U.S. EPA FACT SHEET Proposed Revisions to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality New Source Review Program March 4, 2015 Summary of Action: EPA is proposing a limited approval and limited disapproval of revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Arizona's Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) that are primarily intended to replace ADEQ's current SIP-approved preconstruction New Source Review (NSR) Program under the Clean Air Act. If approved, the proposed revisions would significantly strengthen ADEQ's current federal NSR program by clarifying and enhancing the NSR permitting requirements for major and minor stationary sources. Additional Information: The NSR program establishes the requirements for preconstruction review and the issuance of permits for stationary sources, including review and preconstruction permitting of major sources and major modifications under the Clean Air Act. NSR permits are typically issued by state or local air pollution control agencies. ADEQ has an NSR permit program as part of the State's EPA-approved SIP. In 2012, after a lengthy stakeholder process and extensive technical and regulatory efforts, ADEQ submitted revisions to its NSR program for EPA approval into the Arizona SIP. Today's proposed limited approval and limited disapproval action will update the applicable plan and set the stage for remedying certain deficiencies in these rules. While most of Arizona's NSR program meets federal requirements, some changes are needed for full approval. If finalized as proposed, ADEQ would need to correct the identified deficiencies to avoid sanctions or a Federal Implementation Plan. EPA intends to work with ADEQ to address the deficiencies identified in this action in a timely manner. Next Steps: There will be a 30-day public comment period once this proposal is published in the Federal Register. Further Information: http://www.epa.gov/region9/air/actions/az,html#all ------- |