: Kristinn Vazquez, phone 202-343-9062, email vazquez.kristinn@epa.gov
Climate Change: GHG reporting rule: Anhar Karimjee, phone 202-343-9260, email
karimjee.anhar@epa.gov. ENERGY STAR and related programs: Karen Schneider, 202-343-
9752, email schneider@epa.gov. Mobile source programs: Courtney McCubbin as listed above.
General Questions: Mike Hadrick, phone 202-564-7414, email hadrick.michael@epa.gov
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Chapter 1 - Outdoor Air Quality
EPA's strategy for improving outdoor air combines national, regional, and local measures,
reflecting the different roles of the EPA and co-regulators. States are primarily responsible for
maintaining and improving air quality and meeting national ambient air quality standards
(NAAQS) established by EPA. State air quality programs are responsible for: developing
emission inventories; operating and maintaining air monitoring networks; implementing
construction and operating permit programs for major and minor sources of criteria pollutants,
toxics, and other regulated air pollutants; performing air quality modeling; developing State
Implementation Plans (SIPs) that lay out control strategies for improving air quality and meeting
NAAQS; conducting compliance and enforcement activities; and, engaging in public education
activities.
EPA assists states/locals/tribes by providing 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/local/tribe can solve on its ownmakes a major contribution to air pollution problems. To
address this issue, EPA requires control of upwind sources that contribute to downwind problems
in other states. EPA is also working to coordinate regional air planning with regional planning
organizations and states/locals/tribes.
EPA has authority and a responsibility to protect air quality in Indian country, but tribes may
choose to develop and implement their own air quality programs. In collaboration with EPA,
tribes and some states are working to fill the gap in air quality data/information on tribal lands,
build tribal capacity to administer air programs in Indian country, and establish mechanisms to
work with tribal governments on regulatory development and regional and national policy issues.
CRITERIA POLLUTANTS, REGIONAL HAZE, TITLE V, NSR, and AMBIENT
MONITORING
Summary of Activities
In FY 2013, we will focus on implementing the revised lead, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur
dioxide (SO2) NAAQS, the current PM, and ozone NAAQS. This includes the 1997 PM2.5
NAAQS, the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the 1-hour ozone NAAQS (through anti-backsliding
requirements), the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS, and the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA plans
to revise the PM NAAQS and propose the results of the review of the ozone NAAQS in FY
2013. EPA will work to increase opportunities for greater collaboration with states/locals/tribes
and other federal agencies in addressing air quality problems with continued emphasis on
innovative strategies to improve air quality. EPA will provide technical assistance on emission
reduction measures for PM2.5 and ozone nonattainment areas. We will also focus on
implementing the lead NAAQS in the 16 areas recently designated as non-attainment for lead.
We will also focus on adopting and implementing standards that eliminate redundant policies
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
and rules and emission control systems to ensure that regulations are beneficial without being
unnecessarily burdensome to business.
Clean air allowance 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. Operating programs in FY 2013 will include either
the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) program (which is intended to replace the Clean Air
Interstate Rule (CAIR) program) or the CAIR program for multi-state control of transported
ozone and PM2.5 pollution in addition to the national Acid Rain SC>2 and NOx emission reduction
programs authorized under Title IV of the 1990 CAA Amendments. There is a fuller discussion
in the section on Allowance Trading Programs beginning on p. 16.
We will work with states/locals/tribes to implement transportation conformity regulations and
to ensure the technical integrity of mobile source controls in SIPs. We will also assist
states/locals/tribes in creating 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 also work with states/locals/tribes to implement an integrated ambient monitoring
strategy which maximizes resource efficiency by deploying coordinated monitoring networks
(i.e. combining platforms where feasible) toward current data collection needs for ozone, PM,
SO2, NO2, lead, regional haze, and air toxics. We are committed to working closely with the
individual state/local agencies and NACAA to review finalized and proposed monitoring
revisions to identify opportunities to reduce burden while preserving key monitoring objectives,
such as NAAQS compliance. This commitment, affirmed as part of the EPA/State priorities
workgroup discussions, led to an effort by EPA to reach out to states/locals through meetings of
multi-jurisdictional organizations to discuss these monitoring issues and related concerns.
Additionally, key EPA monitoring staff, first-line managers, and Regional Air Directors received
briefings to ensure a complete understanding of revised monitoring requirements as well as
recommendations for handling state/local requests for monitor discontinuation. EPA will
continue to advocate for the use of §103 funds for the development of new monitoring networks
and other unique monitoring approaches. We encourage state/local agencies to work with the
Regions to implement the recommendations from the recent network assessments completed in
2010 so that scarce resources are available for the highest priority problems affecting our large
and small communities.
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 greater 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; 4) provide direction on the
proper application of emissions factors consistent with non-inventory program goals including
clearer guidance and direction on use of more direct quantification tools (e.g., emissions
monitoring) in lieu of emissions factors; and 5) consider environmental justice (EJ) in
prioritizing the development of factors.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
We will continue to develop regulations to reduce emissions of toxics and other pollutants
from stationary sources. These include control technology-based standards for major sources
and area sources, standards of performance and emissions guidelines for waste combustion
sources, residual risk standards, New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and others.
NAAOS - HO Activities
Guidance
1. Provide guidance for SO2 NAAQS and infrastructure SIP implementation, (one of the
10)
2. Develop designations and infrastructure SIP guidance for any revised PM NAAQS.
3. Issue final implementation rules and guidance for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
4. Finalize revised guidance on implementing the Exceptional Events Rule, (one of the 10)
5. Work with Federal Land Managers and states/locals/tribes to finalize the EPA Policy to
Address Air Quality Impacts from Prescribed Burns, (one of the 10)
Designations
1. Complete initial area designations for the 2010 862 NAAQS.
Other
1. Finalize CAFO emissions estimation methodologies and provide guidance on how to
apply them.
2. Conduct outreach and education on CAFO air emission issues.
3. Support the Emissions Inventory System (EIS) and build the 2011 Inventory.
4. Work with states/locals/tribes on the Ozone Advance programa collaborative effort to
encourage ozone attainment areas nationwide to reduce ozone-related emissions
expeditiously so they can continue to meet the ozone NAAQS.
5. Engage states/locals/tribes in guidance and regulation development processes.
6. Work with states/locals to recognize and address EJ issues in SIPs.
7. Promulgate NSPS for New Residential Wood Heaters, (one of the 10)
8. Develop tools and guidance for communities for minority, low-income and indigenous
communities to build capacity to engage in air quality programs, including permitting
programs, in a meaningful way.
9. Continue working with the states to further streamline the SIP process, (one of the 10).
NAAOS - Regional Office Activities
Designations
1. Assist states with developing state designation recommendations for a potentially revised
PM NAAQS.
SIPs
1. Assist states in developing attainment demonstration SIPs for the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS,
2008 lead NAAQS, and 2010 SO2 NAAQS, and approve these SIPs as expeditiously as
possible.
2. Work with states to develop infrastructure SIPs for the ozone, NO2 and SO2 NAAQS, and
a potentially revised PM NAAQS.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
3. Assist states that wish to develop SIP revisions to remove state rules requiring Stage II
gasoline vapor recovery programs, (one of the 10)
4. Process, review and publish for public review and comment new and previously
submitted SIP revisions.
Other
1. Take final rulemaking actions on any remaining 1997 PM2.5 and 1997 8-hr ozone
NAAQS SIP submittals.
2. Take final rulemaking action within 18 months of receipt of any redesignation request.
3. Issue attainment determination actions and clean air data findings for the 1997 and 2008
8-hour ozone nonattainment areas, and the 1997 PM2.5 and 2006 PM2.5 nonattainment
areas.
4. Assist states/locals/tribes in developing and implementing local ozone reductions
programs to help maintain attainment of the 2008 8-hr ozone NAAQS and to bring new
violating areas into compliance with the NAAQS.
5. Assist state/local agencies in conducting air quality reporting and forecasting.
6. Conduct outreach and education on CAFO air emission issues.
7. Support the EIS and build the 2011 Inventory.
8. Assist states/locals/tribes in implementing strategies for controlling emissions from wood
smoke where it is a primary contribution to air quality problems, including wood-burning
appliance changeouts/retrofits and Burn Wise education campaigns.
9. Work with states/locals/tribes on the Ozone Advance programa collaborative effort to
encourage ozone attainment areas nationwide to reduce ozone emissions expeditiously so
they can continue to meet the ozone NAAQS.
10. Engage states/locals/tribes in guidance and regulation development processes.
11. Assist with outreach and capacity building for minority, low-income, and indigenous
communities to improve understanding of and engagement in regulatory and permitting
processes.
12. Work with states to recognize and address EJ issues in SIPs.
NAAQS - Expected State/Local Agency Activities
SIPs
1. Submit 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS attainment demonstration SIPs by December 2012.
2. Develop and submit 2010 NO2 and SO2 NAAQS infrastructure SIPs in 2013.
3. States with active Stage II gasoline vapor recovery programs that want to remove the
state rules submit SIP revisions.
4. Develop and submit infrastructure SIPs for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
5. Convert, where desired, CSAPR FIP into a SIP.
6. Submit 2008 Lead NAAQS attainment demonstration SIPs by June 2013 for areas that
were designated as nonattainment in the second round.
Designations
1. Submit recommendations for area designations for a potentially revised PM NAAQS.
Other
1. Conduct public notification and education efforts, including reporting air quality
forecasts and current conditions for ozone and particle pollution.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 10
-------
2. Implement strategies for controlling emissions from wood smoke where it is a primary
contribution to air quality problems, including wood-burning appliance
changeouts/retrofits and Burn Wise education campaigns.
3. Submit redesignation requests including maintenance plans for areas with clean data.
4. For areas designated in the first round as nonattainment for the 2008 Lead NAAQS,
implement strategies to attain the 2008 Pb NAAQS
5. Implement strategies to attain the 2008 lead NAAQS.
6. Develop attainment demonstrations for SC>2 nonattainment areas and conduct other SC>2
air quality planning in accordance with EPA guidance.
Regional Haze - HO Activities
1. Provide national guidance and coordinate with Regions for consistency in regional haze
determinations.
2. Coordinate with Federal Land Managers on regional haze issues.
Regional Haze - Regional Office Activities
1. Process SIP revisions to ensure that final rulemaking actions on regional haze SIPs are
consistent with CAA requirements and legal deadlines.
2. Complete remaining FIPs needed to fulfill statutory obligations, and implement the FIPs.
3. Assist states with developing interim progress report SIPs due 5 years after the submittal
of the initial Regional Haze SIP as required under 51.308(g).
Regional Haze - Expected State/Local Agency Activities
1. Work on remaining issues related to submitted regional haze SIPs.
2. Implement BART requirements.
3. Submit interim progress report SIP due 5 years after the submittal of the initial Regional
Haze SIP as required under 51.308(g) for applicable states.
Title V and NSR/PSD - HO Activities
1. Maintain Title V Operating Permits (TOPS) database.
2. Issue final orders on Title V citizen petitions.
3. Develop general minor source permits for Indian country.
4. Incorporate EJ considerations into permitting guidance, including meaningful public
involvement.
5. Provide training and technical guidance to Regions and states/locals.
6. Based on discussions with states/locals at the March 2012 EPA Modeling Conference,
EPA will consider reviewing 40 CFR 51 Appendix W. As part of its commitment to the
State/EPA workgroup on prioritization, EPA will continue discussions about guidance
and regulatory needs, (one of the 10)
7. Clarify transitional requirements for PSD permitting in upcoming NAAQS rules (such as
for the upcoming PM NAAQS review), and supplement, as necessary, the PSD/NSR
requirements in the NAAQS implementation rules, (one of the 10)
Title V and NSR/PSD - Regional Office Activities
1. Review proposed initial, significant modifications and renewal operating permits, as
necessary, to ensure consistent implementation of the Title V program.
2. Report active Title V permits, and update applicable TOPS data.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 11
-------
3. Evaluate Title V permit programs. Work on Title V program evaluations pursuant to
March 2002 Inspector General (IG) report. Each Region is expected to perform at least
one Title V program evaluation for programs with at least 20 permits pursuant to
February 2005 IG report and set target to issue evaluation report within the fiscal year.
4. Issue PSD, Major NSR, Synthetic Minor, and Part 71 permits in Indian country.
5. Review major NSR/PSD permits for new and modified sources to ensure consistent
implementation of the NSR program.
6. Develop general minor source permits for Indian country.
7. Implement greenhouse gas (GHG) PSD FIPs.
8. Incorporate EJ considerations into permits issued by Regions, including meaningful
public involvement.
9. Assist states/locals in developing the technical capacity to address GHG emissions in the
permitting of large sources.
10. Provide training and technical guidance and support to permitting authorities and the
public.
11. Support efforts to build capacity of communities to engage in permit process.
12. Assist permitting authorities with interpreting and implementing NSR regulatory
provisions.
13. EPA will recognize the primacy of SIP-approved PSD permitting programs. The Agency
will provide adequate oversight and guidance to ensure a level playing field as
states/locals make the various required permitting decisions.
Title V and NSR/PSD - Expected State/Local Agency Activities
1. Provide timeliness data on new Title V permits and significant permit modifications to
EPA for entry into TOPS.
2. Issue initial permits, significant modifications, and renewal Title V permits and reduce
backlog of renewal permits.
3. Participate with EPA in Title V permit program evaluations, set targets to respond to
EPA's evaluation report and implement recommendations.
4. Issue 78% of major NSR permits within one year of receiving a complete permit
application.
5. Issue NSR permits consistent with CAA requirements and enter BACT/LAER
determinations in the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC).
6. 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.
Ambient Monitoring for Criteria Pollutants HO Activities
1. Provide technical monitoring support and training for revised NAAQS and NAAQS
reviews.
2. Manage the national contracts for filter purchases, and the national contracts for
laboratory analysis of filters for speciation and analysis of filters for lead total suspended
particles (TSP) and low volume PMio, including providing data for review by
state/local/tribal agencies and submitting data to AQS.
3. Publish National report on precision and bias performance by September 30, 2012.
4. Publish national report on 2012 Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) and National
Performance Audit Program (NPAP) findings within two months of each audit and
overall by July 1,2013.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 12
-------
5. 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).
6. Establish national contract for implementing NCore monitoring network for those areas
needing additional assistance.
Ambient Monitoring for Criteria Pollutants Regional Office Activities
1. Identify and resolve completeness and timeliness issues with regard to data submission
by monitoring agencies.
2. Evaluate submitters' annual data certification requests and documentation and forward to
HQ when adequate.
3. 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.
4. Manage contracts for independent performance audits of state/local monitor networks
(PEP and NPAP) for states/locals choosing that approach to independent audits.
5. Ensure that state/local/tribal monitoring networks for NAAQS, NCore, PM2 5 speciation,
and PAMS meet applicable regulations and/or guidance and coordinate with HQ as
necessary, (one of the 10)
6. Review and act on requests for changes in state/local monitoring plans within 120 days.
7. Perform Technical Systems Audits on % of reporting organizations, or as required to
achieve an audit of each agency within a 3-year period.
8. Support state/local/tribal implementation of lead and rural ozone monitors.
9. Transfer STAG funds to OAQPS for any additional state/local/tribal EVIPROVE-protocol
sites requested by states/locals/tribes by March 2013 for monitoring to begin/continue in
July 2013.
Ambient Monitoring for Criteria Pollutants - Expected State/Local Agency Activities
1. Submit 2014 annual network plan required by 40 CFR §58.10, by July 1, 2013, unless
another schedule has been approved.
2. Install and begin operation of near-road NO2 monitors for those states/locals covered by
phase one by January 1, 2013.
3. Convert airport study lead monitors from special purpose monitors to required SLAMS
for any monitors that recorded design values exceeding 50% of the lead NAAQS.
4. Operate monitors for other NAAQS pollutants, NCore, PM2.5 speciation, and PAMS
according to 40 CFR Part 58, approved monitoring plans, and/or grant agreements
including QMPs and QAPPs.
5. Submit NAAQS pollutant data, PAMS, NCore, and QA data to AQS according to
schedule in 40 CFR Part 58.
6. Certify 2012 NAAQS pollutant data in AQS and provide supporting documentation by
May 1, 2013, including exceptional event flags.
7. Ensure adequate independent QA audits of NAAQS monitors including PEP and NPAP
or equivalent.
8. Conduct monthly QA checks for flow rates of PM2.s speciation monitors and submit data
quarterly to AQS. Target is for 75% completeness.
9. Report real time ozone and PM2.s data to AirNOW for cities required to report the AQI.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 13
-------
AIR TOXICS and AIR TOXICS MONITORING
To reduce the public's exposure to air toxics, EPA develops and issues federal standards for
major stationary sources and area sources, and conducts national, regional, and community-based
efforts to reduce risks from air toxics. EPA develops and refines tools, training, handbooks, and
information to assist partners in characterizing risks from air toxics, and works with them to
implement federal air toxics rules and on strategies for making local decisions to reduce those
risks. EPA will work with states/locals/tribes to continue to operate the national toxics
monitoring network with a particular focus on community-scale assessments, and will compile
and analyze information from local assessments to better characterize risk and assess priorities.
Air Toxics Implementation HO Activities
1. Support the EIS and build the 2011 National Emissions Inventory.
2. Develop the 2008 NATA/NAPA assessment, as resources permit.
3. Work with Regions/states/locals/tribes to develop and implement community-based air
toxics programs that address outdoor, indoor, and mobile sources, including areas near
schools and areas with potential EJ concerns. This includes efforts that support the
Urban Air Toxics Strategy, and the OAR-OECA toxics effort.
4. Develop enhanced public outreach and involvement activities both before and after rule
proposal to promote meaningful involvement of EJ communities.
5. Work with Regions/states/locals/tribes 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 including residential
woodsmoke.
6. Assist states/locals/tribes in conducting data analysis and assessment for all air quality
management implications.
7. Work with states/locals/tribes to develop and implement area source programs.
8. Revise/amend §111, 11 l(d), 112 and 129 rules and associated Federal Plans. Visit
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/eparules.html for a list of rules under development.
9. Develop tools and guidance for minority, low-income and indigenous communities to
build capacity to engage in air toxics programs in a meaningful way.
10. Develop baselines for measuring air quality in areas with potential EJ concerns.
11. Oversee and approve qualification of Phase 2 for outdoor hydronic heaters.
12. Implement partnership programs for biomass-fueled appliances, e.g., hydronic heaters,
fireplaces including evaluation of retrofits for existing fireplaces.
Air Toxics Implementation Regional Office Activities
1. Delegate and and assist states/locals/tribes with for §111, 112, and 129 standards.
2. Implement §111, 112 and 129 standards, including Federal 11 l(d)/129 plans, in areas
where states/locals/tribes do not.
3. Support the EIS and build the 2011 National Emissions Inventory.
4. Assist state, tribal, and local governments in conducting data analysis and assessment for
all air quality management implications.
Air Toxics Implementation - Expected State/Local Agency Activities
1. Quality assure, validate, and revise NEI data using EIS.
2. Submit data for the integrated 2011 emissions inventory.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 14
-------
3. Develop and implement delegated or approved air toxic standards, as appropriate, for
major sources and area sources.
4. Implement delegated residual risk standards.
5. As resources allow, work with communities to develop and implement voluntary air
toxics programs that address outdoor, indoor, and mobile sources with emphasis on areas
with potential EJ concerns.
Ambient Monitoring for Toxics HO Activities
1. 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 means for optional
participation in Proficiency Testing and Technical System Audits by labs that are not
direct NATTS participants. (Cost would be borne by the approved state/local lab.)
2. Monitor NATTS data submissions for completeness and timeliness.
3. Conduct a grant competition for community-scale air toxics ambient monitoring projects.
4. Award the community-scale air toxics ambient monitoring grants.
5. Manage national contract for NATTS lab analysis.
6. Provide national/regional-scale analysis of currently available air toxics data by
September 2013, with conclusions relevant to air quality management and to establishing
future goals for the NATTS program and other monitoring initiatives.
7. Develop guidance for grants to ensure that data meet risk screening, risk characterization,
and risk assessment requirements where appropriate given study objectives that were
material in selecting the project for funding.
8. Provide tools and guidance for analyzing local air toxics data.
9. Review Technical Assistance Document and update, if appropriate.
Ambient Monitoring for Toxics Regional Office Activities
1. Ensure NATTS sites, including study sites, are operating according to EPA's technical
guidance and the QAPP and QMP.
2. Track status and coordinate needed follow-up actions between OAQPS and
states/tribes/locals in support of the NATTS QA program (e.g., TSA and PT activities).
3. Identify and resolve completeness and timeliness issues with regard to quarterly data
submission by monitoring agencies.
4. Ensure NATTS work plans are consistent with HQ template guidance.
5. Ensure NATTS QAPP is adequate to provide quality data for submission to AQS.
6. Participate in at least 50% of NATTS TSA lab and field site audits.
7. Review QA programs for community-scale air toxics projects.
8. Assess and review air toxics networks and assist states/tribes/locals with siting, installing,
and operating new and upgraded monitoring equipment.
Ambient Monitoring for Toxics - Expected State/Local Agency Activities
1. Operate NATTS sites, including study sites, according to EPA's technical guidance and
the QAPP and QMP.
2. Participate in inter-laboratory Proficiency Testing and Technical System Audit programs
according to national guidance and the approved QAPP and QMP.
3. 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.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 15
-------
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.
Conduct federally-funded community assessment projects consistent with grant terms
(including schedule), technical guidance, and applicable quality-assurance project plans
(QAPPs) and quality management plans (QMPs).
ALLOWANCE TRADING PROGRAMS
Clean air allowance trading programs help implement the NAAQS and reduce acid
deposition, toxics deposition, and regional haze. Pollutants include SC>2, NOx, and, as a co-
benefit of SC>2 emission reductions, mercury. Operating programs in FY 2013 will include either
the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) program (which is intended to replace the Clean Air
Interstate Rule (CAIR) program)1 or the CAIR program for multi-state control of transported
ozone and PM2.5 pollution in addition to the national Acid Rain SO2 and NOx emission reduction
programs authorized under Title IV of the 1990 CAA Amendments. EPA proposed CSAPR in
August 2010 as the "Transport Rule"2 and it is referred to by that name in the FY 2012 National
Program Guidance. On July 6, 2011, EPA finalized CSAPR (Federal Implementation Plans to
Reduce Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone in 27 States; Correction of SIP
Approvals for 22 States).3 The CSAPR is designed to control the significant contributions of
power plant emissions of SO2 and NOx to downwind nonattainment or interference with
maintenance of the 1997 ozone NAAQS and/or the 1997 annual and 2006 24-hour PM2.5
NAAQS in other states. The rule is intended to replace and strengthen the 2005 CAIR, which
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered EPA to revise in 2008. The Court
allowed CAIR to remain in place and program implementation to continue until it is replaced
with a rule consistent with the Court's opinion.
On December 30, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued a ruling to stay
CSAPR, and leave CAIR in place, while the Court reviews challenges to the CSAPR on its
merits. The Court's decision is not a decision on the merits of the rule and EPA believes the
CSAPR is legally sound and will continue defending it vigorously. EPA will continue
implementation of CAIR annual (PM^.s) and seasonal (ozone) programs, and operating CAIR
allowance trading programs, until instructed otherwise by the Court.
Our strategy to promote more flexible and cost-effective pollution control and achievement of
environmental objectives includes the use of rules with associated allowance trading programs,
assessment and program accountability, and program support to co-implementers.
1 The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered EPA in 2008 to revise the 2005 CAIR, but allowed CAIR to "remain in
effect until it is replaced by a rule consistent with the Court's [July 11,2008] opinion" so as to preserve CAIR's environmental
benefits . Reference: U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, No. 05-1244,
page 3 (decided December 23, 2008).
2 Federal Implementation Plans to Reduce Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone, 75 FR 45210 (August 2,
2011).
3 Please visit http://www.epa.gov/crossstaterule for additional information on the CSAPR. Power plants in 28 states are affected
by one or more of the FIPs and air quality assured allowance trading programs in the CSAPR.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 16
-------
Allowance Trading Programs
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and/or Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR): To
assure that ongoing NOx and SC>2 emissions reductions from power plants in the eastern
half of the U.S. are maintained, EPA will implement either the CSAPR and/or the CAIR
program for interstate control of transported ozone and PIVb.s pollution, depending on
instruction from the Court and the timing of the Court's decision on its judicial review of
the CSAPR.
Existing Programs: Implement, operate, and assess existing allowance trading programs,
including the programs established under CAIR and/or CSAPR.
Program Accountability
EPA will maintain an integrated assessment program that includes enhanced ambient and
deposition monitoring, surface water monitoring and chemistry analysis, efficiency measures,
and indicators to track health and environmental benefits, as called for in state of science reports
by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)4 and the Heinz Center for Science, Economics, and
the Environment.5 The Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) is a long-term air
quality monitoring network established in 1987 that serves as the nation's primary source for
atmospheric data used to assess trends in the dry deposition component of acid deposition, rural
ground-level ozone, and other forms of particulate and gaseous air pollution. Surface water
chemistry is a direct indicator of the effects of acid deposition and enables assessment of how
water bodies and aquatic ecosystems are responding to reductions in sulfur and nitrogen
emissions (as well as to climate change and other terrestrial factors). Two EPA-administered
programs, the Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems (TIME) program and the Long-
Term Monitoring (LTM) program, were designed to assess whether the 1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments have been effective in reducing the acidity of surface waters in sensitive areas.
EPA tracks, conducts compliance true-up procedures, and assesses program progress each
year, and publishes an annual report on program compliance and environmental results (see U.S
EPA, Clean Air Interstate Rule, Acid Rain Program, and Former NOx Budget Trading Program
2010 Progress Reports, August 2011, at
http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/progress/ARPCAIR10.html). EPA produces the annual progress
report as a series of web-based publications: (1) Emission, Compliance, and Market Analyses;
(2) Environmental Results; and (3) Highlights. The Environmental Results segment contains
measures, trends, and interpretive analyses of environmental outcomes such as improvements in
ground-level ozone and acid deposition, reductions in ambient sulfate and total ambient nitrate
concentrations, and decrease in areas with significant damage to ozone-sensitive tree species
based on CASTNET, TEVIE/LTM, and other monitoring network data.
4 National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies, Air Quality Management in the United States (The National
Academies Press: 2004). The report recommends that EPA's implementation of air quality regulations should place "more
emphasis on results than process and should be designed to protect ecosystems as well as people."
(http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php7record id= 10728)
The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment. Indicators of Ecological Effects of Air Quality.
(Washington, DC: 2009).
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 17
-------
Program Implementation
States that participate in the CAIR program contribute STAG resources to support this effort.
To maintain and implement the allowance trading program, EPA: 1) provides support in the
form of EPA FTE and contract resources to operate the centralized allowance trading and
emissions tracking systems utilized by the participating states, 2) determines compliance for
affected sources, and 3) assesses program results and environmental outcomes. Jurisdictions not
affected or not participating in the trading programs do not contribute their grant resources to
support them. During the 2010 ozone season, NOx emissions from the 3,309 units (3,106 EGUs
and 203 non-EGU industrial units) subject to the CAIR ozone program were 594,000 tons, a
drop of 27% below 2005 levels and 20% (99,000 tons) higher than in 2009. Despite this
increase, ozone season NOx emissions were 5% below the 2010 regional emission budget and all
sources were in compliance with the program.
EPA has continued to invest in software development activities that contain or lower program
operating costs 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 emissions with allowances; and performs other administrative and assessment
functions on behalf of the states through a national contract and associated program support. A
table of the FY 2013 funding allocations by Region and state is included in Chapter 7.
In FY 2013, EPA will assist states/locals in CSAPR and/or CAIR implementation, depending
on instruction from the Court and the timing of the Court's decision on its judicial review of the
CSAPR. EPA will focus especially on activities related to allowance trading, emissions
monitoring, and reconciliation of emissions and allowances at the end of the compliance period.
Federal Activities
1. HQ and Regions assist states/locals and sources with implementation.
2. HQ and Regions assist sources with monitor certifications and recertifications and
emissions monitoring and reporting.
3. HQ assists sources and other allowance account holders with allowance transfers and
recordation, and records state-promulgated allocations in 2013 and later unit accounts.
4. HQ reconciles emissions against allowances held in accounts, determines compliance,
and deducts penalty allowances for sources not in compliance.
5. HQ performs electronic and field audits of monitor certifications, Part 75 continuous
emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), and emissions reporting by sources. Part 75
CEMS field audits are performed in accordance with EPA 430-B-96-038.
6. HQ issues quarterly report listing the number of field audits performed by each state.
7. HQ develops and implements an operations plan that will assure supportability over the
next five years.
8. HQ assesses programs, tracks performance against baselines and objectives, and reports
emissions, compliance, market analyses, program performance, and environmental
results. For more information see http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/progress/index.html
Expected State/Local Agency Activities
1. Submit state-promulgated allocations decisions to EPA for incorporation into unit
accounts.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 18
-------
2. Assist sources with monitor certifications and recertifications, emissions monitoring and
reporting.
3. Perform electronic and field audits of monitor certifications, Part 75 continuous
emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), and emissions reporting by sources. Perform
Part 75 CEMS field audits in accordance with EPA 430-B-96-038. Provide electronic or
hard copy reports of the audits and any corrective actions needed to the EPA Regional
Office and HQ. EPA encourages states/locals to submit the Part 75 CEMS field audit
reports using the Field Audit Checking Tool (FACT) developed by EPA to simplify and
streamline the field audit process.
MOBILE SOURCE PROGRAMS
Mobile source programs include the development, implementation, and evaluation of
regulatory programs and partnership programs to reduce emissions from mobile sources and
fuels. Types of mobile sources addressed include: light-duty vehicles/engines (cars, light-duty
trucks, sport utility vehicles); heavy-duty vehicles/engines (buses, large trucks); nonroad
vehicles/engines (construction, farm equipment, locomotives, marine); and fuels (diesel,
gasoline, renewable). The mobile sources strategy has four elements:
Clean Vehicles: Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with emission standards for
cars, light-duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, buses, large trucks, and nonroad
vehicles/engines.
Clean Fuels: Implement the renewable fuels program and 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 growth in vehicle miles travelled.
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. Assess clean engine and fuel
technologies and conduct technology reviews to evaluate progress toward
implementation of new vehicle and engine standards.
HQ Activities
1. Promulgate and implement Tier 3 light-duty vehicle and fuel standards, (one of the 10)
2. Implement the GHG emission standards for light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles,
including technology reviews, and continue to test and verify/certify that engines meet
EPA emissions standards. This work supports EPA's priority goal of reducing GHG
emissions, which can be found at www.performance.gov.
3. Propose a second phase of heavy-duty GHG regulations that will incorporate a complete
vehicle approach and will bring a wider range of advanced technologies.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 19
-------
4. Update, as needed, federal guidance on low GHG-emitting vehicles for implementation
of Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) Section 141 federal vehicle purchase
requirements.
5. Promulgate annual renewable fuel standard; implement renewable fuel standard program.
6. Develop OBD requirements and in-use compliance testing program for nonroad engines.
7. Work with international organizations to develop GHG and criteria pollutant control
programs for ocean-going vessels and aviation.
8. Update MOVES (the mobile source emissions model).
9. Provide guidance for using updated versions of the MOVES model for SIP and
conformity purposes, as well as other purposes (like GHG estimates).
10. Provide guidance, training, and support for areas completing PM quantitative hot-spot
analyses and other project-level analyses.
11. Support states/locals with existing, transitioning, and/or new I/M programs by providing
interpretations of existing I/M rules, policies, and guidance.
12. Establish grace period to provide states/locals transition time before any new MOVES
model is required for regional conformity analyses.
13. Finalize and implement strategy for reducing diesel exhaust from the legacy fleet of
diesel engines through award of DERA funding and other incentives and program
activities, (one of the 10)
14. Evaluate and assess clean diesel technologies for the in-use legacy fleet, (one of the 10)
15. Develop, implement, and evaluate a new clean diesel rebate program as a component of
DERA. (one of the 10)
16. Work with multiple stakeholders, including industry, states/locals/tribes, other federal
agencies, and non-governmental organizations to implement strategies to reduce diesel
emissions and address supply chain issues with the legacy fleet.
Regional Office Activities
1. Assist states in preparing SIPs and in developing, implementing, and transitioning I/M,
OBD, and fuel programs.
2. Assist with and process conformity determinations and conformity SIPs.
3. Make adequacy determinations for identified mobile source budgets in control strategy
SIPs and maintenance plans submitted by states.
4. Work with states/locals to develop creditable mobile source programs.
5. Award 2013 DERA funding.
6. Continue to implement, with multiple stakeholders, collaborative programs that support
reducing mobile source emissions.
Expected State/Local Agency Activities
1. Implement mobile source control strategies (such as I/M programs and Transportation
Control Measures) on time and consistent with SIP commitments.
2. Implement grants effectively to accomplish needed reductions (e.g., DERA grants).
3. Work with transportation agencies as appropriate to update mobile SIP budgets in
response to changing needs such as updates to the mobile model MOVES or other
changes.
4. Update out-of-date conformity SIPs to allow states to use flexibilities in the recent rule.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 20
-------
TRIBAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The national Tribal Air Quality Management Program includes funding for tribal air pollution
control agencies and some tribal organizations, and providing training and support for tribes,
which typically have 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 to research and investigate the air quality and emissions sources
affecting lands within their jurisdiction. Through CAA §105 grants, tribes may develop and
implement programs to prevent and control air pollution or to implement national ambient air
quality standards, NSR and 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 CAA §301(d) and the Tribal Authority
Rule, as well as their inherent sovereign authority as Indian tribes.
EPA is committed to work with the tribes, our regulatory partners, to assist them in
understanding their air quality, completing air quality assessments, setting air quality goals, and
developing air quality management programs to meet those goals. EPA supports tribes 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. 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 better able to address their air quality concerns and enhance their
overall program development and participation through the National Tribal Air Association.
EPA is also committed to building tribal capacity 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 protections for human
health and the environment for federally-recognized tribes, and also to fully implement the May
2011 EPA Consultation Policy by including tribes in outreach and information sharing leading to
formal consultation on a government to government basis as appropriate and outlined in the
Policy and supporting guidance. These and other commitments, priorities, directions, and
planned achievements are addressed in the annual OAR Tribal Agenda. Prepared annually, the
Agenda discusses activities planned by each of OAR's four program offices for the year.
Grant Assistance to Tribes
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 factors that address
known air quality risks, tribal accomplishments and sovereign authority. Regional offices then
allocate funds to tribes based on factors appropriate to that Region. 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 provides funding to 60 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, 57 tribes have completed emissions inventories to help
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 21
-------
determine potential air quality and programmatic concerns for their tribe; some of these tribes
have updated their initial emission inventories regularly as appropriate for their needs. To
continue the effectiveness and relevancy of these tribal programs, OAR expects Regions and
tribes to jointly determine where monitoring or other air quality assessments including emissions
inventory development is necessary, while OAR provides technical assistance through the
TAMS Center and the American Indian Air Quality Training Program. Overall, 133 tribes
currently receive CAA funding support to develop and operate air quality management programs
to address their air quality concerns and participate in the national program.
EPA's strategy is to provide flexibility for tribes and Regions to address the many different
air quality situations on tribal lands on a case-by-case basis, rather than setting objectives 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 management program. Appendix B of this
document provides revised interim guidance to help tribal and Regional Office staff achieve
clarity on the objectives of monitoring efforts. Tribes are also encouraged (but not required) to
develop programs that address air pollution of concern to them. While tribes may be treated like
states for purposes of implementing CAA programs, they are not required to take delegation of
any particular program. EPA retains responsibility to implement the CAA in Indian country
where tribes have not taken delegation, and may develop a FIP to implement necessary actions.
Three tribes have approved TIPs and one additional tribe has delegation of the Part 71 program.
Another tribe is planning for Part 70 delegation in spring 2012. Tribes are encouraged to
develop programs that meet their needs and to participate in local, regional, and national
regulatory and policy planning and development.
Many tribes are very concerned about climate change. Many tribes are directly affected by
climate change and are generally less able to address it than states/locals. OAR will work with
tribes in developing any climate change policies and/or regulations.
Our strategy includes supporting tribal interest in air toxics via toxics monitoring, inventory
development, and other assessments. Tribes have increased 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 deposition 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 suffer disproportionately high exposures to these toxic
and persistent compounds.
We will also work with tribal governments to develop tribal capacity and expertise to directly
participate and represent tribal concerns in local, regional, and statewide efforts to understand
and address air quality concerns.
Finally, to enhance the visibility of the OAR Tribal Program and further integrate tribal issues
and concerns into EPA's daily programmatic activities, Regions should, where appropriate,
provide tribes with the funding assistance necessary for reasonable participation in regional and
national level conferences, meetings, and planning activities. For example, there are several
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 22
-------
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 grant workplans.
Tribes and tribal organizations, as regulatory partners, should also be invited and encouraged to
participate in regional advisory bodies and workgroups to assist EPA in developing and
implementing new regulations and policies wherever those actions may affect tribal governments
as well as states/locals.
Examples of the types of activities to be carried out by EPA, and activities that should or can be
undertaken by tribes are listed below. The listing is not comprehensive.
HQ and Regional Office Activities
1. Implement activities in 2012 OAR Tribal Agenda and develop 2013 OAR Tribal Agenda.
2. Consult with tribal leaders and governments on OAR actions that may affect them.
3. Use Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative Agreement (DITCA) authority to directly
implement federal responsibilities as appropriate.
4. Implement the Part 71, PSD, and tribal NSR rules.
5. Implement and enforce federal standards (NSPS, NESHAP, etc.).
6. Provide support for tribes on the TAS and TIP processes and act on TAS and TIP
submittals in a timely manner.
7. Continue preparations as appropriate to prepare for timely implementation of the NSR
rule(s) finalized in 2011.
8. Support tribes in taking delegation of CAA programs and program elements.
9. Identify areas requiring a FIP development and implementation process.
10. Provide grant and technical support to tribes for air quality management and assessment
activities.
11. Provide air quality outreach and training events to tribal staff.
12. Support tribal participation in local, regional, and national policy developments and
actions through the National Tribal Air Association.
13. Invite and provide grant resources and staff support for tribal organizations and tribes to
participate in regional and national level activities such as policy, rule or program
development, and implementation workgroups.
14. Provide support for tribes to be an active part in the SIP process, where state programs
may impact Indian country.
15. Support tribal capacity building with regard to understanding and addressing air toxics
issues impacting Indian country.
16. Provide training and support for tribes to understand, assess, and respond to indoor air
quality concerns.
17. Work with tribes to implement tribal, CAA, and voluntary emission control programs,
including retrofit programs for heavy-duty diesel engines and woodstove changeouts.
18. Support tribal participation in assessment and monitoring activities related to the
atmospheric deposition of mercury on tribal lands.
19. Distribute information to tribes by maintaining the Tribal Air website and the Tribal
Newsletter.
20. Support tribal efforts to understand, assess, and develop plans to mitigate and adapt to
climate change impacts.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 23
-------
21. Implement voluntary programs to integrate nontraditional planning (e.g., land use,
transportation, and energy) into air quality management.
22. Support OTS Tribal Database by regularly inputting appropriate data and ensuring tribal
activities are accurately reflected.
Tribal Activities
1. Provide air quality monitoring or assessment data to EPA and/or AQS.
2. Work with Regions to register minor sources for NSR permit planning.
3. Tribes with approved programs issue permits
4. Tribes determine their role in implementing NSR and participate in permitting, take
program delegation, or develop TIPs as appropriate.
5. Complete and submit emissions inventories to the EIS.
6. Participate in/attend regional and national meetings, conferences, and teleconferences on
rule and policy development, attend outreach events, and seek training and support to
build capability for effective participation.
7. Submit eligibility determinations under the TAR.
8. Submit TIPs to address air quality conditions for lands within the tribes' jurisdiction.
9. Assist in FIP development and implementation process.
10. Participate in and support the NTAA.
11. Conduct outreach to tribes on indoor and outdoor air toxics issues.
12. Participate in training and technical support activities conducted as part of the AIAQTP,
including attending workshop training both as students and instructors and assisting tribes
in learning from each other. Participate in training on voluntary programs to address air
quality concerns.
13. Implement voluntary emission control retrofit programs for existing heavy-duty diesel
engines and wood stove and hydronic heater changeout campaigns.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 24
-------
Chapter 2 - Climate Protection Programs
This section includes information on OAR's voluntary public-private partnership programs
such as ENERGY STAR, SmartWay, and others, and the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.
HQ-REGIONAL INTERACTION
As part of ongoing HQ-Regional Offices communications and coordination, OAR and its
program offices, including the Office of Atmospheric Programs (OAP), Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards (OAQPS), and Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ), will
regularly share talking points, presentations, and other outreach materials with the Regional
Offices on climate change science, public health impacts, policy, and other program
developments. These materials will be provided through frequent e-mail updates, weekly
communications calls with OAR, Regional air division communications contacts, and the
monthly climate sub-lead calls. OAP and the Regional Offices will also work together to
develop a climate change microsite.
GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING PROGRAM
In September 2009, EPA issued the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule which
requires reporting GHG data and other relevant information from large sources and suppliers in
the U.S. The first reports were submitted to EPA in 2011 for the calendar year 2010 for most
sources. An additional 12 sources will report for the first time in 2012. See
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html.
HQ Activities
1. Continue a comprehensive outreach and training effort with covered facilities, including the
identification of facilities that are likely to meet the applicability thresholds.
2. Maintain and update the electronic reporting system in preparation for reporting in March
2013.
3. Carry out a comprehensive QA/QC and verification program on the data reported in March
2013.
4. Publish data collected in March 2013 in a timely manner. This involves updating the data
publication website with the latest annual data as well as enhancing the tool with additional
analytical features.
5. Finalize the last in a series of regulatory actions that are determining which data reporting
elements will be determined to be confidential and which will be made available to the
public. EPA will determine whether public release of inputs to the equations used to
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 25
-------
calculate GHG emissions could result in competitive harm and, if so, alternative approaches
to collecting and/or verifying emissions.
6. Provide support to the Regions in identifying reporting facilities, and in outreach to facilities
that are priorities within specific Regions.
Regional Office Activities
1. Assist HQ in identifying new reporters that may be applicable to the GHG Reporting
Program, and continue to provide compliance assistance to these reporters. Although no new
sectors will be reporting in FY 2013, EPA expects that new reporters will be required to
report in FY 2013 as output levels change at facilities from year to year.
2. Continue to support outreach to reporters on the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.
Participate in EPA-sponsored training sessions and present on the GHG Reporting Program
in other meetings, conferences, etc., in order to reach important targeted audiences (e.g.,
industry associations, multi-state meetings, GHG conferences). Since different industries
may be prominent in specific Regions (e.g., pulp and paper in Region 4), the Regional
emphases for training and outreach should reflect these differences.
3. EPA will conduct outreach related to analysis of the public GHG data. Regions will support
this effort by responding to questions related to use of the public GHG Reporting Program
data. Since different industries may be prominent in specific regions, the Regional Offices
will field questions related to particular industries or specific local or regional GHG or
climate change issues.
4. EPA will provide outreach materials as well as operate a help desk to assist reporters with
completing their annual report electronically. To supplement this effort, Regions should
develop familiarity with the reporting tool so that they can assist and direct reporters to
appropriate Help resources. This effort will be greatest during the second quarter of FY
2013.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
OAR's voluntary public-private partnership programs include ENERGY STAR, SmartWay,
the Global Methane Initiative, clean energy partnerships, and multiple programs on non-CC>2
GHGs, all of which are designed to remove barriers in the marketplace and capitalize on the
cost-effective opportunities that consumers, businesses, and organizations have to invest in
GHG-reducing technologies, policies, and practices. These investments avoid GHG emissions
from power plants, mobile sources, and various other sources.
As appropriate, OAP, OTAQ, and Regions will coordinate in the development of Agency
plans for outreach to stakeholders regarding non-regulatory climate programs and projects.
Assuming available resources, Regions may engage a variety of regional stakeholders in these
non-regulatory programs. Regions will use available materials from OAP and OTAQ to develop
such programs and projects. OAP, OTAQ, and Regions may collaborate to develop and
implement strategies to engage state environmental agencies, public utility commissions, and
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 26
-------
energy offices in cooperative energy resources planning for GHG emissions mitigation and
adaptation.
HQ Activities
1. Continue ENERGY STAR program enhancements including more frequent specification
revisions, new products, and integrated lighting program.
2. Oversee the third-party certification program for ENERGY STAR products.
3. Add new products to the ENERGY STAR family.
4. Implement version 3 of the ENERGY STAR specification for the ENERGY STAR New
Homes program.
5. Raise awareness of the ENERGY STAR label for products, buildings, and homes, and
promote superior energy management to public and private sector organizations of all
sizes in all regions of the country.
6. Continue to the process to upgrade EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for speed,
flexibility and usability.
7. Support state/local mandatory and voluntary building benchmarking through ENERGY
STAR.
8. Continue building on the success of non-regulatory programs in the industrial sector:
a. Enhance the rate of energy and resource efficiency improvements through the
ENERGY STAR and WasteWise programs.
b. Promote the ENERGY STAR label for industrial plants and provide energy
benchmarking tools to industry.
c. Promote the increased deployment of combined heat and power.
9. Participate in the Global Methane Initiative, and implement domestic methane partnership
programs including Natural Gas STAR, AgSTAR, the Landfill Methane Outreach
Program, and the Coalbed Methane Outreach Program.
10. Promote membership in the Green Power Partnership and the Combined Heat and Power
Partnership, particularly for larger organizations.
11. Support GSA's pilot to assist small federal suppliers in developing their GHG inventories.
12. Promote energy efficiency and the generation of increased amounts of renewable energy
through utility-focused programs.
13. Promote the integration of energy efficiency and clean energy into air quality plans (i.e.,
SIPs).
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 27
-------
14. Increase tons of emissions reduced and fuel saved through targeted partner recruitment
and stakeholder collaboration aimed at achieving significant environmental, economic and
energy security benefits across the freight supply chain.
15. Continue to foster efficiencies throughout the SmartWay program through improvements
to the program's emissions assessment, tracking tools, and database management system
to enhance accessibility, ease of use, and data management and processing efficiencies.
16. Coordinate with other diesel legacy fleet (e.g., technology equipment testing and
verification, DERA clean diesel grant programs) and related EPA voluntary programs to
leverage resources and opportunities for evaluating and supporting the adoption of
technologies and freight management strategies that will result in reduced diesel emissions
and fuel consumption, improved efficiencies and productivity, and lower costs in the
goods movement industry.
17. Recognize high-achieving SmartWay partners for their progress and leadership.
18. Encourage manufacturers, dealers, and leasing companies to highlight and market the
environmental and fuel-saving benefits of their SmartWay-designated trucks and verified
equipment.
19. Promote and encourage partner investment in SmartWay designated trucks and verified
equipment that meet SmartWay criteria for superior environmental and energy-efficient
performance.
20. Continue to provide expertise and serve as a technical test bed in support of the Agency's
future policy direction for GHG emission reductions.
21. Encourage the adoption of SmartWay methods and tools internationally through
stakeholder development, information sharing, and collaboration on pilot projects.
Regional Office Activities
Promote GHG reduction programs and activities to stakeholders. This may include but is not
limited to the following:
1. Participate in implementing the Climate Showcase Communities grant program.
2. Encourage organizations to procure ENERGY STAR-qualified products.
3. Encourage tribal governments and communities to be partners in GHG activities and to
participate in and benefit from ongoing coordinated efforts and outreach programs,
including ENERGY STAR.
4. Encourage organizations to 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.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 28
-------
5. Encourage organizations to join the ENERGY STAR Buildings Challenge and promote a
10% or more reduction in energy use in buildings, and assist local governments that have
already joined to implement the Challenge.
6. Promote the use of the ENERGY STAR@Home, ENERGY STAR Yard Stick, and
Home Energy Advisor web-tools.
7. Encourage truck and rail carriers, and retail and commercial shipping companies to join
SmartWay and reduce emissions.
8. Participate and promote SmartWay at regional and local transportation conferences,
workshops, and events conducted to improve efficiencies and environmental performance
in the goods movement sector.
9. Encourage and support regional clean diesel collaboratives to highlight and promote
SmartWay.
10. Encourage recipients of DERA grant funds targeting the reduction of diesel emissions to
consider using SmartWay designated trucks and SmartWay verified technologies to
achieve those reductions.
11. Encourage major companies and organizations headquartered in the Region to join the
Green Power Partnership, the Combined Heat and Power Partnership, and SmartWay.
12. Promote the integration of energy efficiency and clean energy into air quality plans (i.e.,
SIPs).
13. Promote the recovery and use of methane as a clean energy source through EPA's
methane partnership programs.
14. Operate 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.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 29
-------
-------
Chapter 3 - Stratospheric Ozone
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 treaty and related Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements, EPA will continue to
implement the domestic rulemaking agenda to reduce and control 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 marketable allowances, requirements for servicing
ODS equipment, bans on non-essential products, and listing of alternatives to ODS that reduce
risk to the environment and human health. We will strengthen outreach efforts to ensure
efficient and effective compliance, and continue to identify and promote safer alternatives to
curtail stratospheric ozone depletion and support climate protection goals. In particular, while
responding to a CAA petition, we will review the current suite of alternatives and determine
whether certain alternatives with high global warming potentials should no longer be considered
acceptable. To help reduce international emissions, specifically in light of the more aggressive
phase-down requirements adopted by Montreal Protocol signatories in September 2007, we will
assist developing countries through the transfer of technology and U.S. expertise, such as in the
development and implementation of cap-and-trade licensing systems. The Parties to the
Montreal Protocol are also examining controls to reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production
and consumption. While HFCs do not pose a risk to stratospheric ozone, their use as
replacements for CFCs and HCFCs covered under the Montreal Protocol and their high global
warming potentials represent a serious threat to the climate system.
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's domestic strategy for stratospheric ozone protection will focus on:
Undertaking measures to ensure the successful transition of industries out of class II
ozone-depleting substances (HCFCs), which beginning in 2010 became 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.
Listing new alternatives that pose less overall risk to human health and the environment.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 31
-------
HQ Activities
1. Administer the critical use exemption for production of methyl bromide as allowed under
the Montreal Protocol.
2. Allocate production and consumption allowances for HCFCs to ensure U.S. compliance
with caps under the Montreal Protocol.
3. Continue the combination of regulatory and non-regulatory activities to ensure safe
handling, recovery, and disposal of ozone-depleting refrigerants, including
implementation of the GreenChill and Responsible Appliance Disposal voluntary
partnerships.
4. Expand the list of alternatives with overall better risk profiles under the Significant New
Alternatives Policy (SNAP) regulatory program to foster the transition to safer
alternatives.
5. Determine whether any currently acceptable alternatives under the SNAP program need
to be re-evaluated.
6. Conduct enforcement related to programs under Title VI of the CAA including service of
motor vehicle air conditioners, recovery and reuse of ODS during use and disposal, and
avoidance of illegal ODS imports. For additional information, see the National Program
Guidance issued by the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
MULTILATERAL FUND
The Multilateral Fund promotes international compliance with the Montreal Protocol by
financing the incremental cost of converting existing industries in developing countries to cost-
effective, ozone layer-friendly technology. We will continue to support the Multilateral Fund,
which provides resources to developing nations to facilitate their transition to ozone-safe
alternatives. In 2013 we will focus on:
1. Maximizing developing country reductions in ODS production by moving aggressively
from a project-by-project approach to a national phase-out strategy approach.
2. Accelerating the shift to CFC alternatives by accelerating the closure of CFC
manufacturers in developing countries.
3. Continuing to ensure the cost-effectiveness of proj ects through our leadership on the
Multilateral Fund Executive Committee.
4. Increasing support to developing country institutions to enable effective implementation
of policy measures.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 32
-------
Chapter 4 - Indoor Environments
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, offices, and other indoor spaces. EPA provides
guidance and support to address environmental triggers of asthma, radon, mold contamination,
secondhand tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and indoor air toxics including
formaldehyde, pesticides, and other organic chemicals. EPA supports states/locals/tribes and
communities in developing and implementing comprehensive multi-stakeholder indoor air
quality improvement efforts to reduce exposures to potentially harmful levels of indoor air
pollutants. Stakeholders include national, international, state, tribal, and local governments;
industry and professional groups; and the public. EPA works with other federal agencies to
provide guidance and assistance on how to reduce the exposure levels of these contaminants in
all communities.
EPA also transfers technology by providing technical support, detailed guidance, and easy-to-
use tools on indoor air-related building design, operation, and maintenance practices to building
owners and managers, design and construction professionals, school facility managers, and
educators.
HEALTHY INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS/ HEALTHY BUILDINGS
In 2013, EPA will continue to emphasize a "healthy buildings or settings" approach to foster
more creative and integrated thinking across HQ and Regions to more efficiently design and
deliver programs that will have the greatest positive impact on public health. Within the healthy
buildings framework, EPA will place special emphasis on reducing exposures to asthma triggers,
radon, and other indoor air pollutants in underserved and disadvantaged communities where
exposures are often greater. EPA will focus on a holistic healthy buildings approach to better
leverage resources and assets and broaden the stakeholder groups through which we promote
healthy indoor environments. As part of this approach, the national program is consolidating and
synthesizing existing program guidance to provide protocols and specifications that promote
good IAQ in homes, schools, and office buildings.
The Healthy Indoor Environments Vision:
Use the importance of healthy buildings to create change in building design and
maintenance to reduce risks from indoor air pollutants, including radon and asthma
triggers
Demonstrate that everyone deserves healthy indoor environments that are safe from
radon and asthma triggers
Provide a model for better building design, construction, retrofitting, and maintenance by
successfully improving human health indoors
Goals:
1. Achieve major health gains by reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 3 3
-------
2. Identify, address and communicate indoor environmental risks to decrease health risks
3. Foster a revolution in the design of new and renovated buildings
4. Promote integrated building design by showing benefits, cost savings, and processes
5. Stimulate nationwide action to enhance health in existing structures
6. Promote healthy building operation, maintenance, and retrofitting through targeted
guidance
7. Create and use innovative products, materials, and technologies to prevent and reduce
indoor air pollutants, including asthma triggers and radon
8. Support private sector standards, testing, technologies, and market incentives that reduce
risk from indoor products and materials.
9. Promote increased IAQ awareness and action for consumers, professionals, and decision
makers through healthy home programs and outreach
10. Support EPA priorities to increase the capacity of underserved communities and to
leverage partnerships with public and private sector entities
ADDRESSING ASTHMA, RADON, AND OTHER INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS IN
HOMES, SCHOOLS, AND OTHER BUILDING TYPES
EPA's top priorities for improving indoor air quality in buildings are to:
1. Emphasize holistic approaches for integrating exposure reduction strategies for multiple
indoor contaminants in homes, schools and other indoor environments
2. Within this holistic framework, emphasize high risk contaminants, including radon and
environmental asthma triggers :
a. increase testing for and mitigation of radon;
b. reduce exposure to environmental asthma triggers (e.g., secondhand smoke,dust
mites, pests, molds, NO2, and pet dander);
3. Increase adoption of the Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy
Upgrades
4. Increase participation in the Indoor airPLUS new home construction labeling program
Reducing Radon in Homes and Schools
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 the number of lives saved
through radon risk reduction by 2014 (from a baseline in 2006). 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 state, tribal, and local level.
The principal ways to reduce radon exposure are:
Builders voluntarily building radon-resistant new homes or homes with active
systems;
States/local/tribes adopting building codes that include radon reduction;
Homeowners with high radon levels voluntarily fixing their homes;
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 34
-------
Including radon action in green or healthy housing programs;
Schools reducing radon through "IAQ Tools for Schools" or other programs;
Leveraging radon action during other federal efforts such as weatherization; and
Increasing radon action to reduce risk in property the federal government owns and
manages.
In 2013, EPA will continue efforts to promote radon risk reduction by collaborating with
other federal departments and agencies as well as states/local/tribes and those in the private,
public health, healthy housing, and other sectors. In 2013, the Agency will work with other
federal partners to implement the new Federal Radon Action Plan developed in 2011 designed to
increase radon risk reduction in the housing the federal government owns or influences.
The State Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program distributes state assistance grant (STAG)
funds under the authority of Section 306 of TSCA (Title III). Details on the SIRG Program are
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. (Note: SIRG funding has been proposed for
elimination in FY 2013. See page 57. Also note that the FY12 SIRG funding supports state
efforts throughout (and potentially beyond) the 2013 calendar year for the majority of states.)
State and tribal radon programs using remaining SIRG funds should emphasize radon risk
reduction by: (1) increasing testing and mitigation of existing homes by consumers,
homeowners, non-profit partnerships, and real estate professionals; (2) builders voluntarily
including radon-reducing features in new homes, including the use of green-building standards;
(3) promoting the adoption or revision of state-local building codes for radon-reducing features;
and, (4) promoting public education and awareness. Funded projects should clearly achieve one
or more of the following outcomes:
New homes built with radon-reducing features;
Testing and mitigation of existing homes;
Other projects and activities that clearly contribute to achieving the preceding outcomes.
Reducing Asthma Triggers and other Indoor Air Pollutants in Homes and Schools
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 at-risk populations that are socio-economically disadvantaged or
disproportionately impacted such as children and low-income individuals. Our strategy includes:
1) 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; 2) secondhand smoke efforts primarily
focused on protecting young children from secondhand smoke exposure by collaborating with
federal, state, and local organizations on promoting smoke-free homes and cars; and, 3)
implementing a national, multi-faceted asthma education and outreach program to improve and
expand the delivery of evidence-based environmental interventions in the context of
comprehensive asthma care.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 3 5
-------
The 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 secondhand smoke);
Sound, user-friendly guidance tailored to the program's varied constituencies;
Knowledge and technology transfer (e.g. training health care providers on asthma trigger
management strategies, building community capacity to deliver comprehensive asthma
care); and,
Enhancement and application of programmatic support data.
Increasing Adoption of the Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy
Upgrades and increasing participation in the Indoor airPlus labeling program.
The Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades provide concise
minimum and recommended practices for ensuring that energy retrofit activities do not diminish
indoor environmental quality or pose health and safety risks to occupants or workers. These
protocols provide a much-needed complement to existing weatherization and energy efficiency
efforts and offer significant opportunities for integrating indoor environmental quality issues into
high priority administration policies and programs.
The Indoor airPLUS labeling program allows builders of new homes to qualify for an EPA
label if they first earn the ENERGY STAR new home label and are then verified to have
implemented all of the indoor air quality specifications developed by EPA. The Indoor airPLUS
label indicates that a home incorporates measures designed to help improve IAQ in new homes
compared to homes built to minimum code requirements. The specifications represent a fully
integrated approach to indoor air quality in new home construction, incorporating moisture
control, radon control, pest barriers, HVAC systems, combustion pollutant control, low emission
materials, and home commissioning.
The Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades and the Indoor
airPLUS specifications provide a clear set of metrics that may be used by a wide range of
Federal, state, and local public and private sector programs, initiatives and standard setting
bodies to better define good indoor air quality and good indoor air quality practices in buildings.
Among other initiatives, EPA will collaborate with public and private sector organizations to
integrate these protocols and specifications into a wide range of initiatives such as energy
weatherization and retrofit, green and healthy homes, and school and commercial building
programs to foster healthy IAQ as an integral component of these high priority programs.
HQ Activities
1. Provide guidance and support to address environmental triggers of asthma, radon, mold
contamination, secondhand tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and
indoor air toxics including formaldehyde, pesticides, and other organic chemicals.
2. Support states, tribes, and communities in developing and implementing comprehensive
multi-stakeholder indoor air quality improvement efforts to reduce exposures to
potentially harmful levels of indoor air pollutants.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 36
-------
3. Work with other federal agencies to provide guidance and assistance on how to reduce
the exposure levels of indoor air contaminants through their environmental, public health,
and building-related programs.
4. Provide technical support, detailed guidance, and easy-to-use tools on indoor air-related
building design, operation, and maintenance practices to building owners and managers,
design and construction professionals, school facility managers, and educators.
5. Work with national partner affiliates, state/local/tribal partners, and coalitions to
implement integrated IAQ management practices to reduce risks from indoor pollutants,
including radon and asthma triggers in homes and schools.
6. On a national level, promote activities that increase the number of homes and schools
mitigated for radon and increase the number of new homes built with radon-reducing
features.
7. Collaborate with other federal partners to implement the Federal Radon Action Plan to
increase radon risk reduction through health education and outreach programs and the
housing programs the federal government owns or influences.
8. Co-run and support the Radon Leaders Saving Lives campaign.
9. Facilitate activities associated with Radon Action Month as a way to drive radon action
throughout the year.
10. Aid in designing and implementing radon stakeholder meetings that involve states and
industry.
11. Promote the use of radon measurement and mitigation consensus standards in schools.
12. Expand the Communities in Action asthma campaign through support for at-risk
communities, bringing these communities into the Communities in Action Network,
providing targeted training and outreach to underserved communities and schools.
13. Facilitate work with local communities to foster integration and collaboration between
asthma programs and local housing, school, weatherization/energy efficiency, and other
community development initiatives.
14. Work with national, state, regional, and local energy and healthy housing programs to
educate them about the Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy
Upgrades and encourage their adoption and integration into existing energy programs
(e.g., weatherization programs).
15. Create and disseminate information about the Indoor airPLUS specifications and label for
new homes and support implementation of the program by active stakeholders in the
community.
16. Work with healthy home and green home programs, EPA's ENERGY STAR and Water
Sense programs, DOE's Builder's Challenge program, and others to promote adoption of
Indoor airPLUS.
17. Manage national grants to reduce risks from indoor pollutants, including radon and
asthma triggers, particularly in homes and schools.
Regional Office Activities
1. Promote activities which increase the number of homes and schools mitigated for radon
and increase the number of new homes built with radon-reducing features.
2. Promote the use of radon measurement and mitigation consensus standards in schools.
3. Assist with the design and implementation of regional radon stakeholder meetings.
4. Support the Radon Leaders Saving Lives campaign.
5. Use Radon Action Month as a way to drive action throughout the year.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 37
-------
6. Negotiate radon workplans with states and tribes for remaining SIRG funding and track
progress throughout the year through quarterly reports and frequent communication.
7. Support the Federal Radon Action Plan, including working closely with HUD and tribes to
address radon in existing and future tribal housing.
8. Support the expansion of the Communities in Action asthma campaign through support
for at-risk communities, bringing these communities into the Communities in Action
Network, providing targeted training and outreach to underserved communities and
schools. (Note: This activity also supports the Agency's Community-based
Coordination effort discussed in Chapter 6.)
9. Work with local communities to foster integration and collaboration between asthma
programs and local housing, school, weatherization/energy efficiency or other
community development initiatives.
10. Work with national partner affiliates, state/local/tribal partners, and coalitions to
implement integrated IAQ management practices to reduce risks from indoor pollutants,
including radon and asthma triggers in homes and schools.
11. Work with state, regional, and local energy and healthy housing programs to educate
them about the Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades and
encourage their adoption and integration into existing energy programs (e.g.,
weatherization programs).
12. Serve as a local, community-based point of contact to disseminate information about the
Indoor airPLUS specifications and label for new homes and support implementation of
the program by active stakeholders in the community.
13. Work with regional, state, and local healthy, energy efficiency, and green home
programs, to promote adoption of Indoor airPLUS in target markets.
14. Participate in national program meetings.
15. Manage grants to reduce risks from indoor pollutants and asthma triggers, particularly in
homes and schools.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 3 8
-------
Chapter 5 - Radiation Protection
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 continues 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, states/locals/tribes, stakeholders, and
partners.
RADIATION PROTECTION
This program includes activities for radiation clean up, federal guidance, risk modeling,
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), radiation air toxics or National Emissions Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), technologically-enhanced naturally-occurring radioactive
material (TENORM), radioactive 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 provides radiation guidance and tools, and develops
regulations as appropriate to control radiation releases. Key program activities include:
1. Ensuring continued compliance with EPA regulations and EPA oversight for DOE waste
disposal activities at the WIPP;
2. Promoting the reduction and management of radiation risks in a consistent and safe
manner at Superfund, DOE, DOD, state/local/tribal, and other federal sites;
3. Maintaining appropriate methods to manage radioactive releases and exposures including
evaluating remediation technologies for radioactively contaminated sites;
4. Assessing exposure risks and providing information about radiation and its hazards;
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 3 9
-------
5. Evaluating the human health and environmental risks from radiation exposure and
mitigating impacts to the public;
6. Providing national-level guidance on the risks posed by radioactive materials in the
environment;
7. Providing a national monitoring program for environmental radioactivity;
8. Improving EPA, state, and commercial radioanalytical capacity and capabilities:
a. Providing analytical capability to evaluate radioactive and mixed waste
concentrations in all environmental media;
b. Providing improved methods and practices for sampling and assessing radioactive
material in the environment; and
c. Providing reference laboratory support to review new methods and confirm other
laboratory analyses.
HQ Activities
1. Additional quantities of radioactive waste certified by EPA as properly characterized will
be disposed in the WIPP in 2013.
2. Labs will improve analytical capacity through updated technology and methods.
3. Improve state radiation laboratory capabilities and capacity through training and
evaluation.
4. Respond to issues related to nuclear power, including the development of new nuclear
power plants.
5. Respond to increased uranium extraction and processing, including Regional review of
extraction facility Environmental Impact Statements and permits.
6. Publish a proposed regulation implementing the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control
Act at 40 CFR 192.
7. Propose a regulation on 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart W.
8. Provide technical assistance to states and Regions on decommissioning and other issues
related to nuclear power facility operations.
9. Labs will support Regional remediation projects.
Regional Office Activities
1. Serve as the local, community-based point of contact to disseminate information on
EPA's radiation protection program.
2. Coordinate regional radiation issues among Regional Offices.
3. Implement regulatory programs (e.g., radiological NESHAPs).
4. As requested, provide technical support to state radiation, solid waste, environmental and
health programs and HQ radiation regulatory, policy, and technical workgroups.
5. Provide technical support to Superfund, Formerly Utizlized Sites Remedial Action
Program (FUSRAP), the Brownfields Program, and other federal and state site
remediation programs.
6. Work with states on issues involving technologically-enhanced naturally-occurring
radioactive material (TENORM) that include issues associated with legacy mine waste
and water treatment residue.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 40
-------
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 federal and state/local/tribal 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:
1. Preparing to respond to incidents involving radioactive materials through training,
infrastructure development, regular exercises, and field experience;
2. Issuing Protective Action Guides;
3. Coordinating with other organizations to ensure thorough response and preparedness
planning;
4. Providing radioanalytical laboratory capabilities to assess radioactive contamination
during all phases of an incident;
5. Providing national, near-real time data on airborne radioactive material concentrations;
6. Supporting nationwide development of increased laboratory capacity and capability; and
7. Identifying waste disposal options for wastes resulting from a radioactive dispersal
device (RDD).
HQ and Regional Office Activities
1. EPA's Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT) will maintain its high level of
team readiness;
2. Laboratories will support urgent regional removal operations;
3. RERT staff will support Regions with training and at exercises;
4. 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:
a. Provide technical support to state radiation control programs;
b. Support EPA's radiation emergency response operations, including the
assignment of personnel to serve as Regional Radiation Advisor and RERT
Liaison;
c. Participate in state and national radiological response exercises including Amber
Waves; and
d. Support radiological response training to increase the capacity of the Agency's
Response Support Corps.
HOMELAND SECURITY: PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
EPA will continue coordinating homeland security activities across the Agency, with the
Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to ensure consistency with the
National Response Framework.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 41
-------
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 has significantly upgraded 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.
Reference laboratories serve as an authoritative source in the Environmental Response
Laboratory Network (ERLN) for method development, verification, and validation. EPA's
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) will continue to serve as the
Agency's radiological reference laboratory. The Agency will also continue to upgrade its
radiological laboratory response capability, which will include a network of "go-to" public and
private sector laboratories to ensure a minimal level of surge capacity for radiological terrorism
incidents.
HQ Activities
The Agency will continue its pilot project to improve state radiological laboratory
capacity through provision of additional laboratory instruments, training, proficiency
testing and audits of the selected state laboratories.
Regional Office Activities
Regions will continue to provide leadership in coordinating inquiries from RadNet
monitor site personnel and station operators and serve as the local, community-based
point of contact to disseminate information on EPA's national radiation monitoring
system.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 42
-------
Chapter 6 - Cross-Cutting Programs, Priorities, and Requirements
This chapter discusses programs, priorities, and requirements that cut across EPA
organizational lines and not led or managed by OAR but in which OAR and/or the Regions have
some involvement or responsibility.
1. Environmental Justice (EJ).
OAR's Role in Plan EJ 2014
In January 2010, Administrator Jackson made Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism
and Working for EnvironmentalJustice one of EPA's key priorities. This priority challenges
EPA to address the needs of communities that are underrepresented in environmental decision-
making and overburdened by environmental pollution. Through this priority, OAR will actively
work to create healthy and sustainable communities by decreasing environmental burdens and
increasing environmental benefits. Additionally, all programs will seek to prioritize community
engagement and public participation in all its activities. To further support this priority,
environmental justice principles must be included in the Agency's decision-making processes.
To implement Administrator Jackson's environmental justice priority, EPA adopted Plan EJ
2014, its overarching environmental justice strategy.6 This four-year plan is a roadmap to help
EPA integrate environmental justice into all of its programs. Plan EJ 2014 is helping EPA move
forward to develop a stronger relationship with communities and increase the Agency's effort to
improve the environmental conditions and public health in overburdened communities. The plan
includes five cross-Agency focus areas, tools development, and program initiatives. The five
areas are:
1. Incorporating Environmental Justice into Rulemaking,
2. Considering Environmental Justice in Permitting,
3. Advancing Environmental Justice through Compliance and Enforcement,
4. Supporting Community-Based Action Programs, and
5. Fostering Administration-Wide Action on Environmental Justice.
OAR supports the Administrator's EJ priority and Plan EJ 2014. OAR also supports the Cross-
Cutting Fundamental Strategy: Working for Environmental Justice and Children's Health estab-
lished in the FY 2011 - 2015 Strategic Plan.
Every national program and region has made a commitment to lead a cross-Agency element of
Plan EJ 2014, either in a policy or tools development area. OAR leads the Considering
Environmental Justice in Permitting focus area. As stated in the Considering Environmental
Justice in Permitting Implementation Plan, EPA anticipates finalizing the first suite of tools
under the EJ in Permitting initiative - the Enhanced Public Participation Guidance and the EJ
Permitting Resource Guide in FY 2012. In FY 2013, the guidance and resource guide will be
implemented disseminated through trainings for EPA staff and "train-the-trainer" seminars for
business, community groups, and other interested entities.
6 For information concerning Plan EJ 2014, please see http://www.epa.gov/compliance/ej/plan-ej/index.html
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 43
-------
Use Cross-Agency Tools Developed under Plan EJ 2014
Due to the leadership provided by all national programs and Regions, Plan EJ 2014 workgroups
have made significant progress during FY 2011 and FY 2012 in developing tools to advance the
integration of environmental justice in all EPA programs, policies, and activities. These cross-
Agency tools advance EJ in the following key areas: 1) rulemaking, 2) legal authorities, 3) EJ
screening, and 4) permitting.
In FY 2013, OAR will improve integration of environmental justice in its programs, policies, and
activities by using, referring to, and relying on:
the Guidance on Considering Environmental Justice in the Development of an Action during
the development of any rule, regulation or guidance;
the EJ Legal Tools Document to identify legal authorities under environmental statutes
administered by EPA that may support consideration of environmental justice in permitting,
rulemaking, NEPA, Title VI or other actions;
EJScreen to identify areas of EJ concern and integrate its use in OAR's day-to-day activities,
such as rules, permits, compliance and enforcement actions, NEPA assessments, community
engagement activities, and grants; and
guidance on enhanced public participation in permitting and other tools to consider EJ in
EPA-issued permits.
OAR Program Initiative under Plan EJ 2014
In addition to developing the policies and tools to integrate environmental justice (EJ) into its
programs, policies and day-to-day operations, OAR is to identify an existing or new program
initiative to focus their efforts on maximizing the environmental, health and economic benefits to
overburdened communities.7 OAR has identified considering environmental justice in
permitting as its program initiative.
OAR will work with Regions to promote the use of the Enhanced Public Participation Guidance
by facilities applying for EPA permits, particularly air permits, to further the goal of enhancing
the ability of overburdened communities to participate fully and meaningfully in the permitting
process. OAR will track whether the guidance was used in air permits issued by EPA regions
and consult with regions to gather lessons learned.
7 Each OAR will identify at least one program or activity as part of Plan EJ 2014, where it will focus existing activities to
maximize environmental and human health benefits for disproportionately burdened communities (Supports Principle 2).
By December 2011, OAR will identify at least one program activity based on populations served, EJ goals advanced,
and other criteria.
By February 2012, OAR will provide guidance in FY 2013 OAR Guidance regarding EJ program activities.
By June 2012, OAR will develop plan for tailoring program activities to maximize environmental and/or public health
benefits for overburdened communities and report on these benefits in a qualitative and quantitative manner.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 44
-------
OAR will also work with regions to implement the recommendations of the EJ Permitting
Steering Committee for Considering EJ in Permitting on EPA roles and responsibilities in the
permitting process.
OAR's EJ Measure under the FY 2011-2015 Strategic Plan Cross Cutting Strategy on EJ and
Children'sHealth-
Building on the measures outlined in OAR's FY 2012 guidance,9 OAR will continue to develop
and track measures that characterize actions taken, or that characterize environmental or health
conditions of overburdened communities/children as outlined in the FY12 Annual Action for the
Cross-cutting Strategy for EJ and Children's Health using EJSCREEN as appropriate and other
EJ tools as needed. OAR's EJ and children's health ACS measures for the Regions in FY 2013,
OTAQ Ola and ORIA IAQ 5, is in Appendix A.
When EJScreen is finalized for program use, OAR will use EJScreen in its methodology for
reporting on these measures. In addition to these measures, OAR will explore developing an EJ
measure for ambient PM2.5 concentrations in EJ areas, which would be piloted in FY 2013.
2. Children's Health Regional programs must ensure that policies, programs, activities, and
standards address disproportionate risks to children. Within each Region is a Children's Health
Coordinator who serves as a resource to assist offices and divisions with children's
environmental health programs and planning. The Regional Children's Health Coordinator is
also a liaison between the Region and the Office of Children's Health Protection and
Environmental Education at HQ. Actions Regions can take in FY 2013 to expand efforts to
protect children's environmental health include:
Reviewing existing performance measures that are specific to or refer to children's health
to determine if these can be modified or supplemented to better report outcomes and
results in children's environmental health for inclusion in future planning and reporting
agreements;
Formulating discussions and agenda topics on children's health outcomes for EPA
programs in national meetings, such as division directors meetings;
Implementing the Agency's Children's Environmental Health Guidance for Human
Health Risk Assessments (http://epa.gov/risk/guidance.htm);
8 FY 2013 OAR Guidance Process: Each of the five National Program Managers (OARs) will work with the Regions and
Strategy Champions to include, in their Draft FY 2013 OAR Guidance, qualitative expectations for both HQ and Regions for
incorporating EJ and CH into program initiatives/program activities and/or annual commitments* (i.e., ACS measures) with
numeric targets. Quantitative annual commitments will address actions that promote EJ/CH or would address
environmental/health conditions of overburdened communities/children. (February 2012)
9 OAR currently has two indicators of EJ-related Regional activities: OTAQ Ola relates to the number of diesel grants awarded
to projects that affect or are likely to affect areas that may be disproportionately impacted, and, ORIA IAQ5 relates to the number
of children with asthma and/or their caregivers, in EJ areas of concern, that have been educated about environmental management
of asthma and childhood exposure to ETS. See Appendix A for the specifics on these two measures.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 45
-------
Sponsoring joint meetings with counterparts in federal/state/local/tribal environmental
and health departments to facilitate coordinated actions to better protect children's
environmental health; and,
Developing regional strategies to focus on addressing critical children's health issues
unique to the Region.
3. Better Serving Communities. In FY 2013, EPA will institutionalize its commitment to
support communities through the resources we offer and the means by which we coordinate
among programs. Since March 2010, when the Deputy Administrator convened a multi-region,
multi-program effort to steer the Agency towards using communities as one of the Agency's
"organizing principles," significant progress has been made. For example, a subset of 27
"community-based programs" have been identified that, while not exhaustive, illustrate the
investment the agency has made across offices in direct assistance to communities. Additionally,
geomapping capabilities implemented in March 2012 will help the Agency identify and track
where EPA is working in communities through grants and technical assistance. The geomapping
has the potential to better coordinate HQ and Regional efforts and improve the ability to identify
potential gaps in service to communities. Finally, new grants policy guidance that took effect in
March 2012 established the OneEPA approach to coordinating and implementing community-
based grant programs, including streamlining grants processes consistent with EPA's fiduciary
responsibilities and providing useful grants information to communities.
In implementing EPA's long-term goals for an improved environment and better public health
in communities, Regions should look for additional opportunities in which their core program
activities can help the Agency achieve the following intermediate outcomes: 1) provide the right
information about EPA programs to the right people at the right time; 2) facilitate communities'
access to EPA resources; 3) increase the capacity of communities, including those that that are
underserved and overburdened, to protect their health and the environment; 4) enhance effective
internal coordination among all major EPA community-based programs; 5) improve leveraging
of EPA funding by EPA programs; 6) improve leveraging of partnerships with public and private
sector entities; and, 7) strengthen EPA staff capacity to do community-based work. In particular,
in FY 2013 Regions are asked to:
1. Strengthen involvement and increase investment in one or more of the Agency's 27
programs that comprise the Community-Based Coordination Network. For more
information, contact John Foster, 202-566-2870.
2. Support ongoing inter-agency partnerships that align resources or activities in
communities (e.g. the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice, the HUD-
DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities, the Urban Waters partnership and
others).
3. Adhere to the Office of Grants and Debarment's (OGD) Community-Based Grants Policy
(http://intranet.epa.gov/ogd/policy/gpi 12 02 community based grants 03 02 12.pdf),
including implementing identified best practices for streamlining competitions,
considering combining competitions, and implementing protocols to geo-code projects
for inclusion in Agency-wide mapping.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 46
-------
4. Work with OGD and the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) to post competition
schedules and other grant information. See http://intranet.epa.gov/ogd/policv/7.0-GPI-
Topics.htm.
5. Use the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response's (OSWER) Technical
Assistance Services for Communities (TASC) contract to provide technical assistance for
communities that find it difficult to manage grants (Contact: Howard Corcoran, Office of
Administration and Resources Management, 202-564-1903).
6. Increase the amount of training provided to Regional staff to work within tribes and other
communities (for example, the Office of International and Tribal Affairs' (OITA)
Working Effectively with Tribal Governments online training,
http://intranet.epa.gov/aieointr/training/tribal/EPA/mainmenu/launchPage.htm, and the EJ
Fundamentals Course available through http://intranet.epa.gov/oeca/oc/neti/index-
new.html).
7. Work with Marsha Minter of OSWER, Charles Lee of the Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance (OECA), or John Frece of the Office of Policy (OP), who are the
co-leads for a new community-based Key Performance Indicator (KPI) in FY12, to
identify a pilot project in each Region to implement the best practices generated through
an assessment conducted under the FY 2012 Community-Based KPI. (Contacts: Marsha
Minter, OSWER, 202-566,0215; Charles Lee, OECA, 202-564-2597; John Frece, OP,
202-566-2125.)
4. Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Program.
The CARE program is a community-based, multi-media collaborative EPA program designed
to help local communities address the cumulative risk of pollutant exposure. Through the CARE
program, EPA programs work together to provide technical and financial assistance to
communities. CARE assistance agreements create and strengthen local partnerships, local
capacity, and civic engagement to improve local environments and health, and to ensure
sustainability of environmental health efforts over time. Technical support and training help
communities build partnerships and use collaborative processes to improve their understanding
of environmental risks from all sources, set priorities, and select and implement actions to reduce
risks.
CARE helps communities choose from the range of EPA programs designed to address
community concerns and improve their effectiveness by working to integrate the programs to
better meet the needs of communities. The CARE program coordinates with a broad range of
governments, organizations, and businesses to help communities find partners they will need to
succeed. In addition, CARE makes best practices, lessons learned, and other tools accessible to
all communities. CARE benefits many communities, the majority of which are experiencing
disproportionate adverse health and environmental impacts.
OAR continues to work with CARE communities/projects to assess and address sources of air
toxics at the local level, including the use of voluntary air toxic reduction programs in their
communities, particularly those communities suffering disproportionately from environmental
burdens. The CARE Program will continue to promote cross-media collaboration across the
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 47
-------
Agency. Regions will use cross-media teams to manage and implement CARE cooperative
agreements in order to protect human health and protect and restore the environment at the local
level. Regions also will identify experienced project officers/leaders for each of the CARE
projects, and provide training and support as needed.
In FY 2013, the lead National Program Manager for the CARE Program will be OAR, with
the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention as co-lead. Principals and staff from the
Office of Water and Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response will continue to actively
participate in this cross-Agency program, as will those from the Office of Environmental Justice
and the Office of Children's Health Protection. The CARE Program and Regions will ensure
required reporting of progress and results in Quarterly and End of Year Reports and other efforts
to aggregate program results on a national level. To capture some of the program successes, the
CARE program has two indicators that were new in FY 2012 and that Regions will continue to
report on OAR's portion of the Annual Commitment System. The indicators are:
Number and percent of communities who have developed and agreed on a list of priority
toxic and environmental concerns using the CARE partnership process (annual and
cumulative)
Number and percent of communities who, through the CARE Program, implement local
solutions to address an agreed upon list of priority toxic and environmental concerns
using the CARE partnership process (annual and cumulative)
In addition, the CARE Program works with OSWER, OP, and OECA in the EPA FY 2012
Key Performance Indicator under the Cross-Cutting Fundamental Strategy: Working for
Environmental Justice and Children's Health. During FY 2013 each EPA region will work with
one underserved and overburdened community utilizing CARE principles to align Agency
resources and leverage partnerships with public and private sector entities to encourage greater
investments and strengthen the Agency's ability to produce environmental and public health
benefits. More program information is available at www.epa.gov/CARE.
5. Climate Change Adaptation Planning.
OAR supports the Administrator's climate change adaptation efforts as outlined in the EPA
Policy Statement on Climate Change Adaptation,10 and is an active member of the Cross-EPA
Workgroup on Climate Change Adaptation. Additionally, OAR established in 2011 an OAR
Climate Change Adaptation Planning Workgroup, which consists of representatives from every
program office within OAR. The mission of the Workgroup is twofold:
1) Fulfill and further OAR's commitment to the cross-EPA adaptation planning effort; and
2) Facilitate the "mainstreaming" of adaptation into OAR's programs, policies, rules, and
operations going forward.
In FY 2013, OAR will continue to actively participate in the cross-EPA adaptation effort. On
an ongoing basis, OAR will continue to improve integration of adaptation considerations into its
programs, policies, rules, and operations. OAR will produce an Implementation Plan, providing
10 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Policy Statement on Climate Change Adaptation (Washington, DC, June
2, 2011), http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/downloads/adaptation-statement.pdf.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 48
-------
more detail on OAR adaptation work going forward. OAR is committed to supporting
fulfillment of the EPA strategic performance measures on adaptation called for in the FY 2011-
2015 Strategic Plan.n Finally, OAR remains committed to working with the other national
program offices and Regional Offices in its adaptation efforts, including producing its
Implementation Plan.
6. National Environmental Information Exchange Network and E-Reporting.
In 2009, Administrator Jackson issued a memorandum stating the National Environmental
Information Exchange Network (Exchange Network) be the preferred means of environmental
data sharing between EPA, states/locals/tribes, and others. This memorandum affirmed the
unanimous ECOS resolution calling for full implementation of the Exchange Network, and
represented a renewed joint commitment to its success. OAR supports this goal, has made the
Exchange Network the only method of data delivery for the Emissions Inventory System (EIS),
and has taken significant steps to make this the only method of data delivery for the Air Quality
System (AQS). OAR has enhanced the AQS flow through using the Exchange Network Services
Center. OAR also supports the use of third party software to generate AQS XML files (as the
preferred alternative to "flat" file formats). In FY 2013, OAR will continue to encourage
vendors and data system operators to adopt the XML file format for data export from their
software products. As a reminder, data systems operations and maintenance for Exchange
Network data flows remain eligible activities for funding under categorical program grants and
this includes the update of data management software to generate XML files for delivery to
AQS. The Exchange Network has provided the foundation for EPA and states/locals/tribes to
now move aggressively to convert from paper to electronic reporting. To reduce burden, improve
compliance, expand the information available to the public about pollution that affects them, and
improve the ability of EPA and states/locals/tribes to implement environmental programs, the
Agency has commenced a comprehensive initiative to convert to electronic reporting. EPA is
focusing this initiative in two main areas: 1) developing an Agency-wide policy to ensure that
new regulations include electronic reporting in the most efficient way; and, 2) developing and
then implementing an Agency plan to convert the most important existing paper reporting to
electronic, while also looking for opportunities to reduce or streamline outdated paper reporting.
Since this work is crosscutting, EPA has established an Agency Electronic Reporting Task Force
to lead and manage this work.
The Agency is interested in learning from states/locals/tribes about their successes and
challenges in converting from paper reporting to electronic. In addition, the Agency will keep
states/locals/tribes informed about its progress in this initiative. If a state/local/tribe would like
to share information with the Electronic Reporting Task Force, please contact David Hindin
(OECA) at hinden.david@epa.gov or Andy Battin (OEI) at battin.andrew@epa.gov for more
information.
7. Management Efficiencies and Internal Controls. As noted in OMB Circular No. A-123,
"Management's Responsibility for Internal Control," the first objective of internal controls is to
ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. OAR and Regional Offices are continually
seeking more efficient and pragmatic ways to achieve our goals and objectives. For example, we
11 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, FY 2011-2015 EPA Strategic Plan, Achieving our Vision (2011),
http://epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan.html.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 49
-------
are currently examining the roles and functions of multi-jurisdictional and regional planning
organizations in order to determine if they could provide more efficient and effective ways to
provide planning, analytical, and technical support to states/locals/tribes. In addition, we also
provide states/locals/tribes with access to national procurement contracts for cost savings
through the bulk purchase of monitoring equipment, supplies, and lab quality assurance
functions.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 50
-------
Chapter 7 - Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
1. GRANT ASSISTANCE TO CO-IMPLEMENTERS
The President's FY 2013 budget request includes a total of $330.066 million in State and
Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) funds for outdoor and indoor air grant programs carried out by
multi-state, state, local, and tribal agencies, and other eligible entities. This is an increase of
approximately $43.1 million over the FY 2012 enacted level and $3.1 million more than the
President's FY 2012 request level.
A total of $301.5 million is targeted for continuing air programs carried out by states/locals.
This is an increase of just under $65.8 million from the FY 2012 enacted level but a decrease of
$8 million from the President's FY 2012 request. The adjustment reflects the Agency's
requirement to begin transition from 100% federal support under §103 to cost-shared support for
the PM2.5 air monitoring program under §105. A total of $15 million is being requested for the
diesel emission reduction program to support rebates and low-cost loans to reduce diesel
emissions from older engines. The Tribal air grant program request reflects an increase of
$314K above the FY 2012 enacted level and the same level of support as in the President's FY
2012 request. The Agency is no longer requesting funds for a state indoor radon grant program
choosing instead to collaborate with other Federal agencies and states/locals through a range of
other health and housing programs. Table 7-1 compares the President's FY 2013 request to the
FY 2011 enacted and the FY 2012 requested and enacted levels.
Table 7-1. Comparison of State and Tribal Assistance Grants
for Air: FYs 2011-2013 (in $Ms)
Program Area
Continuing State/Local Air Program
Diesel Emission Reduction Program
State Indoor Radon
Tribal Air Program
Total
FY2011 Enacted
236.107
49.900
8.058
13.273
$307.338
President's FY
2012 Request
309.500
8.074
13.566
$327.140
FY2012
Enacted
235.729
29.952
8.045
13.252
$286.978
President's FY
20 13 Request
301.500
15.000
13.566
$330.066
A. Continuing Air Program
The $301.5 million state/local continuing air program portion of the President's request
consists of four components (see Table 7-2). A total of $260 million supports state/local
continuing air programs including the expanded core state/local agency workload associated with
implementing more protective ozone, NC>2, SC>2, lead, and fine particulate NAAQS and
addressing risks from air toxics; $15 million specifically targeted for the increased number of
monitors required by new or revised NAAQS; $25 million to address development of state/local
technical capacity to address GHG emissions in permitting of large sources identified pursuant to
regulation under the CAA; and $1.5 million to continue to assist states/locals in collecting and
analyzing GHG registry emissions data and operating linked, state-based reporting systems.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
51
-------
Core Activities: EPA's request for increased STAG resources recognizes the budget and
workload challenges that states/locals continue to face. As EPA continues to update and issue
more protective NAAQS according to CAA deadlines, revision of the NAAQS typically triggers
the preparation of new or updated state air quality implementation plans (SIPs). Due to the
multi-pollutant, and often regional, nature of air pollution, preparation and implementation of the
state plans to address it have become increasingly complex requiring additional modeling,
technical analysis, refined emission inventories, monitoring, and increased stakeholder
involvement and coordination. States/locals are also addressing hazardous air pollutants and
new types of air pollution sources, such as biomass and agricultural sources, and carrying out
new and more complicated planning strategies to address greenhouse gases. The requested core
increase of $24.3 million above the FY 2012 enacted level is intended to supplement the existing
level of funds that states/locals have been using for their continuing air program responsibilities.
Details on specific activities and deliverables for FY 2013 are discussed in Chapter 2 - Outdoor
Air Quality.
Tab|e72 Increasing Capacity for GHG Permitting: Initial
Continuing S/L Air Grant Program rules and guidance covering the permitting of
Components by %
8%
.1%
I Core S/L Air Programs '~-_86%
I NAAQS Air Monitoring Increase
GHG Permitting Program Development
sources emitting GHGs were issued starting in FY
^__ 2010. EPA anticipates that states/locals with
°~"~ approved or delegated permitting authority will
require additional grant resources to effectively
prepare for increased GHG-related program
responsibilities. This includes staff development
and training, program planning and analysis,
source identification, outreach to industry, and
responding to the public. EPA has developed a
draft allocation rationale for a requested $25
million increase in this area and will be requesting additional comment from states/locals/tribes
before issuing a final allocation.
Support to States for the GHG Reporting Program (GGRP): EPA is again requesting $1.5
million in STAG funds for award on a competitive basis to states/locals for programs and
projects to support the collection, review and use of GHG data collected under the GGRP and to
facilitate state-based programs linkage to the national program. The program, managed by the
Office of Atmospheric Programs, will provide funds to recipients to: develop data management
systems to transfer and receive greenhouse data; work with EPA on adding capabilities to EPA's
reporting tools; carry-out state-specific review and verification tasks related to reporting GHG
data; conduct training and outreach to affected facilities and other stakeholders; and promote the
use and publication of GHG emission data.
Ambient Monitoring: The CAA requires EPA to review each NAAQS every five years and
revise them if necessary. Each revision of the NAAQS provides greater protection of public
health and may place new monitoring requirements on states/locals/tribes. The additional
funding requested for FY 2013, first sought but not received in FY 2012, will help defray the
purchase costs of states/locals for new or replacement monitors for ozone, lead, SO2, and NO2.
Funding of air monitoring, including a proposed transition in funding authorities for PM2.5
monitoring and changes in the provision of associated program support, is addressed in greater
detail in Appendix C of this guidance. The Agency is still developing a detailed allocation of its
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 52
-------
monitoring resources. Final allocations will be influenced by the final NAAQS rules and the
refinement of existing networks.
Allowance Trading Programs: EPA proposes to continue to use approximately $2.3 million in
STAG funds as associated program support to operate the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) on
behalf of affected states. These states will be transitioning into the NOx program under the
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) (also known as Transport Rule) for ozone control and
will need to continue their contributions. However, depending on: (a) instruction from the Court
and the timing of the Court's decision on its judicial review of the CSAPR, and (b) EPA's
continued efforts to lower program support costs and improve efficiencies, EPA will likely need
to revise and update the allocation approach and funding level for the affected states. States not
affected by the program do not contribute funding to it. This program is discussed in detail in
Chapter 2 - Outdoor Air Quality. Pending state-by-region figures are shown in Table 7-3.
Table 7-3: Pending FY 2013 Contribution to CAIR NOX Trading Programs
by Region and State (in $s)
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
State
Connecticut
Massachusetts
New jersey
New York
Delaware
District of Columbia
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Virginia
West Virginia
Alabama
Florida
Kentucky
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Ohio
Wisconsin
Arkansas
Louisiana
Iowa
Missouri
Total Annual Units/Dollars
Units Affected by CAIR
Program
62
90
152
178
363
541
40
5
50
211
137
80
523
126
299
109
103
159
100
105
1001
280
187
158
193
106
924
49
107
156
68
121
189
3,486
Contribution to CAIR
Program Cost
41,230
59,850
101,080
118,370
241,395
359,765
26,600
3,325
33,250
140,315
91,105
53,200
347,795
83,790
198,835
72,485
68,495
105,735
66,500
69,825
665,665
181,596
124,355
105,070
128,345
70,490
609,856
32,585
71,155
103,740
45,220
80,465
125,685
2,313,586
* Processing cost per source calculated as $665 by OAP/CAMD.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
53
-------
Trans-Boundary Program - Great Lakes Air Deposition (GLAD) Program: The GLAD program
is a portion of the overall Great Lakes program the goal of which is to restore and maintain the
Great Lakes ecosystem, as required by the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the Clean
Water Act. GLAD promotes the coordination of efforts to reduce such air toxics deposition and
its resulting adverse impacts on human and wildlife health by supporting scientific research,
information gathering, and collaboration among policy makers. The program, which also
supports the Great Lakes Bi-National Air Toxics Strategy with Canada, shares STAG resources
among the eight Great Lakes states: Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In FY 2013, approximately $1.2 million is again proposed be
awarded to these states under §105 as part of their categorical air program grant or as an air work
plan element in a performance partnership grant. 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. 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 guide federal, state, and local
policy for the Great Lakes and other fresh water ecosystems. For more information on the
program, please contact Erin Newman in Region 5 (312-886-4587).
Trans-Boundary Program - US-Mexico Border Air Program: EPA and its Mexican counterpart,
SEMARNAT, have established a bi-national programBorder 2012that focuses on cleaning
the environment, protecting the public health, and ensuring emergency preparedness for the 12
million people who live along the U.S.-Mexico border. The program supports the initiatives of
the affected state, local and multi-jurisdictional agencies on both sides of the border and uses
regional workgroups, task forces, and policy forums to develop and implement pollution
reduction strategies. Both agencies lead the Border 2012 Air Policy Forum, established to
employ a collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach to develop strategies for cooperative and
sustainable air emissions reduction efforts along the border. The Forum has developed an
integrated air quality strategy to guide emissions reduction projects taking place in the border
region. This includes a new border-wide objective and reduction strategy for GHGs that lays the
path for baseline development, climate action planning, energy efficiency, and other related
border projects. Forum members additionally advise EPA and SEMARNAT on potential
strategic funding needs and opportunities. EPA activities fall into three primary areas: 1) public
outreach and education using Border 2012 task forces and work groups with an increasing focus
on GHGs; 2) the enhancement of scientific knowledge including emissions inventories and
action plans with a focus on GHGs and air quality monitoring; and, 3) the support of mobile
source, stationary source and/or GHG projects that deliver tangible emission reductions and may
also promote border energy conservation, sustainability, or renewable energy efforts. The
updated NAAQS (NCh, PM, ozone, etc) will have a significant impact on the border areas, and
additional efforts will be needed to meet those standards. In FY 2013, approximately $2.2
million is again proposed be awarded to eligible states/locals as part of their §105 air grant. For
more information on the Border 2012 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).
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 54
-------
Multi-Jurisdictional Organizations (MJOs): Numerous states/locals have found it advantageous
to form MJOs to help coordinate their geographically specific clean air interests at the regional
level. These organizations, comprised of the member agencies, have developed relevant mission
statements, charters, and budgets. A state or local agency wishing to fund an MJO may: a)
direct that the Regional Office set aside that agency's desired contribution from its prospective
portion of the regional allotment (i.e., on a pre-allotment basis); or, b) directly fund the MJO
once the state or local agency receives its allotment. A Regional Office may provide STAG
funding to such an organization using §103 authority only if the contributing agencies provide
their prior consent, the MJO is eligible for the funding, and the MJO's activities are appropriate
as associated program support. Funding for regional-scale MJOs is not delineated as part of the
national region-by-region allocation of STAG funds but is instead identified within the
respective Region's allotments to its state/local agencies. Currently only one national-level MJO
has its funding delineated as part of the region-by-region allocation of STAG fundsthe
National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA).
NACAA is the national association of state, territorial, and local air pollution control agencies. It
is comprised of representatives from member air pollution control agencies and is supported by a
small staff in Washington, D.C. NACAA provides associated program support to its member
state/local agencies by coordinating their air quality activities at the national level and engaging
in activities that enhance their effectiveness. Member agencies support NACAA with their own
STAG funds. They do this by either: (a) providing their prior consent to EPA to target a portion
of the funds that would otherwise be allotted to them to go instead for direct award to NACAA;
or (b) they direct that NACAA bill them directly for their membership contribution. Section 105
recipients who are not members of NACAA do not have their allotments affected. The award of
funds to NACAA is still subject to Agency review and approval. NACAA is forward-funded.
Approximately $1.5 million was awarded to NACAA for its most recent grant year. For more
information, contact William Houck at 202-564-1349 or via email at houck.william@epa.gov.
Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs): EPA is no longer targeting dedicated funding for
RPOs. RPOs, originally formed from existing MJOs, were created to assist states in
characterizing their regional haze problem and in developing their state implementation plans to
address it. State, local, and tribal agencies may still find it advantageous to continue to support
key RPO activities. Those wishing to do so should work with their Regional Office.
Clean Air Act Training: CAA §103(b) authorizes EPA to: a) provide training for air pollution
control personnel and agencies; and b) to make training grants related to the causes, effects,
extent, prevention, and control of air pollution available to air pollution control agencies and
other qualified entities. EPA is again targeting approximately $2 million in STAG funds for the
support of CAA training provided by MJOs and other state training programs in FY 2013. These
funds are subject to consultation and concurrence with participating states/local. As discussed
with the State/EPA workgroup on prioritization, EPA will continue working with the NACAA
Training Committee and the MJOs (MARAMA, WESTAR, Metro4/SESARM, LADCO,
CENSARA and NESCAUM) to:
1. implement a learning management system to improve the administration and delivery of
classroom and web-based training
2. update self-instructional courses into a web-based format, and
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 55
-------
3. develop curricula to facilitate the training of state and local air pollution agency staff on
both introductory and more advanced SIP development.
In addition, we are expanding our use of training webinars, and expect to continue with web-
based videos, website development, and other available means to support training and outreach
for state and local agencies. The Agency intends to continue to record and post all of our
training on the Air Pollution Training Institute website (http://www.epa.gov/apti/) as on-going
training tools. For more information, contact Debbie Stackhouse in OAQPS at 919-541-5281.
(one of the 10)
Northeast Ozone Transport Commission (OTC): The OTC was created pursuant to §176A and
§184 of the CAA and is funded under CAA §106. 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. For FY 2013, a total of $639K
has been requested to support the OTC. Matching support of 40% of the total approved program
costs is required from member agencies. For more information, contact Pat Childers in OAR at
202-564-1082 or at childers.pat@epa.gov.
B. Diesel Emission Reduction Program
On January 4, 2011, the President signed into law the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010,
which modified and reauthorized the EPA's Diesel Emission Reduction Program (known as
DERA) through FY 2016. While the President's FY 2012 budget request did not include funds
for DERA, Congress appropriated $29.952 million. These funds will be split per the DERA
reauthorizing language between a state formula allocation program (30%) and a national
competitive program (70%). In FY 2012, EPA will continue to manage diesel emission
reduction grants and loans issued in prior years, and compete and award the FY 2012 funds. For
FY 2013, the President's budget request includes $15 million proposed to be allocated for
rebates and low cost loans to reduce diesel emissions from older engines.
Through DERA, EPA continues to focus on reducing PM emissions from existing diesel engines
(which 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 helps to
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 produces criteria air pollutant and air toxics benefits.
Over the last several years, EPA has awarded over $500 million in grant funding through the
DERA programs to state/local governments, NGOs, port authorities, school districts, and others.
Past awards were made using the following methodology:
Competitive National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) grants that directly fund and/or
finance retrofits, rebuilds, and replacements, as well as fuel switching and fuel efficiency
measures associated with diesel trucks, ships, school buses, and other diesel equipment,
such as that associated with the SmartWay Transport Partnership program.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 56
-------
Formula grants to states to implement state diesel emission reduction programs defined
under DERA. State governors have the discretion to use these funds as direct grants or
revolving loans as they see fit.
EPA also will continue to provide diesel emission reduction technology verification as well as
quantification and evaluation of emissions reduction strategies and their cost effectiveness.
Additional information may be obtained at http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/grantfund.htm. The
program contact for DERA grants is Jennifer Keller in the Office of Transportation and Air
Quality at 202-343-9541.
C. Other Grant Programs
State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program: In 2013, EPA will again promote healthy indoor
environments by focusing on a holistic healthy buildings approach to better leverage resources
and assets and broaden the stakeholder groups. As part of this approach, EPA has provided
important guidance and significant funding to states for years via the SIRG program. As a result,
states now have the technical expertise and procedures to continue their radon protection efforts
without the assistance of SIRG. Accordingly, EPA will no longer provide federal grant funding
in FY 2013. EPA will continue to employ information dissemination, social marketing
techniques, and partnerships with influential public health and environmental organizations to
drive action at the state, tribal, and local level. In 2013, EPA will continue efforts to promote
radon risk reduction by collaborating with other federal departments and agencies as well as
states and those in the private, public health, healthy housing, and other sectors. Additional
information and guidance on State Indoor Radon Grant programs may be obtained from the
ORIA program contact, Phil Jalbert, at 202-343-9431.
Tribal Air Grants: Through CAA §105 grants, tribes may develop and implement programs to
prevent and control air pollution or to implement national ambient air quality standards, NSR
and permit programs, and delegated federal programs like Part 71 and MACT standards.
Through CAA §103 grants, tribes, tribal air pollution control agencies, and multi-tribe
jurisdictional air pollution control agencies may conduct and promote research, investigations,
experiments, demonstrations, surveys, studies and training related to ambient or indoor air
pollution on tribal lands. Additional guidance and links to tribal air program information are in
Chapter 2 - Outdoor Air Quality and at http://www.epa.gov/air/tribal. Information on the
allocation of tribal air grants will be provided at a later date. OAR's Tribal air coordinator,
Barrel Harmon, may be reached at 202-564-7416.
Finally, additional information on competitive air and radiation grant opportunities and
programs, typically provided via separate announcement, can be found at:
http ://www. epa. gov/air/grants_funding. html.
2. EFFECTIVE GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Administrative and programmatic provisions for effective oversight and utilization of
continuing program and project-specific grants awarded to states/locals/tribes and multi-
jurisdictional entities are summarized below. The list is not exhaustive but includes the proper
use of award authority, adherence to specific grant program requirements, effective post-award
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 57
-------
oversight, identification of performance measures and results, the funding of co-regulator
organizations, and the promotion of competition. Links are provided to Agency internet and
intranet sites where additional information, including the full text of the guidance, is available.
Using Proper Authorities for Award: OAR has provided guidance to its program offices and the
Regional Offices via the Agency's intranet that clarifies who is eligible for grant assistance given
the purpose of the funded activity, the appropriation, and the grant authority associated with the
funds. During calendar year 2012, OAR will make similar guidance available via the internet.
OAR will update the guidance to reflect any changes associated with its annual appropriation, as
needed. Program contacts are Courtney Hyde at 202-564-1227 or Bill Houck at 202-564-1349.
Administrative Guidance for OAR Grant Programs: OAR has previously issued a reference
document that consolidates the various statutory, regulatory and policy provisions that govern
administration of the CAA §105 continuing air grant program for state, local and some tribal
agencies. This guidance also addresses cost-sharing provisions under the CAA. The guidance is
intended as a resource for HQ and Regional staff and can be accessed by on the Agency's
intranet. During calendar year 2012, OAR will make similar guidance available via the internet.
The program contact, William Houck, can be reached at 202-564-1349.
Ensuring Effective Oversight of Assistance Agreements: EPA Order 5700.2A2, effective
January 1, 2008, updated and streamlined the post-award management of grants and cooperative
agreements. The Order requires EPA offices to monitor a recipient's compliance with its
programmatic terms and conditions, the correlation of the work plan and application content with
actual grant progress, the use of equipment, and compliance with relevant statutory and
regulatory requirements. Offices are required to submit oversight plans and document their
execution. For EPA personnel, the Order may be found at http://intranet.epa.gOv/ogd/policv/4.0-
PostAward-Topics.htm. See also: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/EO/fmalreport.pdf
Improving Grant Workplans: States/ locals/tribes seeking single media air grants or Performance
Partnership grants containing air or radon elements should submit grant work plans that enable
EPA to identify clear linkages between the recipient's efforts and the Agency's Strategic Plan
(i.e., EPA goals and objectives). The Agency's long-term goal is for EPA and the states to
achieve greater consistency in work plan formats. Accordingly, the Office of Grants and
Debarment (OGD) issued Grants Policy Issuance (GPI) 11-03, "State Grant Workplans and
Progress Reports."
(http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/fmal grants_policy issuance 11 03 State Grant Workplans.p
df.) The GPI was developed by the State Grant Workplan Workgroup, composed of EPA and
state grant practitioners. The GPI will go into effect for awards made on or after October 1,
2012. It was issued well in advance of the effective date to allow Regions and recipients
sufficient time to adjust to the new requirements. Affected National Program Managers and
Regional Program Offices should ensure that the GPI is incorporated in upcoming FY 2013
workplan negotiations, and provide appropriate outreach to recipients. In addition, OGD will
work with the Regions on a case-by-case basis to address any implementation challenges. Please
contact Jennifer Hublar, OARM/OGD, at 202-564-5294 should you have questions related to this
GPI.
Achieving Programmatic and Environmental Results: Recipients have the obligation to
articulate sound measures of performance and report insightful and useful results data. EPA
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 58
-------
Order 5700.7 - "Environmental Results in Grants" applies to all Agency grants not just categorical
grants to states. The Order covers all phases of the grants process from development of a
solicitation to evaluation of results. The Order requires EPA project officers to assure that each
grant: (a) links to the Agency's strategic architecture, (b) articulates measurable outputs and
outcomes, and (c) reports the programmatic, and where possible, environmental results achieved.
In addition to clear workplans and measures, regular and consistent performance reporting
should enable the meaningful comparison of a categorical grant program recipient's past and
planned activities and performance. For more information, Regions should refer to
http ://www. epa. gov/ogd/grants/award/5 700.7. pdf.
Reporting on measures where results can be articulated at the Regional level remains the
responsibility of the Regions and grant recipients. Appendix A contains the overall set of
performance measures applicable for FY 2013 including those that pertain to the categorical
grant programs. OAR is also working to develop more relevant near-term environmental or
activity-oriented performance measures or indicators that would better reflect the impact of
annual grant-funded contributions of its state/local co-implementers. The measure(s) would
complement the program's existing short- and long-term measures of performance. OAR will
work with OMB and state/local partners before finalizing any improved measure of performance
applicable to FY 2014 or beyond.
OAR and the Regions 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 receptive to comment from states/locals/tribes 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. Comments on refining reporting
requirements and other approaches to burden reduction should be sent to Mike Hadrick at
hadrick.michael@epa.gov or Bill Houck at houck.william@epa.gov.
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, 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 awarding grants through competition for a portion of the exempted
programs if the Agency determines it is in the best interest of the public to do so. Contact
Courtney Hyde at 202-564-1227 for more information on competition of grants. The current
Competition Policy may be found at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/competition/5700 5Al.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-implementers (state, tribal or local governments)
in the execution of national or regional environmental programs. 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
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 59
-------
before taking funds off the top of a state grant allotment for direct award to a state/local co-
regulator organization. On October 12, 2011, the Agency further clarified that co-regulator
organizations are exempted from competition for awards made using funds appropriated by
Congress under the STAG appropriation for certain co-regulator activities that clearly support, or
are extensions of, core state, local or tribal agency responsibilities. The clarification also notes
that awards made to co-regulators using other than STAG funds, though not exempted from
competition, could qualify for an exception from competition on a case-by-case basis, if properly
justified.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: It is a priority of the Agency to ensure compliance with
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, http ://www. epa. gov/civilrights/t61awrg.htm. This
statute prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, including limited
English proficiency (LEP), by entities receiving Federal financial assistance.
- As required by implementing EPA regulations at 40 C.F.R. Part 7, EPA applicants must
complete EPA Form 4700-4 to demonstrate compliance with Title VI and other non
discrimination statutes and regulations, http://www.epa.gov/ogd/forms/adobe/4700-4_sec.pdf
The regulations also impose specific obligations on grant recipients, including providing
compliance information, establishing grievance procedures, designating a Title VI Coordinator,
and providing notices of non-discrimination, http://www.epa.gov/civilrights/docs/40p0007.pdf
- Title VI requires EPA financial assistance recipients to provide meaningful access to LEP
individuals. To implement that requirement, and consistent with Executive Order 13166,
http://www.epa.gov/civilrights/docs/eol3166.pdf the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued
guidance to recipients entitled, "Guidance to Environmental Protection Agency Financial
Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination
Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons. " http://fnvebgate. access, gpo. gov/cgi-
bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2004 register&docid=fr25in04-79.pdf
- OCR also published a Title VI Public Involvement Guidance for EPA Assistance Recipients
Administering Environmental Permitting Programs, http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-
2691.pdf.
- In coordination with the grants management community, OARM will work with OCR and the
Office of General Counsel to develop and implement appropriate grant conditions, training
programs, and monitoring strategies to help achieve compliance with Title VI and implementing
regulations and guidance.
- All recipients of EPA financial assistance have an affirmative obligation to implement
effective Title VI compliance programs and ensure that their actions do not involve
discriminatory treatment and do not have discriminatory effects even when facially neutral.
Recipients should be prepared to demonstrate that such compliance programs exist and are being
implemented, or otherwise demonstrate how they are meeting their Title VI obligations.
3. CATEGORIZATION and ALLOCATION of §105 GRANTS
In January 2010, after several years of planning, analysis and stakeholder consultation, EPA
produced an updated approach for the allocation of CAA §105 state/local continuing air program
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 60
-------
grants. The approach adhered to the considerations in the CAA of population, actual and
potential air pollution, and relative financial need and used a set of guiding principles that
featured relevance, feasibility, transparency and maintaining the stability of ongoing state/local
operations. A category and factor-driven methodology developed by a contractor-supported
EPA workgroup (see Table 7-4) served as the initial basis but was subsequently adjusted by
OAR to limit the maximum percentage reduction from the prior year for any one Region. When
combined with a significant increase in core funds, the approach will result in increases for all
parts of the country and still enable the re-alignment of resources to growing problem areas.
Table 7-4. EPA Workgroup Allocation Methodology (w/o OAR Adjustment)
Category
SIP Planning
and
Implementation
Monitoring
Air Toxics
Compliance
Category
Weight
38
33
15
14
Factors
Population- weighted design value in N/A areas measuring unhealthy air
Number of non-attainment areas
Population- weighted design- value in areas within 90% of the NAAQS
Number of states
Adequate monitoring network
Cancer risk
Non-cancer risk
Diesel emissions
Number of regulated minor sources
Number of MACT area sources
Number of mobile source compliance programs
Factor
Weight
60
10
20
10
100
45
30
25
50
30
20
Unfortunately, significant increases requested in STAG dollars for both FY 2011 and FY 2012
did not occur. Early in calendar year 2011, OAR began a process that engaged Regions as well
as states/locals/tribes, including individual states and the memberships of ECOS and NACAA, in
discussions on improving consultation and on the prioritization and the implementation of
critical aspects of the continuing air program. One result of that process was the identification of
opportunities for business process improvements for EPA in working with state and local
agencies in carrying out the CAA. Several of these improvements have been incorporated within
this FY 2013 guidance.
In April 2011, the Assistant Administrator indicated that, despite uncertain funding levels, the
Agency would need to move towards a reallocation consistent with its guiding principles and
would work with states/locals in implementing a reasonable, equitable approach beginning in FY
2013. The Agency has again requested a significant increase in funds for state/local core air
program operations for FY 2013. However, the uncertain budget climate notwithstanding, EPA
and its partners must still address the realignment of STAG funds in order to target resources to
the most pressing air quality problems while still maintaining the integrity of state/local air
program operations.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
61
-------
Accordingly, EPA intends to update the air grant allocation using the approach noted above.
Shifts in funding will be moderated so that no Region will experience a decline of more than 5%
of its prior year funding level. This approach will be phased in over a multi-year period and can
be re-evaluated based upon the analysis of relevant and current data, changes in air quality,
and/or changes in available funding. The approach taken must adhere to the Agency's guiding
principles, particularly the protection of the integrity of ongoing state/local air program
operations.
Table 7-5 outlines the funding scenario given the President's request level as well as the
possibility of static funding (i.e., FY 2012 funding level) under a Continuing Resolution. OAR
will continue to work with Regions and states to secure additional funds, to maximize resources
available for state and local work, and to implement the revised allocation formula as equitably
as possible.
Table 7-5. Funding Scenarios and Re-Allocation
Funding
Scenario
Funding Level
Possible Re-Allocation
Approaches
Explanation
FY2013
President's
Request
S305.5M
(Actual amount
directly attributable
to S/Ls is less.)
- OAR-Adjusted
- Uses EPA WG Methodology but adjusts results so that
no Region's % share of total dollars available to S/Ls
declines by > 5%. Under this scenario, the funding level
for every Region could possibly increase given an
overall increase in appropriated funds.
Status Quo/
CR/FY2012
Enacted
S235.7M
(Actual amount
directly attributable
to S/Ls is less.)
- OAR-Adjusted
- OAR-adjusted %s would be applied to the full amount
of available funds but no Region's allotment could
decline by more than 5% from the previous year's
enacted level each year over a defined multi-year period.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
62
-------
Appendix A - Measures
Appendix A - FY 2013 Performance Measures
Office of Air & Radiation
Note: Bracketed text in the table below provides clarifying information about the performance measure. Within the Annual Commitment
System database, this text appears in the Explanation/Comment field.
ACS
Code
CARE-2
CARE-3
OAP1
GAP 7
GAP 8
OAQPS
M22
OAQPS
M06
OAQPS
M07
OAQPS
M08
Measure Text
Number of communities who have developed and agreed on a list of priority toxic and environmental concerns using the
CARE partnership process (annual).
Number of communities who, through the CARE Program, implement local solutions to address an agreed upon list of
priority toxic and environmental concerns using the CARE partnership process (annual).
Percentage increase in total square footage benchmarked compared to the previous calendar year. The end of the
calendar year goal is 10%. [This data is provided by HQ and has an expected lag of up to two months after the end of
the quarter. Therefore, reporting can lag about one quarter.]
Number of people reached (impressions) during regional outreach/education activities in promoting ENERGY STAR.
[These activities would include presentations, publications, interviews, and webinars. When reporting results, in the
Explanation field, break impressions into categories of Residential, Commercial, Products, or Programmatic Overview.]
Number of ENERGY STAR technical support activities. [Technical support includes, but is not limited to, planning
meetings, award ceremonies, direct assistance to the public, expertise requests, and meetings to develop future
relationships with stakeholders. When reporting results, in the Explanation field, break these points of contact into
categories of Residential, Commercial, Products, or All.]
Percentage of 20 13 Annual Monitoring Plans reviewed for required new and/or modification to existing population- and
source-oriented lead monitoring sites.
Percentage of state/local monitoring agency certification requests Region evaluates and forwards to HQ when deemed
adequate. [Note: CY 2012 annual data certifications are due May 1, 2013.]
Percentage of required Technical Systems Audits conducted to achieve an audit of each organization within a 3 -year
period.
Percentage of state/local annual monitoring plans reviewed and approved within 120 days when network changes are
proposed.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
State
Grant
Measure
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
National
Target
No Target
No Target
10%
5,000
240
100%
100%
All Regions
meet once in
3 -year goal
100%
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix A - Measures
ACS
Code
OAQPS
M09
OAQPS
M10
OAQPS
Mil
OAQPS
M12
OAQPS
M18
OAQPS
M19
OAQPS
M20
OAQPS
N001
OAQPS
N002
OAQPS
N003
OAQPS
N004
OAQPS
N005
OAQPS
N07
Measure Text
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.
Percentage of AQS quarterly data reviews completed and resolved for timeliness and completeness.
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, the QMP, and QAPPs.
Cumulative percentage reduction in population-weighted ambient concentration of ozone in all monitored counties from
2003 baseline. [HQ reports.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in population-weighted ambient concentration of fine paniculate matter (PM25) in all
monitored counties from 2003 baseline. [HQ reports.]
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.]
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.]
Percentage improvement in the number of days to process State Implementation Plan revisions weighted by complexity.
[HQ reports.]
Number of final rulemaking actions on PM25 SIPs (due April 2008) consistent with the annual SIP processing goal.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
State
Grant
Measure
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
National
Target
100%
100%
100%
100%
All Regions
meet 50%
goal
100%
100%
15%
29%
80%
50%
-3.1%
No Target
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix A - Measures
ACS
Code
OAQPS
N08
OAQPS
N09
OAQPS
N10
OAQPS
Nil
OAQPS
N29
OAQPS
N30
OAQPS
N31
OAQPS
N32
OAQPS
N33
OAQPS
P001
OAQPS
P06
OAQPS
P09
OAQPS
Pll
Measure Text
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 PM25, consistent with the annual SIP processing
goal.
Number of completed voluntary reclassificationsfor 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas.
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, particularly local ozone reductions programs to help achieve attainment of 8-hr ozone NAAQS and
strategies for controlling emissions from wood smoke where it is a primary contribution to PM2 5 NAAQS problems.
Number of completed attainment determination actions for 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas, including mandatory
reclassifications, clean air data requests, and 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.
Percentage of major NSR permits issued within one year of receiving a complete permit application. [HQ reports this
measure]
Number of Title V program evaluations conducted and reports completed within the fiscal year.
Percentage of state/local major NSR/PSD permits reviewed by Region for new and modified sources to ensure consistent
implementation of the NSR program.
Percentage of permitting authorities reporting complete Part 70 TOPs data.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
State
Grant
Measure
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
National
Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
100%
No Target
No Target
No Target
78%
1 program
per Region
75%
100%
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix A - Measures
ACS
Code
OAQPS
P12
OAQPS
P13
OAQPS
P14
OAQPS
P19
OAQPS
P20
OAQPS
P21
OAQPS
T001
OAQPS
T002
OAQPS
T05
OAQPS
TR01
OAQPS
TR02
OAQPS
TR03
OAQPS
TR04
OAQPS
TR06
Measure Text
Percentage of Part 7 1 significant modifications issued by Region within 1 8 months of receiving a complete permit
application.
Percentage of Part 71 initial permits issued by Region 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.
Percentage of Part 70 initial permits reviewed by Region.
Percentage of Part 70 permit renewals reviewed by Region.
Cumulative percentage reduction in tons of toxicity-weighted (for cancer risk) emissions of air toxics, compared to 1993
baseline. [HQ reports.]
Cumulative percentage reduction in tons of toxicity-weighted (for noncancer risk) emissions of air toxics, compared to
1993 baseline. [HQ reports.]
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.
Cumulative number of tribes with approved eligibility determinations under the Tribal Authority Rule.
Cumulative number of tribes with delegation of federal programs to address air quality conditions on tribal lands.
Cumulative number of tribes with approved TIPs to address air quality conditions on tribal lands.
Number of tribes conducting air quality monitoring activities.
Number of tribes implementing voluntary or other non-regulatory programs.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
State
Grant
Measure
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
National
Target
100%
94%
10%
80%
75%
25%
42%
58%
No Target
16
3
6
No Target
No Target
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix A - Measures
ACS
Code
OAQPS
TR08
ORIA
IAQ5
ORIA
IAQ6
ORIA
IAQ7
(NEW)
ORIA
IAQ8
ORIA
RAD1
ORIA
RAD 2
OTAQ
Ola
Measure Text
Number of reservations that completed or updated an emission inventory during FY 2013.
Aggregate number of children with asthma and/or their caregivers, especially in EJ areas of concern, educated about
environmental management of asthma and childhood exposure to ETS, in homes, schools, and other settings. [In the
Explanation field, break out the number of children and/or their caregivers educated in EJ areas of concern, as
determined by the grant recipient having indicated that in their grant proposal, or as determined by the Region.]
Aggregate number of health care professionals trained about environmental management of asthma and childhood
exposure to ETS.
Number of programs enrolled in www.AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org. [At mid-year and year-end, report the number
of regional programs in Communities in Action for Asthma Friendly Environments network found at
www. AsthmaCommunityNetwork. org. Report numbers in Current Value field and use Explanation field to describe
highlights, innovations, and anecdotal information about health and other outcomes.]
Number of technical support activities that advance indoor air programs and guidance for healthy buildings. [Technical
support includes, but is not limited to, strategic planning meetings or pacing events with stakeholders, fulfillment of
expertise requests, training sessions, significant outreach/education events involving healthy buildings, and other
significant technical assistance investments. At mid-year and end-of- year, report the total number to date for the fiscal
year. In the Explanation field, break out the number by building type category (homes, schools, offices, other buildings,
or all). Note: Please do not include direct individual assistance to the public (e.g., telephone queries) or general
education and outreach activities (e.g., participating at a health fair).]
Number of radiation exercises the Region participates in. [Bid projected number of exercises. Report numbers in
Current Value field and use Explanation field to describe the name, location, and type of each exercise as well as the
number of regional radiation program participants.]
Number of individuals identified and trained to fill RERT liaison and radiation advisor positions. [Bid projected total
number of personnel identified and fully qualified for the RERT liaison and radiation advisor positions. Each Region
should have 1 RERT liaison and 1 radiation advisor position. Report numbers in Current Value field.]
Number of projects implemented that promote diesel emissions reductions. [The baseline is set to zero at the beginning
of each fiscal year. At the end of each quarter, report the cumulative number of proj ects since the beginning of the Fiscal
Year in the Current Value field. In the Explanation field, report the numbers and categories of projects in accordance
with the Diesel Work Group's instructions and definitions for reporting. Also in the Explanation field, report whether the
data has been entered into DRIVER. Also in the Explanation field, report the number of diesel grants awarded to
projects that affect or are likely to affect areas that may be disproportionately impacted in whole or part, as determined
by the grant recipient having indicated that in their grant proposal, or as determined by the Region.]
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
State
Grant
Measure
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
National
Target
No Target
No Target
2,000
No Target
No Target
No Target
20
No Target
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix A - Measures
ACS
Code
OTAQ
Olb
OTAQ
Olcl
OTAQ
OlclO
OTAQ
Olc2
OTAQ
Olc3
OTAQ
Olc4
OTAQ
Olc5
OTAQ
Olc6
OTAQ
Olc7
OTAQ
Olc8
OTAQ
Olc9
Measure Text
Number of existing heavy duty diesel engines (including school bus engines) that have been retrofitted, replaced, or
retired. [The baseline is reset to zero at the beginning of each fiscal year. At the end of each quarter, report the
cumulative number of engines since the beginning of the Fiscal Year in the Current Value field. Use the Explanation
field to report whether that data has been entered into DRIVER.]
Annual tons of NOX emissions avoided. [The baseline is reset to zero at the beginning of each fiscal year. At the end of
each quarter, report the cumulative reductions of NOX since the beginning of the fiscal year in the Current Value field.
Use the "Explanation" field to report whether the data has been entered into DRIVER.]
Lifetime tons of CO2 emissions avoided.
Annual tons of PM emissions avoided. [The baseline is reset to zero at the beginning of each fiscal year. At the end of
each quarter, report the cumulative reductions of PM since the beginning of the fiscal year in the Current Value field.
Use the "Explanation" field to report whether the data has been entered into DRIVER.]
Annual tons of HC emissions avoided. [The baseline is reset to zero at the beginning of each fiscal year. At the end of
each quarter, report the cumulative reductions of HC since the beginning of the fiscal year in the Current Value field.
Use the "Explanation" field to report whether the data has been entered into DRIVER.]
Annual tons of CO emissions avoided. [The baseline is reset to zero at the beginning of each fiscal year. At the end of
each quarter, report the cumulative reductions of CO since the beginning of the fiscal year in the Current Value field.
Use the Explanation field to report whether the data has been entered into DRIVER.]
Annual tons of CO2 emissions avoided. [The baseline is reset to zero at the beginning of each fiscal year. At the end of
each quarter, report the cumulative reductions of CO2 since the beginning of the fiscal year in the Current Value field.
Use the Explanation field to report whether the data has been entered into DRIVER.]
Lifetime tons of NOX emissions avoided.
Lifetime tons of PM emissions avoided.
Lifetime tons of HC emissions avoided.
Lifetime tons of CO emissions avoided.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
State
Grant
Measure
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
National
Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix A - Measures
ACS
Code
OTAQ
02a
OTAQ
02b
OTAQ
03a
OTAQ
03b
OTAQ
04
OTAQ
06
OTAQ
08
SIRG1
SIRG2
SIRG3
Measure Text
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, PMio) submitted by states. [Report % in the Current Value field. Use Explanation field to report the actual
number of determinations made, for what SIPs, and which pollutants.]
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, PM25, PM10) at the time of final
rulemaking on such SIPs. [Report % in the Current Value field. Use the Explanation field to report the actual number of
approval/disapproval rulemaking actions taken for what SIPs and which pollutants.]
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. [Report % in the Current
Value field. Use the Explanation field to list the conformity determinations reviewed, where, and for which pollutants.]
Number of final rulemaking actions taken by the Region on Transportation Conformity -related SIP revisions consistent
with the annual SIP processing goal. [Report number in the Current Value field and use the Explanation field to provide
the actual total number of submitted SIPs where the due date for final rulemaking falls in FY12. Also, explain if bidding
fewer than the universe and if reporting Status as "not on target" or "measure not met."]
Number of outreach activities conducted by the Region to support SmartWay programs. [Report the number of events in
the Current Value. In the Explanation field, list the outreach events including names and dates of events.]
Percentage of I/M reports submitted by states for existing I/M programs (including OBD) reviewed by the Region.
[Report % in the Current Value field. In the Explanation field, provide the actual number of I/M reports that were
submitted and reviewed, and from which states.]
Number of CMAQ-funded clean diesel projects implemented by state/local governments. [Report the actual number of
projects in the Current Value field. In the Explanation field, indicate whether the data has been entered into the National
Clean Diesel Database.]
Number of additional homes with operating mitigation systems.
Number of additional homes built with radon-resistant new construction.
Number of additional schools mitigated and/or built with radon-resistant new construction.
Non-
Cmmit
Ind
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
State
Grant
Measure
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
National
Target
100%
100%
100%
Sum of Bids
No Target
100%
No Target
No Target
No Target
No Target
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
-------
Appendix B - State/Local Agency Activities
Quick Look at EPA's Major Expectations of State/Local Agencies
The following is a compilation of the expected activities of state/local agencies that are listed
under the different program/topic headings in the Outdoor Air Quality chapter of the main
guidance document. This list is provided as suggested by the participants in the State/EPA
workgroup on prioritization discussed on p. 2 of the Executive Summary of the main document.
NAAOS
SIPs
1. Submit 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS attainment demonstration SIPs by December 2012.
2. Develop and submit 2010 NO2 and SO2 NAAQS infrastructure SIPs in 2013.
3. States with active Stage II gasoline vapor recovery programs that want to remove the
state rules submit SIP revisions.
4. Develop and submit infrastructure SIPs for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
5. Convert, where desired, CSAPR FIP into a SIP.
6. Submit 2008 Lead NAAQS attainment demonstration SIPs by June 2013 for areas that
were designated as nonattainment in the second round.
7. Implement mobile source control strategies (such as I/M programs and Transportation
Control Measures) on time and consistent with SIP commitments.
8. Implement grants effectively to accomplish needed reductions (e.g., DERA grants).
9. Work with transportation agencies as appropriate to update mobile SIP budgets in
response to changing needs such as updates to the mobile model MOVES or other
changes.
10. Update out-of-date conformity SIPs to allow states to use flexibilities in the recent rule.
Designations
1. Submit recommendations for area designations for a potentially revised PM NAAQS.
Other
1. Conduct public notification and education efforts, including reporting air quality
forecasts and current conditions for ozone and particle pollution.
2. Implement strategies for controlling emissions from wood smoke where it is a primary
contribution to air quality problems, including wood-burning appliance
changeouts/retrofits and Burn Wise education campaigns.
3. Submit redesignation requests including maintenance plans for areas with clean data.
4. For areas designated in the first round as nonattainment for the 2008 Lead NAAQS,
implement strategies to attain the 2008 Pb NAAQS
5. Implement strategies to attain the 2008 lead NAAQS.
6. Develop attainment demonstrations for SO2 nonattainment areas and conduct other SO2
air quality planning in accordance with EPA guidance.
Regional Haze
1. Work on remaining issues related to submitted regional haze SIPs.
2. Implement BART requirements.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix B - State/Local Agency Activities
3. Submit interim progress report SIP due 5 years after the submittal of the initial Regional
Haze SIP as required under 51.308(g).
Title V and NSR/PSD
1. Provide timeliness data on new Title V permits and significant permit modifications to
EPA for entry into TOPS.
2. Issue initial permits, significant modifications, and renewal Title V permits and reduce
backlog of renewal permits.
3. Participate with EPA in Title V permit program evaluations, set targets to respond to
EPA's evaluation report and implement recommendations.
4. Issue 78% of major NSR permits within one year of receiving a complete permit
application.
5. Issue NSR permits consistent with CAA requirements and enter BACT/LAER
determinations in the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC).
6. 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.
Ambient Monitoring for Criteria Pollutants
1. Submit 2014 annual network plan required by 40 CFR §58.10, by July 1, 2013, unless
another schedule has been approved.
2. Install and begin operation of near-road NC>2 monitors for those states/locals covered by
phase one by January 1, 2013.
3. Convert airport study lead monitors from special purpose monitors to required SLAMS
for any monitors that recorded design values exceeding 50% of the lead NAAQS.
4. Operate monitors for other NAAQS pollutants, NCore, PM2.5 speciation, and PAMS
according to 40 CFR Part 58, approved monitoring plans, and/or grant agreements
including QMPs and QAPPs.
5. Submit NAAQS pollutant data, PAMS, NCore, and QA data to AQS according to
schedule in 40 CFR Part 58.
6. Certify 2012 NAAQS pollutant data in AQS and provide supporting documentation by
May 1, 2013, including exceptional event flags.
7. Ensure adequate independent QA audits of NAAQS monitors including PEP and NPAP or
equivalent.
8. Conduct monthly QA checks for flow rates of PM2.5 speciation monitors and submit data
quarterly to AQS. Target is for 75% completeness.
9. Report real time ozone and PM2.5 data to AirNOW for cities required to report the AQI.
Air Toxics Implementation
1. Quality assure, validate, and revise NEI data using EIS.
2. Submit data for the integrated 2011 emissions inventory.
3. Develop and implement delegated or approved air toxic standards, as appropriate, for
major sources and area sources.
4. Implement delegated residual risk standards.
5. As resources allow, work with communities to develop and implement voluntary air
toxics programs that address outdoor, indoor, and mobile sources with emphasis on areas
with potential EJ concerns.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix B - State/Local Agency Activities
Ambient Monitoring for Toxics
1. Operate NATTS sites, including study sites, according to EPA's technical guidance and
the QAPP and QMP.
2. Participate in inter-laboratory Proficiency Testing and Technical System Audit programs
according to national guidance and the approved QAPP and QMP.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Conduct federally funded community assessment projects consistent with grant terms
(including schedule), technical guidance, and applicable quality-assurance project plans
(QAPPs) and quality management plans. (QMPs).
Allowance Trading Programs
1. Submit state-promulgated allocations decisions to EPA for incorporation into unit
accounts.
2. Assist sources with monitor certifications and recertifications, emissions monitoring and
reporting.
3. Perform electronic and field audits of monitor certifications, Part 75 continuous
emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), and emissions reporting by sources. Perform
Part 75 CEMS field audits in accordance with EPA 430-B-96-038. Provide electronic or
hard copy reports of the audits and any corrective actions needed to the EPA Regional
Office and HQ. EPA encourages states to submit the Part 75 CEMS field audit reports
using the Field Audit Checking Tool (FACT) developed by EPA to simplify and
streamline the field audit process.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
Appendix C.
AMBIENT AIR 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) and other
health indicators for toxics, 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.
NAAQS Related Monitoring Highlights
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) NAAQS strengthened with addition
of one-hour standard to protect against short-term exposures;
monitors will be necessary in locations to measure peak
concentrations that occur over shorter periods of time; these
locations will typically be near major roads in urban areas.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) NAAQS strengthened by replacing the
existing primary SO2 NAAQS with a one-hour standard.
Monitoring required in Core Based Statistical Areas
(CBSA's) based on population size and SO2 emissions.
Reporting requirement added to include maximum 5-minute
block average of each hour. All new SO2 monitoring
required to be operational by January 1, 2013.
Ozone (O3) NAAQS. EPA is reviewing the ozone NAAQS
and a proposal is expected in October 2013. Ozone (O3)
Monitoring Requirements - Separate from the NAAQS
reconsideration (which was not finalized), EPA has finalized
changes to the ozone monitoring requirements that would
lengthen the ozone monitoring season in some areas.
Monitoring season changes would take effect on the first day
of the ozone season in 2013, pending OMB review.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) NAAQS: A PM
NAAQS proposal is expected in 2012 with a final rule
expected in 2013.
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 through
1 9
a stakeholder driven process known as the Ambient Air Monitoring Strategy (monitoring
strategy) as well as through NAAQS reviews that include both public and scientific input.
While recent NAAQS reviews are resulting in changes to the monitoring networks, the
overall goals and themes of the monitoring strategy remain the same. 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.). In July 2010, monitoring agencies completed
the first required assessment of their air quality monitoring system13. The assessment is required
of states every five years and is intended to determine, at a minimum, if networks meet the
monitoring objectives defined in regulation, whether new sites are needed, whether existing sites
are no longer needed and can be terminated, and whether new technologies are appropriate for
incorporation into the ambient air monitoring network. Copies of the Network Assessments are
available at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/plans.html. The second major implementation item is
the start of the National Core (NCore) network, which began on January 1, 2011. The NCore
network measures major gases, particles, and meteorology in order to provide support to
integrated air quality management needs. EPA and monitoring agencies have been working to
Available at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/monstratdoc.html
13 §58.10 Annual Monitoring Network Plan and Periodic Network Assessment (d)
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
implement about 80 NCore stations across the county; about 63 of these are in urban or suburban
locations with the balance in rural locations.
As part of its commitment to review each NAAQS within a five-year period, EPA has revised
the NAAQS for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (802). EPA did not revise the carbon
monoxide (CO) NAAQS in 2011 but did revise monitoring requirements. These final rules
resulted in changes to the monitoring requirements (summarized in Table C-l). In most cases,
necessary monitoring changes to support the NAAQS are included in the proposed and final
rules associated with each NAAQS review. However, EPA also reconsidered the lead
monitoring requirements and finalized the ozone monitoring requirements (pending OMB
review). The revisions are summarized in Table C-l. With the large number of new and
changing needs, EPA remains committed to working closely with its state/local monitoring
partners through forums such as the Ambient Air Monitoring Committee of the National
Association of Clean Air Agencies (NAC AA) and the Ambient Air Monitoring Steering
Committee (co-chaired by the NACAA State/Local Monitoring Co-chairs and the Director of
EPA's Air Quality Assessment Division within the OAQPS) to ensure monitoring agencies and
EPA are working together to improve the ambient air monitoring networks. EPA monitoring
staff work closely with tribal air monitoring agencies through participation in the Tribal Air
Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center. In addition, EPA has numerous consultative meetings with
the Ambient Air Methods and Monitoring Subcommittee (AAMMS) of the Clean Air Scientific
Advisory Committee (CASAC) to obtain independent reviews of proposed monitoring changes.
Table C-l on the next page has been provided to: help assist agencies in understanding the
status of each NAAQS review; identify important dates that affect monitoring implementation;
and find where more detailed information can be found.
This document provides guidance on the use of §103 and §105 STAG resources for air toxics
and criteria pollutant monitoring networks, as well as important associated networks such as the
Chemical Speciation Network (CSN), NCore, IMPROVE, and PAMS. The document provides
information on directions and priorities for ambient monitoring that attempt to take into account
the emerging needs identified in various NAAQS reviews while adhering to the themes
identified in the Ambient Air Monitoring Strategy for state, tribal, and local, air agencies.
These include an emphasis on multi-pollutant monitoring and favoring continuous over
integrated PM samplers. This guidance is also consistent with the revisions to the ambient air
monitoring regulations for applicable monitoring of NCore, lead, NO2, CO, and SO2. Guidance
associated with NAAQS pollutants where we have not yet proposed or finalized any changes
(i.e.,NOx/SOx secondary and PM secondary NAAQS monitoring needs) have not been provided
since these pollutants are still in review.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
Table C-l - Summary of NAAQS and Ambient Air Monitoring Implementation Timeline
NAAQS
Lead-
Monitoring
NO
Primary
NAAQS and
Monitoring
so?
Primary
NAAQS and
Monitoring
Ozone -
Primary and
Secondary
NAAQS
Ozone -
Monitoring
SO2andNO2
NAAQS and
Monitoring
CO-
Primary and
Secondary
NAAQS and
Monitoring
PM-
Primary and
Secondary
NAAQS and
Monitoring
Date of Proposed
or Final Rule, if
available
Current review
ongoing; proposal
expected in Jan
2014
Final rule -
published February
9,2010
Final Rule -
published June 22,
2010
Proposed Rule
Expected Oct 20 13
Final Monitoring
Rule expected to
be finalized in
June 2012.
Proposal published
July 12,2011;
Final Rule by
March 20, 2012.
Proposal expected
20 12; Final rule
expected in 2013.
Summary of Changes to Monitoring
NAAQS review ongoing
Phased approach will implement a
subset of the required near-road
monitoring; a two-phased funding of
approximately 52 monitors in urban
areas of 1 million population or
greater over a two-year period
Monitoring required in Core Based
Statistical Areas (CBSA's) based on
population size and SO2 emissions.
Reporting requirement added to
include maximum 5-minute block
average of each hour.
Date Monitoring
must be Operating
by:
Phase 1: January 1,
2013
Phase 2: January 1,
2014
January 1,2013
NAAQS review ongoing
Ozone monitoring season
changes would take effect on
Lengthening the ozone monitoring season the first day of the revised
where appropriate ozone monitoring season in
2013.
NAAQS review on-going
CO near-road monitoring requirements effective on January 1, 2015 for
CBSA's >= 2.5 million and January 1, 2017 for CBSA's >= 1 million and
< 2.5 million. Monitors collocated with NO2 near-road sites.
Several PM monitoring topics are being considered for inclusion in a PM
NAAQS proposal. Monitoring topics are discussed in the April 201 1 PM
Policy Assessment.
More information
on final/proposed
rule available at:
http://www.epa.gov/
airqualitv/nitrogeno
xides/actions .html# i
anlO
http://www.epa.gov/
airqualitv/sulfurdiox
ide/actions .html# j un
10
http://www.epa.gov/
air/ozonepollution/a
ctions.html
http://www.epa.gov/
ttn/naaqs/standards/
no2so2sec/index.ht
ml
http://www.epa.gov/
ttn/naaq s/standards/
pm/s pm 2007 pa.
html
Highlights in Monitoring Funding for FY 2013
In FY 2012, EPA requested an additional $15 million in STAG resources to help fund new
monitoring requirements as a result of revising the NAAQS for lead, NC>2, SC>2, and ozone. EPA
has again requested these funds for 2013. EPA intends to use the $15 million for purchasing
monitoring equipment using §103 authority. Beginning in FY 2013, and through FY 2016, EPA
proposes to transition the funding authority for PM2.5 monitoring from §103 to §105. Federal
funding for on-going operations of all other criteria pollutants is expected to use §105 authority.
EPA will work with state/local agencies on the deployment of new monitors, including
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
minimizing expenses to EPA and the state/local agencies as a result of the various changes to the
NAAQS. Some additional details of EPA's plans for funding monitoring in FY 2013 follow:
In developing the PM2.5 monitoring allocation for FY 2013, EPA will employ the same
Region-by-Region funding approach used in prior yearsi.e., 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 2012, all
PM2.5 monitoring grants are expected to end on March 31, 2013. Therefore, funding for FY
2013 will be for a 12 month period beginning April 1, 2013.
Funding for the portion of the IMPROVE program that addresses progress in improving
visibility in Class I areas will increase slightly to account for elevated contract costs. 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). This is also useful in the periodic assessments of
progress that are required in achieving the national visibility goal.
The level of funds for the nationally administered, independent Performance Evaluation
Program (PEP) provided as associated program support for PM2.s monitoring is expected to
be approximately $1.6 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.
The level of funds for the nationally administered, independent National Performance Audit
Program (NPAP) is expected to be approximately $536,000. This level assumes no
significant increase in monitoring sites for FY 2013. 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. Current NPAP
analyzers will need to be replaced to accomplish audits at the lower levels needed for the
NCore program and required by the 2006 revisions to Appendix A of the monitoring
requirements, 40 CFR Part 58. In FY 2012, $135,000 was allocated to upgrade half of the
NPAP mobile laboratories with high sensitivity audit equipment. In FY2013, and additional
$135,000 is proposed to be allocated to upgrade the remaining half of the NPAP mobile
laboratories with high sensitivity audit equipment.
For FY 2013, EPA plans to reserve 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. All funds will be utilized as either direct
award to a PAMS program or equipment will be purchased and provided. A PAMS Re-
engineering workgroup has been convened to conduct an overall assessment of the PAMS
program to include a review of PAMS equipment needs. Several PAMS agencies have
reported they are unable to purchase new equipment and much of their existing inventory of
PAMS monitoring equipment is outdated. The workgroup will work closely with all PAMS
agencies to ensure the most effective approach is utilized to purchase equipment. In the
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
preliminary allocation these funds are contained within the respective Region-by-Region
allotments.
In FY 2013, EPA plans to use $40,000 prorated from each Region (4.OK) to support the
standard reference photometer (SRP) program. These resources will support the TAG with
the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that verify the two HQ SRPs each
year, the maintenance, repair and updating of the Regional and HQ SRPs, the shipping of the
traveling SRP to each Region and the subsequent re-verification of the SRP upon return to
EPA.
In FY 2013 EPA plans to use approximately $30,000 to cover the costs of the PAMS
retention time cylinder verification program. This program was implemented at the ORIA
lab in Las Vegas until 2011. In 2012, a contract lab started providing the analytical services
that could no longer be provided by the ORIA lab. The PAMS program already covers the
cost of development of these cylinders so these additional resources will be necessary to
cover the independent verification of the cylinder concentrations.
In FY 2013, EPA plans to use $30,000 prorated from each SLAMS recipient, to perform
regional and national scale assessments of the data quality of the SLAMS criteria pollutant
data. These assessments will build on and enhance QA reports like the AMP255 and include
new QA information that will be provided through new QA transactions scheduled to be
developed in 2012. We plan on using the AirData platform to develop assessment tools that
can be used by the monitoring organizations to provide data reports and assessments. QA
data will be loaded into the DATA Mart for use on the AirData platform and for subsequent
report generation.
In FY 2013, EPA anticipates funding air toxics monitoring at the existing 27 National Air
Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS).
For the 2013 community-scale air toxics funds, EPA plans to continue support for monitoring
projects involving "hot-spots," such as locations where communities may be impacted from a
local source or sources with elevated levels of air toxics emissions. EPA will emphasize
monitoring in disproportionately affected communities. It is possible these funds could be
re-directed to higher-priority monitoring needs in FY2013.
Fine Particulate (PMi.5) Monitoring Network
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 monitors used in
public reporting of the Air Quality Index (AQI); and speciation samplers operated as part of the
Chemical Speciation Network (CSN). The latter include the Speciation Trends Network,
supplemental speciation sites, and the IMPROVE program that is 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 expanding the network of PM2.5 continuous monitors with
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
recently approved FEMs and planning for daily speciation sampling in a small number of the
most populated cities in the country where this information can support data needs in a state and
for use in helping expedite health studies.
EPA is actively reviewing the PM NAAQS and expects to issue a notice of proposed
rulemaking in 2012 with a final rulemaking in 2013.
In planning a PM2.5 monitoring network for 2013, each agency may use information from
their five-year assessment submitted to EPA in 2010. Agencies should have identified any
appropriate changes to their networks in the annual monitoring network plan that was submitted
by July 1, 2012. However, given that a PM NAAQS proposal is expected in 2012, EPA is not
expecting substantial changes to the network in 2013. EPA does envision that state/local
agencies will continue to maintain a large robust network of PM2.5 monitors to support several
monitoring objectives including protection of public health through the NAAQS.
Overall Direction
FY 2013 EPA is advocating continued operation of a large and robust monitoring network to
continue support for the objectives stated above. For PM2.5 this means continued operation of
high value 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. With several recently approved PM2.5 continuous FEMs, monitoring agencies may
replace existing PM2.5 SLAMS sites operating filter-based FRMs with continuous FEMs.
The 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 particulate monitoring network have been developed:
Appropriate spatial characterization of PM2.s NAAQS;
Public Reporting of PM2.s in the AQI;
Characterization of PM2.s chemical speciation data for long term trends, development and
accountability of emission control programs, tracking of regional haze, and for use in health
studies;
Operation of NCore trace-level CO, SO2, NO2/NOy and PM (PM2.5 and PMio-2.5) monitoring
to support characterization of PM precursors;
Assessment of PM2.5 data quality;
Procurement and testing of PM2.s filters.
Disinvestments and other Changes
For FY 2013, EPA is not expecting significant changes to the PM2.5 monitoring networks.
EPA is planning to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on the PM NAAQS in 2012.
However, monitoring agencies will want to consider what changes may be appropriate to their
network in consideration of both the five-year assessment completed in 2010 and final decisions
from the PM NAAQS review. Any such changes, if necessary, would likely begin to occur no
sooner than in FY2014 or beyond. In cases where the five-year assessment shows problems with
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
the currently deployed networks (e.g., the current network design is not being appropriately
implemented) EPA encourages addressing that issue in this year's annual monitoring network
plan.
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
or that may be designated nonattainment with the revised 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. In these cases
the Region 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 as part
of their annual network review within the available allocation,. State/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.
As in 2012, 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 the Regions on how to assess adequacy and independence of proposed audit
programs.14 Information on this decision process will be provided in a memorandum from the
Region 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 2013 guidance memorandum
covering details on participation in the PM2.5 PEP will be issued to the Regions in June 2012.
Investments
EPA's Office of Research and Development has now approved several PM2.5 continuous
monitors as FEMs.15 These methods are now available and their data can be compared to the
NAAQS as well as for public reporting of the AQI. Monitoring agencies that are comfortable
with an approved FEM 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, Regions will work closely with state/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 FRM monitors is
available on EPA's AMTIC web site.16
Gas monitoring at NCore with high sensitivity measurements of CO, SO2, and NO/NOy will
continue as part of the multi-pollutant strategy to support characterization of PM and ozone
precursors in FY 2013. Planning over the last few years has resulted in funding being available
for all approved NCore multi-pollutant sites for these pollutants. While almost all required
14 January 8, 2007 memorandum from Phil Lorang (Ambient Air Monitoring Group Leader) to Regional Office
ambient monitoring managers.
15 http ://www. epa. gov/ttn/amtic/criteria. html
16 http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/datamang.html
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
NCore stations are operational, there are just a few stations that have yet to be implemented.
OAQPS will work through the Regions to target one-time funds for the capital acquisition of
these planned NCore stations.
For daily speciation, EPA is working 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. For FY 2013, most of this effort will focus on operation of semi-
continuous Sunset 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 2013, 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.
Of specific note is the need to transition PM2.5 continuous FEM monitors from analog to digital
data systems so that important diagnostic data (e.g., sample flow rates, operational relative
humidity or temperature...) is readily available for validation of data used in NAAQS decisions.
Resources dedicated to this area will support processing, validating, and reporting of data that
supports the PM monitoring program.
In May 2012, EPA expects to host a comprehensive National Air Quality Conference with a
focus on Ambient Air Monitoring. This conference was last held in November of 2009. Regions
and state/local agencies will both benefit by strong participation in this conference to manage
and enhance the ambient air monitoring program. Grant funds can be used to support
participation in this conference.
Distribution of Funds
The FY 2013 national program guidance does not yet include a final allocation of PM2.5
monitoring funds among Regions for use in direct awards based on a schedule for phasing out
the use of §103 authority. EPA will be consulting further with stakeholders on this topic once
we have more detailed information on the funding for FY2012.
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 2013 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 2013." These numbers may decline if states choose not
to maintain their existing PM2.5 monitoring networks.
17 State/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
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
For more information on PM2.5 monitoring, contact Tim Hanley at 919-541-4417 or via email
at hanley.tim@epa.gov.
Monitoring Networks for Other NAAQS Pollutants
Support of Established NAAQS Networks
With a number of NAAQS decisions already final or to be final by FY 2013, EPA will need
to work closely with affected air monitoring programs on deploying new or revised monitoring
networks, where necessary. This section summarizes both the new monitoring that will need to
be implemented during FY 2013 as well as new operations and maintenance for monitoring that
needs to be operational during FY 2013 for NAAQS. These areas are traditionally funded using
§105 authority and include: ozone, lead, CO, SO2, NO2, PMio, and PMio-2.5.18 Additional
information on each network is summarized below and a distribution of monitoring stations by
pollutant is shown in figure C-2.
In March 2008, EPA strengthened the ozone NAAQS by revising the 8-hour standard to a
level of 0.075 ppm. EPA is now reviewing the ozone NAAQS and a notice of proposed
rulemaking is expected in October 2013. To support the robust ozone monitoring network that is
already operating in most urban areas across the country, EPA finalized changes to the ozone
monitoring season requirements (pending OMB review) to support the 0.075 ppm NAAQS.
Changes to the ozone monitoring season are to begin on the first day of the new ozone
monitoring season in FY 2013.
Table C-2
Number of Monitoring Stations by Pollutant 2002 - 2011
2006 2007
Year
7009
2010
2011
.Carbon
'Monoxide
Lead (tsp) Lc
Frm/fern
Lead (tsp) Stp
Nitrogen
Dioxide (no2)
Ozone
PrnlO Total
~0-10um Stp
_Prn2.5- Local
Conditions
Sulfur Dioxide
building further expertise in agencies operating the network.
18 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 forPM10.2.5 as part of the new NCore network with an implementation
date of January 1,2011. 71 FR 61236.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
In October of 2008, EPA strengthened the lead NAAQS from 1.5 |ig/m3 to 0.15 |ig/m3 as
measured by total suspended paniculate. 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. EPA required that
near-source monitors associated with emissions of more than one ton per year begin operating by
January 1, 2010 and near-source monitoring associated with emissions of more than one-half ton
per year begin operating by December 27, 2011. The final rule also requires non-source
monitoring at NCore sites in CBSAs with a population of 500,000 people or more. The final rule
also required a 1-year study of Pb monitoring at 15 specific airports where concentrations may
approach or exceed the Pb NAAQS. Monitoring at the airports was required to begin no later
than December 27, 2011.
On January 22, 2010, EPA strengthened the NO2 NAAQS with the addition of a one-hour
standard to capture peaks associated with short-term exposures to this pollutant. Due to current
economic difficulties facing the states, EPA, in coordination with NACAA has developed a
phased approach for funding the near-road network. EPA is also pursuing a regulatory change to
the implementation schedule for this network. This plan provides a phased framework for
funding an initial subset of the required NO2 near-road monitors referenced in the NO2 NAAQS
final rule. The plan supports the funding of approximately 52 NO2 monitors in urban areas
having approximately 1 million or more persons over a 2-year period (phase one and phase two).
The primary objective of the plan is to establish a base of monitors to characterize NO2
concentrations in near-road environments across the country so that ambient concentrations
relative to the revised 1-hour NAAQS can be assessed. A secondary objective is to establish a
near-road monitoring network that can support future multi-pollutant monitoring efforts, as
needed. Phase one of the funding was provided in FY 2011 for the establishment of certain sites
and Phase two funding for the establishment of the additional sites is expected in FY 2012. EPA
expects the phase one sites to be operational approximately by January 1, 2013, and the phase
two sites by January 1, 2014. EPA will work closely with states not covered by the initial phases
to plan for later funding of the remainder of the required sites, based on the FY 2013 budget
and/or alternative sources such as local funds. States will be required to operate CO monitors at
these near-road sites, following a staggered deployment schedule with deadlines of January 1,
2015 for those areas of population 2.5M or greater, and by January 1, 2017 for areas with
population between 1M and 2.5M. Continued operations and maintenance of these near-road
sites is to be funded from the §105 state/local air quality management grants.
On June 2, 2010 EPA strengthened the SO2 NAAQS by establishing a new 1-hour standard at
a level of 75 parts per billion. Ambient air monitoring is required in CBSAs based on a
population-weighted emissions index for the area. Monitoring is required to begin on January 1,
2013.
In addition to revising networks for lead, ozone, NO2, CO and SO2, FY 2013 STAG grant
funds should be used for on-going ambient monitoring programs to support:
National and local spatial characterization of O3 relative to the NAAQS;
National and local public reporting of O3 in the AQI;
Local public reporting of CO, SO2, NO2, and PMio in the AQI for areas where these
pollutants are of concern;
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 10
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
Operation and maintenance of NCore stations beyond the leveraged funds provided under
the PM2.5 monitoring program;
Local characterization of the CO, SO2, NO2, and PMio NAAQS in the few areas with
NAAQS non-attainment and maintenance issues;
In addition to the monitoring provided for above, limited characterization of O3, CO,
SO2, NO2, 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 O3, CO, SO2, NO2, 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;
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/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 required19 to be submitted to
the Air Quality System (AQS) database.
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 Regions, 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 emphasis on auditing
higher priority monitors (e.g., sites prioritized for health risk reasons) more frequently. In 2013,
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 (TTP) 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
19 §58.15 - Annual air monitoring data certification, and §58.16 - Data submittal and archiving requirements.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 11
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
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 Region.
The initial reserve of FY 2013 funds is estimated to be approximately $536,000. This is
based on EPA's current understanding of monitoring organizations' intentions for how NPAP
audits will be implemented in 2012. 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 Regions as capable to perform the NPAP
by September 2012, a corresponding amount of STAG funds will be made available to the
Region 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 2012 cutoff date gives EPA
time to make necessary contracting and other arrangements for the audits it will manage in 2013.
Since the start of the NPAP through the probe (TTP) in 2002, capital equipment has not been
replaced or upgraded. With the NCore sites now on line, the NPAP mobile laboratories will
need to replace analyzers and calibration equipment that will be able to challenge the higher
sensitivity equipment that is being implemented not only at NCore sites, but at routine
monitoring sites where monitoring organizations are replacing older equipment with the trace
level analyzers. Therefore, in FY 2012 $135,000 was proposed to be allocated to outfit half of
the NPAP audit trailers, with the other half planned for upgrade in FY2013.
Lead Performance Evaluation Program (Pb-PEP)
The implementation of a Pb-PEP began 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 is a mix of one or two PM2.5 PEP like audits with
additional collocated sampling. The program requires the same number of audit samples as
required for PM2.5 meaning:
oPQAOs with < 5 sites require 5 audits (1 PEP, 4 collocated)
oPQAOs 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 co-located
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 12
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
samples, each quarter the monitoring organization field operator 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 annually. 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 is very similar to PM2.5 PEP and the
requirements were developed in the August 6, 2009 memo thay can be found at
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/npepqa.html. 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.
The amount of funds that would be reserved 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. For FY 2013, EPA proposes to allocate
$275,000 to perform the Pb-PEP program.
Ambient Air Protocol Gas Verification Program (AA-PGVP)
In 2009, the Office of Inspector General published a report concluding that EPA "does not have
reasonable assurance that the gases that are used to calibrate emissions monitors for the Acid
Rain Program and continuous ambient monitors for the nation's network are accurate." To
address the OIG findings for the Ambient Air Program, HQ, in cooperation with Regions 2 and 7
has developed the AA-PGVP. The program establishes gas metrology laboratories in Regions 2
and 7 to verify the certified concentrations of EPA Protocol Gases used to calibrate ambient air
quality monitors. An Implementation Plan, QA Project Plan, and SOPs can be found at the
AMTIC Website at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/aapgyp.html. The program was successfully
implemented in 2010. Annual costs for program are approximately 50K. In 2013, EPA proposes
to reallocate $5,000 from each Region's STAG allocation to implement the program.
Standard Reference Photometer Program
In ambient air monitoring applications, precise ozone concentrations called standards are
required for the calibration of ozone analyzers. Gaseous ozone standards cannot be stored for
any practical length of time due to the reactivity and instability of the gas. Therefore, ozone
concentrations must be generated and "verified" on site. When the monitor to be calibrated is
located at a remote monitoring site, it is necessary to use a transfer standard that is traceable to a
more authoritative standard. Traceability is the "property of a measurement result whereby the
result can be related to a stated reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations,
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 13
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
90 -^^
each contributing to the measurement uncertainty." Since the 1980's EPA has implemented
the Standard Reference Photometer Program which provides a mechanism to establish the
traceability of the nations ambient air monitoring standards to the International Bureau of
Weights and Measurements and to NIST. Annual costs for program are approximately 25K. In
2013, EPA proposes to reallocate $2,500 from each Region's STAG allocation to implement the
program. These resources will support the IAG with NIST that verify the two EPA HQ SRPs
each year, the maintenance, repair and updating of the Regional and HQ SRPs, the shipping of
the traveling SRP to each Region and the subsequent re-verification of the SRP upon return to
EPA.
PAMS Retention Time Cylinder Verifications
PAMS Retention time cylinders are developed as a second-source quality control check to verify
the VOC instrumentation calibration and target peak identifications. The PAMS program has
traditionally funded the development of these cylinders through STAG but EPA found internal
resources to independently verify the cylinder concentrations and provide a report which was
then distributed to the monitoring organizations. From around 2005-2011 the Office of
Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA) implemented this verification activity. In 2011, personnel
changes at ORIA left the lab without the capability to continue the verification activity and in
2012 it was contracted out. Annual costs for program are approximately $30,000. In 2013, EPA
proposes to prorate resources from each participating Region's PAMS STAG allocation in order
to implement the verification activities.
Photochemical Assessment Monitoring System (PAMS)
Required by CAA §182(c)(l), 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 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.
Consistent with recent years, FY 2013 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. For FY 2013, 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. Three and
one-half million dollars has been nominally allocated for data analysis by state/local agencies.
20 International Standards Organization (ISO)- International Vocabulary of Basic Terms in Metrology
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 14
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
However, Regions 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 C-3 shows the FY 2013
allocation of PAMS funds within the Regional allotments. These PAMS funds are included in
the ozone category of the national Region-by-Region allocation.
EPA once again proposes to allocate $150,000 for data analysis. EPA will further consult
with state/local agencies on the use of $150,000 that would be prorated from each PAMS Region
during FY 2013 for follow-up data assessment and new data analysis work.
Table C-3. Distribution of FY 2013 Funds for PAMS Support
Total with proposed
$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
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
National Data
Analysis
Equipment
Replacement
Number
of
PAMS
Areas
5
I1
3
1
22
5
0
0
73
0
Local
Data
Analysis
$726,297
$232,415
$348,623
$145,259
$290,519
$617,603
$0
$0
$1,162,075
$0
Implementati'
and Operatic
$2,125,815
$571,060
$1,087,907
$366,848
$959,749
$2,061,029
$0
$0
$3,307,303
$0
Totals
24
$3,522,791 $10,479,711
$14,002,502
1 Shares one PAMS area with Region 3.
2 Chicago and Milwaukee have a combined network.
3 So. Coast & Mojave Desert AQMDs have a combined network
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
15
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
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. The PAMS Re-engineering
workgroup plans to conduct a thorough review of the program and its equipment needs. For FY
2013, EPA is also proposing to reserve 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 PAMS agencies. These funds, along with the $1.4 mil
reserved in FY 2011 and 2012 will be used to set up an equipment replacement plan over a
multi-year period.
Notwithstanding a re-allocation, and in light of the recent changes in PAMS requirements,
Regions 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 C-3.
Regions may also consider other departures from historical funding practices, for example
providing more funds to a particular state in FY 2013 to support a needed one-time intensive
study, with temporarily reduced funding for routine PAMS monitoring in other states.
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/local monitoring agencies should keep this dual purpose in mind as the
plan network changes in FY 2013 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 2013 PAMS Activities for State/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 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,
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 16
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
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/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 a 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).'
Ensure the verification of PAMS retention time cylinders
Air Toxics Monitoring
For FY2013, 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/local air
quality agencies. In addition, CAA §103 funds are allocated for the support of: (1) continued
operation and maintenance of the National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS) Network, and
(2) community-scale air toxics monitoring projects (see Table C-4). Funding for NATTS and
community-scale projects is again being requested using §103 authority which enables 100%
federal funding. It is possible the funding for the community-scale air toxics monitoring could
be redirected to higher-priority monitoring needs in FY2013.
Included in the NATTS program total are four supplemental program components: quality
assurance, methods and instrumentation, sample and equipment shipping and handling, and data
analyses using all available ambient air quality data for toxics with special emphasis on
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 17
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
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. The desired program objectives are:
Establish trends and evaluate the effectiveness of air toxics emissions reduction
strategies.
Characterize 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 2013, EPA proposes that approximately $4.1 million in §103 STAG funds be used to
fund operation of the National Air Toxics Trends Station (NATTS) Network during the period
July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014. About $0.9 million is proposed to be used for quality assurance,
data analysis, sample and equipment shipping and handling, 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 will 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 2013, 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, particularly for disproportionately affected areas, and to address those problems
through local actions that complement national regulatory requirements. Such monitoring has
the potential to define the scope of local air toxic problems, measure what reductions have been
achieved through actions taken, 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
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 18
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
from other monitoring efforts) and to communicate the findings to all states involved in air toxics
management.
While EPA anticipates continued support for the characterization of air toxics hotspots at the
community level in FY 2013, EPA intends to further consult with stakeholders on the nature and
approach for such support. 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, or
jones.mike@epa.gov.
The FY 2013 allocation categories and amounts are in Table C-4. The funding allocation for
operation of NATTS sites will be sub-allocated to the Regions with state/local agencies hosting
those sites. The split of funding among the other listed line items may be adjusted prior to the
start of FY 2013 based on consultations with state/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 C-4
Proposed FY 2013 Funding for Lead, National Air Toxics Trends
and Community-Scale Monitoring
$4,095,000
$320,000
$300,000
$180,000
$100,000
$3,153,000
$8,148,000
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.
Sample and equipment shipping and handling.
Community -scale monitoring projects: EPA is seeking comment on continued support for
monitoring projects involving "hot-spot" locations (i.e. significant potential for substantially
elevated ambient HAP concentrations arising from local emission sources)21
Total Funding
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
FY2013 Community-scale air toxics funds may be redirected to higher priority monitoring needs.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
19
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
on visibility, including optical, photographic, and speciated particulate data, though EPA
resources are only used for the particle speciation monitoring. 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.s
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 FY 2013. 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 April 1, 2013 through March 30, 2014. Once a
monitoring organization has identified its source of funds for such sites, it may contact OAQPS
(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 2012 as possible, but no later than
December 31, 2012. OAQPS is assuming that that monitoring organizations will retain all
current state/local IMPROVE protocol sites in 2013.
The FED (Federal Land Managers Environmental Database) can be accessed at.
http://views.cira.colostate.edu/fed. The FED includes news, data and geolocations, as well as
IMPROVE data; USFS weather data, ozone data, deposition, and CASTNET data.
For FY 2013, about $2.7 million of PM2.5 monitoring funds appropriated under §103 authority
and about $1.3 million of state/local STAG funds appropriated under §105 authority are being
proposed to support visibility monitoring at 110 IMPROVE sites and 2 sites collocated with
CASTNET. For more information on the IMPROVE program, contact Tim Hanley (919-541-
4417) or Laurie Trinca (919-541-0520) in OAQPS.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 20
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
Planning Information for Ambient Monitoring in Indian Country
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 CAA requirements for ambient monitoring in Indian
country, 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 in Indian country, 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 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 thoughtful priorities is needed. The
Regions 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 in Indian
country should be available to both EPA and the 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 2013 funds, Regions 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) . For the most part, this strategy addresses
situations and considerations relevant to states, rather than 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 2013 and beyond, EPA may provide additional guidance specifically related to tribal air
monitoring. Any new guidance will continue to provide flexibility for tribes and Regions to
address the many different air quality situations in Indian country 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.
The Ambient Air Monitoring Strategy was last updated in December of 2008.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 21
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air 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.
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 Region 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 2005 National Scale
9^
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 in Indian country,
even if no 2005 assessment was possible for that area 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, PIVb.s, PMio, CO, 862, NO2 or lead. It takes
three years of data collection to make this determination for most NAAQS. 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.
Before beginning any NAAQS monitoring, the Region 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
23 The 2005 NATA is the latest available as of January 2011.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 22
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
the tribal air program, and (3) how long the monitoring should continue if it does or does not
show a NAAQS violation. Monitoring and use of data for NAAQS compliance purposes
requires adherence to all applicable monitoring, quality assurance and reporting regulations.
The Region 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 reasonably complete data. If
attainment with a comfortable margin has been found and if there is no development in Indian
country 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 PMi.5 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. 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
FEM can be used for purposes of comparing to the NAAQS.
PMi.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
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.s 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 tribal land, 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 PMio 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 PMio
form. See http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/speciepg.html for more information.
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 in Indian country, for
example, what part of tribal lands have 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. Region 6 has been in the
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 23
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
forefront of applying passive monitoring to a variety of situations on and off tribal lands. 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.
IMPROVE Protocol Monitoring: IMPROVE stands for Interagency Monitoring of Protected
Visual Environments. The IMPROVE program is described elsewhere in this Appendix or go to:
http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/ for more information.
Over the last several years, about 10 tribes have applied for and received grant assistance
from Regions to allow them to request the IMPROVE program to establish and provide technical
services for an IMPROVE protocol sampling station in Indian country. 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 Region, but transferred to the IMPROVE program through OAQPS.
Once a tribal monitoring organization has been awarded funds for such sites, the tribe and/or the
Region can contact OAQPS to request monitoring support services and to begin arranging for the
necessary funds transfer. Requests should be made as early in calendar year 2013 as possible,
but no later than March 31 in order to start or continue monitoring on July 1.
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. Region 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 tribal land.
IMPROVE monitors are not Federal Reference/Equivalent monitors, however, and cannot be
used for designation purposes or to officially trigger a requirement for sources not in Indian
country to reduce their adverse impact on attainment within 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. 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
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 24
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
may not be of direct use of such monitoring data in a tribe's own air quality control program for
sources in Indian country. 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 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. 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 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 network consists of approximately 80 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
are in urban areas and are operated by state or local governments. However, about 20 sites are in
rural areas, including a tribal site that volunteered to host a rural site in order to gain a better
understanding of its air quality and to help advance the national air quality program. 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/local agencies via HQ or Regional
contracts or interagency agreements, for a variety of support services and materials. These
services can be conducted as associated program support or as in-kind assistance. In providing
associated program support, HQ works with Regions, tribes, and state/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.
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 25
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
Traditionally, HQ 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 include 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 PMio and Pb in the form of total
suspended particulates; PM2.5 filters; laboratory services for PM2.5 speciation and filter analysis
for lead TSP; IMPROVE monitoring services; and independent audits under the NPAP and PEP
programs. Audits are usually provided via contracts managed by the Regions. Other services
and materials are provided via contracts or interagency agreements managed by HQ.
Also available to monitoring organizations is the ability 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 C-5 lists categories and estimated 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 Regions and states
conclude their grant negotiations in the preceding spring and summer. The amounts shown in
Table C-5 are current best estimates. Final FY 2013 amounts will be based upon confirmed
needs received from the Regions and their state/local agencies by early in FY 2013.
Table C-5. Preliminary FY 2013National Procurement Contract Amounts
(For Certain Categories of Associated Program Support)
Preliminary FY 2013 Section 105 Contracts in Ambient Air Monitoring and Quality Assurance
Program
S/NMOC
Sampling
Sites (O3)
PAMS
cylinders &
QA Support
(03)
Lead
Analysis &
Audit Strips
UATMP Sites
(Air Toxics)
HAP Support
(Air Toxics)
AIIPMIOand
Pb Filters1
Sub-total
Rec
1
$0
$27,758
$0
$0
$0
$17,774
$45,532
2
$0
$11,103
$28,803
$181,037
$0
$13,334
$234,277
3
$0
$22,206
$0
$0
$0
$27,999
$50,205
4
$0
$45,396
$41,314
$19,952
$0
$41,186
$147,848
5
$0
$17,486
$1 ,528
$70,792
$
$51 ,794
$141,600
ion
6
$0
$11,103
$2,293
$0
$0
$26,064
$39,460
7
$0
$0
$382
$0
$0
$37,854
$38,236
8
$0
$0
$764
$48,701
$0
$27,417
$76,882
9
$0
$33,309
$27,621
$49,805
$0
$41,212
$151,947
10
$0
$0
$3,171
$0
$0
$1 1 ,933
$15,104
Totals
$0
$168,361
$105,876
$370,287
$0
$296,567
$941,091
Note: Funds for PM10 and Pb filters are calculated based on Jan 2011 request for filters. .
(These STAG amounts are considered to be initial placeholders for FY 2013. The final level will depend upon a
more definite indication of needs from recipients and will be adjusted accordingly. Adjustments will 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.).
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
26
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
In general, funding that would otherwise go to specific agencies in the form of a direct award
at the Regional 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 that 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 compounds,
and PAMS programs in FY 2013 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. EPA continues to support a
centralized program for assistance to state/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 volatile organic compounds (TO-15);
Cartridge sample analysis for 14 carbonyl compounds (TO-11 A); and
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
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 27
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
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/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 volatile organic compounds (TO-15);
and
Cartridge sample analysis for 14 carbonyl compounds (TO-11 A).
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 14 carbonyl compounds (TO-11 A).
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
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;
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 28
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
Cartridge sample analysis for 14 carbonyl compounds (TO-11 A); 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 187
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 volatile organic compounds (TO-15);
Cartridge sample analysis for 14 carbonyl compounds (TO-11 A);
Metals (IO-3.5), hexavalent chromium (EPA Method), semivolatiles (EPA Method
8270C), PAHs (TO-13A), etc.
Air Toxics Performance Evaluation Sample Support: Agencies 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.
Lead TSP Filter Analysis: A national contract is available for the analysis of lead TSP. Analysis
will be done by Inductively-coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following EPA
Federal Equivalent Method EQL-0510-191 or by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis of PM10
filters following EPA Appendix Q to 40 CFR Part 50.
For more information on Centralized Site Support and Laboratory Analytical Services,
contact Laurie Trinca at 919-541-0520 (trinca.laurie@epa.gov), Margaret Dougherty at 919-541-
2344 (dougherty.margaret@epa.gov) or Michael Jones at 919-541-0528 (jones.mike@epa.gov)
Lead Analysis Audit Development
Lead analysis audits (40 CFR Part 58 Appendix A Section 3.3.4.2) are required to be developed
by laboratories that analyze lead for regulatory purposes. Monitoring organizations have the
option to develop these quality control samples themselves or opt into a national procurement for
the development of the audit filters. Each year OAQPS will solicit monitoring organizations to
determine whether they would like these audits developed for their organization. If they decide
they would like the audits, $300 -$350 will be allocated from the monitoring organizations
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 29
-------
Appendix C - Ambient Air Monitoring
STAG resources for development, referee analysis and shipping of these filters to the monitoring
organization.
For more information on the Lead Analysis Audits contact Michael Papp at 919-541-2408
(papp.michael@epa.gov)
Particulate Matter Filters - OAQPS has historically purchased paniculate 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/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/local agencies
each purchased these filters through their individual agencies. State/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 Laurie Trinca at 919-541-0520 (trinca.laurie@epa.gov) or David Lutz at 919-
541-5476 lutz.david@epa.gov.
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance 30
-------
Appendix D - Key Changes from FY 2012
Appendix D - Key Changes from FY 2012
Office of Air & Radiation
Change from FY 2012 Guidance Document
Reason for Change
Effected Sections
General
Added "Important Clarifications" discussion.
Added "Quick Look" list summarizing of EPA's
expectations state/local agencies.
In the Outdoor Air Quality chapter, grouped the activities of
HQ, Regions, and state/local agencies together rather than
several pages apart.
Clarify what the NPM guidance is, what it contains, and how used.
Make it easy for state/local agencies to quickly see what the
expectations for the year are.
List the interrelated work of HQ, Regions, and states work in one
place.
Executive Summary
Appendix B
Outdoor Air chapter
Funding
EPA proposes to implement an updated allocation approach
for the distribution of state/local continuing air grant
program funds beginning in FY 2013.
Transition air monitoring STAG dollars in support of the
PM25 NAAQS from 100% federal support under §103 to
shared support under §105.
Orientation and funding level for the DERA grant program
will transition from ongoing federal support to a strategy that
will use funds for rebates and revolving loan funds.
Revised the State Indoor Radon Grant program language in
response to no funding in Presidents's FY 2013 Budget.
Needs updating to reflect changing air quality circumstances across
the country. Last comprehensive allocation was in 1993. OMB
directed EPA to re-examine §105 allocation as part of 2006 PART
review.
100% federal funding was used to establish a new nationwide PM2 5
monitoring network for a new form of the NAAQS (TSP/PM10 to
PM25). Network is now established and functioning effectively so
it is time the network to migrate to cost shared status under § 105 to
be consistent with the other established NAAQS (e.g., ozone).
Strategically tune the program to address the biggest risks with
limited resources.
The FY 2013 President's Budget eliminates the SIRG program, but
there will still be SIRG workplans and resources from prior years
spent in FY 2013.
Chapter 7 - Effective
Utilization and
Distribution of
STAG Funds
Chapter 7, and
Appendix C -
Monitoring
Chapter 7
Indoor Environments
chapter
Annual
Commitment
Measures
Deleted OAQPS T06
Added new ORIAIAQ 8
No longer useful
To collect data on the significant investment Regions make in
providing technical assistance to stakeholders.
Appendix A
Appendix A
Contacts
Anhar Karimjee, GHG Reporting Program.
Personnel change
Executive Summary
++ End ++
OAR Final FY 2013 Guidance
------- |